Sign and Digital UK 2016 is shaping up to be as popular as ever, with over 7,000 visitors expected through the doors to discover some of the industry’s latest technology.
This year’s event will cover more than 11,000 sqm and represents a 3rd year of continuous growth. Wide format print and finishing will be strongly represented from more than 200 leading suppliers across the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industries.
Visitors can look forward to two new show features this year. A schedule of live product demonstrations and a meeting booking facility will be available online during the run up to the show, allowing visitors to create a tailored show experience and see the products most relevant to them.
Also returning this year will be the ever-popular exhibition trails, which guide visitors to the most relevant products and services. Full details of the seminars and exhibitors on the Materials World, Textile and the Retail Route trails can be found at www.signanddigitaluk.com/visitor-trails
Exhibitor highlights and product launches
Having its first showing in the UK from Agfa Graphics will be the new Jeti Mira, a 6-colour and white UV-inkjet true flatbed printing system with optional varnish or primer. Available in two table models, it is ideal for applications ranging from posters, signage, exhibit graphics and POP displays through to niche applications such as personalised objects.
AXZYRA will be launching its new range of innovative flatbeds at Sign & Digital 2016. The Apache range of multi-purpose flatbed printers has the flexibility to print not only flat vibrant colour graphics, but textures, small objects and even components, using its unique UV cure resin ink technology, varnishes and primers.
Canon will be exhibiting the NEW Océ Arizona 1280 GT UV flatbed printer. The true flatbed architecture of the new series has been designed to deliver the most flexible platform in wide format printing, providing superior image quality, ease of use and a wide range of application opportunities.
Colourgen will be presenting a brand new range of Mutoh large format sign and display printers, as well as a new garment printer. The Mutoh ValueJet 1638X (64”) and ValueJet 1624X (64”) printers incorporate high performance micro piezo head technology. The Mutoh VJ- 405GT, Mutoh’s first ever direct-to-garment printer has been specifically developed for direct printing on t-shirts, caps, canvas bags, shoes and more.
There will be live demonstrations of Epson’s three new professional 64-inch SureColor SC-S large-format printers: the 10-colour SC-S80600, the high speed CMYK x 2 SC-S60600 and the 4-colour SC-S40600.
Hybrid Services will début new Mimaki printers at the show, including an LED UV printer making its first outing in the sign and graphics industry. The Mimaki UJF-7151plus is a mid-format flatbed printer that features exceptionally detailed output coupled with low running costs. The MTEX Blue all-in-one dye sublimation printer will also be on display.
Impression Technology Europe will be launching the GoTx wide format textile-printing machine at the show. Being able to print onto a variety of static and stretch fabrics gives this machine the edge over the competition. This will be the machine’s first appearance at a European exhibition.
Visitors will be able to see the UK début from of InkTec/Jetrix of their first LED UV printer, the JETRIX LX5.Recognising the desire in the market for more environmentally friendly and energy efficient printers, the JETRIX LX5 offers 35% lower energy consumption compared with a mercury lamp printer.
Roland DG’s TrueVIS VG-640 will be on display for the first time in the UK. Boasting new printheads, integrated cutter with increased downforce and accuracy, fast drying TrueVIS inks, VersaWorks Dual RIP Software and Roland DG Mobile Panel – the future of print and cut has arrived.
Sign & Digital UK seminar programme
In addition, the event will be complemented by a programme of free to attend seminar sessions, providing insight for visitors into the latest industry trends and growth opportunities. There are five education theatres featuring around 35 daily seminars.
The Business Theatre will focus on how to grow your business and identify new revenue streams. A new feature for this year’s lineup will be a series of case studies covering interior wall décor, as well as wayfinding and directional signage. Highlights include presentations from Hollywood Monster, Vinyl Impression, Signbox, Trade Signs, Identity Signage & Printing, CCD Design & Ergonomics and FRA. These award-winning companies will talk through specific projects they have undertaken, giving visitors a chance to learn best practice from hands-on experience.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from resident expert Terry Steeley in the Adobe Theatre. There will be daily sessions on the latest software editions including Adobe Bridge CC, Totally Colour Managed, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe InDesign CC and Adobe Illustrator.
Daily workshops in the Corel Theatre are designed for the signmaking and garment personalisation markets, and will give updates and advice on the latest features. Don’t miss ‘CorelDRAW Graphics Suite – An overview of new features’, which will include brand new tips, techniques and tools.
CADlink will present a series of seminars in the SignLab Theatre, focusing on best practice print and cut, sign/display design and production workflows. ‘Introduction to SignLab’ will give visitors a chance to experience the advantages a true sign making software solution can have on daily design and production workflows.
The Signmakers’ Workshop, presented by expert signmaker Paul Hughes, will offer visitors of all levels of experience the opportunity to learn how to get to grips with some of the most in-demand skills and techniques. As well as an introduction to vehicle graphics, covering basic lettering through to full vehicle wrapping, there will be a Q&A session.
