Adding a new printer usually means looking at speed, color, and how much work it can handle. It rarely changes anything about the production environment itself. The Hydraton 1642 is different. It was designed to support safer standards on the production floor while still producing high-quality, durable graphics without relying on aggressive coatings or PFAS to get there.
That difference comes from its use of water-based UV ink technology. By combining the safety characteristics of water-based ink with the curing speed and durability of UV, the Hydraton allows shops to produce vibrant graphics while maintaining a more comfortable, low-odor printing environment.
A New Direction in UV Printing
At first glance, the Hydraton 1642 is a UV printer. In practice, it operates differently from traditional UV systems. Conventional UV platforms are often chosen for durability and speed, while aqueous and latex systems are typically selected for indoor use and environmental considerations. The Hydraton was developed to bring those priorities together.
At the core of the system is AQUAFUZE™ technology, which combines water-based chemistry with UV curing. AQUAFUZE™ ink, a highly safe UV-curable water-based ink, made using Fujifilm Group’s proprietary technology for stable water dispersion of photo polymers. This formulation enables instant curing and durable output without the higher heat, stronger odors, or elevated VOC emissions commonly associated with conventional UV printing.
For print shops, that translates into UV-level performance without the usual tradeoffs. Graphics cure immediately, remain durable in finished applications, and can be handled right away. For operations producing interior signage, décor, or other indoor graphics, it offers a way to maintain performance while improving day-to-day working conditions on the production floor.
Lower Heat, Broader Media Compatibility
One of the more noticeable differences with the HydrAton 1642 is how it handles heat. By operating at lower media temperatures, typically between 30 and 50 °C, the system reduces stress on substrates while also lowering energy consumption during printing.
For shops producing interior graphics, décor, or specialty applications, this can expand what is realistically printable. Materials that might curl, shrink, or discolor under higher latex-level heat can often be run more consistently, with fewer compromises to surface quality or dimensional stability.
As a UV roll-to-roll printer, the HydrAton also delivers strong adhesion on non-porous materials without requiring primers or surface treatments. That simplifies media setup, reduces changeover time, and keeps production moving without adding unnecessary complexity.
Designed for Indoor and Environmentally Sensitive Spaces
Indoor environments place a different set of demands on printed graphics. Odor, emissions, and chemical classifications become part of the decision-making process, particularly in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate settings.
The HydrAton 1642 was designed with those constraints in mind. The ink is low odor, low VOC, and classified as GHS hazard-free, meaning no hazard pictograms are required. It is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, supporting use in spaces where indoor air quality standards area priority.
In larger organizations, sustainability guidelines are often part of the buying process from the start. Print samples still matter, but so do questions about where graphics will be installed, how they’ll be produced, and what kind of environment the printer creates on the floor. When a system can meet those requirements without slowing production or adding extra materials, it tends to stand out.
Real-World Applications That Benefit Most
Interior Décor and Wallcoverings
Wallcoverings and decorative graphics are typically printed for installation in occupied spaces, which places more emphasis on how they are produced. During printing, low-odor output and the ability to cure immediately make these jobs easier to run on the production floor, while strong adhesion without added coatings helps ensure the finished graphics are ready for installation as soon as they leave the printer.
Retail Signage and Point-of-Sale Displays
Retail signage often runs on short production windows. Graphics need to look sharp, cure instantly, and install cleanly without lingering odor. The HydrAton supports both short-term promotions and longer-term in-store displays.
Indoor Signage and Wayfinding
Wayfinding systems require consistent color, durability, and compliance with indoor air quality standards. The HydrAton supports these requirements while keeping finishing and installation workflows straightforward.
Promotional and Decorative Graphics
For promotional graphics, speed and handling matter. Immediate curing and scratch resistance help reduce damage during finishing and installation, lowering the risk of reprints and rework.
Who Should Be Considering the HydrAton 1642?
The HydrAton 1642 addresses a set of production needs that are becoming more common as print providers reassess their equipment mix.
It is a strong fit for operations looking for:
- A high-quality, advanced roll-to-roll printing solution
- An eco-conscious printer for interior signage and graphics
- Broader media compatibility than many latex systems can support
Looking Ahead: Printing for the Next Phase of the Industry
Growing interest in water-based UV ink reflects a broader change in how print technology is evaluated. Output quality still matters, but so do energy use, material flexibility, indoor safety, and long-term sustainability. The HydrAton 1642 was developed with this in mind. By combining water-based safety with UV-level durability and speed, it responds to where print production is heading.
For shops considering how to evolve their capabilities, understanding this new class of printing technology can be a meaningful first step.
Interested in seeing what the HydrAton1642 can produce? Request a sample or find a dealer to explore how this technology could fit into your operation.
