Böttcher Australia has officially opened their new manufacturing facility in Smithfield, Sydney. 

Guests from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe joined the President of Felix Böttcher, Mr. Franz Georg Heggemann, South East Asia Pacific Manager Mr. Dirk Odenbrett and Böttcher Australia Managing Director, Mitch Mulligan, to launch the new plant. 

The launch is the culmination of Böttcher Australia’s acquisition of Brissett, creating the regions leading manufacturer and developer of rollers, blankets and pressroom chemistry. 





“Over the past 5 months the team at Brissett’s Tempe plant and Böttcher’s headquarters in Castle Hill successfully relocated into the site we are in today,” said Mitch Mulligan. “The two manufacturing teams and processes are now fully integrated into a combined operation and we are busy converting the entire business across to Böttcher’s world-leading manufacturing methods and compounds.”


Mitch spoke about the real benefits to the Australian commercial printing industry resulting from the merger, noting that not only does is strengthen Australian manufacturing capabilities, its a “‘win-win’ for the industry, securing the future of a trusted local roller manufacturing business and offering our customers an expanded value proposition with the improved lead times, flexibility and continuity of supply which local manufacturing ensures.”





Mitch went on to thank Terry and Craig Brissett. 


“While our backgrounds differ, we share much in common and have been ‘friendly competitors’ for years,” said Mitch. “Both Böttcher and Brissett are family owned companies who believe strongly in partnering with our customers and building relationships on the basis of quality products, reliable service, honesty and loyalty.”


“Böttcher’s philosophy to ‘retain the good things from tradition and create the new from our own strength’. In line with this, we retained the core of Brissett’s manufacturing team, including the centre of knowledge’ –Terry Brissett and his son, Craig.”


Mr. Franz Georg Heggemann, President of Felix Böttcher, had the honour of unveiling the inauguration plaque. 





Franz spoke about the amazing history of the company, and how it has grown and developed over the years. He paid tribute to their team and the close relationships they have with their customers who have been an integral part of the company’s longevity and ability to deliver market-leading products. 


“In six years time we will celebrate our 300th birthday,” said Franz. “Eight generations of our family have worked for this company. The secret of our success is our people, their vision for the future, creativity, and attention to detail and dedication to our customers. Our customers are our reason for being, and we will do everything to make our customers happy. Today, we have a total of 26 factories in 18 different countries.”








Guests were then taken on a guided tour of the plant and its facilities, to see how Böttcher’s market leading rollers, blankets and pressroom chemistry are made, and to also field questions to the experts on hand.








Mitch concluded by saying that, “We are open ready for business and looking forward to maintaining and growing our relationships with our customers across Australia and New Zealand and, are genuinely excited about the future.”





www.bottchersystems.com.au

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), a world leader in customer focused digital printing innovation, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") to be acquired by an affiliate of Siris Capital Group, LLC ("Siris") in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $1.7 billion. Siris is a leading private equity firm focused on investing and driving value creation in technology companies that provide mission critical solutions and are facing technology transitions.

Under the terms of the Agreement, which has been unanimously approved by EFI's Board of Directors, an affiliate of Siris will acquire all the outstanding common stock of EFI for $37.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents an approximately 45% premium over EFI's 90 day volume weighted average price ended on April 12, 2019.

EFI may solicit alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during a "go-shop" period over the next 45 calendar days. EFI will have the right to terminate the Agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. There is no guarantee that this process will result in a superior proposal, and the Agreement provides Siris with a customary right to attempt to match a superior proposal. EFI does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or is otherwise required.

"We believe this transaction delivers superior and immediate value to our shareholders while providing us with a partner that can add strategic and operational expertise to our business," said Bill Muir, Chief Executive Officer of EFI. "We are excited to partner with Siris' highly experienced team on this next phase of growth for EFI."
Commenting on the transaction, Frank Baker, a Siris Co-Founder and Managing Partner, said, "EFI is at the forefront of the digital transition in the imaging and print industry, underpinned by a strong software heritage and culture of innovation. We believe that, by partnering with Siris, EFI will be well positioned to capture this transformational opportunity associated with increased digital inkjet penetration, industrial automation and software enablement. We are eager to partner with management to help the Company achieve its strategic objectives."

Commenting on the transaction, Al Zollar, a Siris Executive Partner, said, "EFI has a 30 year legacy of leadership in the digital imaging market, with strong brand equity and a rich history of pioneering innovative solutions for its customers. The Company's portfolio of mission critical products and services are united by a common thread of impressive technological enablement and software integration. I look forward to supporting EFI's strong team to help the Company anticipate evolving customer needs and drive new opportunities for innovation and growth."

EFI's Board of Directors has unanimously recommended that its shareholders adopt the Agreement with Siris. Subject to the go-shop, a special meeting of EFI's shareholders will be held as soon as practicable following the filing of the definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and subsequent mailing to shareholders.

Subject to the go-shop, the proposed transaction is expected to close by the third quarter of 2019 and is subject to approval by EFI's shareholders, along with the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including antitrust regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions. Upon completion of the acquisition, EFI will become wholly owned by an affiliate of Siris.

EFI will file its quarterly report on Form 10Q reporting its first quarter financial results but does not intend to host a quarterly earnings call. EFI currently expects Q1 2019 revenue to be between $220 million and $225 million.

Equity financing will be provided by investment funds affiliated with Siris. Siris secured committed debt financing for the transaction from RBC Capital Markets, KKR Capital Markets LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Barclays, Credit Suisse, and Macquarie Capital.

Sidley Austin LLP is serving as corporate counsel, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as financing counsel, and RBC Capital Markets is serving as M&A advisor to Siris in connection with the transaction. Morgan Stanley & Co. and Greenhill & Co., LLC are serving as financial advisors to EFI, and O'Melveny & Myers is serving as its legal counsel.

For further information regarding the terms and conditions contained in the definitive merger agreement, please see EFI's Current Report on Form 8K, which will be filed in connection with this transaction.

Epson has won its first "Red Dot: Best of the Best" award for its large format printers in the Product Design category (Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019). In addition, five inkjet printers, one scanner and one projector model received Red Dot Awards. This year marks the third successive year that Epson products have been recognised in the Red Dot Award.

Details of the Epson products recognised with the Best of the Best award
SC-T5450/ SC-T3450/ SC-T3450N/ SC-T3400/ SC-T3400N/ SC-T5400 inkjet printers
 
These are high-speed, high-resolution large format printers (LFP) for printing drawings in official bureaus and architect studios or PoP printing in retail shops. We redesigned the LFP, conventionally used for special applications, with a UI identical to business printers and a simple and clean look that fits any office. It provides intuitive operation and maintains a clean office atmosphere. The large touch panel, warning LEDs, and buzzer let you see the status at a glance and give guidance for easy use. We also strived to cut assembly time, streamlining work by developing new legs assembled in three steps.
 
Created in 1955 in Germany, the Red Dot Design Award is organised by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen design centre and is recognised around the world as one of the most prestigious awards in the design field. A jury of experts evaluates products announced during the past two years and selects the best designs based on nine criteria, including degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecological compatibility, and durability.
 
Manabu Kawahara, general manager of the P Design Department in Epson's Printing Solutions Operations Division, says, "I am thrilled. This award is the culmination of a true team effort to achieve product value that exceeds customer expectations. Moving forward, we will continue to provide our customers with designs that delight."
 
Details of Epson products recognised with the Red Dot Award
ET-M1100/ ET-M1120/ ET-M1108/ ET-M1128 inkjet printers





These are A4-sized monochrome inkjet printer that achieve unprecedented compact size by directly embedding the high-capacity EcoTank in the carriage. The totally new EcoTank design puts a single slit on a simple and clean exterior. You can intuitively check the ink level or open and close the tank cover. A unique shape was used for the bottle tip and inlet to prevent filling mistakes. Just insert the bottle - the printer automatically refills ink then stops. Low cost, it also lets you print easily as you go about your daily work.

ET-M1140/ ET-M1180/ ET-M2140/ ET-M3140/ ET-M3170 inkjet printers

These are A4-sized monochrome inkjets with a high-capacity EcoTank that enables up to 6,000 sheets on a single ink refill. The new eco tank design puts a single slit through a simple and clean exterior. You can intuitively check the ink level or open and close the tank cover. A unique shape was used for the bottle tip and inlet to prevent filling mistakes. Just insert the bottle - the printer automatically refills ink then stops. While low cost, it lets you easily perform various printing tasks and reduces downtime and waste.

ET-2710/ ET-4700/ L1110/L3100/ L3110/L3150/ L5190 inkjet printers

These are A4-sized colour inkjets with a high capacity EcoTank that lets you easily perform various printing tasks at low cost. We focused on operability to eliminate hassle and concerns about stains when refilling ink. Not only did we improve front access and the visibility of the remaining ink, we also used a unique shape for the bottle tip and inlet of each colour to prevent filling mistakes. The protruding shape expresses the performance of the high capacity eco tank, and the simple, round design around the tank gives an approachable and familiar feeling.
 
WF-M5799/WF-C5710/WF-C5790/WF-C5210/WF-C5290/WF-M5299/WF-M5298/WF-C579R/WF-C529R inkjet printers

These are A4-sized office inkjet printers that provide high ink capacity while saving space. Boasting a clean design that fits any office, the high capacity ink pack has been built into the unit to achieve a compact size that fits in narrow spaces. The change from conventional ink cartridges to high-capacity ink packs cuts the number of ink replacements and the environmental impact. We focused on operability and streamlining office work, giving the ink packs a simple connection shape for the handle and tray and including a sturdy ejection tray and a tilt panel with high retention and easy operation.
 
SC-T5150/ SC-T5150N/ SC-T3150/ SC-T3150N/ SC-T3100/ SC-T3100N/ SC-T5100/ SC-T5100N inkjet printers

These are full-colour large format printers (LFP) among the smallest in the world for use in offices, architect studios, schools, and retail shops. LFPs are conventionally used for special applications, but with UI identical to business printers and a simple and clean look that fits any office, we designed printers that make it easy for customers to buy their first LFP. For schools in particular we prioritised safety, reducing the outlet port to ten mm so that children cannot fit their fingers inside. The large touch panel and buzzer let you see the status at a glance and gives guidance for easy use.
 
ES-50/ ES-60W scanner

This is an A4-sized sheet-feed scanner. As more companies move away from paper, demand is increasing for mobile scanners that can easily digitalise various documents including photos or receipts both inside and outside the office.
With that in mind, we worked with engineers, improving portability to aim for the lightest weight and smallest size in the class to bring more customers a comfortable experience.

The final product helps prevent operating errors during transport, improves portability for easy use, boasts simple functionality, as well as boasting an attractive design.
 
EV-100/ EV-105 projectors

These projectors are to be used for lighting or video performances of products or exhibits in shopping centers or museums. To better show off the appeal of the product or exhibit, we focused on a simple design that melts into the surroundings. We removed all holes and wiring from the unit sides, which customers notice, for a clean design. The vents, which any projector requires, were hidden in the design as slits with identical patterns on the unit's front and rear. The cylindrical design, made to resemble a spotlight, enables you to install it on the ceiling without negatively affecting the atmosphere.

Please refer to www.epson.com.au and www.epson.co.nz for details of products and services available in Australia and New Zealand.

Effective immediately, the small business Instant Asset Write-Off for new or used assets has increased to $30,000!

Businesses with an annual turnover of up to $50 million can now instantly write-off a piece of equipment that costs up to $30,000 excluding GST, if acquired between 2 April 2019 and 30 June 2020.

The Best Time to Purchase a New Roland

If you purchase and install a new Roland DG machine before June 30 2019, you can instantly write it off in your 2018/2019 tax return. This is great news for the recently released TrueVIS VG2-540 and VG2-640 Printer Cutters, that come in under $30,000. 

Awarded the 2019 ISA Sign Expo Innovation Award in the "Printer" category, judges were impressed with the technological advancements, comprehensive colour choices, improved machine efficiency and increased print-and-cut accuracy of the VG2 Series. 

Matrix Frame (Sydney, Australia) a pioneer of Silicone Edge Graphics, is pleased to announce the addition of four new extrusions to their range.  This brings the total number of extrusions stocked in Australia up to twenty seven.

Two of these new extrusions enable the end user to create frames that can turn 90 degrees around an external corner, using a single fabric face. Multiple returns are possible and this effect can be achieved in both front lit and back lit applications. Stunning effects can be created – particularly around columns and other architectural features.
A new bendable extrusion has been added which can be easily rolled to create circular shapes and frames.  Perfect for creating frontlit custom shapes where required.
‘Shadowbox’ is the final new extrusion to be added to the range.  This extrusion allows for the addition of door and window openings into any Matrix Frame extrusion in both frontlit and backlit applications.  Openings can also be created within frames for shelving and for display purposes.

Established in 2006, Matrix Frame continues to adapt and modify its products to stay at the forefront of the industry. Our aluminium frames and light boxes house eye-catching tension fabric graphics are much more convenient to ship, store, and swap out than traditional prints, which translates to huge savings on shipping costs. Each lightweight aluminium frame is engineered for both flexibility and longevity-easy to assemble, yet able to support countless graphics over its lifetime.

Matrix Frame only sell to trade customers and not to the end client. Trade customers can either purchase the system off Matrix Frame to cut and convert themselves, or Matrix Frame can cut its extrusions to size using state of the art equipment and then deliver the frame to trade customer as a ready to assemble kit.

Matrix Frame are seeking to appoint a network of Distributors and Resellers in Australia and the Pacific region.  

Please contact David Cross on +61 466 892 009 or email david.cross@matrixframe.com.au for further information. Alternatively all information including a full range of videos can be found at: www.matrixframe.com.au

SA International (SAi) has earmarked FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 (Munich 14-17 May 2019) as the stage on which to unveil, for the first time in EMEA, new product innovations that will significantly benefit sign and display businesses seeking to boost creativity and increase throughput.

At the show, SAi will demonstrate its very latest packages which provide added-value solutions that facilitate design to production operations and drive business growth for customers. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to partake in informative one-to-one tutorials focusing on the feature-rich Flexi and EnRoute solutions, as well as the company’s Box & Display software, introduced for those looking to quickly and easily design custom cardboard boxes.

SAi heads to FESPA marking 30 years in business, with the event also set to see the company unveil its vibrant new purple branding for the first time at a major pan-European tradeshow.

SAi to feature as part of FESPA’s official conference program

Visitors can also hear directly from SAi’s Vice-President, Technical Services, Eyal Friedman, who will participate in FESPA’s panel discussion, “Automate or Die: From Printing Industry to Industry 4.0”. This informative debate will look at the importance of automation within the wide format printing industry, how this is changing, and the crucial role software has to play. This will take place in the Trends Theatre on the show floor – Thursday 16 May from 13.00h-13.30h.

Leveraging the power of subscription-based software

FESPA will also provide visitors with a chance to explore the benefits of accessing Flexi via monthly subscription and cloud-based downloads. This allows large format print providers and sign & display businesses to eliminate a major capital investment and incur a low operational cost, while also ensuring they always benefit from having the latest updates. Subscribers also benefit from SAi’s recently-introduced Sign Design Elements, a comprehensive stock library of over six-and-a-half million downloadable assets for the sign industry.

See SAi at FESPA Global Print Expo 2019, taking place at the Messe Munich, Germany from the 14-17 May.

With Metamark products as instantly recognisable and widely varied as glass films, wall graphics and commercial vehicle and even V8 Supercar skins, Metamark is a well trusted name in self-adhesive vinyl that has more recently become something of a global vinyl manufacturer and distribution phenomenon. Our products have been available in Australia since 2004, and we have had high growth in the markets across Asia pacific, Europe and North America. We have products sold in more than 55 countries worldwide. 

Head of Metamark’s Asia Pacific region is Melbourne-based Paul Coniglio, who has worked in the signage and display industry for more than 15 years. He says “We offer a huge selection of self-adhesive films. We have a strong focus on high quality polymeric films for faster, trouble-free application of larger areas on flat or slightly curved surfaces, and so much more. And we take great care to work with our customers so they get the best possible product for their application.” Describing our product range as ‘immense’, Coniglio says that the key to the company’s success has been how Metamark and its partners help customers to select the right product for each application. “We always start with the application, for use in commercial fleets, boat signage, wall graphics or window graphics, for retail, events or promotional markets - and so much more.” 

Coniglio says he sees a tremendous opportunity in New Zealand for Metamark in partnership with PSP. “As part of our global growth strategy we’ve been keen to find the best partner possible to help us hit the ground running in New Zealand. When Dean Stuart rang me and told me he was joining PSP, I was pretty excited because he has so much experience in the industry. He can help build a modern supply business to suit the changing signage and print market. 

“The location of PSP’s facilities, their people and their passion for signage is what really stood out. Having Metamark available all across the country, matched with a detailed training programme, will ensure a new level of choice for New Zealand customers.”

This is backed up by Dean Stuart, who says that the link-up with Metamark takes PSP one step further to offering a complete service across the world of rigid, flexible and vinyl products. “When I joined PSP it was part of a drive to ensure that customers only needed to make one phone call to get the best range of rigid, flexible and vinyl products, save time and realise efficiencies. 

“For us, it’s all about bringing the parts together to match and work seamlessly as one, which we do with PSP substrates and Metamark vinyls. Furthermore, we have the machines to ensure that whatever your size requirements, we can meet them to the metre. Our link-up with Metamark is exciting for us because it means our customers get even more benefits. We’re a great match.”

For information, please visit www.psp.co.nz

Xeikon has announced a digital printing solution for pouches. This latest innovation has been developed for consumer goods markets – food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The digital process for printing on pouches responds to current trends, i.e. significant numbers of SKU’s, shorter lead times, and the rising popularity of pouches in store. Brand owners looking for shelf impact for their products are drawn to flexible pouches for their ability to stand, their light weight and their sustainability. Xeikon has simplified a key part of the overall production process to provide a fast turnaround solution.

Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s Vice President Marketing, says: “This is a prime example of what we call 'customer driven innovation.' By focusing on this application, we are supporting our customers’ requirements and also responding to the current trends in consumer preference. This development takes our digital production portfolio to the next level. With its technological expertise, Xeikon is ideally positioned to provide innovative digital processes.”

Pouches can be reasonably complex to manufacture because of the flexible nature of their multi-layers. It is essentially a laminated bag made from several layers of material that requires a number of different steps in production. Xeikon is helping to simplify the overall process to provide a fast turnaround solution. By firstly digitally printing the text and graphics on a thermal laminate, the outside layer of the pouch is prepared and ready for the next steps. A variety of different layers is then constructed by lamination with a series of barriers for protection before the pouch is finally put together in the manufacturing process. Xeikon’s digital printing solution offers the lowest possible complexity and the broadest lamination construction possible.

Marketers and brand owners see a lot of value in this kind of packaging for a variety of reasons, such as product presentation and functionality for the consumer. Pouches can also be sustainable: a pouch has a so-called "product-to-package" ratio of 35:1, which essentially means that it can carry up to 35 times its own weight, resulting in less energy consumption to produce and to transport. Pouches can have a variety of different shapes depending on size, end-use application and functionality. Many brands are transitioning from rigid types of packaging to more flexible versions such as pouches.

Digital printing with Xeikon’s dry toner technology has many advantages. It is not only the highest print quality on flexible substrates but there are also reductions in start-up costs and no job changeover costs. Importantly, the printer has the ability to print variable data information in both single and full colour. Xeikon’s digital dry toner technology allows JIT production, versioning and last minute adaptations on the fly. For busy print operations with a high volume and complex jobs looking to assess which process and technologies will give them an advantage, the crossover point for flexo and the digital process is at least 4000lm.

Weymans concludes, “Xeikon continues to develop new innovations for diverse markets to meet today’s challenging and fast moving world of consumerism. With our broad technology portfolio, we are in a perfect position to respond to current market trends and develop any solution required. Our digital printing solution for pouches utilises our dry toner technology, which comes with a guarantee for food safety. This technology also ensures consistency and an equal finish to offset (am screen) and to flexo when colour matching is required. With our aXelerate programme, our dedicated teams provide direct and personal training and support for our customers every step of the way. Xeikon is committed to providing only the very best products and services.”

Epson today announced a new high productivity, industrial UV Digital Label Press, the SurePress® L-6534VW, which will be on display at PRINT CHINA 2019 in Guangdong from April 9-13 at Epson’s booth 1226 in Hall 1.

The new SurePress L-6534VW prints at speeds of up to 50 meters per minute for higher productivity, with improved reliability and usability. The new competitively priced SurePress UV inks comply with the European framework Regulation ((EC) No. 1935/2004) on Food Contact Materials (FCM).
 
The label press combines PrecisionCore® print heads around a central impression drum to provide outstanding image quality and precise colour to colour registration. With Epson’s proprietary Nozzle Verification Technology and automatic head maintenance, manual intervention by an operator is minimised. The SurePress L-6534VW uses low migration CMYK inks with a high opacity white as standard and includes an innovative in-line digital varnish for value added label production.
 
A high precision web feed system ensures substrate waste is minimal and provides consistent re-registration on a pre-printed roll. Together with a corona treater, web cleaner and ioniser the press provides versatility in print production. In addition, the new model offers faster full colour variable data printing and supports a wide range of label substrates for many different applications.
 
You can experience the latest in Epson Industrial UV inkjet technology at PRINT CHINA 2019 (April 9-13 2019, Booth 1226 Hall 1), PrintEx 19 (Sydney, August 13-16, 2019) and Labelexpo Europe 2019 (Brussels, September 24-27, 2019)
 
The new SurePress L-6534VW will begin shipping later in 2019.

www.epson.com.au

Meteor Inkjet, the leading independent supplier of electronics and software to drive industrial inkjet printheads launches MetCal, software that dramatically improves the print quality of single-pass systems.
 
Further enhancing Meteor’s software portfolio, MetCal solves some of the biggest challenges faced by single-pass inkjet, particularly across the web.  MetCal runs Meteor’s innovative new nozzle-out compensation technology and automates the usage of PrintFlat™, a ground-breaking tool that creates a unique calibration screen for each individual printer and works together with an embedded version of ScreenPro™ to remove repeatable artefacts due to variations in performance within a printhead and in the stitch area between printheads.
 
Clive Ayling, Meteor’s Managing Director comments, “MetCal addresses long-standing industry issues associated with single-pass printing such as single pixel streaks caused by clogged or failed nozzles, banding due to printhead stitching issues, and streaking or mottling on various substrate types.  Customers can now benefit from straightforward printer calibration and dramatic print quality improvement, all integrated into a neat Meteor package.” 
 
MetCal is available now for any system using Meteor electronics.

Got some great vehicle graphics design skills? Want to win a trip to Italy? 

If the answer is 'Yes', then check out Pozitive's #UTENVY WRAP competition. Just follow the link below. 

#UTENVY

Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and printer cutters worldwide, announced today that its new TrueVIS VG2 Series eco-solvent printer cutters have won the 2019 ISA Sign Expo® Innovation Award in the "Printer" category.

The ISA Innovation Awards recognise the most unique and outstanding product launches at ISA Sign Expo 2019. In all, there were nominees across four categories, representing the breadth of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry. The VG2-540 and VG2-640 impressed the judges – an outside panel of experts – with technological advancements, comprehensive colour choices, improved machine efficiency and increased print-and-cut accuracy.

"The ISA Innovation Award winners truly represent the most creative and innovative products available on the ISA Sign Expo floor," said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. "Attendees at ISA Sign Expo have come to expect groundbreaking products and the latest solutions. These raise the bar."

Andrew Oransky, President and CEO of Roland DGA, Roland DG's US-based sales and marketing subsidiary, was quick to point out the importance of winning this coveted award. "To have ISA recognise our new TrueVIS VG2 Series as a standout product for 2019 is quite an honour, especially considering the stiff competition. The cutting-edge technologies and features of these next-generation printer cutters put them in a class by themselves," Oransky noted. "An amazing amount of research and effort went into the design and development of these machines, ensuring that every VG2 is built to exceed the needs of the most demanding graphics professional."

Kohei Tanabe, Roland DG President, Digital Printing Business Division said, "We are very pleased that the VG2 Series printer cutters, which boast the highest output quality in Roland DG history, have won this prestigious award. Roland DG is committed to providing products to help graphic providers and sign makers unleash their creative possibilities, transform their imagination into reality, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment when people react to their output graphics with ‘WOW!’

For more information on Roland DG’s award-winning TrueVIS VG2 Series wide format printer cutters, visit
www.rolanddg.com.au/vg2

You may have noticed a change as Epilog Laser has revamped their look in February.

Over the years, Epilog has excelled in creating and delivering many high-quality laser machines. Their new branding and logo represents them not only as a manufacture, but as an innovator of these advanced products. The launch of the new branding coincides with the launch of their new laser machine – the Fusion Pro.

Epilog’s newest laser machine delivers our fastest speeds, largest work area, and highest engraving quality yet, along with a brand-new state-of-the-art camera system.

The new Fusion Pro line features the industry’s highest engraving speeds and incredibly precise camera positioning.

Epilog Laser, the leading producer of CO2 and fiber laser engraving, cutting and marking systems, is excited to announce the introduction of the new Fusion Pro 48 and Fusion Pro 32 to the company’s product line. These highly-anticipated systems introduce the industry’s highest-speed engraving and the most precise camera positioning features on a laser system.





Available in two sizes, 32” x 20 (812 x 508 mm) and 48” x 36” (1219 x 914 mm), the Fusion Pro introduces Epilog’s IRIS™ Camera System. Overhead cameras allow the user to see a real-time image of the laser bed, and laser operators can precisely position their artwork on the engraving piece in less time than ever before.
 
An additional camera at the lens assembly can also be used for finding registration marks on preprinted pieces. “The IRIS camera system on the new Fusion Pro is a game-changer for those looking for high-precision and quick setup of projects,” said Mike Dean, vice president of sales and marketing at Epilog Laser.





The Fusion Pro also features the industry’s highest-speed engraving at 165 IPS with 5g acceleration. “A machine of this caliber – that combines incredible engraving speeds and the most precise camera recognition capabilities – will allow engravers to produce more product faster, and with more accuracy than ever before,” explained Dean.





New features of the Fusion Pro 48 include:
- Highest Engraving Speeds
The Fusion Pro’s 165 IPS engraving speed and 5G acceleration combine to provide the fastest engraving in the industry.

- IRIS™ Camera Positioning
Overhead cameras provide an accurate picture of the working area for incredibly precise artwork placement, and a camera at the lens allows the system to locate preprinted registration marks.

- Touch Screen at the Laser
Select between jobs, change settings, and more right at the laser from the easy-to-use touch screen.

- SAFEGUARD™ Features
Keep the mechanics of your laser machine cleaner than ever before with side bellow enclosures, a fully covered x-axis assembly, and covered lens assembly.





Continuing Epilog’s reputation for industrially-built lasers, the Fusion Pro 32 and Fusion Pro 48 feature the highest-quality components for durability and low life-time ownership costs, and is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA.

For more information, visit the Fusion Pro product page.

Massivit 3D Printing Technologies, the leading provider of large format 3D printing solutions, has expanded its portfolio of solutions with the new Massivit 1800 Pro that offers brand-new features including ground-breaking, patented Variable Resolution, new advancements optimising durability and resolution, and remote-operation options to significantly enhance operation efficiency & convenience.

Designed to maximise production cost effectiveness, quality and flexibility, the Massivit 1800 Pro will be presented for the first time in the United States of America at an Open House event that takes place in Las Vegas on April 24th and 25th at Pictographics, a Massivit 3D customer.

The Massivit 1800 Pro brings to the market a patented Variable Resolution capability that can be predefined via the printer’s Massivit SMART Pro software to allow a change of print mode (resolution level and layer thickness) on-the-fly during the printing of a model, according to the varying requirements of different model sections. In addition, a new Mega Quality resolution mode allows for faster, high-quality printing of large objects, optimising gel consumption and printing time. These two new features enable an even more cost-effective production process.

An all-new, remote-operation capability has been developed allowing users to operate the printer and monitor printing progress remotely via a tablet, as well as directly contact Massivit 3D’s responsive customer support and service team if needed.

Uptime is maximised by new, simple, automated maintenance procedures that are triggered according to collected data, as well as customisable priorities for preventative maintenance.

Designed to serve the visual communication, entertainment, concept prototyping, and interior design arenas, the Massivit 1800 Pro 3D Printer produces super-sized, captivating signage, displays, and props at high speed, high resolution, and with perfect repeatability.

This new addition joins the Massivit 1800 Flagship 3D Printer and the Massivit 1500 Exploration 3D Printer in a portfolio developed to empower print service providers as they expand their business into new markets with high quality 3D printing capabilities.

“The Massivit 1800 Pro is the next generation of large format 3D printers with enhanced efficiency, flexibility and control,” stated Amir Veresh, VP of Marketing and Business Development. “Its all-new Mega Quality mode, Variable Resolution capability, and remote monitoring offer cost-effective and reliable production and repeatability.”

Xanté today marked a milestone accomplishment for the company with the announcement of a major release of iQueue, its flagship Adobe PostScript PDF workflow software. “Today iQueue 13 opens an entirely new aspect of the commercial printing industry for us and for our customers. Complete preparation and printing of mail jobs is now more powerful, simpler, and much more economical than ever before,” said Robert Ross, president and CEO of Xanté. “iQueue 13 has made mail prep just as easy as we've made envelope printing.”

With Xanté's iQueue 13 workflow software, commercial print providers may now import their client's mailing list, scrub, sort, and update it for change-of-address within seconds. The addresses process quickly through iQueue's powerful cloud servers containing the USPS CASS and NCOALink databases. Additionally, the iQueue software will generate and print the USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) on every piece for maximum discounts and assurance of accurate delivery. All required USPS documentation for the mailing is instantly created and filled in with the mail preparer's information and pertinent data about the mailing. The preparer may submit the documentation electronically to the USPS data processing network directly from a link within iQueue.

Easy Importing, Placement and Printing of Variable Data with iQueue 13

After processing the list through the USPS network for address and change-of-address accuracy, the commercial print provider can easily incorporate the list into an existing job through iQueue's Variable Data engine and printing begins almost instantly. The new version includes a selection for CASS-certified variable data and automatically formats an address block, including the IMb barcode, that meets USPS standards. Placement of the variable data on the piece is merely a “drag and drop” operation within iQueue. The iQueue-powered Xanté digital press prints the entire list in the required order (or reverse order) for accurate sorting into trays or sacks depending on the job. A convenient separator page can mark the divisions between each tray or sack. New enhancements to the processing of variable data enable the digital press to produce prints even faster than earlier versions of the workflow software.

Simple One-Click Checking and Correcting Addresses with iQueue 13

iQueue13, Xante'After scrubbing the list, iQueue 13 allows the mail preparer to review and correct any addresses that were either partially or completely incorrect. A convenient link to Google search is embedded in the same window with the returned address results. Once corrected, one click is all that's needed to resubmit the list again for reprocessing. If any addresses are still found lacking in some detail, iQueue 13 allows the mail preparer to decide whether to print them for manual handling and posting or to simply exclude them from the mailing entirely. In either case, a complete list of all addresses, accepted as well as erroneous ones, may be exported for the list owner.

Available at No Cost for First 12 Months of Use

Use of the mail preparation features of iQueue 13 will be available to Xanté customers free of charge for a full 12 months from date of first use. The subscription will include unlimited use. “We have now made our 12,000 iQueue users fully functional direct mail providers,” Ross remarked. “Our development team has succeeded in producing a top tier solution that makes preparing direct mail simpler and faster than ever for them. We've also made it incredibly affordable for any print provider who already processes bulk mail or wants to begin offering this service to their customers."

Aleph Objects, the well-known 3D printer manufacturer, launches the LulzBot TAZ Pro, its first ever industrial open source 3D printer. 

Aleph Objects has added to its award-winning line of 3D printers by launching what it’s calling its first-ever industrial open source 3D printer, the LulzBot TAZ Pro.

Grant Flaharty, Aleph Objects’ CEO and President, said: “The TAZ Pro is the first true multiple-material 3D printer with dual linear actuated hot ends at a prosumer price point.”

The Colorado-based 3D printer manufacturer explains that this new industrial machine builds on the previous open-source TAZ printer series.

However, this version boasts a dual-material extruder system, and was designed specifically for creating functional prototypes, print-on-demand parts, and manufacturing aids. It’s also larger than previous TAZ printers with an increased build volume of 280 x 280 x 285 mm.

LulzBot TAZ Pro Boasts Dual-Material Capabilities

Independent vertical lifting E3D hot ends with 360-degree part cooling give the printer dual-material capabilities. The result is clean transitions so users can print with unique material types, such as high-strength composite materials and materials with soluble supports, not just different colours.

A press release from the company adds: “The new LulzBot TAZ Pro delivers true multi-material printing, soluble supports, superior 3D print quality, and easy, professional results.”

To ensure printing high-heat composites is possible, Aleph Objects manufactured the printer with hardened-steel components. The company also added a sensor to alert the printer user to when more filament is needed.

Further features of the printer include a 5″ full-colour touch screen display, automated X/Y/Z offset calibration, self-levelling features, nozzle wiping, and belt-driven z-axis to improve accuracy and quality of prints.

Interested in buying a LulzBot TAZ Pro? You can now pre-order the printer and shipments will start around the end of April. The price is $4,950.

This isn’t all to come from Aleph Objects this year as the company also intends to launch an upgrade on the TAZ 6 system in a few months which promises faster and more accurate prints.

Check out this awesome bit of work! 

For the release of their latest DC Comics movie AQUAMAN, Warner Bros invites swimmer to dive into the world of the King of Atlantis.

And what better way to experience it in his natural habitat ?

Imagined and created by the independent advertising agency Brand Station, this unusual & out-of-the-box poster campaign has been set-up at the heart of Paris, in the Edouard Pailleron swimming pool.

A true technical feat, this 495m2 immersed poster weighed in close to 1.5 tones and took 10 professional divers to lay out the graphics.

This outdoor advertisement was created by Brand Station, France.

Today Ball & Doggett announced the launch of their Yupo competition starting 1 April. The major prize includes a travel package for two people to Japan during the world cup.

The major prize includes airfares, accommodation and tickets to watch the Australia v Wales match on 29 September 2019. To enter, customers are required to purchase any Yupo* product between 1 April to 30 June 2019 to the value of $1000 ex gst (or more) for an automatic entry into the major prize draw.

The company is also offering the chance to win fortnightly prizes from a variety of world cup merchandise, The entry requirement for the minor prizes is a mill pack or roll of any Yupo* product. The more packs purchased, the more entries a customer receives in the draw.

The Yupo range of products offers extraordinary strength and flexibility. It is 100% recyclable, waterproof, tree-free synthetic paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of marketing, design, packaging and labelling projects. Yupo is printable on Offset, HP Indigo, Dry Toner, UV Inkjet, Latex, Solvent, Eco Solvent and Aqueous.

For the full competition details plus terms and conditions, please visit www.ballanddoggett.com.au/YupoComp

This involves reverse printing on the surface material and then using dry lamination to produce the packaging structure. This uses a specially developed water-based adhesive from Michelman to maximize bond strength between the dry toner inks and the packaging material.

Filip Weymans, vice president, marketing at Xeikon, noted that flexible packaging has been able to be produced using Xeikon’s presses for a while, when you consider products such as sleeves, wraparound labels and some paper-based products, but doing pouches opens up new potential revenue streams for its customers.

Weymans said: ‘This is a prime example of what we call “customer driven innovation”. By focusing on this application, we are supporting our customers’ requirements and also responding to the current trends in consumer preference. This development takes our digital production portfolio to the next level. With our technological expertise, Xeikon is ideally positioned to provide innovative digital processes.’

Xeikon has worked with UK printer CS Labels, a digital-only company, to develop dry toner pouch production. CS Labels has further developed its own in-house 6m-long converting line to allow it to produce converted flexible packaging.

At Dscoop Edge 2019, HP Inc. announced the expansion of HP PrintOS Marketplace, opening an ideas store to inspire HP print service providers (PSPs) to collaborate, innovate and grow, while implementing Industry 4.0 for automated printing of thousands of jobs a day.

New apps in the marketplace from HP and solution partners can also help HP print service providers increase productivity, streamline workflow and develop new digital print applications.

“PrintOS Marketplace is an open platform designed to spread innovation and help customers adapt faster to the complexities of the changing print market,” said Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager, HP Indigo, HP Inc. “HP PrintOS is empowering PSPs to be more productive, manage higher print volume, and automate and streamline workflow.” PrintOS gives PSPs control over print operations virtually anywhere at any time, simplifies and automates print production processes, and provides a scalable architecture of production-ready tools to grow digital business. Today, the cloud-based PrintOS has grown to more than 20,000 users since launching at drupa 2016. Users include owners of HP Indigo, HP PageWide and Scitex presses and HP Latex and HP DesignJet printers.

UK-based ProCo is printing thousands of profitable jobs a day with PrintOS. “Marketplace is going to be a game changer in how people are able to produce work in a digital print environment. Access to other print providers' applications means I don't have to reinvent the wheel for every project. And fundamentally, we're going to have access to thousands of partner apps in a cost-effective and quick way,” said Jon Bailey,  CEO, Proco.

Projects in a box

Resources in the new PrintOS Marketplace ideas store include projects-in-a-box for labels and packaging, commercial and photo printing.





More than 50 free projects and design tools are now available for download exclusively for HP PSPs using PrintOS. Ready-to-go projects include HP Mosaic and HP Collage packaging templates, seed patterns, sample files, and royalty-free images and icons. PrintOS members are also invited to share or sell their print ideas in the store, with the goal of housing hundreds and even thousands of items by drupa 2020.

New print production apps

An additional PrintOS Marketplace store for Applications features monthly, subscription-based apps from HP and solutions partners. The apps help HP customers win more business, increase press output, automate production, manage higher print volume, better control costs, and expand print offerings. The App store is expanding with new offerings from HP and solutions partners, including:

- Locr – a GEO services batch tool to easily generate personalised maps for adding the value of location to printed communications.

- MindFire - a marketing automation tool to help PSPs promote business with targeted campaigns.

- OneFlow - The AutoFlow solution automates manual prepress operations including artwork fetching, checking, fixing and manipulation.

- HYBRID Software - PACKZilizer is an intuitive and easy-to-use cloud-based application to prepare packaging files for production.

- PrintOS Jobs API: Enables streamlining of production-status and job-costing data such as substrate usage and time invested, from an HP Indigo digital press to a management system (MIS or ERP), to understand the true cost of completed jobs for more accurate quoting.

- PrintOS Composer: Helps printers save time by easily and efficiently composing variable data jobs, including HP Mosaic and Collage, of any size.

- PrintOS OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness): Helps PSPs uncover opportunities for improving operations, reducing overtime, and saving costs, while increasing press utilisation.

- PrintOS Colour Beat cuts colour control time down to minutes per job, helps ensure colour consistency across presses and sites, and track colour performance from anywhere.

- PrintOS Site Flow: Enables to efficiently manage hundreds and thousands of jobs per day, all the way from automated order submission to pre-press, shop-floor management and shipping integration.

PrintOS Marketplace is also now launching a new Licenses Store for easy self-service download and licensing of off-the-shelf software solutions from HP solutions partners integrated with PrintOS. Solutions licenses available for purchase include:

- HP SmartStream Designer: a powerful, easy-to-use variable data printing (VDP) tool for users of HP Indigo, HP Latex, and HP PageWide technologies.

- Esko: DeskPack Essentials and ArtPro+, powerful tools that shorten pre-press of labels and packaging jobs.

- Memador: A photo enhancement solution that optimises and automates photo book creation with algorithms for face grouping, face detection and more.

- Hybrid Software: PACKz, the powerful PDF editor and CloudFlow, Hybrid Software’s prepress workflow solution.

- Tilia Labs: includes a bundle of Phoenix & Imposition AI workflow and imposition tools for labels and packaging, available later this year.