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Technical support gets personal
Digital Print Innovations (DPI) is a new provider of printers, inks, consumables, software and service to wide-format producers in the UK and Ireland. The company will take over existing supply contracts as it becomes the exclusive distributor for MTL and WP Digital UV-curable printing solutions.
Fund your future
Young people looking to fund their training for a career in the UK printing and graphic arts industries are invited to apply for a Print Futures Award. Funds of £2,500 each are available to people aged 16 to30 years who are resident in the UK.
Now in their seventh year, the awards are sponsored by the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), Unite the Union and the Printers’ Charitable Corporation, which is soon to be known as The Printing Charity.
It pays to be loyal
Existing Epson Stylus Pro owners could be eligible for a discount of up to £900 when purchasing selected models from the Stylus Pro range of large format inkjet printers. This offer is valid until the end of March.
Innovate your way out of the recession
Fespa’s second economy survey shows that the wide format printing community is replacing the defensive survival tactics of 2009 with innovative and proactive sales and operational strategies to improve business in 2010. Over 70 per cent had used new products or processes to help them through the downturn, with 61 per cent adding products to their portfolio and 60 per cent entering new markets.
See the perfect package
Developed to offer new prototyping capabilities to the packaging market, Roland DG's 30in UV-curable VersaUV LEC-330 will be showcased at Packaging Innovations 2010.
With its ability to print onto almost any substrate and a white ink facility, this integrated inkjet printer/cutter is said to offer cost-effective proofing for specialist packaging mock-ups. Not only is it able to print CMYK, cut and crease onto a variety of materials, but it also uses both gloss and matte spot UV varnish to produce doming and embossing for use in effects like faux animal skin and Braille.
Apprenticeships are rewarding
Vocational training offers a great framework to undertake new or changed roles and provides a means of continual professional development, so as part of its commitment to Apprenticeship Week, Proskills announces its 2010 apprenticeship and training awards.
Films get European focus
A new website covering Clear Focus One Way Vision perforated window graphics films and overlaminates has been launched into the European marketplace.
Manager of Clear Focus Europe, Stéphane Moreau, said: “As Clear Focus continues to expand its operations in the EU, we felt the time was right to launch a website tailored to the needs of our distributors and their customers in Europe.”
Register your interest for VIP treatment
As well as the usual feast of exhibitors and networking opportunities, visitors to the Sign and Digital UK 2010 exhibition could also win a pair of VIP tickets to a match at Old Trafford.
Readers who register to attend the free event are eligible to enter the competition, which is sponsored by Hybrid Services. The winner will receive overnight accommodation, food and refreshments, entertainment, the chance to meet a famous face and utilise on-site parking.
Cut to the chase
Graphic arts companies seeking information on the pros and cons of laser die cutting technology can now obtain the expanded 2010 edition of the Spartanics technical guide: How to match today’s laser cutting technology to application requirements. It includes reports on laser die cutting improvements since the guide was first released in 2008 and enables readers to make a more informed assessment of how laser die cutters can be used to replace or augment rotary die cutters and other tool-based cutting technology.
Get a beta idea of MCFT technology
Vista System International has launched a Beta version of its technical site, created to help clients and end users better understand its modular curved frame technology (MCFT). It is designed to provide the tools needed to quote, order and install Vista-based products.
Get a beta idea of MCFT technology
Vista System International has launched a Beta version of its technical site, created to help clients and end users better understand its modular curved frame technology (MCFT). It is designed to provide the tools needed to quote, order and install Vista-based products.
Delivering designer colour
London-based Colouration has a strong footprint in producing retail and store displays for the fragrance and cosmetics industry. In the quest for quality, creativity and speed, it has become the first company in the UK to install a high speed Océ Arizona 550 GT UV flatbed printer.
Océ claims this, its latest Arizona UV flatbed, is the fastest yet. Printing at twice the speed of other Arizona models, it can produce more than 40m2 of high quality printing per hour, with prints suitable for closely-viewed signage and point of purchase thanks to Océ’s VariaDot imaging technology.
Make your investment work smarter
HP Scitex has always been a big name in the super-wide format market and its latest machine, the FB7500, has been specifically designed to target the screen market. Developed to offer high efficiency, this machine features three-quarter automated loading, reducing loading time between sheets by up to 85 per cent. HP Scitex X2 piezoelectric printheads also maximise uptime as they are easily accessible for replacement or calibration without the need for a service call.
Time out
In times like these, taking time out of the office is a rare and valuable commodity. Make the most of it by carefully planning your visit to Sign and Digital UK
Whether you're looking for expert advice from the educational programme, the latest products and innovations to help improve your business or quite simply a bargain, Sign and Digital UK, running 13 to 15 April 2010 at the NEC, Birmingham, claims to offer something for everyone.
Perfect pairing ensures warranty
Doro Tape will showcase its vehicle wrap and laminate, which comes complete with warranty. Produced by Ritrama, Ri-Jet 50 is a 50 micron cast white solvent printable vinyl with a repositionable adhesive and 10 year life. When used in conjunction with Doro Tape’s ultra thin vehicle wrapping laminate, Ritrama provide a warranty, confirming that its product is produced to the highest quality and according to ISO 9000 procedures. A user instruction guide is available offering guidelines for correct material application.
See edge-to-edge printing up close
Fujifilm is exhibiting its latest line-up of inkjet printing systems and media, including the latest in the Acuity series of UV flatbed printers and the euromedia range of products for inkjet roll-to-roll devices.
Showing for the first time in Europe, the Acuity Advance HS is said to provide near-photographic quality images at production speeds of 40m2/h, or 65m2/h for images viewed from greater distances. The printer’s ability to print edge-to-edge is designed to save time and labour in finishing, while end-use applications are enhanced with a white ink option. A roll media unit can be added to print to flexible materials.
Resin inks help printers stay solvent
B&P Graphic Supplies is to launch a new water-based ink suitable for use in existing solvent machines.
The Sepiax range of AquaRes Resin ink is said to offer the advantages of solvent inks without the health and safety issues associated with solvents and without the high capital costs of moving to latex technology. AquaRes inks will run in solvent machines using piezo print head technology with a simple changeover process and no major modifications.
Value for money cures print problems
Products on the Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) stand will include the latest machines from Mimaki and software solutions from Shiraz and Onyx.
Highlights include the new Mimaki UJF-3042 A3 UV cure printer, said to offer good value for money. Its boasts low energy consumption through LED UV curing as well as the ability to print to a range of uncoated substrates. With its 50mm print depth, it is ideal for badges, cards, packaging, labels, stickers and display products, as well as personalised items.
Equipping signmakers for success
The focus of William Smith’s stand will be a range of hardware and materials designed to help signmakers of all sizes deliver a quality service to their customers.
Hardware on display includes the HP Designjet latex inkjet printer range for both indoor and outdoor applications. It uses water based inks that are non-hazardous and free of VOCs ensuring the images produced are odourless and cure instantly for use straight away. The HP L25500 60in and the HP L65500 104in will be on the stand throughout the show.
Equipping signmakers for success
The focus of William Smith’s stand will be a range of hardware and materials designed to help signmakers of all sizes deliver a quality service to their customers.
Hardware on display includes the HP Designjet latex inkjet printer range for both indoor and outdoor applications. It uses water based inks that are non-hazardous and free of VOCs ensuring the images produced are odourless and cure instantly for use straight away. The HP L25500 60in and the HP L65500 104in will be on the stand throughout the show.
Race ahead with print and cut
A first showing of the recently launched Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 print and cut machine with white and metallic ink configurations is promised for the Grafityp UK stand. This is said to be the widest VersaCAMM to date and will be flanked by the VersaCAMM SPi/VPi 300 and 540 print and cut machines from Roland. Other equipment will include the Zephyr UV printer and ValueJet Hybrid 1608, which utilises vegetable origin inks for roll to roll, roll to sheet and rigid board printing, both from Mutoh. There will also be a StellarJet K72UV printer from GCC on site.
UK debut for cutting edge products
Large format inkjet printer and sign cutting plotter manufacturer, Mutoh Europe, will exhibit several new products for the first time in the UK.
These include the Kona cutting plotter series designed for professional sign cutting applications. Claimed to offer good cutting quality with excellent tracking, the Mutoh Kona cutting plotters are available in three widths: the 39in Kona 760; the 64in Kona 1400; and the 74in Kona 1650, offering a cutting range of 30, 55 and 64in respectively.
Pick up practical tips
Alongside its latest production hardware, the new VersaCAMM VS-640 printer/cutter, Roland DG (UK) will present a continuous programme of free events designed to inspire, show and teach.
The Roland DG Academy will provide hands-on training and seminars on topics such as workflow management using SignLab and Roland VersaWorks, colour management including spot colour reproduction, monitor calibration and finishing techniques such as lamination. Application techniques for delivering cost-savings and end-to-end production efficiencies will be taught as well as portfolio-enhancing creative ideas and essential skills.
Right tools for the job
Manufacturer of cutting tool solutions for the sign and aerospace industry, ITC Tooling, will have an array of cutters available for all types of routing and engraving operations.
On show will be the ClearCut Solid carbide single flute, square end, straight shank cutter, said to provide exceptional finishes on perspex and acrylic materials. In many cases it can eliminate the need for flame polishing after cutting. To obtain the best results from the ClearCut series, ITC advises customers to use the range on a high powered machine that can cut anti-clockwise.
Don't be a waster
Substrates are quite simply the surface that we print onto. Achieving perfect results is not as simple as it sounds however, because the range of substrates is constantly increasing.
From a printer’s perspective, generally the substrate is determined by the client. What the printer has to do is decide on the ink and drying/curing system that suits that particular substrate and its working environment. Assuming the substrate ink combination will provide suitable adhesion, the printer still has considerable responsibility in ensuring that the partnership remains satisfactory. Maintaining the condition of the ink and its drying technique is crucial, but so is managing the substrate.
In search of white
Grapo Technologies has announced strong demand for its Manta wide format UV flatbed printer with a white ink option.
Sales director, Branislav Oravec, said: “With seven units already sold since Fespa, we are looking forward to ongoing success with this new option. Also, four-color Manta printers in the field can easily be upgraded to include the white ink option.”
Colour is on the wall
X-Rite Europe has introduced a compact, handheld instrument, called Capsure, that lets users accurately image and measure the colours of walls, carpets or any textured inspiration object.
Joined-up thinking
A range of interconnecting roll ups has been launched by Eurostand Display, aimed at those exploring their creativity when designing graphic campaigns. The heart of the system is a freestanding roll up display featuring a silver anodised graphic cassette with levelling screws, chrome or coloured end caps, and three piece bungee pole with discreet moulded top. Image size is 2000mm high and 850mm wide.
Print and fit
Amari Plastics has announced Multiply Digital, a plywood sheet developed for the flat bed digital printing market for the hoarding, advertising and general sign markets. Whilst many printers currently print on to vinyl or ACM and then mount to standard plywood, Multiply Digital eliminates the second stage, saving time and production costs. Furthermore, Multiply Digital can be removed and recycled after use.
Turn shop windows into digital displays
Shop windows and glass partitions are usually covered with static images. Now, MACtac’s new Glass Movie films allow rear projection to animate shop windows. These filmic constructions can be applied onto synthetic or natural glass, with movie-style pictures projected from behind the glass surface, allowing viewing by those passing by.
Big on print and cut
Roland DG has announced the new 64in VersaCAMM VS-640. Available in three configurations, this printer/cutter delivers new application potential with metallic ink. The printer is also available configured to print dual CMYK and as a Hi-Fi colour printer with light cyan and light magenta, plus white ink.
Challenging screen’s future
M&R’s new Challenger III includes innovative features such as an Ink-Dip Ink Retrieval System and Optical No-Shirt Detector. Challenger III’s printheads feature calibrated tool-free click-stop four-corner off-contact settings for fast and accurate screen levelling.
Increase your service capability
Spandex has added the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 large format digital inkjet printer to its hardware portfolio. Thanks to a new eight-colour ink set, the GS6000 is said to offer the widest colour gamut to date, helping printers produce durable prints and photo-realistic colours for indoor and outdoor graphic applications.
