12 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS Fujifilm and Barberan preview ‘industry first’ digital varnish solution Print machinery manufacturers, Barberan and Fujifilm, have unveiled the next milestone in their strategic technology partnership, introducing a fully digital print solution to the single-pass Nautilus system, complete with an integrated digital varnish capability. The latest development, first previewed during a Barberan open day at the company’s headquarters in May, introduces an ‘industry-first’ fully digital UV printing solution that incorporates digital varnish directly into single-pass printing, eliminating the need for separate analogue varnishing processes. The technical preview of the technology is intended to gather direct market feedback from high-volume print providers, particularly those in the outof-home (OOH) advertising sector, from which Fujifilm and Barberan can finalise their commercial roadmap. Bringing single-pass technology into the graphics market presented two significant challenges for the manufacturers – supporting shorter production runs across a much broader range of media and overcoming the high-gloss finish traditionally associated with single-pass UV printing. Conventional solutions rely on analogue primers and matt varnishes, which can add complexity, increase make-ready times, and impact consumable costs. These approaches can also limit the ability to print onto thinner and more flexible substrates such as paper. To overcome these challenges, UK-based chemistry specialists at Kent-based Fujifilm Ink developed a new suite of UV inks engineered to deliver highquality print and broad substrate adhesion, reducing or eliminating the need for analogue primers. The result extends media flexibility, enabling printing onto thinner papers than many existing single-pass platforms can currently achieve. Through close collaboration with customers, Fujifilm Ink also developed a fully integrated digital varnish solution for singlepass UV printing which offers a satin finish. The technology was demonstrated publicly at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona through a number of printed displays and subsequently showcased to prospective customers during a dedicated open house event at Barberan. Markets that the technology may benefit include OOH advertising, where increasing demand for localised and targeted campaigns is driving the need for flexible, high-productivity print solutions. Where a fully digital infrastructure is not available, traditional alternatives often rely on slower multi-pass systems or printing with an analogue process. The Nautilus singlepass platform aims to change this dynamic, reportedly delivering more than 1,400 high-quality 2050 x 1600mm sheets per hour, with every sheet capable of carrying unique content. Combined with Barberan’s alignment conveyor technology, duplex printing can be achieved with a calculated registration accuracy of ±0.1mm. By Jonathan Pert Mutoh releases XpertJet 1681SR Pro Mutoh Europe has announced the launch of the XpertJet 1681SR Pro, a next-generation 64” eco-solvent roll-to-roll printer developed for professional sign and display production. Running at a top speed of 17sq m/hr, the new machine is supplied with Mutoh genuine MS51 ecosolvent inks in an eight-colour configuration, spanning CMYK, light cyan, light magenta, orange, and red. Among its key features is the AccuFine HD Pro print head, a single-head piezo system with 3,200 nozzles across eight channels. Mutoh says this is engineered for accurate droplet placement and detailed image reproduction, which when combined with its latest i-screen technology, the printer can support smoother gradations, controlled solid areas, and stable output over extended production runs. Other features of note include a three-way heater system and flat-type front dryer for stable ink reception and consistent drying, while Mutoh says a front-access ink system and internal LED lighting improve operator usability during set-up and continuous runs. Fujifilm and Barberan’s solution aims to remove the traditional high-gloss look of single-pass UV prints Nuneaton Signs scores VeloBlade hat-trick with Vivid Nuneaton Signs, a signage business that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities, has invested in a third VeloBlade machine from Vivid Laminating Technologies. Founded in 1982, the company offers a host of sign-making services to the market, ranging from traffic and construction signage to commercial and bespoke signs. The company’s approach to operations over the past 40 years has seen it go from strength to strength, with its latest investment in a new VeloBlade Nexus testament to this. “It speaks volumes about how simple the system is to use that we have been able to train staff with higher needs on how to use the cutter,” says Holly Hunter, head of social value and marketing at Nuneaton Signs. By Rob Fletcher By Rob Fletcher Mutoh says the printer offers sign-makers a practical route to “expanded colour capabilities and smooth gradation” Nuneaton Signs celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==