drupa news: Fujifilm unveils Inca Onset S40i

FUJIFILM Corporation and Inca Digital Printers have unveiled the Inca Onset S40i flatbed UV inkjet printer at drupa. The new printer supercedes the Inca Onset S40 and includes many new intelligent features that increase productivity and reliability. Supplied by Fujifilm, Inca’s exclusive global distribution partner, the new Inca Onset S40i is being shown publicly for the first time worldwide on the Fujifilm stand in Hall 8b.

The Inca Onset S40i, like the Onset S40, meets the high-volume, fast-turnaround production needs of specialist display print companies, using 168 new-generation, user-replaceable printheads (28 per colour) on a full width print array delivering a 28 picolitre drop size.  Key new features of this latest Onset family member include:

Reduced bed masking: A new 15-zone vacuum table reduces bed masking requirements for substrates thinner than 3mm. This reduces setup times and increases overall machine productivity. 

Innovative UV sensor system: Printheads need regular maintenance but this varies depending on the type of substrates used and the volume of work produced. The Onset S40i’s auto sensor system constantly monitors the machine condition and informs the operator when automatic cleaning is required.

Sophisticated substrate height detector: Sensitive mechanical substrate height detectors deliver accuracy and reliability to provide enhanced substrate and printhead protection.

In addition, a new Fujifilm Uvijet ink system has also been launched providing improved adhesion and finishing properties. Combined with Inca’s advanced software and the high precision ink drop placement of the Fujifilm Dimatix printheads, the end result is superb 600 dpi print quality with the option of four or six colours. With these enhancements across hardware, software and consumables, Fujifilm and Inca are able to prove that making an investment in the Inca Onset S40i will pay for itself in just six months, while providing unmatched quality and productivity.

The Inca Onset S40i produces superb POS-quality display graphics economically at throughput speeds of up to 470 sqm/hr, equivalent to 94 full bed sheets/hr (3.14 x 1.6m) and onto substrates up to 50mm (2 in) thick. A choice of uni-directional, bi-directional and super high quality print modes can be selected depending on the specific job requirements. As a result, it is ideal for the production of single and double-sided display POS, exhibition graphics, backlit/frontlit displays, outdoor signage printing and cosmetic/fashion graphics etc. The Onset S40i is compatible with Inca’s flexible automation system which offers customers the choice to operate manually or with semi or three-quarter automation from the same configuration. For those requiring the ability to incorporate variable data printing as simply as possible, the Onset S40i also supports Inca’s Print Run Controller (PRC) software module.

“The Inca Onset S40i incorporates several significant new features that combine to increase overall machine uptime and print quality,” says Heather Kendle, Inca Digital director of marketing. “Companies invest in Onsets for their high volume production capabilities and we continually evaluate new features that can make life easier by simplifying maintenance, maximising throughput, and reducing costs.”

“We continue to work closely with Inca Digital to ensure that the customer’s needs take priority,” comments Tudor Morgan, group marketing manager, wide format at Fujifilm. “The new features added to the Onset S40i are another huge step in increasing the efficiency of what are already the most productive UV inkjet flatbeds in the market today, and we look forward to demonstrating the capabilities of this model on our stand at drupa 2012.”

There are 18 different configurations available in the Inca Onset range, offering a choice of productivity levels and ink options. This enables companiesto pick the right model, at the best price, performance and, therefore, return on investment (ROI) for their business.

The Inca Onset S40i is commercially available from Q2 2012.