Fujifilm develops lights out print factory

Imaging giant Fujifilm says it has produced the means for printers to operate lights out production plants, thanks to a partnership with US developer Epac, using its so-called 5D printing.

Epac has developed a non-linear automated production system with Fujifilm which is a combination of printing and finishing systems with industrial robots controlled by proprietary software.

Fujifilm says it means that the entire printing process, when using its Jetpress digital print systems, can run with no humans involved, the software and the robots taking care of the production.

Fujifilm says initially it will be developed for short run book printing, although it is not a big step to move to producing the multiple different product types typically produced in a print plant.

[Related: Print jobs set for robot automation]

According to the company an entire new book, printed and bound, and with variable data if required, will be produced every six seconds in the automated plant. Fujifilm says the lights out factory will deliver unparalleled efficiencies, and will produce unmatched quality of print, with zero waste.

Allied with the news yesterday that Heidelberg is developing driverless presses it seems that the full automation of print production has now arrived on the horizon, leaving the role of human beings up in the air.

Fujifilm also announced upgrades to its XMF workflow, a new processless plate – the Superia – designed for UV inks, and a new LED UV flexible packaging press.

[Related: News from drupa 2016]

 

 

 

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