Fujifilm has Developed Next-generation Ink-jet Printing Technology

VALHALLA, NY—May 22, 2008—Fujifilm Corp. has developed ground-breaking, next generation inkjet digital printing technology that enables the world’s first high quality, high-speed printing on large sheet sizes (maximum print size: 720mm x 520mm) at high resolutions of 1200 dpi at 4-level gray scale*2 by using a single-pass*1 inkjet printing method. In addition, it achieves quality levels comparable to offset printing for a variety of different types of coated papers. This digital printing technology achieving high-speed, high-quality, and large sheet size is set to revolutionize the printing industry by significantly enhancing the efficiency of the print production process.

Furthermore, with its excellent system design and development capability, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd (President Tadahito Yamamoto, hereafter “Fuji Xerox”) has developed the Jet Press 720 (developmental name), an inkjet digital printing system, which is a superior printing device that achieves high productivity by incorporating this technology. Fujifilm will globally market the revolutionary digital printing system realizing high-speed, large size printing at high resolution, to be supplied by Fuji Xerox.

The new device is a combination of Fujifilm Group’s technologies and will be exhibited at drupa 2008, the global print media exhibition, in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 29 to June 11.

Currently, the amount of short-run print is increasing in the commercial print market. In general, digital printing has been the preferred technology for such short-run print, thanks to its short make-ready time. Up until now, there has been no digital printing technology that achieves production speeds and quality comparable to offset printing on larger format sheet sizes. So many printing companies undertake short-run print using offset printing, a process that is more suitable for longer print runs. Fujifilm’s newly developed technology will realize digital printing with high-speed, high-quality, and large format size to solve this problem.

Outline of the next generation inkjet digital printing technology

(1) New inkjet print head technology

The new inkjet print head technology was developed by Fujifilm Dimatix (hereafter FDMX), the leading company for industrial inkjet print heads, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujifilm. The wide print head, with a print width of 720mm, was newly developed incorporating high density, long-life piezoelectric element* arrays with high precision and can print high-resolution images using single-pass inkjet technology at the high speed of approximately 180 sheets (A4 size equivalent)* per minute.

(2) Water-based inkjet material technology

Fujifilm’s advanced chemical technology was leveraged to develop water-based inks which enable bleed-free, high quality images to be produced on a variety of coated printing papers by anti-curling and rapid coagulation ink technology.

By combining these technologies, Fujifilm has realized high-speed printing for large sheet sizes (maximum print size: 720mm x 520mm) and an image quality that is comparable to offset printing.

Fujifilm has long been a leading company in devices and materials for printing. It continues its worldwide development, manufacture and sales of a wide range of products including CTP plates, workflow software and platesetters for prepress. For the prevailing digital print market, Fujifilm will continue to expand and develop its graphic systems business by taking advantage of the next generation of inkjet printing technologies to contribute further to the development of the global printing industry.

Features of the Next Generation Inkjet Digital Printing Technology

(1) High image quality comparable to offset printing

The print head technology for single-pass inkjet printing has been developed realizing a high resolution of 1200 dpi and high accuracy, leveraging FDMX’s MEMS* precision fabrication technology and its expertise as the leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet print heads. A high image quality comparable to offset printing is realized by gray scale reproduction with its unique 4-level drop modulation technology* and a sharp image by rapid coagulation ink technology.

(2) High productivity by high speed printing on large sheet sizes (maximum print size: 720mm x 520mm)

Enables high productivity at approximately 180 sheets/minute (A4 equivalent) for 720mm by 520mm sheet sizes due to the newly developed print heads for single-pass inkjet printing. In addition, it enables higher productivities than offset printing to meet the demand for fast turnarounds and short print runs since it boasts shorter make-ready times and no drying time.

(3) Compatible with a wide variety of coated printing papers

It significantly improves the problems of conventional water-based inkjet printing systems, such as bleeding and deformation of the paper, for paper that is not specifically designed for inkjet printing. It also allows high quality printing on various coated printing papers without curling or wrinkling. It also meets the wide range of requirements of clients.

(4) Excellent durability and stability

High jetting stability is achieved utilizing FDMX’s unique anti-ink clogging technology in the print head nozzle. Furthermore, superior durability is realized by using MEMS technology that is employed in all major parts of the print head.

About FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc.
As the nation’s largest distributor of equipment, consumables and technical services for the graphic communications industry, FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc. has assembled best-in-class solutions - including products and technical support - to deliver exactly what our customers need to stay in control and ahead of their competition.

We deliver solutions for workflow, process control, remote monitoring, color standardization, pressroom products, CTP, proofing, digital printing, wide format and more. Only Fujifilm can bring an integrated approach to your technology, hardware and software. Only Fujifilm can put you in control. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmgs.com .

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm Corporation brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of imaging industries including medical, life sciences, consumer electronic, chemical, graphic arts, information systems, photography and office products based on its vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. It was ranked number 15 for U.S. patents granted in 2006, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2007, had global revenues of $23.6 billion. Fujifilm ADRs (American Depository Receipts) are traded in the U.S. on the NASDAQ exchange (NASDAQ:FUJI). For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com