The new system, showing the robotic arm.
New inks from Fujifilm have been added to the Inca Onset S40i digital printer and a robotic handling system previewed in January to create a ‘unique’ solution for POP corrugated board printers.
The development of the Uvijet OC ink system along with this technology for handling corrugated substrates stems from Fuji’s attempts to solve an inherent challenge for printing corrugated board: managing distorted (or bowed) substrates. Various methods such as skids, rollers, and print height adjustment have been used to overcome the issue, but all of these affect print quality. Also, the absorbent nature of the substrates means that ink tends to sink in, leaving an uneven matt finish which can require over-varnishing to meet the quality expectations of the customer.
The Uvijet OC inks offer a range of finishes from low glare satin to high impact gloss that can be used for all types of corrugated applications. As corrugated displays are required to be cut, folded and shaped, but not necessarily directly after printing, these inks allow for any required storage time, and the printed corrugated board can be manipulated weeks after printing.
The new automated handling system uses a ‘vacuum-to-vacuum’ transfer method, and is designed for full automation. A robotic arm and camera system distinguishes the location and orientation of a stack (within 0.5 mm), separates the top sheet and transfers it to the vacuum bed of the Onset without any gripping or squeezing which could leave marks on the outer edge. This enables the transportation of uneven materials to be held flat on the table with no marks affecting the printed area.
Once printing is complete a second automated head, also utilising a vacuum system, picks up the printed sheet and drops it onto a delivery stack. With both heads working simultaneously, the productivity of the Onset is increased to more than 500 square metres per hour. A video link on Fujifilm’s Fespa stand will showcase the technology.
