GFX International Installs First Fujifilm Uvistar Hybrid 320 in North America

HANOVER PARK, Ill. — August 2, 2016 — Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division hails the first North American install of the Uvistar Hybrid 320 at GFX International, a Grayslake, Ill.-based visual communications firm.

The Uvistar Hybrid 320 by Fujifilm continues to redefine the thinking about the capabilities of a combination flatbed and roll printer; and is able to produce high quality rigid and flexible output at speeds of up to 2,100 sq. ft./hr.

“This machine is easy to use, extremely user friendly and exceeded my expectations,” says Max Ortiz, digital supervisor, GFX. "The machine is a tank. Our customers expect exceptional quality and fast delivery that is on-point, and on-time. The Uvistar Hybrid 320 delivers both quality and speed. It has been running non-stop. It’s a great machine.”

Utilizing Fujifilm Dimatix Q-Class printheads and Fujifilm Uvijet inks, the Uvistar Hybrid 320 prints full grayscale output of exceptional quality and delivers a wide gamut of vibrant colors. The press is available in an eight channel configuration delivering CMYK, Lc, Lm, Lk and Orange inks. A nine channel configuration is available that adds white ink. White ink allows for layered printing over or under an image, or it can be used as a spot color.

Ortiz says that because the Uvistar Hybrid 320 is able to print double-sided, "it’s a perfect machine, even with coroplast."

“We can flip the sheet and be spot-on. I have had prior experience with other hybrids, and they have not been consistent,” adds Ortiz. “But on the Uvistar Hybrid 320, we do second surface night and day backlit. We do it in one step, the 4-color in one pass, and we have multiple jobs that run like that. It saves stock and a lot of time. With roll-to-roll, we are running full-width, edge to edge.”

Ortiz cannot say enough about the speed and diversity the combination flatbed and roll printer has afforded the GFX team.

“The Uvistar Hybrid 320 brings diversity to GFX, which is something we really needed,” Ortiz says. “Every job is twice as fast. We are using at least 20 different stocks and can run any substrate through this machine with no issues. The stability is fantastic and the output is amazing.”

Today its not only about getting your customers what they want, but when they need it. Fast turnaround is critical to competing in today’s highly competitive marketplace.

To be able to turn jobs around with the quality and efficiency its clients need speaks volumes to GFX’s mission statement of “using intelligence, innovation and inspiration” to deliver in-store design, execution and enterprise solutions to its retailers and brands. Through print campaigns, visual identity and interior design, GFX’s role is to help separate their clients from their competition.

GFX runs wallpapers and panel-to-panel alignments, and for one of its clients, a well-known global restaurant chain, they continuously print 54 x 120 panels.

“The ease of alignment is perfect every time on the Uvistar Hybrid 320,” Ortiz says.

“[To date] our revenue has increased because of the Uvistar Hybrid 320, and our relationship with Fujifilm is great. Everyone [at Fujifilm] is very helpful and responsive,” concludes Ortiz.

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm North America Corp., a marketing subsidiary of Fujifilm Holdings America Corp., consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries.

Source: Fujifilm.