New collaboration with Avery Dennison and The Future Laboratory explores the implications of today’s trends on the future of label and packaging design

Oegstgeest, Netherlands -- May 8, 2019 — Avery Dennison announces a new original content series , authored by future forecasters, The Future Laboratory. The monthly online column, based on proprietary research, provides insights on global drivers, macro and micro trends and their impact on consumers, brands, and the label and packaging industry.

In the first release, available today, the renowned forecaster considers blockchain as a way to make labelling data more robust, information transparency more accessible, and ultimately empower consumers about their purchasing decisions.

“Product labels have many functions – to be eye-catching and attract attention on the shelf is one, but perhaps the most important function is to inform consumers. And yet in recent years, the data on labels has left many wanting. Almost half (48%) of consumers feel that they do not know enough about a product despite reading the label (source: Label Insight) ,” said researchers at The Future Laboratory.

In the new release , The Future Laboratory shows how blockchain, as a distributed digital ledger, can offer transparency beyond the label. “...Unlike any other digital database, a blockchain entry cannot be changed once it is logged, giving it a high-trust value,” they said. Blockchain-enabled products offer designers a chance to create engaging, immersive packaging that encourages customers to delve beyond the label and into a brand new world of transparency.

“When combined with emerging technologies, a product’s labelling can empower consumers about their purchase decisions, offering new levels of transparency,” said Amy White, vice president, communications and brand, Avery Dennison. “As material science and technology pioneers being up to date on these insights is essential .”

“As futurenauts, forecasters, and analysts of tomorrow, we seek out those places, portals, people, and processes that allow us a glimpse at what could be when designers, scientists, packing creatives, and material specialists mix and merge talent with insight, the obvious, with the counterintuitive. The team behind M_use, one of those platforms that we visit regularly, and Avery Dennison, sit within this category and culture,” said Martin Raymond and Christopher Sanderson, co-founders, The Future Laboratory.

New SureColor SC-S signage printers, alongside a range of innovative applications, were all on show at the Epson FESPA stand 

Epson announced the launch of two new SureColor SC-S signage printers, the SC-S60600L and the SC-S80600L. These 64-inch printers are an extension of the award-winning SureColor SC-S Series printer range that offer high productivity customers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The SC-S Series printers continue to offer customers diverse applications with access to the Epson Edge Dashboard with over 250 EMX profile downloads for a wide range of media manufacturers and media types.

“At the heart of these new industrial printers is the introduction of high capacity 1.5 litre ink pouches,” says Chris Davies, product manager – production LFP. “This means a longer running period, resulting in less user intervention and reduced downtime. The pouches are complemented by Epson’s established UltraChrome G3 eco-solvent inks which have key environmental certifications, including GreenGuard Gold and AgBB.  As with all signage printers in the SureColor SC-S range, they are low maintenance, highly reliable and easy to set up.”

The SC-S60600L and SC-S80600L feature Epson PrecisionCore TFP printheads and will be supplied with Epson Edge RIP software and the LFP Accounting Tool (which will provide accurate job costing data).

Epson Edge Print software is powerful and feature-rich, easy-to-use and provides a simplified print-ready solution to get businesses up and running quickly. In addition, Epson is continuing to expand the range of available EMX files to optimise print quality on the most common, and speciality, media.

Both SureColor SC-S L version models can print on a wide range of media, from clear film and photographic paper to wallpaper, canvas and vinyl, so are suited to large scale signage and displays, point of purchase applications and billboards, back/front-lit signage and car wrapping.

“We envisage a strong take up from print service providers and sign makers who cover a wide range of business sectors and applications, providing customers with signage, point of sale, textiles, interior design and fine art products,” says Chris Davies.

“Users will be impressed by the print speeds, precision and performance of these new models and the compelling business case for adding this technology to their current portfolios. Their customers are going to be impressed by the quality and speed of turnaround.”

Other printers on the stand include the SureColor SC-S60600, SureColor SC-P20000, SureColor SC-F9300, SureColor SC-F6200 and SureColor SC-F2100. 

Machine tool builder Haas Automation will host an open house at HFO Australia’s Brisbane facility. Scheduled for May 29 and May 30, Haas Annual Demo Day will include machine demonstrations, factory tours and more.
 
Visitors will have the opportunity to see the company’s latest technology up close and in great detail. Live cutting demonstrations will be featured on a variety of machines. Meet Haas Service Support staff and inspect the Brisbane facility. Finally, it wouldn't be Demo Day without a Free Lunch... Register today by clicking the link below now! 
 
Attendees will enter to win the Haas Motorsports Race Weekend Draw Giveaway! The winner will receive tickets for 2 people to any Haas Motorsports race in 2020. Prize package includes 2 grandstand tickets, airfare, lodging and ground transportation to and from the race.
 
Wednesday 29 May 10am to 7pm
Thursday 30th May 9:30am to 5pm
 
Alfex CNC Australia 
13/49 Bellwood Street
Darra, QLD 4076

Free registration is available here

Neopost has some very special offers to help you take advantage of the instant asset write off between now and June 30. 

You're invited to the annual PFD Annual Conference. Held at the Gold Coast from the 5th - 7th of June 2019, the PFD Conference will be showing a range of new products for the window film, signage and graphics industry. 

SCREEN Graphic Solutions has finalised development of a new blue ink intended for use in its high-end Truepress Jet L350UV+ digital label printing system. The ink will be released worldwide in June.

In recent years, the growing awareness of corporate and product brand image has led to a continuous increase in demand for higher quality product labelling and packaging. At the same time, there has been a growing need for the ability to use the blue colours often required for corporate designs and product packaging with digital label presses to provide greater flexibility and impact.

In response to these trends, SCREEN GA has developed ‘Truepress ink for L350UV Blue’. This new blue ink is designed for use with the company’s Truepress Jet L350UV+ system, a high-end UV inkjet label printing model that also offers features including industry-leading print speeds of up to 60 metres per minute, wide media compatibility and outstanding operability. SCREEN GA’s exclusive expertise has enabled it to successfully extend the blue colour gamut to its maximum potential.

The system’s ability to handle blue ink in addition to conventional CMYK and white inks allows it to faithfully reproduce blue colours in corporate designs that were previously difficult using process colours alone. It is also able to precisely output a wide range of blue tones frequently used on the packaging of items such as cosmetics, toiletries and body care products. These expressive capabilities help to improve brand image and create products that truly stand out from competitor items in the marketplace.

Screen Europe will be showing the Truepress Jet L350UV+ with the new blue ink at the inaugural LabelFest Open House event at its Amstelveen showroom in the Netherlands on 15th & 16th May 2019. Partners joining Screen at the event include CERM, Hybrid Software, Avery Dennison, Rotocon Europe, SEI Laser, CGS and Kurz. Carlo Sammarco, Screen Sales Director Packaging Solutions EMEA, said; “Visitors to LabelFest will be able to see a fully integrated digital label production system in operation and will have the opportunity to discuss their requirements with members of the Screen team and with our partner vendors.”

SCREEN GA intends to continue its efforts to provide solutions to the diverse market needs connected to label printing. It will also continue to promote the creation of new applications and business models as it works to support the expansion of the label and packaging industry.

A new LittleRed X3D-78 infrared conveyor dryer from Vastex comes with a two-metre-wide conveyor belt and can cure 185 garments/h DTG printed with digital white ink, 1080/h screen printed with plastisol ink, and 555/h screen printed with water-based ink or discharge.
 
“The LittleRed XD series of tunnel dryers are unique to the Australian market; offering a dryer specifically engineered to cure DTG printed digital white ink, alongside all types of screen printed inks at good turnover rates. This multi-purpose machine means that you only need one dryer to do everything.” explains Howard Debney, owner of Leapfrog Machinery, Distributor for Vastex in Australia.
 
The DTG-specific feature of this dryer is a high-powered pre-heating zone that boosts ink temperatures past 150°C within the first few centimeters of conveyor travel. This increases the dwell time that ink is exposed to optimum curing temperatures, allowing speed of the conveyor belt and machine output to be increased.
 
Previously available in a 76 cm wide model for a single row of garments and a 137 cm wide model for two rows, the new two-metre-wide X3D-78 can accommodate three rows of normal sized garments or two rows of oversized garments, yielding higher capacity than any conventional dryer in the equivalent amount of floor space, according to Vastex.
 
"This super-wide machine is ideal for high-production shops that need to handle the maximum output of automatic presses and/or direct-to-garment printers including shops running high capacity Kornit® DTG machines” says Mark Vasilantone, president of Vastex, adding, "No other dryer of equivalent size or cost can match its performance."
 
The dryer’s three 30.5 x 183 cm wide heaters output a combined 26,700 watts @240V, and are digitally-controlled and height-adjustable to maximise curing efficiency for bulky or over-sized garments. The X3D-78 also offers precision-thermal-profiling (PTP) to match curing conditions to the drying characteristics of each ink type, particularly difficult-to-cure inkjet-printed white ink.
 
The new dryer is 260 cm long, 226 cm wide and 137 cm high, and features a 31.2 CMM targeted exhaust system as standard to rapidly remove moisture and air contaminates from the heating chamber, while keeping exterior surfaces and controls cool.
 
The output of all Vastex floor-standing conveyor dryers can be increased by an order of magnitude as needs grow by adding heating chambers and lengthening the conveyor belt, with one or two additional heating chambers, allowing doubling or tripling of conveyor belt speed and drying capacity.
 
The conveyor belt is continuously centered by a roller belt tracking system patented by the company, and driven at precisely controlled speeds to vary dwell time.
 
The heaters of all Vastex dryers carry an industry-leading 15-year warranty, and feature closely spaced coils that provide high-density, medium-wavelength infrared heat for maximum cure speed without cold spots or under curing associated with conventional units.
 
Leapfrog Machinery distributes and supports the full range of Vastex Screen Printing Equipment throughout Australia including their Industry Leading Screen Presses, Flash Cure Units, Screen Exposing Units, Screen Drying Cabinets, Washout Booths along with complete equipment packages for entry-level to large commercial shops.
 
For information contact Leapfrog Machinery (0)2 9482 4999 www.leapfrogmachinery.com.au

Esko, a global provider of integrated hardware and software solutions for digital print professionals, will showcase its latest innovations at FESPA 2019.  

Recognising that sign and display producers today require more flexibility, efficiency and accuracy in operations, Esko will present two new hardware solutions: the new Motorised Roll Feeder for soft signage applications and the Kongsberg C Edge, the upgradable digital cutting table released earlier this year. The latest version of its integrated software range Esko Software Platform 18.1 will also be on show at booth A5-G10. 

ESKO-FESPARussell Weller, Esko Product Manager, stated: “These latest launches at FESPA demonstrate our commitment to innovation in hardware and software, enabling our customers to unlock long term production flexibility and profitability.”

The Motorised Roll Feeder is the only solution in the soft signage industry that delivers great cutting results on tensile materials from the very first cut through to the end of the roll. Eliminating inaccurate cuts on soft signage jobs due to wrinkles, stretch distortion or imperfectly rewound rolls, the new Motorised Roll Feeder incorporates an active material feed to avoid stretch by actively feeding the material to the Kongsberg C64 digital cutting table, rather than pulling it.

ESKO-FESPA2The new upgradable Kongsberg C Edge delivers high speed production capability of up to 75m/min at an acceleration of 1G, designed to keep up with the demands of today’s wide format digital print market. The table is complemented with a range of customisable fittings, including a conveyor feed system, a new Fast Tool Adapter to reduce downtime and maximise performance, a heavy-duty unit for high quality corrugated crease lines, and the CorruSpeed tool, a non-oscillating device for high quality cutting even at high production speeds.

Weller added: “At Esko, we believe in connecting from design to finish to boost our customers’ productivity and efficiency. At FESPA, we will demonstrate our latest hardware innovations backed by our comprehensive portfolio of software solutions including  ArtiosCAD 3D constructional design software, iCut Suite for sign print finishing and true shape nesting, Device Manager for job management optimization and Automation Engine, our prepress workflow automation software. Visitors to our FESPA booth will experience first hand how Esko is investing in innovation for their success.”

To find out more and get on board with Esko innovation, visit stand A5-G10 or visit www.esko.com

HP is set to introduce the new 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 meter (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 printer is making its worldwide debut the HP Stand (F30 in Hall A5) at FESPA 2019 in Munich, Germany, May 14-17. 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 Santi Morera, Head of Graphics Solutions Business 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

Information on country availability, pricing, and retail destinations for the HP Stitch S Printers Series Portfolio vary region by region.

Click here to check out the HP Stitch S1000

HP has unveiled a series of innovations and partnerships helping its customers accelerate their digital manufacturing journey.  HP is expanding its industry-leading 3D printing portfolio with the new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution, an industrial 3D printing system bringing new levels of manufacturing predictability, efficiency, repeatability, and quality to customers scaling to full production.  To further enable customers digitally transforming their manufacturing, HP is also expanding its strategic alliances with industrial leaders BASF, Materialise, and Siemens, and launching the HP Digital Manufacturing Network, a new global community of proven, large-scale 3D printed parts providers.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is one of the most transformative forces in our lifetime. New technology innovations will be required, new partnership models will emerge, and new modes of doing business will unfold,” said Christoph Schell, President of 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing at HP Inc.  “HP is committed to helping customers with diverse manufacturing needs turn change into opportunity by delivering the most innovative solutions portfolio and comprehensive ecosystem of industry-leading partners.  The broadening of our portfolio with the new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing system, coupled with expanded industrial alliances and our new Digital Manufacturing network, are important accelerators of our digital manufacturing journey.”

HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D Printing Solution: Breakthrough Economics, Productivity, and Applications

The new HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution brings together new systems, data intelligence, software, services, and materials innovations enabling customers to scale their 3D production and target business growth. Leveraging these innovations, the new solution expands manufacturing predictability with high-quality and optimal-yield of parts at industrial levels of efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability; delivers best-in-class economics and productivity for production environments; and provides the increased flexibility, improved uptime, streamlined workflows, and simplified fleet management required for factory production settings.  New data intelligence, software, and services capabilities, including the HP 3D Process Control and HP 3D Centre software offerings and the HP 3D Parts Assessment service, enable customers to achieve new heights of operational efficiency and repeatability, and identify and optimise production of new 3D applications.

HP also introduced a new certified thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ULTRASINT developed by BASF, to expand the breadth of final-parts applications for customers on the new Jet Fusion 5200 Series systems. The new TPU is ideal for flexible and elastic parts and complements HP High Reusability[i] PA-12, PA-12 Glass Beads, and PA-11 materials, with more coming in the future.

Numerous companies across the automotive, industrial, consumer goods, and manufacturing sectors are exploring new applications for the new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution, including Avid Product Development, BASF, Jaguar Land Rover, Kupol, Materialise, Sculpteo, Prodartis, and Vestas.

“Innovation and advanced technology are at the core of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to deliver outstanding customer experiences.  The transition to an autonomous, connected electric and shared future and the journey to Industry 4.0 are central to our future strategy,” said Ben Wilson, Additive Manufacturing Manager, Jaguar Land Rover. “Our work with HP to advance our knowledge and in-house capability in 3D printing has been an important step towards production of quality parts to support current and aftermarket customers. The continuation of this collaboration through the early use of the new HP Jet Fusion 5200 3D printing platform will help us to better understand opportunities to unlock new application areas whilst supporting investigations to advance the productivity, efficiency and reliability of the technology.”

“As the largest provider of wind turbines in the world, Vestas is looking to innovators like HP to help us speed new product development for a more sustainable future,” said Jeremy D. Haight, Senior Principal Engineer of Emerging Technologies, Vestas VBIC.  “The combination of new 3D printing materials and technology breakthroughs is a significant step toward unlocking new design possibilities, streamlining our manufacturing, and improving environmental sustainability.”

The new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution is available today.  Full solution information can be found at www.hp.com/go/3DPrinter5200.

HP Deepens Industrial Alliances to Drive the Future of Digital Manufacturing 

Today HP also unveiled expanded alliances with a number of industrial leaders to help customers on their journey to digital manufacturing.

Siemens, an innovation leader in automation and digitalisation, and HP are expanding their alliance to deliver an end-to-end additive manufacturing solution integrating HP’s 3D printing and data intelligence platform, including the new HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D solution, with Siemens’ Digital Enterprise software portfolio.  HP and Siemens are bringing together the power of both companies to expand the market and help customers create unique product designs, bring high-quality 3D parts to market faster, and set up digital factory environments that unleash the full potential of additive manufacturing.

“We are excited to expand our collaboration with HP. Innovative partnerships and cutting-edge technologies such as additive manufacturing are essential for the digital transformation of companies across industries. Siemens and HP are thinking ahead to the future and are bringing together the best from both companies in a complete, industry-specific solution that will accelerate the adoption of industrial additive manufacturing and help our customers to increase flexibility, efficiency, and speed of digital manufacturing,” said Klaus Helmrich, CEO of Siemens Digital Industries and member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG.

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, and HP are expanding their alliance to deliver innovative BASF materials certified for HP’s new 3D printing solutions.  The two companies will also partner to grow the market and help customers design and develop new applications with this unique combination of materials science and 3D printing capabilities. Already, BASF and HP are already working with Vestas, the world’s largest provider of wind turbines, and Sculpteo, a provider of 3D design and production services, on new applications produced with BASF’s ULTRASINT™ TPU on HP Jet Fusion 3D printing systems.

“Collaborative innovation among key players in the industry will help customers unlock the full potential of 3D printing,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Executive Directors at BASF. “The introduction of the new TPU is a significant milestone in the cooperation between BASF and HP, aligned with our common objective to accelerate the industrialisation of additive manufacturing.“

Materialise, a 3D printing services and software leader, and HP are extending their partnership to integrate the new HP Jet Fusion 5200 and HP Jet Fusion 500/300 3D printing solutions with Materialise’s Build Processor and Materialise Magics 3D Print Suite. As an early customer of the new Jet Fusion 5200 3D printing solution, Materialise is also identifying and developing new innovative applications for customers using the new BASF TPU and other available HP 3D printing materials.  Materialise is also an initial partner of the new HP Digital Manufacturing Network, leveraging HP 3D printing technologies to deliver parts at scale for the European market.

“The market is clearly embracing 3D printing for production and, as a long-standing HP partner, we are proud to expand our collaboration to new areas,” said Fried Vancraen, Founder and CEO of Materialise.   “Our customers are excited by our tighter integration with HP, our joint work on new applications and materials, and our commitment to scale high-quality part production.  Together we are helping our customers win in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

HP Launches Digital Manufacturing Network: Proven Part Production at Scale

Many companies look to digital manufacturing service providers to help speed development of new products, shorten time to market, create leaner supply chains, and reduce their carbon footprint.  To meet those needs, today HP introduced the new HP Digital Manufacturing Network, a global community of HP production partners to help design, produce, and deliver both plastic and metal parts at scale leveraging HP 3D printing solutions.  Members of the HP Digital Manufacturing Network possess high levels of advanced additive manufacturing expertise, robust quality management and end-to-end manufacturing processes, and a proven capability for volume job production.

The HP Digital Manufacturing Network initially includes partners in the United States, Asia, and Europe.  Digital Manufacturing Network production partners who have met HP’s stringent program qualifications include Forecast 3D, GKN Powder Metallurgy, GoProto, Jabil, Materialise, Parmatech, and ZiggZagg NV.  HP will further expand the network into other target markets with additional qualified partners in the coming months.

Global printing industry leader Inkcups announced the release of its newest product, the Helix Hi-Fi, a 7-colour rotary digital printer that delivers photorealistic skin-tone matching with the addition of three new colour pockets.

The Helix Hi-Fi is an evolution of the Inkcups Helix, the industry’s best-selling printer in its class. In addition to Helix’s standard CMYKWV, the Helix Hi-Fi has three additional colours: light cyan, light magenta and light black. While the standard Helix already delivers the best image quality in the industry, the addition of the light colours brings output quality to a new level. The benefits are most dramatic in printing skin tones where true photorealistic images are generated with smoother shade transitions, less graininess, and higher-resolution edge effects.

The Helix Hi-Fi’s unique skin-tone matching function is increasingly in demand for personalised printing, which often requires one-off production of facial images. Helix Hi-Fi can import a series of unique image files and produce high-resolution printed products of stunning quality. Typical applications include personalised images on glass candle holders, drinkware including stemless wine glasses, stainless steel tumblers, pint glasses and many more.

Ideal for promotional and retail markets, the Helix Hi-Fi prints multi-colour graphics on straight-walled cylinders, tapers, and objects with limited wall curvatures. The system features a built-in programmable tilt to reduce change-over time and eliminate the need to optimise print recipes for each SKU change. The Helix Hi-Fi uses UV LED ink and prints 360 degrees with a maximum resolution of 1200 dpi. The machine’s printable area is 8.6 inches (218 mm); the system can print on items up to 12 inches (305 mm) in length with a diameter ranging from 2-5 inches (51-127 mm).

The Helix Hi-Fi is delivered as a turnkey package that includes software to integrate with web-based production solutions, as well as Inkcups world-class InkcupCare warranty and service coverage. The company offers multiple pre-treatment options (including newly released MagiCoat), inks and other supplies, along with application testing and sample prints upon request. Metals, glass, plastics, and ceramics are all validated for image durability from handling and washing.

“The Helix Hi-Fi is unmatched in price and performance,” said Ben Adner, CEO of Inkcups. “The addition of these three inks is a game changer for customers looking to achieve high-quality personalised results. Inkcups has always had a strong business with promotional printing, and we are pleased to lead the industry in the personalisation category.”

Intec Printing Solutions Limited, innovators in digital imaging and finishing, continues its expansion of unique solutions by introducing the ColorCut FB8000PRO as part of the ColorCut range of digital cutting and creasing equipment.

Higher volume automation for flatbed cutting and creasing - improves productivity The Intec ColorCut FB8000PRO is a modular system solution, comprising the FB8000 Flatbed Cutter and ASF8000 Auto Sheet Feeder. Both devices are feature-rich and offer huge production advantages.

Whereas the FB8000 Flatbed Cutter can be purchased and used as a stand-alone device from the ASF8000 Auto Sheet Feeder – the two devices when used in unison, deliver an incredibly efficient, automated solution! Capable of cutting and creasing any shape on a typical SRA3 sheet in around 30 seconds, the dual tool head applies a class-leading 1Kg of pressure to achieve crisp cuts and deep creases on up to 600micron media.

The operator can utilise ‘productivity mode’ when manually feeding sheets – this is where the sensor seeks and reads each sheet to cut multiple sheets at a time – finished sheets are automatically moved along the table and into the collection tray.

When harnessing the productivity of the ASF8000 Auto Sheet Feeder, the operator can load the Feeder with media and leave the FB8000PRO to automatically feed, cut, crease and stack jobs - unattended. This not only offers faster production times, but it also frees-up the user to concentrate on other tasks.

QR code creation and reading. The bespoke ColorCut Pro3 software has been remastered to enhance the devices digital functionality.

Rebuilt from the ground up, ColorCut Pro3 will generate unique QR codes for placement onto vector artwork – which in turn, is read by the FB8000’s onboard video camera. This function enables instant cut file retrieval from the Job Library Server, enabling the operator to instantly view the job on screen and set the desired cutting features from the material database. This means that different aspects of the file can have different treatments applied to them and also predetermine the order they are worked on.

Check mark reading. The new style circular check marks are also read by the software. The four corner marks ensure accuracy with the artwork/cut file and compensate for any sheet placement skew or print stretch. As a bonus, the video camera provides a live view to the operator’s workstation, which also helps provide a visual confirmation of the production status. High speed sheet feeding.The ASF8000 Auto Sheet Feeder is precision-engineered specifically to partner with the FB8000 Flatbed Cutter.

It provides exceptional pneumatic efficiency and automation in material handling to deliver a solution which is perfectly synchronised with the FB8000 Flatbed Cutter.

The ASF8000 feeder enables up to 2000 sheets, (25Kg) of SRA3 printed material to be loaded into the Feeder, or a stack height of up to 22.5cm. It then uses pneumatic vacuum pressure to pick up each sheet and advance it on to the FB8000's cutting belt.

The FB8000PRO will be available to purchase, summer 2019. 

Polish 3D printer manufacturer Zortrax is launching a new with a dual-extrusion system called the M300 Dual.

This desktop 3D printer has a 265 x 265 x 300 mm workspace and is aimed at “prosumers” who require a machine for industrial-grade applications. The “user-friendly” M300 Dual will be available to purchase in mid-2019 and will cost $4,490.

The machine can print with two materials due to the dual-system built-in extruder, which offers a double hot-end and two separate nozzles.

“The dual-extrusion system and large workspace allow industrial-standard detailed and complicated printing, while maintaining the characteristics of a desktop printer,” said Zortax CEO Rafał Tomasiak in a press release. “Our goal is to transfer the possibilities offered by an industrial printing to smaller, more user-friendly devices. The new M300 Dual is another step in this direction.”

M300 Dual is a Desktop Solution for Specialists

To print using two materials, the two nozzles extrude at alternate times to create the desired printed object and use a water-soluble support material. After printing is complete, the support can easily be rinsed off.





Other features include keeping your prints in progress even when a power outage strikes thanks to a blackout response system. This is made possible by capacitors which are built into the printer and store enough energy to make sure the machine saves the stage of the process and starts up again when the power comes back on.

Zortrax has worked on reducing the rate of print losses by improving material end/jam detection. If there are any errors, the user will be notified and printing will pause. The machine also includes a built-in camera to keep an eye on prints.

“Moreover, the M300 Dual is compatible with the Apoller smoothing device. We have created a comprehensive system enabling users to work using Zortrax devices,” adds Tomasiak.

Other features include WiFi connectivity, Ethernet, and a USB connection. It also boasts an “intuitive” colour LCD touchscreen and can install different build platforms such as glass and perforated materials. The printer also supports third-party filaments.

To see the printer in action, please click here.

Due to high demand and our upcomingVersaWorks: Beyond the Basics course in Melbourne being sold out, we have decided to add another Melbourne date next month, on Thursday, 13th June. 

Get in quick to register your place: www.rolanddg.com.au/academy. 

VersaWorks: Beyond the Basics has been developed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of users’ output, by increasing their knowledge of the advanced features and settings within Roland VersaWorks.

Feedback from the 2018 Course

Michael from Signarama Pakenham in VIC: "I've been using VersaWorks for 13 years, yet by doing the course I've learnt a lot more about how it can help in my day to day work."

Judd Shoppee from 1Daywraps in Sydney: "Awesome, clear and concise training, would definitely recommend."

Course Content

The main areas covered in the course are:
- Colour management
- Printer calibration, set up and maintenance
- Settings and features including variable data, custom cut, step and repeat, and special colour plate generation
- Advanced production techniques and tips
- Workflow automation
- Overview of new features in VersaWorks 6

Contact Us

Go to www.rolanddg.com.au/academy to register or find out more, or contact Roland DG on 1800 500 119.

Currie Group is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Anthony Jackson (AJ) as National Sales Manager - Commercial HP Indigo.
AJ joins Currie Group with a wealth of industry experience and proven track record in sales of digital printing and finishing solutions. 

For the past 23 years, AJ has been selling digital printing presses, colour management, cross media, Web2Print and workflow software solutions, whilst forging strong relationships with both customers and technology partners across the Australian and Global Commercial Printing industry.

AJ’s role encompasses managing all national sales activity for HP Indigo sheetfed presses with the existing team of experienced state representatives.  

“I look forward to working with the Currie Group team and leveraging the healthy customer relationships built up over 70 years of business. And to also expand on the relationships with HP, Horizon and all technology partners of Currie Group to bring innovation and new value-add applications to the Australian Graphic Arts market,” AJ said.

Executive Chairman, David Currie comments that Jackson represents a type of sales activity that fits in well with the Currie Group ethos. 

“I know AJ has won deals against us over the years because of his strong relationships with customers even though we had the better press. This is the same kind of relational sales I’ve always had,” he said. “I’m very pleased to have him join the team.”

“I’ve known AJ for more than 15 years now and have respected him during that time, he brings great experience and knowledge and this fits perfectly with his new role. I am looking forward to working with AJ and excited about his contribution to our business and customers.” Adds Phil Rennell, Sales and Marketing Director. 

www.curriegroup.com.au

Mutoh, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D printers, announced the launch of the new cutting plotter “ValueCut II” from the ValueCut series.

The Value Cut series achieves precision cutting and high productivity. The “ValueCut II” is available in three models with different maximum cut width, and upgraded to maximise ease of use and functionality. By combining with the award winning Mutoh “ValueJet Printers”, the “ValueCut II” displays great ability as an affordable high-performance print; cut system.

Features of the ValueCut II include:

1. AASII Contour Cutting System (Automatic Alignment System II) AASII guarantees the finest cutting quality with automatic detecting registration marks.The continuous contour cutting function is added to the AASII in ValueCut II. (X axis direction only)

2. Superior cutting speed The max cutting speed is 60.2” (1,530mm)/s (at 45°direction) inherited from the current ValueCut, and enhances productivity with superior performance.

3. Optimum cutting force Selectable cutting forces range from 5g to 600g to easily cut a variety of materials.

4. 3 types of interface connection The ValueCut II supports various system environments with three available connection ports. USB, serial port (RS232C) and the newly added Ethernet port which allows users to operate multiple cutters with one PC.

5. Pen-up movement acceleration setting + contour cutting register mark detection movement speed setting The acceleration of the pen-up movement can be set in two levels according to the media. With this function, it is able to adjust the registration mark movement speed of the contour cut.

6. Function on disablement of media sensor Allows users to disable the media sensor to accommodate cutting transparent material with ease.

7. ValueCut II dedicated cutting software “FlexiSTARTER ValueCut Edition” as standard Create cut paths and print and cut paths without design software.

For more information about the new ValueCut II, please contact Russell Cavenagh,  Mutoh Australia by calling 1300 468 864 or visiting www.mutoh-au.com

Colex, the industry leader in wide-format finishing solutions, features the Sharpcut Conveyor Flatbed Cutter System. The Sharpcut Conveyor is Colex’s most productive solution for automated finishing of wide format media. The new Sharpcut Conveyor can be used for a variety of applications.   The conveyor system is designed to speed up the process of cutting soft to rigid boards, vinyl, fabric, and textiles by utilizing the automatic board feeder or the roll feeder allowing for faster production runs. The Sharpcut Conveyor is designed to operate with minimal operator intervention when equipped with the automatic board feeder or the roll feeder.  This provides users with the best affordable digital cutting automation system.

Most shops have a router today, but traditional routers cannot efficiently perform the necessary specialized functions inherent in the versatile Sharpcut Conveyor tool library available. The Sharpcut Conveyor is special in that it allows finishing technicians to perform intricate cuts while operating fully automated.  The Sharpcut Conveyor offers a Triple Interchangeable Tool Head station that selects the proper tool for the job and an energy efficient 6-Zone Vacuum System with a Vision Registration System. The Sharpcut Conveyor package includes a Fixed Knife, Oscillating Knife and a Router. The new and improved oscillating knife cuts at 14,000 strokes per minute cutting 50% faster along with a variety of new tools offered to customize the Sharpcut Conveyor to suit specific needs and workflow including the Universal Drawing Tool,  V-cut Knife for 90 degree folds, Coroplast Knife, Creasing Wheel, Universal Single Edge Knife for Sintra up to 6mm, and the new motorized rotary knife for fabrics.

The Optiscout Vision Registration System features a high resolution color camera, the ability to import over 30 file formats, plug-in export data from CorelDRAW, Illustrator & AutoCAD desktop to the Optiscout desktop, user friendly material library and the ability to read any diameter registration mark, crop mark or square resulting in highly efficient production.

The forthcoming FESPA event will showcase a multitude of products from Drytac - a leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large format print and signage markets - allowing visitors to experience them across the event space.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 is the premier professional wide-format print exhibition in Europe, covering a large range of industries and applications. As such it is the ideal environment for a presentation of Drytac's extensive product portfolio.

Delegates will be able to see Drytac SpotOn Floor 200 specialist floor media in use across the show floor - literally, as it will be used for the official FESPA floor graphics - and an impressive selection of Drytac products in four spaces on the Drytac booth (Stand A5-G40). These four distinct areas will comprise an application space to show how Drytac products are used for real-world projects; a retail shop area with live demonstrations of the graphics being changed each day; an interior decor gallery; and a hospitality zone with food and beverage applications.

Drytac ReTac Textures, a stunning range of embossed wall graphics products, will also be put to creative use in Printeriors 2019, FESPA's interactive visitor experience displaying interior and exterior decor applications. And at a faster pace, Drytac Polar Cast film will be used by OKI for its live car wrap demonstrations (Stand A5-F10).

In addition, HP (Stand A5-F30), Epson (Stand B5-G10), Roland DG (Stand A5-H10) and Ricoh (Stand B4-K31) will all feature Drytac products and media on their booths. These leading print manufacturers choose Drytac materials for their quality and application-specific features, so this four-pronged showcase is the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience Drytac products with several popular technologies and workflows.

Hayden Kelley, CEO of Drytac, comments: "Drytac products will be on display literally across the show floor at FESPA Global Print Expo 2019: as the official FESPA graphics provider; on the booths of international brands HP, Epson, Roland, Ricoh and OKI; for car wraps; interior design applications - and much more. FESPA caters for a huge variety of wide-format markets - just like Drytac's product portfolio - making this show the ideal showcase for us."

FESPA visitors can keep up to date with Drytac via its social media platforms and meet the team at the booth (Stand A5-G40).

For more information on Drytac's products and services, please visit www.drytac.com

Epson Australia has announced the launch of a new compact point-of-sale printer capable of receipt printing, slip printing and cheque processing in one unit, and offering improved reliability, useful connectivity features and a very low total cost of ownership. Amongst other retailers, the TM-H6000V is aimed at shops and businesses that require cheque-processing facilities at point of sale, and want to print receipts with the same unit.

The TM-H6000V prints at speeds up to 350mm/s¹, offers faster cheque processing than its predecessor, has a faster auto-cutter, and offers a selection of other improvements that help businesses boost overall efficiency. It also helps minimise downtime with improved reliability.

The thermal printer is now effective for 200 km of receipts, while its auto-cutter is capable of three million cuts.

The printer is flexible enough to adapt to the demands of a modern retail environment, with new features including Server Direct Print (SDP) to permit web-based printing, as well as multiple interfaces for tablet and PC coexistence. ePOS-Print, ePOS-display and NFC tagging allow simple and quick tablet POS set-up, for businesses moving into tablet-based POS.

Designed with significant business critical improvements, the TM-H6000V multifunction hybrid printer supports advanced functionality to 'future proof' the product for many years to come.

In short the TM-H6000V helps businesses maximise the efficiency of their in-store printing so they’re constantly ready for the ever-changing world of retail.
 
TM-H6000V Key Features:
 
- Connect to multiple devices ― printer can be dynamically shared by legacy POS terminals, tablets and mobile devices, as well as cloud servers
- Triple-interface connectivity to future-proof growing businesses ― maximum flexibility with three options, including built-in USB and Ethernet2
- Less down time ― remote monitoring of the printer’s status and part life expectancy3
- Fewer service calls ― intuitive control panel with visual error notifications
- Designed for the cloud ― supports printing from Web-based applications utilising Epson's ePOS™ print technology; plus, utilise Server Direct Printing for online ordering support
- Distributed proximity-based printing ― through Epson’s Beacon support using BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy)4; and, through NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for easy pairing with mobile devices5
- Advanced paper-saving functions for thermal receipts ― top-margin and character height reduction features help reduce paper usage by up to 47%6
- Reliability ― printhead reliability of 200 km and extended auto cutter life of 3 million cuts7
- Fast transaction times ― print speeds up to 350 mm/sec1, plus a high-speed auto cutter
- Fast check processing ― high MICR reader accuracy


1. Maximum print speed may not be achieved depending on the paper utilised, type of interface, data transmission conditions and combination of commands.
2. Built-in USB and Ethernet interfaces, with additional options of serial, parallel, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces
3. Requires customisation with third-party applications.
4. Requires the use of a beacon dongle connected to TM-H6000V printer via the USB-A port. Supports only Apple® iBeacon™ compliant format. The Epson-approved dongle is Laird model BT820.
5. NFC tag requires use of a device that includes an NFC reader, and may require additional software
6. Paper savings depend on the text and graphics printed on the receipt.
7. Rated printhead and cutter lives based on use of the following media only, with printer operated at room temperature and normal humidity:
   Model KT55FA: Papierfabrik August Koehler SE
   Model PD160R: Oji Imaging Media Co., Ltd.
   Model TF50KS-Y: NIPPON Paper Industries Co., Ltd.

GBC will launch the groundbreaking Foton 30, the first affordable, fully automated laminator that is redefining limits in the lamination category.   The Foton 30, which was in development for over four years, is both time-efficient and cost-effective, resulting in a superior quality output for a fraction of the cost of an industrial machine. Easy. Fully automated. Pouch-free. The Foton 30 is proven to free up 98 percent of your time spent laminating compared to manual pouch loading and feeding.

With the Foton, there is no warm up and the fully automated system will do all the feeding, laminating and trimming for standard size papers.  Drop up to 30 documents in the tray, press run and save over 30 minutes of highly valued user time previously spent loading, feeding or repositioning.  This easy-to-use laminator provides benefits like automated deskew, which gives perfect positioning and borders every time. Foton 30’s internal sensors auto-detects film thickness and provides perfect cuts with no waste or manual trimming. Even cartridge loading is as easy as simply dropping the cartridge into the machine. No film threading required.

GBC knows, whether you’re a mailroom manager, teacher, facilities manager or franchise printer, your equipment needs to work fast, the first time and every time, and each Foton 30 comes with a risk-free 60-day trial and a two-year or 5,000-cycle warranty.

“GBC’s number one goal is to be the most reliable, efficient brand in the classroom, office, production room or other place of business, and we know our Foton 30 will be that machine,” shares Daniel Charwath, Product Marketing Manager at GBC.  “The Foton 30 is set to disrupt the lamination industry and will be life-changing for anyone that laminates with pouches regularly.”

Product Details:

·       No pouch

·       Auto-feeds up to 30 letter sheets at a time

·       Auto-detects film thickness

·       Drop documents in tray, press run, and walk away

·       Three modes of operation to allow for any paper thickness or shape

·       Deskew system for perfect positioning and borders

·       Sensor provides a perfect cut every time

·       Simple and foolproof cartridge loading with auto-threading

·       Safety auto shutoff


For more information: www.gbc.com/Foton