During the Graphics, Print and Sign expo, which was held from 5-7 October, visitors could see Fujifilm Graphic Systems South Africa’s hybrid stand model. Featured was a 4m x 2.5m video wall that was used for marketing and a live stream demonstration from Fujifilm’s Advanced Print and Technology Centre in Brussels, Belgium. The hybrid model delivered impressive equipment demonstrations audiences would not have had access to in another format.
Tiffany Fernandes, Brand & Marketing, Fujifilm Graphic Systems South Africa, explained, ‘In this way we truly spoke to the nature of the event – a live demo expo – where we were the only, innovative brand on site to do so, and the first in South Africa to bring a live demo stream to a show of this nature. We felt the wall in itself would be large, impressive and serve as a marketing tool to draw people to the stand, and act as a constant point of brand awards due to video loop – the content shown ran all day. We therefore had a better way to showcase more equipment as our advertising looped and we were able to showcase more, with less.’
‘With the world now being used to and primed by the pandemic causing a surge and rise in the use of live streams and webinars to create experiences you would not normally have, we made use of this idea and capitalised on it. Fujifilm has a huge global presence and a lot of resources to tap into outside South Africa. We wanted to give the audience direct access to this without necessarily getting on a plane to do so. Our Advanced Print and Technology centre is at the forefront of innovation and giving the local audiences access to equipment and expertise virtually serves as a unique selling point for Fujifilm. It is also beneficial for the audiences by gaining access to the latest in innovation in the industry, expertise and news in order to ensure their businesses are keeping abreast of the latest developments, equipment and expertise,’ added Fernandes.
The success of the hybrid stand was due to the printed samples present. Audiences got to see products being printed live in Belgium, and had the output on the stand at the same time. ‘Visitors were amazed with the quality as well as special features, like with the Onset sample, which got the most attention,’ added Fernandes.
The live stream model provided as a good flow of events and format with an intro, explanations, hosting, live interaction as well as Q&A cross border and locally. ‘It was very well delivered and well received by attendees. It was nice to showcase our bigger and newer equipment without it necessarily being in the country. Customers got an exclusive first look and access to equipment that has not yet landed on South African shores.’
A key theme of the Fujifilm stand was sustainability.. The company’s basic ‘green’ policy is that ‘sustainable development’ is the most important issue for our planet, the human race, and all business entities in the 21st century. Through all products, services and businesses, the company strives for ‘sustainable development’ to address climate change, promote resource circulation, ensure chemical safety, preservation of the regional environment and biodiversity conservation.
The following ‘green’ technologies and their respective sustainable features were showcased and highlighted:
Screen demos:
Acuity Prime
– Increased print productivity combined with a seemingly reduced ink consumption shows a very promising cost-in-use potential.
Uvijet HM inks are:
– GREENGUARD and AgBB certified.
– Compliant with strict environmental testing.
– Free from ozone-depleting chemicals, aromatic hydrocarbons and harmful volatile solvents.
– Have low energy consumption.
Acuity Ultra R2
Environmental performance: Uvijet HM inks highlighted above.
Onset XS
With an expanding ink range, the Onset X now supports the use of more environmentally friendly plastics like polystyrene and polypropylene at the fastest print speeds. Uvijet HM inks include the same aforementioned features.
Print quality management:
– Intelligent system to maintain print quality and optimise production efficiency.
– Onset continuously monitors UV light exposure at the printheads and tells the operator the optimum time to pause production for cleaning (choose a faster dry clean or deeper solvent wet clean, and choose exactly which printheads should be cleaned. Onset’s printhead cleaning process does not purge ink, so ink waste is minimal).
– Maximise printhead life: provides feedback that Onset is working in its optimum condition.
Minimal downtime: only pause production for cleaning when the printheads need to be cleaned.
Turn jobs around fast: run at high speeds for longer with knowledge of the current condition of the printheads and confidence that they are not being damaged.
– Maintain your return on investment: Maintaining the condition of the printheads ensures you can always run at the speeds that deliver your ROI.
Equipment on the stand:
Vybrant UF10
Environmental performance: Uvijet HM inks.
The event is sponsored by Platinum Sponsors Roland and Stixo Signage Supplies and is supported by media partners Africa Print, Sign Africa and Modern Marketing.
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