Fujifilm launches version 5.5 of XMF Workflow

Fujifilm has launched a new version of its XMF Workflow - v5.5. The latest issue includes a number of major new variable data and productivity-enhancing features designed to optimise high speed print production on the Jet Press 720 and 540W digital inkjet presses.

As with previous versions of XMF, content rendering is processed by the award-winning PDF Print Engine from Adobe®. XMF v5.5 takes performance to the next level, as it is one of the first systems on the market to utiliseAdobe’s newly announced scalability framework, the “Mercury RIP Architecture.” This means XMF v5.5 is able to take advantage of this architecture to drive data-rich, high-volume digital print production. Mercury’s parallel processing architecture features distributed multi-tier caching and dynamic load balancing to take full advantage of available hardware.

“Digital web presses put huge demands on workflow systems, so our focus has been to develop an extremely efficient end-to-end print environment that allows companies to increase their productivity and competitiveness,” comments Shigenori Tsuji, Senior Vice President of the Workflow Division for Fujifilm Global Graphic Systems. “As well as being the first vendor to bring to market a workflow built from the ground up around JDF and the Adobe PDF Print Engine, Fujifilm is leading the way once more with the introduction of Adobe’s new Mercury RIP Architecture.”

Fujifilm has used this unique technology within XMF v5.5 to create a very wide data path for driving graphically rich personalised content to the company’s digital inkjet web press, the Jet Press 540W. According to Raman Nagpal, senior director of print at Adobe, “The Fujifilm Jet Press 540W powered by XMF v5.5 marks an impressive milestone in the evolution of continuous-feed digital printing.”

This new version of XMF has undergone a number of internal technology upgrades to accommodate the more complex demands of high speed digital printing as well as optimise more traditional CTP plate production:

XMF Workflow v5.5 supports both the most innovative (PDF/VT) and well established (PPML) variable data formats. In addition, a new database has been implemented within XMF to sustain the high data processing volumes associated with variable data printing in order to maximise the productivity typically required by fast-moving digital print environments.

Fujifilm has recently obtained CIP4 certification for XMF v5.5 which guarantees full integration between an MIS system and XMF. This means XMF can now be connected to many different MIS systems and incorporates a new JDF tool to interpret and convert incoming MIS instructions into JDF compatible ones.

XMF v5.5 offers improved proofing capabilities through the automated distribution of 3D proofs. The 3D proofing module, already embedded in previous versions of XMF Workflow, gives printers the ability to create a ‘virtual printed product’ to provide their customers with an accurate representation of the final print job. Within XMF v5.5, this is now processed automatically, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Finally, XMF Workflow v5.5 features further improvements to support XMF ColorPath, the cloud-based colour management system that is designed to help printers calibrate and maintain compliance to printing standards.

“XMF Workflow v5.5 has been developed to seamlessly integrate with any fully functional production environment,” concludes Shigenori Tsuji. “Accurate colour management, reliable processing of high volumes of variable data, greater automation and support for the most extreme printing speeds are all essential capabilities of a modern workflow that this latest version supports. We are confident that XMF v5.5 sets new standards for printers looking to enhance performance and output.”