Roland VersaCAMM in Coronation Street starring role

Coronation Street is one of the nation’s most loved television programmes. The lives of the residents of the cobbled street are discussed on television gossip pages and in living rooms up and down the country. Much effort goes into making sure the set looks as realistic as possible â€" from billboards and flyers posted on walls to packaging labels on items for sale in the Corner Shop. Lynsey Shepard is the programme’s principle graphic designer and is responsible for creating all these applications as authentically as possible, and her Roland VersaCAMM SP-300i printer/cutter has been crucial to ensuring the set’s printed materials are ready whenever the show’s demanding and fluid filming schedules require them.

The Roland was purchased and installed two years ago following a recommendation from another graphic designer who was familiar with Roland’s products. It is the first machine to be used by Coronation Street’s design team and Lynsey has been very impressed with the performance of the VersaCAMM and after-sales support received through the RolandCare service and support package. 

“I’ve been really impressed with our Roland machine. The majority of the material we print is on vinyl, as it’s far more practical to have waterproof labels and signage given the nature of this business. The print & cut function is excellent and saves so much time, and it’s very precise â€" even when cutting circles. We’ve had a couple of small teething problems along the way, but with the RolandCare warranty service we are able to call out an engineer to get us back on our feet again quickly.”

Keeping overall production costs down was another decisive factor in Lynsey’s decision to stop outsourcing and purchase the SP-300i, and the machine has already paid for itself many times over.  She continues, “We used to outsource our print jobs to a local printing company. While the quality was good, it was more expensive and really restricted our flexibility on set as if we needed something last minute we would either have to wait or reschedule filming around this. Having the Roland on site means we are now able to quickly re-print material for extra takes and ensure we can always keep up with the schedule.”

The VersaCAMM is a very versatile machine and is used to print a wide range of set graphics including those that are iconic to the soap from beer labels for the Rovers Return’s house ale, Newton and Ridley, or posters on the wall of the pub, to stickers on the door of the Corner Shop, signage for the taxis or a vehicle wrap for a courier van if someone on the street is due to receive a package, for example.

The VersaCAMM SP-i series comprises two models â€" the 30inch SP-300i and the 54inch SP-540i. One of Roland’s most popular printer/cutters, the machine delivers reliability and performance for a low initial investment. Available with a four-colour printing system, the SP-i series can be left unattended for long print runs leaving the user free to perform other jobs safe in the knowledge the Roland is managing the task in hand.

Lynsey concludes, “I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly ten years and I’ve witnessed a great number of changes in the industry over this time, many as a result of the technological advances companies such as Roland have made in the development of printers and ink. Print quality is certainly one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen. The vibrancy of the print finish from today’s printers is astonishing and the quality of the Eco-Sol Max inks with the Roland is brilliant.  What’s very impressive is there is really no compromise to bringing a machine in house. With the Roland we have a print and cut device on-site that is of the highest production quality and flexible enough to handle whatever is required of it.”

Rob Goleniowski, Business Manager - Sign and Graphics at Roland DG UK adds, “We are delighted Roland has a role in the production of Coronation Street! The SP-300i is an all-rounder ideal for these kinds of jobs - offering the user a fantastic, cost-effective, high quality finish and the space-saving benefit of having the printer and cutter in one machine.”

For more information on Roland’s VersaCAMM SP-300i, please visit www.rolanddg.co.uk/VersaCAMMSP

[photo (above) shows Mark Jones, Roland DG Technical Operations Manager, onsite at Coronation Street for a routine service visit and (below) signs, graphics and labels printed to appear in D&S Alahan's corner shop]

Ipex 2014, the first global event where 'Print meets Multi-Channel'

Ipex 2014 to engage with printers, brands and agencies to debate, discover and develop inspirational campaigns, creative ideas and strategies

Informa Exhibitions today announces its fresh focus for Ipex 2014, which will be the world’s first and biggest Digital, Print & Marketing Communications event in 2014. Ipex 2014 will integrate Cross Media to showcase the latest print and communications for marketing and publishing campaigns â€" making it the only international event that brings together the whole print and media supply chain. The organisers will also place a significant focus on delivering a comprehensive, thought provoking and inspirational content programme. This will include the World Print Summit, which will follow the theme of ‘Strategies & Practices of Outstanding Leadership in the Challenging Business of Offline and Online Marketing’, where thought leaders from within and surrounding the print industry will come together to address the big issues and opportunities they face.

The conclusion to shape Ipex into a thought leadership event for the print-centric multi-channel marketing communications industry was made following a review of the results of an independent global market study during Q4 2012. AMR International carried out the research on the key trends impacting the industry and the events that serve it. 114 Qualitative telephone interviews were followed-up by an online survey which elicited 1600 international visitor responses, with the geographical spread representing the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The results of the research clearly emphasised seven key trends impacting the graphic communications industry:
•    consolidation in the Print Service Provider community in developed economies
•    offset is changing
•    the rapid rise of digital
•    printers offering non print-related services
•    growth in printed packaging
•    growth in emerging markets
•    interest in multi-channel marketing communications

The findings have been used by Informa Exhibitions to produce a White Paper*, which provides an executive summary and detailed overview of the research results, its conclusions and future direction of Ipex.

“Informa Exhibitions is 100% invested in Ipex 2014 to ensure we respond to supplier and industry feedback and deliver a world-class international event that truly reflects and addresses the needs of the market it represents,” states Informa Exhibitions Managing Director, Peter Hall. “Ipex 2014 will reflect the medium-term future for graphic communications in developed markets as well as emerging markets in the coming years by placing a clear emphasis on digital and cross media technologies, strategies and solutions to effectively promote the power of print media and its integration in the marketing mix.”

Keith Dalton, Managing Director, Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK: “It is great to see an organiser committed to delivering a print-centric event, but with a strong multi-channel focus, as it is exactly what I believe Ipex’s exhibitors and visitors will respond to and what the industry needs.”

During the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting on 24th January, which was attended by a number of major exhibitors, this focus was discussed and agreed. As part of this, Informa tabled for discussion the duration of Ipex 2014. The decision of the committee was to reduce the duration of Ipex 2014 to six days (Monday 24th March â€" Saturday 29th March 2014).

Trevor Crawford, Event Director, Ipex 2014, says: “Ipex is moving from being a general print event to a highly focussed multimedia experience promoting the essential role of print. It is driven by an impressive content programme to inspire print service providers to add value and increase profitability, and recognise the importance of collaboration with end users. This is an exciting development in Ipex’s history and now offers a unique visitor experience in an unrivalled new major destination, London.”

He continues: “Now that Ipex has a clear digital and print communications direction, the logical conclusion would be to change the dates so that the multi-layered content programme can run throughout the event. After careful review of the research and consultations with the IAC, the decision was made to reduce the days to bring it in line with other major industry events today and ensure that we deliver a dedicated, ‘must-attend’ event that meets the needs of senior decision makers.”

Rapidly growing interest in blending print & digital media chimes with Informa Exhibitions’ established connection with multi-channel marketing communications and its successful launch of Cross Media in 2012. Cross Media provides the latest opportunities, technologies, case studies and seminars to address how brands and the creative, marketing, print and publishing communities can maximise the effectiveness of their communications to deliver a higher return on marketing investment. With the Cross Media event integrated with Ipex 2014, the Ipex 2014 will attract a wider audience than ever before.

Neil Bather, Managing Director, Transeo Media Ltd, states: “Representing DirectSmile, we are delighted with the integration of Cross Media into Ipex 2014. The ExCeL International Exhibition and Conference centre in London is right on the doorstep of London’s 400,000 strong creative industry, providing Ipex 2014 exhibitors with the opportunity to also speak to their customers’ customers. This is something that’s becoming more and more important every day.”

Commenting on the new direction of Ipex 2014, David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014 and European Professional Print Director, Canon Europe, says: “The enthusiastic support of the IAC and the global industry report will provide the Ipex team and Informa Exhibitions with the confidence to further develop the new initiatives and to continue investing in Ipex 2014 as it evolves to meet the print and multi-channel needs of the printing industry.”

“Content is king, and Ipex’s decision to provide the World Print Summit with international keynote speakers is to be applauded,” says Frank Tueckmantel, Vice President, Corporate Marketing, EFI. “I have no doubt that it will act as a major draw for international visitors seeking solutions and guidance on the future direction of their operations.”

Graham Moore, Director Business Development, Ricoh Europe, adds: “As leading suppliers we have been responding to the accelerating shift in focus of the industry to meet customer and end client needs. Informa Exhibitions’ response to the feedback is just what the industry needs to meet these changing requirements. As a result of the new plans for Ipex 2014 we look forward to an event that will be very different from 2010 for our visitors, with a broader solutions and services focus to enhance the added value of print at the core.”

Tim Webb, Executive Director, Picon comments: “I am delighted to see that Ipex is taking a leadership position in re-focusing the event to reflect the changes that our members and their customers are seeing in their businesses every day. I have every confidence that these new initiatives will result in a highly successful Ipex 2014.”

Brian Filler, President, Screen Europe concludes: “Screen welcomes the new initiatives that Ipex has undertaken to create a strong and vibrant event which is designed to meet the needs of this fast moving industry on multiple levels.”

EFI Connect Highlights Growing Window of Opportunity in All Areas of Digital Print

Last week, EFI hosted more than 1,100 customers, employees and industry experts for its Connect EFI user's group conference.

"This was the largest-ever Connect event, and this year our customers had more access to EFI personnel than ever before," said Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at EFI. "That level of interaction and the educational programming we've assembled make Connect one of a select few conferences that provide a high return on investment by giving attendees tangible business strategies for future success."

"The Connect conference helps to educate and expand attendees' knowledge of EFI's products and how those products can benefit their companies," said one attendee, Brett McNerney, director of integrated solutions at Dayton, Ohio, US-based Think Patented. "It also brings together a large community of users and allows for networking that otherwise might not happen, making it a great forum for everyone to learn from each other."

This year's conference, which took place 15-18 January at the Wynn Las Vegas, featured more than 150 sessions covering MIS/ERP software, Web-to-print systems, industrial inkjet printers, and Fiery® technology. Event highlights included a 15 January fireside chat between EFI CEO Guy Gecht and industry pioneer and Landa Corp. Chairman and CEO Benny Landa.

Connect provided EFI with an opportunity to hold deeper discussions with customers while providing updates on company momentum. In keynotes, training sessions and informal conversations, EFI executives discussed the extended window of opportunity visual communications businesses have for growth as they adopt technologies that make them more efficient, more productive and more profitable.

EFI's Gecht also announced during Connect that the company will likely seek out more strategic acquisitions in 2013, continuing the momentum EFI has had from deals to purchase companies such as Web-to-print and dynamic publishing firm Online Print Solutions and print MIS/ERP provider Technique.

EFI Connect has become a must-attend industry event catering to visual communications business leaders' needs. The annual conference helps customers improve their businesses by giving them tools to operate with greater efficiency, develop new applications and apply forward-thinking innovation. In addition to featuring VUTEk®, EFI Wide Format and Jetrion® inkjet production printers, Connect technology highlights included a newly enhanced line of JDF-certified Fiery digital front ends, as well as a complete lineup of EFI Productivity Software products.

EFI Partners participating in Connect included: 3M Commercial Graphics, Agile Network, Bunting Magnetics, Carlson Advisors, Esko, Honle UV America, KIP America, Kodak, Konica Minolta, MBM Corp., Metamation, Metrix Software, MGI USA, Pantone, Ricoh, SmartLinc, Xerox, xpedxandZund.

Partner activities at Connect included a live wrapping demonstration of 3M media with graphics produced using co-branded 3M and EFI UV inks.
"3M Commercial Graphics valued the opportunity to participate at EFI Connect 2013, highlighting our longstanding, successful relationship with EFI to provide large format printing solutions backed by the 3Mâ„¢ MCSâ„¢ Warranty," said Jennifer Greenquist, inks and warranties manager for 3M Commercial Graphics. "Our vehicle wrap demonstration, using the new high performance, 3Mâ„¢ Envisionâ„¢ Wrap Films printed with EFIâ„¢ R3225 3Mâ„¢ UV Inks, demonstrated that greener graphic solutions are available today without compromising performance, durability or colour fidelity."

Next year's Connect user's group conference will take place 21-24 January, 2014, at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort.

Ipex 2014, the First Global Event where Print Meets Multi-Channel

Ipex 2014 to engage with printers, brands and agencies to debate, discover and develop inspirational campaigns, creative ideas and strategies

Informa Exhibitions today announces its fresh focus for Ipex 2014, which will be the world’s first and biggest Digital, Print & Marketing Communications event in 2014. Ipex 2014 will integrate Cross Media to showcase the latest print and communications for marketing and publishing campaigns â€" making it the only international event that brings together the whole print and media supply chain. The organisers will also place a significant focus on delivering a comprehensive, thought provoking and inspirational content programme. This will include the World Print Summit, which will follow the theme of ‘Strategies & Practices of Outstanding Leadership in the Challenging Business of Offline and Online Marketing’, where thought leaders from within and surrounding the print industry will come together to address the big issues and opportunities they face.

The conclusion to shape Ipex into a thought leadership event for the print-centric multi-channel marketing communications industry was made following a review of the results of an independent global market study during Q4 2012. AMR International carried out the research on the key trends impacting the industry and the events that serve it. 114 Qualitative telephone interviews were followed-up by an online survey which elicited 1600 international visitor responses, with the geographical spread representing the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The results of the research clearly emphasised seven key trends impacting the graphic communications industry:
•    consolidation in the Print Service Provider community in developed economies
•    offset is changing
•    the rapid rise of digital
•    printers offering non print-related services
•    growth in printed packaging
•    growth in emerging markets
•    interest in multi-channel marketing communications

The findings have been used by Informa Exhibitions to produce a White Paper*, which provides an executive summary and detailed overview of the research results, its conclusions and future direction of Ipex.

“Informa Exhibitions is 100% invested in Ipex 2014 to ensure we respond to supplier and industry feedback and deliver a world-class international event that truly reflects and addresses the needs of the market it represents,” states Informa Exhibitions Managing Director, Peter Hall. “Ipex 2014 will reflect the medium-term future for graphic communications in developed markets as well as emerging markets in the coming years by placing a clear emphasis on digital and cross media technologies, strategies and solutions to effectively promote the power of print media and its integration in the marketing mix.”

Keith Dalton, Managing Director, Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK: “It is great to see an organiser committed to delivering a print-centric event, but with a strong multi-channel focus, as it is exactly what I believe Ipex’s exhibitors and visitors will respond to and what the industry needs.”

During the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting on 24th January, which was attended by a number of major exhibitors, this focus was discussed and agreed. As part of this, Informa tabled for discussion the duration of Ipex 2014. The decision of the committee was to reduce the duration of Ipex 2014 to six days (Monday 24th March â€" Saturday 29th March 2014).

Trevor Crawford, Event Director, Ipex 2014, says: “Ipex is moving from being a general print event to a highly focussed multimedia experience promoting the essential role of print. It is driven by an impressive content programme to inspire print service providers to add value and increase profitability, and recognise the importance of collaboration with end users. This is an exciting development in Ipex’s history and now offers a unique visitor experience in an unrivalled new major destination, London.”

He continues: “Now that Ipex has a clear digital and print communications direction, the logical conclusion would be to change the dates so that the multi-layered content programme can run throughout the event. After careful review of the research and consultations with the IAC, the decision was made to reduce the days to bring it in line with other major industry events today and ensure that we deliver a dedicated, ‘must-attend’ event that meets the needs of senior decision makers.”

Rapidly growing interest in blending print & digital media chimes with Informa Exhibitions’ established connection with multi-channel marketing communications and its successful launch of Cross Media in 2012. Cross Media provides the latest opportunities, technologies, case studies and seminars to address how brands and the creative, marketing, print and publishing communities can maximise the effectiveness of their communications to deliver a higher return on marketing investment. With the Cross Media event integrated with Ipex 2014, the Ipex 2014 will attract a wider audience than ever before.

Neil Bather, Managing Director, Transeo Media Ltd, states: “Representing DirectSmile, we are delighted with the integration of Cross Media into Ipex 2014. The ExCeL International Exhibition and Conference centre in London is right on the doorstep of London’s 400,000 strong creative industry, providing Ipex 2014 exhibitors with the opportunity to also speak to their customers’ customers. This is something that’s becoming more and more important every day.”

Commenting on the new direction of Ipex 2014, David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014 and European Professional Print Director, Canon Europe, says: “The enthusiastic support of the IAC and the global industry report will provide the Ipex team and Informa Exhibitions with the confidence to further develop the new initiatives and to continue investing in Ipex 2014 as it evolves to meet the print and multi-channel needs of the printing industry.”

“Content is king, and Ipex’s decision to provide the World Print Summit with international keynote speakers is to be applauded,” says Frank Tueckmantel, Vice President, Corporate Marketing, EFI. “I have no doubt that it will act as a major draw for international visitors seeking solutions and guidance on the future direction of their operations.”

Graham Moore, Director Business Development, Ricoh Europe, adds: “As leading suppliers we have been responding to the accelerating shift in focus of the industry to meet customer and end client needs. Informa Exhibitions’ response to the feedback is just what the industry needs to meet these changing requirements. As a result of the new plans for Ipex 2014 we look forward to an event that will be very different from 2010 for our visitors, with a broader solutions and services focus to enhance the added value of print at the core.”

Tim Webb, Executive Director, Picon comments: “I am delighted to see that Ipex is taking a leadership position in re-focusing the event to reflect the changes that our members and their customers are seeing in their businesses every day. I have every confidence that these new initiatives will result in a highly successful Ipex 2014.”

Brian Filler, President, Screen Europe concludes: “Screen welcomes the new initiatives that Ipex has undertaken to create a strong and vibrant event which is designed to meet the needs of this fast moving industry on multiple levels.”

printMAX named Roland's most successful dealer for 3rd year running

Roland has confirmed that printMAX is its most successful authorised dealer for a third consecutive year. The title is allocated based on total sales of printers, cutters and Roland inks over the past twelve months.

Roland DG UK technical director Brett Newman comments, “This accolade is a testament to printMAX's continued hard work and support over the last twelve months. A sincere reflection of their excellent ethos when dealing with Roland customers both old and new.”

printMAX has continued to focus its business offerings around the Roland portfolio - a move which has proven to be a winning strategy.  Sales Manager, Chris Martin comments, “At printMAX, we aim to not only meet our customers’ expectations but to exceed them in every way. Focusing on the Roland product range has enabled us to provide solutions we truly believe in. As such we are then able to offer expert installation, training and after sales support, with the end goal of providing our customers with peace of mind. The printMAX team know Roland printers inside out.  This, partnered with such great technology, really is a fantastic combination.”

September saw the long awaited release of the Roland SolJet Pro 4 XR-640.  printMAX went on to sell not only the first unit in Europe but also secured more sales than any other UK dealer.

Michael Bolton, printMAX MD states, “I’m elated that following a fantastic couple of years we were able to hold on to the title of Roland’s most successful authorised dealer for an incredible third year running! We strive all year round to support our customers with the whole team taking the ethos of ‘exceeding expectations’ quite literally every day. To see the rewards at the end of the year is a truly fantastic achievement and I’d like to thank our customers, the printMAX team and our dedicated Roland support staff for making 2012 so successful.”

When asked what we can expect from printMAX for the future, MD Michael Bolton adds, “The last several years have seen year on year growth for printMAX - a real achievement considering the recession that hit both the UK and our industry. If 2013 is anything like recent years, we’ll certainly have a great 12 months, continue to grow as a business and will absolutely continue to offer the number one service our customers have come to expect of us.”

Fujifilm opens new digital ink manufacturing facility in UK

Fujifilm today announces the opening of its brand new digital ink manufacturing facility at its manufacturing plant in Broadstairs, UK. The company’s investment in this state-of-the-art facility, alongside an upgrade to its R&D department, highlights Fujifilm’s long term commitment to the wide format digital sector and builds on its ethos of providing its customers with industry-leading solutions manufactured to a consistently high standard.

The new digital ink manufacturing facility has been two years in planning and development, and is the result of an investment of over €4 million, with an additional €2.5 million invested to upgrade the R&D department.

The new manufacturing facility has a footprint of 1800m2, and is built to accommodate a projected annual increase of 56% in the production of UV ink at the site, manufactured in a range of batch sizes of up to 4000 litres. This projection reflects the demand for Fujifilm wide format digital inkjet solutions and the success the company has had in helping its customers transition to digital in this growing market segment. The facility has the capacity to manufacture 6000 tonnes of ink per year, which will be produced in a variety of packs from 250 ml RFID tagged pouches and cartridges up to 10 litre packs for high productivity wide format printer platforms.

Colin Boughton, operations director at the Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems Broadstairs site comments, “We have planned everything meticulously over the last few years, recognising that to stay at the forefront of digital ink technology with our range of Uvijet inks, we need to work with state-of-the-art equipment and have the ability to increase production and packing volumes. We were delighted to win the “Best Process Plant” award at last year’s “Best Factory Awards” in the UK, evidence of what we have achieved so far. Our vision is to remain at the forefront of this technology and to re-invest every year in order to maintain that position. For instance, we have worked closely with a specialist company to develop next generation dispersion equipment for our inks, and this will allow us to reduce particle sizes to less than 100nm â€" true nanotechnology!”

He continues, “We are pleased that the transition from one manufacturing area to another was completely seamless, with absolutely no disruption to our production output at all. In fact, some people didn’t even realise we’d started as the transition coincidentally took place during one of our busiest production months for digital ink. Further investments in equipment will take place during 2013, keeping Fujifilm at the cutting edge of UV digital ink manufacturing and packing technology.”

Over 340 employees work at the Fujifilm Broadstairs site and over 80% of these are involved in digital ink R&D and manufacture. It was of utmost importance that the workforce should be included as much as possible in the company’s plans, resulting in over 80 employee ideas being used in the final design of the facility. In addition, a high level of importance has been placed on training for all staff, as Fujifilm is keen to ensure that everyone has a full appreciation of digital technology.

Underpinning this extensive project is Fujifilm’s commitment to the environment. As always, the company works tirelessly to ensure that all products and processes are as environmentally friendly as possible, and it has invested significantly in alternative methods of reducing its environmental footprint at the new manufacturing facility.

'Waste' energy in the form of heat from production processes and compressed air generation via a bespoke new heat exchange system is used to provide 70% of the heating required for the factory. In addition, a new boiler plant has been installed which incorporates compact, modern, high efficiency modulating condensing boilers that use 40% less fossil fuels than conventional heating systems. Combine this with the latest figures from the site which show that only 7% of the waste generated goes to landfill, with 23% going to energy recovery and 70% recycled, this means that effectively 93% is reused in some way, and the company’s ‘green’ ethos is easily apparent.

This work has played its part in Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems being accredited to the Environmental standard ISO14001, in addition to the Quality standard ISO9001. Accreditation to the Health and Safety Standard OHSAS 18001 will be complete by mid 2013.

EFI claims victory in patent litigation

EFI has announced victory in its Spanish patent litigation with Jose Vicente Tomás Claramonte, the president of KERAjet, S.A., involving EFI Cretaprint’s ceramic digital inkjet printing systems.

Mr. Tomás Claramonte filed the lawsuit against Cretaprint in May 2011, prior to EFI’s January 2012 acquisition of the innovative ceramic inkjet printer business, alleging that Cretaprint’s ceramic digital inkjet printer products infringe his patent. From the outset, EFI and EFI Cretaprint have maintained that, not only are Mr. Tomás Claramonte’s infringement claims meritless, but that his patent is invalid. In a decision issued earlier this month, the Commercial Court in Valencia agreed with EFI, and resoundingly rejected Mr. Tomás Claramonte’s infringement claims and declared that his purported invention lacked any inventive step. The appeal period has not yet expired. A court in the United Kingdom issued a similar judgment of non-infringement late last summer.

“The court’s ruling vindicates what we have maintained all along: that Mr. Tomás Claramonte’s lawsuit was baseless and that his patent is invalid,” said EFI’s General Counsel, Bryan Ko. “We will not tolerate meritless claims being filed against us, and we will, as we always have, vigorously defend ourselves and our intellectual property rights.”

“EFI has been a leading innovator in the print industry since our founding, and we acquired Cretaprint based on their demonstrated innovation and success in the ceramic inkjet market,” added Ghilad Dziesietnik, EFI’s Chief Technology Officer. “The victory confirms EFI Cretaprint’s place as a leading innovator in the ceramic inkjet printer market, and we look forward to continuing to bring our innovative customer-focused printing solutions to our customers throughout the world.”

Enhancements to Enfocus Switch 11 enable integration with EFI Fiery XF and Colorproof XF

Enfocus has announced that its Enfocus Switch 11 can now be setup to automatically connect to EFI’s Fiery XF or Colorproof XF RIP. This new automation capability will benefit a broad range of professionals involved in large to super-wide format printing such as ad agencies, prepress businesses, publishers, newspapers, packaging companies, full-service printing houses, photographers and print shops. Connection to EFI’s Fiery XF or Colorproof XF RIP is provided through a new configurator which comes standard with Switch 11 update 2 and later versions.

“Our mission is to lead the print industry’s transformation from analogue to digital colour through best-in-class products, technology and services. The integration with Enfocus Switch enables our customers to bridge the gap between their existing workflow and the Fiery's wide format production and proofing systems seamlessly,” says Stefan Spiegel, General Manager of Fiery wide format production and proofing at EFI.

“At Enfocus, we aim to be a world-class software vendor that provides solutions to the broad publishing market supporting end-to-end automation with an innovative modular and open approach," comments Angelo Manno, Global Account Manager Crossroads & OEM at Enfocus. "With EFI as a Crossroads partner, our customers can fully automate their digital print production workflows economically and without the need to manually intervene. This will reduce errors, streamline production and shorten time to market."

Support for naming conventions, metadata, integration with databases, preflighting files, and more, helps customers take full advantage of Switch's Smart Automation features. Processed files are automatically routed to the appropriate RIP and output device for correct printing and finishing. Without any manual intervention, the correct settings for the output device will be used, such as color management, sheet size, rotation, scaling, nesting, tiling, step and repeat, footer, and finishing.

 

i-Sub appoints Mark Hollinsworth to boost sales of consumables

I-Sub Digital has appointed Mark Hollinsworth to drive sales of consumables. Mark assumed his new role on 2nd January 2013.

Mark joins i-Sub Digital having spent 12 years working in sales at media company Metamark.  He is an experienced sales professional who has also worked at a number of other resellers in the wide format space.

On Mark’s appointment, Andy Spreag, Director, at i-Sub Digital comments, “We’ve been selling wide format printing equipment for 8 years now and have had great success with our unrivalled range of printers and finishing machines.  However, up until now, we’ve not proactively chased up the consumables side of the business.  We realise that â€" whilst we have already enjoyed success with the consumables range â€" a more active approach would strengthen our business and ensure our clients enjoy a higher level of advice and service.  Mark has been appointed to boost consumables sales and ensure our existing and new clients have a resource for advice and guidance on the best product for their business.”

Mark will be responsible for selling to all the existing and potential i-Sub Digital customers.  I-Sub’s consumables range consists of media from the likes of Soyang, Xerox and Metamark and OEM inks from Mimaki and Agfa.

On joining i-Sub Digital, Mark comments, “I’m really looking forward to working with i-Sub and ramping up consumables sales.  This is a great opportunity for me.  I-Sub has an unrivalled range of hardware products â€" all of which use the relevant consumables â€" so there is plenty of scope to develop this exciting sales role.”

For more information on i-Sub, please visit www.i-subdigital.com or www.i-sub.co.uk  

HP to host second Global Photo Summit next month

HP will host its second Global Photo Summit on 5th and 6th February 2013 in Barcelona at the historic Palau de la Música de Cataluña and HP's San Cugat facility.

During the two-day event, attendees will hear industry leaders talk about the future of the photographic industry, latest trends, and new solutions from HP and its photo partners. The line-up of international photo and imaging experts will include the Swedish futurist Magnus Lindkvist, TED speaker and author; Matt Marshall, head of printing and imaging, Futuresource Consulting; Mette Eriksen, of InfoTrends, and Bruce Dickinson, lead singer, Iron Maiden, and serial inventor who will speak on innovation in a time of change. 

The programme will cover different topics including social networks and mobile apps, and feature a panel discussion with three app creators on the use of mobile photo applications, chaired by Hans Hartman, founder, Suite 48 Analytics. Another panel featuring leading photofinishers from around the world will discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing the photo industry. The event also includes a solutions showcase from HP and its photo partners and new solutions announcements.

"This is an exciting programme designed to help those involved in today's photo industry to network and discuss the latest trends and business opportunities," said Ronen Zioni , director of market development, EMEA, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. "By bringing together those active in different parts of the photo industry, better awareness and better technical and business practices can be developed."

Delegates will also be able to see demonstrations of HP Indigo presses for photo applications including the HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press and the new B2-format HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press.

More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts

Fujifilm launches corrugated onslaught with enhanced ink and Onset

Yesterday it unveiled a prototype corrugated board handling kit for the Inca Onset S40i, a productivity enhancement package for the flatbed printer called Accelerator, and Uvijet OC, a new ink for paperboard printing. The new products are the culmination of a two-year project.

"Ever since the Inca Eagle was launched in 2001 printers have realised that digital flatbed UV is suitable for corrugated but initially only for proofing and short runs" said Fujifilm systems marketing manager Tudor Morgan. "Corrugated board is a materials handling challenge and while digital machines print quickly, customers wanted more sheets on the floor."

Fujifilm claimed that these developments would enable digital to produce higher volume Freestanding Display Units (FSDU), transit packaging and smaller format point of sale (POS), currently produced using laminated litho and flexo.

"These markets have not gone digital yet, even though printers realise that it would make the process simpler and therefore more economic," said Morgan. "Our challenge was to understand the barriers."

Uvijet OC inks have been beta tested by a printer that was previously a flexo-only site, which installed an Inca S40i; it is in discussion about a second press. The inks offer a wide colour gamut, flexible ink film to enable cutting, creasing and folding without cracking, and, as they only need to adhere to paper, a simpler and cheaper formulation.

Accelerator is an extension of the S40i enhancements launched at Drupa 2012. It comprises hardware and firmware upgrades that improve productivity by 20% with no change in print quality.

"This is the first time I have seen a significant change in speed with no change in quality," said Morgan.

A prototype handling system with three-quarter automation is operating at Fujifilm's Broadstairs site, with beta testing commencing in March. It uses a vacuum-to-vacuum arrangement on the loading arm and print bed to eliminate the warp inherent in sheets of cartonboard, which previously caused issues for digital presses due to head clashes. In March it will upgrade the unit in Broadstairs to full automation with a robot arm.

The system will increase productivity at the Onset S40i's highest throughput 8-pass mode by 66% from 320sqm/hr to 530sqm/hr; the price of the three-quarter version is expected to add 20% to the price of the machine. It will be launched at Fespa in June.

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Simpson Group in £250,000 software spend

The firm has made the investment in order to remain competitive in its core point-of-purchase (POP) market

The self-developed store profiling system, Popfit, allows retailers to profile their stores POP requirements to reduce over-ordering print and to ensure that graphics and displays are appropriate to the size and spaces available in each store.

It also produces a picking list for Simpson's staff to collate jobs and a customer advice note for the stores. It replaces manual administration based on Excel files for both the printer and its clients, saving time and reducing errors.

A new pre-press workflow from Esko has just gone live. The system includes i-Cut Suite, Automation Engine and WebCenter, and is integrated with the firm's SolPrint MIS.

"We're looking to drive everything out of the MIS using XML data," said Mark Simpson, chairman of the Tyne & Wear-headquartered firm. "We're driving the MIS much harder now - using shopfloor data collection to identify areas for further improvement."

A warehousing and pallet tracking module in the MIS is being used to improve internal logistics, in order to prevent machine downtime from waiting for materials.

Lastly, the firm has installed a Ricoh Pro C901 cut-sheet colour digital press.

"A lot of the jobs we quote for include A4, A5 sheets and shelf ticketing, and while we could gang them up on our large-format machines, we were often losing out because we weren't cost competitive for smaller items," said Simpson. "With the Ricoh we can now do those, and we can do smaller value orders - jobs worth £20-£30 - that weren't profitable before."

Simpson chose the Ricoh after investigating the options at Drupa last May. "We looked at rivals including Xerox and HP Indigo but Ricoh stood head & shoulders above everyone else in terms of price/performance," he said, adding that the print quality was also "excellent".

While the firm has no immediate plans to invest in additional wide-format hardware, having installed two HP Scitex FB7600 flatbed machines in the last few years, he said the firm was always reviewing developments in digital kit to keep abreast of the latest developments. Latex was a technology being watched closely, while developments that reduce operating costs were very important.

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Tecna creates T3 Fabframe London bus for international DJ

In one of its most unusual jobs to date, Tecna UK Limited has created a replica of a London bus out of T3 Fabframe for DJ Norman Jay MBE, a leading pioneer of house music.  The replica ¾ scale London Bus has now appeared at events around the world, including the Snowbombing Festival in Mayrhofen, Austria where Norman Jay was to be found on the London Bus half way up a mountain, playing to amazed partygoers.

Simeon Wicks, Managing Director of Tecna UK was delighted to be involved in the project, and comments, "It’s not everyday that we get involved in such a unique project as this one but jobs like these show exactly how versatile T3 really is.”

The T3 Fabframe London Bus is built using the patented T3 easy build “connect, twist and lock” system that doesn’t require tools.  The T3 frame is then clad in fabric graphics that attach quickly and easily to the modular frame.  Wickes explains, “Easy build was a really important factor in this job as the T3 Fabframe London Bus needs to be built quickly by different teams of unskilled labour in various locations.  In all it takes as little as two hours for two people to build the London Bus set for Norman Jay.”

When dismantled, the T3 Fabframe London Bus packs neatly and easily away into specially designed T3 storage bags and crates than can be easily transported and stored ready for the next big party.

Jonathan Evitt, Managing Director of Tecna Display Limited and inventor of T3, adds, "Once again, Tecna UK have really pulled out the stops and created an inspirational set that is an amazing showcase for the T3 display system.”

[photo shows Fabframe bus at Snowbombing Festival in Mayrhofen, Austria]

FESPA 2013 on track to be biggest event yet

FESPA 2013 is well on track to be the organiser’s biggest event yet.  Committed space already takes 2013 floor plan area to just under 30,000m2, equalling the final footprint of FESPA 2010 in Munich three years ago.  This means that even if it were to be staged now, the London show would be as large and comprehensive an event as in 2010 - and there are still five full months to go for further businesses to sign up until the show opens on 25th June 2013.

The South Hall of the ExCeL exhibition centre, which has a 100% digital focus, is now sold out, and demand for remaining space in the mixed North Hall is high. Many digital exhibitors have increased their stand space compared with 2010.

The top ten exhibitors in 2013 are HP, Canon (incorporating Océ), Agfa, Durst, EFI, Fujifilm, Orafol, Mimaki, Kornit and M&R. The ten largest stands at FESPA 2013 will collectively occupy 15.5% more stand space than the top ten in 2010, indicating the growing investment being made by major suppliers in their presence at FESPA.

The leading players have all chosen FESPA in London as a key platform to showcase their latest wide format innovations to FESPA’s international decision-maker audience.

FESPA expects the final layout of the show to firmly emphasise the long-term dominance of digital, while the event still offers a strong screen printing line-up, with exhibitors including M&R, Saati, Kiian, Demak, Sun Chemical, Sefar, Macdermid Autotype and Encres Dubuit. Textile printing remains a focus for the event, with more than 102 exhibitors showing textile printing applications, and the 6,500m2 FESPA Fabric feature on the show floor specifically designed to meet the needs of garment printers and decorators.

Managing director of FESPA Neil Felton comments, “It was clear from the minute we closed the doors on FESPA Digital in Barcelona in February last year that exhibitors were firmly on board for 2013 in London. By the end of February 2012, FESPA had bookings for 108% of the space occupied by the Barcelona show and we have sustained that momentum throughout last year and into the New Year.”

Felton continues, “Our eye catching ‘Your Destination for Print’ campaign is resonating with exhibitors, and they can see very clearly our commitment to delivering an international audience with an eye to investment for growth.

“Meanwhile, visitors are responding very enthusiastically to our campaign too. Pre-registrations for the show starting earlier than ever before, and traffic to www.fespa.com/london is positively booming. From all over the world, wide format print service providers, sign makers and commercial printers with an appetite for diversification are telling us that FESPA in London is their No. 1 destination for print in 2013.”

PrintCafé franchise launched for young professionals print needs

The concept has already been rolled out by GDL members at five locations with another six expected to be opened by the end of March. John E Wright has rolled the concept out at its shops in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, while KM Reprographics in Gloucester and A Boville Wright in Uxbridge have also rebranded their retail locations.

"Students, young professionals and small businesses still need print - not all communications can be electronic," said John E Wright managing director Tony Barnett. "They need printed output; it helps a small business or individual to create an impression that punches above their weight. But they need that output now and in high-quality."

Printed products include stationery, photobooks, marketing materials, tender bids and large format output including poster and plans, with the target audience including architects and designers.

A retail environment is an important part of the concept even though it includes web-to-print and file submission via ftp.

"A lot of work comes in first via walk ins," he said. "Customers want hand holding and help and advice in setting up files for print. One customer told me why they chose us ‘you know what you're talking about, it is a nice environment and the IT and infrastructure is slick and efficient'."

The Derby branch even had students needing print jobs queuing out of the door first thing in the morning last week.

Barnett said that the PrintCafé concept was an evolution of the HP Print Station, of which John E Wright was the first UK site, and which it continued to operate until last October, even though HP stopped promoting it.

"Print Station was a tremendous success for us - it showed the concept works," said Barnett. "It enabled us to increase revenue by 25% and double profit. We expect the same return from PrintCafé."

GDL, which is a UK-wide network of print equipment and services suppliers, also plans to offer the PrintCafé, franchise to non-members, although it will restrict the locations so that there will only be on PrintCafé, per town or city, except in London, which it believes is big enough to support several sites. The firm's London-based member Colyer Graphics will open a branch at its city location later this year.

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HP revamps Barcelona-based demo and training facility for Graphics Solutions Business

HP has revamped the Barcelona-based demonstration and training facility for its Graphics Solutions Business.  The enlarged premises will accommodate a fleet of the most recently-launched HP printing solutions.

Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, near Barcelona, the HP EMEA Graphic Arts Customer Center is a dedicated, 4,026m2 multi-purpose suite showcasing printers and presses from the HP Indigo, Designjet, Scitex and HP Inkjet Web Press portfolios, as well as the numerous applications achievable with these technologies.

The centre is used to host various training seminars, open houses and demonstration days for a broad audience, including customers and prospects, dealers, distributors, HP staff members and journalists. In 2012, the centre staged more than 1000 production demonstrations and hosted 60 customer events.

As part of the expansion, the HP Graphic Arts Customer Center has been re-designed to focus on creative applications that print service providers (PSPs) can undertake to broaden their service capability and develop revenue streams.

These focus areas include a digital book store, a cool café lounge decorated with vibrant large format interior graphics achievable with HP Latex  Ink Technologies. Another area reflects HP's leadership in the photo market and includes photo books, calendars and photo cards produced with HP Indigo presses, as well as large-format photo-quality prints from HP Designjet Z-Series printers.

In addition to resident flagship devices such as the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press and award-winning HP Designjet L28500 Printer, the centre will soon include the new HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press, the industry's largest-format, most productive sheet-fed digital press.

The facility will also provide visitors with a close-up look at the cutting-edge features of forthcoming solutions earmarked for commercial availability in late 2013. These include the roll-to-roll HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press for flexible packaging, as well as the sheet-fed HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press for mainstream folding carton applications.

Commenting on the new-look HP EMEA Graphic Arts Customer Center, Manel Martinez, vice president and general manager, EMEA Graphics Solutions Business, HP, says, "HP remains ahead of the field in bringing to market breakthrough printing solutions that help drive profitable growth for customers and sharpen their competitive edge... It is vital that we offer an environment that displays our proposition while providing maximum visibility and access to those next-generation technologies that can help customers fulfil their business objectives,"

For more information, please visit www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts