Following several years of successful Acuity Ultra installations since its launch in 2018, and as part of Fujifilm’s strategy to create the new blueprint for wide format, Fujifilm today announces the launch of the Acuity Ultra R2.

Available in 5m or 3.2m versions, the new machine features the same high levels of quality and reliability as its predecessor, but offers a huge number of design improvements to benefit both ease-of-use and overall productivity.

The new, stylish enclosed design eliminates stray UV light, removing the need for a light curtain, while from a functional point of view the machine is designed with both maintenance and ink supply on the same side, giving operators easier access and more room in which to work when performing routine tasks. An external visual light also quickly alerts operators to low ink levels without the need to look inside the machine.

The Acuity Ultra R2 also features larger ink tanks. This simple change ensures that all the ink from a standard can is used when refilling, eliminating the clutter and mess of opened, half-used ink cans that are often a feature of print workplaces. The ink tanks have also been designed for easy access for refills.

Maintenance-free ink pumps have also been integrated into the new machines to increase up-time, and a unique new print viewing window allows the operator to check on the progress of a job without leaving the workstation. The workstation itself has also been redesigned, now featuring desktop space, a handy drawer for tools or personal items, integrated lighting, and a larger monitor for ease-of-use and better display of print jobs.

Another significant design benefit is that the separate chiller unit that accompanied the original Acuity Ultra has now been fully integrated into the design of the new machine. This frees up considerable workspace and reduces clutter.

The Acuity Ultra R2 also features a crash detector with increased sensitivity and dual way activation, helping to identify and address potential problems early. Furthermore, it also features a new low scratch surface platen and new automated meniscus control, offering even greater precision and consistency in ink droplet placement.

Like the original Acuity Ultra, the R2 is available in various colour configurations up to eight channels, but recognising the fact that modern print businesses are all unique – with often very different needs and priorities – the Acuity Ultra R2 is available with conventional UV curing as standard, or with an LED UV curing system for six colour and white configurations. This gives customers the option to choose either the ultra-high productivity of conventional UV, or the comparatively lower operating costs and lower energy use of LED. Both the 5m and 3.2m versions of the machine also feature an improved roller design to prevent media wrinkles.

Kevin Rhodes, Marketing Manager, Fujifilm WFIJ says: “The original Acuity Ultra set a new standard for combined quality, performance and price when it was launched in 2018. Three years later, the Acuity Ultra R2 is taking that up another level as part of our brand new Acuity range and our ‘new blueprint’ for wide format.”