ImageData has confirmed it has installed the UK’s first Onset X3 HS Dual Flex from Fujifilm, with production director Pete Shaw calling it “a game changer” as it opens up new markets for the company.
The East Yorkshire-based PSP cited automation and capacity levels as key reasons for investment in the machine, which was installed in January 2021.
ImageData, which has 167 staff across three integrated production sites in the UK and an annual turnover of £20m, already owns two Onset X3 presses. Shaw said: “The Onset X3 presses have been essential to our business, with the exceptionally high quality print and high speeds they offer. Now with the recent installation of the Onset X3 HS Dual Flex, our production speeds have increased threefold. The automated capability of the Onset X3 HS Dual Flex is a game changer. The ‘High 5’ mode uses dual robots, so it can pick up the substrate, put it on the bed for printing, then pick it up and turn it over, and replace on the bed ready to print the reverse side - no human intervention is required, unlike our other machines where operators are required to flip substrates over.
“We’re mainly using this new press for rigid substrate production for the retail sector, keeping the other Onset X3 presses predominantly on paper-based substrates.
“The Onset X3 HS Dual Flex isn’t just helping us to produce work faster - it gives us another dimension to the way we run our business. The turnaround times are greatly reduced, not just because of the speed of the machine, but the fact that we no longer need to mask the bed is also a huge time saver in terms of overall turnaround - this feature can facilitate a job to job changeover time of just 30 seconds, which is highly impressive.”
Fujifilm’s ink expertise also played a significant part in ImageData’s decision to invest according to commercial director Glen Patrick: “Another benefit is the Onset’s ability to print white ink. It works really well on clear, rigid substrates such as acrylic - something we have not been able to print onto before - so the new machine will help us to enter new markets.
“There’s no doubt in our mind that the Onset X3 HS Dual Flex is best in class at this time. We’ve enjoyed a prosperous, long-standing relationship with Fujifilm and look forward to reaping the benefit.”