The evolution of the show, which incorporates and builds on Digital Print World (DPW), is in step with the rapid integration of complementary production techniques and processes to maximise added-value services. Most printers are equipped with the machinery to tackle any job, so quantity is no longer an issue. Instead, the emphasis is on the printed product: its price, quality and turnaround speed.

Two new additions to the imagePRESS family will be presented by Canon: the imagePRESS C6000VP, which extends Canon's high volume digital production colour range and the imagePRESS C1+ device, claimed to be the first colour device with clear toner for the light production market.

Marking, coding and signage specialist, Identify, will exhibit various systems for marking rigid and semi rigid materials. This will include a range of A3 and A4 printers which will be printing directly to various substrates, none of which require pre-treatment. The finished print is designed to offer solvent resistance, making it ideal for short run full colour imaging on presentation items such as signs, badges and folders.

Thermal lamination specialist, D&K, will showcase a range of solutions targeting print and  graphics presentation needs.

Specialist finishing manufacturer, Caslon, will highlight its full range of foiling, thermography and card cutting print finishing solutions for the short to medium run market.

Alongside a range of wide format inkjet and toner-based digital presses, Fujifilm will reveal how version 2.0 of its XMF workflow can improve short run printing, irrespective of the printing process.

Encore Machinery will launch a range of high speed PitStop creasers. Ideal for high volume digital and offset users, the new double-headed PitStop operates at 11,000sph with the ability to crease and perforate in one pass. The PitStop FM Speed can be fitted with a punching tool for Wiro binding or two and four hole drilling. These machines handle sheet sizes up to 50 by 70cm and stocks up to 600gsm with a perforating and micro-perforating tool.

The Robert Horne Group claims to offer a complete range of wide format digital solutions for the graphic display sector including print hardware, software and consumables, supported by an in-house team of advisers and technicians who can offer objective advice, backed by demonstration facilities throughout the UK.

Xerox reseller, Xeretec will be promoting Xerox's New Business of Printing philosophy, working with visitors to make more profit out of digital print. The focus will be on having the right business model, the right workflow and the right print technology. From small office desktop printers to large scale, large volume digital colour presses and wide format printers, Xeretec can supply all Xerox equipment.

Roland DG will share a stand with its principal distributor to the commercial print market, The Paper Company (PaperCo). The stand will feature an array of wide format printing technologies including inkjet printers and printer/cutters from Roland. Together the companies aim to help  printers open up new revenue streams, with experts on hand from both companies to discuss the ROI figures that commercial printers can expect to see from their wide format investment.

The show promises a diverse exhibitor profile, with traditional techniques showcased alongside modern advances to create a multi-faceted event. A number of significant names have signed up including Axyz Automation, Daktronics, Grafityp, Spandex, Ashby Trade Signs, Avery Dennison, Canon, Robert Horne and William Smith. A full exhibitor list can be found by visiting the event website.

Specialising in engraving and signmaking materials, plus traditional and laser engraving systems, Identify's stand is designed as an Aladdin's cave of solutions.

Robert Horne Sign and Display will be promoting its website, which enables signmakers and printers to order ancillary signmaking products on-line. Items range from squeegees, tapes and vinyl to high visibility clothing, knives and gloves and even office stationery. Payment is by credit card, in a safe and secure environment, so there is no need to set up an account.

Visitors to The Sign Show not only have the chance to view the latest technologies and innovations, they are given hands-on opportunities to try out sign making techniques, including gold gilding, as demonstrated by Torquay-based, Chapman and Smith. Delegates are encouraged to try their hand at this skill at the show.

Claimed to be the industry's first amalgamated back lighting unit, Applelec Sign Components will launch its LED Light Sheet panel. This comprises a number of high brightness LEDs embedded in an acrylic panel, said to result in a slender profile and lightweight, easy to install design. Various new lighting opportunities will be possible using this flat light source.

Following the success of its Clustarack media storage unit, Atomic Media and Display is set to launch a combination rack for storing two and three inch core materials together. The new Clustarack Combi exhibits the same advantages of the original product, which is designed to store hand rolled media vertically on a flat base. This helps prevent damage to the roll end, which can cause waste and downtime when printhead snags occur.

A range of consumables, vinyl and accessories will be showcased by Doro Tape, which will be celebrating 20 years in the sign and graphics industry during the exhibition.

With over 50 CNC installations in the last 18 months, CNC equipment supplier, Emach, has witnessed great growth in recent times. Developments in both CAD CAM software and C02 laser systems look set to continue the success this year.

Bringing a touch of colour to the exhibition, Grafityp will display both the Grafitack and Graficast range of signmaking vinyls, produced by Grafityp in Belgium. The stand will also showcase Grafiprint media for those with digital printers.

New for 2008, the Hampshire Flag Company will display its Pop-up Event Banners, available in four frame orientations: horizontal, vertical, tower and round. Suitable for use both indoors and out, the company claims the banners can be assembled and displayed in seconds without the need for assistance or tools. A variety of sizes are available and every Pop-up is supplied in a storage bag.

With over three hundred models in its current pen range, trade supplier, The Pen Warehouse is dedicated to the production and sale of promotional writing instruments.

TheMagicTouch digital image transfer process is being adopted by customers as a means to add value for existing and prospective clients.

Throughout the show William Smith will be demonstrating the RollsRoller Flatbed Applicator, together with one of the newest additions to its portfolio, the Mutoh Blizzard inkjet printer.

Noriphan HTR screen printing ink is designed for the film insert moulding technique. It can be back printed on  polycarbonate films, such as Makrofol and PC-blend films such as Bayfol.

Meech International will be showing a range of static control solutions including the Series 1000 web cleaner. Combining static eliminators, brushes and a vacuum dust collection system, the Series 1000 system ensures dust contamination is eliminated and the risk of further dust attraction is minimised.

DPLenticular is presenting its range of Lenstar lenticular products for digital printing applications, including its 40LPI product range.

Heraeus is exhibiting its range of UV lamps, with visitors offered the opportunity to ask technical experts how the lamps can be used to improve their UV curing process. Heraeus Amba's Carolyn Harvey said: "For Heraeus Amba, a UV curing lamp is not just a lamp, it is an important part of our customers' productivity and success."

Gandinnovations is unveiling its new NanoJet UV true flatbed digital printer which is  specifically designed to print photorealistic outputs using 24 Spectra print heads. Equipped with a silicone nozzle plate, this 15plit head is specifically designed to deliver high resolution droplets.

Tecna UK showcased TBeam, designed to create small plinths, pods and light boxes. Claimed to be the strongest, most durable and easiest to transport system, TBeam is available off-the-shelf and comes complete in a bag: just apply graphics.

Cumbria's award-winning vehicle graphics, sign and print specialist, AstSigns, has invested in Roland DG wide format technology. The 30-employee company holds the contracts for national hauliers including Eddie Stobart.

Fairfield's stand was designed to show signmakers how they can use suspended cable/rod systems, new signage systems and digital screens.

HP announced an expanded portfolio of large-format printing technologies and solutions including latex printing technologies, five new super-wide-format industrial printers and a new facility in Caesarea, Israel, for the innovation and manufacturing of HP Scitex products.

After listening to the common interests and requirements of its customers, printMAX has announced the printMAX Community. The scheme is designed to help small and large businesses alike benefit from sharing their machines and in-house print/finishing capabilities so they never have to turn down another job.

Epson demonstrated its Stylus Pro GS6000, a 64in large format printer with an eight-colour ink set. The machine is designed to offer the widest colour gamut in a printer designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. Colourgen is distributing the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 in the UK.

Océ presented a roll media option for its Arizona 250 GT, designed to allow roll-based printing of flexible media for banners, point-of-sale displays, backlit graphics, paper-based posters and fabric panels. The option can be shipped with new orders or added in-field. Existing Arizona 250 GT units can be upgraded without hardware modification.

Atomic Media & Display launched a direct sales initiative for its Clustarack media storage units. Supported by its promo video, Clusta Chaos, playing on rotation via large screen on the stand, the company exceeded double the targeted sales for the show.

The show is designed to blends all aspects of the UK sign and digital industry, including suppliers of sign systems, vinyl and substrates, printers, inks, moving image displays, software, fixings and fittings, installation services, maintenance and servicing, to name a few. A comprehensive conference and seminar programme is designed to deal with the biggest issues facing the industry, both now and in the future

Forexprint is just one of the new sheet materials Alcan Composites will showcase at Sign and Digital UK. On show for the first time in the UK, the substrate is said to feature a super-bright white surface and print-friendly features at a mid-range price.

Strong, durable and easy to transport, Tecna UK's new Tbeam is designed to create small plinths, pods and light boxes. The equipment is available off-the-shelf and comes with everything required in a bag.

With new owner, Michael Bolton, at the helm, Printmax is set to extend its range of large format print and imaging products and services. To kick start the changes, the company has moved to purpose built offices in Hampshire, equipped with a demonstration area for large format print and finishing equipment and a meeting room with conference facilities.

Interactive displays will take centre stage on William Smith's stand including regular vehicle wrapping demonstrations using 3M's IJ380 wrapping film and  five year durable IJ40C ink jet printing film.

A new name, new logo and new business initiatives will be unveiled by the DSPA at Sign and Digital UK. The trade association for print specialists and manufacturers will be re-launching its services in a bid to better reflect the needs of today's imaging specialists and the changes will be heralded by a presentation on the first day of Sign and Digital UK.

Image transfer specialist, TheMagicTouch, is set to introduce a new A4/A3 toner based printer with firmware and drivers compatible with all TMT transfer papers. The printer also performs on normal paper at 20 colour copies per minute.

Designed to offer pin sharp edge definition and high resolution at production speeds, the Apollo range is the latest in a new generation of high resolution hybrid UV printers from Planet Digital.

Labour-saving innovations designed to reduce waste and increase productivity will be the focus of the Océ stand as it showcases its display graphics products and technologies.

Visitors to the Robert Horne stand at Sign and Display will find two adjacent exhibits, one highlighting the company's materials offering, while the other is devoted to its digital hardware and ancillary products.

Designed to deliver a finishing solution for a wide range of materials, EskoArtwork's Kongsberg i-XL series will be available for demonstration at Sign and Digital UK. The equipment can be used with plywood, acrylics, polycarbonates, Dibond, rigid PVC, wood, corrugated cardboard and high pressure laminates and is said to complement the growth of digital sign and display printing by providing an automated and precise finishing solution.

Suppliers of standard and bespoke routing and engraving solutions, AXYZ Automation and Pacer Systems will exhibit as a joint enterprise, demonstrating the capability of both companies to meet contrasting routing and engraving requirements and to process complex signage concepts.

With over 200 exhibitors, Fespa Digital 2008 is 50 per cent bigger than the inaugural event, creating a unique environment for print service providers to seek out innovations that could transform their businesses.

Digital Print World 2007 promises a grand display of digital print hardware and software, plus a range of topical tutorials and seminars under one roof.

Wide format lamination solutions will be presented by D & K in the form of the SuperStick Pro 62 wide format laminator. Supplied complete with its own stand, it features variable speed, heated rollers and a release liner rewind.

Visitors to Pacer Systems stand will see the revised K series CNC routing and engraving system, which builds on the the K series format to provide a heavier, more robust system with more features as standard.

A new range of wide format products will be launched by digital paper specialists, Premier Paper, under the Essential banner. This will be complemented by a host of Creazy pre-creased SRA3 media, suitable for most digital printing machines.

In its role as a Xerox platinum partner, Xeretec, is set to showcase a range of Xerox equipment, including the Xerox 8265 wide format colour printer and the DocuColour 260 and 252 digital printers.

Suitable for finishing large format documents and calendars up to A2, Simply Print Finishing will be demonstrating the James Burn EB5000 electric wire-o closer with optional inserter for calendar hangers.

As well as highlighting its latest large format offering, in the form of the imagePrograf printer, Canon UK invites visitors to see its imagePRESS C1 and recently launched C7000VP products, as well as CLC colour, high-volume monochrome products and software solutions.

Ricoh is set to bolster its wide format family with the addition of two new devices said to offer high-performance in a small footprint. The Aficio MP W2400 and MP W3600 have been developed to help copy shops, CRDs and drawing rooms enhance the production and distribution of wide format jobs.

Official statistics confirm Fespa 2007 broke all previous records, 24,232 individual visitors attending a five-day show: a 20 per cent increase over 2005. Visitors came from over 125 countries, with top countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain.

Natgraph has announced an agreement between Natgraph Limited and Sakurai Graphic Systems Corporation to enable Sakurai to manufacture Natgraph freestanding UV Dryers, (models 90 and 110), under licence in Japan.

OYO Instruments used Fespa to unveil its Diablo direct-to-screen imaging solution.

I rather think people will look back on Fespa Berlin 2007 in the same vein as Woodstock: proud to let people know that they were there. Frazer Chesterman achieved the ‘wow factor’ despite the halls being split on two levels.

From the buzz in the halls it was clear that visitors and exhibitors had enjoyed a busy Sign UK and Digital Expo. Looking ahead, over a third of the 2008 event was sold during this show with companies including Roland DG, Spandex, Hybrid and B&P Lightbrigade already confirmed.

Atomic Media & Display used the show to launch a new range of media storage units. Clustarack is designed to hold rolled media for large format print and finishing applications.

Agfa’s newly announced XL2 and M are now available from B&P Graphic Systems. The first of these, the XL2, is a 2.5m printer with a maximum resolution of 727 by 800dpi for outputting at speeds of up to 29m2/hour onto rigid and flexible materials.