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Barberan and Fujifilm have previewed an industry-first print solution for the Nautilus platform, which incorporates fully digital varnish capabilities directly into single-pass UV printing
Print machinery manufacturers, Barberan and Fujifilm, have unveiled the next milestone in their strategic technology partnership, introducing a fully digital print solution to the single-pass Nautilus system, complete with an integrated digital varnish capability.
The latest development, first previewed during an open day at the Barberan headquarters in May, introduces an 'industry-first' fully digital UV printing solution that incorporates digital varnish directly into single-pass printing, eliminating the need for separate analogue varnishing processes.
The technical preview of the technology is intended to gather direct market feedback from high-volume print providers, particularly those in the out-of-home (OOH) advertising sector, from which Fujifilm and Barberan can finalise their commercial roadmap.
Bringing single-pass technology into the graphics market presented two significant challenges for the manufacturers – supporting shorter production runs across a much broader range of media, and overcoming the high-gloss finish traditionally associated with single-pass UV printing.
Conventional solutions rely on analogue primers and matt varnishes, which can add complexity, increase make-ready times, and impact consumable costs. These approaches can also limit the ability to print onto thinner and more flexible substrates such as paper.
To overcome these challenges, UK-based chemistry specialists at Kent-based Fujifilm Ink developed a new suite of UV inks engineered to deliver high print quality and broad substrate adhesion, reducing or eliminating the need for analogue primers.
The result extends media flexibility, enabling printing onto thinner papers than many existing single-pass platforms can currently achieve.
Through close collaboration with customers, Fujifilm Ink also developed a fully integrated digital varnish solution for single-pass UV printing which offers a satin finish.
The technology was demonstrated publicly at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona through a number of printed displays and subsequently showcased to prospective customers during a dedicated open house event at Barberan.
Markets that the technology may benefit include OOH advertising, where increasing demand for localised and targeted campaigns is driving the need for flexible, high-productivity print solutions.
Where a fully digital infrastructure is not available, traditional alternatives often rely on slower multi-pass systems or printing with an analogue process. The Nautilus single-pass platform aims to change this dynamic, reportedly delivering more than 1,400 high-quality 2050 x 1600 mm sheets per hour, with every sheet capable of carrying unique content.
Combined with Barberan's alignment conveyor technology, duplex printing can be achieved with a calculated registration accuracy of ±0.1 mm.
Oliver Mills, single pass marketing manager at Fujifilm Ink, says: "We are incredibly excited by the opportunities this latest development creates for the print industry.
“Fujifilm and Barberan share a common philosophy of pushing the boundaries of digital print through innovation. By introducing a fully integrated digital varnish capability for single-pass UV printing, we are unlocking new levels of productivity, media flexibility, and creative freedom for our customers, paving the way for the next generation of high-speed digital production."
