Contex Americas and HP partner to deliver new MFP bundles for technical & graphics markets

Contex Americas has announced it is working with HP to develop two wide format multifunction (MFP) products specifically designed to meet the needs of the technical and graphics markets. The new bundles are high-production MFPs, combining the HP Designjet T7100 Printer with either the award-winning Contex HD Ultra 3650 or Contex SD 3690. These new MFPs provide users with affordable, fast, high-quality imaging solutions for wide format scanning, copying and monochrome or colour printing. The Contex and HP Designjet T7100 Printer bundles are specially priced until the end of June and available immediately through Contex and HP channel partners.

"The collaboration between Contex and HP offers a powerful and streamlined multifunction solution for mid-volume scanning, copying and printing, in monochrome and colour, " states Steve Blanken, General Manager, Contex Americas. "This is a full-featured alternative to monochrome-only LED MFPs."

Built for efficiency, the HP Designjet T7100 Printer provides low-cost, high-speed printing of monochrome CAD drawings and high-quality colour documents. When paired with the Contex SD 3690 wide format scanner, which is designed to handle high volume projects while accurately capturing everything from new originals to faded blueprints, the MFP addresses all technical imaging demands from capture to output.

Additionally, the HD Ultra 3650/HP Designjet T7100 MFP is suited for both the technical and graphic markets. Noted for its versatility, the award-winning HD Ultra is the fastest scanner available today. With xDTR2 technology and Gigabit Ethernet ensuring maximum throughput, the HD Ultra further elevates the scanning process with features such as 48-bit CCD technology and the widest colour gamut possible, delivering highly detailed images unmatched in colour reproduction quality.

For more information about the Contex and HP Designjet T7100 Printer bundles, please email salesamericas@contex.com

SignMaster Systems looking forward to a 'fantastic' FESPA

After its success at Sign & Digital UK, Signmaster Systems is looking forward to a similar reaction to its new products at FESPA. The company plans to reach even greater audiences with its new products including Rollover, a Norwegian flatbed application and laminating system.

As the UK’s Exclusive Sole Distributor, Signmaster Systems launched the Rollover at Sign & Digital and received very positive results and feedback in terms of its usability, efficiency, price and variety of sizes up to 1.7m in width and 8m in length. Signmaster will be located on the Rollover stand at FESPA (stand M68N). The Rollover solves the commercial need for laminating large sizes and volumes of work under time constraints whilst providing a recognisable return on investment, minimising the bottleneck effect which can often occur within Sign making and Commercial Printing.

Signmaster Systems will also be present on Intercoat’s stand - F28S - where brand new consumable materials will be printed onto using a revolutionary wide format printer which is to be revealed at the show. Intercoat produces premium self-adhesive films and vinyls suitable for solvent, eco-solvent and latex inks for fantastic image and colour reproduction.

Nick Woodcock, Head of Consumables at Signmaster Systems comments, “I am excited to be representing Signmaster and Intercoat at a world renowned trade show. The opportunity to promote a product that is growing steadily in the UK in an environment such as FESPA is invaluable.”

Nikita Whitfield, Marketing Executive at Signmaster Systems, summarises, “We are very pleased to be featuring on not one but two exhibition stands at FESPA. It really is a fantastic opportunity to market ourselves to a larger audience, showcasing remarkable products which are essential items for successful artwork production.”

For more information, please visit www.signmaster.co.uk

PrintWeek to produce official Fespa show daily

The PrintWeek team will be decamping to produce the Daily live from the showfloor at London's Excel in a specially built newsroom on the PrintWeek stand, M90S in the digital hall. The FespaDaily will be published in English and German.

The 32-page publication will cover all of the show news as it happens: the deals, the launches and everything in between. In addition, it will offer insightful and thought provoking analysis of some of the key trends at the landmark event.

The six-strong editorial team's key objective will be to ensure that no delegate's visit to the show is complete without securing their copy of FespaDaily, which will be available at all of the entrances, registration points and other high-traffic areas.

"Fespa is the key international event in the wide-format sector in 2013 and it will offer an unparalleled opportunity to see where the industry is heading now and in the future. So actually reporting the latest news live from the show floor is critical - and it's what we do best," said PrintWeek editor Darryl Danielli.

For the first time, PrintWeek will be producing the FespaDaily in collaboration with Digital Textile magazine, part of the World Textile Information Network. The Digital Textile team will be producing textile news live from the show, as well as a number a textile focussed features for the Daily.

As well as producing the FespaDaily, the PrintWeek team will also be producing a daily email bulletin that will be sent to more than 40,000 key players in the wide-format sector, which, along with the Daily, will ensure that all the latest news and views of the world's largest wide-format show will be broadcast to the global industry's leading players. You can register for the Fespa bulletin here.

If you have any news during or in the run-up to and during the show, please email fespa.daily@markallengroup.com or complete the attached press release template available here.

For advertising enquiries, email angela.koduah@markallengroup.com.

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Mimaki Sb300 series inks awarded ECO-passport certification by Centexbel

Mimaki's Sb300 series of dye sublimations inks has been awarded ECO-passport certification by Centexbel. This certification, which certifies compliance with the Oeko-Tex standard 100 and the ECO-passport certification system, assures users that inks will cause no harm when they come in contact with the skin. This is highly important for producers of textiles, especially those creating products that are destined to come in contact with human skin.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this certification,” says Mike Horsten, General Manager, Marketing of Mimaki EMEA. “Our textile printing products have been received warmly by the marketplace, and we believe this certification will help us gain even more credibility among textile printers looking for a short-run digital solution. Many in the industry will remember the stir created by Mimaki-printed costumes on the Landa Dancers at drupa 2012. Now they can feel comfortable creating their own unique designs for digitally printed apparel and other textile products without any concern for potential harm to end users."

Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK & Ireland, Hybrid Services Ltd launched the Mimaki TS500 at Sign & Digital UK and marketing manager, Duncan Jefferies, confirms high levels of interest from sportswear and apparel companies and expresses confidence that the certification is an additional benefit for garment manufacturers. “Beyond the printer’s unique combination of ultra fast production speeds and high quality of output; industry certification for the Mimaki dye sublimation ink is a further strong selling point for the TS500.”

Mimaki excels in offering innovative, high quality and high reliability products using a variety of inkjet technologies. Sb300 ink, an aqueous dye sublimation ink introduced to the market in 2012, is optimized for use with the Mimaki TS500-1800 textile printer for dye sublimation transfer. The printer can operate in a 6-colour mode for smooth gradations and higher quality light colours, or a 4-colour mode for increased productivity.

For more information, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk

Improved print-head leads to greater performance with Hollanders ColorBooster XL

Following a preliminary roll-out of the Seiko 508GS print-head with nozzle guard earlier this year, Hollanders Printing Systems has announced that the latest revision is to be included in all of its future ColorBooster XL installations as well as being available as an option for its existing user base of machines.

This new head features a stainless steel cap to protect the anti-wetting layer of the nozzle plate from deterioration during operation and cleaning cycles.

In-line with the adoption of the new print-head, Hollanders has also introduced a capping station that includes a nozzle plate cleaning system with fluid flush and soft wipers. All ColorBooster XL 320 systems will be upgraded to incorporate this modification as an integrated element of the print-head maintenance solution that extends the current life-cycle.

When used in combination with the new capping station with integrated cleaning system, the warranty will be extended on the print-heads with nozzle guards, a policy which is backed fully by the print head manufacturer. Hollanders recommends that the capping station upgrade is carried out as part of the standard periodical pre-planned maintenance visits.

“Attention to detail with print-head performance and the option to offer improvements to our customer base is of vital importance when ensuring our users get optimum reliability from the ColorBooster XL systems,” explains Roland Biemans, Marketing and Communications Manager at Hollanders Printing Systems. “The capping station and print-head change might appear to be relatively minor elements in the overall machine, but all key parts that are upgraded must be acknowledged and factored in as a benefit for the increased life and easier maintenance of the printer.”

Revisions to all Hollanders solutions are part of the company’s ongoing policy of ensuring that a fully integrated and upgraded platform is offered to its customers. This facility is being extended with the expansion of the engineering team that complements the increased investment in resources and continued growth of its Competence Center.

[Image shows Hollanders Nozzle Guard]

Matan Digital Printers increases production floor by 75% to meet demand for Barak printers

 

Matan Digital Printers, manufacturer of the Barak line of superwide format UV printers, has recently increased its production floor by 75%. “With an ever-increasing demand for the Barak printers, our previous production space just could not accommodate the required volume and we had to expand” said Mr. Hanan Yosefi, Matan’s President & CEO.

Over the past year, sales have been generated by all of Matan’s worldwide channels, including both Matan’s local channels under the Barak brand and as well as FujiFilm’s OEM under the UViStar brand. The impressive success of the new 8 -colour Barak 8Q printer following Drupa 2012, has projected on the entire Barak line. Matan has seen orders for its entire range of printers, from entry-level Barak 16, through high-performance Barak HS and Barak iQ to the top of the line Barak 8Q, including its variety of unique value-added options.

The most remarkable phenomenon has been the amount of returning customers, some of whom have lately purchased their third, fourth and even fifth Matan superwide format UV printer. “We regard this as a clear vote of confidence for our products, their reliability and the high value they bring to their owners. They know that they can trust it as their main money maker”, added Yosefi.

The Barak 8Q and UViStar Pro8 respectively feature Matan’s patented PDS Parallel Drop Size technology combined with 8-colour printing, resulting in high definition POP printing. Optional value-added features include an Inline finishing system, fully automatic backlit printing and automatic flatbed loading and unloading system.  These unique systems give Matan’s customers today a clear advantage over their competitors, enabling them to have more printouts to be made in a short time, with less need for after-printing processes.

 

Hybrid Accounts Assistant awarded Apprentice of the Year prize

Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, Hybrid Services, is delighted to announce that the company’s Accounts Assistant, Ashley Kauer, has been awarded Apprentice of the Year 2013 by South Cheshire College.

Ashley started his apprenticeship at Hybrid Services in September 2012.  He has successfully achieved Level 2 and 3 AAT Accounting Diplomas and is currently working towards his Level 4 Diploma, which he is due to complete in July. He works four days a week at Hybrid as well as attending college on day-release to conduct his studies.

South Cheshire College awards an 'Apprentice of the Year' prize on an annual basis, which recognises highly motivated and top performing apprentices who have excelled at college and in employment. Ashley also received a prize of £50 for his efforts and plans to join the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to continue his studies after the summer.

Hybrid’s accountant, Paul Westmacott, has been supervising Ashley since he joined the team 18 months ago and comments, “Ashley has excelled in both his AAT studies at South Cheshire College and also his work-based role here at Hybrid. He has become a very valued member of the accounts department and the wider Hybrid team â€" we are all very proud of what he has achieved.”

Ashley - who has lived in Crewe for most of his life - adds, "I've really enjoyed the apprenticeship because it has given me the chance to earn money, develop my accounting skills in the workplace and improve my qualifications at the same time.  The apprenticeship and accounting courses have helped me to get to where I want to go. I'd thought about going to university but I was put off a bit by the cost... this apprenticeship has been a win-win situation for me. I'm pleased to have won this award because it shows that I must be doing something right!"

Further details of South Cheshire College can be found at www.s-cheshire.ac.uk

For more information on Hybrid, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk

Hampshire Flag Company donates flags and banners to local hospice

Hampshire Flag Company has donated a wealth of flags and banners to support a charity which helps improve the lives of people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.  The flag manufacturer has supplied nine roller banners, two tear drop flags and 10 PVC banners to The Rowans Hospice, which is situated just a few miles away from the firm in Waterlooville.

The flags and banners will boost the charity's efforts to raise its profile and much-needed funds when they are used at a range of events throughout 2013.  These events include the Dying Matters Week taking place this month when The Rowans Hospice will have stands in the community to promote its Make-a-Will fortnight in June, the Moonlit Memories walk also in June, the Ruby Ride in September and the Great South Run in October. 
The banners will also be used by community groups at their own events to brand them as supporting The Rowans Hospice.

The teardrop flags are manufactured from knitted polyester on a DuPont Artistri 2020 machine and feature three designs including The Rowans Hospice logo. The roller banners are manufactured from polyester film on a DuPont Chromaprint machine.

Ann Cooper, Head of Communications at The Rowans Hospice said, “Once again the support from the Hampshire Flag team has been invaluable. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and willingness to donate so many promotional items free of charge.  The latest flags and banners look amazing and will certainly attract attention when they are displayed at the extensive line-up of events we have planned for this year.”

The Rowans Hospice was established in 1994 and has helped more than 7,000 patients and families across Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. This year the Hospice needs to raise over £4 million to continue its work.

Managing Director of Hampshire Flag Company, Graham Wilkinson, adds, “The Rowans Hospice plays such an important role and we are delighted to be supporting the charity again, especially as it's an intrinsic part of our community."

Hampshire Flag has provided on-going support for The Rowans Hospice - it provided five tear drop flags and five banner systems in 2011 and pull-up banners for Dorothy’s Dream, the appeal to raise £1 million for The Rowans Hospice at Home Appeal launched in September 2010.

Agfa Graphics to debut innovative wide format workflow and new UV printers at FESPA

Alongside an important series of new additions to its Anapurna and Jeti families of UV-curable wide-format printers, Agfa Graphics will also be announcing its Asanti PDF workflow for sign and display applications at FESPA 2013. These debuts strongly endorse the company's continuing investment and commitment to the wide-format digital print market.

“Agfa Graphics’ FESPA 2013 theme ‘Reliable outcome for a predictable income’ puts us in the position of our customers and their investments," states Willy Van Dromme, Manager Marketing Sign & Display at Agfa Graphics. "At FESPA 2013 we will demonstrate Asanti StoreFront and Asanti Production, automated workflow solutions that add web-to-print, color management and automatic pre-flighting to wide-format production. This workflow makes the equipment more system integrated and productive, and this will be demonstrated at FESPA."

The first new addition to the Anapurna family is the Anapurna M3200 RTR, a professionally built, mid-range and competitively priced 3.2m UV-curable roll-to-roll printer for the efficient production of premium quality banners and displays, such as backlits. Featuring a new generation of print heads, the system delivers unprecedented productivity and quality at an investment level previously unavailable in the market.

Another addition is the Anapurna M2500, offering the same versatility as the Anapurna 2050, with six colours and high density white in a 2.5m platform. The Anapurna M2500 supports both flexible and rigid substrates with its unique hybrid belt feeding option.

The Agfa Graphics :Jeti series is being represented with the new :Jeti Titan X, the most complete and versatile version in the :Jeti Titan portfolio. The flat-bed :Jeti Titan X enables its users to set up the printer according to the specific parameters of each print job, resulting in optimised productivity, quality and cost ratio. This new platform delivers optimal application versatility on a broad range of rigid and flexible substrates. It is ideal for print service providers serving the sign and display or packaging industry, as well as screen printers, offset and digital houses seeking to broaden their offerings.

"Agfa Graphics is displaying all new solutions at FESPA 2013", Willy Van Dromme confirms. "These complete our offering for users wanting to benefit from the versatility of our industry leading UV-curable printers combined with the benefits of a dedicated workflow."

Agfa Graphics is exhibiting at FESPA 2013 in ExCeL London Exhibition Centre South Hall Stand C30S, London 25-29 June 2013

[Image shows Agfa Anapurna M3200 RTR printer]

Caldera announces financial results

Wide-format software solutions provider Caldera is preparing to make strategic investments building on a highly successful period that has seen the company's turnover increase by 90 percent since 2008. Thanks to its core offering of 'world-class' RIP software and recent diversification into complementary markets such as workflow and digital signage, turnover for 2012 was over €7m. Caldera's strong growth has also seen its personnel numbers grow by 109 percent from 22 staff in 2008 to 57 in 2012.

Going forward, Caldera will prioritise the service area of its business to promote further growth, a part of its portfolio that has grown by 100 percent since 2009. In addition, the company will invest around €1m in expanding its headquarters by 800sqm to create a new training centre. The expansion will see the company recruit a further 30 people within the next three years.

"The growth of Caldera in recent years has been far greater than we might have expected given the global economic downturn, and goes to show that if you work hard to develop products that really meet the needs of your target market, you can succeed even under these difficult circumstances," says Joseph Mergui, chief executive, Caldera. "We have a loyal and satisfied customer base which trusts us to provide it with solutions for its unique demands, and that loyalty and trust is what has enabled us to become a leading player on the global stage with users in more than 60 countries."

In 2012, the company also incorporated a new US branch in an effort to broaden its global footprint. With six employees joining Caldera Inc since the commencement of its activities in May 2012, the US subsidiary has generated turnover of more than $1m - a very healthy and confident start in a very competitive market. Already 80 percent of Caldera's total turnover comes from outside of its home nation of France, and the company is aiming to increase this with a strategic focus on key markets.

"Caldera is now in a very strong position for the future, and we believe that our investment in new premises and the projected growth of our American branch will only serve to further boost our turnover," says Joseph Mergui. "Our growth is good news for our customers too, as it shows that the market in general is in good health. They might find that the demand from their own customers is changing, but with solutions like Variable Display™, Caldera’s unique solution to mix digital signage and print, we have anticipated this and offered wide-format print providers a unique add-on sales proposition. With continued investment and development, there are plenty more opportunities ripe for exploitation and we will aim to provide our users with the tools to do so."

'Low-cost, no-risk' web sales platform offered to PaperlinX Commercial Print Division customers

PaperlinX has launched a new service designed to provide commercial printers with a low-cost, no-risk revenue stream.  The company is providing customers within its Commercial Print Division with a fully optimised and customised online platform to sell packaging, paper and other media to their existing clients. The bespoke branded web storefront will initially provide customers’ clients with access to over 500 new product lines and the plan is to continue adding to the range, in direct response to customer demand.

The service is positioned to help printers open up new business opportunities and deliver an alternative revenue stream without significant investment. PaperlinX UK Managing Director Phil Carr says, “We expect that print volumes will continue to decline which is all the more reason why we’re focused on helping our customers to explore new ways in which to grow their business. This is a fantastic low-cost, no-risk opportunity and one that won’t tie up their much-needed cash.”

As a major global provider, PaperlinX has unparalleled expertise, buying power and logistical clout, and as it’s wholly independent and non-mill owned, also has the added advantage of being product agnostic.

“Our scope, skill and critical mass are available to customers; we’re able to expand our product offering in direct response to demand and will pick, pack and ship all orders on their behalf. There’s no requirement to invest in stock or warehousing for example, they simply utilise our infrastructure and just resell, earning a healthy commission per order placed that’s paid monthly as a rebate to their account,” said Carr.

Printers tapping into the service will benefit from PaperlinX’s existing nationwide logistics network that includes 24 distribution hubs and a 250-strong energy efficient transport fleet that delivers nationwide daily. And, all stock products featured on the webstore are available for next day delivery to almost anywhere in the UK.

At the end of last year, PaperlinX confirmed its commitment to helping customers add value to their business, enhancing the sales function of its three merchants with the roll-out of a new customer-centric unified account management team, to better meet customers’ changing needs. Through dedicated account management the merchant group now provides
customers with access to the Group’s entire product portfolio through one point of contact. 

“We are continuing to adapt our structure to enable us to meet the needs and challenges of an ever-shifting market and this latest development reaffirms our dedication to revitalising and improving efficiency within our operations, building a business that’s fit for future growth and one which has the customer at its heart,” said Carr.

PaperlinX is to roll out the initiative across Europe, later this year.

POD Iberia to launch four new MTEX Digital Textile Printers at FESPA 2013

Following the successful first UK outing of the MTEX 1800 at Sign & Digital UK last month, the new direct to textile 1.8m entry level textile printer will have its first European showing at FESPA on stands E35N and E30N.  POD Iberia will show the new direct-to-fabric sublimation printing solution with integrated fixation on its stand at the show. The affordable machine means signmakers and graphic display professionals can print and fix durable, colourfast textiles using one footprint in an all-in-one solution.

With a printing speed of up to 65sqm per hour and resolutions up to 1440dpi, the MTEX 1800 saves time and money with little or no waste due to its direct to textile nature. No need to print onto paper and then transfer, this new MTEX 1800 is a true textile printer, designed specifically for the sign and display market.

Main features of the solution include:

• 2 x Epson DX6 print heads
• Printing speed up to 65 sqm
• Printing width up to 1800 mm
• 1440 dpi maximum resolution
• 2-litre ink bulk system
• Synchronised roll feeding system
• Integrated Infrared Fixation Unit
• Dye-base sublimation inks
• Electro-pneumatic device system

The MTEX 500 is also being shown at the show. For the first time in the UK, visitors to the stand will be able to see the MTEX 500 - a revolutionary new digital textile printer aimed specifically at the fashion and garment textile industry. Its adhesive belt was designed to hold knitted and woven fabrics and as such is a very exciting development in the MTEX range of direct-to-textile printers.

It comes in two versions â€" the MTEX 500P  and the MTEX 500C.  The MTEX 500P is specially adapted for polyamides, lycras and stretched fabrics, has a unique feeding system and an integrated horizontal dryer.  The MTEX 500C is for non-stretched fabrics.  Both offer the possibility to print on a huge range of textiles including cotton, polyamides, silks and nylon, making the MTEX 500 one of the most versatile direct to textile printers currently available.

Main features of the MTEX 500 include:

 

• 6 x Ricoh G5 print heads
• 80 sqm printing speed in quality mode (4 pass. / 600 x 600 dpi), maximum printing speed up to 120 sqm
• Printing width up to 1800 mm
• Adhesive belt for knitted and woven fabrics
• Automatic Washing belt device
• Infrared drying system
• 2-litre ink bulk system
• Synchronised roll feeding system

Finally, MTEX will also be revealing two new additional machines on the first day of the FESPA show. All will be revealed at 10am on Tuesday the 25th of June on stands E35N and E30N.  All MTEX has revealed at present is that one product will 'blast competitors away with a “turbo” engine' and the other is a 'superwide sublimation machine'.

[Image shows MTEX 1800 printer]

Josero sells first Bubble Free Applicator at Sign UK

Josero has announced that it sold its first Bubble Free Applicator at Sign & Digital UK 2013. The Bubble Free Applicator allows a single operator to mount and laminate a wide range of materials in super fast time whilst eliminating the danger of bubbles or creases. Mounting and laminating can be onto any flat surface up to 60mm thick.

The Applicator was purchased by Mida Sign Services UK who specialise in installing and maintaining all types of signage, graphics and banners throughout the UK and Europe. Established 25 years ago the company delivers creative solutions for high profile clients such as Walls and Lidl as well as small organisations such as Bolton College.

James Jarvis, Operations Manager of Mida Sign Services comments, “As our production arm of the business continues to expand we looked at the Bubble Free Applicator as a great way to increase our production capacity whilst improving the quality of our in-house finishing. We now supply a vast amount of clients with both print and installation services offering a simple and easy way for them to do business on a national basis. We were really impressed with the build quality and the simplicity of the Bubble Free Applicator. It is so user friendly compared to other applicators on the market and that really appealed to us. We are always in the market for ways to improve our services and the Bubble Free Applicator will certainly help us to achieve that.”

Josero became the exclusive UK dealer for the Bubble Free Applicator earlier this year, and has since worked closely with the manufacturer to promote the machine in the UK.  It is 100% designed and manufactured in Europe and the pneumatic components are high quality German made HAFNER and FESTO parts. There are very few electronic parts giving an extremely high degree of reliability.

The Applicator is available in three widths - 1500mm, 1700mm and 2200mm - giving a maximum working width of 7 metres. Custom sizing is available on request. Rollers have 15mm of soft rubber ensuring bubble free application. All the adjustments on the machine are easy to reach and as the Applicator can be operated from either side it gives much more flexibility on installation. With adjustable wheels the table can be moved easily or fixed in one place.

Loic Delor, Managing Director of Josero concludes, “There was a great deal of interest in the Bubble Free Applicator at Sign UK and we expect more sales to come through the enquiries made at the show. The Applicator will also be on display on Stand C46S at Fespa so visitors will be able to see what a great product it is for themselves.”

For more information on Josero, please visit www.josero.com

For more information on Mida Sign Services UK Ltd, please visit www.bannersandgraphics.co.uk

SAi to demo new productivity and workflow solutions at FESPA

SA International (SAi) will use FESPA 2013 to demonstrate recently-introduced solutions designed to increase the productivity and workflow of large-format printing and signmaking businesses.   On show at SAi’s stand (H45S) and showcased for the first time at a major international tradeshow will be the SAi Flexi Cloud and SAi PhotoPRINT Cloud, which include useful web-based tools that enhance the way sign and print providers do business.

The two new Cloud solutions, which bring state-of-the-art, web-based capability and added-value functionality to SAi's best-known brands, will feature alongside the award-winning SAi PixelBlasterâ„¢ print-to-finish production software for large-format print businesses.

The feature-rich SAi FlexiFAMILY software offers a solution for any signmaking business, from design to output with integrated job management, while the SAi PhotoPRINT RIP software offers an affordable, easy-to-use print-and-cut solution for large-format print businesses. SAi Flexi Cloud and SAi PhotoPRINT Cloud add a new dimension to these popular software packages by making production management simple from local and remote locations using a Cloud Web Window that sits on a user's desktop display.

Three significant tools of the Cloud Web Window that enable increased productivity comprise Job Reports, a tool that provides job summary and analysis; Cloud Storage for uploading and archiving design jobs for backup, sharing and retrieval; and FlexiQuoteâ„¢, a pre-loaded database with standard pricing that can create customer quotes for new jobs within 30 seconds.

SAi Flexi Cloud and SAi PhotoPRINT Cloud also includes a free, companion mobile application, SAi Cloud mobile app, which provides businesses owners with remote access to valuable production information while on the road or away from the office. SAi is the first RIP manufacturer to offer such a mobile application, which is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices.

Standardised printing to the large format sector

SAi also delivers standardised printing to the large-format sector with its award-winning SAi PixelBlaster. As a genuine end-to-end system , SAi PixelBlaster guides jobs through every stage of the production process â€" from file verification, job preparation, color management, RIP to analog or digital (CTS to screen), output check, and finally printing and automated finishing. It can also ensure that in multi-printing device environments, each printer automatically generates exactly the same output quality and color regardless of brand of hardware, the type of inks or the substrates used.

In addition, SAi will demonstrate its SAi EnRouteâ„¢ CAD/CAM software for the CNC signmaking and manufacturing industries. This industry-leading 3D CAD/CAM Suite features an easy-to-use interface designed to undertake detailed 3D work with surface creation and texturing.

"SAi is looking forward to returning to FESPA, where in conjunction with our partners, we will demonstrate our latest feature-rich software packages that offer a multitude of in-built, performance-enhancing attributes to maximise design and production,” says Sarit Tichon, Senior VP, Worldwide Sales & Marketing at SAi.

SAi’s software solutions will also be exhibited by CNC World (P50S), Esko-Graphics (F35S), Graphtec GB (Q67S), J-D (J60S), Mutoh (M20S) and Zund Systemtechnik (C20S).