Canon launches 'super-fast' Océ ColorWave 900 wide format printer at FESPA

Canon Europe says it is taking high-speed production to a new level in the wide format arena with the launch of the Océ ColorWave 900 â€" a digital colour printer capable of speeds of up to 15 times faster than other inkjet systems available. Visitors to the Canon stand at FESPA 2013 in London will be the first to see the Océ ColorWave 900 as it makes its debut appearance.

Beginning life as concept product, ‘Project Velocity’ â€" presented for first time at drupa 2012 â€" the Océ ColorWave 900 closes the gap between digital inkjet and traditional offset technology. Specifically designed for the GA, CAD and GIS markets, this printer provides market-leading digital workflow, productivity, lower running costs and increased flexibility for shorter and personalised print jobs.

Underpinned by Memjet’s inkjet technology, the Océ ColorWave 900 has a raw print speed of more than 1,100m2 per hour and is able to print the equivalent height of the Eiffel tower in just half an hour. Delivering 3.4 billion drops of 1.2 picolitres of aqueous ink per second, the machine is able to produce resolutions of 1,600 x 1,600 dpi.

With a width path of 42” (106.7cm), the Océ ColorWave 900 incorporates the same proven six media roll capacity of the Océ ColorWave 600/650 devices, possessing an impressive total input capacity of 1,200 metres (200 metres per roll). The output is cut and delivered â€" dry and ready to use â€" into a high capacity stacker, which features dual delivery trays for concurrent printing and unloading to further maximise uptime and increase productivity.

Flexible colour management and professional workflow software are available through either the Océ PowerM® controller or ONYX Thriveâ„¢ print workflow software.  Additionally, an intuitive touch-screen interface enhances usability and simplifies routine tasks â€" saving time and reducing mistakes.

Ideal for a vast range of applications â€" such as point-of-sale (POS), exhibition and trade show materials, counter and floor displays, technical drawings and maps â€" the Océ ColorWave 900 is an attractive proposition for wide format printers looking to radically boost output, and for commercial printers looking for a powerful â€" yet economical â€" way to explore new revenue channels.

Bart Geraads, European Production Print Group Director, Technical Document Systems (TDS) and Display Graphics Systems (DGS), Canon Europe, comments: “Since the concept demonstration last year, we have fine-tuned the Océ ColorWave 900 to ensure that we deliver a solution that puts print service providers at the vanguard of wide format printing.

“Customers have voiced their need for a highly productive wide format colour device and I’m very pleased that we are now able to showcase our response to that. Canon’s broad portfolio of wide format technologies makes the company the ideal partner for any print service providers who want differentiate their service offering, stand out from the crowd and grow their business over the long term.”

Spandex lauching a 'whole range of products and initiatives' at FESPA

Spandex is launching a whole range of products and initiatives to the graphics industry on its stand (B48S) at FESPA 2013 in London.

Among the key launches, visitors will be able to see for the first time:

• Avery® True Impactâ„¢: A PVC-free printable film with a five-year indoor durability. It is ideal for wall and window graphics, POS, trade shows and other interior advertising.
• Avery® MPIâ„¢ 1950 Cast Films: Part of the established MPI 1900 series, this film is designed to deliver stunning print performance and easy handling on latex printers. It is ideal for a wide variety of applications - indoors and out.
• 3Mâ„¢ Envisionâ„¢ Print Wrap Film 480Cv3: This PVC-free film offers high performance with a sustainability edge. It is ideal for wrapping walls, vehicles, trucks, trailers, boats, textured surfaces and more.
• 3Mâ„¢ Scotchprint® Car Wrap Film Series 1080: Visitors will be able to see the introduction of the latest colours used to wrap a vintage style Vespa.

In addition to showcasing its latest offering on the stand, visitors can get a copy of the brand new Wrap Essentials, a complete guide for wrapping professionals. Produced by Spandex, the guide provides an overview of the most complete range of wrapping materials and accessories on the market today. It presents over 170 colours/finishes from Imageperfect, 3M, Arlon and Avery, as well as range of professional tools and training courses.

Spandex customers can also take advantage of the company’s new Digital on Demand initiative, which enables them to purchase digital materials by the metre - negating the need to order full rolls. Digital on Demand allows customers to order from 1m to 50m of a range of materials, including self-adhesive vinyls, banners, perforated window films, display media, canvas and textiles (more information on Digital on Demand will be presented at FESPA 2013).

FESPA visitors will be the first to be able to take advantage of Spandex’s Super 7 partnership with Ilford, one of the leading manufacturers of high performance aqueous inkjet media. Offering a selected range of water-based inkjet substrates, the range includes media for Posters, Photo Production, Photo Premium, Fine Art Canvas, Backlit, Roll Up and Pop Up Displays.

In addition to the wide range of media available on the Spandex stand, visitors have the chance to view printers including Roland’s ‘Beast’, its SolJet Pro4 XF-640, and Epson’s SureColor SC-S 70600 and SC-T 7000.

Win a Vespa at Fespa â€" all visitors to the Spandex stand have the chance to win an iconic, 3M sponsored, Vespa motorcycle, wrapped in their choice of 3Mâ„¢ Scotchprint® Car Wrap Film Series 1080.

Reserve your Brand Bag - Visitors who pre-register on the Spandex website (www.spandex.co.uk) will receive a Brand Bag worth over £150 with a range of tools including a Vehicle Outline DVD and reusable USB device with plenty of information for graphic professionals.

ITL unveils new UV LED and UV Arc solutions at FESPA

UK developer Integration Technology Ltd (ITL) says its major 2013 roll-out of UV LED and UV Arc solutions will continue at FESPA.

On stand N3S, the all new LEDZero Solidcure 2 is the latest UV LED curing unit drawing on ITL's 10 years of experience in developing semi conductor light engines. Solidcure 2 offers class-leading dose and linearity of output surpassing other water cooled units of this type in the world. Slim and ultra compact, this water-cooled system has a standard output power of 12W/cm² @ 395nm with alternative wavelengths such as 365nm, 385nm and 405nm available as options.

Fully scalable in both length and width, the LEDZero Solidcure 2 can be tailored to meet extremely specific UV LED requirements on a wide range of applications, including high speed inkjet printing, high speed roll to roll flexographic and offset printing; screen printing; converting; and a wide range of other industrial applications.

Specification benefits include field-replaceable modules offering even further extended service life; driver electronics fully integrated within the lamp head; switch mode power supply unit for world-wide compatibility. Also available in a HD version offering twice the dose of the standard model, the ground-breaking LEDZero Solidcure 2 is commercially-available from July (2013).

FESPA London will meanwhile host a live application of ITL's new SubZero LED system. Although primarily designed for wide format graphics platforms, the SubZero LED will be demonstrating it's high cure capability by being equally at home in a single pass high speed application at the show.

This revolutionary new air-cooled curing solution has a compact footprint and all the proven features and benefits of the established SubZero arc system range making for an easy conversion to UV LED technology for any platform currently using the world leading SubZero.

The SubZero arc program is also enhanced with the launch of two new models on show for the first time. Firstly there is added cure length in the new SubZero 220 along with a new high power version of the very popular SubZero 170 model, which produces 50% more output power than the standard version.

Also on show - and again new for 2013 - ITL's super compact MZero LED utilises all of the proven features and benefits of its sister arc product and incorporates them into an LED alternative enhanced by extra functionalities such as instant on/off, variable power and low temperature operation and a plug and play feature to the lamp head design enabling simple machine integration or field installation.

Ideally suited to digital inkjet applications such as small plotters, 3D product printers or marking and encoding applications, the MZero LED is also equally at home curing inks, coating or sealants in a variety of other industrial applications.

For more information, please visit www.uvintegration.com

[photo shows the established ITL SubZero arc UV curing system and its newly-launched LED curing counterpart]

Spotlight on... Drytac: Going back to its roots

Despite its significant market share in North America, finishing solutions developer Drytac has very British roots...

For four decades, Drytac has bridged the ocean between the UK and North America. Chairman and CEO Richard Kelley emigrated from England to Canada in 1963 and began his career by launching a gift and promotional products business in Ottawa, before becoming the Canadian distributor for UK-based Ademco, a supplier of mounting adhesives and heatset films, in 1972. A restructure of Ademco four years later gave Richard the ideal opportunity to establish his own brand in the adhesive marketplace, and Drytac was born.

Fast-forward to 2012, with Richard's son Hayden Kelley moving his family from Canada to Bristol to take on the role of Managing Director of Drytac Europe. After attaining a Master's Degree in Business and achieving success as an investment banker despite the financial recession, Hayden turned to the more satisfying business of manufacturing.

Made in Britain

Moreover, Hayden is hugely enthusiastic about Drytac's UK operations.  Having started at Drytac's California base before heading up Drytac Canada, Hayden asserts: 'The UK can, should and will be the head of the company'.

Holding the position of the number-one manufacturer of coated media in Canada and sitting comfortably in the top five in the USA, it may come as a surprise that the UK arm already wields a lot of muscle within Drytac: the majority of its products for the expansive graphic arts market is made in Britain and exported abroad â€" a fact Hayden is keen to make known.

"We're going to focus on our roots and what we're really, truly good at â€" which is making self-adhesive products for the graphics market, our home base," he comments.

A city proud of its heritage, with its own brand of culture, architecture and craft â€" not to mention its own local competitor to Sterling, the Bristol Pound â€" Bristol is an ideal base for Drytac's 'Made in Britain' ethos. Employing around 50 people, the Fishponds HQ is also eagerly developing new products for graphics houses in the UK and beyond, from the eco-conscious BioLam films to high coatweight films for UV printed output. The clear UV-printable, self-adhesive window film ViziPrint was launched late last year, and there's more on the way.

This June it was announced that Drytac had agreed an exclusive UK and Ireland distribution deal with Antalis, which will see customers benefit from Antalis's extensive supply channels and large team of experienced sales professionals. By exiting the direct sales route, Drytac is able to plough its resources into product development and business growth.

Antalis is currently demonstrating its new Drytac portfolio at FESPA London, giving many wide-format print businesses the first look at new products. 

Moving further

Its breadth of technology also makes Drytac an international player. Boasting the resources to manufacture solvent, emulsion and hot-melt adhesion products, it is competing with only a handful of companies for its variety of output.

Meanwhile, Drytac launched its first Facebook page this spring, allowing its international customers and colleagues to come together in an online community.

The combination of North American business sense, a British manufacturing base, a dedicated UK and international sales channel and European ambitions will surely see Drytac open many more doors across the globe.

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

[Photo shows Hayden Kelley, managing director of Drytac Europe]

PressOn confirmed as first global customer to invest in HP Latex 3000 Printer

HP has announced that Kent, UK-based large format print specialist PressOn is the first customer worldwide to invest in the new HP Latex 3000 Printer.

Currently on the HP stand at FESPA, the HP Latex 3000 Printer will be installed at PressOn’s facility after the show, and be employed immediately to enable the company to meet demand for high quality, HP Latex-produced self-adhesive vinyl graphics.

“We are currently at capacity, so the new HP Latex 3000 will enable us to take on further work and utilise its increased speed and industrial design to improve customer response times,” said Andy Wilson, co-director, PressOn. “Additionally, with the 3000’s five litre ink cartridges, it can run unattended overnight, reducing operator costs but maximising achievable production time and increasing our revenue potential.” 

According to Wilson, The HP Latex technology is much more stable than any other technology, especially for self-adhesive vinyl graphics, typically used for fleet and vehicle graphics applications. Mixed with the company’s ‘can do’ attitude, this stability has given PressOn a huge competitive edge and the confidence to provide a customer guarantee for the durability of its HP Latex graphics.

This guarantee has enabled PressOn to expand year on year, and win work against much larger businesses and in-house production departments.

“Being water based, HP Latex technology is inherently better suited to self adhesive vinyl work, and the quick turnaround nature of our business,” continues Wilson. “Where solvent technology is problematic from an environmental and scratch resistance perspective, the nature of UV baking alters the structure of the substrate, making it brittle and a problem to remove.

“Generally speaking, neither technology is as durable or versatile as HP Latex for these applications, added to which, as soon as a graphic leaves an HP Latex printer, it is ready to be despatched to the customer. In winning work, this is a huge advantage for us.”

Since installing its first HP Latex printer in 2010, the HP Latex technology platform has been the backbone of the PressOn business with a portfolio including an HP Scitex Latex 600 Printer and an HP Latex 850 - last year printing roughly 110,000m2 on its HP Latex 850 alone.

Production and application versatility

The HP Latex 3000 Printer is a six-colour, 3.2m device with resolution options up to1200dpi. Printing at outdoor quality, the system can run at speeds up to 120m2/hr (1290ft2/hr), ideal for busy production environments.

The new printer also offers important versatility improvements for indoor and outdoor applications savings. Water-based HP Latex 881 Inks, developed for the printer, offer scratch resistance comparable to hard-solvent inks when printed on self-adhesive and PVC banner substrates. The prints from HP 881 Latex Inks are odourless and ideal for applications from indoor retail displays, outdoor advertising, vehicle graphics and interior décor. The inks also offer a 15-20 per cent wider gamut than six-colour UV printers, critical for corporate brand colour matching and accurate reproduction of skin tones.

The inks produce prints that are dry from the printer and ready to finish or despatch immediately, thereby accelerating throughput and response times.  In addition, they are dried and cured at low temperatures, which not only offers energy savings, but extends the range of substrates that can be used with the HP Latex 3000 Printer.

“The print industry in the UK has generally been in decline, but large-format digital printing continues to grow,” Wilson said. “Since we began as digital printers, we haven’t had to undergo the process of migrating from screen or litho, so our mind-set is purely digital, which has been a great advantage to our growth.”

“The new HP Latex 3000 Printer will help us to maintain this progress and better meet the virtually on-demand customer requests for high quality print applications,” concluded Wilson.

HP announces new Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press at FESPA

At FESPA, HP has announced the new HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press powered by HP Scitex High Dynamic Range (HDR) Printing Technology to help high-volume print service providers (PSPs) increase profitability by shifting their retail graphics and corrugated display applications from analogue to digital.

The point of purchase (POP) graphics and corrugated display market has been dominated by analogue production methods. As demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround times has increased, PSPs have found it more difficult to profitably produce these applications with analogue printing presses. Other applications required a combination of higher print quality and productivity than digital could historically deliver.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press addresses these challenges, enabling PSPs to capture part of the 6.8-billion-square-metre page opportunity in the retail graphics and corrugated display markets.

“To date, digital printing customers have had to choose between productivity and quality, always sacrificing one feature for the other,” said Stephen Nigro, senior vice president, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. “The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press changes the game, providing a unique combination of speed, quality and versatility to cost-effectively meet the standards set by offset while taking advantage of the short runs, personalisation and quick turnarounds possible with digital.”

The six-colour HP Scitex HDR printing system delivers high quality and industrial productivity along with dynamic dot-size control. Using HP Scitex HDR printing technology, the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press combines 16-grey-level printing with the ability to produce 1,000 B1 sheets in less than two hours.  These features help PSPs achieve the quality and speed required by traditional offset applications while addressing growing demand for short runs, quick turnarounds and variable content.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press with HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology will be demonstrated for the first time on the HP stand (H50S/H80S) at FESPA Digital 2013, 25â€"29 June, at ExCeL London Exhibition and Convention Centre.

At the show, HP also is announcing Sabaté as a new customer for the HP Latex 3000 Printer, which delivers high-value applications with improved productivity, quality and versatility. Additionally, HP is introducing two new HP raster image processor (RIP) software options for HP Scitex and Latex printers.

The productivity and quality required for nearly any large-format print job

With the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press, PSPs can now meet peak demand with print capacity up to 625m2/hour (6,727ft2/hour) and direct-to-board printing. HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology provides precision control over colour and tone for clarity of image detail, producing prints with the highest dynamic range. HP Scitex HDR uses combinations of light and dark inks and three drop volumes to achieve the quality required for high-impact graphics.

The new press also delivers unmatched media versatility, including acrylics and polypropylene as well as flexible and rigid media. New HP HDR240 Scitex Inks achieve excellent adhesion on a wide media range at high productivity and comply with ISO proofing standards, helping customers match colours between digital and analogue processes. Furthermore, upgradeability is built into HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology, helping customers protect their investment.

“We have been beta testing the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press since April and have found it offers improved performance in terms of speed and output quality over any other technology we’ve run to date,” said Gerhard Worch, managing director, KL Druck. “Thanks to the press’ new inks, we can now print to more plastic surfaces. We are also experiencing better margins that ensure we remain competitive, while still enjoying healthy profits.”

To improve customers’ productivity and profitability, HP Scitex bundles the HP On-site Uptime Parts Kits, HP Ramp-up Service and HP Customer Care Programs in contracts. Automated press calibrations help operators maintain productivity, save time and improve efficiency, while the HP Scitex Print Care proactive maintenance scheduler with automated diagnostics and alerts helps customers keep their printers running smoothly.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press featuring HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology is expected to be available worldwide beginning 1 November 2013.

HP Latex 3000 Printer beta customer Sabaté purchases device

After a successful beta testing period, Barcelona, Spain-based Sabaté has purchased an HP Latex 3000 Printer. A family-owned digital photo lab with 70 years in the business, Sabaté can now deliver high-quality retail and POP output using backlit, textile and paper substrates for indoor and outdoor advertising.

“The HP Latex 3000 Printer has revolutionised our business, allowing us to expand our application offerings with state-of-the-art image quality at amazing turnaround times,” said César Díaz Bernal, commercial and production manager, Sabaté. “This new HP technology will keep our company at the forefront of printing quality and service for our customers.”

New RIPs provide optimal scalability, compatibility and performance

HP Scitex and HP Latex customers can now select RIPs based on leading new solutions from Onyx and GMG. HP Scitex Onyx Thrive 211 RIP Software combines accurate, predictable results with the new web-based Thrive Production Manager and scalability for all HP Scitex and HP Latex printers. GMG ProductionSuite for HP Scitex and HP Latex products offers a customised software bundle for HP users to optimise their print production workflow. Customers have control from file to output with accurate colour reproduction and faster preprint file handling.

GMG releases version 2 of ProductionSuite

GMG has announced the release of ProductionSuite version 2, an update of the most complete production solution for wide-format printing. Highlights include a very easy to use version of SmartProfiler to profile all combinations of printers, media, inks, etc; more powerful Layout tools; and a new interior decoration option â€" along with a new, GMG ProductionSuite Focus edition.

GMG ProductionSuite offers the entire range of functions required in a wide-format production environment. GMG ProductionSuite is modular, comprising of a prepress file Editor, RIP, SmartProfiler and PrintStation. It currently supports over 1,000 output devices. A flexible licensing model permits custom installation: from a simple configuration on one computer with only one RIP, one Editor and functions for driving one or two output devices, all the way to an extensive decentralised configuration with several editors that can send jobs to over ten printers and cutters. With additional functions, such as industrial cutting, true shape nesting, and screen- and variable data printing, GMG ProductionSuite also fulfills some of the more unique requirements of wide format printing.

Updated SmartProfiler 2.0: Same reliable high-quality color managementâ€"even easier to achieve.

GMG SmartProfiler is a wizard for the calibration and profiling of all supported print devices without requiring expert knowledge of colour management. With highly automated SmartProfiler colour management, printers get guaranteed repeatability without any need for expert colour knowledge â€" even with spot colours.

ProductionSuite 2.0 features a new, automatic rendering intent. “While most profiling and colour management tools may require an operator to go through a number of ‘trial and error’ steps to obtain a satisfactory separation, in SmartProfiler 2.0 GMG takes responsibility for building the profile,” explains Markus Finkbeiner, Director Business Unit Wide Format Printing at GMG. “It is truly a “smart” profiler, creating the profile depending upon media, ink set, substrate, and other variables. GMG’s time and knowledge is definitely built into the product.”

The new SmartProfiler 2.0, which now operates on both OS X and Windows platforms, has a new user interface to make it even easier to get outstanding colour results. It is one, complete software application to create all profile components, including print mode, ink splitting, calibration and profile. The integrated media manager inside SmartProfiler offers a complete, streamlined overview of every profile including, for example, spot colour edits. GMG Device Link (MX4) profiles are now created on the fly, based upon where the file is intended to be output. There is no longer any need to create several printer-media-mode (PMM) combinations for different RGB and CMYK workflows.

Operators can manage the profiles, creating names for parameters such as mode and media that best identify each profile. A new test chart generator recognises the defined media width and measurement device. SmartProfiler 2.0 also creates optimized test chart layouts for large and wide format printers. It offers full support internal measurement devices, such as those found in HP Designjet and Epson StylusPro.

“While an expert can deliver acceptable colour results with most any colour management solution, with GMG ProductionSuite 2.0, anybody can produce the same exceptional colour results, right out of the box,” says Finkbeiner.

Layout: More flexibility for a wide variety of jobs

With the new Layout feature, GMG ProductionSuite 2.0 will be integrated into even more workflows, producing a wider variety of print products. True shape nesting is very easy to programme. For example, users can create 100 stickers, rescale them in three different sizes, and nest them by true shape, all with just a few mouse clicks. Integrated cut and white support are built in.

If desired, users can even open a true-shape nested job within the RIP, change the job layout by readjusting parameters such as the amount of images, job rotation and cutting informationâ€"and then print and cut the job. So, nesting can be created by either the prepress operator or the print operator.

New interior decoration option

Available as a new, additional option, interior decoration can support two significant functions for the digitised creation and printing of textiles and wallpapers: colourways and step & repeat. The ProductionSuite Editor step & repeat tool supports all common algorithms for the textile industry. Patterns can be moved in any direction. Then, colourways allows several colorations within one job. Similar, multiple layouts can be created in different colours on multiple layouts, but with the same, precise step & repeat layout. Most important, with GMG’s colour-accurate technology, GMG ProductionSuite can assure one delta-E accuracy in textiles from a digital press, no matter when the file is printed. Thus, textiles and wallpapers are always colour and design consistent, a ‘must’ demanded by interior decorators.

GMG ProductionSuite Focus Edition: Fully functional wide format workflow at an entry-level price

GMG is also releasing GMG ProductionSuite-Focus Edition, an entry-level price version of GMG ProductionSuite intended for print shops that wish to bundle a complete workflow â€" instead of solely a RIP â€" at the time of purchase of a new digital printer. The ProductionSuite Focus Edition is a fully functioning workflow system, including all four ProductionSuite modules. It also offers the same cutting functionality as the standard licensed version. However, it is offered with a one-user license and one printer driver. Upgrades are available to add more printer drivers. Optional modules are not available.

“We wanted to offer small and medium-sized print shops the benefits of GMG ProductionSuite, at a very affordable price,” comments Finkbeiner. “Almost immediately, with GMG ProductionSuite Focus Edition, these shops will be able to offer the quality, speed and consistency that a complete automated production workflow provides.”

GMG ProductionSuite 2.0 and GMG ProductionSuite Focus Edition are available now through the company’s distribution channels and will be on show on GMG’s stand - G50S - at FESPA 2013

New wide format printers debuted on Fujifilm's 'eye-catching' FESPA stand

Fujifilm says that its 'eye-catching' stand - F10S - at FESPA 2013 is set to inspire all visitors to the show. Designed in the style of a high quality retail space, new versions of many of the company’s print production solutions are featured for the first time in Europe.  Ultra high quality print production is visible in every area, as each zone showcases machine capabilities and exceptional print applications that can be produced in the types of environment they are designed for:

High-end flatbed devices

The latest addition to the Inca Onset series, the Inca Onset Q40i is being shown for the first time at FESPA. Developed to address the growing market for an ultra-high quality flatbed device, it prints onto media up to 3.14m x 1.6m (123.6 inches x 63 inches) and up to 50mm (2in) thick. Using the latest Fujifilm Spectra Dimatix QS10 printheads, the Inca Onset Q40i delivers a 10 picolitre drop size, compared to the 27 picolitres delivered on the S40i model. The resulting 1200dpi apparent resolution produces ultra-crisp images, fine lines, sharp text and smooth tonal graduations, and prints up to 310m2/hr, equating to 62 full-bed sheets per hour.

Additionally, Fujifilm’s brand new, unique solution for POP corrugated board printers is available to view on stand via a video link. The solution is a combination of the Inca Onset S40i, Fujifilm’s innovative Uvijet OC inks, and its new fully automated corrugated handling system.

High-end roll-fed devices

Fujifilm has chosen FESPA for the first showing of the five metre version of its super-wide format Uvistar Pro8 roll fed printer. Launched at drupa last year, the platform is particularly suited to producing super-wide format print for both display POP and outdoor advertising markets on flexible and rigid media, and includes a complete set of light colours within the ink set which increase print quality without compromising on print speed. Together with its unique Parallel Drop Size (PDS) technology, this allows the Uvistar Pro8 to produce high definition display POP graphics at speeds in excess of 300m2/hour.

Flatbed printers

The latest model in Fujifilm’s Acuity flatbed range, launched last week, is also available to view on the stand. The Acuity Advance Select HS 5000 series builds on all the advantages of the recently announced Acuity Advance Select platform, featuring the same ultra-high print quality and application versatility, but with the additional benefit of being able to run at higher speeds, up to a maximum 49.7 m2/hr in Production Squared mode.

One of the key developments incorporated into the new Acuity Advance Select HS 5006/5226 printers is the inclusion of six independent ink channels. For printers that focus on retail signage or other standard graphics applications and require the highest throughput, channels five and six can be configured to enhance print speed by adding extra cyan and magenta nozzle capacity.

LED roll fed printers

Fujifilm’s Acuity LED 1600 will also be featured, able to achieve a best-in-class combination of 20m2/hr productivity and excellent image quality. It supports substrates up to 1,610mm in width and is designed to print on wide-format roll media, and rigid sheet substrates up to 13mm thick (including PET, acrylic, polycarbonate substrates and lightweight boards).

The printer features six ink colours plus white and clear ink as standard and can apply these in a single pass to produce a premium high gloss finish with a much higher efficiency than a conventional printer (where coloured and clear inks are applied in separate passes). The Acuity LED 1600 is ideal for many large format applications such as posters, in-store POP and retail displays, as well as packaging.

Workflow

Having a centralised print workflow for managing colour and quality across wide format devices is increasingly important. Fujifilm will be showcasing how this is achieved using its XMF range of workflow solutions.

The company will be demonstrating how its XMF workflow solutions can add value to the production of wide format print, from job submission and approval with XMF Remote, pre-press production with XMF Workflow, colour management with XMF ColorPath to a complete hosted web to print solution with XMF PrintCentre.

euromedia

A euromedia zone will highlight the wide variety of creative media that is available, with a particular focus on a number of specialist roll media products that can be used to help printers expand their creativity and benefit from profitable value-added print applications.

Textile printing

Finally, Fujifilm offers a complete portfolio for direct printing, transfer production and industrial textile printing. On the stand at FESPA garments printed by customers using Fujifilm products will be displayed on racks and mannequins, allowing visitors to get a sense for the wide range of effects possible. Key highlights include the fact that the company has three ranges approved to the organic standard GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and also offers the highest performance PVC/phthalate free plastisol ink on the market, approved by a number of leading retail brands and is now specified for use on their garments.

“We are excited to be able to demonstrate to visitors just how significantly things have moved on in terms of the productivity that can be reached at even higher quality levels, using the very latest technology and inks on the market,” comments Keith Harley, marketing director, Fujifilm. “The breadth of our current product offering, combined with our extensive range of XMF print workflow technologies, enables us to demonstrate how easy it is for a PSP to improve the efficiency of his print production process. It also highlights the versatility of the platforms and the wide range of final applications that can be achieved, targeting numerous different markets.”

Ian Carnazza and Lisa Williams join Mosaic Group to launch POP division

Mosaic POP opened its doors this month and can now offer a full range of points of purchase services, including retail display, digital, field marketing and sampling to provide an end-to-end service. Led by managing partners Lisa Williams’ and Ian Carnazza’s wealth of experience in the industry, the new division links together York-based Mosaic Group’s related disciplines of marketing strategy and creative, print management and fulfilment.

The team aims to exploit twin gaps in the point of purchase services market. Smaller brands seeking to win space in a crowded retail environment will benefit from big-agency know-how, while larger clients can gain a more responsive team, dramatically improving speed and customer service, while backed by PLC confidence.

“We’ve had our eye on the POP sector for a while,” said Mosaic Group CEO, Tony Gill. “Lisa and Ian are the final pieces of the jigsaw. By combining their know-how with the economies of scale and provenance of a £33m turnover marketing, print management and fulfilment group I’m confident we can give customers the best of both worlds.

“We’ve developed our Complis platform support retailers in executing POS orders quickly using technology to automate and measure in store campaign performance. Combined with the fulfilment team’s ability to pick and collate collateral quickly and accurately the only thing missing was the senior knowledge people to lead the team.”

“Skilled, hands-on customer service and know-how, plus buying power and a polished fulfilment machine adds up to more effective point of purchase programmes and better return on investment for clients. We’ve already had a great deal of interest and are in advanced talks with several customers.”

Lisa Williams has over 15 years’ experience in the points of purchase field, working with leading brands and retailers taking a multi-channel approach. Coming from a design background, she has particular expertise in retail display, understanding what makes drives purchase behaviour and communicating the brand story, all informed by her own passion for shopping.

Ian Carnazza has over 20 years’ experience in strategic management of successful points of purchase campaigns. He has worked on promotional activity with brands and retailers including POP, packaging, contract packing and field marketing activity to both boost short term sales and secure long term market share for sustained ROI.

The team, based in Mosaic Group’s print management and fulfilment creative hub just outside York, has experience of working with some of the leading names in fast moving consumer goods across a variety of sectors including Health & Beauty, Food & Drink, Confectionery, Electrical, Sports and Fashion.  Their knowledge of how to work with retailers to get the most from all sales environments is benefitted from direct experience of the major grocers and top high street brands.

[Photo caption: Managing Partners Ian Carnazza and Lisa Williams are welcomed by Mosaic CEO, Tony Gill, as they launch the group’s new point of purchase division, Mosaic POP.]

EFI to debut VUTEk HS100 Pro at FESPA alongside 'comprehensive' range of solutions

Reinforcing its position as the world leader in digital printing innovation, EFI is to demonstrate a comprehensive range of UV-curable products at FESPA 2013, complemented by its workflow management and MIS/ERP systems. The company’s stand will feature machines from its VUTEk and wide-format portfolios, including the new HS100 Pro which is making its debut in the UK, along with greyscale and LED-curing options.

With the emphasis on cost-effective and efficient production criteria, EFI’s wide- and superwide-format printers all incorporate high levels of productivity and versatility, enabling businesses to grow their market reach and become more profitable. With the drive for greater productivity, minimising waste and saving time throughout all processes, the company also now offers innovative marketing tools that complement the printing process.

Being shown in the UK for the first time, and heading the FESPA line up of wide- and superwide-format printers from EFI is the VUTEk HS100 Pro, which unlike competitive high-end platforms removes the need to compromise between speed and quality. This 3.2m flat-bed and roll-fed system has greyscale print-heads and benefits from a unique Pin & Cure technology that enables precision ink lay-down, even at the highest speeds, plus gloss control to produce different surface finishes.

More than 100 VUTEk installations go “green” with LED curing

Since the launch of LED (or Cool-Cure) technology at Fespa Digital 2010 in Hamburg, Germany, EFI has installed over 100 LED curing printers worldwide. Based on their average ink usage VUTEk LED users are experiencing approximately 50% more print volume than VUTEk GS models without LED curing, demonstrating that EFI Cool-Cure can help customers grow their business. Their expanded application range and versatility are the result of their ability to print on speciality substrates while increasing productivity and lowering operating costs. They produce no VOCs and less waste, use fewer consumables and less energy and have the ability to print on environmentally friendly materials without warping or head strikes.

“Our new VUTEk GS3250LX is more ‘forgiving’ when it comes to printing on vinyl and fabrics,” said Tony Barnett, managing director of John E Wright (Nottingham, UK.) “I expect the machine to add £1m in two years to the firm’s turnover, currently £6.5m.”

EFI’s latest ink technology includes a thermoforming product that enables users to produce deeply formed applications on thermoplastic media for a broad range of applications where the ink must conform with the material without cracking or splitting. The elasticity of this ink is designed to withstand post-process heat forming, cutting and routing, and is optimised for use with the new VUTEk GS3250 Pro-TF and GS2000 Pro-TF wide-format UV-curable printers.

The new EFI Fiery® XF Version 5 now has a fully customisable interface and provides a flexible and scalable high-speed digital front end and colour management workflow solution for wide- and superwide-format print specialists. Among its notable new features is a Web Control Center (WCC) which uses a SaaS model to deliver distribution of proofs via remote control between all sites using Colorproof XF and Fiery XF.

MIS/ERP productivity tools will also feature prominently at FESPA as printing companies acknowledge the need to streamline their operations, eliminate touch-points in their workflow, and improve communication. This move to greater accountability is simplified with EFI’s productivity products, with Pace and PrintSmith Vision business management software and Digital StoreFront web-to-print being examples that provide key elements for integration value increasingly by wide-format printer users.

Showing for the first time in Europe SmartSign Analytics captures and reports on the viewing of signs and displays via a webcam which runs facial recognition software. This monitoring system enables businesses to garner valuable data and reports gender and age range of the viewer, and time spent looking at a sign.

Combining of all its options for wide-format print providers and sign-makers, EFI is showing highly innovative solutions to new and existing customers by creating future-proof technologies. Full information and real-time demonstrations are available on the company’s stand at FESPA 2013, showing how printing companies can open the door to new and profitable opportunities.

For additional information about EFI, visit www.efi.com.

Kornit brings highest speeds to the direct-to-garment market with the new Avalanche 1000

Kornit Digitalwill launch a new addition to the Avalanche product family at Fespa 2013. Designed for 24/7 mass production operation, the Avalanche 1000 is the fastest direct-to-garment printer ever made by the company. Besides its outstanding productivity, it features new piezo-electric print-heads, a back-up battery system and an integrated professional humidity system for greater efficiency.

The Avalanche 1000’s enhanced speed and performance characteristics enable a single operator to produce printed garments and fabric cuts at exceptional speeds, making it the most productive direct-to-garment printer in the market. In common with all other machines from Kornit  that print on a large variety of textiles using one ink set, the Avalanche 1000 utilises the company’s NeoPigment process which is far more environmentally friendly and efficient than machines that require additional pre-treatment and drying processes before being ready for print.

“The Avalanche 1000 has taken digital direct-to-garment printing to an incredible new level,” says Jay Butterfield, owner of Silk Screen Ink in Storm Lake, Iowa and beta customer for the new printer. “Since partnering with Kornit for Avalanche 1000 beta testing, Scott Hopper, VP of Operations for Silk Screen Ink, has put the machine through rigid evaluation over the past six months. We are proud to have assisted in the development of this remarkable solution. Just like any other Kornit machine, we can produce the same wide variety of applications, but now enormously faster. A single operator can produce the highest quality prints at a truly impressive speed that meets the demands of our growing customer base and business.”

Designed for the mass production of garments, Kornit’s Avalanche 1000 has dual pallet industrial production capability, and is a very robust platform designed for heavy duty use. The print-head array, equipped with 24 Spectra Polaris heads, generates very high speeds and excellent print quality. An integrated humidifying system makes the machine resistant to the daily variations in room climate, and a back-up battery system allows the main power to be turned off when the machine is not being used. It features a print area of up to 90 x 60cm and 12cm wide pass printing. An automatic height adjustment mechanism allows printing over buttons, zippers and other protruding objects. It prints up to 300 light and 170 dark garments per hour. With all those new features, the Avalanche 1000 is perfectly suited to be used all day, every day and for all volumes.

“We are truly excited about the release of the new Avalanche 1000,” states Ofer Ben-Zur, CEO of Kornit Digital. “It has been designed from the ground up to meet our most demanding customers’ needs for a robust, mass-production, 24/7 operational solution. Based on customers’ requirements and utilising Kornit’s ten years of field experience, the Avalanche 1000 will provide printers with the lowest operational cost and superlative quality."

Another new member of the Avalanche product family will be the Kornit Avalanche Hexa, making its first public appearance at Fespa. The Avalanche Hexa is a six-colour direct-to-garment printer featuring additional red and green channels with an increased gamut for improved colour saturation and spot colour handling, making it the ideal direct-to-garment solution for the fashion, sportswear and promotional materials printing markets.

For more information, please visit www.kornit.com.

Avery Dennison to debut four new products at FESPA

Avery Dennison is announcing four new products at FESPA 2013.  These include:

• TrueImpactâ„¢ films
• 19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio
• a new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks
• a new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours

TrueImpactâ„¢ films

TrueImpactâ„¢ is a range of digital and screen printing films that combine powerful graphics with a lower environmental impact. TrueImpact films give converters a more sustainable choice for indoor mid-term graphics applications. The product line is currently available in six constructions, including a white multi-print film and the choice of a matt or gloss protective overlaminate.

Although PVC films are readily used in many graphic applications today, there are a growing number of customers looking for alternative materials that have an improved environmental health footprint across the manufacturing, use and disposal phase of the product lifecycle. According to Elizabeth Park, Avery Dennison senior product manager for new graphic technologies, “A sustainability goal of ‘PVC out’ is now a priority for many end users and TrueImpact TMP 7000 / TOL 7000 series films allow converters to differentiate their offer and open up new business opportunities.”

The patented series TMP 7000 / TOL 7000 films are 100% free of PVC and phthalates, and deliver high-level performance. An easy-to-clean overlaminate resists graffiti and protects the material for up to five years in interior applications, and the films will conform to both flat surfaces and simple curves.

19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio

Avery Dennison has added 19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio for vehicle wrapping. Now available in 69 different colours, Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film delivers major benefits during both application and removal. Installers can apply wraps almost 20% faster than the average competitive products, as Supreme Wrapping Films are more slideable. Removal of the wrap is residue-free -- which can improve removal time by up to 90%.

Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film meets the needs of both individuals and fleets. According to Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, “The full potential of vehicle wrapping has often not been realised in the past because it is perceived to be time-consuming and costly. With this high-performance material wrapping companies benefit from substantial productivity gains in both application and removal of the material. And it allows the creation of a highly customised look, with a showroom quality paint-like finish and the option to use textures.”

Supreme Wrapping Film provides a clear protective layer that gives a paint-like finish that lasts up to a maximum of 12 years. The film’s excellent conformability is suitable for all types of vehicles as it easily accommodates difficult curves and recesses.   Avery Dennison’s unique Easy Apply™ RS adhesive has long-term removability properties, so film removal is problem-free even after long periods. In fact, vehicle paintwork is protected by the film during use, so residual vehicle values are higher.

A new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks

Avery Dennison has introduced a new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks. Avery Dennison MPIâ„¢ 1950 delivers exceptional print and handling performance in the fast-growing digital print sector.

According to Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, “Demand for latex films is accelerating rapidly, as they enable striking and innovative graphics. Avery Dennison MPI 1950 Latex cast white films allow converters to make the most of a very important technology.” She adds that, “the longstanding collaboration between HP and Avery Dennison means that converters can rely on optimal print performance. Avery Dennison’s Easy Apply™ technology brings simple repositioning as well as an ultra-smooth final result without bubbles or wrinkles.”

Long life, outstanding conformability and faster, easier application are some of the benefits provided by Avery Dennison MPI 1950 Latex cast white films. The materials perform well indoors or outdoors, and they are sufficiently conformable to cope with even the most demanding 3D applications, such as where rivets or corrugations are present. Avery Dennison Easy Applyâ„¢ adhesive eliminates the need to use air-release pens during application and delivers faster removal without cuts in the applied film.

A new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours

Avery Dennison has introduced a new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours, designed to offer a significant performance improvement to the competitive mid-range computer-cut signage market.

Avery Dennison’s premium products have always offered the level of conformability and flexibility needed to handle recesses and curved surfaces. With 777 Cast Film, Avery Dennison now delivers visual impact and very high levels of converting productivity at a competitive price. The new material performs well on rivets and corrugations. It is easy to apply, with no lifting from recesses, and suits a wide range of computer sign-cutting equipment.

Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, explained that “Avery Dennison 777 Cast films open up new possibilities for sign makers. Brand owners want the best possible look without breaking the bank, and that means a durable, dimensionally stable material with outstanding colours and finishes.”

She concludes, “These new cast films outperform more familiar polymeric calendared films with best-in-class cutting, plotting and weeding capabilities. They offer a conformable, low-calliper and ultra-smooth material that suits vehicle signage, window graphics, outdoor advertising, point-of-sale items and much more. In effect, these materials represent the sign makers' new ‘standard’ choice for mid-range signage solutions."

Rocket eyes sustainable growth and new markets

"We've had a few reasonably good years and the investments have been largely funded by the business as well as invoicing finance. We're really positive, the business has grown together and most importantly it's been sustainable. We've certainly not gone mad," said Rocket managing director Tim Porter.

As part of the growth plan Gary Egan has joined as production manager, Andy Webb has been appointed to project manage a number of key client events and Steven Silverton joined to head up Rocket's newly created retail division.

The firm is also looking to further boost its installation teams and artwork studio later this year.

The appointments follow the Watford firm taking on an additional factory unit over Christmas 2012, doubling its floor space. This enabled it to install a raft of refurbished kit, including a 3.2m-wide EFI Vutek QS3200 UV flatbed, two Mimaki JV5 series roll-to-roll printers, and a Zünd G3 digital cutter.

"We've started to do a lot work in sport hospitality branding, which increasingly involves temporary walls wrapped with large-format graphics rather than the traditional, build, skin and paint structures," said Porter.

"The market seems to be growing and growing and the QS is perfect for that type of work because it enabled us to produce high-quality wraps up to 3.2m wide and most of the walls are up to 3m."

High-profile events the company has worked on this year include the Champions League Final at Wembley, Silverstone and the Paris Air Show. It also has a strong presence in the retail sector.

The company also installed a refurbished 5m-wide HP Scitex solvent printer last year, which according to Porter enabled it to offer grand-format printer and gain a foothold in the fascia market.

The company is now mulling an investment in a second grand-format press.

The business is on track to achieve £4.2m in sales this year, compared to £3.3m last year and the company is targeting £5m next year. According to Porter, just as importantly the firm has so far maintained margin as it has grown.

Once we got through £3m, which we had been trying to achieve for a number of years, it signalled a real step change in the business. We were lucky to get the services of ex-Service Graphics finance director David Wicks, who came on board to help drive growth and without him we might not have seen all these opportunities or grasped them," said Porter.

Wicks joined the business last April in a business development/finance role and helped Porter create a three-year growth plan.

Tweet

Domino refocuses UK service offer

Sales director Mike Hurst, whose previous roles within the specialist inkjet printing firm include sales channel development director and product director, will head a national team of area and regional managers as well as business development and key account managers.

Hurst said he would initially focus on building a clearer understanding of the UK market and the sectors and customers the company serves.

He added: "We know that for many of our customers coding is a necessity and not something they see as part of their core business, and so it is important to them that the coding is as automated and seamless as possible.

"We also understand that many of our customers are under pressure, both internally and from external competitors. Therefore they need solutions that boost efficiency and enable them to remain competitive both in the UK and overseas."

Ian Cockett meanwhile, Domino's new UK service manager, is heading the firm's team of field-based service engineers, as well as the technical team based at the company's Cambridge headquarters.

Joining from Bosch UK, Cockett is implementing a new system of customer training through Domino service engineers to enable them to fix basic technical issues without the need for an engineer. He is also charged with improving focus on customer needs on their initial contact with the company.

Domino UK general manager Will Edwards said: "The appointments of Mike and Ian will help us move to the next level in terms of offering our customers the best possible service in a challenging and demanding environment, not just when a customer installs one of our products, but all the way through that product's lifecycle."

In March, Domino revealed in its interim management statement that overall sales across its core business had increased by 11% year-on-year in the four months to February 2013, with equipment and consumables growing 9% and spares and service revenue up 13%.

Its performance has been hampered however, by the performance of North American egg coding and traceability business TEN Media, in which Domino invested $50m (£33m) in 2011.

The company said in its statement that it would not be committing further capital at that time, although remained supportive of the venture.

Its outlook for Europe was also cautious although the company was confident in the future of its N600i colour inkjet label press, the first of which was sold in January, as well as its K600i black and white overprinting system.

Tweet

FASTSIGNS to demo 3D printers at International Franchise Expo

FASTSIGNS says it is continuing to live up to its brand tagline “More than fast. More than signs” by demonstrating two 3D printers and discussing new technological advances in the printing and sign industries at the International Franchise Expo (IFE) June 20-22 in New York City.

The well-known franchising event will take place at The Javits Center and uniquely showcases hundreds of franchise companies offering a wide range of opportunities at nearly every investment level.

Mark Jameson, FASTSIGNS Senior Vice President of Franchise Support & Development, will be at Booth No. 215 sharing the company’s vision and discussing the future of the industry. Experts will also be at the booth with functioning 3D printers, showing how they work while explaining the benefits they present to businesses across a multitude of industries. One of the showcased printers, the CubeX™ Duo, is encased in clear glass so show attendees can stop and watch as it prints dimensional items layer by layer. 

More than 70 free seminars are also being held at the expo, each focused on a specific franchising topic. FASTSIGNS franchisee Clint Ehlers will be serving as a panelist during a session entitled “Making the Leap: How to Succeed as a Franchisee” at 2:00 p.m. on June 20 in Room 1C03. Also on June 20, FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson will be an expert panelist on “Symposium 5: Global Franchise Expansion: Strategies for Lucrative and Planned Growth” at 10:00 a.m. in room 1D06. In addition, Jameson will serve as a panelist on the specialty seminar “Opportunities for Veterans in Franchising” at 10 a.m. on June 22 in room 1B02.

“The IFE presents the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in franchising to learn more about the industry and meet face-to-face with franchisees and company executives,” Jameson said. “At FASTSIGNS, we are hoping to speak with individuals interested in master franchise and area developer opportunities to expand our international network. In addition, there are still great opportunities to open new centers in the U.S. and across North America. We’re looking forward to speaking with show attendees about these opportunities and explaining exactly how FASTSIGNS is so much more than only signs.”

For more information, please visit www.fastsigns.com.