Viewing distance is a major consideration when printers determine necessary imaging resolution for a graphics project. High-resolution output is typically reserved for graphics intended for close-up viewing, such as P-O-P displays and in-store campaigns. Applications like these require detailed, tightly registered prints in order to relay a message of quality to customers and influence them to buy. A lack of precision, whether in image resolution or alignment, hinders the effectiveness of the promotional device and may even affect customers’ perception of the product enough to dissuade them from making a purchase.

Fujifilm developed its new Acuity HD 2504 to deliver the fine detail and accurate registration required by graphics that will be viewed up close. The Acuity HD 2504 is a four-color (CMYK), wide-format flatbed UV inkjet printer that accommodates rigid and flexible media. It can print full-bleed in a maximum area of 99.2 x 49.6 in. (2520 x 1260 mm) and can handle substrates up to 1.89 in. (48 mm) thick and 238 lb (108 kg).

Piezo printheads that use proprietary variable-dot grayscale imaging technology enable the Acuity HD 2504 to jet droplet sizes from 6-42 picoliters. Fujifilm says the technology produces sharp images with smoother transitions and quarter tones, finer line definition, crisper type (at sizes as small as 6 pt), and denser, more uniform solid image areas. Two printheads are dedicated to each color. According to Fujifilm, results compare to conventional printing resolutions of 1440 dpi or higher. The company also notes that its variable-droplet technology represents a 25% ink savings compared to older six-color systems that use light cyan and light magenta inks to enhance image quality. For maintenance, operators can use a built-in vacuum wand, which comes standard, to clean the printheads.

Acuity HD 2504 offers four bi-directional print modes: Fine Art Matte, Fine Art, High Quality, and Production. Print speeds are 86, 98, 117, and 174 sq ft/hr (8, 9, 11, and 16 sq m/hr), respectively. It also features white-space skipping, which allows the printer to automatically advance past large, unprinted areas. Acuity’s stationary flatbed uses a zoned vacuum table to hold a variety of media in place during printing, including irregularly shaped materials and those with uneven surfaces, such as pre-stretched canvas, doors, ceiling tiles, and more. Fujifilm says the table holds media so accurately that the printer can be used to produce backlit graphics and other applications that require double-sided registration or overprints to increase ink density.

Fujifilm Sericol formulated a set of Uvijet KO inks specifically for the Acuity HD 2504. The inks use Micro-V dispersion technology to deliver wide adhesion, vibrancy, and gloss. They’re packaged in sealed, 2-liter bags and designed for quick change-outs. The ink system includes a sensor that alerts operators when the time comes to change ink and ensures that the correct ink color is installed. Uvijet KO inks offer two years of outdoor durability without lamination.

A user-positioned monitor and mouse stand give operators access to the printer’s control interface. The system’s RIP is Onyx ProductionHouse v. 7.0 or higher. The printer supports 10/100 BaseT networking and requires two RJ-45 Ethernet cable connections. It also offers USB and TCP/IP connectivity. To ensure proper environmental conditions, Fujifilm recommends the use of a ventilation system that is capable of five to ten air changes per hour. For more information, contact Fujifilm Sericol USA Inc., 1101 W. Cambridge Dr., Kansas City, KS 66110, 913-342-4060, fax: 912-342-4752, Web: www.fujifilmsericol.com.