Fujifilm announces the launch of its next generation XMF Workflow v5.5. This latest version of its industry leading cross-media workflow includes a number of major new variable data and productivity-enhancing features designed to optimize high speed print production on the J Press 540W digital inkjet press.
As with previous versions of XMF, content rendering is processed by the award-winning PDF Print Engine from Adobe®. XMF v5.5 takes performance to the next level, as it is one of the first systems on the market to utilize Adobe’s newly announced scalability framework, the “Mercury RIP Architecture.” This means XMF v5.5 is able to take advantage of this architecture to drive data-rich, high-volume digital print production. Mercury’s parallel processing architecture features distributed multi-tier caching and dynamic load balancing to take full advantage of available hardware.
“The strong relationship between Fujifilm and Adobe is tremendous, and with the introduction of the new Mercury RIP Architecture in Fujifilm XMF Workflow 5.5, it takes workflow to an all new level. It’s an exciting advancement in technology to be shared on the show floor at PRINT’13,” said Todd Zimmerman, vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division.
“Digital web presses put huge demands on workflow systems, so our focus has been to develop an extremely efficient end-to-end print environment that allows companies to increase their productivity and competitiveness,” comments Shigenori Tsuji, senior vice president, FUJIFILM Global Graphic Systems, Workflow Division. “As well as being the first vendor to bring to market a workflow built from the ground up around JDF and the Adobe PDF Print Engine, Fujifilm is leading the way once more with the introduction of Adobe’s new Mercury RIP Architecture.”
Fujifilm has used this unique technology within XMF v5.5 to create a very wide data path for driving graphically rich personalized content to the J Press 540W. According to Raman Nagpal, senior director of print at Adobe, “The J Press 540W powered by XMF v5.5 marks an impressive milestone in the evolution of continuous-feed digital printing.”
Workflow is a crucial function at the heart of any print operation, and XMF Workflow v5.5 can increase efficiency while also reduce costs. The intuitive, easy-to-use interface requires very little training, saving both time and money.
A major release featuring new functionalities
This new version of XMF has undergone a number of internal technology upgrades to accommodate the more complex demands of high speed digital printing as well as optimize more traditional CTP plate production:
VDP support and database
XMF Workflow supports both the most innovative (PDF/VT) and well established (PPML) variable data formats. In addition, a new database has been implemented within XMF to sustain the high data processing volumes associated with variable data printing in order to maximize the productivity typically required by fast-moving digital print environments.
MIS integration
Fujifilm has recently obtained CIP4 certification for XMF v5.5. This means XMF can now be connected to many different MIS systems and incorporates a new JDF tool to interpret and convert incoming MIS instructions into JDF compatible ones.
Automatic 3D proofing
XMF v5.5 offers improved proofing capabilities through the automated distribution of 3D proofs. The 3D proofing module, already embedded in previous versions of XMF Workflow, gives printers the ability to create a ‘virtual printed product’ to provide their customers with an accurate representation of the final print job. Within XMF v5.5, this is now processed automatically, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Improved integration with XMF ColorPath
Finally, XMF Workflow v5.5 features further improvements to support XMF ColorPath, the cloud-based color management system that is designed to help printers calibrate and maintain compliance to printing standards.
Fujifilm at PRINT’13
Stop by Fujifilm Booth #1218 for a more in-depth look to see how the J Press 540W and XMF Workflow v5.5 powered by Adobe Mercury RIP Architecture can transform your business.
