Rising demand for high-end POP signage brings an EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro to The Garvey Group

EFI  and The Garvey Group today announced the installation of a new EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro UV inkjet press at The Garvey Group's Los Angeles production facility. The two companies made the announcement during the GlobalShop 2014 retail, design and visual merchandising show in Las Vegas.

Installed earlier this month, the new, high-volume press gives The Garvey Group increased capacity to meet growing entertainment and national retailer demand for premium, point-of-purchase (POP) signage. The 3.2-metre wide press also strengthens The Garvey Group's service capabilities in high-end indoor and outdoor promotional graphics for Hollywood TV and film studios.

The press purchase puts The Garvey Group at the forefront of superwide-format imaging capabilities, expanding the capacity and quality the company offers through its national fleet of digital and litho production presses.

"Quality and speed are essential to our retail and entertainment industry customers, and they need suppliers who are proactive in their ability to consistently produce accurate, high-end work under tight deadlines," said Ed Garvey, CEO of The Garvey Group. "Our talented teams partnered with EFI several years ago to establish an advanced graphic imaging platform that helps our customers build their brands. Now, the faster, higher-volume EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro is taking The Garvey Group's reliability, quality and support offering to new heights."

The VUTEk HS100 Pro prints on a wide variety of roll and rigid media. It also offers throughput comparable to screen printing, with print quality that approaches offset. Operating at speeds up to 100 boards per hour, the press has a number of imaging- and productivity-enhancing features including:

• Printing in up to eight colours, including the industry's best white ink and a unique, multi-layer printing capability for superior visual appeal on backlit displays and other applications.
• EFI's Pin & Cure imaging technology, which offers precise ink lay-down for critical colour accuracy and consistency, gloss control and an increased colour gamut.
• True, variable-dot greyscale inkjet head technology for higher image quality and better matching of brand colours.

"EFI has a long and successful history of working with The Garvey Group and we are excited about arming this valued customer with the best-in-class capabilities of our high end EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro inkjet press," said Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president, worldwide sales and marketing, EFI. "With this press, The Garvey Group can offer a higher level of speed and quality to businesses in the retail and entertainment industries."

 

Digital Information to launch SpectroPocket for Android at IPEX 2014

Swiss manufacturer Digital Information will be unveiling its new SpectroPocket for Android, the world’s first system for measuring single colour patches on different substrates using commercially available spectrocolorimetry and displaying the recorded colour values on any mobile Android device, at IPEX 2014,  on booth N4-B359.

Prior to the release of the SpectroPocket, PC hardware and operating systems such as MS Windows or Mac OS restricted flexibility and mobility when measuring colour. The introduction of Digital Information’s SpectroPocket for Android represents a great stride in the portability and functionality of colour measurement technology. For the first time, it is possible for smartphones or tablet computers to connect directly to scanning spectrophotometers via an external USB interface. Users can now measure colour virtually anywhere with lightweight equipment â€" on-site at a customer facility, in the office, at the laboratory, on press â€" or, wherever your business takes you.

SpectroPocket for Android is a compact, portable, box-shaped device with integrated software and rechargeable USB battery which connects directly to the spectral measuring device via USB. Communication between the SpectroPocket and the mobile Android device is transferred via Bluetooth technology. Spectral values are then interpreted and displayed on the Android smartphone or tablet computer using an Android App.

All display modes necessary can be viewed on the Android device: spectral remission values as figures and curves, as well as LAB, density, XYZ and RGB values. Colour differences between two measurements are shown as Delta E. Perfect colour densities derived from spectral measurements are calculated by the BestMatch function. For further use on the web or in the Cloud, the entire series of measurements can be easily exported or imported as standard CxFâ„¢ (Color Exchange Format) format files, or transmitted to another Android device. Currently, SpectroPocket for Android supports the i1 Proâ„¢, i1Pro 2, and ColorMunkiâ„¢ Design scanning spectrophotometers from X-Rite.

The cost-effectiveness of purchasing the complete SpectroPocket for Android solution bundle including the SpectroPocket hardware and software, supported spectrophotometer, Android-enabled device, and SpectroPocket App represents a significant savings over the purchase of far more costly portable measuring instruments currently available on the market.

Looking ahead, Digital Information will be launching SpectroPocket Report, an Internet-based database. Evolving from Digital Information’s world-class InkZone Report, SpectroPocket Report is a colour database developed to enable customers to view and manage the color data from their SpectroPocket on the web.

SpectroPocket for Androidâ„¢ Technical Specifications:

• Supports i1Pro, i1Pro 2 and ColorMunki Design from X-Rite via USB.
• Runs on Android from version 4.1
• Delta E calculated from CIE 1976, CIE 2000, CIE 1994 and CMC 2:1

SpectroPocket for Androidâ„¢ will be available in the second quarter of 2014.

ISOFrame Wave versatility proves a success for ICT Direct

In the past few years educational IT specialist, ICT Direct, has used its ISOFrame Wave stand from Paul Turner Displays at six major exhibitions as well as at several smaller events. The space taken at each event has varied considerably requiring the stand to work in many different configurations.

Some of the graphics have been updated and added to, as ICT Direct has developed its product range.  However, the core system originally purchased is still very much at the heart of the stand. There are now several large fabric panels incorporated into the system, which enable the stand to cover a much greater space at an exhibition.

The stand’s most recent outing was to Excel in London for the largest educational technology show in Europe, BETT. John Graham of ICT Direct comments, “I know Paul Turner, from Paul Turner Displays told us the system would be versatile when he first came to talk to us some years ago, but I didn’t really imagine we’d still be using it after all this time.

"We’ve expanded so much as a company and we now take a much larger space at the main shows, but the ISOFrame Wave system has always kept up with us. Whilst we’ve changed some of the original graphics, the main way we’ve expanded the stand is by adding fabric panels. They’re brilliant, they weigh next to nothing and provide a massive, seamless panel - there isn’t really a visible framework. Not only that, I can take them home and put them in the washing machine!” 

A lot of exhibitors at BETT are large organisations and so have space only, custom built stands, but there are also plenty of smaller companies who book shell schemes. ICT Direct would fall somewhere in the middle; they don’t want a simple shell scheme but don’t need a custom built stand either. Sometimes it isn’t easy being ‘middle sized’.

John continues, “A lot of the smaller companies had pop ups or roller banners put up within a shell scheme. The problem with this was that there’s always a bit of shell scheme sticking up above their roller banner. To be frank, it doesn’t look that professional. With our ISOFrame Wave stand, it’s that bit taller so we can often make ourselves more visible to visitors from a distance.”

John concludes, “The versatility of the ISOFrame Wave stand has made it a brilliant promotional tool for us, and exceptional value for money too. Paul Turner Displays have been extremely supportive in making sure it has worked to its optimum at every show we’ve attended.”

PaperlinX partners with UKSG to provide expert vehicle wrapping training courses

PaperlinX has partnered with UK Sign Group (UKSG) to provide expert vehicle wrapping training courses around the country. All courses are wholly independent and endorsed by the British Sign and Graphics Association.

PaperlinX has just announced the dates and venues for the latest wave of courses. These are: Manchester from 18 March, Northampton from 8 April, London from 29 April, Shoreham-by-Sea 13-16 May and Bristol from 19 May. For more information or to register, please visit www.ppxtraining.com

Courses on offer include a two-day Vehicle Wrap Training course, suitable for people who can already apply vinyl to a reasonable standard and want to take it further and learn to wrap. The course takes delegates through the full process of wrapping a vehicle step-by-step and uses three of the best brands of vinyl available in the industry - Orafol, 3M and Avery. 

There’s also a one-day Vinyl Application course available at novice and advanced levels. The novice course teaches the basic skills and practical techniques needed for vinyl application. While the advanced course is designed for people confident in applying simple graphics but who want to learn about more difficult applications such as etched glass on windows for example; the day also covers some wrapping techniques.

A one-day accreditation programme is also on offer for experienced Vinyl & Wrap Technicians. This consists of a wrap assessment exam designed to test knowledge of wrapping and understanding of the media and also includes a hands-on assessment of the vehicle wrapping process. Those who pass the exam will be recognised as an Accredited Vinyl & Wrap Technician and become part of a nationally acknowledged network of elite vehicle wrappers and vinyl technicians within the UK.

All of the UKSG courses are conducted on a specially customised articulated lorry, that’s been kitted out to include vinyl application facilities, a rapid air room temperature control system and a six-man lecture room complete with computers and a plasma TV for training.

“With several conveniently located course venues around the UK, the benefits to sign makers are numerous,” says Frank Moran Managing Director PaperlinX Visual Technology Solutions.  “When it comes to value, official recognition, convenience and quality of training, these courses really do provide you with a competitive edge and a tangible opportunity to grow your business.”

PaperlinX has also pledged to drive orders to accredited wrappers. Established last year, www.thecarwrapclub.com is a one-stop-shop for car owners looking for information on how to personalise their vehicles. All enquires received via the consumer facing site are passed onto accredited partners to fulfil.

Sussex Sign Company opts for ‘faultless’ Nazdar inks from QPS

Brighton and Hove, UK-based Sussex Sign Company offers a full signage service from design to manufacture and installation.  The company has been in operation for nearly 20 years and employs 21 people.

Eleven years ago, Sussex Sign Company added digital printing services to its portfolio with a Tiara Opal, appointing Quality Print Services (QPS) as equipment and maintenance supplier a year later. 
Despite being based across the country in Burscough in Lancashire, the QPS team, led by Managing Director Chris Bailey, has become a key contact for Sussex Sign Company.  "Chris has been keeping us running and keeping us turning over for ten years," explains Norman Mayhew, Managing Director of the signage company. "We trust him."

This trust soon led to a switch from OEM digital printing inks to Nazdar premium alternative inks; Bailey recommended the brand for its value and reliability, and Mayhew was convinced to try it. In the past decade, Sussex Sign Company has run Nazdar inks supplied by QPS on a Mimaki JV3 and, since its installation by QPS last May, a Roland VersaArt RE-640.

Nazdar 1302 Series and 2000 Series, for the Mimaki JV3 and Roland VersaArt respectively, are colour-matched and chemically compatible with original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) inks.  This enables users to avoid the cost of waste ink and reprofiling when changing to Nazdar products.  In order to make the swap, simply insert a Nazdar cartridge into the relevant printer when the OEM cartridge runs out and enjoy continuity of print, yet with an added bonus of an increase in profit.

“The Nazdar ink has been faultless," says Norman Mayhew.  "Businesses often switch to alternative inks because they're cheaper.  Whilst Nazdar ink is cost effective, it's also reliable with really good colourfastness - essential attributes for our company.”

Nazdar’s ink portfolio includes solvent, UV-curable, aqueous and dye-sublimation inks designed specifically for many of the most popular machines on the market.  QPS is a main distributor of Nazdar digital inkjet ink products, offering the widest range of high performance inks for today’s commercial inkjet printers.

"During our decade-long relationship with Sussex Sign Company we've supplied both second-user and new printers, and the ideal alternative inks from Nazdar to help them run reliably and at a lower cost," says Chris Bailey, Managing Director, QPS.  “We're always happy to make the trip down to Sussex to work with Norman and his team and are looking forward to helping them expand further this year.” 

For more information on Nazdar, please visit www.nazdar.com

For more information on Sussex Sign Company, please visit www.sussexsigns.com

For more information on QPS, please visit www.qualityprintservices.com

Fujifilm launches Uvijet KV ink for light industrial applications

Fujifilm has launched a new thermo forming UV-cured inkjet ink, Uvijet KV, for light industrial applications. Continual investment in R&D at its award-winning ink manufacturing plant in Broadstairs, UK, has enabled the company to act on the recognised need for a high quality digital ink targeted at these applications.

The new ink system has been designed specifically for use with the company’s renowned mid-range flatbed printers, the Acuity Advance Select and Acuity Advance Select HS. The new formulation maintains the high quality, vivid colours and excellent performance expected from a Fujifilm ink, with no compromise to the print speed. Once the printing of a flat plastic sheet is completed, it is removed to a mould where it is heated up to take on the shape of the mould, and then cooled. The ink has outstanding elongation properties of 300-400% when heated, returning to a ‘normal’ state when cool.

“The Acuity is a platform that has become established as the industry benchmark for print quality in its category, and now with the addition of Uvijet KV to the ink range, we are able to help our customers take advantage of profitable new applications,” comments Mike Battersby, marketing manager, Large Format at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems.

He continues, “Large format printing has for some time been expanding away from the ‘traditional’ graphics markets, so we’ve been using our extensive ink and application knowledge to develop solutions which allow these systems to be used for different light industrial applications. The use of inkjet printing in thermo forming is not well established, but there is an opportunity for early adopters to use their creativity and innovation to open up and develop exciting new markets.”

“Uvijet KV ink is extremely flexible so that it can heat and cool without cracking or flaking. Other UV-cured digital inks simply would not be able to achieve this level of flexibility.” He continues, “Thermo forming is an ever more popular process in industrial applications, with a variety of plastics being used. Typical substrates that could be printed include polystyrene and PETG, both of which mould easily into new shapes when hot. We are very excited about the new ink, as it opens up new business opportunities for our prospects and customers.”

Tismo Products BV in The Netherlands has been one of the early adopters of this technology. Co-owner, Mr Jeroen Maessen comments, “I have been particularly impressed by the print quality that we have been able to achieve with the Acuity Select 4006 and the thermo forming properties of Uvijet KV. We have plans to bring these benefits to market in a new concept based around the personalisation characteristics of a digital solution.”

Uvijet KV ink is commercially available now, and will be featured on Fujifilm stands at InPrint in Hannover, Sign & Digital UK in Birmingham, and FESPA Digital in Munich. This inkjet set can be used in conjunction with Fujifilm’s UV-cured screen white, Omniplus UL.

Harrisons Signs invests in Mimaki SUV wide format printer to optimise workflow and productivity

In order to support future growth and meet increasing customer demand for fast turnaround jobs, York-based Harrisons Signs recently made the decision to invest in a new Mimaki SUV wide format printer to optimise workflow and productivity.

Peter Robinson of Harrisons Signs explains, "With our current high workload, we were starting to see production bottle necks which we were keen to eliminate. Having used Mimaki printers since the early years of this century (a JV3 followed by a JV33 that is still providing great service) we eagerly accepted an invitation from PaperlinX to test drive the latest technology in its demonstration suite.” The sheer quality of the output from the Mimaki SUV, coupled with the company's experience of the brand saw an order placed on the day.

Robinson said that the potential for cost and efficiency savings in all areas of production was one of the main reasons for its investment. “Whilst the new machine has only been in use for a couple of months, we are already reaping the rewards and expect a very early return on investment," he said.

Ease of use was a key factor in the decision. “With similar technology and interface coupled with valuable onsite training from PaperlinX, the transition was virtually seamless and delivered almost immediate production benefits," he added.

Of particular interest to Harrisons was the instantly dry print delivered by the new printer. "The speed of the whole job is an essential real-world calculation and with this we’ve got new found flexibility. Much of the time, we're cutting out post-print processes such as laminating which makes us more competitive and efficient.”

Robinson estimates that the business has realised an efficiency gain of around 25% and the new technology has enabled it to offer customers additional services. “A 30m print run might previously have taken as long as 4½ hours to output; the new SUV reduces this to around 3-3½ hours, which is a significant time saving,” he said.  “And, we've got new products coming off the Mimaki SUV such as 1.5m pull-up banners. We don't need to laminate because of the toughness of the inks; the colours jump off the media and they’re quick to produce. In addition, without the need for drying or degassing of the print output, it gets trimmed and fitted into the cartridge, the instant it comes off the printer."

According to Robinson, these new found efficiencies have become a key factor in customer retention, something he sees up his supply chain as well down. "We've worked with PaperlinX for 13 years as a preferred supplier and the relationship we have with them is similar to what we strive for with our own customers," he said. "Their 'can do' attitude, competitive pricing and the level of service and tech support we receive matches our expectations - it's nice to feel properly looked after!"

PaperlinX return to Sign & Digital UK in 2014 with a stand promoting its range of digital print solutions, including products from the Mimaki range. For more information or to pre-book a demo on stand, please email digital.uk@paperlinx.com.

The complete range of Mimaki products can be found at www.hybridservices.co.uk - the homepage of its exclusive UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd who also have a strong presence at the exhibition.

For more information on Harrisons Signs, please visit www.harrisonsigns.co.uk.

Hybrid Services announces UK & Ireland-wide authorised Mimaki SUV Demo Centres

Following the introduction of the Mimaki SUV printer range, Mimaki's UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd., has announced the appointment of authorised “SUV Demo Centres” to enable prospective customers to view the printer and assess its creative and commercial advantages first-hand.

Hybrid used a strongly-attended reseller forum event held in March at Rookery Hall Hotel in Cheshire to launch the printer to its network, with sessions that included technical training, intensive insights into the product and RIP software and an engaging talk from Mimaki EMEA’s general manager of marketing, Mike Horsten, who had flown in from Amsterdam before heading to the FESPA Summit in Munich.

Granthams, Graphic Printing Technologies, PaperlinX, Signmaster, Xpres and Your Print Specialists all have demonstration machines available for customers to view in their showrooms in mainland UK, and Reprocentre (in Dublin) and Dennis D Evans (in Belfast) offer similar opportunities for prospective Irish and Northern Irish customers.

“Getting such a strong group of highly regarded resellers in one room to look at this exciting new product in detail was important for us,” says national sales manager at Hybrid, John de la Roche. “The Mimaki SUV Series delivers a completely unique print result and we genuinely believe that when people see the output they’ll truly appreciate the extensive benefits the printer can offer their company. By offering a network of highly qualified, specialist resellers around the UK and Ireland with demonstration facilities, we can make this as easy as possible.”

The new Mimaki printer is available in 1.3m and 1.6m widths and produces an instantly dry, vibrant and robust print onto substrates such as wallpaper, vinyl and banner, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor durable jobs that, in a lot of instances, will not require lamination. “Even if an over laminate is deemed necessary, it can be finished immediately after printing as no gassing off is required,” says de la Roche. “A big feature alongside the glossy print is its incredible durability and scratch resistance â€" we’d really like customers to see it for themselves to fully appreciate how different it is to anything else out there!”

With prices starting from £17,995 and including a one year, gold warranty along with fully featured RIP software, the Mimaki SUV is expected to find homes with signmakers as well as display print providers looking for something to set themselves apart from the standard fare. “Increasingly, customers are looking for a point of difference and the new Mimaki gives graphics companies a chance to offer them that,” concludes de la Roche.

For more information, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk/suv

Complete Sign Solutions invests in two Roland SolJet Pro4 XR-640 printers from printMAX

Camberley, UK-based manufacturer and supplier of bespoke signage, Complete Sign Solutions, has transformed the production side of its business over the last 18 months following the sizeable investment of two Roland XR-640 wide format printers.

“The very first printer we bought was a 2nd user Roland - approximately 12 years ago - which paid for itself within just 2 months! I’ve had a Roland ever since,” explains Alister from Complete Sign Solutions.

In 2012, the company was looking to see how it could adapt; to establish what technology might whet its appetite for expansion. Enter Roland and the next generation of the SolJet - the Pro 4 XR-640.

Not only did the new Roland printer impress with speed; the offer was boosted by the introduction of the new Eco-Sol Max 2 inks, offering greater density, vibrancy and more colour accuracy than ever before.  As soon as the printer was announced, Complete Sign Solutions instantly recognised the user benefits along with the wall mural-sized hole it could fill within its business.

“We were looking at print technology that would allow us to not only fulfil wider print orders but also enable us to produce more wall art at higher quality,” says Alister.  Following a demonstration with Roland Authorised Dealer, printMAX, the printer sold itself. “The ability to print white, along with the consistency of colour was fantastic. We were able to produce some really high quality wall coverings at a much higher production rate than ever before.”

The roll feed take-up system also provided the company with the ability to leave it to print, whilst getting onto other jobs; a highly practical feature, where in a print room, the ability to multi-task is always a key factor.

“We had a latex machine, which was a great printer, but unfortunately the colour consistency and speed really let us down. Our latex took a good 30 mins to turn on where as our XR-640 would be switched on and ready to go.”

This led the team to asking themselves the question, ‘what printer is as good as our Roland SolJet?’ The simple answer being, of course, another XR! “We soon realised that with another XR-640, our production times and consistency would be second to none, so we headed back to printMAX. The guys there have always been reliable and flexible so without question we headed back for a second machine.”

18 months down the line, Complete Sign Solutions are producing more wall art than ever before and are more than happy with their latest Roland investments.  “We are extremely impressed with both the Roland XR-640s but also the service and response from printMAX. The printers have transformed our business and I can heartily recommend both the Roland XR-640 and printMAX to anyone looking to diversify,” concludes Alister.

Roland announces commercial availability of VersaUV LEJ-640F wide format flatbed printer

Roland DG UK has announced the public availability of its VersaUV LEJ-640F wide format flatbed printer.  The new machine, a prototype of which was showcased at Sign & Digital UK 2013, is the company’s first dedicated flatbed printer and brings new, superior levels of functionality, versatility and quality to wide format UV printing. 

Says Rob Goleniowski, Business Manager â€" Sign & Graphics, Roland DG (UK) Ltd: “This machine has generated tremendous interest since we introduced the prototype as our first dedicated flatbed offering at Sign & Digital UK last year.  A year on, and we have an outstanding commercial model to offer the industry and it is a welcome addition to our growing family of UV machines.

“Now, with the public availability of a dedicated flatbed machine, we have achieved another true milestone in the continued evolution of Roland DG as one of this industry’s most dynamic and innovative manufacturers. The inherent flexibility of this machine is exceptional and we are looking forward to meeting with customers at Sign & Digital UK 2014 to discuss how they can diversify and grow their product offering and profitability by investing in this exciting flatbed UV technology.”

The VersaUV LEJ-640F offers printers and sign makers the real flexibility needed to produce an extensive range of creative, vibrant and profitable applications such as outdoor and indoor signage, POS /POP displays, exhibition graphics, 3D and textured print and packaging prototypes.

Able to print on both rigid and flexible media, the machine has a print area of 1600 x 2500mm wide and provides high-quality printing up to 1440 x 1440 dpi on substrates weighing up to 200kg and up to 150mm (6 inches) in height. It can print on an extraordinarily wide range of rigid and flexible sheets including PVC, polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, cardboard, aluminium panels, fluted and corrugated boards and acrylics as well as polycarbonate, PET, polyethylene, dibond and foamex.

Using Roland’s ECO-UV ink and instantly curing UV-LED lamps, the LEJ-640F supports three ink configurations - CMYK+White+Gloss for the largest range of applications; CMYK+White+White for opaque white printing on transparent and dark-coloured substrates and CMYK+Gloss+Gloss for an extensive range of 3D, doming or embossing effects in striking gloss and matt finishes.

The LEJ-640F also comes with VersaWorks, Roland’s powerful and user-friendly RIP software with a built-in Pantone® spot colour library, variable data printing and a predictive ink usage calculator. All VersaUV LEJ-640F machines come with a one year on-site full parts and labour, RolandCare warranty and Roland OnSupport™ for unattended monitoring of the printer.

For more information, please visit the VersaUV LEJ-640F page on the Roland DG website: http://www.rolanddg.co.uk/products/printers/lej-640f/

Roland announces plans for Sign & Digital UK 2014

Roland DG UK is gearing up for its busiest and most exciting Sign & Digital UK yet and will be showing the widest selection of machines ever demonstrated at the show, including the recently launched VersaUV LEF-20 and LEJ-640F flatbed printers, as well as offering the opportunity for companies to win a Roland printer in the Sign & Digital prize draw. In addition, visitors will once again experience the hospitality that Roland DG has become renowned for in the Roland café (stand G30).

Says Rob Goleniowski, Business Manager - Sign & Graphics, Roland DG (UK) Ltd, “This year we will be showing the entire Roland DG range from entry-level up to professional. It’s going to be a vibrant, busy stand where we’ll show visitors how can they can maximise their creativity, profit, customer satisfaction and loyalty using Roland DG’s technology.”

First in the line-up is the “magical” VersaUV LEF-20, Roland DG’s biggest and fastest desktop UV machine to date, which offers sign makers and graphics producers the opportunity to diversify their business and target new markets. The LEF-20 can be used to turn an exhaustive range of objects including promotional items, novelty gifts, souvenirs, awards, USB sticks and phone cases into highly profitable, creative and personalised items, as well as enabling users to produce small-scale signage.

Throughout the course of the show, Roland Academy & Creative Centre Manager, Joe Wigzell, will be bringing the LEF-20 magic alive by running live boot camp sessions on the stand, inviting users to see for themselves that it’s no illusion how outstanding this machine is.  Plus, Roland DG will soon be confirming the presence of an extra-special mystery guest on the stand who will add a little more magical mystery to proceedings.

The other show debutant will be the VersaUV LEJ-640F flatbed printer, Roland DG’s first wide format flatbed printer. Offering a print area of 1600 x 2500mm wide, and 150mm in height, it provides printers and sign makers the opportunity to create the broadest range of POS displays, packaging prototypes, outdoor and indoor signage.

Also showcasing on the Roland stand will be the VersaCAMM VS-i series, the latest addition to the world's most popular printer/cutter range. Plus, this year the stand will also see the return of ‘The Beast’, Roland DG’s fastest printer - the SOLJET PRO4 XF-640 - which had a hugely successful UK debut at Sign & Digital UK in 2013.  ‘The Beast’ will be in good company, sitting alongside its cousin, the SOLJET PRO4 XR-640, Roland DG's flagship (and fastest) print & cut machine.

Also featured on the stand will be the VersaART RE-640, Roland DG’s popular four-colour 64 inch wide format inkjet printer. Companies visiting the show will have the opportunity to win an RE-640 in the Sign & Digital prize draw.

Rob Goleniowski concludes, “We invite all visitors to the show to come to the Roland DG stand and witness first-hand how our extensive technology portfolio â€" which I believe to be the most diverse and versatile in the industry - can truly change the way they do business and create a little magic for them and their customers.”

Countdown to Ipex 2014 - one week to go!

With only a week to go, the global print industry is counting down the days until Ipex finally opens the doors to its new home at the ExCel London between 24th and 29th March 2014. Ipex will be the first international print-centric event to combine an exhibition with a comprehensive content programme â€" striking an exciting balance between the latest technologies and education that promises to galvanise any print business. If visitors haven’t already registered, they’re encouraged to pre-register free-of-charge now via www.ipex.org to avoid paying £30.00 on the day.

“Ipex, set in the heart of London, is primed and ready to help print emphatically stake its place in the modern communications mix,” explains Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2014 Event Director. “We’re confident that we have come up with the right formula for an event that will benefit exhibitors and visitors alike. There is a plethora of new and innovative technology, knowledge and inspiration at every turn, and the invaluable opportunity to network and engage with the print community.”

Running across six days, Ipex will open from 10:30 â€" 18:00 Monday to Friday and from 10:00 â€" 16:00 on Saturday. ExCeL London provides the event with a state-of-the-art home in one of the business capitals in the world. The venue is easy accessible by car and public transport, with easy links to and from London airports. Visitors can acquire all the information they need on the event, accommodation and travel via www.ipex.org and www.tfl.gov.uk

Visitors will discover the latest global technologies and solutions from hundreds of international companies representing the entire print production workflow. Visitors will not only see new product and technology launches that can produce quality print applications from concept to end product, but also the knowledge with which to maximise their impact. Over 170 leading industry experts from forward-thinking global brands and companies will be speaking across the World Print Summit, Masterclasses and Cross Media Production seminar programmes to help visitors build a blueprint for success now and in the future. These will address future trends and strategies, business growth and production efficiency for SME printers and the implementation of communication strategies across multiple platforms, respectively.

Meanwhile a host of features will provide further inspiration and food for thought:

• Future Innovations Zone: showcasing the printed products and technologies that are set for rapid expansion over the next few years
• Inspiration Avenue: celebrating powerful print opportunities and impact statements that demonstrate the crucial role of print and its versatility across a number of major themes from around the world, including retail, interactive, automotive, sports, education, design and creative, and electronics
• EcoZone: a gallery educating visitors on the ecological and business-related advantages of reducing their environmental impact.
• Youth Day: putting an emphasis on the importance of injecting young blood into the industry, this programme takes place in the World Print Summit on Saturday 29th March and features presentations on the power of print from past students of the industry, a tour of Ipex, practical workshops and career advice for students
• Wide Format Zone: a range of devices and ancillary services being showcased by Epson, Screen, D&K, Grafityp and M Partners, among others

“Ipex has been strategically developed to respond to the changing communications landscape to become the definitive information source for the latest trends and technologies driving the print industry,” concludes Crawford. “It addresses every component of a print business and all visitors are guaranteed to find a practical takeaway, new idea, skill, solution or mind-set that will boost the performance of their company â€" for free. We’ve striven to ensure that visitors not only have an eclectic event that will help their business across the board, but also the tools and information required to maximise their time investment at the event.”

Visitors can pre-register for free for Ipex 2014 and keep abreast with all the latest news and seminar programmes via www.ipex.org. Visitors will also be provided with a z-card guide that provides a holistic overview of the event, its exhibitors and its content programme, the show catalogue (free for the first time), a city guide of London and the Ipex Daily, which will be published and distributed every day throughout the event.

Mimaki announces product line-up for InPrint show

Mimaki has announced that it will be exhibiting at InPrint, being held in conjunction with Hannover Messe 2014 in Germany. The world’s first trade exhibition exclusively dedicated to print technology for industrial manufacturing will be held from 8th to 10th April 2014. Mimaki will be located in Stand H16 at the show.

“With the growing quality and capabilities of digital textile printing solutions available in the marketplace today,” says Mike Horsten, Marketing Manager for Mimaki Europe, “digital printing on a wide range of fabrics is gaining broad acceptance across a number of markets including fashion, home décor and signs and display graphics. Mimaki has long played a leadership role in delivery of high quality digital textile printing solutions for custom fabrics, test marketing and short runs of printed textiles. In addition, we will be featuring some of our flatbed UV-curable wide format printers that produce a broad array of on-demand printed industrial applications. We are thrilled to be part of this first-ever trade exhibition dedicated to print technology for industrial manufacturing and excited about the solutions we will be able to demonstrate to attendees.”

Featured Textile Solutions

The highlight of Mimaki’s stand will be its highly functional textile printing solutions, including the TS500-1800, the world’s fastest dye sublimation printer, capable of printing at 150 square metres per hour on transfer paper. It produces brilliant colour for apparel and soft signage, both of which are seeing increased demand for short run lengths that are ideal for digital on-demand printing. Key features that set this dye sublimation printer apart in the marketplace include:

• Unmatched printing speed for sublimation paper at 150m2/h in high-speed mode. The TS500-1800 uses newly developed printheads that achieve a maximum speed in four- or six-colour mode. The printer includes six printheads, in a three staggered configuration.
• Mist removal filter - The mist removal filter prevents problems caused by ink mist and enhances the stability of print operations by suctioning the mist inside the printer.
• Mimaki Degassing Module - The Mimaki degassing module (MDM-20) eliminates the gasses or bubbles that can occur in inks during the printing process, decreasing the likelihood of nozzle blockage and improving the accuracy of ink dot placement. In addition, this module enables the printer to use undegassed bottled inks instead of conventional degassed ink packs, thus reducing ink costs.
• Mimaki Sb300 dye sublimation ink - Optimised for dye sublimation printing, Sb300 ink offers an affordable price, dries quickly and produces brilliant colours. Sb300 ink is available in six colours - black, blue, magenta, yellow, light blue and light magenta.
• Auto Media Feeder (AMF) - Mimaki’s unique Auto Media Feeder provides stable feeding and take-up of print media, eliminating much of the need for operator intervention during printing
• Larger roll media size - The TS500-1800 can accept rolls of media up to 60kg and 300mm in diameter, further improving operator productivity by eliminating the need for frequent media changes. Larger orders can be continuously printed without interruption, or batches of smaller orders using the same media can be easily handled.

“We believe that the TS500-1800 will speed the transition to digital printing in the worlds of soft signage and apparel that is already well underway,” Horsten added. “In addition, our dedication to eco-friendly printing is also demonstrated with this textile printer, which uses less ink and water and results in less waste than other printing methods.”

Mimaki will also be showing the Klieverik GTC101/2000, a partner product for transferring vibrant TS500-1800 prints from sublimation paper to fabric.

UV Printing on Rigid Media

“Printing direct to rigid substrates is another huge industrial printing opportunity, for everything from point of purchase materials to promotional products,” Horsten said. “Our portfolio includes printers that can produce an extremely broad range of applications with exceptional quality and productivity.”

On Display at InPrint:

 

• Mimaki UJF-6042. This UV flatbed printer with LED curing and multiple ink options prints directly on substrates up to 150mm thick with a precise and vivid image quality that is normally only found in more costly printers. It supports 6 colours and white ink. Together with its ability to print up to 1800x1800 dpi and its variable dot size, the UJF-6042 is engineered to deliver extreme accuracy of the ink drop placement on the substrate. For photo applications, its A2 size means operators can simultaneously print two facing pages of an A2-size photo album. For smaller items, it is easy to create an efficient print layout to minimize waste of expensive substrates and decrease overall production time.
• Mimaki JFX500-2131. This UV printer incorporates brand-new head technology and advanced LED curing.  Its advanced head movement control produces an exceptionally high resolution image quality that can produce legible fonts as small as 2 points. With print speeds of up to 60 square metres per hour with CMYK and 45 square metres per hour with white, it also delivers the ultimate in productivity. Multiple ink options ensure the ability to produce a wide range of applications, including both rigid and flexible inks.

Details about all of Mimaki’s products â€" including those for the textile and manufacturing industries, can be found on Hybrid Services’ website - www.hybridservices.co.uk. Hybrid is the exclusive UK and Irish distributor for Mimaki, whose products are available through its network of specialist resellers.