Follow the Inkjet Trail at Labelexpo Europe

The organisers of Labelexpo Europe have unveiled further details of its brand new show feature - the Inkjet Trail. Taking place at Brussels Expo between 24 â€" 27 September, the Inkjet Trail will put the different available inkjet technologies under the spotlight and compare their results when producing identical label designs on the same label stocks.

Gathering together six of the industry’s leading inkjet press manufacturers: Domino Printing Sciences, Durst Phototechnik, EFI Jetrion, Epson Europe, Heidelberg Linoprint and Stork Prints, they will produce a selection of food, pharmaceutical and industrial labels using the same sets of origination, on the same range of substrates. Origination, color and die-cutter files for the different jobs will be prepared by Esko, while UPM Raflatac, FLEXcon and Herma will provide common paper, film and foil substrates for the range of printed labels being produced. For comparison with toner technologies, Xeikon will be producing the same label designs.

With no separate entry registration or entry fee, this exclusive opportunity will allow show visitors to compare each of the manufacturers' outputs at the same time in the same place. Visitors can simply follow the trail around the exhibition floor throughout the event’s duration. Brochures including full technical details will be available for collection on entry to the show, while samples of all the sessions' printed products will be available from each of the participants' stands. A full timetable of when each participant will be running their live demonstration can be found at http://www.labelexpo-europe.com/inkjet-trail.

Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series said: “The Inkjet Trail is an exciting addition to Labelexpo Europe 2013. It will give show visitors a valuable opportunity to contrast the various presses being demonstrated and compare each one’s final results for print quality, ink migration etc. As with previous show features the live demonstrations are expected to be busy and very informative.”

An early bird discount rate is available until 18 September with entry to the show costing €50. Show visitors can register at http://www.labelexpo-europe.com

KIIAN Group to launch KIIAN Digital, KIIAN Screen and KIIAN Industrial sub-brands at FESPA

KIIAN Group, platinum sponsor at FESPA 2013, will launch KIIAN Digital, KIIAN Screen and KIIAN Industrial sub-brands on stand K50S at the London-based show.  The launch is designed to meet an increase in demand for KIIANs leading ink and chemical solutions for aqueous textile printing and is in line with a strategic commitment to developing the three key product sectors integral to KIIANs future success.

Despite the challenging economic conditions of the last few years, KIIANs digital business in 2012 achieved an impressive growth of over 23% and KIIAN Group has expanded into new regions including South America, USA and Asia.  As the demand for digital textile and industrial printing grows, so too, have sales of KIIANs leading inks.

“As a modern, global ink manufacturer, we have to both reflect and lead the dynamic markets in which we operate,” says Fabio Festorazzi, CEO, KIIAN Group.  The fact that the market is in a constant state of evolution, means that KIIAN must also adapt in order to best meet our customers’ needs, whilst leading our business most effectively.”

The KIIAN Group is now made up of three key sub-brands which represent the three divisions of the business: KIIAN Digital, KIIAN Screen and KIIAN Industrial. This enables the company to focus upon enhancing existing products and services, whilst creating innovative products that are right for its growing customer base.

“The brand restructure makes it easier for new customers to locate the products they need whilst helping our customers connect with KIIAN most effectively. We, at KIIAN, remain committed to helping our customers grow their businesses by developing new applications with our high quality inks that deliver profit and performance. Visitors to FESPA 2013 will be able to see our renewed commitment to innovation, growth and globalisation,” concludes Festorazzi.

 

Two Sides challenges 'incorrect facts’ made by EEPN

Two Sides says that the EEPN (European Environmental Paper Network) is making claims about the sustainability of the paper and associated industries which either require substantiation or retraction.

EEPN states that the paper industry is “one of the most destructive industries of our time’ and responsible for ‘a wide range of harmful environmental impacts’, ‘negative social impacts’ and ‘human rights abuses’. Whilst recognising that isolated problems can be found in any large industry, Two Sides firmly disputes the implied scale of the impacts raised and, in the European context of the EEPN’s focus, questions the origin and accuracy of these assertions.

Martyn Eustace, Director of Two Sides, says, “While many of the EEPN’s goals are compatible with those of Two Sides and its members, its use of misinformation, incorrect ‘facts’ and exaggerated claims about the industry tell a story to the average consumer and large institutional user which is completely at odds with reality and must be challenged”.

Eustace continues, “In Europe, there are 2.7 million people employed within the pulp, paper, envelope and printing industries, estimated with a turnover of over €173 billion. In the UK alone, pulp, paper and printing employs 158,000 people and has a turnover of £21 billion. Misleading facts and statements about the industry jeopardise the livelihoods of many thousands of people in the print value chain and give a false impression of the real, lasting and sustainable value print can bring to media users”

Two Sides has published a fully researched report of EEPN’s claims and sets out the real facts behind a sustainable paper and printing industry. Copies of the report can be accessed via the organisation's website: www.twosides.info

Sihl announces plans for FESPA 2013

Visitors to The Sihl Group’s stand (P40S) at FESPA 2013 will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, new technologies and media products that are redefining the digital and screen printing market.

Highlights on Sihl stand include:

• 3259 WallpaperSol Persomural 195 satin: Compatible with solvent based or mild solvent pigmented inks as well as IR-Latex inks, this high quality wallpaper is able to cover small cracks in walls.
• 3258 Prepasted WallpaperSol Persomural 225 satin: Also compatible with solvent based or mild solvent pigmented inks as well as IR-Latex and UV curing inks, this prepasted version of WallpaperSol Persomural (3259) allows customers to simply activate the paste using a roller and water and then hang.
• 3416 DuraCURE Pop-up 380 matt: Works with UV curing ink. Also compatible with IR-Latex inks, this environmentally-friendly media is the perfect combination of paper and film with the strength and durability of a pop-up.
• 3418 LightCURE Backlit Film 145 DS matt: Compatible with UV curing ink, this double-sided matt coating provides a near perfect light refraction in a light box.
• 3550 ClearSOL WetCling Film 125 glossy: Works with solvent based or mild solvent pigmented inks, this unique water-activated film just clings to windows or can simply be used as a standard clear film.

Ian Turnbull, operations director at Sihl Direct UK, says, “We are thrilled to be participating in this year’s FESPA UK and look forward to showing visitors the Sihl Group’s latest innovations for digital and screen printing media. With inspiring demonstrations and deep insights from our experienced UK team, we hope visitors will make the time to visit our stand and hear more about Sihl’s product developments and news in POS media, backlit films and imaging papers.”

Canon launches new Océ UV flatbed range

The four new models - the Océ Arizona 640 GT, Océ Arizona 640 XT, Océ Arizona 660 GT and Océ Arizona 660 XT - all offer 25% higher production speeds than the equivalent Océ Arizona 550 series they replace. The printers feature Océ's VariaDot technology and will be priced between £170,000 and £250,000.

GT models have a standard table size of 1.25x2.5 metres, the XT printers 2.5x3.05 metres. Both formats can be can be configured with a role-to-roll option.

The 660 models also offer six independent ink channels which can be used to add additional cyan and magenta inks for enhanced quality at high production speeds, or to introduce varnish and white ink for decorative applications. White ink configurations include ‘Varnish + White' for printing white on non-white substrates, or ‘Double-Opacity White' to achieve strong opacity in a single printing pass. Océ Arizona 640 models will be field upgradable to six-channel 660 models.

Dominic Fahy, business group director of display graphics and imaging supplies at Canon UK, said that European and North American beta test users have so far been using the series for a wide range of applications.

"Retail is the biggest one. But we are also seeing it used for poster printing and, because of the quality, photographic applications," he said.

He added that potential users would range from those wanting to upgrade an existing Arizona or other lower productivity flatbed printer, to screen and litho printers new to the flatbed market.

Fahy reported that one Océ Arizona 600 Series model had so far been ordered by an unnamed digital retail printer in London. He said that, with the series becoming commercially available at the end of July, Canon was expecting several more on-stand orders at Fespa.

"What sets this series apart is that the cost of ownership is very competitive and the quality is high," said Fahy. "The reliability of the system is also high. Arizonas are produced in high numbers compared to competitor systems, so they are at a later stage of evolution."

Tweet

EFI acquires ERP systems company GamSys Software

EFI has acquired privately-held GamSys Software, a leader in ERP (MIS) systems for the printing and packaging industries in the French speaking areas of Europe and Africa.  While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition is not expected to be material to EFI's Q2 or 2013 full-year results.

"We are very pleased to have GamSys join the EFI family and our continually expanding portfolio of industry-leading business automation technologies. We look forward to continuing the high-level of support for their over 400 customers in France, Belgium, Switzerland and throughout the rest of the world have come to expect as they join our large global client base," said Marc Olin, SVP/GM of EFI Productivity Software business unit.

GamSys, based in La Reid, Belgium, has built a base of over 400 customers in Europe over the past 14 years under the leadership of Patrick Vreven, co-founder and CEO. With EFI's acquisition, GamSys will become part of EFI's existing software applications portfolio. EFI intends to integrate support and operation of GamSys into the existing Productivity Software organisation, while continuing to enhance the product's offerings. EFI Gamsys clients will also be able to take advantage of integration to EFI's award winning Fiery® digital front end driving print engines from Xerox, Ricoh, Canon, Konica Minolta as well as EFI VUTEk® superwide format inkjet printers.

"GamSys is excited to join the world-class team of EFI employees and be a part of EFI's strategic focus and investment in Europe," said Vreven who is now director of EFI GamSys. "As our market continues to evolve, our customers will now have access to an extensive portfolio of industry-leading technology, with more options to grow their business, while continuing to receive the same high-level of support and attention they are accustomed to."

GPT 'excited' by launch of new Mimaki JV400-SUV at FESPA 2013

Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) has confirmed its excitement surrounding the forthcoming launch of the new Mimaki JV400-SUV at FESPA 2013. First shown at FESPA 2012 as a prototype, the JV400-SUV has been kept under close watch by GPT, who believe this could be the ‘next big thing’ in the wide format printing market. GPT has already placed its order for a demonstration unit so that customers will be able see this printer ‘up close & personal’ and try it out for themselves at its Reading (Berks) showroom.

Stuart Cole, general manager of GPT, says, “From what we have seen so far, the JV400-SUV printer could be truly revolutionary. It ensures printed media is ready to be used, immediately after printing. With no degassing required, the Mimaki JV400-SUV will dramatically improve work efficiency.”

The two new Mimaki JV400-130SUV and 160-SUV wide format printers feature headline speeds of 18m2/hour with high quality and very vibrant colours. Mimaki’s unique SUV ink set combines the flexibility of solvent with the durability of UV cured inks. “This newly developed ink system delivers a smooth, glossy result, which is both highly durable and vibrant,” adds Cole.  “The Mimaki JV400-SUV range has exceptionally high durability, minimising the requirement for lamination. This comes from its unique ink recipe and print process , which is ideal for any application where a combination of vibrant colour and a long lasting, scratch resistant print is important.”

Stuart Cole concludes, “GPT will be one of the first companies in the UK to have ownership of the new JV400-SUV. This means our customers have an excellent opportunity to come and see the printer for themselves, test it fully and also benefit from our own experience of working with it in great detail.”

Student inspired by visit to North Print & Pack - and wins an iPad Mini

When student Andrew Smith visited the combined RCS, Screen and Conversion stand at North Print & Pack in Harrogate he had no idea that he would be a winner. However, a week after his visit he received a call to say that his name had been picked from the many entries into their prize draw to win an Apple iPad Mini.

Andrew, a pupil at The Duchess’s Community High School in Northumberland, was visiting the show with fellow students, including Tom Burnett, Chris Gardner and Andrew Francis who were picking up a prize for Best Floor Graphic at the PrintIT! Awards event.  PrintIT! is an industry-wide educational initiative which aims to encourage young people to consider a career in print.

Andrew was attracted to the RCS, Screen and Conversion stand by the creative display of personalised gift and packaging applications and was particularly drawn to the lifelike mobile phone models used for entries into the draw. These had been printed by RCS on the Screen Truepress JetSX B2 digital press, digitally embossed on a Scodix B2 digital embossing press and cut and creased digitally on the Highcon Euclid. “This was my first visit to the show and I was really surprised by the wide range of printed products being shown and the different effects that could be achieved,” says Andrew. “The size of some of the printers took me by surprise too, I had no idea they were that big!”

Michael Todd, MD, RCS, says, “The idea behind the combined stand at North Print & Pack was to showcase the very latest in digital print and finishing technology for personalised gift and packaging applications. I’m delighted that we may have helped to inspire some of the young visitors to the show and possibly attract them to a career within the print industry.”

Easypack POP invests in HP Scitex FB7600

The new FB7600, which was installed at the end of April, will enable the Suffolk-based company, which produces POS and display work for retailers and their suppliers, to offer faster turnaround times and keep more work in-house.

Chris Hall, group business development director of parent Fencor Group, said: "We are looking to grow Easypack by 50%, which includes our display, co-packing and folding boxboard divisions. The HP digital press is central to us achieving this goal. Overall, we're looking to increase turnover by circa £3m."

He added that the machine had been very busy since its installation and that the company intended to up production further. "The machine has been full-on on one shift since start-up and we are looking to ramp up to two shifts in the run-up to Christmas," he said.

The FB7600 can print at up to 500sqm per hour, which Easypack said will enable it to respond quicker to orders, and it has the ability to print on very thin substrates as well as those up to 25mm.

Hall said: "To remain competitive, it is crucial to speed up the route to market. We wanted to offer quicker turnaround times while maintaining high quality and the FB7600 is ideal for this."

Easypack opted to have a multi-sheet loader supplied with the press, which enables the simultaneous printing of up to four sheets, in order to maximise productivity.

Another big selling point of the press was its ability to produce short runs. "We see the market moving more and more towards shorter runs so we wanted to keep ahead of the game and be able to offer them in an efficient manner - in terms of both cost and time," said Hall.

"At Easypack we also know that markets continuously change and chose the FB7600 accordingly - it is a platform that can be built upon and it can be updated as and when which is great for moving targets."

The FB7600 has also extended the range of substrates that Easypack is able to handle. Until its installation, the company worked primarily with paper, corrugated board and folding boxboard to produce applications such as POS displays, dump bins and pre-filled displays, but it is now looking to offer new substrates to customers including vinyl.

Easypack also operates a 2.4m Canon Océ Arizona 550 GT, which is used for short runs and samples, and a 2.2m Sias screen press as well as Komori and Heidelberg conventional presses at its 6,000sqm facility in Mildenhall, Suffolk.

Easypack, which has 50 permanent staff and a turnover of around £7m, forms part of £17.5m-turnover Fencor Group, which also comprises Manor Packaging in Peterborough and ACH Corrugated in Ely.

Tweet

Easypack POP Displays Group Installs HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press

Easypack POP Displays Group, part of the Fencor Group, has installed an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to enable its business growth plan and support its move into digital printing to keep more work in house.

Easypack, based in Suffolk, UK, primarily serves retailers direct as well as suppliers to retailers. The company had investigated digital printing for several years before investing in its press, wanting to be certain that the technology could meet its requirements. Following the installation of the HP Scitex FB7600, Easypack can now offer faster turnaround times for applications including POP displays.

“To remain competitive it is crucial to speed up the route to market,” said Chris Hall, group business development director, Fencor Group. “We wanted to offer quicker turnaround times while maintaining high quality and the HP Scitex FB7600 is ideal for this. We are hoping to expand our business by 50 per cent over the next three years and the installation of the HP Scitex FB7600 was essential to making this happen.”

The HP Scitex FB7600 has a printing speed of up to 500m2 per hour, a feature that helps the company to respond quicker to orders, and it has the ability to print on very thin substrates as well as those up to 25mm, giving the company the option to add further services in the future.

The optional multi-sheet loader on Easypack’s press, which enables the simultaneous printing of up to four sheets, helps the company to maximise productivity. Another big selling point of the press was the short run capability. With run lengths decreasing, the ability to offer shorter runs is critical to business growth.

“We see the market moving more and more towards shorter runs so we wanted to keep ahead of the game and be able to offer them in an efficient manner â€" in both cost and time,” said Hall. “At Easypack we also know that markets continuously change and chose the FB7600 accordingly â€" it is a platform that can be built upon and it can be updated as and when which is great for moving targets.”

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press has also opened new opportunities for Easypack to work with different substrates. Until its installation, Easypack worked primarily with paper, corrugated board and folding box board to produce applications such as POP/POS displays, dump bins and pre-filled displays, but it is now looking to utilise the capability to offer new substrates to customers including vinyl.

“We have done some sample work for customers on vinyl, but not yet completed a whole project. We hope that the new capability will entice new customers and open doors for more exciting applications in the future,” concluded Hall.

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

[Photo caption: With the HP Scitex FB7600, Easypack can now offer faster turnaround times for applications including POP displays]

HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer used for Mandela Poster Project

HP's Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer was used to create 95 inspirational art posters designed by a wide variety of international artists for a new exhibition, honouring Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday.

Two celebrated South African designers conceived the project, the outflow of which was the production of high quality artwork for exhibition purposes, initially revealed in Pretoria. The project began with a global request for artists to submit their designs that attracted well over 700 entries from artists in 70 countries, including several from world-renowned artists.

HP is the Official Print Partner for the Mandela Poster Project. South African print service provider Printville is producing the posters working with support and consultancy from HP, while local sales organisation Nashua supplied the printing hardware for testing and production.

The HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer was chosen to produce the exhibition artwork because it excels at producing high quality photo images at high speed. The printer is one of the fastest printers in its class and excels on print-to-print colour accuracy.

All 95 pieces of artwork were printed on HP Professional Satin media using HP pigment inks, ensuring exceptional and consistent output. The posters will resist fading indoors in gallery conditions for up to 200 years, ensuring industry leading archivability throughout its lifespan.

Printville managing director Delarey Ferreira consistently chooses HP Designjet printers for the production of high quality photographic and fine-art work for his clients. “HP Designjet printers provide spot-on print-to-print colour accuracy,” Ferreira explained. “I’m also amazed at the HP Chromatic Red Ink used on the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer â€" it has helped to create stunning artwork. We used this printer, together with an HP DreamColor display monitor, on the Mandela Poster Project to ensure the colours we saw on screen would be reproduced precisely in print, saving time and money. I’m looking forward to visiting the exhibition to see these amazing prints celebrating the life of such an important and inspirational South African on display.”

Thomas Valjak, EMEA vice president and general manager, Large-Format Design Printing Solutions, HP, adds, “Fine art exhibitions such as The Mandela Project demand a high quality print with colours that will still look true to the artist’s design years after the artwork has been printed. We are delighted that the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer has achieved stunning prints that honour the artist’s creativity â€" and all produced in a short turnaround time as demanded by the client. The combination of HP pigment inks and HP Professional Satin Media means these creations will last for generations to enjoy.” 

The 95 posters represented in the Mandela Poster Project will be exhibited at the University of Pretoria in South Africa from 18th July 2013 to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s contribution to humanity. Invitations for the Mandela Poster Project to exhibit in other countries has already been received from organisations in Brazil, Mexico, the U.S. and China, so the artwork will soon be seen by a global audience.

The project is not-for-profit and coordinated by a team of volunteers. The poster collection and all proceeds that may arise from exhibitions will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust to support the establishment of a dedicated children’s hospital in Johannesburg.

Image Technique invests in Fujifilm Uvistar Pro8

Founded in 1996, Image Technique specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of signs. With 45 employees, this experienced supplier can support customers through the entire process from consultancy and drawing of signs to the delivery and mounting stage. Image Technique prides itself on having the capability to manufacture almost everything in-house; acrylic and aluminium sheets are cut, folded, welded, assembled and painted to be transformed into different forms of eye-catching and expertly crafted signs.

“Our objective is to generate iconic signs that improve the image of retailers from high street brands to nationwide superstores. Debenhams, B&Q, Halfords and Pets at Home are just some of the major companies we work for,” explains Des Kenehan, director at Image Technique. He continues: “We are one of the leading sign makers in the UK and we’ve been involved in the evolution of this sector over the years. Although sign making is still our core business, there’s an increasing demand for integration with graphics, window decoration, visuals and displays. As a consequence, being equipped with the necessary production tools to fulfil specific requirements is crucial if we are to remain competitive. Bringing print production in-house is a key element of this strategy.”

True to this ethos, two years ago Image Technique installed a Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS to manage all print related jobs in-house. Des talks us through this choice: “In the last few years we’ve realised that it’s more reliable and cost-effective to be in control of our own destiny and keep everything under our roof’. Taking charge of the print department has allowed us to guarantee perfect image quality and to ensure that delivery times always meet customers’ needs.”

The Acuity Advance HS was a significant addition to the Image Technique environment and has given them the opportunity to print directly onto rigid media with the added value of the white ink option. It soon became clear that the print side of the business wasbooming. Des explains: “The ROI with the Acuity Advance HS was almost instantaneous and demands for print jobs were constantly rising. We were facing many requests for roll-to-roll based volumes with quicker turnaround times, so it was essential to strengthen our print capabilities.”

Together with the other director, Gavin Smith, and the managing director, James Dawson, Des agreed to invest in a superwide format printer to fill the production gap. At the end of 2012 they were all in complete agreement to turn once more to Fujifilm, whose three metre version of the Uvistar Pro8 perfectly fit the company’s criteria.

“We were so pleased with the high quality we were achieving with the Acuity Advance HS that we didn’t want to lower expectations. For us, the Uvistar Pro8 was the ideal compromise between quality and productivity. The vivid colours and adhesion offered by Fujifilm’s inks, together with the perfect skin tone reproduction, are balanced with a significant throughput,”comments Des.

He is also keen to highlight additional benefits of Fujifilm‘s Uvistar Pro8: “This device can simultaneously handle two rolls of the same material which has significantly improved our efficiency. What’s more, we take advantage of the extensive range of euromedia substrates that Fujifilm offers. Vinyls, PVC and banners are just a few of the materials that the Uvistar Pro8 can print on.”

In terms of efficiency, he stresses: “A key point for us is the flexibility to allocate jobs to the Acuity Advance HS or the Uvistar Pro8, safe in the knowledge that we’re guaranteed consistent results. Fujifilm’s expertise in colour management and its technical knowledge has helped us to make the most of both the devices, calibrating them to achieve uniform quality.”

Des continues: “Uvistar Pro8 has dramatically improved our competitiveness as it has boosted our productivity and extended our range of services. We can now approach retail brands and provide them with a variety of creative and integrated projects including signs and indoor graphics, to name but two.”

A few months ago, Image Technique also embraced the digital signage market with the creation of a dedicated business unit called Vueinti. Des explains: “We believe in the integration of different methods to support brand owners in the growth and development of their corporate image. Sign making, wide format print and digital signage all go hand in hand to achieve this objective.” He concludes: “Thanks to our skills and technical knowledge, we’re able to make use of the most appropriate methods to provide clients with both print and digital tools to convey their marketing messages in the most effective way.”

Zoo Printing installs 5th and 6th EFI VUTEk printers

Zoo Printing has installed its fifth and sixth EFI VUTEk superwide format printers - a VUTEk GS3250r UV roll-to-roll printer and a VUTEk GS3250LX Pro LED UV flatbed/roll hybrid printer - at its Commerce, California (USA), headquarters facility. The two new printers have helped Zoo continue its significant growth, giving the company the ability to provide very high-quality, quick-turnaround graphics on a wide range of substrates.

Zoo Printing serves print brokers, distributors, designers and commercial print shops. The fast-growing trade printing company offers national coverage using its strategically located plants in California; Louisville, Kentucky, and West Deptford, New Jersey, with plans currently underway to open additional plants in Florida and Texas. The company now has multiple VUTEk printers in each of its facilities and it uses VUTEk products exclusively for superwide format work because of the reliability and quality they offer.

"Since installing its first VUTEk printer in 2011, Zoo Printing has developed an innovative model for building a high-quality, high-volume inkjet graphics business," said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and general manager of EFI's Inkjet Solutions. "These two latest installations continue a valued relationship with a customer that is redefining the role superwide format graphics can play in the trade printing space."

"We conducted extensive research to determine that VUTEk machines from EFI are the best option for trade printers like us due to their exceptional quality, production speed, value and consistency," said Dan Doron, Zoo Printing's CEO. "We continue to be an all-VUTEk business in our large format departments because we need to deliver the same high quality across our product lines and our production locations."

Zoo Printing uses its new VUTEk GS3250r to fulfill orders for a wide range of superwide print products, including vinyl banners, static clings, magnets and adhesive-backed graphics. The new VUTEk GS3250LX Pro at Zoo primarily runs rigid substrate work to meet surging demand for yard signs and point-of-purchase displays.

"With our new VUTEk printers, we can continue growing our offerings while providing the best quality in the industry," said Doron. "Many of our customers recognise the opportunity in large format products, and Zoo Printing provides them an advantage over our competitors. As a result, our large format products are now among our top sellers."

Much of the work Zoo prints is delivered to its trade customers and then re-shipped to an end user. In that environment, short turnaround times are essential to meet very tight deadlines. Not only do Zoo's VUTEk printers offer fast speeds to meet productivity demands, with UV and LED UV curing, Zoo's superwide format jobs are ready for finishing and shipping immediately after printing.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250r UV roll-to-roll printer gives printing companies the ability to expand into high-margin, closely viewed applications across a wider range of substrates. It can be used to replace older wide or superwide format printers and offers true 1,000 dpi print capability, increased production speeds, and lower costs on a broad range of substrates. The printer also gives users some of the best return on investment and hourly breakeven benefits in the industry.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250LX Pro uses EFI's "cool cure" LED UV curing technology, which has helped Zoo Printing expand the range of products it offers by printing on much thinner substrates that can't withstand the heat of standard UV curing lamps. The GS3250LX also uses less energy and fewer consumables, and offers excellent image quality and adhesion on traditional substrates as well as on recycled media.

For more information, please visit www.efi.com

Applied Media signs the way for visitors at Wimbledon 2013

With over 35,000 visitors per day during Wimbledon, unmissable printed graphics were the latest wayfinding development to keep the fans and traffic safely on course at the event.

The unique Applied Media floor applied graphic system has been adopted as part of an experimental signage scheme designed to contribute towards continuous safety improvements. The scheme enhanced pedestrian, wheelchair and vehicle movements in and around the world famous venue in South West London.

The large format graphic panels were printed using an efficient digital flat-bed with flexible UV cure inks which proved ideal for the polymeric base media. The printed graphics were then protected with a propriety laminate and incorporated crystalline aggregate.

Championship manager Matt Crawcour said: “Providing the best possible visitor experience is hugely important to us. A big part of this is to provide information for everybody to move safely and efficiently with minimum queuing and delays.”

The answer at Wimbledon has been to utilise this innovative floor applied graphic system for their various temporary signage requirements. The system, which is more usually employed for high impact advertising campaigns, provided clearly visible route markings to help the large visitor numbers enjoy even more of the Championship experience.

The Applied Media full colour graphic system, which can be tessellated to any size, was not only instated within the Wimbledon campus but thanks to the product’s unique properties the London Borough of Merton also approved this system as temporary signage on the macadam footpaths around the perimeter of the complex. The signage safely guided the ‘Queue’ for tickets and the authority were impressed with results and performance and are assessing potential for future events in the borough.

Business development director for Applied Media, Larry Walsh said: “This is a great use of a home grown product and we are pleased to be involved in this prestigious British sporting event which is the oldest tennis tournament in the world.”

“This innovation has been specifically developed to facilitate branding, advertising and signing opportunities in new and sometimes difficult to access locations. Sports fans will be familiar with the Applied Media graphics which were also adopted to provide branding in the challenging tidal environment at this year’s BNY Mellon Boat Race in London. Last year our parent company also worked closely with Transport for London using similar technology to apply and remove 120 kilometres of temporary games lanes for the Olympic and Paralympics games.”

Ideally suited to sporting and events stadia the panels can be printed with any creative design, sign or message. They are designed for use in areas with heavy pedestrian activity and can be overrun with vehicular traffic. The panels are easily laid on any sound surface and then quickly lifted without damage to the substrate or leaving adhesive residue.

Early successes for the product came at the Sports Business and Marketing Conference and the North West Football Awards at Lancashire County Cricket Club in 2011. Both here and high profile branding for the Sports Merchandise and Marketing Exhibition at Wembley Stadium the power to revolutionise sports and events marketing was quickly recognised.

The highly durable, slip resistant graphic panels were also recently installed at London’s Oxford Circus tube station where they wowed commuters with a highly visual campaign for Warner Bros. Great Gatsby movie.

“Following the success of this year’s trials we may consider further opportunities to roll out Applied Media at Wimbledon next year,” added Matt Crawcour.

For more information, please visit www.appliedoutdoormedia.com

[Photo caption: Applied Media’s revolutionary graphics kept fans and traffic safely on course at Wimbledon.]

Enfocus announces availability of Connect 11 product family

Enfocus has announced the availability of its new Connect 11 product family designed to solve file problems at the creators' desktop saving them time, money and production delays.

The Connect 11 product family is designed to bridge the gap between designers and production professionals. It helps designers to deliver high quality files, right the first time, thus ensuring the production of high quality PDFs regardless of the document creation application used or the PDF skill levels at the designer level.

“PDF has become the file transfer format of choice, from the office environment to agencies, design firms and print service providers,” said Fabian Prudhomme, Enfocus Vice President. “But there are still many issues associated with creating high quality PDFs for print. Many print service providers spend excessive time on file review and correction after jobs are submitted.  We developed the Connect 11 product family of products to address these issues head-on by making the PDF creation and submission process consistent and predictable.  By complying with the Adobe® Normalizer - the market standard for PDF creation -  we have ensured that the Connect 11 product family is the simplest and most reliable means for producing reliable PDF output.”

Enfocus Connect uses state-of-the-art technology and replaces a pair of proven Enfocus products:  Instant PDF and PitStop Connect. The Connect family features a new level of PDF creation and quality control along with job delivery automation that makes collaboration between the designers and producers easy and consistent. Two versions of Enfocus Connect 11 product family are available - Connect YOU for individuals and Connect ALL for service providers or large creative groups.

Enfocus Connect YOU is an affordable, easy-to-use single-user solution that allows anyone to create high quality PDFs from any application and to deliver them automatically to a production site, including job instructions related to the file. PDFs are written to pre-set standards, then checked, corrected and uploaded automatically with one click. No special operator skills are required.

Enfocus Connect ALL allows print service providers to easily deploy and manage Connect solutions to an unlimited number of outside clients. Connectors can be customised for individual clients or created for general use functions, such as job submission, and distributed to many clients. Each Connector that is created can be totally tailored to create, verify and fix high-quality PDFs, collect electronic job ticket information, and deliver jobs to a variety of servers such as FTP, HTTP and Enfocus Switch.

Connector icons can be branded with a company logo or background to personalize the service even more. End-to-end automation is also made possible when combining Connect ALL with Enfocus Switch, offering a seamless automation environment for the graphic arts professional.

"Enfocus Connect 11 family is an impressive solution," says Enfocus customer Axel Robert, Prepress, Print Studio & Graphic Chain Quality Manager for Ubisoft. "Connect 11 product family offers ease of use and flexibility in the creation, verification and delivery of PDFs (and other file formats) for various production needs. The Connect 11 product family will be very useful for designers, making it easy for them to create and deliver quality PDFs to production â€" an impressive tool for the entire graphic arts supply chain."

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