51 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026 in any production device.” Taking this a step further, Baboi says any new equipment should support not only existing business needs but also the next stage of development. At the same time, some companies invest in very highend machines but never utilise their full capacity, while others choose entry-level systems that quickly become bottlenecks. “The right machine is the one aligned with realistic production needs and growth plans,” she says, continuing: “Workflow is also often underestimated. Handling rigid materials, managing job queues, and integrating finishing processes can have as much impact on productivity as print speed itself. Finally, training and adoption are sometimes overlooked. Even intuitive systems require time for operators to become confident and efficient.” As for solutions from Fujifilm, Baboi immediately points to the Acuity Prime platform, which she says was designed for modern sign and display production, and developed to address the needs of mid-range and high-productivity sign and display printers requiring both quality and versatility in a dedicated flatbed. Within this family are the Acuity Prime 20 and 30, which Baboi says were both designed for consistent production environments. She comments: “They combine industrial build quality with a userfriendly operating environment, making them well suited to sign-makers producing retail graphics, display panels, exhibition materials, and bespoke interior décor applications. The printers are engineered to deliver stable output across a variety of rigid substrates, with options such as white ink and clear ink enabling more creative and value-added work.” Also within the same range is the Acuity Prime L, suited to businesses requiring higher throughput or larger sheet sizes, offering increased productivity and a larger bed format. This, Baboi says, makes it an effective solution for industrial applications, large signage, and high-volume display production, while highlighting other features such as dual-zone functionality and efficient vacuum control help maintain productivity during continuous operation. Finally, the Acuity Prime Hybrid offers flexibility between rigid and roll media, allowing operators to produce both board and flexible graphics on a single machine. For signage companies handling banners, self-adhesive vinyl, and rigid signage, Baboi says this can streamline production and reduce the need for multiple devices. Long-Term Profitability Elsewhere, Martin Southworth, partner account manager for industrial products at Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s distributor for the UK and Ireland, also talks up the value a flatbed printer can bring to a signage company. For those in the market for a machine, he advises looking at quality across performance, reliability, and longterm value. “Print accuracy and consistency are obviously fundamental factors, so new buyers should look for stable and proven printhead technology, intelligent drop control, and a curing system that delivers sharp text, smooth gradations, and dense, opaque whites across a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates.” Southworth adds: “Versatility is equally important; a strong flatbed platform should comfortably handle materials such as acrylic, aluminium composite, foamboard, and more specialist rigid media. Vacuum strength, ink delivery, and media handling will all also directly affect productivity and finished quality. “Finally, build quality and service or support should not be overlooked. A production flatbed needs to withstand continuous use as well as be straightforward to maintain, so it’s important to assess ▼ Fujifilm says its Acuity Prime 20 and 30 models were designed for consistent production environments Headline speeds are easy to compare on a brochure, but true productivity includes loading times, job setup, RIP integration, and workflow efficiency Unlike traditional screen printing or laminating printed film to board, flatbed printers do not require pre-staging of media. Instead, print goes straight to the rigid surface with no adhesive film or additional curing time Factoid FLATBED PRINTERS | ROB FLETCHER
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