Business - Events

Gerber Scientific Products will demonstrate the new high resolution Solara ionZ wide-format cationic UV printer June 22-26 at FESPA 2010 in Munich, Germany. In addition, they will demonstrate the new M Turbo flatbed cutting system which works with both the Solara ionZ and other industry leading printers to create a precise, fast print-to-cut solution. Visitors to Gerber's booth at FESPA 2010 will have the opportunity to see these two machines work together and independently to produce output that will increase productivity and exhibit create new sales opportunities for customers.

The Solara ionZ is the newest high resolution model of Gerber's wide-format UV flatbed printer. The Solara ionZ utilizes Gerber's GerberCAT cationic UV ink technology for unmatched ink flexibility and adhesion, and the ionZ's higher resolution allows owners to expand their ability to produce point of purchase signs and many other profitable jobs. The Solara ionZ works hand-in-hand with Gerber's high-powered M Turbo cutting system to provide a print-to-cut solution that enhances the user's precision and control, allowing for faster, higher quality results.

The M Turbo Cutting System employs a powerful 1kw router that routs aluminum up to 0.080 inches and acrylic and wood up to 0.75 inches. Working together with the Solara ionZ and other leading flat bed printers, the M Series can be purchased as a complete turnkey system for one reasonable price that includes everything needed to begin production.

A big hit for this years show was the introduction of the all NEW Sign Makers Workshop. With ideas for its increased presence at next years show already being planned, this feature is set to be a favorite for sign makers at Birmingham’s NEC on the 12-14 April.

Hosted by Paul Hughes from Western Signs & Printing and the producer of the popular Price It Guide, the Sign Makers Workshop was a dedicated area onsite where visitors came to see our ‘expert’ demonstrate some of the most commonly asked for jobs in the world of sign making. This forum allowed visitors to watch and learn as well as ask questions 1 on 1 with the ‘sign clinic’ and get hands on with the tools and equipment involved!

As part of the new Sign Makers Workshop was the Panel Swap competition where the rules were the panel must be brought to the show, be no bigger than 2ft x 2ft, have reference to Sign & Digital 2010 on it. So congratulations go to the winner, Neil Davey, of Sign & Art, who produced an inspired panel displaying a range of different sign making techniques. Paul comments: “as a sign maker I can really appreciate the work that has gone into producing this sign, what we all liked was the range of both traditional and modern techniques that had gone into producing it which we all felt reflected the broad church that the sign industry is today.'

The winner was drawn at random on the last day of the show by Paul Hughes, Alan Caddick the marketing manager for the show and Phil Kneale of Graphtec who kindly supplied the winner’s prize of a cutting plotter.

The Sign Makers Workshop was really well received by this year’s visitors with the new feature pulling in the crowds. Paul Hughes comments:

“The Sign Makers Workshop offered a full programme of workshops including the basics of sign making. In addition the ‘sign clinics’ were there for visitors to ask questions, get involved and try their hand at different sign making techniques. It proved very popular and was very busy - I did not stop from just after show opening to show close.”

Alan Caddick, marketing manager of the show said: “we are looking to build on this year’s success. We have already had good feedback and have some really interesting ideas for next year”

For information about the success of the 2010 show and further information about Sign & Digital UK 2011 please visit the website, www.signanddigitaluk.com or email the team at

signanddigitaluk@fav-house.com

At IPEX 2010 (Hall 10 Stand C260, NEC, Birmingham), Epson will demonstrate the multi-purpose flexibility of the Epson Stylus Pro inkjet printer for small to medium commercial print firms and inplant facilities. The printer is a powerful production and profit centre capable of producing colour-accurate proofs, stunning display graphics for POS and exhibition applications, and CTP plates for offset printing.

Stylus Pro inkjet printers take print resolution and image quality to a new level, providing the truly outstanding performance required by graphic designers and print professionals. The 10-colour inkjet Epson Stylus Pro printer models most suitable for professional print applications are the B2 Stylus Pro 4880, the B1 Stylus Pro 7900 and the B0 Stylus Pro 9900.  These printers range in price from £2000 – £7000 making them ideal devices for most commercial or inplant print operations.

Using the Epson UltraChrome family of inks -  UltraChrome K3 VM and UltraChrome HDR -  proofs and graphics will be produced at IPEX on a range of Epson media including film, poster board, proofing, photo, matte and fine art in a choice of matte, semi-gloss and gloss finishes.

High-resolution CTP plate production will be demonstrated using the latest Technova PoliJet inkjet polyester plate material. PoliJet is a unique ‘no-process’ plate for 1-8 page formats that can be imaged on Epson large format inkjet printers and is ideal for low-cost, multi-colour, on-demand offset printing for run lengths of up to 2,000 impressions or, if the plates are baked, 10,000 impressions.

Epson’s 10-colour UltraChrome HDR (high dynamic range) and 8-colour UltraChrome K3™inksets achieve an extremely wide colour gamut to produce high colour accuracy, great subtlety and exceptionally smooth gradations. A unique three-level black ink technology significantly improves the overall gray balance while enhancing the mid-tone and highlight detail, which in turn gives a smoother tonal range. The high-density pigments ensure strong vibrant colours and accurate neutral and dark tones.

The Epson Stylus Pro printer range features a raft of technologies which make them ideal for inkjet plate production and contract proofing. They also enable print firms to extend their business into the demanding packaging proofing and flexographic markets. In addition an optional calibration and verification system, the Epson SpectroProofer™, enables the Stylus Pro 7900 and the Stylus Pro 9900 to be used confidently for remote proofing applications.

“The flexibility and functionality of our award-winning Stylus Pro inkjet printers can revolutionise a small print operation,” says Claes Jeppsson, Senior Business Manager EMEA, Professional Graphics, Epson. “The combination of best in class Epson inkjet printing technology, wide colour gamut inks, and versatile media with proven third-party software RIPs and the PoliJet plate material gives companies the confidence that, with a relatively minimal investment, they can obtain a great deal of value across a range of profit-generating applications.”

For the first time ever, visitors to Ipex will be able to take advantage of a series of free seminars that tackle head on the main issues, threats and opportunities facing the printing industry.  Each day of the exhibition, the Printers' Profit Zone in hall 9 (Stand 9F333) will cover a wide range of topics based upon the findings of the comprehensive Ipex Global Print Survey.

Up to 60 people at a time can attend any of the master class sessions, which promise to be both dynamic and interactive in the way they provide practical business advice on areas such as growing sales, increasing profit margins and improving cash flow.  The sessions, four every day, will be run by Nick Devine, founder of theprintcoach.com, and will include headings such as 'Lead Generation for Printers', 'Compensating your Sales Team', 'Value Based Selling', 'Wealth Protection', 'Raising Finance', 'Profitable Marketing' and 'Attracting Ideal Clients'.

The seminars are all free, but spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high, so visitors are advised to reserve their place by registering in advance.  Simply visit www.ipex.org/ppz.  The master class sessions are joined in the Printers' Profit Zone by several other innovative and educational events, such as The Great Print Debates, run in association with Pira International. These free to attend debates will be chaired by some of the industry's leading figures and will seek to answers questions such as what will the printer of the future look like.

"Whether or not visitors are ready to invest in new technologies, a visit to Ipex 2010 can provide them with valuable tips to boost their businesses," says Nick Craig Waller, Ipex 2010 Marketing Director.  "Every company faces different challenges so we've tried to cater for as many printers as possible by teaming up with some of the brightest and most experienced minds in the industry.IPEX 230120

"Never before have visitors to Ipex had so much ready access to free, impartial information from leading experts that could result in a major change of direction for their business.  The challenges facing printers today are great, but so are the opportunities.  Concentrating so much knowledge within the Printers' Profit Zone will help printers to browse, learn and identify these opportunities."

Mimaki at IPEX 2010

In addition to UJF-8366, Mimaki Europe B.V.; Mimaki’s European sales group, will be showcasing the following UV and UV LED curing flatbed and roll-to-roll inkjet printers at IPEX:

• Mimaki UJF-3042, a flatbed UV LED curing printer for printing on various substrates and items, including 3D objects with a maximum print size of 300 x 420mm and 50mm thickness.

• Mimaki UJF-706, a flatbed UV curing printer that allows printing on substrates and items that include 3D objects with a maximum print size of 700 x 600mm and a thickness of up to 150mm.

• Mimaki JFX-1631, a flatbed wide format printer that accommodates substrates up to 50mm thick and enables printing to a maximum size of 1600 x 3100mm

• Mimaki UJV-160, a versatile flatbed and roll-to-roll large format printer utilising UV LED curing for printing on heat-sensitive substrates up to a width of 1600 mm.

In addition to these machines, Mimaki will also present its CF2 and CG series of wide format cutting plotters that in conjunction with the large format printers combine to powerful print & cut solutions for print service providers.

FESPA 2010 (22-26 June 2010, Messe Munich, Germany) will bring together the wide format industry’s foremost materials suppliers, underscoring the significant role of substrates in enabling print service providers to embrace the innovative applications that are driving the marketplace.

Almost a third of exhibitors at the show are exhibiting substrates and/or inks, with many consumables manufacturers and suppliers present in their own right, including major players such as 3M, Avery Dennison, MACtac and Orafol. As a result, the range of creative applications achievable with increasingly diverse and inventive consumables will be much in evidence throughout the show halls.

According to Andreas Giglberger, Sales Manager at 3P InkJet Textiles AG, the part played by substrates in helping printers to enhance their print capability is huge. “Now more than ever before, it’s vital for printers to broaden their substrate offering to effectively fulfil their customers’ needs”, he says. “This is particularly the case when it comes to providing greener options to meet specific requirements and is one of the drivers behind the continued move towards more environmentally-friendly substrates that are biodegradable and/or recyclable.”

This is a sentiment shared by Frank Seemann, Head of Marketing and Communications at Neschen AG, whose innovative portfolio includes such products as digitally printable wallpaper. “For printers, adding new materials to their range is one way of staying ahead of the competition, but it’s important that printers are given the guidance to ensure they are aware of the application possibilities presented by such products”, he says. “We work closely with customers to provide training and workshops to ensure they receive the adequate assistance, and FESPA 2010 will be a prime opportunity for us to communicate the revenue-enhancing potential of our new products to printers.”

Frank Jonker, Product Manager, Cast and Polymeric Films, Avery Dennison Graphics and Reflective Products, concurs, “FESPA 2010 will be the key arena in which to meet users from major wide format sectors and like any committed supplier or distributor, we constantly work with printers to identify the best possible solution to fulfil their customers’ signage, outdoor advertising, and decorative graphics requirements”, he says. “Right now, vehicle wrapping films, optimised for conforming to the compound curves of vehicles are real innovations that are driving market growth in self-adhesive films, particularly in the digital print arena.”

“FESPA 2010 stands apart from most other industry exhibitions, where consumables companies often have only token representation on the stands of hardware manufacturers or distributors”, adds Marcus Timson, Sales and Marketing Director at FESPA. “With the FESPA 2010 exhibitor line-up comprising 60% materials and inks companies, visitors to Munich will certainly be the first to discover new products as they are launched, as well as having direct access to the invaluable consultative expertise of the industry’s leading suppliers.”

For information on FESPA’s flagship global 2010 event, please visit www.fespa2010.com