Wide format print specialists, Cactus Imaging, has added a third Fujifilm Acuity Ultra grand format five-metre press and in the process has become an official software beta test site for the manufacturer.

The new addition, which arrived at the company’s Silverwater factory last week, delivers the same print quality and speed as the other two Acuity Ultra roll-to-roll presses already at Cactus but brings an enhanced software offering.

The press, which suits either outdoor or indoor applications, delivers high-end luxury image quality thanks to its industrial printheads with a 3.5 picolitre drop size and specially developed UV inks ensure consistent high- quality print.

It also offers great roll flexibility with two or three up multi-roll potential and can print on a broad range of substrates including exhibition graphics, POS displays, high-value graphic art, backlit displays, outdoor displays and signage.

Cactus becomes Fujifilm software beta site

As part of the arrangement with Fujifilm, Cactus Imaging will put the press and its upgraded software through its paces and then report back with recommendations about how the software could be improved or refined.

Once the software is right, it will then be added to the two existing Acuity Ultra presses that Cactus installed in 2018 and 2019 – the first being the first one on Australian shores.

Cactus Imaging founder and general manager – operations, Keith Ferrel, told Sprinter in addition to installing the new press, Cactus Imaging is now also operating as a software beta test site for Fujifilm.

He said the new press includes enhanced ink pumps and improved computer capabilities but says the majority of the new features are all located in the software.

“We needed the printer to meet growing demand here and Fujifilm wanted to be able to continue to test the software,” Ferrel told Sprinter.

“It is really exciting so now we will be able to give Fujifilm recommendations on how we believe they could improve the software and add other features to it to make it more useful.”

Increased volumes

Cactus Imaging general manager Nigel Spicer said as volumes increase and clients continue to make later advertising decisions, more print capacity was needed so Cactus Imaging could continue to deliver on time.

“It’s a combination of things. Volumes are certainly up but also clients are making decisions a lot later and obviously the nature of Melbourne closing down again is a classic example with many clients not sure if they will put a full campaign on the table, or maybe just a part of it,” Spicer told Sprinter.

“Decisions are being made later, so we need to be faster in the market to keep up. We are only a small part of the media spend, so our speed needs to be up there so people don’t go elsewhere.

“Digital is such a great alternative for marketers nowadays so we have got to make sure we complement these other forms of advertising, rather than compete with them so we can stay relevant.”

Cactus Imaging has also added another Fotoba cutter to meet the increased print work coming through the press room.

Automation in the finishing area continues to be a focus for Cactus.

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