Roland DG

• Roland DG launches new interactive and responsive website
  17 Apr 2017

  

  Roland DG (UK) Ltd has launched a new company website, with an interactive and responsive design, to improve visitor experience.

• Roland DG UK announce major integration project with market leading Custom Gateway software
  6 Apr 2017

  

  Roland DG UK and Custom Gateway have begun the process of integrating a range of their popular hardware and software solutions. The venture will create a fully featured system that enables retailers, sports & leisure businesses and existing sign & display businesses to easily deliver instantly personalised and customised products on-premise and across all their on- and off-line channels.

• Bay Cities installs high-performing Zünd D3 cutting system
  4 Apr 2017

  

  Bay Cities, a direct designer and manufacturer of packaging and point-of-purchase displays, announced today their installation of the high-speed Zünd D3 Cutter.

• Roland celebrate positive customer reactions at Sign UK
  31 Mar 2017

  

  Roland DG today celebrates customer reactions at Sign & Digital UK 2017, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response to the latest technology, software solutions and services on display. The Roland DG stand boasted the latest hardware, with the TrueVIS VG-640 and SG-300 printer/cutters, the CAMM-1 GR-640 cutter and the VersaUV LEF Series of flatbed UV printers on display.

• Roland celebrate positive customer reactions at Sign UK
  31 Mar 2017

  

  Roland DG today celebrates customer reactions at Sign & Digital UK 2017, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response to the latest technology, software solutions and services on display. The Roland DG stand boasted the latest hardware, with the TrueVIS VG-640 and SG-300 printer/cutters, the CAMM-1 GR-640 cutter and the VersaUV LEF Series of flatbed UV printers on display.

• Zünd's cutting solution brings polymer plate cutting in-house for Reproflex 3
  29 Mar 2017

  

  A complete digital cutting solution from Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd has been installed at Reproflex 3 for the finishing of polymer printing plates, enabling the company to bring the process in-house.

• Roland DG releases Roland PrintStudio by Caldera
  23 Mar 2017

  

  Today, Roland DG announced the launch of Roland PrintStudio (RPS) by Caldera across the EU region, North and South America. Offering a whole host of state-of-the-art time-saving and efficiency-driving tools, users of Roland DG technology in even the busiest environments will now be able to optimise their print production processes with this newly upgraded RIP and print management software package.

• Roland DG releases Roland PrintStudio by Caldera
  23 Mar 2017

  

  Today, Roland DG announced the launch of Roland PrintStudio (RPS) by Caldera across the EU region, North and South America. Offering a whole host of state-of-the-art time-saving and efficiency-driving tools, users of Roland DG technology in even the busiest environments will now be able to optimise their print production processes with this newly upgraded RIP and print management software package.

• Signbox welcomes era of automation with Zünd S3
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Signbox is awaiting delivery of its new Zünd S3 L1200, a precision cutting system that will allow the Surrey-based sign business to extend its capabilities.

• Introducing bacteria’s worst new enemy: Protac Anti-Bacterial film from Drytac
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Drytac Europe, an international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the print, label and industrial markets, has announced the immediate availability of its Protac Anti-Bacterial film. The product is now available in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

• Nazdar Ink Technologies to reveal latest ink innovations at FESPA 2017
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Nazdar Ink Technologies will exhibit brand new and established digital inkjet and screen-printing inks and examples of its special effects portfolio at the forthcoming FESPA 2017 show.

• Roland DG to unveil latest printing and cutting technology at SDUK
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Following on from the exciting announcement of its TrueVIS SG Competition, Roland DG is pleased to reveal that its latest technology will be on display on stand (H30) at Sign & Digital UK 2017, from the 28th-30th March.

• Roland DG to unveil latest printing and cutting technology at SDUK
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Following on from the exciting announcement of its TrueVIS SG Competition, Roland DG is pleased to reveal that its latest technology will be on display on stand (H30) at Sign & Digital UK 2017, from the 28th-30th March.

• Bigger and bolder than ever: Mimaki at FESPA 2017
  21 Mar 2017

  

  Mimaki has announced that it will have its biggest presence ever at FESPA 2017 with two stands totalling 534 square metres. The exhibition takes place from 8th to 12th May in Hamburg and Mimaki Europe will be located in the Digital Hall (Stand A1-A25), where it will be demonstrating a wide range of solutions for the sign and display graphics market and industrial print, along with a technology demonstration of its unique 3D printing solution.

• Drytac expands USA team with two new appointments
  17 Mar 2017

  

  Drytac is pleased to announce that Olga Bates and Amanda Brown have joined the company as the new members of the recently restructured Marketing and Brand department in the USA: Olga as Brand Manager and Amanda as Marketing Coordinator.

  The purpose of the Brand department is to reflect Drytac’s evolution over the years and the company’s new expansion goals. Both Olga and Amanda will be based in Drytac’s USA offices in Richmond, Virginia.

  Olga is a VCU Brandcenter graduate and holds a Master’s degree in Communications with concentration in Advertising Strategy, and she has a decade of experience in marketing and advertising, particularly retail advertising.  

  “I consider it an honour and a privilege to spearhead the rebranding efforts for an organisation as remarkable as Drytac. The more I get to know its culture and personality, the more I admire this company. It’s a good feeling when you can’t wait to come to work every day. I’m confident we can achieve even greater things in the future by taking the Drytac brand to the next level,” said Olga.

  Prior to joining Drytac, Olga worked at several companies including The Martin Agency and Capital One, and played a key role in designing and implementing the programming strategy for Walmart Digital Network. In the course of her career, she also worked with clients such as L’Oréal, NFL, GSK, Kraft, Unilever, P&G and more. She brings a wealth of experience, branding expertise and a proven track record to the table, combined with a passion for what she does and the ability to get things done.

  Amanda Brown is a Virginia Tech graduate, who graduated at the top of her class as a Fashion Merchandise and Design major. For the past two years, Amanda has worked as an Assistant Store Manager for Kohl’s Department Stores. She also served as a Kohl’s Campus Ambassador at Virginia Tech and was one of the youngest to be promoted to an Assistant Store Manager. She gained a lot of experience supervising employees, implementing store displays and promoting products. Amanda brings that same drive and enthusiasm to her position as Marketing Coordinator at Drytac.

  [Photo shows: Amanda Brown (L) and Olga Bates (R)]

• Epson SureColor SC-S eco-solvent printers ranked #1 in Europe
  16 Mar 2017

  

  Epson has announced that its SureColor SC-S Series of wide-format printers is now the top selling eco-solvent technology in its class in Western Europe.

• Hollywood Monster growth continues as UK’s first EFI VUTEk 5r is installed by CMYUK
  14 Mar 2017

  

  Unless you’ve spent the last few years intentionally ignoring who is doing what in the wide-format digital print market, you’ll already be fully aware that Hollywood Monster is a pretty big deal when it comes to the volume production of retail sign and display print.

  There’s a well-known saying by Aesop – he of Fable fame – that states 'A man is known by the company he keeps'. If we accept that quote as accurate then we have to conclude that Hollywood Monster are currently right up at the top of the wide-format retail print hierarchy, as they’ve have been hanging out with some very illustrious company of late: at a recent thought leadership event, organised by Hollywood Monster and hosted at its Birmingham headquarters, speakers included Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis; Gareth Hudson, Head of Development at McDonald’s; Myf Ryan, the Chief Marketing Officer for Westfield; and Social Chain CEO, Steven Bartlett – assembled to investigate and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the £339bn retail sector.

  In fact there’s rarely a month goes by without some news from Hollywood Monster, be that a big retail contract win, a new printer installation, or even news of expansion into new territories around the UK – they recently opened up a new operation in London.

  So what’s new at Hollywood Monster right now? Well how about the installation of the UK’s first 5-metre wide EFI VUTEk 5r printer just a matter of days ago.

  Supplied and installed by EFI distributor CMYUK, the West Midlands-based display specialist selected the 5m-wide machine for its ability to meet the productivity levels required from its rapidly expanding retail customer base.

  Featuring high-quality output with 7 picolitre greyscale imaging in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi, the new VUTEk 5r model offers the fastest throughput in its class, giving Hollywood Monster the ability to maximise quality, performance and efficiency.

  Other standout features of the EFI VUTEk 5r printer include: powerful LED-curing technology; unique feature sets such as easy and accurate double-sided backlit and blackout printing; carriage height adjustment and wrinkle analyser to avoid head strikes; handling of rolls up to 750kg; and a raft of other well thought-out operator-friendly features that make the 5r intuitive to use.

  In terms of the production speeds achievable, Robin East, Group Director of CMYUK, comments: “We’ve run some initial tests on the new EFI VUTEk 5r, and we’ve already established that we can print saleable quality mesh at 455m²/h , and PVC banner at 212 m²/h. Pretty much any other material we throw at it can be printed in perfect quality at 148 m²/h.”

  Just as importantly in terms of overall productivity, the 5r features an inline XY finishing system for cutting and slitting, which enables the production of trimmed-to-size print straight from the printer. Hollywood Monster is now maximising its production time, with a fast print system and less downtime between jobs thanks to this integrated cutting function.

  Simon McKenzie, Managing Director at Hollywood Monster, explains: “Prior to the EFI VUTEk 5r installation, we would typically move printed output over to a cutting table for finishing. However, the 5r model’s XY cutting eliminates that process, removing significant delays.

  “It’s not unusual for us to print off hundreds or even thousands of banners for big events. Previously they would all have needed trimming on our cutting table, or – dependent on size – even by hand. That entire process is now completed on-the-fly during the print process. It’s a huge productivity boost.

  “Being a long-time UV-LED printer user, we already expect increased reliability, instant on/off of the curing lamps, the ability to print sensitive and thin materials, reduced costs of replacement lamps and reduced energy consumption. However, the EFI VUTEK 5r goes beyond that and delivers a number of new features aimed at running cost and waste reduction, including higher ink efficiency and a reduction in media wastage (just 40cm of wasted material per load).”

  McKenzie elaborates: “With multiple roll changes daily, combined with the volumes that we print, the reduction in media waste will result in us saving many thousands of square metres annually – over its lifetime, the media savings alone will make a significant contribution towards the machine's purchase cost.

  “All told, the EFI VUTEk 5r is a printer that appears to have been designed in association with experienced operators, as almost every new feature seems to solve a problem, improve a process or make the day-to-day running of the system easier and more efficient. For a busy business like Hollywood Monster, that can only be a good thing.”

  Robin East concurs: “The VUTEk 5r stands out in its field. EFI is now embedding technology within its printers that dramatically increases overall productivity. Aside of delivering the best in class quality at speed, with inline XY finishing, exceptional media handling and ease of operation, there is simply nothing else out there currently that can compete with this incredible printer.

  “This is the sixth VUTEk printer we have installed for Hollywood Monster in the last 12 years. We continue to work closely with the company, and keep them informed of any interesting technical developments. It’s exciting to work with a business as dynamic as Hollywood Monster; a business that embraces technology and innovation to solve problems, increase productivity and continually drive its own success.”

  

   

   

• Canon announces Océ Colorado 1640 featuring new UVgel ink
  13 Mar 2017

  

  Canon has announced the Océ Colorado 1640, the first 64” roll-to-roll wide format printer built on the revolutionary new Canon UVgel technology.

  The game-changing UVgel technology has been developed by Canon to deliver unprecedented productivity, matched with excellent output quality on a broad range of media for optimum applications versatility. Working with the attributes of UVgel, the Océ Colorado 1640 has been engineered to the highest industrial standards to meet the peak production requirements of businesses of all sizes, producing high volumes of wide format graphics within the short turnaround times demanded by clients.

  Mark Lawn, Director, Graphic & Communications Group, Canon Europe, comments: “Demand for wide format graphic applications is booming, and graphics producers are keen to do more and seize opportunities to grow. Until now they have needed to make critical technology compromises between speed, quality and media choice. Through the introduction of the Océ Colorado 1640 printer with UVgel technology, Canon is delivering the optimal balance of quality, productivity, automation, application range and operating cost. This new printer redefines the boundaries of roll-to-roll printing, enabling graphics producers to evolve by extending their capabilities and pursuing new revenue opportunities.”

  Breakthrough Productivity
  Faster than any other printer in this segment, with a top speed of 159 m2/hr for applications such as billboards or outdoor banners, the new Océ Colorado 1640 offers print service providers (PSPs) an unprecedented level of productivity. Even at the highest level of quality for close-up indoor applications, the printer operates at a speed of 40 m2/hr.
  Canon UVgel ink is instantly ‘pinned’ on contact with the substrate, resulting in a highly controlled and precisely positioned dot with minimal gain. By minimising ink spread and coalescence on the media, the required volume of ink can be printed in each pass, delivering rich, intense images at ultra high speed.

  The state-of-the-art low temperature LED-UV curing system moves independently from the printing carriage, enabling uniform, post-print UV curing that further contributes to print speed and print quality. The cured UVgel prints are instantly dry and ready for finishing or laminating, ideal for businesses handling jobs demanding fast turnaround and installation.

  Productivity is further boosted by the dual-roll configuration of the Océ Colorado 1640, which enables the PSP to switch between two types and sizes of media on the fly, for fast production of mixed applications.

  Excellent Quality
  The Océ Colorado 1640 delivers excellent image quality and repeatability, print after print. The precise, instantly ‘pinned’ UVgel dot produces sharp images with minimal dot gain and virtually no satellites, while the stable, highly controlled dot ensures superb colour consistency from swathe to swathe.

  Canon UVgel printheads incorporate patented continuous nozzle monitoring using acoustic sampling to detect and correct any underperforming nozzles, virtually eliminating white lines. This allows for unattended printing and reduces wasted prints.

  As with all roll-to-roll printers, an important factor in print quality and application range is the accuracy with which the printer advances the media. The printer’s heavy, robust frame, class-leading rigidity and industrial components ensure stability of media handling. The system also uses an optical feedback loop that continuously monitors media advance to automatically correct the subsequent step size as needed.

  Broad Application Range
  The Océ Colorado 1640 is suitable for businesses producing both indoor and outdoor applications, including posters, banners, signage, POS, billboards, window graphics, decals and bespoke wall coverings.

  UVgel is a low-heat process using LED curing, ensuring minimal media distortion and extending the range of printable substrates, including thin and heat-sensitive media. Furthermore, UVgel ink contains no water, which significantly reduces media swelling, improving dimensional consistency.

  UVgel ink reproduces a large colour gamut comparable with eco solvent inks, but with the environmental and safety profile of latex and UV inks. UVgel prints are durable, colour-fast and highly resistant to the stresses typical of outdoor applications, while the odourless and VCL-free prints satisfy the highest environmental standards for sensitive indoor uses.

  Accelerated Return on Investment
  The Océ Colorado 1640 is designed for low total cost of operation to accelerate return on investment. Canon UVgel technology reduces ink consumption by as much as 40% compared with competitive technologies, thanks to a more efficient way of jetting ink, significantly reduced maintenance inks and by removing the need for optimisers.

  The printer’s automation features reduce operator handling time by up to a third compared to competitive technologies, for example by deploying a unique dual-roll media system to decrease the time required to load media. The industrial design is geared towards maximum productive uptime with minimal maintenance intervention.

  Mark Lawn concludes: “With the Océ Colorado 1640, Canon is bringing radical innovation to roll-to-roll printing, offering PSPs producing lower volumes an affordable step up to true production printing with rapid ROI. For PSPs already handling high volumes, it offers a uniquely versatile technology at an affordable price point.

  “For a wide range of signage and graphics businesses, UVgel technology holds the key to unlocking their full potential in terms of productivity and applications range, giving them a powerful platform for profitable expansion.”

  The Océ Colorado 1640 printer will have its first public presentation in EMEA at FESPA 2017, Messe Hamburg, 8 -12 May 2017.

  

• Roland DG announces new generation of CAMM-1 professional vinyl cutters
  13 Mar 2017

  
  Delivering the best-in-class features and productivity, Roland DG Corporation has announced the launch of the GR-640/540/420 professional vinyl cutters, the latest additions to its CAMM-1 series.

• Roland DG announces new generation of CAMM-1 professional vinyl cutters
  13 Mar 2017

  
  Delivering the best-in-class features and productivity, Roland DG Corporation has announced the launch of the GR-640/540/420 professional vinyl cutters, the latest additions to its CAMM-1 series.

• Hybrid makes exciting addition to Sign and Digital UK line-up with Mimaki JFX200-2531 launch
  13 Mar 2017

  

  Mimaki’s UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services has revealed its intentions to give the new Mimaki JFX200-2531 LED UV flatbed printer its UK and Irish debut as the company makes an exciting last minute addition to its product line-up at Sign and Digital UK 2017.

• Durst Rho P10 inkjet printer delivers best quality production to RMC Digital Print
  12 Mar 2017

  

  Investment in a new Durst system to ramp up capacity and further improve quality is at the heart of a £1million expansion programme for RMC Digital Print in Hull.

  Durst, the manufacturer of advanced digital production technologies, has installed the new Rho P10 inkjet system that gives RMC the opportunity to print on the widest range of rigid and roll media through unrivalled versatility. The six-colour configuration including a white option also enables RMC to continue producing multi-layered backlit work.

  RMC is now using the Durst for every flatbed test sample sent out customers. The company, which was set up in 2010, is a trade printer with 70% of its work for sign companies and the rest for exhibition businesses. It employs 22 staff and has a turnover of £2.5million, but is now running out of space in its Yorkshire location. This has led to plans for a £1million investment at RMC Digital Print’s base, which will include expanding production workspace and purchasing an additional cutting system.

  Nicole Spencer, Operations Director at RMC Digital Print, said: “The quality on the Durst is the best I have ever seen. We have been hugely impressed. The other machines just don’t get near. Every flatbed sample that now goes out to customers is produced on the Durst.

  “We needed to upgrade our flatbed systems because of a need to increase our capacity by at least a third plus the fact that the reality today is that there is a very tight turnaround requirement for trade clients, who use our services. We’ve been operating around the clock because the orders continue to grow.”

  She added: “Durst always comes across as being an extremely professional organisation in every aspect and look after their customers well. It’s a company that really does care about their staff and their clients. We’ve been most impressed.”

  Peter Bray, Managing Director of Durst UK, said: “The Durst P10 250 high speed system has been the perfect answer for RMC’s demand for further improving quality and performance, while opening up new business opportunities with their trade clients, for both signage and exhibition work. I know they have been impressed by the high levels of consistency.

  “Durst not only produces the highest quality systems, but is also a people-friendly company that will always go the extra mile to help both staff and customers. We’re proud to be playing a significant role in Durst’s future growth plans.”

  RMC first approached Durst at last year’s FESPA. Full production with the Durst P10 250 HS started at the end of February.

  [Photo caption: Nicole Spencer with the new Durst system at RMC Digital Print]

• Antalis announces new products for sign & display sector
  11 Mar 2017

  

  It’s been a busy start to the year for Antalis’ product management team as the business has added not one but nine new range extensions to its ever-expanding Sign & Display offer.

• Zund announces plans for FESPA 2017
  10 Mar 2017

  

  The Zünd exhibit at Fespa 2017 (Hall B7, Booth D30) in Hamburg, Germany, puts in focus the modularity and the diverse uses of Zünd digital cutting systems.

• Evaluating alternative inkjet inks: What should be considered?
  9 Mar 2017

  

  As any good business owner knows, there are two basic ways to make your business more profitable: adjust pricing for higher margins, or lower your costs. Alternative inks can help with the latter, provided the ink that you select meets your company's needs and goals.

• Ottimo Digital installs UK’s first EFI Quantum 5LXr printer
  8 Mar 2017

  

  We’ve all heard about start-up businesses that began in a bedroom, garage or shed, that then go on to become a huge success. However, perhaps not all of them have managed that feat during the biggest UK recession in recent times.

  In 2009, Nick Lindwall and Lee Crew took the decision to walk away from paid employment to set up Ottimo Digital, with a dream of building a successful wide-format print business on the simple premise of providing outstanding print and exceptional customer service.

  Starting out in a bedroom-sized printroom in Newport, South Wales, and equipped with just one modest roll-fed solvent printer, the business grew rapidly. New business was won and customer retention was the default. This naturally led quickly to necessary investment in additional print hardware.

  The growth continued apace and in 2012 the Ottimo Digital HQ was relocated to a 5000-square foot production facility, with a printroom now equipped with a wide array of printers including a 3.2m wide roll-to-roll and an 8’ x 4’ flatbed.

  Fast forward to 2017 and that same printroom now boasts a large number of aqueous, eco-solvent and latex roll-to-roll printers, two UV flatbed printers and a 3.2m wide automated cutting table capable of cutting, creasing and routing.

  Pride of place is currently occupied by the most recent acquisition: the UK’s first 5-metre wide EFI Quantum LXr5 printer.

  The EFI Quantum LXr5 UV-LED printer – featuring powerful LED-curing technology with dramatically lower power consumption – is a seven-colour system with optional white ink and unique feature sets such as double-sided printing, wrinkle analyser and many more. The printer offers high-quality imaging with 7 picolitre greyscale imaging in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi.

  Additionally, the Quantum printer benefits from labour-saving inline finishing and single-operator media handling capabilities. It sets a new benchmark in reducing waste in media handling, with only 40 cm of wasted material per roll.

  The achievable print quality makes the EFI Quantum 5LXr ideal for exhibition graphics that are often viewed at much closer ranges than output such as signage, banners and billboards.

  Ottimo Digital Director Nick Lindwall explains: “Our business is primarily in exhibition graphics for retail and trade, and late in 2016 we identified a need for a roll-to-roll UV printer big enough to cope with high-quality 4-metre high exhibition stand graphics printed as a single piece. We were also keen to streamline our finishing process as that might have become something of a bottleneck if we began producing output that was too large to fit on our 3.2m cutting table.”

  Following investigation of the options available – and having spoken to EFI supplier CMYUK – Ottimo was recommended the EFI Quantum 5LXr, which offers the desired LED-UV ink curing, very high print quality, and – importantly – an in-built cutter that allows for the production of finished graphics straight off the printer.

  Nick continues: “We were invited by CMYUK to visit the EFI demo facility in Belgium to see the Quantum 5LXr printer in action. During this presentation, it quickly became apparent that the Quantum ticked pretty much every box. We came away suitably impressed and were confident that it was the right machine for us. We placed an order with CMYUK shortly afterwards.”

  Since installation last month (February 2017), and with the assistance of CMYUK, the EFI Quantum 5LXr has already begun to produce live customer work, with the first jobs being produced during the training process.

  Joint Ottimo Digital Director Lee Crew comments: “We are over the moon with this latest purchase. Entering the 5m-wide market, along with our already comprehensive range of equipment, means that we are perfectly placed to handle absolutely any project that customers require.

  “In addition to this, the Quantum is the only 5m-wide machine to offer full in-line cutting which will speed up our finishing process, enabling us to offer extremely short turnarounds.”

  CMYUK’s Robin East concludes: “Ottimo Digital are such an impressive operation, they’ve got a very loyal customer base and I can only see them growing further as their capabilities lead to them winning more new business. The addition of the EFI Quantum now enables Ottimo to offer its clients faster turnaround and superb quality. We’re delighted that CMYUK has been able to play a part in helping Ottimo move on to the next level in the development of their business.”

  [Photo shows: Ottimo Digital's Lee Crew (left) and Nick Lindwall (right) with the UK’s first EFI Quantum LXr5 UV-LED printer.]

• Roland DG announces new ErgoSoft RIP software for dye-sublimation
  7 Mar 2017

  

  Roland DG Corporation has announced that ErgoSoft Roland Edition 2 RIP software will be available for its Texart dye-sublimation transfer printers from March 2017.

• Roland DG announces new ErgoSoft RIP software for dye-sublimation
  7 Mar 2017

  

  Roland DG Corporation has announced that ErgoSoft Roland Edition 2 RIP software will be available for its Texart dye-sublimation transfer printers from March 2017.

• Zünd UK added last-minute to Sign and Digital UK line-up
  7 Mar 2017

  

  Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd will be exhibiting at Sign and Digital UK this month, as a last-minute addition to the line-up.

• Drytac announces plans for FESPA 2017
  7 Mar 2017

  

  Drytac Europe, an international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the print, label and industrial markets, has announced its plans for FESPA 2017, scheduled to take place in Hamburg, Germany, between 8th and 12th May 2017.

• Mimaki updates Tx300P-1800 Series for improved textile print flexibility
  7 Mar 2017

  

  Mimaki has announced that its Tx300P-1800 and Tx300P-1800B direct-to-textile printers have been updated, providing the capability to simultaneously load both textile pigment and sublimation inks.

• Spandex to exhibit at Sign and Digital UK 2017
  6 Mar 2017

  

  Spandex to showcase the unique swissQprint UV flatbed printer as well as a selected range of wide format and sign making equipment and materials on stand K6

• Spandex to exhibit at Sign and Digital UK 2017
  6 Mar 2017

  

  Spandex to showcase the unique swissQprint UV flatbed printer as well as a selected range of wide format and sign making equipment and materials on stand K6

• New inkjet ink from Nazdar Ink Technologies offers market-leading adhesion
  1 Mar 2017

  

  Nazdar Ink Technologies has released the 730 Series, a flexible UV inkjet ink with market-leading adhesion on a wide range of flexible and rigid substrates.

  Thanks to its exceptional levels of flexibility and durability on a wide range of substrates, Nazdar 730 Series is ideal for both outdoor and indoor applications such as banners, window graphics, pressure-sensitive vinyl, POP displays, backlit acrylic signage and especially substrates that require router, knife- or die-cutting, thanks to its superior edge-chipping resistance properties.

  For exterior uses, Nazdar 730 Series offers proven long-term performance against the effects of UV degradation and colour fade, with consistent colour density values and high-intensity colours.

  Like all Nazdar formulations, the 730 Series provides quality equal or superior to OEM inks at a lower price point, with the CMYK, Lc, Lm, white and clear colour set available in 1 litre, 5 litre and 8 litre containers.

  Nazdar 730 Series is designed and packaged for use in a wide variety of printer models.

  It is suitable for acrylics, Lexan, reinforced vinyl banner, pressure-sensitive vinyl, window cling, styrene, Sintra, rigid polyethylene, fluted polypropylene, foam board, polycarbonate, Teslin synthetic paper and Dibond – demonstrating the manufacturer's message that there’s a Nazdar ink that’s right for every job.

  "The new Nazdar 730 Series ink features outstanding adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including flexible materials and acrylics of all grades and qualities," says Rich Dunklee, Global Market Segment Manager – UV Inkjet Inks Nazdar Ink Technologies.

  "It's just one of our inks specially formulated to make sure signage and display businesses produce the highest quality output without the high overheads of OEM products."

  For more information on Nazdar and its comprehensive range of ink solutions, please visit www.nazdar.com.

  [Picture caption: Nazdar 730 Series inkjet inks are ideal for many rigid and flexible substrates]

   

• Mimaki JFX200 powers Modex Exhibitions from 0-600 in 3 weeks!
  1 Mar 2017

  

  In automotive terms, 0-600 in three weeks might seem somewhat irrelevant, but for one Northamptonshire-based exhibition and display contractors, that sort of performance proved to be just what was needed to transform their business fortunes, following their investment in a Mimaki JFX200-2513 flatbed LED UV printer.

  From its base in Croughton, Northants, Modex Exhibitions produces bespoke, modular exhibition stands and displays for clients as diverse as BAE Systems, Nat West and Nottinghamshire County Council. Established in 2003, the company has developed a simple but highly effective business model which provides clients with a uniquely designed ‘one-stop’ modular exhibition display package, which includes: graphics, flooring, furniture, lighting, installation & removal, all at a fixed price per square metre.

  Director Rob Brooks takes up the story: “Modex Exhibitions is well established as a designer and builder of high quality, custom-modular exhibition stands, delivered at a realistic price. We undertake virtually everything in-house, but the one thing that historically we’ve never had the capability for was the actual print of the graphics panels, which we had always outsourced.”

  Without any prior knowledge or experience in print operations, it was a chance meeting with the team from Preston-based Mimaki re-seller Granthams, which led to a demonstration of the JFX200 at UK Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services, in Crewe.

  “Within 20 minutes of the demonstration starting I was convinced that this machine was just what we needed to become almost totally self-sufficient as a business – the speed and print quality just blew us away!” continues Brooks, who was so impressed he didn’t really feel the need to check out the competition.

  Placing an order immediately, the combined efforts of the teams at Granthams and Hybrid Services saw the machine duly installed by mid-January and starting to earn its keep within days. The new JFX200 has quickly established itself as a really important production tool for the business, making a significant contribution to the production of 30 to 40 display stands per month. As Brooks explains: “From a standing start at installation, within the first three weeks we had successfully printed more than 600 8’ x 4’ rigid Foamex display boards... all without a single problem!”

  The Mimaki JFX200-2513 Flatbed LED UV Printer offers a choice of inks, including white and clear, providing unlimited creative opportunities. With the capability to print to a wide range of substrates, the JFX200 maximizes productivity by using industry standard (8' x 4') media on its 2.5m x 1.3m bed.

  In addition to the obvious performance talents of the JFX200, the new machine has garnered much praise within the business for the ease of use that it offers, which has proved to be a very significant benefit for a business with no previous print experience. As Brooks himself concludes: “Investing in the Mimaki has turned us from Luddites to high volume printers in a few weeks ... and we’ve got the photos to prove it!”

  For more information about Modex Exhibitions visit its website: www.modexuk.com

  [Photo caption: Jim Marshall from Modex Exhibitions operating the JFX200]

• Antalis to make its mark at Sign & Digital 2017
  28 Feb 2017

  

  With just a matter of weeks to go, Antalis is all geared up to make a big impact at this year’s Sign & Digital exhibition where it will be showcasing its innovative product range with an American diner-inspired stand.

• Antalis to innovate and inspire at inaugural PrintWeekLive!
  27 Feb 2017

  

  As one of the UK’s most pioneering printing experts, it may come as no surprise that Antalis is preparing to pull out all the stops for this year’s inaugural PrintWeekLive! exhibition.

• HP announces plans for Sign & Digital UK
  25 Feb 2017

  

  At Sign & Digital UK 2017, HP will showcase its full range of large format and super-wide latex printing technologies on stand E30, responding to the transformative shift in the sign & display industry from solvent to HP latex technology.

  Visitors will discover three iconic Latex printers offering a wide range of capacities:

  • HP Latex 1500 printer (3.2m) – robust, affordable super-wide latex printing solution, providing fast turnarounds on a broad range of indoor and outdoor applications
  • HP Latex 570 printer (1.62m) – enabling customers to manage a variety of print jobs and peaks in production with fast print speeds and exceptional quality
  • HP Latex 365 printer (1.62m) – produces indoor and outdoor prints on a variety of traditional signage substrates – even textiles. And high-quality, durable prints provide scratch resistance comparable to hard-solvent inks

  In addition to its Latex printers, HP will also display its HP Scitex FB750 Industrial Printer and HP DesignJet Z6800 Photo Production Printer. The versatile and compact Scitex FB750 provides high-quality results on rigid and flexible media, whilst the 60” DesignJet Z6800 offers exceptional colour and black-and-white prints on myriad substrates.

  In addition to discovering HP printers, visitors will be guided by industry experts through innovative and easy web-to-print experiences with live demonstrations of HP WallArt Suite and HP Signage Suite in the HP application area. These online platforms have been specifically designed to help small-to-medium PSPs explore new possibilities in the decoration space through custom wallcoverings, blinds, and other applications for interiors.

• Curtis Packaging installs new Zünd S3 as part of £1.3m expansion
  22 Feb 2017

  

  Curtis Packaging has installed a new Zünd S3 M1200 digital cutting table in a purpose-built area of its new 20,000sq ft premises in Redhill.

• Drytac to debut new Protac Anti-Bacterial film at Sign & Digital UK 2017
  21 Feb 2017

  

  Drytac Europe, an international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the print, label and industrial markets, has announced its plans for the upcoming Sign & Digital UK event, scheduled to take place at NEC Birmingham, UK, between 28th and 30th March 2017.

• Hybrid set to inspire with Mimaki launches at Sign & Digital UK
  20 Feb 2017

  

  Mimaki’s exclusive UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services, will launch new small format LED UV and production direct-to-textile inkjet printers at this year’s Sign & Digital UK exhibition in Birmingham. In addition to supporting its network of resellers who are also exhibiting at the show, the Hybrid stand will feature its hugely popular range of solvent printers and printer/cutters, flatbed and grand format UV printers.

  The recently announced Mimaki UJF MkII range of A3 and A2 sized flatbed printers offer next-generation direct to object print capabilities and follow in the footsteps of the original UJF range that rapidly became the de facto small format solution for branding, promotional items, manufacturing components and bespoke gifts.

  Mimaki’s new Tx300P-1800 wide format textile printer sees its UK debut at the show and offers a broad range of fabric printing opportunities thanks to its flexible ink configuration options. As capable of producing fashion or furnishings as it is soft signage, the brand new 1.8m printer’s ability to run multiple ink sets, opens up a vast array of applications on manmade or natural fabrics.

  John de la Roche, National Sales Manager at Hybrid, states the company’s intentions during the show: “Sign & Digital UK is a key date in Hybrid’s diary. It’s the ideal opportunity for visitors to gain a snapshot of our industry and for us to meet with customers old and new. We’re returning once again in 2017 with impressive new products that join Mimaki’s award-winning line-up of solvent, UV and textile printers. Most importantly, we’re looking forward to showing visitors how Mimaki technology can really benefit their business.”

  In addition to the exciting product launches, the Hybrid stand will also feature a broad range of Mimaki solvent printers and integrated printer/cutters, available in a variety of sizes from 75cm up to 1.6m print widths.

  “Mimaki’s multi-award winning sign and graphics line-up enjoys a strong reputation within print and display companies the world over,” continues de la Roche. “We’re confident visitors will be inspired by the many creative opportunities these machines offer and look forward to helping them build their businesses with Mimaki’s proven line-up.”

  Visitors will also benefit from seeing two of Mimaki’s largest products on display – the hugely successful UJV55-320 grand format LED UV roll fed printer that has taken the backlit sector by storm since its release a year ago and the all-conquering JFX200 flatbed LED UV printer.

  “Mimaki has a long history of delivering solutions that hit the requirements of the UK and Irish graphics market and these two UV printers are a perfect example,” adds de la Roche.

  Hybrid’s stand can be found directly inside the entrance to the show, which is located at the NEC in Birmingham from March 28th – 30th 2017. Full details of Mimaki’s entire product range can be found by visiting www.hybridservices.co.uk.

• SENFA Decoprint to be showcased on Soyang Europe’s stand at Sign & Digital 2017
  20 Feb 2017

  

  SENFA, the Alsace, France-based Technical Textiles division of the Chargeurs Group, will be showcasing its Decoprint fabric on UK distributor Soyang Europe’s stand (C60) at the upcoming Sign & Digital UK event. The show takes place at the NEC Birmingham between 28th and 30th March 2017.

• i-Sub to demonstrate new Mimaki UJF 6042 MKII at Sign & Digital UK 2017
  20 Feb 2017

  

  For the first time, Kettering-based distributor i-Sub will be demonstrating the new Mimaki UJF 6042 MKII UV printer at Sign & Digital UK. Visitors to stand B12 will see how Mimaki’s latest LED UV flatbed printer brings increased productivity and ease of use to on-demand, direct-to-object printing.

• Nazdar to showcase credit card ink innovations at ICMA
  20 Feb 2017

  

  Nazdar Ink Technologies will co-sponsor the VFP Ink Technologies display at ICMA EXPO 2017, the two innovative companies joining forces to share their expertise in new products and technical applications for the card industry.

• ArtSystems supports innovation at Sign & Digital UK 2017
  19 Feb 2017

  

  Specialist distributor ArtSystems will be at Sign & Digital UK 2017, with representatives on a number of the company’s suppliers’ stands.

• John Herrera & Epson team up for London Fashion Week
  19 Feb 2017

  

  Fashion designer John Herrera has partnered with Epson to produce a 30-piece collection digitally printed with Epson’s textile dye-sublimation printers.

• Your Print Partner expands with further investment in Mimaki grand format printers
  19 Feb 2017

  

  
  Coinciding with its move to a new 21,000sq feet headquarters; Lincoln-based Your Print Partner (YPP) continues to expand with further investment in Mimaki grand format printers as it looks to offer an extended product range to both end customers and print companies requiring a trade print service.

• Epson to showcase 'power of SureColor range' at SDUK 2017
  18 Feb 2017

  

  At Sign & Digital UK, Epson will show the power of its SureColor range of wide-format printers, used to produce a wide variety of high-quality value-added applications.

• Grafityp announces plans for Sign & Digital UK 2017
  16 Feb 2017

  

  Grafityp UK will again be exhibiting at Sign and Digital from 28th to 30th March 2017.

• Grafityp announces plans for Sign & Digital UK 2017
  16 Feb 2017

  

  Grafityp UK will again be exhibiting at Sign and Digital from 28th to 30th March 2017.

• Stylize Display Graphics installs UK's first Agfa Anapurna H3200i LED
  15 Feb 2017

  

  Suffolk-based Stylize Display Graphics has installed an Anapurna H3200i LED printer with a dual roll-to-roll option and flatbed capability to replace its Agfa Anapurna M2500i. It is the first Anapurna H3200i LED to be installed in the UK.

  Stylize is a versatile operation which, since it was set up some 25 years back by Neil Saville, has steadily invested in the latest technology. Along with the Anapurna H3200i LED Stylize has also recently invested in a Kongsberg cutting table, which enables the company to not only print on heat sensitive material but also to cut and finish a wide range of jobs it could not have coped with previously in-house.

  “We first invested in an Agfa Anapurna M1600 nearly ten years ago. That printer was still going strong several years later when we traded up to an Anapurna M2500i. Then, barely a year later, we heard that Agfa was about to introduce the H3200i LED and decided straight away that we just had to have it,” explained Neil Saville, founder and managing director of Stylize Display Graphics.

  The company now employs ten staff including Neil’s two sons, Kane who operates the new Anapurna H3200i LED and Damon who manages overall production.

  “We use a great deal of acrylic material and often print white on the reverse. This work tends to be produced at best quality mode but even so the output speed is still impressive. The LED lights will provide a cost saving on replacement bulbs and now there’s no wasted time waiting for the machine to warm up. Ink adhesion is excellent and there is no need for a promoter. Then, most importantly, the quality is fantastic,” enthused Kane Saville.

  Stylize has grown organically and the staff takes pride in everything produced be it banners, vehicle graphics, exhibition graphics or very large outdoor signage. This has been borne out by the fact that over the past 25 years the company has built a loyal customer following ranging from leading retailers, international pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and educational establishments.

  “Each time we have invested in a new printer we have looked at all the options but I have to say that Agfa has always won the business. Added to this, we can rely on Agfa’s service and support, which is excellent. If space was not at a premium we would invest in another Anapurna H3200i LED, one as a dedicated flatbed and the other as roll-to-roll,” commented Damon Saville.   

  Now Neil Saville has his sights on a further development for the business producing large textile graphics for a number of Stylize’s customers.

  [Image shows (l-r) Damon, Neil and Kane Saville]

• Roland DG announces competition to win TrueVIS SG-540 print & cut device at SDUK
  15 Feb 2017

  

  Roland DG is delighted to announce a competition for visitors to its Sign & Digital UK stand, which offers businesses the chance to win a brand new TrueVIS SG-540 Print & Cut device.

• Roland DG announces competition to win TrueVIS SG-540 print & cut device at SDUK
  15 Feb 2017

  

  Roland DG is delighted to announce a competition for visitors to its Sign & Digital UK stand, which offers businesses the chance to win a brand new TrueVIS SG-540 Print & Cut device.

• QPS to focus on highest quality inks & dye-sub innovation at Sign & Digital UK
  14 Feb 2017

  

  Quality Print Services (QPS) will return to Sign and Digital UK from March 28th to 30th 2017 where its stand (J12) will feature the highest quality wide-format and dye-sublimation printing technology and inks.

• Fespa Asia is perfect SE Asian showcase for SENFA's Decoprint Pearl
  14 Feb 2017

  

  SENFA is exhibiting at the forthcoming Fespa Asia show, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from February 15th to 17th 2017.

• Nazdar Ink Technologies to present latest card ink innovations at ICMA EXPO 2017
  13 Feb 2017

  

  Nazdar Ink Technologies will co-sponsor the VFP Ink Technologies display at ICMA EXPO 2017. The two innovative companies will join forces to share their expertise in new products and technical applications for the card industry.

• Epson confirms attendance at The Print Show
  13 Feb 2017

  

  Digital print heavyweight Epson has become the latest major manufacturer to sign up to exhibit at this year’s edition of The Print Show.

• Nazdar SourceOne recognised as 2016 EFI Dealer of the Year
  12 Feb 2017

  

  Nazdar SourceOne has been recognised as 2016 Dealer of the Year by EFI.

• Roland DG competition winner sees record profit margins six months on from win
  6 Feb 2017

  

  In April 2016, Lloyd Yates attended Sign & Digital UK exhibition, as he had done every year for over a decade.

• Roland DG competition winner sees record profit margins six months on from win
  6 Feb 2017

  

  In April 2016, Lloyd Yates attended Sign & Digital UK exhibition, as he had done every year for over a decade.

• Yes it can: Zünd G3 ticks every box for auto interiors specialist KJ Ryan
  2 Feb 2017

  

  KJ Ryan says its recent purchase of a Zünd G3 2XL3200 digital cutting system was 'the obvious choice' that has accelerated its production of prototypes and completed designs for the automotive interiors market.

• Insight opts for Mimaki JFX200 because it ‘outperforms everything in its price range’.
  1 Feb 2017

  

  Bristol-based full service branding and print company, Insight, has recently invested in a Mimaki JFX200 UV LED flatbed printer from i-Sub Digital.

• Sign & Digital UK announces Business Theatre lineup for 2017 show
  1 Feb 2017

  

  Sign & Digital UK, the country’s leading trade exhibition for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industry, today announces the Business Theatre lineup for its 30th anniversary event.

• Roland DG offers customers free VersaWorks Dual RIP Software upgrade
  1 Feb 2017

  

  Roland DG Corporation today has launched a programme enabling customers to upgrade their existing eligible devices to its powerful Roland VersaWorks Dual RIP software, free of charge.

• Roland DG offers customers free VersaWorks Dual RIP Software upgrade
  1 Feb 2017

  

  Roland DG Corporation today has launched a programme enabling customers to upgrade their existing eligible devices to its powerful Roland VersaWorks Dual RIP software, free of charge.

• Spandex to exhibit at Sign & Digital UK 2017 at the NEC Birmingham
  31 Jan 2017

  

  Spandex, the one-stop supplier of innovative solutions to the sign, graphics and display industries is exhibiting at Sign and Digital UK from 28-30 March 2017 at the NEC Birmingham.

• Soyang Europe to launch new materials collections at Sign & Digital UK 2017
  30 Jan 2017

  

  Soyang Europe is to return to Sign and Digital UK this year to launch its new materials collections to the sign and graphics market, as the company continues to target the wide format sector.

• Minprint chooses EFI VUTEk Hybrid LED printer to meet expanding market demands
  30 Jan 2017

  

  Electronics For Imaging announced the installation of the EFI VUTEk GS3250LX Pro LED inkjet printer at Minprint, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

• Garthwest upgrades quality of packaging samples with modular Zünd G3
  30 Jan 2017

  

  Packaging and POS specialist Garthwest has upgraded its sampling department to include a Zünd G3 L2500, which 'gets it right first time every time'.

• EFI reports record fourth quarter, full year 2016 results
  26 Jan 2017

  

  Electronics For Imaging, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced preliminary results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.

• Roland DG to inspire visitors at Media Expo Mumbai 2017
  25 Jan 2017

  

  Following on from a year of successful product launches, Roland DG and Apsom Infotex, Master Distributor for India, will be attending Media Expo Mumbai.

• Roland DG to inspire visitors at Media Expo Mumbai 2017
  25 Jan 2017

  

  Following on from a year of successful product launches, Roland DG and Apsom Infotex, Master Distributor for India, will be attending Media Expo Mumbai.

• New EFI VUTEk 3r LED inkjet printer enables same-day delivery on superwide graphics
  24 Jan 2017

  

  Campus Digital Imaging has invested in an EFI VUTEk 3r superwide-format roll-to-roll LED inkjet printer.

• EFI announces new VUTEk printers at Connect Conference
  18 Jan 2017

  

  Customers from around the world are at Wynn Las Vegas as the Electronics For Imaging, Inc. Connect event once again reached sell-out capacity, with attendees from 37 nations gathered to participate in one of the print industry's longest-running and most successful users' conferences. This year's Connect features important technology advancements from EFI, including the debut of the company's largest soft-signage printer and new LED, roll-to-roll printers offering market-leading productivity.

  Connect is still growing in its 17th year, with pre-registrations surpassing last year's record customer attendance. The conference, which caters to customers' evolving needs for information related to market and technology trends, features 8 new educational tracks in an agenda of 200+ classes. Special sessions include fireside chat keynotes with Quad/Graphics CEO Joel Quadracci and print technology veteran Jeff Jacobson, speaking on Connect's opening day in one of his first public presentations since becoming CEO of Xerox two weeks ago. 

  In addition to the new printers, EFI is unveiling version 5 of its Productivity Suite end-to-end workflow offerings at Connect. And, the company is highlighting next-generation EFI Fiery digital front end (DFE) production technologies that deliver uncompromising quality and productivity in digital print production. Many Connect sessions uncover the ways these new products and other EFI offerings drive customer productivity and growth by creating new opportunities and streamlining workflow processes.

  In his opening keynote speech at the Conference EFI CEO Guy Gecht addressed artificial intelligence and the impact the next wave of advanced technology is having. Some ERP and MIS workflow products developed by EFI, for example, learn to be more efficient as they track business's operations.

  "As with the developments we have all seen with personal computers and mobile technology, artificial intelligence promises to create more opportunities," said Guy Gecht, CEO of EFI in his keynote address. "In print, it can drive preventive diagnostics and predictive maintenance, which helps our customers improve their top and bottom lines." 

  Worldwide premiere of superwide roll-to-roll and soft signage printers

  During Connect, EFI is announcing its new VUTEk 5r and 3r printers, which are designed to be the industry's most technically advanced LED roll-to-roll production offerings. Printing at speeds up to 4,896 square feet per hour in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi, the 5-meter EFI VUTEk 5r and 3-meter EFI VUTEk 3r printers maximise performance, efficiency and quality. Featuring high-resolution, 7-picoliter EFI UltraDrop™ Technology, the new printers offer the fastest throughput in the market, superior image quality and a lower total cost of ownership for premium graphics work. The printers are also available with a complete range of upgrade options for high productivity and versatility, including optional light colours and white for multi-layer printing; inline finishing for all-in-one printing, cutting, slitting, and collecting; auto backlit and blockout printing, and more. 

  Rami Cohen, general manager of the Rishon LeZion, Israel-based print business Campus Digital Imaging, recently replaced a pair of 2-metre solvent printers and a sublimation printer with the new VUTEk 3r model, a move that has reduced his turnaround times from two or three days to same- or next-day delivery. "It's faster than the three machines it replaces combined," Cohen said of his new printer. "Before, we had to move finished rolls to a dedicated machine to cut them into sheets. Now, the sheeting and slitting happen on the fly, simultaneously with the printing itself."

  The new, superwide, roll-to-roll LED printers are available now. The 5-metre VUTEk 5r printer is being shown for the first time in Connect's center for innovation.

  Superior, seamless imaging with the VUTEk FabriVU 520 printer

  Customers can take advantage of fast-growing soft-signage opportunities using EFI's largest soft signage printer, the 5.2-meter EFI VUTEk FabriVU 520 launched at Connect. The printer gives users new capabilities for producing a broader range of soft signage products, including wall murals, theater drapes, and other superwide seamless applications.

  After purchasing a 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk printer last year, marketing communications company Image Options has also just become one of the first companies in the world to install the 5.2-metre FabriVU model. The pair of advanced soft signage production devices has helped the Foothill Ranch, Calif.-based company grow its service offering. 

  "Image Options invested in EFI's soft signage products with the FabriVU 340 and, because of the demand we have seen, we quickly expanded our capabilities with the new FabriVU 540 printer," said Tim Bennett, Image Options' CEO. "This technology allows us to enter new markets with the widest and highest-speed performance available on the market today. The new 5.2-metre printer also gives us the ability to offer high-quality capabilities to clients who need un-seamed exhibit graphics."

  The printer can produce up to 4,800 square feet (446 square metres) per hour, and prints at resolutions up to 2,400 dpi. It can do both direct-to-textile and transfer printing with an easy changeover using the same inkset for greater versatility. A patented ink-recovery system saves more than 95% of the ink lost in textile printing systems offered by other manufacturers.

  Both new VUTEk printers on exhibit at Connect feature the latest-version EFI Fiery proServer DFE, which gives users the advantage of fast RIPing, accurate, high-quality colour and robust production management. EFI also is presenting a technology demonstration of a new, 65-inch wide EFI Wide Format LED inkjet hybrid roll/flatbed printer at Connect, showing the continuing evolution of the proven, energy-efficient and versatile 'cool cure' platform that has become the industry's most popular choice for production-speed LED imaging.

  Certified, end-to-end workflows, backed by EFI's industry leading expertise

  EFI Connect's workflow sessions focus on the advancements of the industry's largest software portfolio with version 5 of EFI's six Productivity Suites - the Commercial Print Suite, the Midmarket Print Suite, the Packaging Suite, the Quick Print Suite, the Publication Print Suite and the Corrugated Packaging Suite. Training, customer panels and voice-of-customer sessions at Connect discuss important capabilities, new solutions for different market segments and the value of the components that make up each Suite. 

  This year's conference will help print operations drive margins, increase throughput and eliminate errors and downtime with comprehensive training offered in MIS/ERP workflows and in components covering eCommerce, shipping, fulfillment, scheduling, imposition, planning and EFI's new textile software offering. The in-depth technical training in 16 educational tracks includes eight brand new tracks, as well as hands-on sessions, that allow attendees to closely target their specific business challenges.

  A consultative approach to customer success

  The educational offerings reflect the unmatched level of customer consultation and knowledge-sharing EFI offers at Connect and in direct customer interactions through its Business Consulting Services organisation. Print and packaging businesses worldwide advance their operations with EFI training, analysis and consulting services that give them the competitive edge for more-efficient management using EFI Productivity Suites, MIS/ERP workflows, value-added components and integrated DFEs and printers.

  Connect attendee Wayne Peterson, executive vice president and COO of South Burlington, Vt.-based publication print business Lane Press, is using EFI's workflow technology and business consulting offerings to substantially improve efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. The company, which has an EFI Publication Print Suite with EFI Monarch as its core ERP software, is driving improved results to its bottom line by working with EFI consultants and maximising the use of its workflow software. As a result of an EFI Business Consulting Assessment of its workflow, "we have eliminated redundant processes, as well as more than half the forms we used to use," according Peterson. "And we went from 80% to nearly 100% on-time delivery."

  Uncompromising digital print quality with the latest EFI Fiery products

  Attendees are gaining new insights into their digital production workflows at Connect with the range of new and updated EFI Fiery® DFE products at the conference. The event features the new Fiery NX server and NX Station for fast RIPing and streamlined cut-sheet production automation; Fiery DFE products for wide- and superwide-format inkjet proofing and production; and Fiery Workflow Suite offerings that boost productivity with best-in-class tools for document imposition, assembly, late-stage editing, visual make-ready, prepress automation and more. The newest version of EFI Fiery Navigator™ on display simplifies the process of analyzing daily digital print operations and long-term trends, delivering actionable business intelligence in a customisable, visual dashboard while providing device management capabilities.

  Fiery products shown at Connect provide top quality without compromise in digital production printing to the most rigorous production demands. EFI Fiery technology continued its advanced colour leadership by recently becoming one of the first offerings in the industry to successfully handle all 48 test patches in the new Ghent Workgroup PDF Output Suite version 5.0 - a critical test factor and de facto standard for determining quality printing of PDF documents.

  Connect also features new technologies and exhibits in its solutions centre from EFI partners, including: 3M, Berger Textiles; Canon; Duplo; Enfocus; Esko; KDX America; Klieverik; Kodak; Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.; NextWave; The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation; Print ReLeaf; Progress Software Corp.; Ricoh Americas Corp.; Riso; Xerox and Zünd.

  EFI Connect is the printing industry's best venue for open dialogue and idea exchange, giving customers a valuable opportunity to participate in educational sessions, receive hands-on experience, discuss industry trends, network with peers, voice their opinions, and learn from others. For more information on the conference or on EFI products, visit www.efi.com.

  [Image shows EFI VUTEk 5r printer]

• New Mimaki textile printer keeps Heriot Watt University at cutting edge
  17 Jan 2017

  

  With a reputation for innovative education, enterprise and leading-edge applied research; Heriot Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design is one of the UK’s foremost teaching establishments.

• More graphics companies prioritising efficiency when switching inks
  17 Jan 2017

  

  Quality Print Services (QPS) has seen an increase in sales of its most easy-to-use alternative inks, suggesting a trend of UK sign and graphics companies looking to improve workflow efficiencies in the print room.

  In particular, Chris Bailey, Director of QPS, says he has experienced a surge in print businesses choosing Nazdar 705 series ink, developed as a direct replacement for the HP FB 250 series inks for HP FB500/700 printer platforms. As it is a plug-and-play system, a new Nazdar 705 ink box is simply fitted directly behind an empty OEM box quickly and easily, with no requirement to flush or re-profile the RIP software and therefore no ink is wasted.

  The Nazdar 705 series ink also offers excellent durability: its resistance to the effects of UV degradation and fading make it ideal for long-term outdoor use and its superior adhesion helps to resist edge chipping and peeling on both flexible and rigid materials, including challenging substrates such as fluted polypropylene and composites.

  Nazdar 702 series ink, formulated as a direct replacement for Océ IJC256 series inks used on Océ Arizona printer platforms, and Nazdar 130 series ink, a true colour-match for the original Mimaki SS21 ink set, are also proving popular. Nazdar 130 is low-odour and is available in 2 litre bulk bags, compatible with the Mimaki Bulk Ink System, for even greater cost- and time-savings and efficiency. Both offer intense colours and excellent resistance to damage on printed output, even for long-term exterior applications.

  "Across the sign and graphics industry we're seeing an increase in customers looking for products and equipment that is easy to use, both on a day-to-day basis and when they are first installed," says Chris Bailey.

  "Margins are tighter than ever and downtime is not something print businesses can afford. Our plug-and-play alternative inks are fitted in seconds when needed – and with many formulations available in bulk options, operators can spend even less time preparing to run printers."

  Bailey adds: "Our alternative inks are developed by Nazdar for specific printing systems to ensure equal or better quality, reliability, colour intensity and durability than OEM inks, but at a lower price point. It is no longer acceptable for reduced costs to be associated with reduced quality and printer reliability."

  Furthermore, Nazdar inks are fully supported in the field by QPS's renowned team of engineers, so on rare occasions when customers encounter a problem QPS ensures they are back up and running with as little downtime as possible.

  "Customers are demanding their ink and equipment service choices tick every one of their boxes, which Nazdar inks from QPS do," says Chris Bailey.

  For more information about Nazdar inks and QPS's large-format print products and services, please email sales@qualityprintservices.com or call +44 (0)1704 897575.

  For more information on Nazdar and its comprehensive range of ink solutions, please visit www.nazdar.com.

• Zünd's new RM-L router enhances power, versatility & automation
  17 Jan 2017

  

  With the high-powered RM-L router option, Zünd is bringing to market a robust new routing solution.

• Roland DG announces plans for Sign & Digital UK 2017
  16 Jan 2017

  

  Roland DG UK will once more be exhibiting at Sign & Digital 2017, on 28th-30th March 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham.

• Roland DG announces plans for Sign & Digital UK 2017
  16 Jan 2017

  

  Roland DG UK will once more be exhibiting at Sign & Digital 2017, on 28th-30th March 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham.

• Sign & Digital UK launches new Creative Theatre for 2017 show
  16 Jan 2017

  

  Sign & Digital UK has announced the launch of a new Creative Theatre for its 30th anniversary event, which returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 28 to 30 March 2017.

• Colourgen Celebrates 17th Year at Sign & Digital
  15 Jan 2017

  

  Colourgen will be at Sign and Digital UK for the 17th year running, this year presenting new Mutoh large format sign and display printers and solutions. Also on the stand will be laminators from Kala, a broad range of media products, and software solutions from Caldera and Sai.

  New at the show will be the Mutoh ValueJet 1638UH (64”). This is Mutoh’s first ever dual head LED UV printer delivering increased print, cure performance and versatility. Accommodating roll media and rigid boards with a CMYK ink set-up, the VJ-1638UH can also print white and varnish to handle transparent or coloured substrates without losing saturation or to create special print effects and multi-layer printing for added value. 

  Key products also on show include the Mutoh 426UF, an A3+ LED UV printer designed for printing personalised products, labels and gadgets. Since its launch at Sign and Digital last year, the printer has been installed in many locations, delivering a broad range of applications, from labels and gifts to trophies and even condom wrappers!

  Colourgen will also be showing the new Mutoh print/cut solution, the Summa R140 FX cutter with the 64” ValueJet 1604X and ValueJet 1624X with Eco Ultra ink. Finishing applications will be shown on the Kala  Arkane 1650 laminator.  All printers will be supported by Caldera VisualRIP+ and SAi. 

  Jeff Biggs, managing director of Colourgen, comments: “Colourgen will be focusing very heavily on the excellent range of Mutoh printers, particularly those models that are brand new to the UK market. Also we are actively encouraging signmakers to see the capabilities of those printers that are ostensibly outside of their core business, such as the ValueJet 426UF, that could open doors to new applications, incremental revenues and increased profitability.”

• Mimaki CJV150 Printer/Cutters to take centre stage at upcoming events
  15 Jan 2017

  

  Mimaki's multi-award winning CJV150 Series printer/cutters continue to set the standard for sign making and professional graphics systems and with solutions on display at a number of key exhibitions this Spring, the company's UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services is set to show off its breadth of capabilities to a variety of markets.

  Available in four sizes from 75cm up to 1.6m, the CJV150 range starts at just £6,995. The turn-key system ships with a number of 'no cost options' making it ideal for new entrants to wide format inkjet printing and Hybrid's National Sales Manager - Sign & Graphics, John de la Roche, outlines its strengths. "Double the warranty, over twice the productivity and all manner of extras that come as standard mean there's no better value printer/cutter on the market today," he states. "A lot of this stems from Mimaki's understanding of the industry; delivering a printer/cutter with features that really make a difference to signmakers', garment decorators' and print professionals' daily life."

  Mimaki’s competitively priced CJV150 range ships with over 3.5 litres of the company’s low solvent SS21 ink, powered take-up unit, optional bulk feed system and a two year, fully comprehensive gold warranty. “The specification level of all four printers in the range is unmatched and the peace of mind offered by the two-year warranty is invaluable,” states de la Roche. A further feature of the range is its ease of use, as de la Roche continues, “The CJV150 is a plug and play solution, which whilst capable of high production volumes is extremely easy to live with. Minimal maintenance combined with automated functions save time and money throughout the ownership of the printer.”

  Hybrid is exhibiting at Printwear & Promotion at the end of February alongside a selection of its resellers and the Mimaki CJV150 will feature prominently on several stands at the show in Birmingham. "The CJV150 is ideal for garment decoration, with its fully integrated print and cut functionality providing vibrant, long lasting transfers that are easily applied. Equally attractive is its ability to cut coloured vinyl, or even transfer paper - which is especially useful when the printer has been commissioned with dye sublimation inks," continues de la Roche.

  The Mimaki CJV150 will also feature on I-Sub Digital's stand at March's Packaging Innovations exhibition, also held at the NEC. Making the most of its ability to run metallic and white inks, the printer/cutter will be producing bespoke carton decoration, short run labels and high end packaging on the Mimaki reseller's stand. "The versatility of the CJV150 is another of its great strengths," states de la Roche. "As capable of producing a high impact external banner as it is a detailed metallic label, it offers so many business opportunities for print providers."

  The final destination for the CJV150 this Spring is Sign & Digital UK, where it will appear on a number of stands around the show. "Sign & Digital is the highlight of the exhibition season as it brings such a variety of visitors to Birmingham each year," de la Roche remarks. "We'll have the full range of Mimaki sign and graphics machines on the Hybrid stand and it's a great opportunity for people to see the different models side-by-side." With applications as diverse as wallcoverings, labels and canvas printing expected to be shown, visitors to the exhibition will be given an insight into how wide format print and cut can significantly benefit their printing business.

  "Historically, we've welcomed visitors as diverse as multi-national manufacturing companies right through to start-ups just getting off the ground to the Hybrid stand at Sign & Digital UK and we anticipate the same again this year," concludes de la Roche. "Solutions such as the Mimaki CJV150 range offer unique opportunities for people to expand or simply create their business and the team at Hybrid along with our resellers will be on hand to advise and answer any questions people may have."

  Sign & Digital UK takes place from 28th to 30th March 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham. Full details of the entire range of Mimaki printers can be found by visiting www.hybridservices.co.uk

• ITC to highlight tooling expertise at Sign & Digital 2017
  14 Jan 2017

  

  At the industry showpiece Sign & Digital UK event from the 28th to 30th March, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) will be introducing a host of new products to the UK signmaking industry.

• Recruitment - SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER, London/South East England
  12 Jan 2017

  

  Zünd UK Ltd are currently looking for a Sales Account Manager to sell our hardware and software solutions to customers, both new and existing, in order to become their preferred supplier. The successful applicant will be focusing on customers based in London and South East England.

• Print, customise & profit with Roland DG’s new LEF-200 UV flatbed printer
  11 Jan 2017

  

  Roland DG has announced an exciting new addition to its product portfolio with the introduction of the new VersaUV LEF-200 flatbed printer.

• Print, customise & profit with Roland DG’s new LEF-200 UV flatbed printer
  11 Jan 2017

  

  Roland DG has announced an exciting new addition to its product portfolio with the introduction of the new VersaUV LEF-200 flatbed printer.

• Create slip certified graphics for carpets with Drytac’s Polar Carpet
  11 Jan 2017

  

  Drytac Europe, an international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the print, label and industrial markets, has announced the immediate availability of Polar Carpet film for indoor floor graphic applications.

• Zünd UK to demonstrate versatility of S3 at Packaging Innovations
  11 Jan 2017

  

  Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) will be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations in Birmingham on March 1st and 2nd 2017, with a Zünd S3 M1600 the main focus of its stand (G29).

  The Zünd S3 M1600 digital cutting system will show its versatility and robustness on a variety of carton and corrugated boards, demonstrating why packaging companies around the world have chosen the machine for innovative prototype design and short-run production.

  The Zünd S3 range includes a variety of sizes, tools, modules and material handling systems; the model on show at Packaging Innovations 2017 is one of the larger options and is popular with packaging specialists. Zünd plotting tables have a modular construction and, thanks to this, users can invest in a configuration that can both meet their immediate needs and allow them to be future-proofed ahead of changes to their business.

  A team from Zünd UK – based in St Albans – will be on hand at stand G29 throughout the event to demonstrate the Zünd S3 M1600 with carton and corrugated boards and to advise on the entire range of Zünd UK equipment, service and support options.

  The March 2017 edition of Packaging Innovations will take place at Birmingham's NEC and will incorporate Contract Pack and Ecopack. It follows a London outing for the show in September 2016, at which exhibitor Curtis Packaging purchased the display model demonstrated on the Zünd stand.

  "Both Packaging Innovations shows, in Birmingham and London, are a great way to explore the whole of the packaging industry, to meet new and existing customers and listen to their needs," says Peter Giddings, Sales Director, Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd.

  "We'll be demonstrating the Zünd S3 M1600 which is an excellent machine for packaging specialists who use corrugated and carton materials, but also many other businesses in a variety of fields working across dozens of applications. For packaging experts who wish to expand into other areas or simply to accelerate their existing processes, it offers an extremely reliable investment."

  For further information on Zünd digital cutting equipment or to book a meeting with Zünd UK at either Packaging Innovations events in 2017, please email sales@zund.co.uk or call 01727 833003.

  [Picture caption: A Zünd S3 digital cutter will be on display at Packaging Innovations 2017]

• InPrint 2016 demonstrated evolution of inkjet for Nazdar Ink Technologies
  11 Jan 2017

  

  Nazdar Ink Technologies says InPrint 2016 demonstrated the development of inkjet printing technology as visitors 'came with more answers than questions'.

• HP at Heimtextil 2017 - Q&A with Jon Sherman, Flavor Paper & Robin Sprong, RS Wallpapers
  10 Jan 2017

  

  What are you creating for Heimtextil?

• Signscript reaches new heights with Mimaki UJV55-320 investment
  10 Jan 2017

  

  Signscript has spent 15 years building its reputation as a go-to signage and grand format print company, with Mimaki printers at its heart.

• Monna Lisa printer makes history in Home Textile sector
  9 Jan 2017

  

  The Monna Lisa printer has made history in the Home Textile sector with more than three million square metres of pigment printed since 2005.

• Heimtextil showcase for best of Epson ‘Design for Living 2017’ textile designs
  9 Jan 2017

  

  Epson has chosen a textile design developed by Evgenia Guliev, a young student studying at Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in Germany, to showcase at the upcoming Heimtextil event.

• HP unveils brand new latex printed lounge at Heimtextil 2017
  8 Jan 2017

  

  Today at Heimtextil, the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, HP unveiled its first ever fully Latex-printed Lounge.

• Antalis returns to Newtech in 2017
  8 Jan 2017

  

  Antalis is delighted to be returning to Newtech in 2017.

• Mimaki reseller Hybrid Services set to return to Printwear & Promotion
  7 Jan 2017

  

  Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK & Irish distributor for Mimaki, is set to return to the Printwear and Promotion exhibition this year.

• HP launches new PVC-free Durable Suede Wall Paper
  6 Jan 2017

  

  HP introduces the new addition to its digital wallcovering portfolio: HP PVC-free Durable Suede Wall Paper.

• Growth in inkjet graphics sees Kingswood iOptus invest in EFI print equipment
  4 Jan 2017

  

  Kingswood iOptus has augmented its wide-format digital print offering with the purchase of an EFI VUTEk GS3250lx Pro LED superwide-format printer and an EFI H1625 LED wide-format printer.

• TwentySix01 takes delivery of UK's first Summa F2630 flatbed cutter
  14 Dec 2016

  

  Bristol-based large format digital print specialists TwentySix01 ltd has taken delivery of the first Summa F2630 flatbed cutter in the UK.

• Mimaki adds popular Kebab option to the new UJF MkII printer range
  13 Dec 2016

  

  Mimaki has announced that it is making its popular Kebab option available for the new UJF-3042MkII and UJF-6042MkII, its latest generation of UV flatbed printers.

  Using rotary rollers, the Kebab option enables printing directly onto a wide range of cylindrical objects and is also available for the UJF-7151plus printer. The UJF-3042MkII is compatible with the Kebab MkII model, while the MkII L model is suitable for use with the UJF-6042MkII and the UJF-7151plus printers.

  The innovative device enables high quality printing on cylindrical products with diameters from 10mm to 110mm, including wine and water bottles, seals, candles, cosmetics bottles and more, making it possible and affordable to produce on-demand original products in short or even individual runs.

  The Kebab option has historically enabled Mimaki customers to be highly creative, opening up new business and revenue streams in sectors such as the cosmetics industry, where regulatory requirements differ between countries. It also makes one-off, direct-print labelling affordable; be it for a personalised product or as a gift. Mimaki also highlights the wine bottle sector as a growth area with commemorative and celebratory personalised prints proving popular.

   

  Next-generation printing capabilities

  The new UJF-3042MkII and UJF-6042MkII printers feature print speeds that are 20% faster than its predecessors. These machines, like most printers from Mimaki, also have the ability to use different types of inks, thus supporting a very wide range of applications. In addition to the durable inks that adhere well to glass and other substrates taking advantage of the Kebab option, LUS-120 inks can also be used for printing on soft material surfaces such as membrane switches or wallet smartphone cases, since they can stretch up to 170% without cracking when pressed or folded. Moreover, the LH-100 rigid inks are perfect for accessories or stationery products that have to withstand high levels of abrasion. These inks, when used with Mimaki’s PR-200 inkjet primer, are also an excellent choice for printing on glass, metal and resins, which has traditionally been difficult for UV-curable inks. With Mimaki Clear Control (MCC), the clear varnish can be used to both highlight areas with spot or flood coating, as well as to deliver embossing with multiple passes.

  Exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services Ltd, the company’s National Sales Manager – Industrial Products, Stuart Cole anticipates a positive take up of the Kebab. “Our customers typically strive to push the boundaries with the Mimaki UJF range. The performance advances of the new MkII Series will be extended even further with the addition of the Kebab option, so we’ll see companies really benefiting from the technology.”

  To support increased productivity and profitability for sampling, retail and printing business, the new UJF-3042MkII and UJF-6042MkII printers have the ability to print on objects up to 153 mm thick at higher speeds. The new range has advanced mechanical functionality, featuring a print table that moves during printing to reduce printer vibration, deliver precise dot placement and enable high quality printing on a wide range of objects and materials.

  The printers are designed to deliver easy operation with automatic detection and cleaning of clogged nozzles, substituting good nozzles for printing during this process. This allows constant printing and reduces waste due to defective nozzles. Mimaki Circulation Technology (MCT) circulates white inks at regular intervals to prevent pigment sedimentation that can lead to nozzle malfunction. Especially important in retail environments; the fully enclosed print table improves safety while maintaining print quality by keeping dust and other contaminants out of the system.

  More details about Mimaki products, including its full range of printers and inks, can be found at www.hybridservices.co.uk or at www.mimakieurope.com.