Fujifilm launched the Luxel V-6, a B2 platesetter aimed at customers looking to boost productivity and take advantage of violet technology, at Drupa 2004.
The V-6 could produce up to 24 plates per hour (pph) at 2,400dpi thanks to the 60MW single laser used in the machine.
Successors to the V-6 incorporated Fuji’s multi-beam lasers, which could be retro-fitted for customers who had invested in other single-laser machines. According to the firm, the technology ensured faster productivity and a special mechanism prevented the problem of the multiple lasers getting ‘tangled’.
The V-6 replaced the Vx-6000, which Fuji introduced back in 2002. Fuji technical support manager Sean Lane says that, as well as cost savings, the V-6 was a major step in terms of the variety of automated options available. He says it was also more user-friendly, with the design allowing printers to choose the level of output productivity to match their needs.
Multiple options
An entry-level V-6e is capable of 10pph at 2,400 dpi, with upgrade options to increase this to 15pph or 24pph, says Lane. The other models all offer 24pph at 2400 dpi, which is a complete set of B2 plates every 10 minutes.
There are three versions of the V-6: manual, semi-automatic and automatic, all with single- or multi-cassette
loading. The fully automated modelshad the benefit of being able to be left running overnight.
The manual and semi-automatic models were launched first, followed by the single cassette machine in 2005 and the multi-cassette in 2006.
Starting with a manual model, you can add an online processor allowing plates to be taken from the engine and passed through the processor. A choice of single or multiple input cassettes allows for automatic feeding and full daylight working. It also features industry-standard or custom punch options for producing press-ready plates.
The V-6 rotates the plate in a Zanite drum, rather than rotating the plate itself. Fuji says this offers higher levels of stability, image accuracy, repeatability, and registration.
Additional upgradeable options include inline punching, with no punch shadow, and additional resolutions. V-6e models are compatible with Brillia HD PRO-V, Fuji’s low-chemistry violet plate.
There are around seven equivalent rival machines to the V-6, which include the Agfa Palladio II and the Screen PlateRite 2055 VI.
Fujifilm will take used models as part-exchange and sell them directly with full parts and labour support, including extended service contracts. Service contracts are offered on a three-tier system based on price and level of support.
A large network of engineers nationwide can provide support for new and used models. A new Luxel V-6 will cost around £43,000, whereas a used machine will cost circa £20,000. As with any used equipment, check the service history of the machine.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max plate size
Landscape: 765x686mm
Portrait: 500x686mm
Min plate size
Landscape: 320x290mm
Portrait: 279x381mm
Max speed
35pph at 1,200dpi
24pph at 2,400dpi
Footprint
5.9x1.6m
Weight 1.7 tonnes
Price
New: from £43,000
Used: from £20,000
What to look for
Service history
