Fujifilm Ink strengthens focus on OEM development and industrial inkjet

Print Solutions

Fujifilm Ink is strengthening its focus on OEM development and industrial inkjet at its Broadstairs, Kent operation, helping partners translate complex application requirements into commercially viable solutions.

Drawing on more than 25 years of inkjet expertise, the company is reinforcing its commitment to OEM UV ink technology while extending its capabilities across an expanding range of industrial applications.

The Broadstairs site brings together ink formulation, research and development, printhead integration, application testing, regulatory compliance, analytical services and commercial scale manufacturing. This enables Fujifilm Ink to work directly with OEMs, machine manufacturers, printhead companies and system integrators to address the specific technical demands of their applications.

David Burton, managing director of Fujifilm Ink, said: ‘Our experience of supporting the transition from screen printing to digital inkjet has given us valuable insight into how ink technology can transform established production processes. We are applying that knowledge to the next phase of industrial inkjet, working with partners to understand their requirements and identify new opportunities.’

Industrial inkjet performance depends on the interaction between several variables, including printhead characteristics, jetting behaviour, curing requirements, substrate compatibility and production speeds. These factors must be considered together to achieve the required print quality, durability and production reliability.

Fujifilm Ink takes an application led approach, combining formulation expertise with technical assessment of the wider print system. Its support includes jetting and curing evaluations, adhesion testing, quality assurance, technical integration and regulatory guidance.

Moving from successful laboratory trials to consistent commercial production presents another challenge. Fujifilm Ink combines development expertise with manufacturing, quality control, packaging and logistics, helping customers manage the transition from initial validation to scaled supply.

Regulatory expertise is another important part of this approach. As raw materials, classifications and legislation evolve, the company works closely with its partners to assess the implications for existing formulations and future developments, helping to maintain product compliance without compromising essential technical and application performance.

Building on its established UV inkjet expertise, Fujifilm Ink is applying its capabilities across markets including packaging, metal decoration and decorative print, as well as applications where digital inkjet is becoming an integral part of the manufacturing process.

In these environments, printing is often just one stage within a more complex production line. Components may subsequently undergo forming, finishing and handling processes, creating additional demands on ink adhesion, durability and overall performance. Understanding these requirements early in development helps ensure that ink formulations and print systems are suited to the complete manufacturing process, rather than simply the printing stage.

Shaun Holdom, global commercial director, said: ‘We have seen first hand how bringing ink technology, hardware and application expertise together can transform an industry. Our heritage gives us a valuable perspective on that evolution, but our focus is firmly on what comes next.

‘By working closely with OEMs and technology partners, we want to help shape the next generation of industrial inkjet applications and develop the ink technologies needed to make them commercially viable.’