Canon wins six BERTL BEST of 2011 awards

Canon has received six 2011 BEST awards from industry analysts BERTL, Inc., affirming its commitment to delivering industry-leading performance and reliability across its entire imaging portfolio.

Based on a survey by BERTL's product experts, Canon was recognised with BEST Awards for individual solutions from the Canon imageRUNNER and imageRUNNER ADVANCE multifunctional device (MFD) and imagePROGRAF large format printer product lines, as well as uniFLOW, Canon’s print and scanning management solution. In addition, the Company received Product Line of the Year awards for the imageRUNNER, imageRUNNER ADVANCE and imagePROGRAF lines.

Recognised for delivering outstanding image quality, value and performance, BERTL BEST Awards were awarded to Canon in the following categories:

Best Office Multifunctional Line of the Year

• Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030i, Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5051, Canon imageRUNNER 2530i and Canon imageRUNNER C1028iF

Best Segment 2 A3 Colour Multifunctional Printer

• Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030i

Best Device Management Solution

• Canon uniFLOW V5.0

Best Wide Format Product Line of the Year

• Canon imagePROGRAF 8300S
• Canon imagePROGRAF 6300S

Best 44-inch Graphic Arts Large Format Printer

• Canon imagePROGRAF 8300S

Best Colour Light Production Device

• Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C9070 PRO

“We are delighted to have received these awards across our imaging solution portfolio. The 2011 BERTL Best Awards are testament to our focus on innovation, as well as our commitment to ensuring our customers are provided with the finest tools to enhance their output capabilities” said Paul Rowntree, European & UK Product Marketing Director, Office Imaging Products, Canon Europe Ltd.

“The awards also reflect the success of our individual ranges, particularly the imageRUNNER and imageRUNNER ADVANCE platforms, which proved extremely popular with our customers in 2011, but also Canon’s ability to provide a complete imaging solution incorporating hardware and software.”

Commenting on the awards received by the large format Canon imagePROGRAF range, Yuichi Miyano, Director of Large Format Solutions, Canon Europe said, “A perfect balance between speed, quality and cost of the imagePROGRAF iPF6300S and iPF8300S has made these devices extremely successful since their launch in early 2011, something that is reflected in the two BERTL Best awards for imagePROGRAF products.”

Art Wynne, president BERTL, Inc. adds, "BERTL's analysts were extremely impressed with the performance of Canon's devices throughout the Fall 2011 voting session. It is evident that Canon is fully dedicated and committed to offering customers the highest quality products throughout their entire product lineup, and these awards are a reflection of that dedication and commitment."

For more information on Canon, please visit www.canon.com

[photo shows Canon imagePROGRAF 8300S]

Greenshires deploys Epson Stylus Pro 9700 printers for pre-proofing system

Greenshires, one of the UK’s largest producers of sophisticated marketing materials and supplier of fulfilment solutions, has installed a Digital Information Pre-proofer system that uses two Epson Stylus Pro 9700 printers to provide duplex printing of imposed proofs at sheet sizes up to 44 inches wide.

Installed by specialist reseller Bodoni Systems, the Pre-proofer links the two Epson wide-format printers together both mechanically and electronically so that precise doubled-sided proofs can be printed for subsequent folding and trimming to produce complete paginated proofs and product mock-ups.

The Pre-proofer combines two Epson Stylus Pro printers, either 7700/7900 models for 24-inch width output or 9700/9900 for 44-inch, in a stable platform.  A paper guide links the two printers so that one side and then the reverse can be printed in a single operation. Special duplex paper is used which is available in a range of types and weights. Control and data management are provided by Digital Information’s DI-Plot proofing software, which accepts ROOM (RIP once output many) data in a variety of popular data formats and from a range of prepress workflow systems. It can apply ICC-based colour management independently to both printers for colour-critical applications as necessary.

Peter Tayler, studio manager at Greenshires’ Leicester site, agrees about the Epson quality.  “We already had an Epson Stylus Pro 9900 which we use for Matchprint proofs and so we had confidence in the product quality. When we researched the market there were really only two options but the Pre-proofer was the more up-to-date solution. We particular like the electronic registration concept where a camera reads a registration strip printed on the first side in order to accurately align the printing of the second side, instead of relying on mechanical methods."

He continues, “We have been routinely pre-proofing each job for content, position and imposition checking, for either account handler or direct client sign-off, for years. Previously, we were printing two sheets single-sided and sticking them together, which was very labour-intensive. The Pre-proofer solution is quieter, neater and is saving us a lot of time and therefore labour costs. We’re getting great quality results and there are useful options to trade off print quality against speed of output, which helps as these proofs are often needed urgently. It all helps us to put a much improved product in front of our clients.”

Ian Reid at Bodoni comments, “Although there are other duplex printer offerings on the market, the Digital Information Pre-proofer is the most reliable and professional solution we have found, based on the proven reliability of Epson’s Stylus Pro printers.”

Chris Davies, Account Manager, Pro Graphics, at Epson says, “The Pre-proofer installation at Greenshires is a great example of how clever third-party integration and control software, combined with the flexibility and quality of Epson Stylus Pro printers, can enhance productivity and quality in professional production environments to give companies the maximum return on their investment.”

Developed by Digital Information of Zurich, the Pre-proofer is available exclusively through Bodoni Systems in the UK.

Olympics regenerating local businesses? Not from where I'm sat!

In the first ‘Your View’ feature of 2012, Peter French, Projects Manager, at SignTec Ltd Signmakers in Chelmsford, Essex, questions the Olympics’ promise to regenerate local businesses in London and the South East.

Peter says:

“As we get ever closer to the opening of the London Games, I'm surprised that I haven't had people beating a path to my door for signs and advertising.   Didn't someone say that these games would be good for London and the South East?

Well, I'm in the South East and I've not even seen a glimmer of even the smallest bit of Olympic signage work.

Has anyone in the South East managed to secure any business from the Olympics?  I know that one company in Southend managed to pick up some work on the Mountain Bike course, but where is the rest of it?

Didn't I hear that half the world’s population would be descending on this country and how tourism, the arts, sport and the hot food vendors would benefit?  Surely this would have generated plenty of work for all the local sign and display businesses?

For anyone that tried to register with the Olympic organisers, you have my sympathy.  The process was so complicated and protracted; I must admit that I lost interest before the end of the questionnaire.

What these people don't realise is that a small signmaker like us doesn't have spare resources who can sit at a desk all day filling out forms, working through accreditations, talking to lawyers and accountants.  We're SIGNMAKERS!  We make signs.  That is how we earn a living. We're not big corporations with teams of administrators. In fact, gone are the days when you could afford to employ someone for holiday cover, let alone spend the day filling out numerous (pointless?) forms.

To my mind, the only winner in this game is the franchise business.  This is where the franchise holders can really benefit.  They will have the franchisor working on their behalf to secure work relating to the Olympics and then share out the work to local businesses.  They will get their share in the commissions, so it’s a win-win situation.

But the little signmaker doesn't really stand a chance.  Yes, we've spoken to people; Yes, we've put our name around; Yes, we’ve given away products in the right areas to be noticed, but sadly, still no Olympic work.

Business rates are about to go up and the price of diesel will be the highest ever in a day or so.  Our landlord is about to increase rent from April and the price of materials seems to keep going up every time we order. We were going to upgrade our Anapurna, but the proposed £25K trade in last year is only £10K this year. Our overdue accounts book is growing and even the price of a bacon sandwich at the local snack bar has increased by 7p, so there’s no solace there either.

I don't mean to sound down-hearted, but what on earth is going on?   Shouldn't every small business at least get a crack at some Olympic funding?  It’s our taxes that pay for it, so isn't it right to get something back?

It also begs the question: where exactly is the Olympic signage work actually going then, if not to the local businesses?  My guess is that whilst the local sign trade businesses have been overlooked, the majority of the work has gone up North - where the rates and rent are a fraction of what they are in the South East, and consequently, the price of products is significantly less...

Anyway, that’s enough ranting from me.  I must press on if I am to get home before 8 tonight.”

About Peter French: Peter has been working in the sign industry for 9 years having spent a lifetime in IT. Specialising in kick-starting businesses, Peter worked in many diverse business sectors.  For most of the time at Signtec he has been at the forefront of large format printing with both solvent and UV technologies.

Signs Express shortlisted for seven Sign & Digital UK 2012 Awards

Signs Express has been shortlisted in seven categories of the Sign & Digital UK 2012 Awards.  With over 75 franchise sign centres, the company has demonstrated its success during 2011 with a wide range of high quality projects.

Alan Caddick of Sign & Digital UK, organiser of the Awards, comments, “The awards entries were of an exceptional standard and displayed some of the best creative talent in the industry. Competition was high and the judging panel of industry experts had a real challenge to narrow down the nominations to produce the final shortlist”.

Signs Express received two nominations for the ‘sign company of the year’ award for its Gateshead and Falkirk franchises. Both centres have taken their businesses to new heights and the latest recognition follows success in the British Franchise Association franchisee of the year awards in 2011 and 2010 respectively.

During 2011, Signs Express (Gateshead) owner Malcolm Lant used his strong business focus to capitalise on opportunities to showcase the Signs Express brand including offering free branded banners to supporting crowds at the X Factor final which appeared both on the local news and on the X Factor final itself. He has also used local influence to raise valuable funds for a local charity Ben4Ben which included organising a trek to Ben Nevis. Activities raised a total of £40,000 to send a 5 year old boy for life changing surgery enabling him to learn to walk.

Steve McMurray, owner of Signs Express (Falkirk), has achieved considerable business growth and has an enviable level of repeat business. Offering specialised products including signage for 30 offshore wind farms in the particularly difficult conditions of the North Sea and a range of bi-lingual signs for Ski resorts in the area, Steve and his team have developed customer relationships through excellent customer service working as supply partners on both long and short term projects. His support for Age Scotland is an indication of the business’ strive to support the local community.

Signs Express (Manchester) also impressed the judging panel with two nominations in ‘individual sign project’ and ‘multiple sign project’ for 10+ employees. Its striking monolith for Princes Dock takes centre stage at the regenerated dockland and an ongoing contract with world-leading cycling team Sky Pro Cycling has seen the sign making team travel across Europe to provide a wide range of vehicle graphics and supporting signage.

Named as a finalist in both the ‘individual sign project’ and ‘multiple sign project categories’ for 1-9 employees, Signs Express (Leeds) has completed some striking work during 2011.  Its innovative solution for floating halo illuminated signage on behalf of Hush Puppies to a glass fronted retail store has lead to additional work with the leading brand and a wide range of sign solutions provided to Bridgewater Place prestigious development in Leeds shows a true understanding of the needs of their customer. 

Signs Express (Peterborough) was named as a finalist for ‘vehicle wrapping project of the year’ after working with local theatre arts company Top Hex. With the design completed in house, the client reports a great reaction from their target audience to the graphics which feature full colour digitally printed graphics depicting dancing legs â€" a bright and colourful contrast covering three quarters of the black vehicle.

Commenting on receiving the news of the extensive finalist positions, Signs Express Managing Director Craig Brown said, “We are delighted to hear the news and wish all of the finalists every success in the awards. We are very proud of the high quality work we complete on behalf of our clients and always strive to achieve the best possible results from our signs and graphics, understanding the needs of the customer and ensuring our solutions match the objective."

He continued, “Signs and graphics are one of the most powerful advertising tools and are very cost effective, with many solutions having a long life. In a recent survey of over 1000 businesses, 94% of past customers would recommend Signs Express* â€" testament to our strong brand reputation for providing excellent quality products which exceed customer expectations.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony being held at the National Motorcycle Museum on the 28th March. The ceremony is being held on the evening of the middle day of the Sign & Digital UK exhibition, held at the NEC.

For further information on Signs Express, please visit www.signsexpress.co.uk

*Survey of 1085 businesses, conducted July 2011, independently verified.

Epson strengthens position in digital textile printing

Epson has announced that its Italian subsidiary - Epson Italia S.p.A. - will take a 50% share in For.Tex S.R.L. of Como, Italy. For.Tex is a leader in textile printing, and the move strengthens Epson’s efforts to establish itself in the digital textile printing market.

Located in the heart of the Italian textile industry, For.Tex specialises in sales of textile printing inks, manufacturing and sales of treatment agents used in textile printing processes and digital textile printing chemical consulting. The Italian company has worked closely with Epson since 2003, when Epson entered the market by jointly developing the Monna Lisa digital textile printer with Robustelli of Italy.

The two companies plan to work closely together to help customers improve the quality of their products and the efficiency of their work processes. For.Tex will be responsible for marketing textile printing, selling dedicated Monna Lisa inks developed by Epson and manufacturing and selling treatment agents that work in perfect combination with both the inks and textiles.

Textile printing is shifting rapidly from analogue to digital, with the latter forecasted to grow by 400% between 2010 and 2015. Epson will take on a 50% share of For.Tex with the aim of further cementing its presence in the textile printing market. The investment will bring together Epson’s core inkjet printing technology and global sales and service network with For.Tex’ expertise in textile printing marketing, consulting, and printing processes. With the ultimate aim of expanding the market for digital textile printing, the companies’ goal is to work together to create superior products with new textiles, colours and patterns, and provide proposals and service that will illustrate to customers the advantages of digital textile printing.

“We are delighted to announce this agreement with For.Tex,” said Minoru Usui, Epson’s corporate president. “It’s another example of how Epson is seeking to leverage its core Micro Piezo technology to provide enhanced value to new customers in fields as diverse as proofing, signage, commercial photography, production and industry. Both Epson and For.Tex are leaders in their respective fields, and this tie-up provides a superb opportunity to expand the market for digital textile printing.”

“Cooperating with an international company such as Epson has given us the opportunity to enter the growing global digital textile market, and take on new and positive challenges,” said Pietro Roncoroni, president of For. Tex. “Epson’s decision to take 50% share of our company is a sign we are moving in the right direction. In the future we will focus on expanding the digital textile printing market with the aim of offering customers enhanced printing quality.”

Epson’s corporate vision calls for the company to leverage its core technologies to provide products and services that exceed the vision of customers worldwide. An essential part of this strategy is tailoring Epson’s core Micro Piezo inkjet printing technology to the needs of customers in textile printing and other commercial and industrial domains.

Major product launches set for Sign & Digital UK

There are a number of significant new launches set to take place at this year's Sign & Digital UK event.  Some of the new products getting their first ever UK outing the show include:

Agfa Graphics' :Anapurna M2540 FB and :Anapurna M2050 printers

The new 2.54 x 1.54m :Anapurna M2540 FB is a dedicated flat-bed printer with a photo quality engine, featuring six colours plus white, which ensures highly durable prints with excellent adhesion on a multitude of substrates. Also showing for the first time in the UK is the 2.05m :Anapurna M2050 which has quickly become a best seller as a highly cost-effective platform for companies wanting to produce top quality graphics. Users also benefit from its UV-curable output and the ability to print direct to 2 x 3m rigid and 2m wide flexible materials.

Océ Arizona 318 GL UV flatbed

Océ will be hosting the first UK public showing of its new Arizona 318 GL UV flatbed, the latest development in the Océ Arizona Series. The Océ Arizona 318 GL system is a highly-capable introductory UV flatbed model that offers smaller print producers entry to the world of high-quality UV flatbed printing.

Mimaki JV400-LX latex printer

Mimaki will host the UK and Irish launch of the Mimaki JV400-LX latex printer. The new Mimaki JV400-130LX and JV400-160LX feature state of the art Mimaki latex inks and are the first machines to incorporate Mimaki’s cutting edge print engine.

Fujifilm Acuity LED 1600

Fujifilm will showcase its latest LED UV printer â€" the Acuity LED 1600 â€" for the first time in the UK at Sign & Digital UK 2012. The LED UV printer will be joined by Fujifilm's new XMF web-to-print system and a wide range of innovative euromedia products.

Epson SureColor SC-S30600

Epson will demonstrate the SureColor SC-S30600 for the first time in the UK at Sign & Digital UK 2012. The new 64-inch SureColor SC-S30600 is a four-colour printer which has been designed from the ground up to offer efficient and environmentally-friendly signage print production.

Zund S3 cutter

Zund UK will hold the UK launch of S3 â€" a ground-breaking and super fast cutter. With a revolutionary direct-drive system, the S3 is built for speed. The new cutter excels with unprecedented price/performance as well as exceptional productivity.

Antalis McNaughton range of wide format media

Antalis McNaughton will be unveiling an exciting new pan-European range of wide format papers, self adhesives, banners, textiles and wallpaper suitable for indoor and outdoor applications .

InkTec's Jetrix 2030

InkTec Europe will be hosting the European launch of the latest addition to the Jetrix range of UV printers, the new Jetrix 2030.  This is billed as the fastest printer yet in the Jetrix range.

There will be many other launches and industry firsts at the event.  To pre-register for Sign & Digital 2012, please visit www.signanddigitaluk.com.

Hexacomb introduces improved version of Falconboard Build display media

Hexacomb is introducing a new superior performing version of its Falconboardâ„¢ Build paper-based graphic display board to the European market place. The product, which has been structurally engineered for demanding three-dimensional point-of-purchase (POP) applications, now features improved performance via whiter and easier-to-print board facings.

“We listened to our customers’ needs and made changes to the Build product. We incorporated a whiter substrate with a smoother printing surface while still maintaining Falconboard’s flatter, preferred ‘green’ position,” said Jeff Kellar, president, Hexacomb.

The whiter liner offers better colour contrast and improved ink adhesion which provides the ideal surface for eye-popping graphics. The new facings also make the board easier to fabricate into the desired shapes, while still maintaining its structural rigidity. (Falconboard Build standard dimensions are 1220 x 2440 mm and 1400 x 3050 mm, both 16 mm thick.) 

“We are continuously evaluating our products to make sure we are delivering optimum performance while minimising environmental profile.  We believe that our new Falconboard Build structure meets both of those objectives,” said Kellar. “Further, our ability to manage the production process and drive out cost, also makes this an affordable product.”

To help users create Falconboard Build structures that meet their point-of-sale requirements, Hexacomb distributors will be offering accessories such as edge tape, screws, hangers, etc. Hexacomb also provides technical support for questions related to Falconboard Build fabrication and printing issues.

Falconboard Build is produced via a Forest Stewardship Council-certified manufacturing process at its Ermelo, Netherlands facility. The proprietary structure features an engineered paper core laminated with water-based adhesives to a bright white liner for superior printing. (The liner has been certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.) 

Produced chlorofluorocarbon-free, Falconboard Build emits zero volatile organic compounds during manufacturing. The 100% paper-based product is made from renewable resources (53% recycled fibre content) and is recyclable to provide the perfect blend of structural performance and environmental stewardship. 

Falconboard Build offers superior print capability for digital applications in a variety of wide formats.  Screen printing also is possible either directly onto the surface or via lamination depending on printer capability.

Its structural characteristics (strong, flat and rigid), enable improved performance and give designers more creative options compared to foam board, wood and corrugated. Falconboard Build’s weight-bearing attributes are ideal for “spectaculars”â€"large format point-of-sale displays that typically span several metersâ€"and semi-permanent structures traditionally made from wood and metal.   

Falconboard Build has been designed to offer brand owners a strong, non-petroleum-based option to market heavier/bulkier products at point-of-purchase. These include a variety of food and beverage products (such as liquor or soft-drink bottles, heavier food packages); lawn and garden items; consumer electronics; toys; books, etc.

At the end of its lifecycle, POP displays made from Falconboard Build can simply be included in the retail facilities’ paper waste stream.  Most have compactors on site which bale paper-based products for sale to a recycler. 

Additionally, Falconboard™ resists bending or warping, is heat-resistant to 80 degrees Celsius and is lightweight. The display board accommodates most inks and adhesives, as well as commercial connective systems such as edge tape and plastic or metal edging/channels.  Printing capabilities include a variety of wide formats and digital processes.