Innovation

Fujifilm is helping make the world a better, healthier, and more interesting place.

Nanoimprint Resist: a game-changer in the semiconductor industry

by mariiabezpala May 6, 2024 Comments0

As technology advances, the demand for higher-performance semiconductors comes in, and we are looking towards tomorrow to develop and innovate. Utilising the knowledge and technology that we’ve been cultivating in the development of photoresists, we’ve created a new semiconductor material – Nanoimprint Resist. It helps to reduce costs and energy consumption in the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors and improve throughput and yield – common issues for the practical application of nanoimprint lithography.

A closer look

A newly designed semiconductor material has a molecular structure optimised for Nanoimprint Lithography technology. It was developed based on a detailed analysis of the resist’s flow behaviour during the imprinting process and the interaction of the resist with wafer surfaces and masks.

The Nanoimprint Resist allows you to quickly and uniformly fill in the complex circuit patterns engraved on the mask, and transfer and form nanometer-scale circuit patterns in a short time. More than that, after curing by UV radiation, it shows excellent mold-releasing properties that do not cause loss of circuits even when the mask is removed at high speed.

We’ve also enhanced it with the benefits of inkjet technology. Utilising our experience with industrial inkjet printers, we’ve designed a formulation that allows the optimum amount of droplets to be applied to the wafer surface using an inkjet method. Compared to the spin-coating method used in the current manufacturing process, this saves loads of resist used, reducing the amount to approximately 1/100.

The Nanoimprint Resist uses a hydrocarbon compound as a release agent instead of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), going for a safer alternative.

We aim to use this latest addition, tailored for cutting-edge semiconductor needs, to meet rising customer demands and industry challenges, driving innovation in the sector. The new material will be provided to the Japanese market through FUJIFILM Electronics Materials Corporation, our core company in the electronic materials business. Curious to know more? Check here.

Filed under Blog Innovation

16 Fujifilm products took the Red Dot Design Award 2024

by mariiabezpala April 24, 2024 Comments0

The year has just started, and we’ve already hit a home run at the Red Dot Design Award 2024. All 16 products that we submitted have won international acclaim in the Product Design category! Each entry has been recognized for its beautiful appearance and design achieving outstanding functionality and performance by a panel of world-known design experts. More to the story, our INSTAX mini Evo™ Brown has received the highest-ranked “Best of the Best Award”.

What’s worth the golden mark? Here is a little hall of fame for a closer look.

INSTAX mini Evo™ Brown: Best of the Best Award

Released in 2021, this hybrid instant camera has been a global sensation since its launch due to its hybrid nature of analogue and digital functions. It incorporates digital technology and supports the card-size “mini format film”. The camera comes with 10 lens effects, including Soft Focus and Light Leak, and 10 film effects, including Monochrome and Retro. These two types of effects can be freely combined to create 100 different shooting effects, allowing you to express your emotions in a unique way. The camera body sports a premium and classical look, featuring analogue-like operation with the lens dial, film dial, and print lever, designed with exceptional attention to details such as operation noise.

Instant camera INSTAX mini 12

Packed with easy-to-use modes and controls, this playful instant camera is full of joy, creativity, and color. It allows you to adjust shutter speed, flash brightness, and more to match the ambient light and experience perfectly exposed images every time. This definitely makes it ideal for close-ups!

Instant camera INSTAX SQUARE SQ40

This elegant instant camera looks as good as it takes photos. Featuring automatic exposure function, it’s your go-to companion for all your creative endeavors. You can also switch to selfie mode with a simple twist of the lens, glance in the selfie mirror – and voila! More beauty to it, its analogue-inspired design adds a touch of sophistication, making it a perfect accessory.

Digital Camera INSTAX Pal

It’s a super small digital camera that’s waiting to capture your spontaneous photos and make small moments seem big. It allows you to take advantage of the remote shutter release, giving a live view of the upcoming shot via a free devoted app. There you can adjust your images with filters, set a self-timer, and turn the flash on or off. Connected to an INSTAX Link printer, it prints your most beautiful moments on INSTAX mini, SQUARE, or WIDE films.

Mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM GFX100 II & Vertical battery grip VG-GFX100 II

Featuring the newly developed high-speed 102MP sensor and the latest image processing engine, this flagship model delivers the highest burst-shooting, AF, and video performance in the history of GFX Series. Its weather-resistant battery grip withstands dust and difficult weather conditions, allowing you to shoot even at temperatures as low as -10℃.

Mirrorless digital camera FUJIFILM X-S20

The compact X-S20 is a lightweight, small camera that does great things. Weighting only 491 grams, it has a 5-axis image stabilization system (IBIS) with effective anti-shake protection of up to 7 stops, and a powerful battery that won’t run out until you have the perfect shot.

FUJINON Lens GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro

This telephoto tilt-shift lens for the GFX Series combines image quality and functionality in a compact form. It offers unprecedented control with a resolving power of more than 100 megapixels to produce distortion and aberration-free images, and the maximum magnification of 0.5x makes it a perfect choice for macro and still-life photography.

FUJINON Lens GF55mmF1.7 R WR

With its impeccable handling, responsive autofocus, and rugged durability, this portable, versatile lens delivers high-quality images for a broad range of applications and provides a natural perspective, which makes it an essential partner on your GFX journey.

FUJINON Lens GF30mmF5.6 T/S

Designed for use in situations where image quality is paramount, this wide-angle tilt-shift lens strongly suppresses spherical aberration, coma aberration, and image curvature. It produces high image quality and exceptional detail from the center to the corners of the frame, even when the shift function is used. It also features a unique Nano GI coating technology that reduces ghosting and flare to deliver sharp, detail-packed results.

FUJINON Lens XF8mmF3.5 R WR

This lens is the perfect addition to your standard zoom. It offers an extremely wide angle of view that enables dynamic shots with enormous depth. It’s also great for video recording, for example, when you’re filming yourself while vlogging.

FUJINON FOCUS DEMAND EPD-51A-G02

This focusing aid provides the high-precision focusing required for shooting with broadcast box lenses mounted on a base. It adopts the grip-type format widely used in sports broadcasting and provides precise focusing and improved operability.

FUJINON HZK24-300mm

It’s an awesome broadcast zoom lens from the Duvo series. Crafted specifically for shoulder-mounting, handheld shooting, and other situations where you have to stay on the move, it delivers beautiful, cinematic images with shallow depth of field, with the operation style of a broadcast lens.

FUJIFILM SX1600

This long-range surveillance camera features a 40x-zoom FUJINON lens that covers a focal length range from the wide-angle 40mm to the world’s longest 1600mm telephoto. Equipped with an advanced image stabilization system and fast and accurate AF, it allows for exceptional image clarity, whether it’s international border controls, port surveillance, or remote inspection of infrastructure facilities.

PROOFIT iQ

It’s a portable medical system that allows for simple and accurate drug identification. You can simply tap a photo taken with a smartphone to identify the drug using AI, and compare it with Fujifilm’s proprietary master image with engraving and text emphasis.

Acuity Prime Hybrid

It’s a versatile and reliable wide-format inkjet printer for rigid and roll print. The design is based on the award-winning Acuity Prime, including the printhead carriage, ink system, Automatic Printhead Maintenance System (APMS), and software interface. From its user-friendly GUI, to accessible printheads for ease of maintenance, this machine is extremely intuitive and designed with an operator in mind.

Assist function for CT scan AutoPositioning

An AutoPositioning option enables stress-free, optimized imaging workflow when working with CT.

This remarkable achievement marks a valuable recognition, as we remain committed to creating designs that enhance functionality and bring new product value to our customers. There is more to come, so stay tuned!

Fujifilm x Cultural Preservation Project at Stockholm City Hall

by M. Köster April 9, 2024 Comments0

In a ground-breaking initiative for the preservation of cultural heritage, the City Hall of Stockholm has embarked on a digital reconstruction project to breathe new life into the faded masterpieces that adorn its walls. Tasked with reviving Axel Wallert’s 105 ceiling paintings, the City of Stockholm worked with Mikael Cronwall, Head of Education at the Stockholm School of Photography, to undertake a project unlike any other in Sweden.

The challenge: Faded beauty after a century

Many of Wallert’s images had lost their brilliance after a century of exposure to air pollution and natural wear and tear. Only a handful remained clear, requiring an unprecedented cultural conservation effort to be undertaken.

Forty students and four teachers from the Fotoskolan STHLM worked tirelessly for more than three weeks, using the Fujifilm GFX100 and Fujinon GF lenses to capture the high-resolution raw data. The large image sensor and the electronic management of the image information were essential in order to meet the stringent requirements of the project. The choice of Fujifilm equipment not only met the technical requirements but also facilitated the process of photographing the large and heavy original panels, which measure 150 x 150 cm and are made from untreated pine boards.

Each panel was meticulously photographed using a custom photography rig built by skilled carpenters. Test shots with a variety of lenses led to the selection of the Fujifilm GF 120/4 R LM OIS WR Macro lens for its high resolution and exceptional sharpness. The result was flawless, following the old photographic rule of stopping down 2.5 stops for maximum edge sharpness.

Digital reconstruction and printing

The team processed the digital files in Capture One after shooting the raw files with the GFX100 and Profoto flashes. The finalised digital files were then printed onto fabric by Big Image Systems in Stockholm, Sweden. The culmination of this elaborate process was the on-site assembly of the reconstructions at Stockholm City Hall.

The City of Stockholm now stores digital image files for long-term preservation. This ensures that the reconstructions can be reproduced whenever needed. A testament to the seamless integration of art, technology, and cultural heritage, this Fujifilm-supported initiative is now in place.

This ambitious project has been achieved through the joint efforts of the City of Stockholm, the Stockholm School of Photography, and Fujifilm. Together, they have preserved the historical richness of the Stockholm City Hall and made it possible for future generations to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the building as it was a century ago.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Innovation

27 Fujifilm Products took the iF Design Award 2024

by M. Köster March 11, 2024 Comments0

It is our pleasure to share the exciting news that FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation has once again demonstrated its commitment to design excellence by securing a remarkable 27 products at the prestigious iF Design Award 2024. This includes the acclaimed FUJIFILM GFX100 II, a mirrorless digital camera that has been awarded the highest accolade, the Gold Award (iF Gold Award 2024).

“iF Gold Award 2024”
“iF Design Award 2024”
Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100 II” Vertical battery grip “VG-GFX100 II”
FUJIFILM Creative Village (CLAY/ITs)
Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-S20”
Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro”
Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF30mmF5.6 T/S”
Interchangeable lens for the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens GF55mmF1.7 R WR”
Interchangeable lens for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF27mmF2.8 R WR”
Interchangeable lens for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF8mmF3.5 R WR”
Interchangeable lens for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF56mmF1.2 R WR”
Broadcast zoom lens “FUJINON HZK24-300mm”
Broadcast zoom lens “FUJINON HZK25-1000mm”
FOCUS DEMAND EPD-51A-G02
TECHNO-STABI TS16x28WP/ TS12x28WP
Long-range camera with integrated lens “FUJIFILM SX1600”
Tripod grip “TG-BT1”
Digital Camera “INSTAX Pal™
Hybrid instant camera “INSTAX mini Evo™” Brown
Instant camera “INSTAX mini 12™”
Smartphone printer “INSTAX mini Link 2™”
Smartphone printer “INSTAX SQUARE Link™”
Instant camera “INSTAX SQUARE SQ40™”
Pressure Image Analysis App “FUJIFILM Prescale Mobile”
Film Simulation Experience
INSTAX smartphone app “INSTAX UP!”
“FUJIFILM XApp” for the GFX / X Series of digital cameras
Production color printer “Revoria Press™ PC1120”
A3 Color Multifunction Device “Apeos C7070 series”

Established in 1953, the iF Design Award is a global recognition that places FUJIFILM’s design achievements on a par with other prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award in Germany and the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) in the United States.

GFX100 II in a Spotlight

The FUJIFILM GFX100 II stands out as a true marvel among the impressive range. Not only did it win an iF Design Award, but it also received the highest honour, the iF Gold Award 2024, for its 12-megapixel high-speed sensor and state-of-the-art image processing engine.

iF Gold Statement:

“The Fujifilm GFX100II boasts outstanding ergonomics and functionality in a compact form. Its angled surfaces not only enhance the visibility of the sub-LCD but also convey a sense of solid quality. The body is also wrapped in a patented leather-like texture which ensures excellent grip in any scenario, meeting the rigorous demands of professional use. Great, understated design!”

This record-breaking achievement reaffirms our dedication to creating products that not only deliver on functionality and performance, but also showcase exceptional design. Our commitment to the creation of visually appealing products that prioritise portability, operability, ease of use, and comfort has set a new standard in the industry. And we’ll continue to push the boundaries, creating designs that not only impress with their beauty but also enhance the overall user experience.

Stay tuned for more innovations!

Filed under Awards Consumer Innovation Spotlight

Meet New Binoculars In TECHNO-STABI Series

by M. Köster March 7, 2024 Comments0

Whether you are spotting a favourite band at a crowdy concert, tracking a ball on a soccer field, or cutting through the waves for a whales’ show – you need smart and durable optics you can rely on. Reliable and just as adventurous as needed. To not worry if it’s suddenly raining or your hands are trembling but seize the moment in every detail. “Could have seen better if the magnification was slightly higher”, “high magnification, yet vibration makes it difficult to see well”, “would be easier if the rain was no longer a threat”… It seems you can never have everything at once. Well, maybe these two newbies in the FUJINON TECHNO-STABI series of binoculars will prove it wrong.

NEW TS16x28WP & TS12x28WP

For five years, our FUJINON TECHNO-STABI binos took the spotlight as a reliable companion both on water and land. The new TS16x28WP and TS12x28WP inherited the whole set of advanced features while bringing more benefits to the table.

Fully Waterproof

Rated IPX7 for protection against water ingress, both models are now fully waterproof and immersible to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes. Even in a downpour, they stay dry inside, protecting the delicate optics from rain or accidental water slashes. If you’re into yachting or sailing, these binoculars can immerse to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without damage.

Best-In-Class Vibration Correction

Lightweight yet powerful, these durable binoculars feature a magnification of 16x and 12x, respectively. Thanks to the acclaimed TECHNO-STABI high-magnification vibration correction of ±3°, they minimise shaky movements while also compensating for hand trembling or the natural motion of the water.

One more beautiful thing is that you can activate this feature just with a simple switch at the centre of the binoculars and enjoy a rock-steady, sharp image without the need for a tripod.

Capturing Moments

FUJIFILM’s phase-coated prisms correct phase shifts in light waves, delivering a sharper and clearer, high-contrast image. The EBC multi-coating also allows for exceptional light transmission, ensuring excellent low-light performance, so you can get much better overall image quality. To add to that, the precise focusing wheel enables fast, exact adjustment with one finger, for those spontaneous moments. So, whether tracking moving objects or adjusting focus for varying distances, you can quickly tune the focus with minimal effort, capturing the details.

A Longer Battery Life

Thanks to the CR2 lithium battery technology, TS16x28WP and TS12x28WP offer a long battery life for the image stabilisation function, with up to 30 hours of use on one cell. An automatic switch-off function after 10 minutes helps to preserve battery power. This ensures uninterrupted observation, and you don’t need to carry additional tools for frequent battery changes.

Ergonomic Design

The robust, ergonomic, non-slip rubber coating ensures comfortable handling, control, and a secure grip. Protected from environmental factors, these binos are also a good fit for challenging outdoor conditions.

All these features make the new TS16x28WP and TS12x28WP ideal partners in crime for most outdoor pursuits such as festivals, concerts, birds and nature watching, marine leisure, sports, hiking, and many more. Wherever you are, take them with you, and you’ll never miss a thing!

Filed under Blog Consumer Innovation Travel Wildlife

Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe: Pioneering the Future of Ion Exchange Membranes

by M. Köster January 15, 2024 Comments0

In the dynamic world of membrane technology, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe has been making remarkable strides that deserve a closer look. With a sharp focus on high-volume membrane supply, they are not only a manufacturer but a catalyst for transformative membrane processes. We believe in celebrating the achievements of our industry colleagues, especially when their innovations are at the forefront of shaping the future.

In this blog post, we’re excited to delve into the fascinating realm of ion exchange membranes (IEM) and how our relentless commitment to excellence is driving us further. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge membrane technology, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Drive for Incomparable Quality

The heart of these thin, anion and cation ion exchange membranes lies in the cutting-edge coating and polymer technology, which allows to precisely engineer the composition and structure of the membrane materials and produce membranes with exceptional functionality and durability. Years of experience in working with sensitive photo films have honed our understanding of the coating process slightest specifics. Just the same way, we’ve perfected the art of applying uniform and precise layers of active materials onto the polymer membranes, which lets us ensure consistent, exceptional quality and performance, eliminating variations that could impact product quality.

Applications Beyond Imagination

The world of electro-separation technologies is broad and diverse, with unique requirements for each application. Whether it’s fresh water production or wastewater concentration, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe has engineered a membrane portfolio designed to cater to the specific needs of our customers. The portfolio boasts a wide spectrum of ion exchange membranes, including those with low electrical resistance, broad pH range suitability, and low water permeation capabilities.

Membrane Production

Situated on a sprawling 61-hectare site in Tilburg, Netherlands, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V. is a powerhouse of production. The diverse range of products, including photo paper, offset plates, membranes (ion exchange and gas separation), and cell culture media, underscores the magnitude of their operations. With a workforce exceeding 700 employees, this facility stands tall as one of Fujifilm’s largest production centres, serving the photographic products, membranes, and bio materials industries.

Our dedication to research and development is a cornerstone of our success. We have two cutting-edge R&D laboratories dedicated to membranes:

Advanced Research Laboratory in Kanagawa, Japan

This laboratory specializes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, focusing on high-performance polymer technology, and Highly Functional Materials Research, dedicated to innovations in coating technology.

Tilburg Research Laboratory

Located at the production site of Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., this lab houses an exceptional analytical laboratory. It plays a pivotal role in supporting customer and application activities related to ion exchange membranes and gas separation membranes.

In the quest for perfection, the laboratory is equipped with an extensive set of validated test methods. These methods include perm selectivity, electrical resistance, ion exchange capacity, water permeation, and burst strength, ensuring the evaluation of membrane properties and performance is held to the highest standards.

Paving the Way Forward

Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe’s journey is a testament to the remarkable advancements that can be achieved when a company relentlessly pursues excellence. Our team is excited to spotlight such achievements in the industry and share them with our dedicated readers. We encourage you to explore Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe’s website to learn more about their pioneering work in ion exchange membranes. It’s a step toward not only celebrating success but also drawing inspiration from the remarkable progress made by our colleagues. We look forward to seeing how their work continues to shape the landscape of membrane technology in the years to come.

Filed under Blog Business Innovation

Archives