Fujifilm, UK

Project details

Industries

Humidity control for printing facilities

Products

JetSpray

Condair JetSpray humidifies at Fujifilm

A Condair JetSpray humidification system is maintaining an ideal 40-60%RH (relative humidity) at the Fujifilm Imaging and Innovation Centre in Bedford. The JetSpray has been installed to provide Fujifilm’s demonstration area, which incorporates the latest Jet Press 720s, with the optimum atmospheric conditions for paper storage and printing.

When exposed to dry air, paper loses its internal moisture rapidly, causing its physical shape to change, which can result in problems when it‘s run through a printing press. Electrostatic issues are also greatly increased when air humidity drops below 40%RH.

Important for paper handling consistency

Steve Freeman, Jet Press Solutions Manager at Fujifilm “Humidity control is important for paper handling consistency when running lighter weight stock on the Jet Press 720S in both the feeder and jetting area. We aim to maintain an RH of between 40% and 60%. Below this could potentially cause an increase in paper handling issues on light weight paper”. Since the installation of the Jetpray, Steve said, “Once the humidifier was up and running correctly, it has performed well. It now easily and quickly gets the room up to the required RH and maintains this after start-up”.

The Fujifilm Imaging and Innovation Centre offers its UK customers demonstrations and training on the Jet Press printer and a range of wide format UV units including LED UV and conventional Flatbed UV inkjet printers.

The JetSpray humidifier consists of a control panel feeding compressed air and water to rows of self-cleaning spray nozzles mounted in the area to be humidified. The compressed air atomises the water as it is released from the nozzle, creating a very fine aerosol that rapidly evaporates. The nozzle design ensures that water can only be introduced when compressed air is flowing, guaranteeing drip-free humidification. The system has a fully modulating output and offers very close humidity control at ±2%RH.

Regular and automatic flush cycles ensure hygienic operation by preventing water from remaining in the system to stagnate. A PureFlo Ag+ silver ion dosing system is also incorporated on the incoming water supply. Silver has powerful antibacterial properties and provides a strong residual effect throughout the water pipe work.

The JetSpray has standard plumbing fittings so is easy to install for any competent HVAC contractor. It can run on mains, demineralised or softened water and due to a self-clean pin in the nozzle, requires very little maintenance.

Steve Freeman, Jet Press Solutions Manager at Fujifilm:

"Humidity control is important for paper handling consistency when running lighter weight stock on the Jet Press 720S in both the feeder and jetting area. We aim to maintain an RH of between 40% and 60%. Below this could potentially cause an increase in paper handling issues on lightweight paper”

Condair in action

Projects and references

Harrier Group, UK

Harrier Group, a leading UK digital printing firm, has invested in four Condair RS restive steam humidifiers to maintain the perfect production environment in its newly-designed, high-tech print room.

Harrier Group, UK

John Watson, Scotland

When John Watson & Co, the oldest printing company in Scotland, was seeking to enhance its process control by improving the humidity of its print room, it contacted Condair, who installed the JetSpray air and water atomising humidifier, developed especially for the printing industry.

John Watson, UK

Polestar Group

A Condair ML Solo high pressure humidification system has been installed in the litho platemaking area at Polestar print company's award-winning plant in Sheffield. Designed to suppress and disperse electrostatic charges when protective film is removed from the plates, Condair's low-energy humidifier maintains a relative humidity of 45%.

Polestar, Sheffield UK

Gilmour and Dean

Gilmour and Dean is a premier supplier of quality added value labels to the Spirits Bottling Industry, with annual sales approaching one billion labels for customers' products distributed and consumed worldwide. Since March 2011 the company has been part of the Eurostampa Group. A Draabe high pressure humidification system is helping to maintain the perfect air condition for quality printing at Gilmour and Dean in Glasgow.

Hobbs The Printers Ltd

Hobbs The Printers is a world leader in book printing, specialising in the production of journals, magazines, newsletters, brochures and loose-leaf publications. Founded in 1884 by William Hobbs, the company now employs 175 people and offers a comprehensive range of printing, finishing and fulfillment services.ML Princess high pressure humidifiers from Condair are helping to maintain an ideal air humidity for optimum print productivity.

MacroArt - Branding & Signage

Set in Cambridgeshire, MacroArt's 44,000 sq ft production hub operates 24/7 and produces an enormous range of branding and signage solutions from creation to finishing. An extensive plant list features leading printing technology to make sure the company stays at the forefront of the latest techniques. MacroArt relies on the Condair ML high pressure humidification system to maintain the ideal production humidity year round in its dye sublimation department.