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Shows: it’s all in the planning
Normally I use the leader column of Screen Process and Digital Imaging as my own private playground for stirring up contentious issues. Not this month. Instead, I would just like to highlight the fact that this issue includes our Sign UK and Digital Expo preview.
New strategy, new products
New positions and appointments will help Robert Horne provide a product for every application and solution for every business need
Following a period of consolidation, Robert Horne Sign & Display is unveiling a new business strategy and new products.
Divisional director, Sign & Display, Paul French, said: “Following the amalgamation of three different operating divisions, Robert Horne Sign & Display is now the largest supplier to the sign and display sectors.
Win to grow
Kolour Krazy is now the happy new owner of a SolJet Pro III XC-540 printer following its competition win
Bournemouth-based Kolour Krazy has won Roland DG’s Win a Pro 3 Printer competition. To win the SolJet Pro III XC-540 printer and support package worth over £27, 500, entrants registered on the website, completed a range of questions about the SolJet Pro III printer and answered a tie-break question.
Welcome to the work-horse
B&P Graphic Systems is now the sole UK distributor for Gandinnovations’ roll-fed and flat-bed Jeti machines
B&P Graphic Systems has been appointed sole UK distributor for Gandinnovations’ Jeti printers. The Jeti series encompasses roll-fed and flat-bed machines, all featuring Spectra print-head technology. The product line includes solvent and UV models.
Taking digital to market
Shaking hands on a deal that sees Sun Chemical Screen become a key business partner for ColorSpan printers
Colourgen has announced Sun Chemical Screen as a key business partner for the ColorSpan range of UV-curable flatbed inkjet printers. The ColorSpan portfolio includes the 9840uv for widths up to 2.5m and substrates up to 70mm thick.
More recently, ColorSpan announced the 5400uv series of multifunction 54in UV printers for direct imaging on to inexpensive, uncoated materials including rigid display boards to roll-fed media.
Digital branding becomes sustainable
Look Digital spearheads the drive for sustainable print
A manufacturer of flags and banners has launched its digital division, with the emphasis on manufacturing environmentally friendly products. Look Digital, a sustainable branding company, is a new division of Essex-based company Piggotts, established in 1780.
Train for the future
Last week, Fespa hosted its first ever Directors Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. It brought together 100 managing directors from a selection of the world’s leading printers. The aim of the two-day event was to discuss issues potentially affecting the future of our industry including increasing globalization, increased consumer sophistication and changing trends in consumer buying.
Pushing the carbon neutral envelope
Tony Porter introduces James McNaughton Group’ latest environmental credentials
The James McNaughton Group is producing its printed matter in conjunction with the Carbon Neutral Company. The first two items are new swatches for recycled products and uncoated stocks.
Printing, the final frontier
Award winning print technology heads into space
Experts at the UK's first Centre for Industrial Collaboration in Digital Print have won two prestigious awards for innovation. Digital Print CIC, based at the University of Leeds' Department of Colour and Polymer Chemistry, created a printable ink version of a revolutionary material, which is now being used by NASA.
Environmental protection heats up
Hexis has invested E400,000 in a high temperature incinerator to reduce its environmental impact
Self-adhesive vinyl manufacturer, Hexis, has invested E400,000 in a high temperature incinerator which operates as a thermal oxidiser at temperatures between 800°C and 1,000°C. This eliminates waste rejections of VOC, mostly solvents, used in the production process.
The waste burns at 99.6 per cent, with only water, steam and small quantities of carbon dioxide released to atmosphere. At the same time, heat generated is used to stabilise the factory temperature, resulting in a more homogeneous product.
Scouting for print talent
Kelly Bennett presents the award for Best Understanding of Printing Techniques to Phoebe Pring
The Stationers’ Hall provided the venue for the PrintIT! 2007 awards ceremony, which saw students Sarah Kitching and Emily Webzell of Keswick School, Cumbria awarded ‘Overall Winners’, plus an expenses paid trip to the Windward Islands to visit a Fairtrade banana plantation
Grasp the advantages of wide-format printing
Roland believes in supporting its customers from the point of order, to machine installation and then, crucially, offering ongoing support to ensure they can get the best from the products
It is well recognised that the screen, sign and traditional print markets are very adept at embracing new technologies and consistently looking for creative solutions that complement existing product offerings to help enhance their business models.
Have a long and healthy life
Do not use solvents to clean your skin
If we are not careful we will be crushed by the mountain of paperwork created in the name of Health and safety. Certification, risk assessments, acres of legislation, awards, initiatives. So what is all this for? by Peter Kiddell
Squeeze the most from your show visit
Products, demonstrations, consumables, education and more
The theme of Digital Expo 2007 (1 to 3 May, NEC, Birmingham) is how to make digital technology work harder for you. Whether you have already invested, are looking to install digital equipment for the first time or simply have technical questions to ask, a visit offers the opportunity to quiz experts and see kit in action
Inspired by experience
Vizuon CadCam and digital vinyls suit indoor and outdoor applications
Visitors to the Robert Horne Sign & Display stand at Digital Expo/Sign UK 2007 will be able enjoy a ‘five in one’ experience, as this year several of the company’s partners (namely ESKO, SignLab, Alcan and HP) are all located nearby, providing signmakers with a unique opportunity to view a variety of products at close hand
Four needle compact under £3,000
Stocks Sewing Machines has introduces the new Janome MB-4, a four-needle single-head embroidery machine. Designed for easy operation this small, lightweight (20.5kg) machine suits start-up embroiders and sample users.
Try before you buy
Dibond digital has been developed to provide optimum results with flatbed digital printing. The material features a stove enamelled surface designed for excellent ink adhesion, resulting in accurate and durable imaging.
Design-in durability
Designed to offer large-format, 104in wide, high quality 720 by 720dpi durable graphics, Hewlett Packard will be showing the new UV mild solvent Designjet 10000, with a production speed of 30m2/h.
Make the leap to wide format
The Vutek QS2000 is the latest direct to substrate printer offered by Robert Horne Sign and Display. This UV-curing, super-wide format printer is said to create quality output at up to 70m2/h, with six-colour printing capability and an optional seventh colour that presents new opportunities using white ink.
Intelligent print technology weaves its magic
Live demonstrations hosted by Litho Inkjet Display and Print are set to showcase Mutoh's patented intelligent interweaving technology, utilising ValueJet equipment to illustrate the technique. Results are said to provide increased accuracy and consistency of dot size as well as improved dot release during printing.
Streamline software selection
Tharstern will be offering a software upgrade in the form of its T3 package
Updated software solutions in the form of TharsternSQL v3 (T3) will provide the central theme for Tharstern's exhibition presence. Set to replace TharsternSQL v2, this SQL-based package incorporates new functionality, such as bill of materials and warehousing, to meet the challenges of today’s printing industry.
See the latest film release
Products from the K.Opaljet range will be displayed by Kentmere Photographics, including the latest addition, K.Opaljet WbW. These products, which are extruded in one layer to give high quality flatness and surface, use DuPont Teijin polyester film, which is white both sides with a thin black light stop layer.
Keep check of colour management
Caldera will be launching TotalColor at Digital Expo, a solution for colour management and on the mark digital colour output. The solution includes the Barbieri electronic Spectro LFP, a colour measuring device for linearisation and profiling of large format and flatbed output devices.
Pick up production ideas
Billed as a complete production solution including printer, computer, software, ink, installation, training and service and support, DuPont will be highlighting its Cromaprint 22UV digital printing system.
Large format printing runs live
Throughout Digital Expo, Roland DG will be running live demonstrations of both the Advanced Jet AJ-1000 and SolJet Pro III printing systems.
See laminator quality in action
Both the 540 and 280 illuminated laminator tables will be demonstrated by William Smith
Two models from the RollsRoller flatbed laminator range will take centre stage on the William Smith stand at Sign UK 2007. The 540 and 280, both with illuminated tables, will be presented during the show, with fully interactive demonstrations running throughout.
High speed solvents will have you dancing in the aisles
Granthams' stand will showcase the new Mimaki JV5 high speed solvent system
The latest large format RIP offerings from ColorGATE, Onyx, and Mimaki will be shown by Granthams. Stand highlights will include the new Mimaki JV5 high speed solvent systems, which is available in 54 and 60in widths offering print speeds of up to 40m2/h.
Get animated about print
Visitors to the NCS/Durst stand will be treated to a series of demonstrations illustrating how Photoshop 2D files can be converted to 3D. The company will highlight effects such as animation, flip and 3D all on one print using the Durst flatbed and HumanEyes technology, rather than lenses.
Keep track of super-wide software
Aimed at the wide- and super-wide-format arena for sign-makers, digital bureaux, photolabs and screen-printers, B&P Lightbrigade will be demonstrating its latest brainchild Webtrack, a dedicated management package designed to keep users abreast of sales, job progressing and management of day-to-day production.
Join the digital revolution
Users of digital image transfer have the ability to target customers with personalised samples such as work wear, high-viz garments, point of sale, signage and promotional products. Recent innovations include a patented process for producing full colour transfers for dark garments without weeding.
Use your head
TTF will be demonstrating a new Fiab travelling head welding machine designed for finishing banners and building wraps printed on PVC, mesh or coated fabrics.
Follow the route to accurate engraving
Pacer Systems will introduce its revised K series CNC routing and engraving equipment
Building on the existing K series format, Pacer Systems is set to showcase a revised and updated version of its CNC equipment for routing and engraving.
The new design features a heavier, more robust frame and table thought to achieve a better cut edge quality, plus more features as standard, including a high flow zoned vacuum bed for optimum vacuum hold down. Ball screw drives also help improve accuracy for detailed engraving including precision inlay work.
Display options abound
Plex Display’s new ‘Additions’ supplement showcases new products or range extensions, all on show at Sign UK. The company states the Plex Advantage is the best total display system package available, at the price.
Machines, materials and more
Centre stage on the Spandex stand is the Gerber Solara UV2, designed to provide an affordable flatbed and roll-fed UV inkjet printer. Features include six-colour CMYK plus violet and green for brilliant results. The machine can prints up to 200 450mm x 610mm signs per day. The Gerber Solara UV2 suits rigid substrates textiles, flag and banner material.
Laser engraving makes its mark
Engraving equipment displayed by Gravograph will include the IS8000XP and entry level laser system, the LS100
Already recognised as a manufacturer of traditional engraving equipment and materials, Gravograph is now establishing itself in the laser engraving field. As such, it will be showing a selection of laser systems at Sign UK, including the introductory level LS100. The full range includes a variety of sizes, powers and features built to the same standards as Gravograph’s traditional machines.
Flexible printer helps users roll with it
Océ's Arizona 250 GT combines flatbed and roll-to-roll capabilities in a single inkjet printer
Visitors to the Océ stand will see the Arizona 250 GT, a flatbed and roll-to-roll UV cure inkjet printer said to offer near-photographic quality and high productivity.
Cutting edge design leads display market
Delegates can see the Kongsberg i-XL24 finishing table in action on Esko's stand
Demonstrating its commitment to the sign, display and POP market, packaging pre-production specialist, Esko, will showcase the Kongsberg i-XL24 finishing table with integrated i-cut vision control system and i-script workflow.
Roll up for new media
New media for roll up and pop up displays will be shown by SMI Technology
SMI Technology will be showcasing its newly developed media for the roll up and pop up display markets, available in 150 micron and 300 micron formats respectively.
Pushing print boundaries
Designed specifically to print onto unusual substrates, such as metal, glass, plastics, ceramics, t-shirts and other materials without pre-coating, Yetek will be launching a digital flatbed inkjet printer called the LifeJet200. Consumables for the machine will also be on show for the first time. Stand P4
Displays ready to lock and load
Tecna Display is set to unveil its t3extra, described as a versatile display system for creating bespoke structures.
Take a peek at UV innovation
Colourgen will showcase the new 5400uv flatbed inkjet printer from ColourSpan
UV cure technology will take centre stage on Colourgen's stand, where visitors can see models from the ColorSpan 5400uv series of flatbed inkjet printers. The family consists of four 1,200dpi models targeted at small to medium-sized sign and print shops. Benefits are said to combine the print quality of a water-based thermal inkjet printer with the outdoor durability of a solvent printer and the media versatility and cost savings of a UV-curable inkjet printer.
Trimmers track perfection
Leopold Professional Imaging will be highlighting Fotoba's new line of TJOL x-y trimmers
Leopold Professional Imaging will be highlighting Fotoba's new line of TJOL x-y trimmers, designed for use with the HP-Scitex TurboJet 8300 and 8500 printers. Both the solvent and UV printers can also be supplied with a transport and alignment table designed to increase production and facilitate an output of 400m2 per hour.
Valuable advice on outdoor solvents
Flex-Europa will be launching two new outdoor solvent printers designed to offer good value.
Delivering durable signage
Following the success of its Ultra Board range, Dufaylite Developments is launching a range of new timber-framed panels featuring a lightweight, honeycomb structure for durable and permanent signage. Stand G32
Substrates: choice, choice and more choice
Foam-X New suits screen and digital printing
Talk about substrates and there’s plenty to choose from. This can make it hard to find the right substrate for the job. However, choice is good because ultimately you can find a perfect fit for your application. Here we review some new substrates to add to your portfolio by Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Ink switch drives business growth
Matlock Media’s managing director, Peter Dell, is confident that ink choice played a valuable role in securing new business
Specialising in poster and fine art reproduction, Derbyshire-based Matlock Media believes its choice of ITL Digital Chrome inks has helped it win major contracts including the London Science Museum and National Rail Museum.
The story begins when ITL approached Matlock Media to test its Digital Chrome inks. Managing director, Peter Dell, explained: “The Digital Chrome Inks have a very simple changeover, so moving to ITL inks was easier than I had imagined.
Join the computer-to-screen revolution
Natgraph’s sales director Alan Shaw; Kenton Instore director Peter Hughes; and CST’s international sales manager Oliver Leven
With two Sakurai cylinder presses and four Siasprint machines, Kenton Instore is wedded to the screen process. Screen Process and Digital Imaging visited Kenton’s Birmingham facility to explore the benefits of its newly installed CST computer-to-screen system
