The world print industry grew by $21billion to $644bn between 2003 and 2009 and is predicted to reach $676bn by 2014, bucking the global downward trend. The steady growth, however, will be characterised by a shift within the industry, with packaging accounting for 31% share of the market by 2014 and the digital print sector rising 6.4% to 19.4% between 2009 and 2014.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Any fears regarding the effect the economic climate might have on Sign and Digital UK were unfounded, as true to form the show brought large numbers of high quality visitors to the stands of those exhibiting.

With an exhibitor list claiming to bring together one of the largest ranges of leading suppliers, Sign and Digital UK 2009 promises to showcase some stunning products this year. The line-up will, of course, complement the educational content, with seminars available throughout the event, which runs 28 to 30 April at the NEC Birmingham.

Applelec Sign Components will showcase a number of innovative illuminated sign solutions. Products will include the new Soled range of LED edge lit profiles from Co Sign of Belgium. Soled displays feature an aluminium centre piece with various screw fixing slots, allowing side pieces to be adjusted to fit either a five or 10mm thick acrylic panel. Profiles are interchangeable to overcome fixing constraints, making the edge kits ideal for lighting decorative acrylic panels, hanging signs, wall mounted signs and projecting signs.

Perfect for companies who have booked a big exhibition stand but lack the budget for a custom display, the Expand 2000 pop-up from Expand International is designed to provide a cost effective and flexible solution.

Having decided to exhibit at Sign and Digital UK for the first time in over twenty years, Amari Plastics is set to launch a new Direct to Substrate (DTS) media range. Changes in the sign making industry have prompted the company to refine its range of foam PVC, aluminium composites and acrylic sheets, making the line-up more compatible with flat bed UV digital printing. The new DTS range has been designed to offer quality at competitive prices while ensuring products are more environmentally friendly than their predecessors.

Productivity and reliability, combined with a flexible design, ensure the Durst Rho 320 roll-to-roll and Rho 700 flatbed UV inkjet printers can help create new opportunities. Both print on a variety of media with an upgradable design which should grow with the business.

Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) has teamed up with Amari Plastics to show a range of large format UV, solvent and aqueous printing solutions including the latest products from Dyss Apollo, Mimaki, Epson, GBC, Seal and Shiraz.

Visitors interested in solvent-based or UV hardware, media, or finishing should visit Fujifilm Sericol to learn what the company's Euromedia range has to offer. This dedicated large format printing range provides hundreds of media products for water-based, solvent-based and laminating applications.

Claimed to offer value for money, Neschen's digital wallpapers are available in four finishes: smooth, sand, linen and stucco. They use standard Solvite adhesives and are available in paper-backed form for low-to-medium human traffic areas as well as linen-backed for areas of medium-to-high traffic. All come on 50m rolls of 1300mm width.

Perspex Distribution will use Sign and Digital UK to highlight its Alupanel aluminium composite sheet. The flagship Alupanel white sheet which can be cut, folded and formed has been enhanced with dedicated products for digital print and economical options for flat and single-sided sign applications.

A remote car rally circuit, with mini cars wrapped in Avery Vinyl, will form the basis of the Robert Horne Group stand. Visitors can try their hand at racing with a competition for the fastest lap. The circuit will be made from Foamalux Xtra which contains recycled foam PVC and represents Robert Horne's commitment to closed loop recycling.

Taking centre stage on the Roland DG (UK) stand will be the VersaCAMM print and cut wide format machine. The new Roland workhorse, the VersaART RS-640, and the VersaUV LEC-300 will also be on display. This will be supported by a selection of engravers as well as a range of applications on display, providing users with ideas and inspiration.

One-stop supplier, Spandex, is to exhibit key products from its hardware, materials and sign systems ranges, including the new PerfectApply cast and polymeric films for vehicle wrap, glazing enhance­ment and graphics applications. These cast and polymeric films are designed to facilitate a bubble-free application.

Backed by a long history with lasers, Identify offers a range of materials and substrates for the benefit of all kinds of signmakers and engravers. Epilog lasers are a major part of the company's portfolio, with subli­mation representing a key part of the company's line-up.

Capitalising on advances in fabric printing, Tecna Display is launching a new display system said to combine low cost, image quality, easy transportation, light weight and washability for repeated use.

J-Teck3, together with the UK dealer and subsidiary, Llannelli-based J-Teck3 UK, will be using Sign and Digital to showcase products including disperse dye inks and pigmented dyes.

HP will debut a number of wide format solutions including the Designjet L65500, Scitex FB950 and Scitex XP2750 printers.

Your Embroidery Services (YES) is to showcase a new direct to product ink jet printer from DTG. Targeted at volume production, the Viper is designed to increase the output of table-top equipment by taking numerous printing pallets at one time.

Learning opportunities abound at Fespa Digital 2009. The event, which runs 12 to 14 May in Amsterdam, aims to provide visitors with a programme of knowledge-sharing initiatives to inspire and help printers reach their business goals in challenging economic conditions. 

Cgate has added to its range of rigid panels with CbondF, a light weight rigid panel featuring a corrugated core between two finished aluminium sheets. It has a strong and durable surface finish for exterior wall surfaces. Unlike Cbond, which can be shaped and used for fabrication, rigid CbondF is ideal for temporary construction.

Fujifilm Sericol will show its latest line-up of wide format printers and business solutions. The Inca Onset S20 will be launched at the show. This UV cure inkjet flatbed printer boasts production speeds of 250m2/h and 50 full bed sheets, with the ability to process substrates as thick as 50mm. The higher productivity Onset S70 will also feature on a big screen.

With vehicle wrap demonstrations throughout the show, Hexis is to show an all-new cast film with Hex'Press adhesive technology specially designed for full vehicle wraps.

A selection of digital printing solutions will be presented by HP, including a range of imaging technologies, workflow solutions and partner applications to provide end-to-end systems for print service providers.

Image and print finishing specialist, Seal Graphics, will underline the importance of its strategic alliance with WP Digital by demonstrating new UV-curable liquid laminates with its AquaSeal 60 UV Pro laminator.

With over one million metres squared of stocks held in its UK warehouse for next day delivery, Soyang Group offers a range of grand format digital printing media produced by parent company, Soyang Technologies China. Media for solvent, UV and dye sublimation printing techniques are all avaiable, with material from 0.76 to 5m wide for the outdoor banner, billboard, backdrop and retail graphic markets.