The new Inca ‘Onset X’ Series of large-format, flatbed UV inkjet printers, sold globally and exclusively by Fujifilm, set a new benchmark for throughput, quality, supreme reliability and 'future-proof' scalability.
A major evolution of Inca's pioneering 'Scalable Architecture' concept, each Onset X printer is based on a new common scalable architecture platform that features a larger 25-zone vacuum table and UV control system to eliminate masking, and, uniquely among high-end large-format flatbed printers, a carriage that can incorporate up to 14 ink channels. This allows print service providers to configure their Onset X printer for the combination of productivity, colour and quality that best matches their changing production requirements.
If they wish, users can start out with the Onset X1 (560sqm/hour, 112 full-bed sheets/hr) and, as their business develops, upgrade to the Onset X2 725 sqm/hour, 145 beds/hr) and eventually to the new ultra-high-productivity high-quality printer that sits at the pinnacle of the Onset X Series: the Onset X3 900 sq/m hour,180 beds/hr).
The speeds and productivity of the Onset X Series printers are dependent on the choice of Fujifilm Dimatix printhead and can be configured for each customer depending on their desired quality/speed requirements. Each model in the Onset X Series can handle substrates in sizes up to 3.22m x 1.6m and thicknesses up to 50mm and is compatible with different types of automated media handling systems to optimise productivity.
Onset X, model by model
Onset X owes its unique combination of quality, productivity and flexibility to the common scalable platform that the Onset X1, Onset X2 and Onset X3 share. This is built to accommodate up to 14 ink channels, which users can configure in a variety of ways depending on their requirements.
With a maximum throughput of 560sqm/hour (equivalent to 112 full-bed sheets/hr), the Onset X1 is ideal for companies producing a mix of fast-turnaround retail graphics requiring distance viewing as well as high-quality images for close-up viewing. The Onset X1 features eight active channels: four print CMYK and the remainder can be configured as required using a combination of light magenta, light cyan, white and orange (LmLcWO). When the time is right, an additional carriage can be added to scale up to an Onset X2 or X3.
With a second set of CMYK, the Onset X2 delivers even higher productivity, 725 sqm/hour (145 beds/hr), while an optional six LmLcWO channels can be populated to add versatility. Also upgradeable according to business needs, the 14-channel Onset X2 provides the capacity to extend the range of jobs companies can handle. A choice of uni-directional, bi-directional and super high-quality print modes can be selected depending on the specific job requirements.
Capable of printing at a blistering 900 sqm/hour (180 beds/hr), the Onset X3 features three CMYK ink channels plus the choice of white or orange, and 14 or 27-picolitre printheads. The Onset X3 sits at the pinnacle of productivity. With this printer, users of analogue screen printing lines can take the digital route, confident they can print long runs of high-quality print with superb consistency and reliability.
The new Onset X range incorporates hardware and software advances that further enhance Inca's reputation for developing large-format flatbed UV printers that combine productivity and quality with industry-leading reliability.
A completely level table surface is crucial for accurate, repeatable drop positioning, particularly in bi-directional print mode. A new patented 'print-a-shim' process takes Inca's class-leading technology to the next level to ensure a completely flat table with zero-tolerance. Using the Onset X's in-built sensor, the 'print-a-shim' process precisely measures the profile of the table and defines a contour to accurately create ink shims to produce a completely level platform on which the final table skin is mounted.
For the Onset X Series, Inca has also developed a new GUI to provide a powerful yet simple-to-use printer and job management tool. The operator can finalise and initiate jobs, save settings, create print queues and manage and optimise every stage of the print process. Improved off-machine job set-up means that when jobs arrive at the printer, more parameters (substrates, print speed, quality mode, gloss levels, etc) are already defined. Password control and web browser access enable production management to control the decision-making process and amend print queues remotely.
Other new features available across the Onset X Series include a productivity pack which incorporates: advanced high-speed shuttering systems that protect printheads from UV damage when printing thick substrates; optional automated substrate cleaning using an adhesive roller system to remove debris and improve up-time; and a new-design roller for corrugated board printing that, in a single pass before printing, presses the substrate onto the vacuum bed to ensure a good contact.
‘The launch of a platform with the features of the Onset X doesn't happen by chance. It represents the culmination of the combined hardware, ink and application expertise of Fujifilm and Inca Digital over the last 15 years,’ said Steve Wood, marketing manager, Fujifilm. ‘This partnership has delivered many leading inkjet systems over this period, and we are proud to support Inca Digital in the launch of what is going to be the flatbed production platform by which all others are judged. The evolution of the Onset over the last two years has already made it the leading flatbed inkjet production platform, and the launch of the Onset X is only going to make it more attractive for many more print service providers.’
