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Calling all screen printers, help required
In a few weeks I head for Electronica, Europe's largest electronic component exhibition. Naturally, there will be a rather large number of electronic components on display. However, a less known fact is that the show will also be home to a huge range of screen printing applications. From printing solder paste onto circuit boards, to applying membrane keypad graphics, screen printing lies at the heart of the electronics industry.
LFP to storm IT sector
Specialist distributor Midwich is to sell Canon's large format CAD/GIS and general use printers, including media and inks. This extends an existing partnership between the two companies and will see Midwich offer the whole range of imagePrograf LFPs, including the iPF610, iPF710, iPF720 and LP17 and LP24 printers.
New look, fresh appeal
A new logo has been introduced to refresh Fespa's brand identity. The new look is designed to be contemporary, clean and distinctive, while remaining true to the heritage of the Fespa brand. The corporate logo is part of a suite of logos for each of Fespa's exhibitions and events, which now cover Europe, Asia-Pacific, India and Latin America.
Tried and tested LFP advice
Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) is a new company, formed with the remit of helping end users find their way through the large format sector. Managing director, Stuart Cole and sales director, Shaun Thompson bring experience from Colourgen and Applied Image Technology respectively. They will be supported by three staff covering consumables sales, administration and technical support and will be backed by showroom and office facilities in Berkshire.
Top ranking reseller support
Large format manufacturer, Mutoh, is in the process of enhancing its UK reseller channel and has named DCP Systems as one of the first to achieve MCP Sign and Display status. DCP was awarded straight away, in recognition of its product and market knowledge, trading figures and as an all round ambassador for the large format brand.
Euromedia makes UK debut
A complete range of hardware, ink, media, software and tools will be available from a single-source as Fujifilm Sericol launches its new large format printing business in the UK. Many of the products will carry the company's newly-acquired Euromedia brand, including 650 different media products, Maxjet solvent roll-fed printers and ColorGate production server.
Colour management made easy
Job setup and output is said to be easier than ever using Gandinnovations' new RIP software created by ErgoSoft.
Heard it on the PBIF grapevine
Congratulations, some of you have started to use the free directory service on the PBIF web site and are reaping the benefits. Have a look now and then complete the brief form at the bottom where it says ‘click here' and off you go. Web sites are all to do with the numbers game and the more often your company name appears the more likely it is someone will find you and increase the opportunity to do business. As it is free to members and the credit crunch is biting into your sales, it must be worth the few minutes it takes to complete the form?
Blend in with matt trends
Vinyl film manufacturer, Hexis, has launched a new line of matt cast laminates designed to achieve glare-free vehicle wraps.
Screen cleaning goes green
Kaye Dee Marking Solutions is offering a range of products from KDscreen designed to offer an environmentally safer chemistry for the screen printing industry.
New ideas on learning
As the government launches the first year of its new Diplomas for 14-19 year olds, school-based vocational campaign, PrintIT!, is off to a successful start, in this, its fourth year.
Word on the street
Designed specifically for outdoor sidewalk and parking lot floor graphics, Mactac StreetRap is an 85µm white matt calendered PVC film coated with an aggressive clear acrylic adhesive. It sticks to flat or slightly rough pedestrian traffic surfaces, like concrete and asphalt, and is expected to help advertisers exploit new sites such as trade shows, retail outlets, public buildings, convention centres and entertainment venues. It also allows sign makers and event organisers to make safety and directional signs more visible.
An eye-opening opportunity
Roland DG has launched a competition to win a 64in VersaArt RS-640 worth £10,999. Printers and sign makers are invited to enter the competition on-line at www.winaroland.com by answering three multiple choice questions on the RS- 640.
Rolling out new colours
Fourteen new colours have been added to the ImagePerfect 5700P portfolio of signage materials from Spandex. This takes the company's total offering to 80 colours, with all 14 of the new colours available from stock.
Clear guide to plastics
A host of semi-finished plastic products are showcased in Perspex Distribution's new 216-page product guide. Options include Perspex cast acrylic, polycarbonate, polyester, PVC, polystyrene, aluminium composite and a new composite acrylic sheet as well as rod and tube. Product availability and technical information are featured, including properties and processing, making the guide an essential reference for stockists, fabricators and designers.
GIANT STEPS!
Change is afoot at the Midlands based solutions provider S P Group Ltd who have recently installed a Chim 92 screen cleaning system supplied and supported by Vision Supplies Ltd.
Textile printing wear it with pride
So the UK was going to be a service based economy with banking and insurance leading the way to future prosperity. Our vibrant economy riding on a wave of surging house prices was going to carry the nation forward. Small fortunes lent to people who would never be able to repay the debt. Millions in bonuses being made by sharp-witted dealers.
The choice is yours
To people outside the printing industry, digital print is usually associated with toner-based systems such as Xerox. However, inkjet technology has had an equally large impact on the way printed materials are produced. Early commercial inkjet pioneers, such as Sun Chemical, realised digital's potential to offer higher speed, lower costs and greater flexibility than traditional printing methods and although early inkjet industrial applications included printing of number codes and markings, it didn't truly take off for graphic applications until the introduction of piezo print head technology in the 1990s.
Must-see films
Avery Dennison has added two gloss white polymeric calendered films to its Avery Multi Purpose Inkjet range.
Proof is in the print
Designed with a special coating for improved ink adhesion, Alupanel Digital is a new aluminum composite panel, said to deliver vibrant and long-lasting images, even when subject to UK weather.
A cut above
Mutoh Europe has introduced a new sign cutting plotter, designed to offer enhanced productivity and ease of use in applications such as signage, vehicle decoration, window graphics and sticker production.
Ink consumption down, productivity up
With ink consumption of 180m2 print out of one litre ink realised at a top speed of up to 233m2/h at a resolution of up to 360dpi, the new HP Scitex XP2300 printer is ideal for billboards, building wraps and other high volume outdoor signage applications.
Waste matters
Prior to the introduction of the R3 scheme, Allsignsgroup's waste was collected in 250kg wheelie bins and it is estimated that 12 bins were going to landfill every week at a cost of £150 per tonne. With an annual waste bill in excess of £30,000 there were sound financial reasons along with the environmental concerns to justify joining the R3 scheme. In fact, before the initiative was introduced, very little of the company's 220 tonnes of commercial waste produced each year was recycled.
Cylinder or flatbed: re-evaluate your choices
Choosing between flatbed or cylinder configurations is often a case of company tradition rather than analysis. Some prefer to use higher-priced cylinder screen printing systems for all applications, while others consider this overkill. Whatever the rationale for choosing between flatbed or cylinder configurations in the past, innovation in both systems mean it is timely to re-evaluate the choices.
Making informed decisions
It is times like these that we need to know how we can manage our businesses and the technology within them. Prism has taken up the challenge to inform the industry of the options to take it forward. We have gathered industry leaders who will highlight the alternatives to enable you to make informed decisions. This conference takes place on 20 November, Menzies Strathmore Hotel, Luton. It is sponsored by HP and Fespa.
