As part of its strategy to create ‘the new blueprint’ for wide format, Fujifilm has launched the Acuity Ultra R2 printer, the successor to the Acuity Ultra launched in 2018. With its improved design, the printer is offered to the market in two different versions, 5 m or 3.2 m, and offers several new advantages as well as options for different needs of manufacturers.
Kevin Rhodes, Fujifilm WFIJ Marketing Manager, said the original Acuity Ultra set a new standard for the combination of quality, performance and price when it hit the market in 2018. “Three years later, the Acuity Ultra R2 is taking that up another level as part of our brand new Acuity range and our ‘new blueprint’ for wide format”.
Acuity Ultra R2 provides convenience to operators with its new design
Designed with both maintenance and ink supply on the same side from a functional point of view, the Acuity Ultra R2 offers operators easier access and more room to work while performing routine tasks. An external visual light also quickly alerts operators of low ink levels without the need to look inside the machine; The new, stylish enclosed design eliminates stray UV light, removing the need for a light curtain.
The Acuity Ultra R2 superwide format printer also features larger ink tanks that have also been designed for easy access for refills. This simple change ensures that all the ink from a standard can is used when refilling, eliminating the clutter and mess of opened, half-used ink cans that are often a feature of print workplaces.
Maintenance-free ink pumps increase uptime
Maintenance-free ink pumps have also been integrated into the new machines to increase up-time. And a unique new print viewing window allows the operator to check on the progress of a job without leaving the workstation. The workstation itself has also been redesigned, now featuring desktop space, a handy drawer for tools or personal items, integrated lighting, and a larger monitor for ease-of-use and better display of print jobs.
Another significant design benefit is that the separate chiller unit that accompanied the original Acuity Ultra has now been fully integrated into the design of the new machine. This frees up considerable workspace and reduces clutter. The Acuity Ultra R2 also features a crash detector with increased sensitivity and dual way activation, helping to identify and address potential problems early. Furthermore, it also features a new low scratch surface platen and new automated meniscus control, offering even greater precision and consistency in ink droplet placement.
Need-based options
Like the original Acuity Ultra, the R2 is available in various colour configurations up to eight channels. Recognising the fact that modern print businesses are all unique – with often very different needs and priorities – the Acuity Ultra R2 is available with conventional UV curing as standard, or with an LED UV curing system for six colour and white configurations. This gives customers the option to choose either the ultra-high productivity of conventional UV, or the comparatively lower operating costs and lower energy use of LED. Both the 5m and 3.2m versions of the machine also feature an improved roller design to prevent media wrinkles.