Avery Dennison to 'explore future of graphics solutions' at FESPA 2013

Avery Dennison will be 'exploring a creative commercial future for converters of self-adhesive graphics and top-quality end results for its customers' within its portfolio of innovations on show at FESPA 2013, Stand A44S.

Sustainable PVC-free films

A new, patented range of self-adhesive graphics substrates that are PVC-free and environmentally-friendly will be launched at the show:  Avery Dennison TrueImpact™ films.     These films represent timely first steps in responding to demand for sustainable solutions in the graphics arena, as in all other aspects of today’s consumer society.    Already piloted with key innovation partners, TrueImpact films are PVC- and phthalate-free, and make significant contributions to a reduced environmental footprint.

Visitors to FESPA can evaluate the first TrueImpact products for themselves: Avery Dennison TMP7000 print films, with their partner range of digital overlaminates, Avery TOL 7000 films.   Featuring the patented multi-polymer construction, they offer a bespoke five-year-life prescription for digital (solvent, eco-solvent, UV and latex) and screen (solvent and UV) printing applications for indoor use.  Suitable for flat and slightly-curved surfaces, they represent a viable sustainable alternative to polymeric calendered PVC films, and are available with gloss or matt overlaminate, and the choice of permanent and removable adhesives as well as Avery Easy Apply™ technology.

Avery Dennison TrueImpact 7000 series films are the first steps in a major exploration by Avery Dennison of sustainable alternatives to existing graphics products.

Supreme Wrapping films

Possibly the most fashion-orientated self-adhesive graphics market today is vehicle wrapping â€" and here Avery Dennison is showing a further extension of 19 new colours and finishes to the Supreme Wrapping Films range.   The product’s name is a true reflection of the exceptional performance profile of these films, since recent industry benchmarking has proved that it is, indeed, the top-performing wrapping film available.

New for latex inks

Avery Dennison’s respected range of cast films for multi-purpose inkjet print now features a new stand-alone film for HP Latex inks and printer platform:  Avery Dennison MPI 1950 Latex Cast.   Available with high gloss and matt overlaminates, the white film’s long-life applied performance features 3D conformability; and smooth, fast, easy application is guaranteed with Avery Easy Apply adhesive technology.

Ever-growing collaborative services

The Avery Dennison stand at FESPA will also feature the ‘foundations’ on which the company’s product developments are built:  a collaborative service platform with, and for, their customers.   As part of a global manufacturing corporation ranked 367 in the 2012 Fortune 500, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions continues to focus on enhancing its portfolio of expert services to customers at all levels â€" to distributors, printers, and signmakers;  end-user clients;  and designers, architects,  and corporate identity consultants around the world.    The online Avery Academy â€" featured on the FESPA stand â€" provides online training for professionals in the industry, and currently has over 6,000 registered users in EMEA alone.   The custom Colour Matching Service and  the global network of Avery Dennison specialist converters and installers are just two other aspects of the company’s support services about which FESPA visitors can learn on Stand A44S.

GMG releases GMG ColorServer 4.8 incorporating Paper Adaptation tool

GMG has released GMG ColorServer 4.8, an updated version of its popular colour management software.  New features include adjusting data to match proofs to actual production stock, and printing directly to a Windows printer from a PDF file hotfolder

GMG ColorServer provides superior, easy-to-use, colour management. It delivers consistent and repeatable colour results to all output processes - offset, gravure, and digital print as well as online digital displays. It automates the transformation of RGB, CMYK, spot colours and mixed data to a standard, definable output colour space. With GMG ColorServer, data from different sources will behave identically on the press. The result is a marked reduction in makeready times and paper waste.

GMG gamut mapping ensures that colours are ideally converted between different colour spaces. GMG’s DeviceLink approach avoids drawbacks of ICC technology, such as reseparation of the black channel. A completely new set of profiles makes GMG ColorServer 4.8 a plug-and-play solution that covers all-important international printing standards.

“Given the nature of content distribution, while GMG ColorServer is used predominantly for print, we are finding that many companies are also using GMG ColorServer for online colour, converting files to RGB. Just as brand and product colours must match in a printed brochure, packaging or display, they should also reproduce as accurately as possible on a monitor’s web page or mobile device,” explains Michael Farkas, GMG Marketing Director.

“While we have added many new features to GMG ColorServer 4.8, GMG has two new, particularly helpful tools,” adds Farkas. “The first is the Paper Adaptation tool, our solution to help print houses overcome the problems of a mismatch between the paper tint of the proof according to ISOcoatedV2, GRACoL, JapanColor or any other standard, and the white point of the actual paper they will print. With this tool you just pick the colour of your substrate and ColorServer will adapt the data to match the proof. This solves a common problem experienced at almost every printing facility throughout the world. Also, GMG ColorServer can now output files from a PDF hot folder directly to any Windows printer.”

A number of other features for the conversion of PDF files have been updated within GMG ColorServer 4.8. The most significant improvements include:

 

• The separation of spot colours to a late binding CMYK: It is now possible to accurately convert spot colours into a large printer gamut.
• Improved Image compression: All flattened images can be treated with either ZIP or JPEG compression, considerably reducing file size.
• Revised sharpening is done in the target colour space of the last colour management step, typically in CMYK, and can be set more precisely.

In addition to the Paper Adaptation Tool, GMG ColorServer 4.8 contains all new RGB-to-CMYK separation profiles that are now part of GMG normalisation.

“GMG ColorProof 4.8 takes an important step into the future of colour management. We have been listening carefully to our customers,” concludes Farkas. “Not only have we added requested features. We acknowledge that our customers are getting involved in more facets of print - digital printing is certainly a significant trend that requires careful attention to colour. However, our customers are also offering more online services, requiring their own careful colour management. Our customers understand that GMG ColorServer is an all-encompassing solution.”

GMG ColorServer 4.8 is available immediately through the company’s extensive global network of resellers.

FESPA 2013 to act as launchpad for 3M's Envision Brand

3M has announced it will be participating at FESPA 2013.  The event will act as a launchpad for the Envision Brand from 3M, incorporating a new product line that offers leading edge technology and best-in-class performance with a sustainability edge.  On stand C15S, visitors will be taken on a visual journey through a dynamic street scene incorporating a host of displays demonstrating 3M highly comprehensive portfolio of graphic solutions for vehicle customisation, building signage, architectural design, rail and fleet livery applications. Plus, 3M is principle sponsor and media supplier to FESPA’s Wrap Cup Masters Series, designed to encourage, recognise and promote excellence in the global vehicle wrapping community.

New Envision product lines

The first two product innovations within the game-changing Envision brand will be unveiled at FESPA.  Introducing the next generation wrap film â€" Envision Print Wrap Film 480Cv3 and Envision Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8548G from 3M â€" and the first graphic films that optimise LED light â€" Envision Translucent Films and Envision Diffuser Films from 3M.

The Envision 480Cv3 and Envision Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8548G outperform not just non-PVC wrap films, but all wrap films for applications that demand outstanding performance. For example, cars, trailers, trucks, boats, buses, motorbikes and textured walls. The wrap film is highly conformable, installs in extreme temperatures, has high tensile strength for faster removal, and offers exceptional clarity, durability, easy repositionability and comprehensive ink compatibility. Graphic installers can also benefit from the wrap film’s sustainable edge. It is non-PVC which reduces issues with incineration and pollution control; no chlorine or other halogens are added during manufacturing; it is Phthalate-free; is made in part with bio-based materials and uses less solvent.

The Envision Translucent Films and Envision Diffuser Films are industry breakthroughs, letting graphics manufacturers and sign builders achieve maximum sign face brightness while requiring fewer light sources. This reduces maintenance, power and running costs, while providing the vivid appearance that customers expect when they visit banks, retail outlets, hotels, quick-service restaurants, petrol stations and other points of interest. While specially optimised for use with LEDs, the efficient diffusers and translucent films are also compatible with fluorescent lights. The diffuser films are available with two levels of light transmission â€" 50 per cent and 60 per cent â€" to manage sign face brightness. The translucent films are available in standard colours, custom colours and as an inkjet printable form.

Stand visitors will be able to see live demonstrations using the new Envision brand products. The entire range of 3M graphic solutions will also be presented via various displays, including a café, metro train and a range of vehicle applications.

FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series

In addition, 3M is proud to support the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series for the first time. The series is a compilation of eight events over three years. Within each competition, an iconic collection of cars will act as a blank canvas for vinyl mastery, using media supplied only by 3M. Featuring a host of vehicle wrapping superstars, contenders will battle it out in quality and speed using the latest materials and techniques, with an aim to impress a star studded line-up of car wrapping experts. For more information, visit www.fespa.com/wrapcup/ 

For more information about 3M graphic solutions, please visit www.3M.co.uk/graphicsolutions

[Image shows 3M's Envision Brand films]

Esko announces availability of Esko Suite 12.1

Esko has released Esko Suite 12.1 at its annual user meeting - EskoWorld - being held in Phoenix, Arizona between 19th and 22nd May 2013. The release includes significant new functionality that further streamlines end-to-end workflows across the entire print and packaging supply chain. Suite 12.1 follows the successful release of Suite 12 at drupa 2012 and includes updates of its flagship editing and automation software.

Workflow Made Easier

Suite 12.1 contains enhancements that will make work easier and more profitable for all stakeholders in the print and packaging supply chain, from novice users to advanced environments. Key enhancements incorporated in the release include:

• Standard Template Workflows. For novice users, setting up an effective workflow is not a trivial exercise. By providing standard workflow templates for typical applications such as resp. folding carton, labels, signs, etc, Esko shortens the learning curve for less experienced users. Esko has leveraged its experience in training and in configuring many workflows in the field to create standard templates that automate the most common prepress and production tasks.
• Integration with On-Press Visual Inspection Systems. In prepress editors PackEdge or ArtPro, users can now define areas on a job for inline visual inspection systems. This significantly reduces overall setup time for the press since the inline inspection system receives its setup data directly from Esko Automation Engine. With the inspection area defined upstream and not by the press operator, it becomes easier to standardise the production process across multiple sites, presses and operators. First inspection system integrations work with Esko´s partner AVT.
• CombiPress Support. Especially in the label industry, it is common practice to combine different print processes (offset, flexo, digital, screen) within the same job, with each process requiring different preparation. With CombiPress support, even trapping tickets will automatically perform overprint calculations based on the targeted printing processes, eliminating manual selection of trapping tickets.
• Esko Viewer Sports New Tools. The Esko Viewer in Automation Engine 12.1 is equipped with a barcode and braille reader. With this, the difficulty of manually and visually verifying the accuracy of a barcode or of a line of braille text, an essential check in the prepress QA process, has been overcome.
• Compliance with EU Food Regulations. EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 goes into effect 13 December 2014 onwards. This regulation specifies minimum font size requirements for the nutrition declaration on food packaging. In DeskPack 12.1, the Preflight function can now detect text that does not meet this requirement, ensuring use of the correct font size and providing proof that the produced packaging is compliant.
• Automation of Gang Runs for Flatbed Printers. With a growing number of shorter runs, automating gang printing on large format flatbed digital printers means more profitable operations. With Automation Engine 12.1, multiple odd-shaped designs can automatically be ganged onto a single print sheet layout, improving operator productivity and reducing waste of expensive substrates.

Bernard Zwaenepoel, senior vice president, software, at Esko says, “After drupa, Esko's Software Suite 12 was labeled as the industry reference. But we haven’t been resting on these laurels and invested significant time with our customers to understand additional value-adding requirements, many of which we have addressed in this release. By extending our capabilities beyond traditional prepress tasks, Suite 12.1 brings unsurpassed value to service providers, converters and printers alike as they strive to stay competitive and current in a dynamic market environment.”

The release of Esko´s Suite 12.1 is planned from July 2013 onwards and will be available for existing customers.

First UK installation of Mimaki JFX500 printer completed at Victory Signs

Your Print Specialists (YPS) says it has completed the first UK installation of the Mimaki JFX500-2131 printer at Victory Signs.  Based in Cramlington, Northumberland, Victory Signs has built a core of end users interested in its engraving, fascia, retail and specialist output, but sought to make its production more efficient â€" hence its decision to invest in the 2.1 x 3.1m wide-format UV-curable industrial flat-bed printer from Mimaki.

"We've been a Mimaki house for some time, and already own a 1.6m CJV30-160 and a UJF-3042," explains Neil Wood, manager of family-run Victory Signs. "Investing in the JFX500-2131 means we can keep production of larger display boards in house, and the ability to print direct to the media avoids transfer and other multiple-stage processes that can introduce liabilities. It's a real step up for our business, and for what we'll be able to do for our customers."

The JFX500-2131 improves throughput by some 2.5 times compared with previous models and features both LED curing and specially formulated LUS-150 flexible ink to allow high-speed production onto a range of sensitive substrates. A maximum 60sq m/hour print speed when printing in four colours makes it a viable alternative production process to screen, while the imminent addition of white ink will give the functionality of over- and under-printing for high-value display applications and onto transparent media.

Underpinning the JFX500-2131's production abilities is an array of technology developments. Mimaki's Intelligent Microstepping System helps to eliminate banding and enables the production of text sizes as small as two points â€" a capability that works in tandem with the minimum drop size of four picolitres to guarantee the exceptionally smooth graduation crucial to high-end display work. Multiple print passes can be easily programmed on a case-by-case basis using the Mimaki Advanced Pass System to eliminate any hint of banding.

For Wood and Victory Signs, though, the key differentiator was the support they would receive from the supplier. "We've worked with Garry Brown since 1998," Wood continues. "The personal support we have received from him and the whole YPS team was the clincher. In our business good service is absolutely vital. Once we'd decided to invest in the JFX500-2131 there was no question where we would buy it from â€" it was always going to be YPS."

Service is an aspect of business appreciated particularly by Victory Signs. The 13-strong company has built a large engraving footprint over the last 30 years since its incorporation, servicing sizeable military contracts for machinery parts and other, confidential industrial applications. It will use the Mimaki JFX500-2131 to expand in two key business areas â€" shop fascias and confidential display work for local representatives of major multi-nationals â€" freeing up its CJV30 for the company's fully unattended outdoor durable graphics work.

"As we transfer existing work to the JFX500-2131 and put it through its paces, we're also assessing all the new revenue areas it can take us into," Wood says. "We're certain that we'll be able to provide a high-quality trade service for other local companies, but beyond that the possibilities are very exciting. Whichever road we take, we know YPS will be there to help us make the most of the machine and its capabilities."

"Victory Signs exemplifies our customer philosophy perfectly," explains Hazel Watt, commercial director for YPS. "We only want to match businesses with machinery that makes total commercial sense, and for us the journey only begins with installation. That's reflected in the support embedded within the entire Hybrid Services ecosystem for the Mimaki range in the UK. We're truly enthusiastic to see what Victory Signs will achieve, and how it will grow, with the Mimaki JFX500-2131."

"It's a great personal pleasure for me to see one of my longest-standing customers become the first UK display house to take on the JFX500-2131," adds Garry Brown, YPS's managing director. "Seeing this flagship machine driving a key customer's business forward is the perfect capitalisation on a buoyant 2013 for YPS so far. It's proof indeed that service, support and true commercial understanding are key to solid business â€" and we look forward to developing that value with new and existing customers alike."

North Print & Pack hailed a success by organisers

North Print & Pack 2013 has been hailed a success by its organisers. Visitor numbers to the Harrogate International Centre saw an 8% increase on the 2011 figures, with 2,421 attendees over three days. The quality of delegates produced a resounding endorsement from exhibitors who confirmed that North Print & Pack continues to play a key role in the UK print and packaging calendar.

Mary Buck, sales manager for North Print & Pack comments, “It was clear at North Print & Pack that the show was a key event for print service providers, label printers and packaging converters to attend in 2013 despite the print and packaging industry facing many challenges and changes. We are satisfied with the number of key decision makers it attracted â€" the hardware and software sales at the show are testimony to this. The rich educational programme has also proved very popular with delegates from the print and packaging industries, proving the importance of strong educational content to compliment the technologies on show.”

MGI Technology Director, David Evans, agrees: “Our industry is facing serious challenges at the moment, but Informa Exhibitions has done a brilliant job to ensure the right people visited North Print & Pack, proving that this is still a worthwhile show to attend.”

MIS provider, Accura, anticipates a great return on investments from the show. Alan McKillop, Regional Sales Manager, comments, “North Print & Pack 2013 has been a really good show for us to attend, with a steady flow of high quality visitors to our stand over the course of the three days. I expect that we will see an excellent ROI when we followup on our leads over the next few weeks.”

"For YPS, North Print and Pack was a significant investment, but one that paid off handsomely," adds Hazel Watt, commercial director at Your Print Specialists (YPS). "The prime objective was to raise awareness of our service-led wide-format proposition amongst commercial and packaging printers in the north of England, and the show delivered just that. We left with more than 100 strong leads and were delighted with the cross-section of decision-making attendees, in particular the diversity of businesses interested in our Mimaki range of wide-format technologies."

The extensive VIP programme and compelling educational sessions in The Knowledge Centre attracted nearly triple the amount of VIPs in 2011, which contributed to the high quality of visitors observed by exhibitors. This was reflected in the number of sales on exhibitor stands throughout the show.

Konica Minolta UK sold seven production systems in just three key contracts that were secured on day two of the show. Malcolm Glynn, Head of Marketing for Konica Minolta UK, says: “This success is a perfect example of how our consultative approach is enabling companies to grow their businesses through investing in our technology. North Print & Pack 2013 has been a great show for us. We’ve been seeing decision-makers and had huge amounts of interest in our KM-1 and B2 sheet-fed UV inkjet press, and other Konica Minolta’s solutions. The fact that they have been spending money with us is very positive news for our industry.”

“Exhibiting at North Print& Pack again has been very worthwhile for Autobond”, says John Gilmore, Managing Director, Autobond. “Our stand was beside the entrance, so we met lots of new and existing customers from all over the UK and Ireland. It was the first time we’ve exhibited our B2 digital inkjet spot UV machine in the UK since it was launched at drupa 2012, and it definitely impressed the visitors to our stand â€" we should sell many more in the coming months. We also sold two of our new B2 entry-level Micro 52 laminators during the show.”

North Print & Pack 2013 also attracted a number of brand owners, which resonated well with many exhibitors. Paul Briggs, Regional Sales Manager, Labels & Packaging, Xeikon UK, comments: “We are pleasantly surprised with the quality of attendees and the number of brand owners we spoke to over the course of the three days. This isn’t usually a group of people we get to see, so we’re pleased that North Print & Pack 2013 attracted these visitors. In addition, we also had meaningful discussions with new and existing customers from around the country.”

"We met with a wide cross section of the industry interested in seeing the power of personalised promotional and gift cartons printed by RCS on a Screen B2 Truepress and digitally embossed with Scodix, adds Bui Burke, VP Sales, Screen Europe.“Our booth attracted manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, printers and the press - all interested in seeing the potential of a new application. What we showed at North Print & Pack has definitely sparked industry interest."

North Print & Pack celebrated print’s young talent by playing host to the eighth annual PrintIT! Awards ceremony. Around 200 students, parents, teachers and awards sponsors congregated on the final day to see the winners in the eight categories, as well as the overall winner, receiving their individual rewards as well as prizes for their schools.

“We’re delighted to be hearing this feedback from exhibitors who committed to North Print & Pack 2013. It’s gratifying to know that we delivered a high calibre audience, which will in turn produce the ROI they’re looking for from attending,” concludes Mary Buck. “North Print & Pack mixed all facets of our industry; print and packaging, analogue and digital, young and old. At a time when we are constantly debating the challenges this sector faces, it was a pleasure to see the community come together at an event with such a rich heritage.”

Brett Martin to showcase complete range of semi-finished specialised plastic substrates at FESPA

Brett Martin has confirmed the line-up of products that it will showcase on its stand (Q74N) at FESPA 2013 in London, UK. The global manufacturer of plastic products for the construction, fabrication, print and display sectors, will offer visitors the opportunity to view its complete range of semi-finished specialised plastic substrates for the print and display sector. Visitors will also be able to test and view a number of new products that will be launched at the show.

Foamalux range continues to grow

Lightweight, versatile and durable, Foamalux has earned a reputation for its quality performance and endless applications in sign, display and print.  Building on its flagship product, Brett Martin will extend its Foamalux Colour range by launching Neon Pink, Neon Green, Raspberry and Black Sparkle colours at FESPA 2013. These additions set Foamalux even further apart from other brands, with 15 available shades in its Foamalux Colour collection to make it the widest range of foam PVC available. Foamalux Colour, which is available in thicknesses of 3mm and 5mm, offers depth and intensity of colour to an endless variety of applications for digital or screen printing, graphics adhesion and fabrication.

In addition, visitors will be able to view Foamalux White, which is available in thicknesses of 1mm to 19mm. The bright white substrate’s optimal balance of optical brighteners in its formulation, and minimal occurrence of UV yellowing in digital print applications, combined with a consistently smooth flat even surface, has resulted in Foamalux White proving extremely popular with digital and screen printers around Europe.

The company’s high gloss premium surface PVC offering, Foamalux Ultra, will also be available on the stand. Available in white, red, yellow, green, blue, grey and black, the 3mm or 5mm product offers enhanced UV protection and a high quality gloss finish.

Digital and screen printers looking for a high quality environmentally friendly option to print, adhere graphics, engrave or route should visit the stand to view Brett Martin’s Foamalux Xtra. It comprises up to 80% recycled content in its black core, which is sandwiched between one or two bright white PVC surfaces, and provides the optimum surface for any sign and display application.

“Brett Martin continually strives to grow its product range, and the four new colours in Foamalux Colours is another testament to that,” comments Duncan Smith, Sales Director â€" Europe, Brett Martin. “Foamalux gives printers the widest variety of foam PVC to choose from, allowing them to design and deliver more innovative products than ever before. The new colours offer brightness and fun without compromising the established quality and performance of Foamalux PVC sheets.”

Europe’s one stop shop for transparent flat sheets plastics expanded

Brett Martin will showcase its wide array of transparent sheets, including its new PETg, Marpet-g. Offering exceptional ease of workability in print and display applications, Marpet-g is a lightweight, durable, 100% recyclable clear substrate with excellent optical clarity and light transmission properties. The sheet, currently available in thicknesses of 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm, is an ideal graphics adhesion solution suitable for digital and screen printing.

In addition, Marcryl Acrylic, a premium flat acrylic sheet with high gloss finish, offers brilliant optical clarity with its glass-like properties and high scratch resistance. The sheet also offers excellent graphics adhesion, and the ability to achieve a premium edge finish by flame polishing. It is available in clear, opal, grey and silica green, which delivers a green edge to simulate tempered glass.

Finally, Marlon FS provides 200 times more impact resistance than glass, at only half the weight. The fire resistant clear plastic, which is also available in bronze and opal tints, is easy to handle and offers brilliant design flexibility. And, for more challenging applications, specifiers have the option to add a hard coat for additional abrasion resistance.

Duncan Smith concludes, “Our wide range of transparent sheets offers the print and display community everything they could need to fulfil the relevant job to a high standard and create eye-catching graphics. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand at FESPA to view and test these products themselves.”