The ultimate range in flatbed production printing is now even faster, with the introduction of robotics technology for the automatic loading and unloading of media.

Following the success of Fujifilm and Inca Digital’s Onset X HS range, the ultra-high productivity large format series now comes with automated technology to assist with long run production. It also slashes job changeover times and reduces the need for manual intervention between runs.

Utilising Dual Flex and High Five robotics, the range includes a semi-automatic (manual load and automatic take-off) configuration and a fully automatic loading, take-off and stacking system, designed specifically to handle flexible and difficult materials, such as unconditioned corrugated board.

“The new automation options available with the Onset X HS range are the result of close collaboration with our current Onset X customers,” says Matt Brooks, Head of Products & Solutions at Inca Digital “Longer run, full automation is becoming more and more common, and with the introduction of highly sophisticated robotic arms from ABB and Inca’s uniquely designed sheet pick-up technology, our Onset X customers can now produce extremely high volume, high quality print work in even less time. The ultra-high productivity and rapid job changeovers optimise production levels like never before.”

There are four automation options for the Onset X HS range – the 3/4 semi-automatic system, a fully automatic material loading system, a fully automatic handling system for unconditioned corrugated board, and a fully automatic handling system with integrated flexible loading.

The 3/4 automation system allows for single sheet, multiple sheets or double-sided print in registration. The operator loads sheets onto a preload table and the system takes over the rest, stacking it on a pallet for simple removal of the printed media. What’s more, the system allows the operator immediate, direct access to the bed and registration points for quick switch between manual and semi-automatic work.

The fully automatic material loading system is designed to handle conditioned and dimensionally stable sheets. It works in conjunction with the 3/4 handling unit to provide full automation, handling multiple sheets with highly accurate registration. The loader can be moved away from the machine to allow access to the print bed.

The corrugated board solution incorporates a fully automatic handling system, specially designed to handle difficult materials like unconditioned corrugated board. Vacuum-to-vacuum transfer ensures precision handling, from the robotic arm pickup to placement on the print bed and stacking of the printed board.

Dual Flex – this unique fully automatic solution with integrated flexible loading enables printers to transition seamlessly between lay table loading and dual robot automation. This solution provides full capability to load and unload flexible, semi-rigid and rigid sheets with a seamless switch from one operation to the other. In full automation mode, the dual robots also offer an optional “flip to print” mode – High 5 – for front to back, double sided print requirements without manual intervention.

“A fast and powerful handling system is vital for the Onset X to perform to its full capacity, helping to maximise job turnaround speeds and job changeovers for longer runs,” continues Brooks “We’re delighted to be launching these advanced automation solutions to the market, helping our customers to achieve optimum productivity and print quality, and we have already seen a great deal of interest in these new types of automation solutions”.

“Fujifilm has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Inca Digital since the two companies together pioneered the world’s first wide format UV inkjet printers in 1999,” says Kevin Jenner, European Marketing Manager, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems. “The Onset X range has been setting the standard for quality and productivity in the sector for some years now and we’re delighted to be able to offer our customers yet another step up in speed and efficiency.”