Wasatch SoftRIP Version 7 now available from Tech8

Tech8, the technical support and spares provider for the wide format printing industry, is distributing Wasatch SoftRIP Version 7.  The new version â€" which Wasatch says is the ‘fastest build of Wasatch SoftRIP ever released' â€" allows users to create, edit, delete, and manage thousands of unique jobs every day.

On the new version, which is available with immediate effect, Justin Atkinson, Business Development Manager at Tech8, comments, “Although SoftRIP has been sold for digital narrow-web label printing for several years; Version 7.0 is the first release to specifically address converting. Users will find support for rotary cutting equipment and enhanced die cutting features for bleeds and round corners on digital cutters.”

He continues, “Any RIP upgrade is user-driven and based on demand for new functionality and improved performance.  That’s why Wasatch SoftRIP Version 7.0 supports industrial printing, not only with speed, but also with powerful system integration tools.  The new XML-based interface makes it possible for system integrators and sophisticated users to control Wasatch SoftRIP via HTML and JavaScript running entirely in a web browser, or via customised network software or XML hot folders.”

“Many printers forget the importance of the RIP in the print process and simply stick to what they are used to.  It is easy to forget the simple fact that if you improve performance then you have more time to dedicate to focus on other aspects of your business.  This is the reason we’re offering Version 7 of Wasatch SoftRIP and providing our customers with the option of competitively-priced upgrades,” he concludes.

Wasatch has also announced Version 2.0 release of Wasatch Variable Data Printing (VDP) which introduces new technologies such as variable QR Codes and special rendering features essential to barcode print quality.  VDP 2.0's new Fast Layout tool makes generation of 10,000 variable labels easy and automated.

Pricing and availability

Wasatch SoftRIP Version 7 is available immediately from Tech8.  Pricing for a full upgrade starts from as little as £195. 

For more information, please visit www.tech8.eu

Digital Print UK show website goes live

Initial details of the Digital Print UK show have been unveiled by organiser Faversham House as a new website goes live for the inaugural cross-industry event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, scheduled to take place between 5th and 7th November 2013.

Digital Print UK, the new annual dedicated digital printing exhibition spanning three days at the UK’s premier exhibition venue, will be split into four focused areas â€" production, applications & output, wide format and digital labels â€" so visitors can efficiently spend their time navigating the event.

Live demonstrations that include production printing and wide format technologies will be showcased by suppliers who are involved in the print supply chain from substrates, pre-press / media, press, post press, mailing and distribution.

Digital label production is becoming of increasing interest to commercial printers as a new revenue opportunity. Faversham House says that, in addition to its general commercial print audience, it will be working with key media partners to deliver an additional footfall of converters and label printers from a variety of backgrounds such as flexographic or gravure.

Another important area will be a section for “applications and output” driven by digital printing technology. Commercial printers, brand owners and print specifiers keen on finding ways to take their business forward will have the chance to see the latest developments in digital print technology and discover how they can deliver increased return on investment.

Faversham House, one of the UK’s leading independent media companies, will be making a series of other announcements in the run-up to the big event that will follow on from its other show successes. These include Sign and Digital UK, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in March. 

Show director Rudi Blackett comments, “The launch of our dedicated website for Digital Print UK will provide a rich source of vital information for show-goers. And, as a trusted show partner, both exhibitors and visitors in this important digital marketplace know it’s another vehicle to help us deliver another first-class event that’s not just about the latest products and software. This is a real opportunity for visitor to network, experience a mix of advice, demos and working applications of real value to their business.”

Details of the show are now available on the updated website.  Please visit www.digitalprintuk.net for more information.

Your Print Solution installs GMG ProductionSuite to support expansion into wide format

Buckinghamshire-based Your Print Solution has invested in GMG's ProductionSuite wide-format colour management and workflow solution.  The company has invested in the software to support its expansion into wide format print production.

The six-year-old digital print specialist is initially using ProductionSuite to drive a new 60-inch HP Designjet L26500 printer.  Increasing demand for poster and other large-format work from customers such as the Wimpy Restaurant franchise meant that additional capacity was required.

Having been a GMG customer since 2004, director David Jackson was more than happy to continue to use GMG solutions to maximise colour quality and consistency from the new HP printer.   He explains, “We’d been using GMG since 2004 because it was the best proofing solution out there, so when GMG showed us ProductionSuite alongside the L26500, we thought ‘if anyone knows colour, they do’.  GMG ProductionSuite includes technology that’s familiar to us, but with many additional features for wide format output. We’re producing increasing numbers of A1 and 24 x 36-inch posters via our web-to-print portal for Wimpy, typically in runs of 30 or 40 at a time, so the larger printer made sense.”

He adds, “We work to the Fogra 39L standard on the Indigo and Epson printers to match offset print that is produced elsewhere for our customers. With GMG ProductionSuite, we know that we are hitting that reliably on the HP as well, because everything is measured. Not only are we matching colour across devices and substrates but - perhaps more importantly - we are providing consistency over time, from one month to the next. Sixty per cent of our customers who place work for the Indigo are also buying wide-format work from us now.”

GMG has built dedicated functionality for wide format production tasks into ProductionSuite; this ranges from pre-flighting and file correction tools to planning for efficient use of media via step-and-repeat and tiling options. It also includes support for the placement of non-print features such as hems and grommets, plus cutting and folding instructions for the finishing processes. As relative newcomers to the intricacies of finishing products as diverse as pull-up banners on vinyl or POS displays mounted onto board, the staff at Your Print Solution have found the know-how built into the GMG software to be a great asset:

“GMG ProductionSuite has definitely helped our move into wide-format work,” confirms Jackson.  “We hadn’t dealt with banners, eyelets or hem-ons before, but the software has great educational value in helping us to understand wide format issues. The Editor module is very easy to use; as well as allowing a high level of editing, it assists with handling the calculations that relate output size, viewing distance and image resolution, for example.”

Simon Landau, technical sales specialist, GMG UK, concludes, “This is just the beginning of Your Print Solution’s move into wide format production. With its drivers for the widest range of output devices and extensive support for finishing and related equipment, GMG ProductionSuite will be able to support their further expansion in whatever direction they choose to take.”

Roland DG launches new RolandCare warranty website

Roland DG has announced a new RolandCare website which will make it easier for customers to choose warranties from a market-leading range of coverage options for its wide-format inkjet devices, engravers and cutters.

Roland DG UK’s dedicated RolandCare warranty advisor, James Johnson says, “Roland strives to be the market’s easiest company to deal with â€" offering comprehensive service and support with minimum fuss, allowing customers to get on with the business of making money. The site’s clear and concise information makes it quick and easy for customers to secure peace-of-mind coverage for their Roland machine, and understand what it costs and exactly what it covers.”

RolandCare is one of the most value-packed warranties in the industry and there is no other cover for Roland machines that can promise a 98% first time fix rate, using 100% genuine Roland parts and guaranteed response times. Its engineers enjoy exclusive access to the expertise of Roland’s Product Management, Technical Services and Research and Development departments, and the latest knowledge and tools direct from the people who built the machine.

“Customers rely on us so we take service and support very seriously and strive to make RolandCare an efficient yet highly personal service, delivered by people dedicated to looking after Roland customers and Roland systems. Our engineers are trained by the people who designed and built customers’ machines, and come equipped with the very latest knowledge and tools to get Roland machines up and running, fast. Even if there’s a really tricky issue, the head office in Japan is just a phone call away,” adds Johnson.

All Roland printers come with a one year Original RolandCare warranty. Beyond this, customers can choose from Bronze, Silver or Gold warranties depending on their businesses’ needs and required response times.

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

Derwent Displays boosts product portfolio with addition of HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press

Derwent Displays of Denby, Derbyshire, UK, has bought an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to increase productivity of POS display units and to extend its product portfolio.

Derwent Displays invested in the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to complement its existing screen and lithographic technologies, produce cost-effective short runs, offer versioned and personalised products and broaden its range of tailor-made retail POS products.

"We will now be able to meet our customers' bespoke requirements within a short timeframe thanks to the press' reduced turnaround times and its cost-efficient runs," says Neil Haywood, managing director at Derwent Displays. "We'll also be able to use the press for jobs that require special finishing with the spot or full-gloss varnish feature."

Derwent Displays employs 35 people and provides creative end-to-end solutions from design to fulfilment for in-store and outdoor displays, shelf units and cartons. The company serves retail suppliers in the food, pet care, pharmaceutical, do-it-yourself and leisure markets nationwide.

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press, launched in October 2011, is a high-volume production printer that delivers high-quality print on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates in thicknesses up to 25mm. Using UV-curable ink, the press operates in eight print modes with speeds up to 95 full-size sheets per hour (500m2/hr, 5380ft2/hr) with a POP production mode producing up to 55 sheets per hour.

Other features include a spot gloss capability that helps the company deliver premium solutions in 2D and 3D format. The edge-to-edge printing feature means that final-size materials may be loaded (up to four at a time with optional Multi-sheet Loader Kit). This eliminates the need for trimming as well as reduces potential damage through additional handling. The new HP 225 Scitex Ink is crack and chip resistant, reducing damage during folding.

"All our objectives of quality, speed and cost-effectiveness are clearly met by this press' features," continues Haywood. "We wanted to enter the digital print market with HP as its technology offers the latest innovations from which our business will benefit."

The press can handle a wide range of media, including  paper, synthetic paper, self-adhesive vinyl, foam PVC, PVC sheets, polystyrene (HIPS), and both corrugated and compressed cardboard.

"Our improved flexibility will enable us to meet a wide range of application requirements and we expect that the HP technology will help us to maintain our competitiveness within the retail business," adds Paul White, design director.

More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and www.facebook.com/HPdesigners or follow HP on www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts.

[photo shows Derwent Displays' premises in Derbyshire]

Sihl Direct targets growth with new UK operation

The company, which is the UK presence of the large-format business, also has sites in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

Part of parent business Diatec Group, Sihl announced that it was "the world's number one inkjet media coating company" at the event, held at its Altrincham UK base last Wednesday (23 May).

Sihl managing director Heiner Kayser, who attended the open house, said: "We have grown steadily and solidly and now provide media for most of the major printer manufacturers throughout the world.

"However, most of this work is under OEM agreements and in order to continue growing the company as we would like to; we need to establish the Sihl brand to a wide consumer audience."

Sihl Direct UK, which holds approximately 20% of the company's product range including inkjet photo papers, banners, roll-up films and imaging papers, said that the amount accounted for 80% of its turnover.

"Our objective is to supply Sihl manufactured and branded media, in a timely and cost effective manner, through both selected partners and directly to the end user," said Sihl Direct UK operations director Ian Turnbull.

He added: "We have two very distinct price points for end users and for resellers and can offer very rapid delivery either straight from here in Altrincham or through the international distribution chain.

"We know that end users and even some resellers don't want to be tying up much needed capital by stocking media. We will work with customers to ensure we hold what they need and can get it to them as soon as they need it."

According to Kayser, Sihl Direct, which is backed by manufacturing operations in Germany and Switzerland, is well-placed to grow in the UK market.

"I am sure we manufacture the widest range of media to be found anywhere in the world and have an in-house research and development operation that is second to none," he added.

In March, Sihl Direct launched the substrate Clara Beneficial, which is a blend of 78% cotton and 22% polyester, intended to be used for domestic and commercial art reproduction to the UK market.

The company has also relaunched its website, which can be visited at www.sihl-direct.co.uk.

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Kevin Wallace is the managing director of All Print Supplies (APS), one of the UK’s independent suppliers of sign vinyl and materials to the sign, exhibition and display markets. Kevin is no stranger...

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