Chicago-Based Classic Color Bolsters Quality with Fujifilm J Press 720S

HANOVER PARK, Ill. — August 30, 2016 — FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division recently installed the J Press 720S at Classic, a Broadview, Ill.-based high-end commercial print provider.

Classic is a leader in digital artistry and innovative printing. For over 35 years they’ve crafted solutions, mastered technologies and expanded capabilities to exceed their clients’ highest expectations. Classic works with Fortune 500s, including automotive and high-end fashion, as well as B2Bs, boutique businesses, and agencies.

With a 29.5x20.9˝ sheet and an output of 2,700 sph, Fujifilm’s second generation sheetfed J Press 720S is an ideal solution for printers like Classic looking for a product that features the quality and robustness of an offset press, and the versatility to handle even the shortest of press runs.

When looking for a new digital press, Jeff Hernandez, VP, Classic, evaluated nearly everything currently on the market.

Hernandez talks of how Classic arranged a ‘shootout’ and had two of their key clients evaluate the output, side-by-side, prior to investing in new technology.

“The clients accused us of slipping in an offset print within the blind test,” says Hernandez.  “They thought the J Press 720S printed sheets were actually printed offset.”

Continues Hernandez, “The quality output of the J Press 720S is what initially stood out. In regards to color consistency, there is no other digital press that is more consistent; from one sheet to the next, from the tail to the gripper, the technology is revolutionary. Most digital devices are inconsistent, especially with grey (PMS 436), but not the J Press 720S. The ability to calibrate PMS colors accurately is amazing; it’s a solid machine.”

Uptime is another hot topic when discussing a digital inkjet press.

“Our uptime is at 90 percent, which has truly exceeded our expectations,” says Hernandez. “The J Press 720S just runs and runs. Our inkjet heads are functioning perfectly, not clogging, or streaky, which is a great testimony to the inkjet technology of FUJIFILM Dimatix’ Samba printheads.”

With a toner based machine, press operators would often need to check the output, because they needed to ensure the output is right.

“With the J Press 720S our operators don’t have to sit around and pick samples for review; it just runs,” adds Hernandez.

The newly installed J Press 720S at Classic complements their other equipment, and Hernandez is pleased with the new business coming through his doors.

“The J Press 720S has opened new avenues to us; we continue to offer the high-quality product we are known for, while now being more cost-effective with short-runs,” says Hernandez.

Hernandez speaks about inkjet being the next level of quality, and how the J Press 720S output is better than offset.

“Additional benefits include no rollers to deal with, no gap streaks, no roller streaks, no ink problems,” says Hernandez. “Fujifilm’s J Press 720S is very consistent from sheet to sheet, it prints better than offset, and quality is second to none; it’s the absolute right fit for our needs.”

Classic is able to produce a variety of short-run jobs on their J Press 720S, including those that are design-heavy, as well as variable data and jobs with unique specifications. Classic recently switched a high end variable specialty publication job onto the J Press 720S, and the client was very pleased. Hernandez says having more flexibility with color options was key, and now this particular job will always be produced on the J Press 720S.

“Since we’ve been in production, all jobs we’ve run on the J Press 720S will stay on the J Press 720S,” declares Hernandez. “Once a client has been introduced to the outstanding output from the J Press 720S, and recognizes the noticeable differences (compared to the previous press) they do not want us to go back (to the previous press).”

Hernandez says for Classic to produce beautiful work off their toner-based machines, they had to work ‘twice as hard’ and had to deal with markings and streaks, and could never match the quality of offset.

“When running regular coated and uncoated stock, the J Press 720S outputs the best sellable sheet in the industry,” claims Hernandez. “And per my experience when comparing ink costs, in many situations it’s less expensive to go with inkjet versus toner.”

“Our relationship with Fujifilm goes back 25 years, and we are long-time user of Fujifilm’s Superia LH-PJ plates,” says Hernandez. “All of Fujifilm’s solutions are very consistent, and sustainably cleaner products compared to others in the industry. Fujifilm is very innovative, and always thinking ahead of the others.”

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm North America, a marketing subsidiary of Fujifilm Holdings America 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. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. Fujifilm Canada sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada.

Fujifilm Holdings, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2016, the company had global revenues of $22.1 billion, at an exchange rate of 112.54 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship.

Source: Fujifilm.