Hardware

Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. (ADSI) announces the launch of a revolutionary new product for the printing and finishing of high-quality, short-run labels on a wide variety of substrates:  The iTech AXXIS Digital Label System.

"Many small-to-medium-sized companies have the need for high quality labels. However the cost associated with purchasing small quantities of high quality labels is one of the biggest issues these companies have to resolve - while still offering products that are appealing to the consumer at the point of sale. Until today, they had only a few options," explains Mark Vanover, VP Sales and Marketing at ADSI.  "They were required to purchase labels in large quantities creating inventory that may never be used, or they paid a high premium for short-run labels - both options decreasing their profitability. Their last option was to use inferior pre-cut label solutions. We believe that the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System represents a paradigm-shift in label manufacturing by offering a complete desktop label production system printing high quality labels at an astonishingly low cost per label to produce."

The iTech AXXIS Digital Label System, designed and assembled in the U.S., is comprised of both the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Printer, a high-resolution (5760 x 1440 dpi) roll-fed CMYK print engine featuring variable-droplet technology, and the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher that laminates, integrates die-less die cutting, and both strips and rewinds the label roll.  Printing on substrate widths from 100 mm to 220 mm with an outside roll diameter up to 280 mm, the system images at up to 100 mm a second - or 6 meters per minute.

The complete iTech AXXIS Digital Label System, small enough to fit on a desktop yet engineered to handle high-productivity throughput, is priced at under Euro 25,000 in Europe.  "No other label system can offer the features of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System for anything close to that investment," continues Vanover.  "We're turning the industry's assumptions of label production on its head by bringing affordable digital label manufacturing within reach of everyone. We believe the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System enables every converter to never have to walk away from their customers short-run label production needs again."

The first showing of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System will be on the Epson America booth (7328) at Print '09, September 11-16, Chicago IL. (www.print09.com). The official launch of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System will be on the ADSI booth (9F48) at Labelexpo Europe 2009, September 23 - 26, Brussels, Belgium (www.labelexpo-europe.com), the world's largest event for the label, product decoration, web printing and converting industry.

The iTech AXXIS Digital Label System will be available for delivery in Q4 2009.

Roland DG UK today announced the new VersaCAMM SP-i series printer/cutters delivering reliable performance and unmatched print quality for a low initial investment.

With the addition of new SP-i models, the VersaCAMM series now includes four print/cut models: the high performance 54” VP-540i and 30” VP-300i, and the more affordable 54” SP-540i and 30” SP-300i.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with a wide selection of inkjets to support their business demands in this challenging economic environment,” said Brett Newman, Head of Product Management, Roland DG (UK).  “The new SP-540i and SP-300i are our most powerful entry-level printer/cutters to date thanks to the addition of innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology.  This revolutionary upgrade ensures superior image quality and 1.5 times the productivity of the previous SP models in standard print mode.  Easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks 3.2 operation software complete with ink consumption and print time calculation tools is also included, making the SP-i a complete digital printing solution.”

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

New Roland VersaCAMM SP-540i and SP-300i Features:

• Complete production solution for professional-quality signs, banners, decals, labels, stickers, posters, POP displays, vehicle wraps, heat transfers for apparel and more
• Low initial investment
• Innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for professional print quality with smoother gradations and flawless solid colours
• Increased throughput – up to 50 percent faster than the previous SP models in Standard print mode on vinyl and banner media
• Integrated Print&Cut technology creates labels, decals and other graphics of any size and shape, on demand and without dies
• Roland ECO-SOL MAX ink
• Produces brilliant colours for both indoor and durable outdoor display
• Virtually odour free and packaged in easy-handling sealed cartridges
• Supports a wide variety of media including adhesive-back vinyl, banner, paper, film, tarpaulin and heat transfer paper
• Cost effective for short production runs
• Intuitive Roland VersaWorks operation software included
• Handles media rolls up to 30kg (66 lbs.) for the SP-540i and 20kg (44 lbs.) for the SP-300i
• As easy to operate as any other office equipment
• Legendary Roland reliability and world-class service and support including workshops and seminars through the Roland DG Academy
• Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified
• Available in 54”-wide and 30”-wide models

Roland VersaWorks Operation Software, Designed Exclusively for the Company’s Inkjet Devices

Every SP-540i and SP-300i comes complete with VersaWorks 3.2, Roland’s own easy-to-use RIP software for professional print quality. VersaWorks includes advanced features such as the Roland Color System which enables users to accurately reproduce spot colours using Roland Color charts and swatch books. Variable Data Printing makes it easy to create a series of individualized prints based on one template, with each print featuring its own photos, messages, numbers and names. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor their time and costs.  Users can also update VersaWorks software automatically through the Internet. Based on the genuine Adobe CPSI3018 PostScript engine, VersaWorks is designed for speedy performance and compatibility. VersaWorks supports Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 and later versions of the Windows operating system.

Roland DG Corporation, the pioneer of integrated Print&Cut technology, today introduced the LEC-330, the company’s newest VersaUV LEC UV ink curable 30”-wide inkjet printer/cutter. Based on award-winning VersaUV technology, the LEC-330 prints CMYK+White+Gloss all in one device for luxurious, customized graphics with unique special effects and finishes. The LEC-330 delivers greater overall performance and versatility than the LEC-300, with higher image quality, up to twice the productivity in standard print mode, and support for an even wider range of materials including rigid substrates. The LEC-330 is ideal for applications ranging from high-end package prototyping to control panel production and small lot production of labels and decals.

VersaUV Special Effects and Finishes


(From left to right: multi-layered printing, gloss finish, matte finish, and high-density white ink printing)

“The new LEC-330 offers greater media compatibility, production-level print speeds and three unique ink combinations,” said Mat Drake Print Product Manager, Roland DG (UK). “Designed for a host of short-run production, packaging prototyping and labelling applications, the LEC-330 is an exceptional tool that can save time, lower pre-press costs and generate new revenues for commercial printers.”
The new LEC-330 includes a high-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) for sharp, detailed graphics and text.  Additional print heads and innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology further enhance image quality. Production level print speeds enable professionals to manage urgent requests for quick delivery of prototypes, labels and products. To meet their individual business requirements, users can also choose from three ink combinations: the standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications (CMYK+White+Gloss), a high-opacity white ink configuration (CMYK+White+White) and a thick gloss-ink-effect configuration (CMYK+Gloss+Gloss).

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

VersaUV Applications:

(From left to right: package prototypes, labels and decals, cosmetics package prototypes, operation panel prototypes for industrial products, custom-made goods and interior décor items)

New VersaUV LEC-330 Features:

• 30” LED-UV inkjet printer/cutter
• Supports a wide range of applications including package prototyping, control panel production and small lot production of labels, decals and custom graphics
• Beautifully prints a design in CMYK, White and Gloss inks for finished graphics with rich special effects created by multiple layers of gloss
• Prints on a wide variety of media including paper, film, leather, card stock, plastic, polycarbonate and other rigid substrates (except metals) up to 1 mm (0.04”) thick
• High-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) rivals offset and gravure print quality for applications that require sharp, detailed graphics and text
• Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology achieves smooth gradations and flawless solid colours
• Can combine matte and gloss finishes in multiple layers for interesting patterns and textures – even Braille
• Produces brilliant, durable colour graphics that can be flexed and stretched around edges and curves without feathering or cracking
• Higher productivity at an affordable cost
• No plates or films required to produce graphics
• Produces finished prototypes, labels and products quickly for next-day delivery to customers (For example, 100 wine bottle labels, as shown above, were produced in 46 minutes)
• Prints CMYK, opaque White and Gloss inks in both gloss and matte finishes for unmatched versatility
• Available in three ink configurations to meet individual business requirements:
• CMYK+White+Gloss – Standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications
• CMYK+White+White – High-opacity white ink configuration enables printing on transparent films for soft package prototyping
• CMYK+Gloss+Gloss – Creates thick gloss ink effects such as embossing
• Prints and digitally die cuts graphics in virtually any shape automatically through one seamless workflow
• Includes powerful, easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks® RIP software for precision colour management
• Easy setup and maintenance
• Long-lasting LED lamps
• Operate on demand, without pre-heating or cooling down between uses
• Last approximately 10,000 hours – up to five times longer than industry standard halogen lamps
• Automatic White Ink Circulation System prevents the pigment from settling, minimizes ink waste and ensures continuous printing without interruptions
• Energy efficient – Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified

Roland VersaWorks® Professional Colour Management RIP Software Included

VersaUV LEC inkjets include VersaWorks 3.2, the latest version of Roland’s colour management RIP software. VersaWorks supports Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for exceptional image quality and features the Roland Color System for precision spot colour matching. With VersaWorks, users can print swatch books and colour charts, reference tools that make communication with clients easier. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor production time and costs. The Roland@NET auto update service allows easy, automated access to updated VersaWorks versions and profiles. VersaWorks supports Windows Vista® and 2000/XP.

Epson today announces the launch of its high specification professional A2+ photo printer, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. Offering flexibility of use across a broad range of media the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 can be used by professional photographers and aspirational amateurs alike. Using Epson’s advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks to deliver long lasting, high quality large format prints in both black and white and full colour, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers fast, flexible printing suitable for a number of applications.  With a uniquely small footprint the Stylus Pro 3880 is ideal for those with limited studio space and is fully equipped with all of the additional features that Epson users have become accustomed to, such as high speed connectivity with USB 2.0 and Ethernet.

Individual ink cartridges increase the economy of colour printing whilst Epson’s patented Micro Piezo print head ensures accurate ink placement. The combination of Epson’s pigment inks with the Epson Micro Piezo print head ensure colour prints show excellent colour stability, light fastness and colour gradation. Artists or those producing limited edition prints can be assured that each print will be the same as the first, even if printed months apart.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 incorporates a special driver mode that allows professional users to create bespoke black tones and clear whites, offering a great level of precision and artistic control. This combined with the three levels of black and the enlarged greyscale supplied by Epson’s UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink technology, puts the Stylus Pro 3880 at the top of its class in producing sharp, precise and durable black and white prints. The ability to switch between photo and matte black as well as the neutral gradations users can achieve in colour and black and white make the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 ideal for photographers.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers excellent colour stability after just 30 minutes with no visible colour shift, thus making it an ideal printer for use in proofing. Customers can sign-off proofs quickly and have the certainty that what they see is what they will get in the final print run. This consistency of output means that the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is also ideal for remote proofing.

The Stylus Pro 3880 is compatible with a wide range of Epson media including glossy paper, matte paper, fine art paper, plain paper, proofing paper and poster-board of up to 1.5mm in thickness. It is designed to support flexible paper handling for cut-sheet printing and users can benefit from border and borderfree printing in a range of photo sizes from 4"x6" up to 17"x22", helping to extend the usability this printer offers. The printer can be fed with different papers via three paper paths; auto sheet feeder, rear manual feeder for fine art paper and front manual insertion feeder for rigid media.

Martin Johns, Senior Product Manager, Epson UK, commented: "The launch of the Stylus Pro 3880 makes Epson’s fourth generation UltraChrome K3 VM inkset available to a broader range of users and consolidates the Stylus Pro range. The combination of Epson’s latest hardware innovations, industry-leading ink technology and an exceptionally small footprint makes this printer a perfect match for photography, fine art, proofing and POS printing. The printer’s accuracy makes it ideal for the creation of long-lasting prints to sell, exhibit or include within portfolios."

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is the successor of the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 and will be available from October 2009.

EPSON STYLUS PRO 3880 KEY FEATURES SUMMARY:
- Eight colour Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta expand the printable gamut and include three black inks for superb grey balance
- Print on a variety of different media and media surfaces from 4x6" up to 17x22"
- Ideally suited for fast and flexible printing in the photography, fine art, proofing, POS prints and graphics markets
- Uniquely compact A2+ printer makes it ideal for small studios
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
- RRP excluding VAT, £995 - available 01 October, 2009

It's not very often that a wide format, flatbed printer can boast that its first job was for a Peep-show now is it? Although this is exactly the claim to fame by the newly installed HP Scitex FB950 for Midlands -based design and marketing agency R J Design Associates (RJDA) when they used it to print the latest promotional window graphic for footwear giants Schuh.

RJDA's needs for this large format printer wasn't entirely down to the initial demands of the customers however, but of their production manager. Managing Director Rob Walker says, "Originally it was pressure from our Production Manager, Julian Oldham-Kitchener to put this flatbed in.  Always looking for a way to get things done on time but faster, Julian had researched into the amount of time and money we were spending mounting and laminating jobs that had been printed on the Seiko's, for example."

Large format specialist reseller City & West End Solutions are a long time supplier of printer hardware to RJDA and after conducting a quality demonstration at this year's Sign & Digital UK Show, sealed the deal with RJDA.  Installation went ahead in July and it has not been out of production since.  The recent acquisition also proves to strengthen RJDA's position as the leading provider of large format print solutions in the East Midlands as well as offering the ability to lower the environmental impact of their own in-house printing.

The sales and design teams at RJDA seized upon the opportunities this printer offered their business and in no time the window graphic for the shoe retail giant 'Schuh' was the first to be printed.  The 'Peep-Schuh' refit was for the flagship Liverpool store and RJ Design were able to print and apply die-cut self-cling window vinyl's in just 2 days, complete with Amsterdam style peep-holes!  The new graphics succeeded the 15x2.5m board style hoardings that were printed directly onto substrate, also on the HP Scitex.

Since then similar innovative POS campaigns for the Livingston based footwear retailer have seen the production of a die cut, freestanding 'Adam-Ant' and 1m square Post-It notes for the Dublin store.

Another striking deal came in the form of wrapping Derby College's new Joseph Wright campus building - a true eye-catching landmark for the College measuring 9.7m x 9.5m utilising mesh banner vinyl.   With speed being of the essence the job was completed and fitted in just over half a day, something of an achievement for a tricky City Centre location!

The HP Scitex FB950 is capable of printing flatbed, sheetfed and rollfed at up to 80 m2/hr in fast mode the 2.5m UV printer will also print double-sided and edge-to-edge, utilising 6 colour UV-curable inks (C, M, Y, K, Lc, Lm).  Consistent print results are achieved thanks to 12 printheads with variable sized drops printing up to 1200 x 600 optimised dpi continually monitored by an onboard camera and spectrophotometer.  It can print directly on to a wide variety of rigid media that include corrugated or compressed carton; foam board; plastics; or specialty material like glass, wood and aluminium as well as more traditional signage and graphic applications.

Walker explains, "The HP Scitex has not only given us the opportunity to up sell to our existing clients, but to diversify our services into new markets. The key factor here is superb quality printing in addition to how much money per square metre everyone is saving with its no fuss, high production speed."

Production Manager at RJDA, Julian Oldham-Kitchener found that comparing the production print speeds of the Scitex flatbed to their Seiko printers, brought a huge difference in running time.  He says, "Where the production speed is quoted at 20m2 per hour we found that the Scitex actually does about three times the amount of work.  Printers like the Seiko need a fair amount of maintenance to keep running consistently and after all the stopping and staring in order to do this, you are in fact looking at about half the production speed. The HP Scitex however prints a 50m roll at 20m2 per hour- no stopping - brilliant."

Like many new installations and first runs RJDA were not without the odd problem, but in turn they have had no problem with the service received by both their supplier City & West End Solutions and distributor ArtSystems.   Response times to their teething troubles were met within the hour ensuring loss of production was virtually non-existent.

Walker concludes, "Our sustained growth and investment in people and cutting edge technology enables us to continually meet our clients needs.  Investment in the HP Scitex FB950 has meant we can significantly reduce the fulfilment time on jobs and drive down the cost of wide format signage and display graphics."

 

Roland DG UK Ltd has announced the launch of a new website to accompany its PRO range of commercial wide-format print solutions.

www.rolandpro.co.uk is now live and offers both existing and potential users the opportunity to access a number of business-savvy calculation tools, ensuring that they are getting the best out of their AdvancedJet, SolJet and VersaUV printers.

The website’s tools include a powerful return on investment tool, an explanation of finance options for purchase and for rental, and a calculation of running costs. Users create a profile when they first log in, detailing their print set-up, specifying their machines, how many hours it prints each day and the typical print quality required. Also factored in are hourly labour costs, sale price per square metre and how many days the printer runs each month. From this profile, the site calculates running costs and how many months it will take for the machine to have paid for itself.

“The ROI calculator is useful for existing Roland printer owners who want to be reassured about their investment,” explains Brett Newman, Head of Product Management at Roland. “But it is also an attractive option for new or potential investors who need to know very accurately how quickly their purchase will earn its keep depending on the inks and RIP they intend to use. More often than not it’s a nice surprise how fast that actually is.”

Alongside these business development tools is a side-by-side comparison of Roland’s wide-format printing options and an in-depth overview of the VersaWorks RIP, which is supplied with the company’s PRO range machines. There is also an update section which showcases how other users are making the most of their products, with a particular focus on new, innovative applications and uncommon, niche markets.

Users of the PRO site can request a ring-back from a Roland employee at any time and adjust their profile to account for changes in circumstance, media or use. Printers supported include the AdvancedJet AJ-1000i and AJ-740i; the SolJet PRO III XJ-740 and XJ-640; the SolJet PRO XC-540; and the VersaUV LEC-300.

Website: www.rolandpro.co.uk