EFI and Memjet® have established a new partnership, bringing ultra-fast, high-quality EFI™ Fiery® digital front ends (DFEs) to the growing portfolio of Memjet DuraLink™ digital inkjet production solutions. EFI’s development of Fiery DFE solutions for printers featuring DuraLink technology means Memjet OEM customers will have access to one of the world’s most successful and reliable print servers for production-class digital colour printing.
 
“We have installed a Fiery DFE to drive a 7-colour digital press in Memjet’s headquarters demo centre, and both our team and our partners are impressed with the way the Fiery DFE enables superior colour and image control. It also offers customers advanced job management and the ability to produce versioned and variable print runs at engine-rated speed,” said Eric Owen, General Manager of Commercial Press for Memjet. “Fiery technology, combined with DuraLink’s speed, image quality and reliability, bring tremendous added value to Memjet’s DuraLink partners.”
 
Top-of-the-line, integrated DFE technologies for digital print production
 
EFI is offering Fiery DFEs for digital printing presses that incorporate DuraLink printheads. The new solution being developed for DuraLink devices captures the advantages of EFI’s most advanced digital production software platform, Fiery FS350 Pro, to deliver the best capabilities in areas print customers care about most: colour and imaging, productivity, management tools and connectivity.
 
Users will be able to meet demanding customer requirements for brand colours and extended-gamut applications featuring extended ink sets. Plus, the Fiery DFEs for Memjet DuraLink presses will give users the power to make on-the-fly corrections and late-stage colour edits at the DFE for uninterrupted production.
 
The DFEs will also include EFI Fiery Colour Profiler Suite software, which provides some of the most advanced colour management tools available for profile creation, inspection, editing and colour quality assurance. Fiery Colour Profiler Suite also features G7® System Certification for fast, accurate re-calibration, correct tonality and grey balance, and higher saturated colours.
 
The Fiery XB hardware configuration for the new DFEs is a scalable architecture that keeps engines running at rated speeds to meet demanding production requirements. Fiery XB consumes all variable-data formats and languages, including PDF and PDF/VT and, for high-volume transactional print applications, it complies with native intelligent printer data stream (IPDS) workflows and is certified IS/3 compliant.
 
Users will also have the advantage of using the proven, leading EFI Fiery Command WorkStation® interface – print management software that provides continuity across all Fiery Driven™ digital equipment, including cut-sheet and continuous-feed devices and wide- and superwide-format display graphics printers. The new Fiery DFEs will also give DuraLink device users expanded workflow management efficiencies through automated, bi-directional communication and integration with EFI’s market-leading MIS/ERP and web-to-print products.
 
Fiery technology: more growth opportunities for Memjet customers
 
“We are pleased to be working with Memjet to give its DuraLink OEM partners a new competitive advantage with the Fiery DFEs’ proven strengths in driving high-value personalisation, boosting productivity and providing superior colour quality,” said John Henze, vice president, sales and marketing, EFI Fiery. “This partnership will bring our most-advanced technologies to an even broader base of print service providers, packaging companies and industrial manufacturers that see the tremendous opportunity for growth in high-end digital colour print.”
 
For more information about Memjet and its DuraLink modular digital inkjet systems, visit www.memjet.com. For more information about digital production printing using EFI Fiery DFEs, visit www.efi.com.

HP has introduced HP Stitch S1000, a super wide dye sub production printer designed for high productivity and simplified operation, unleashing new production possibilities for interior décor and soft signage.

The HP Stitch S1000 is a 3.2 metre (126-inch) dye sub printer that brings a new level of innovation to high production companies to meet deadlines more easily by enabling fast speeds, high uptime, and unattended shifts. Fully automatic maintenance ensures optimal image quality without user intervention, while saving time with easy
media loading and unloading by a single operator.

The new HP Stitch portfolio, including the 1.62 m (64 inch) HP Stitch S300 and S500 printers, removes complexity from dye sub printing.

“HP’s expansion into the textiles industry solidifies our commitment to making digital printing accessible to all. The new super wide HP Stitch S1000 removes major complexities from dye sub printing, with industry leading technology and high-quality prints at unrivalled speed,” says Jeremy Brew, Large Format Application Specialist at HP. “The S1000 truly unlocks the power of colour for production environments through smart technology.”

HP thermal inkjet for dye sublimation ink

The HP Stich portfolio introduces dye sublimation ink into HP’s Thermal Inkjet printing technology to meet rising demand for polyester-based textiles for sportswear, fast fashion, home décor and soft signage. HP Stitch S1000 is ideal for medium and large print service providers to boost production of textile applications in the soft signage market, including backlits, frontlits, and interior décor such as curtains, upholstery, and sofas.

The HP Stitch S1000 for high-volume production offers:

- High-productivity: Meet short deadlines and seasonal peaks of production with high productivity modes, reaching a maximum production speed up to 220 m2/h and backlit speed up to 130sqm/h.

- Image quality: Sharp prints even on high density jobs printing direct to fabric using HP Drop&Dry print zone Dryer. Reliable image quality thanks to the Smart Nozzle Compensation System. The optical media advance sensor, the OMAS Plus, controls media advance, for both transfer paper and fabric materials, even when printing at highest speeds.

- Superior quality printing: HP Stitch provides 1200 native dpi in thermal inkjet printheads resulting in high quality prints, including deep blacks and vivid colours.

- High capacity: High unattended printing capability with 10 litre-capacity supplies and up to 300 kg rolls.

- Colour consistency: Distribute jobs across fleets with best-in-class colour consistency from printer to printer thanks to HP Smart Colour tools.

- Maximise uptime with the first user replaceable print heads and HP Smart Services.

Pricing and availability.
The HP Stitch S Print Series Portfolio will be available in the second half of 2019.

Ahead of the next Dscoop Edge conference where PSPs, partners and brands converge, HP has announced HP Indigo digital printing inks are now certified for compostability in home and industrial. This is the latest in sustainability achievements allowing converters and brands to print smaller quantities, while helping to reduce inventory waste and improve their overall environmental impact.

TUV Austria awarded the “OK Compost Home” and “OK Compost Industrial” marks to HP, verifying HP Indigo ElectroInks can be used as printing inks1 for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation in accordance with leading standards, such as EU regulation EN 13432. 

According to Grandview Market research, the “green packaging” market is poised to reach $237.8 billion by 2024, registering 5.7% CAGR during the forecast period.

“Demand for sustainable packaging solutions is driving converters to digital printing, allowing converters and brands to help significantly lower the environmental impact of printing,” said Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager, HP Indigo. “HP Indigo printing eliminates the need for plates or cylinders and offers the freedom to print smaller quantities, while helping reduce waste during production and unused inventory.”

At Dscoop Edge in PortAventura, Spain, June 19-21 and at Labelexpo in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 24-27, HP Indigo will present its portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, certifications and samples. 

HP Indigo supports packaging printing with its portfolio of presses including the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, HP Indigo 8000 and HP Indigo 6900 for flexible packaging. In addition to TUV certification, HP’s growing set of sustainability achievements includes:
. HP Indigo joined CEFLEX (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging), as the first digital press provider for the flexible packaging market. CEFLEX is a European consortium of companies collaborating to advance the performance of flexible packaging in a circular economy, throughout the entire value chain. 

. Deinking tests conducted by Cadel Deinking of Spain verified that HP Indigo digitally printed flexible packaging, including coating, can be fully de-inked. The results on a range of substrates open new ways for brands and service providers to work towards higher sustainability, where de-inking is an essential stage in the recycling process.

. HP-certified Michelman primers for flexible packaging recently passed extensive testing for ecotoxicity, heavy metals and fluorine content and conforms to leading industry standards including EN 13432 (2000) and ASTM D6400 (2012) for use in compostable packaging.

Packaging customers around the world are moving to HP Indigo digital printing to drive new sustainable packaging businesses:

ePac Flexible Packaging, an all-digital provider with locations across the US, is producing hi-barrier recyclable Polyethylene (PE) pouches on its HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press with solventless lamination. "ePac is also engaged in the testing of compostable films, and we expect to soon go to market with this as an added option," says Jack Knott, ePac CEO.

ePac is expanding to Europe, scheduled to open its first site in the UK later this year. “Europe can benefit from higher sustainability, using digital printing for on-demand production of its volume of SKUs and using recyclable film in a more eco-friendly process compared with conventional printing,” said Johnny Hobeika, Managing Director of ePac Holdings Europe.

Foxpak of Ireland has reinvented its business around sustainability, recently opening a new manufacturing plant in Collon, Ireland, using the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press and HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press, to produce digitally printed compostable and recyclable packaging.

Tuboplast Hispania  of Spain (a division of CTL-TH Packaging), well known in Europe for its high-end tube packaging, has won the prestigious ETMA Award in 2019 for its sustainable approach for producing 100% IML Polypropylene (PP) tubes, allowing for 100% recyclability. Using their HP Indigo digital press, Tuboplast can develop innovative tube packaging solutions with the highest standards of quality and sustainability. 

Ultimate Digital, operating two HP Indigo 20000 Digital Presses in the UK, has partnered with Kids Ink to promote a more sustainable solution for school lunch bags. Children across the country can design and print their personalised lunch bags via a web-to-print platform. The recyclable bags are printed by Ultimate and lined with antimicrobial protection for reuse.

Vastex expanded its V-1000 economy line of manual, commercial-grade screen printing presses with a new eight-station, eight-colour V-1000-88 model, it was announced by Mark Vasilantone, president.

"The new V-1000-88 is the only eight-colour manual screen printing press in its class, and costs hundreds less than competitive eight-colour presses while offering greater rigidity and a three-year warranty," he says.

The rear-clamp press features rubber-coated steel pallets and a unique floating head design that allows all-heads-down printing.  With six-way head leveling and tool-free micro registration, it is said to deliver precise multi-colour registration previously limited to machines of significantly higher cost.

The five-leg frame with interconnecting service pan provides greater structural integrity and tip resistance than four-leg designs, permitting the addition of pallets and accessories too large or heavy for other presses in this price range, according to Mr. Vasilantone.

Because the design is modular, the frame can be ordered with any number of print heads and pallet arms, allowing smaller shops to minimise initial cost, and add stations and colours when needs increase. 

"The V-1000-88 is the first press of its kind for shops on a budget to reduce up-front investment without the risk of out-growing the equipment when high capacity, production flexibility or special effects are required," explains Mr. Vasilantone.

A fully expanded Model V-1000-88 press with eight stations and eight heads can be set up to boost output on a single job, or to print multiple jobs simultaneously.  It accepts over 50 Vastex pallets including oversized pallets to 50 x 60 cm for over-sized prints, and heavyweight vacuum pallets for transfers, signage and flat stock.

Strength of the frame and print heads enables the press to support screens up to 60 x 80 cm as well as the company's clamp-on DiGiT™ Athletic Numbering System that uses two screens with five numbers each for one-colour numbers, or four screens for two-colour numbers.

The company also manufacture high-capacity, V-2000HD industrial-grade presses, V-100 entry level presses, infrared conveyor dryers for both DTG printing and screen printing,  flash cure units, exposing units, screen drying cabinets, washout booths and complete equipment packages.

For information contact Vastex International, Inc., +1-610-625-2702, www.vastex.com

Xerox has unveiled a new entry-level cut-sheet production inkjet by press that it says will leapfrog the competition with new advantages of value, volume, and velocity — a combination that could help to open up inkjet to more in-plants.

Xerox announced the launch of its Baltoro HF Inkjet Press on June 26 in Rochester, N.Y., noting that it will succeed the Brenva as the company’s cut-sheet production inkjet platform. Baltoro will print on a range of uncoated plain, inkjet treated, and coated paper without priming or pretreating, increasing its productivity.

The press will print at speeds up to 18,000 images per hour. It boasts a 13.76x20.25˝ maximum image area and true 1,200x1,200-dpi resolution. Among its features for high productivity and quality are Xerox Automated Intelligence and Advanced Image Controls (AI) and inline spectrophotometry by X-Rite. It also is available with a dynamic perforator from Tecnau plus other inline finishing options.

Xerox says that Baltoro enables clients to print high-volume, transactional work and high-quality direct mail and catalogs on a single press with superior image quality and productivity. The Baltoro HF is Xerox’s first product built on this platform.

“We engineered the Baltoro HF by leveraging the best of our iGen and High Fusion inkjet technologies,” said Tracey Koziol, senior VP of Global Offerings at Xerox. “The result is a breakthrough platform that expands into the commercial print environment and supports high-quality production with economics similar to offset printing.”

“Designing and manufacturing the Baltoro HF from the frame to the engine gives us a greater ability to continuously advance the platform at a faster clip,” Kozol continued.

The Baltoro HF Inkjet press is the first Xerox press to use this type of technology. Xerox claims the Baltoro HF is the only press in the entry-level class to use automated intelligence to optimize and maintain color and image quality as well as self-correct in real time.

The automated intelligence of the press, together with its High Fusion ink and Xerox High Fusion W-Series Inkjet Heads, reportedly delivers true, high-definition 1,200x1,200-dpi image quality without the need to condition media with priming solutions or precoats. Xerox notes that eliminating the priming solution reduces press size, power consumption and total cost of ownership while increasing productivity.

The Baltoro HF also offers additional time-saving advantages. Its speed, paired with having the widest print area in its class, enables the press to increase client productivity by more than 115%. On the front end,Xerox FreeFlow Core automates the time-consuming prepress work, while Xerox FreeFlow Print Server allows clients to add new jobs while the press is running.

Avery Dennison label and packaging materials North America has expanded its portfolio of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified products, which now totals more than 500 products. Avery Dennison says this is the largest in the industry.

The number of FSC products will continue to increase as the company works to meet its aggressive sustainability sourcing goal: to source 100 percent certified claim paper products by the year 2025, 70 percent of which must be FSC-certified. To date, 84 percent of all paper facestocks offered by Avery Dennison in North America are certified, and of that, 78 percent are FSC-certified.

‘As an industry leader, Avery Dennison has worked hard to add to our FSC-certified portfolio, growing from 150 products in 2016 to more than 500 products today,’ said Tina Hart, vice president, marketing, Avery Dennison label and packaging materials. ‘No one has more FSC-certified products in the industry today than Avery Dennison. We offer more than four times the number of FSC-certified products than our competition and plan to source 100 percent certified paper five years before they do.’

FSC is the standard for sustainable forestry practices. To achieve FSC-certification, products must come from well-managed sources that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. Avery Dennison also partners with the Rainforest Alliance, which works directly with forest stakeholders to create sustainable management plans and improve market opportunities for these small landowners.

‘We work hand-in-hand every day to help converters and brand owners in markets such as food, wine and spirits, and dairy reach their sustainability goals,’ said Sarah Sanzo, product compliance and sustainability manager at Avery Dennison. ‘The demand from consumers for accountability has never been greater, so we must continue to lead the way in making our industry more sustainable.’

French RIP software specialist Caldera has announced a range of new technologies and product updates to be showcased at this year’s ITMA. The company will be exhibiting a new version of TextilePro, its production suite for textile printing, along with developments in the SportsFactory E2E web-to-workflow solution and Kit Builder custom clothing designer software, and will be demonstrating automation via Nexio. ITMA will take place in Barcelona, between 20 and 26 June, and Caldera will be in booth H3-B105.

With the release of Version 12.1, TextilePro now features a range of new additions that focus on improving processing speeds and providing a more intuitive user experience.New textile enhancements includes RotationBoost, which saves time on the rotation of huge raster files, making the Caldera rotation algorithm 30% faster than its competitors and Caldera Snapshots, for backing up the installation folder and restoring previously saved backups.

Exclusively for CalderaCare users, CalderaJobs can ensure exact color reproduction of old jobs by archiving and re-importing jobs, CxF/4 spot color libraries import allows to reproduce D65/10 degrees spot colors, and the latest version also incorporates InkPerformer V3, which can lead to ink savings of up to 30%. 

Caldera SportsFactory is a comprehensive solution which offers bespoke workflow building to enable users to create their ideal E2E digital workflow. After debuting at FESPA in 2018, the suite delivers capability in project assessment and scoping, inventory of deliverables, planning and budgeting. By working together with strategic partners, Caldera has implemented standardized digital printing set-ups tailored to provide color management, workflow and bi-directional business data between brands and in-house or external print contractors. This results in a comprehensive solution, from the E-commerce storefront to the print file creation and transfer, and color management functions. 

Kit Builder is a new fully-customizable clothing designer software that allows customers to design garments with a range of options specified by the provider – including colors, logos, text and embellishments. The result is faster design times, increased sales and fewer production mistakes.

Also on show at Caldera’s ITMA stand will be Nexio – a program that connects the Caldera RIP with third party programs to increase the number automated sequences in the workflow. Production times are reduced, along with errors and costs, while JDF job reports allow for production performance analysis which can fuel operational development and enhance profitability. 

According to Sébastien Hanssens, VP Marketing, Operations and IT, “Caldera already has an important number of key customers who specialize in textile printing, and the number continues to grow. We work with producers of sportswear, team uniforms, fashion and home décor, and we will continue to develop products and projects for this important sector of the market.” 

Caldera will also be highlighting the recently-launched CalderaCare at ITMA. This is a new customer service agreement that gives clients access to routine maintenance and technical support, along with software updates and enhancements. The scheme offers one, two or three-year contracts and is open to all users of Caldera RIP products. The aim of the subscription is to give users the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have someone to turn to when software issues arise. Commenting on its launch, Sébastien Hanssens said, “CalderaCare is one of our most important initiatives. Providing the best possible support to our users shows our commitment to the customer experience.”

Kornit Digital, a worldwide market leader in digital textile printing technology, announced Kornit Konnect, its new cloud-based, mobile workflow software platform that enables businesses to maximise productivity of their digital printing solutions. This is the first phase in Kornit’s implementation of its industry vision of textile design, decoration and production being fuelled by data-driven insights and performance metrics.

In its first phase, the Kornit Konnect enables businesses to monitor production, analyse insights and manage their fleet, in order to eliminate blind spots.  It includes a fleet management dashboard, data driven benchmarks, actual production costs, and cost structures per job, making it easy for businesses to learn more, react faster and perform better.

Future phases and releases of the Kornit Konnect will enable deeper insights and actions as it comes to optimising production management and enabling a seamless software workflow environment for businesses of all sizes.

“While businesses need to deliver high-quality faster than ever to maintain customer loyalty, they are also challenged to maximise their efficiency and productivity,” said Omer Kulka, VP Marketing at Kornit Digital. “Konnect empowers these businesses to make better-informed production decisions and act on them, with greater visibility and control over their operations. We have a revolutionary vision for this cloud-based platform and have plans to frequently add new modules and features that customers can leverage for long-term business success.

www.kornit.com

Once a year usually around November, signwriters from all over New Zealand are joined by Australians, and one or two Americans and the odd European, to participate in the annual brushfest known as ‘Letterheads’.

At these events artisans and craftspeople from the various disciplines of signmaking congregate to share their wealth of knowledge with anyone who is prepared to watch, listen, learn or experiment. It is in this way that an appreciation for the traditional craft of signmaking is passed on from the elder statesmen to the present practitioners to ensure that these arts and crafts are not lost to the digital age, and to this end all people with an artistic mind, an artistic hope or an artistic skill are welcome to register and attend.

Letterheads this year sees another first – Our first time in Taupo located on the shore of the caldera of the now extinct Taupo Volcano, and arguably the adventure capital of North Island New Zealand, known for its trout fishing, hot springs, winter ski fields, geothermal valleys and the famous Huka Falls near the head of the mighty Waikato River.

Our host, Bevan Weal, is a traditionally trained sign craftsman and well known in the Taupo district not only for his work but also his involvement with motocross and community involvement in general having even participated in a charity boxing match (which he won!)

Bevan had hoped to be hosting us in his new premises but the delays in building consents and approvals mean that we’ll be meeting in his Ashwood Avenue premises and while Bevan’s workshop is quite large, he will only be accepting 70 registrations for this year’s event, wanting to concentrate on a quality experience for all participants.

So if you are planning to attend please don’t leave it until the last minute as you’ll end up being disappointed.

Register here. 

 SAi, the leading provider of software solutions for the signmaking, digital printing and CNC machining industries, has announced that it has established a new business entity in Australia. SA International Pty Ltd, based in Sydney, New South Wales, will support the company’s growing network of resellers and customers across both Australia and New Zealand.

Currently already supporting around 30 resellers that serve an increasing number of customers across Australasia, the facility will strengthen SAi’s ability to meet its expanding operations, while demonstrating its commitment to customers’ growth and success.
 
The introduction of a local team will also further facilitate training opportunities with product specialists for both new and existing customers, as well as resellers, ensuring that Flexi and EnRoute users make the most of their software.
 
“Australia is a growing market for our software solutions, particularly in the woodworking and kitchen cabinet segments,” explains Sarit Tichon, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, SAi. “Strategically, it makes sense for us to open a new business division here.”
 
The resident Director of SA International Pty Ltd will be Gregory Will from Penguin Management, an Australian-based company which specializes in the management of local business operations for overseas companies.
 
“I am delighted to be working with a company that provides its customers with such revolutionary solutions and expert advice,” comments Will. “I look forward to helping SAi establish its Australian division and anticipate a very exciting time ahead as SA International Pty Ltd goes from strength-to-strength.”
 
SAi is headquartered in the United States and has other offices in Belgium, Brazil, China and Japan.

Xante' has announced the EnVite Multi-Media Digital Press, its newest innovative digital press designed for the demanding stationery and specialty printing markets. Stationery stores serve customers who have very high standards and so does Xante', said Robert Ross, President and CEO. The EnVite delivers extremely high-quality, fast and fully automated prints on specialty media and does so at a very affordable price.”

The EnVite produces stunning 4800 dpi colour quality on an extensive range of media types and sizes. Well-suited to fast production of invitations, envelopes, stationery, business cards and greeting cards, EnVite boasts speeds of up to 3,500 full-colour, fully-addressed A7-size envelopes per hour and media sizes from 3.5x3.5 up to 13x49. The digital press includes the Enterprise SP, a radical new design high-speed feed system that fits comfortably in the limited floor space of stationery stores. With the EnVite, stationery stores will be able to print on a wide range of media including vellum, linen, sueded, pearlised, and foil-lined envelopes. EnVite print markets include small poster printing, menus, postcards and so much more.

Powered by Xante's iQueue workflow software, the EnVite provides stationery stores with rich personalisation and customisation tools to satisfy any requirement.

We designed a product that greatly expands the capability of the typical stationery shop, said Mark Priede, Xante's Vice-President of Global Sales and Marketing. The extensive variable data printing tools included at no extra charge in iQueue make each print job unique and personalised. Customers can bring their own designs or use any of iQueue's more that 1,000 free design templates and specialty fonts. EnVite and our iQueue workflow software make outstanding personalised print jobs incredibly easy.”

The Xante' EnVite Multi-Media Digital Press is available immediately direct from Xante' or its reseller partners around the globe.

X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC, global leaders in color science and technology, announce the new i1Pro 3 Plus, a spectral colour measurement solution specifically designed for imaging, print, and textile professionals who need advanced calibration and color profiling capabilities to support today’s wide-format and industrial printing applications. The i1Pro 3 Plus has been optimised for digital printing on a range of materials and surfaces, including ceramics, textiles, glass, metal, wood, vinyl, plastics, thin films, cardboard, paper, and more. Commercial, wide-format, grand-format, packaging, and industrial printers can now create ICC profiles for almost any substrate and calibrate print production devices for the highest level of colour accuracy.  

As more industries turn to digital printing, customers are putting greater emphasis on achieving accurate and repeatable colour. To do this, production print equipment needs to be linearized and profiled for each substrate in order to monitor colour output. Current profiling solutions are limited in their ability to measure textured, rough, or uneven surfaces and cannot accommodate various material thicknesses. Many devices do not have the resolution required to ensure the highest colour quality when printing detailed patterns, metallic effects, or photography images. This leads to costly colour errors and rework which impacts a printer’s bottom line.  

“The i1Pro 3 Plus builds on the success of the i1 Family and removes the variability to create accurate ICC profiles on the widest range of materials,” said Ray Cheydleur, Printing and Imaging Product Portfolio Manager, X-Rite. “Wide- and grand-format users and industrial material printers will see immediate value by incorporating the affordable i1Pro 3 Plus into their prepress and production workflows, resulting in more accurate and repeatable color, a reduction of waste, and an increased return on investment.”

A long-term X-Rite partner, EFI (Electronics For Imaging), also sees the great potential of this latest i1 Family member. “We are delighted to support X-Rite’s newly announced i1Pro 3 Plus measurement device within our latest Fiery technologies at ITMA 2019. Due to the nature of digital textile production, this large-aperture device is an excellent fit with our latest single pass EFI BOLT high-speed textile printer. For both colour management and quality control, this device will allow our customers to produce accurate colour much more easily,” said John Henze, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, EFI Fiery.

New in the i1Pro 3 Plus:

- Larger aperture of 8mm to support new materials and substrates used in digital printing applications.

- New polarisation (measurement condition M3) filter that reduces specular highlights and shadows on fabrics and ceramics. It provides “better blacks” and richer colours on rough surfaces and glossy medias, like canvas prints and fine art photo papers.

- Simultaneously measure M0, M1 and M2 in a single pass to account for optical brighteners so prepress and print operators can quickly predict how colours printed on optically brightened substrates will look under different lighting conditions. 

- Longer ruler for measuring the wider charts used in grand-format printing. The ruler includes an ISO-compliant white backer and removable magnetic strips on the top and sides for holding samples in place while measuring.  

- New LED illuminant that improves device reliability. The i1Pr o3 Plus allows for four measurement conditions (ISO 13655 M0; M1: D50; M2: UV Excluded, M3 Polarised). 

- Now supports transmission scanning for backlit film and materials used in signage.

- Measures high brightness, up to 5K NITs for ultra-bright displays. 

“We are used to seeing bumpy shadow measurements from unpolarised devices on glossy textured medias like canvas. With the new polarisation feature in the i1Pro 3 Plus, our M3 measurements are dramatically smoother in the shadows - perfect in fact,” commented Scott Martin, Founder, Onsight, a leading workflow consultant for print, prepress, design and photography.  

New X-Rite iO Table

In addition, X-Rite announces a new i1iO Automated Scanning Table that supports the i1Pro 3 Plus. This hands-free test chart reader offers automated color profiling on a variety of substrates with reduced risk of colour measurement errors. It is ideal for photographers, designers, and printers who want to speed up and automate the measurement process and eliminate manual strip reading. 

The new i1iO table can be used with a variety of industrial materials including textiles, ceramics, corrugated, etc. and supports materials up to 33mm thick, with the optional z-axis spacer. It also supports transparencies and backlit materials.

Avery Dennison today introduced the new Avery Dennison MPI 3300 Easy Apply™ Series for a variety of short-term indoor and outdoor applications that require fast and consistent application of the graphic to the substrate.

A premium grade monomeric calendered film with clear permanent and grey (opaque) removable adhesives, the MPI 3300 Easy Apply™ Series is a line extension to the company’s popular MPI 3300 StaFlat™ Series of promotional films. With this new introduction, the widened MPI 3300 portfolio is best suited for promotional and point-of-sale advertising, short-term signage, exhibition graphics as well as real estate signage.

“What makes this series stand out is the significant increase in productivity during the installation of graphics provided by Avery Dennison’s Easy Apply™ technology,” said Jordan Leach, senior business manager for Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions in Australia and New Zealand. “Busy graphics professionals will welcome its excellent installation performance.”

The film has a durability of up to three years and the combined MPI 3300 portfolio is available in clear and opaque grey, permanent and removable adhesives in roll sizes of 1.37m x 50m and 1.52m x 50m. Available in gloss white MPI 3300 Permanent Easy Apply™ and MPI 3302 Grey Removable Easy Apply™, wrap installers can expect the same high quality print performance with extra application versatility.

As with all Avery Dennison graphic films, the MPI 3300 Series has undergone extensive and comprehensive testing and is backed by the company’s long-established Integrated Component System (ICS) Warranty Program.

For more information on the MPI 3300 Easy Apply™ Series, please click here.

Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, today announced new EOFY special offers for the award-winning TrueVIS VG Series Printer Cutters and the LEF Series Benchtop UV Printers.

Get unbeatable colour, image quality, and non-stop productivity for less with these incredible deals on the award-winning TrueVIS VG Series printer cutters. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer that includes printer, take up unit, and a set of ink.

Save up to $4,000** on an LEF Series Benchtop UV Printer

Take advantage of the countless product customisation possibilities of the LEF Series, including direct printing onto electronics, giftware, leather items, décor, promotional goods and so much more. These specials include printer and BOFA extraction unit.

Click below for more details. 

Roland DG EOFY

Alfex Laser has announced their EOFY 2019 specials. And when you see the deals you'll realise there's never been a better time to invest in state-of-the-art laser engraving technology. 





Simply click on the link below to take advantage of incredible savings on the leading range of Laser engravers in the market. Why not chat with the team at Alfex Laser to learn about the amazing opportunities that exist with laser engraving technology. 

Alfex Laser EOFY 2019

Visitors to the 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe, the world’s biggest label and package printing industry trade show, will be able to deepen their technical knowledge of flexible packaging and self-adhesive labels with the introduction of dedicated expert-led master classes and a workshop. These bring the number of in-depth technical learning programs to four – the show’s most extensive educational schedule to date.

Led by the Label Academy, the industry’s global training one-stop shop, the new master class and workshop will run simultaneously as half-day sessions on Thursday September 26, from 9am. The new Flexible Packaging master class will be hosted by Label Academy founder Mike Fairley alongside other leading experts and aims to equip label converters looking to enter or expand their production into flexible packaging with the essential technical knowledge required. This includes substrates, design and origination, printing and converting. Participants will learn how ink components interact with drying and curing technologies, and with packaging line demands. Current legislation, including ink migration, will also be addressed. 

The new Self-Adhesive Label Materials workshop will be hosted by Labels & Labeling and Labelexpo’s strategic director Andy Thomas-Emans, alongside other experts in the field of self-adhesive label substrates. Participants will learn how self-adhesive laminates are made; the importance of materials and the need for different adhesives; why different laminate constructions are needed, their usage and how to identify them; and use of different self-adhesive test methods. The workshop also provides an insight into the correct methods for handling and storage of unprinted and printed laminates, and management of material waste. 

Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: ‘We are delighted to offer our most extensive educational schedule yet, with the addition of two new expert-led programs at Labelexpo Europe’s 40th anniversary edition. The show is known for being the place where visitors can top up their in-depth knowledge of the latest technical developments driving progress and see it in action on site. 

‘Flexible packaging has an annual global rate of around five percent – one of the highest across all printing sectors. The dedicated master class will give label converters a valuable insight into its potential, and they can build on this knowledge by watching live digital and flexo press line demonstrations in the Flexible Packaging Arena. Self-adhesive labels continue to be Europe’s dominant label technology, so it’s vital that those involved in label production keep their knowledge fresh and relevant by taking advantage of this specialist workshop.’ 

A host of high-profile specialists are lined up to present at the learning programs. They include Alex Knott, senior technical service and development scientist at Dow Chemical Company and winner of the 2018 Label Industry Global Award for individual achievement, who will present on release liner substrates, and Christopher Ellison, Finat president and managing director of OPM (Labels and Packaging) Group, who will be among the presenters at the Flexible Packaging master class. 

Back by popular demand are two more master classes taking place at Labelexpo Europe 2019: Digital Label and Package Printing, and Inks, Coatings & Varnishes. Both will run on September 27. The digital printing master class will be hosted by Mike Fairley and leading experts from the fields of materials, pre-press printing and finishing technology. The inks and coatings master class is led by Andy Thomas-Emans and offers participants the opportunity to learn how inks, top and barrier coatings, primers and varnishes are being adapted and applied to modern narrow-web converting operations. 

Places on the master classes cost €695 (including the relevant Label Academy text book), while workshop places are €595. In either case, bookings include refreshments and lunch. Places are limited, so early booking is encouraged. 

Mactac announces the launch of three new innovative and unique protective overlaminates for product packaging applications.

Designed to give product-packaging labels added protection as well as dramatic appearances and superior shelf appeal, the new overlaminates are ideal for packaging applications in markets such as health and beauty, household goods and food packaging.

Featuring highly creative brand-enhancing finishes, the new products include:

LTC01275 – a 0.7-mil matte clear soft touch overlaminate that adds a soft feeling and luxurious impression to packaging labels. Features a high clarity acrylic adhesive, a 50# white glassine liner and high scratch resistance to protect and maintain the clean look of the label.

LTCREVI901A – a 0.75-mil multilayered holographic overlaminate that changes colour depending on the viewing angle. Features a clear polyester film that gives a metallic tone without metal, an acrylic adhesive and a 50# white glassine liner.

LTCFR1125-25 – a 1.0-mil clear matte top-coated overlaminate that offers labels a subtle flat and soft finished appearance. Features a clear polyester film with an acrylic adhesive and a 50# white glassine liner.

“As the need to influence consumer purchasing decisions has increased, so has the importance of eye-catching packaging,” said Kim Hensley, marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “Packaging labels are not just a source of information, they reflect a brand’s image and enhance consumer perception of a product’s quality. The unique soft touch, color change and matte finish characteristics of these overlaminates creates a rich appeal and differentiates a product from the rest, drawing and attracting customers.”

Mactac overlaminates serve two important functions – added protection and visual appeal. The new overlaminates were formulated to ensure a brand’s graphics remain in tact for the lifetime of the product-packaging label and elevate a label’s finished appearance and aesthetic qualities to enhance brand image and create outstanding shelf appeal.

The overlaminates were originally developed by Mactac’s parent company, LINTEC Corporation, which provides a wide range of pressure-sensitive papers and films to produce labels and seals for a variety of applications, such as food labelling, consumer electronics and automotive identification. They are known for their superior ability to provide resistance against chemicals, water and abrasion to help avoid loss of label legibility.

Glass fabrication specialist OSG will showcase its innovative new ScreeneX glass-embedded digital display solutions at this year’s UITP.

Developed by OSG’s expert in-house R&D team, ScreeneX’s cutting-edge technology makes the most of valuable, but unutilised, real estate in transport and retail – namely glass windows, doors and partitions.

The ultra-slim digital displays are embedded into standard glass units transforming these areas into information and signage solutions for communicating with passengers. The surface of each side of the screen is as smooth and clear as conventional glass, so it does not impact aesthetics or safety.

Among the innovations on display will be the TRN 21-21T dual-sided partition which combines a digital display on one side and a touchscreen interface on the other. Seamless integration with existing passenger information systems ensures operators and manufacturers can plug-and-play with ease.

The dual-sided partition has already been soundly tested in a successful pilot with Bombardier and Deutche Bahn in Germany, Kinkisharyo in USA and is set to change the standard in the on-board passenger information world.

Other products on show include the TRN 38-LED. This dual-sided product was created especially for vehicle side windows. The external side features a new slim LED sign, while the internal one has a widescreen LCD for displaying passenger information.

ScreeneX technology can even be used for divided frame windows on buses and trains. A non-opening unit is fitted to the upper part of the window, which gives all the benefits of digital signage without the need to replace the entire window should an issue arise.

As well as public transportation vehicles themselves, ScreeneX’s high performance displays are also the perfect fit for rail and bus terminals, stations and platforms. Every display is built to the highest quality standards, as well as being highly resilient to vibration, changes in temperature and humidity, and vandalism, to make them the reliable choice for these challenging environments.

www.screenex-tech.com

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced the opening of its annual Wrap Like A King Challenge. This year’s vehicle wrap competition will run June 3 through Aug. 30, 2019, and it will again include Regional Wrap Kings, Continental Wrap Kings and the crowning of the prestigious “King of the Wrap World.”

Wrap installers from 53 countries across the world are invited to submit commercial, full print or color change wrap projects to be judged for the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. The prize packages for 2019 are worth a combined total of over $30,000, available to Regional Wrap Kings, Continent Wrap Kings and the “King of the Wrap World.” In 2018, more than 200 installers entered the challenge.

“We’ve been expanding the Wrap Like A King Challenge to new regions across the globe over the past two years, with the newest addition of South Africa for this year’s competition. We’re also introducing the ‘People’s Choice Award’ which allows the public to vote for their favorite project. This new award will provide additional and well-deserved recognition for our valued customers,” said Bill Podojil, vice president, Graphics Solutions North America. “We’re astonished at the level of creativity and talent with each passing year, and we anticipate the submissions for the 2019 challenge to surpass our expectations.”

Participating nations make up 13 geographic regions across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and South Africa. Wrap installers in these regions will submit projects featuring Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping™ Film, the Conform Chrome series, the ColorFlow™ Series, MPI 1105 Supercast Digital film or a combination of car wrap films to be evaluated against their regional peers by a panel of judges.

The 13 Regional Wrap Kings will win nearly $2,000 worth of personalized marketing materials, Avery Dennison product, SEMA passes and more. They will then go on to battle for royalty on their continents: North America, Europe, North Asia and Australia/New Zealand. The overall winner will be chosen by the judges as the best in show and crowned the “King of the Wrap World” at the 2019 SEMA Show, Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Industry experts from around the globe will use their wealth of experience to narrow down the field, picking the most beautiful, technically challenging or otherwise most impressive wraps to move on in each round of the Challenge.

The 2019 Judges Panel:

- Justin Pate – The Wrap Institute, Global
Pate is an Avery Dennison-certified installer/instructor in the United States with over 20 years of experience. He leads the Avery Dennison North America hands-on car wrap workshop and certification program and is co-owner of The Wrap Institute.

- Myles Kovacs – DUB® Magazine, USA
Kovacs is the president and co-founder of DUB® Magazine, a U.S.-based magazine that focuses on the urban custom car culture and celebrities and their vehicles. He has been in the auto industry for 25 years.

- Yianni Charalambous – Yiannimize, UK
Charalambous is the owner of Yiannimize, a wrap shop in London catering to celebrities and high-end clientele. He has an incredible social following, with more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers.

- Eddy Speelman – Speelman Graphic Applications, Europe
Speelman is the owner of Speelman Graphic Applications and has been an Avery Dennison trainer for 15 years. He has been part of the wrapping industry for decades, and he specializes in color change applications, paint protection and window tinting.

- Molly Waters – Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, North America
Waters is a senior technical specialist in North America with over 19 years of industry experience. She often travels all over the country visiting sign and wrap shops and talking with customers about the car wrap industry. She also frequently contributes to the Avery Dennison blog.

- Peter Wright – Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, Australia/New Zealand
Wright is a technical marketing manager and works with the ’industry’s leading installers, teaching vehicle wrapping workshops and promoting the industry. With strong expertise in leading vehicle wrapping workshops, he has trained more than 2,000 people from Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN countries.

- Sarel Krüger – Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, South Africa
Krüger joined the Avery team in 2011 after working in the signage industry for nearly 10 years. His experience ranges from equipment and software, to the manufacturing of signage and graphics, vehicle wrapping and, ultimately, the supplying of material.

- Frank Marquart – Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, Europe
Marquart is a technical marketing manager, digital print media, in Europe and actively participates in product development and relationship management with printer OEMs.

The four continent winners will receive a four-night stay in Las Vegas for the 2019 SEMA Show, where the “King of the Wrap World” will be announced. The $3,200 prize pack for continent winners also includes personalised Wrap Like A King swag, $500 in gift vouchers, a Race Ramp product and a variety of promotional and marketing tools for the winner’s wrap shop. The “King of the Wrap World” grand prize package is worth almost $5,000, with additional gift vouchers and exposure via the Avery Dennison website and web advertisements.

www.wraplikeaking.com