Sign Essentials has been appointed the Australian distributor for iECHO flatbed cutting devices. iECHO, has a long history manufacturing flatbed cutting devices for many different industries including garment & textile, advertising & printing, composites, packaging, bags & leather, inflatable products, membrane structure, automobile upholstery, yachts, aviation, wind power, etc..

The flagship product is the iECHO BK3 high precision digital cutting system. This third-generation device can do through cutting, kiss cutting, milling, punching, creasing and marking functions with high speed and high precision. The camera registration system is ideal for popular print/cut operations, particularly when coupled with a UV flatbed printer. The BK3 can be configured with one, two or three cutting heads. Multiple tools can be interchanged between any of the heads.

“The iECHO neatly fills a gap we had in our cutting range” says Sean Strange, General Manager of Sign Essentials. “Our Impact CNC routers and lasers are fantastic for many cutting and engraving applications, but don’t necessarily suit every situation. The BK3 has a great range of tooling including oscillating knives, v-cutters, drag blades, creasing tools, a router spindle and more. When teamed up with iECHO’s camera registration system they open up exciting possibilities!”

The BK3 comes in a number of bed sizes up to 3.0m x 1.7m. For those who need bigger there is also the TK3S series of cutting tables. These come in a number of standard larger sizes and can also be custom-sized to fit any particular application.

Sign Essentials is delighted to be officially releasing the iECHO at Visual Impact in Brisbane and will have a demonstration machine on their stand. Visual Impact is a great opportunity for customers to come and see the BK3 and get an understanding of what it can do for their business. Visual Impact Brisbane takes place from the 19^th – 21^st of April 2018. If you can’t make it to the show, Sign Essentials is happy to arrange demonstrations at their showroom.

For further information you can see the iECHO at www.signessentials.com. You can also contact Sign Essentials on 1300 363 464 or email sales@signessentials.com.

Matrix Frame (Leiden, The Netherlands) is pleased to announce the opening of a distribution centre in Australia to service the Pacific Region. Based in Sydney, the centre will now compliment Matrix Frames’ three other distribution centres in The Netherlands, The United States and China.

Established in 2006, Matrix Frame is a pioneer of Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) and 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.

We will be warehousing our full range of products in Australia including seventeen different extrusions, all connectors, its range of LED lighting and the full range of magnetic accessories. Typically supplied in a Natural Anodised finish and black in some profiles, all profiles have the ability to be powder coated for custom colour requirements. We will work with companies across Australia and the Pacific to make big, bold, beautiful, attention-getting statements.  We will help our customers to build state-of-the-art, grand format light boxes with the latest in LED lighting technology, as well as wall-mounted and freestanding frames with silicone-edge fabric graphics.   We pride ourselves on selling premium products at an affordable price while offering excellence in customer service and execution.  Our decision to focus only on Tension Fabric and Silicone Edge Graphic Systems has not only made us experts in this field, but has also made us the largest supplier of SEG systems in the World.

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.

Launching in Australia at Visual Impact Brisbane (April 19-21), we are now 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

Neopost Australia today announced its personal sponsorship of Ryal Harris, Australia’s most successful V8 Ute driver in history.

Speaking at the launch, Karen Kavanagh, Marketing Director at Neopost Australia shared how the sponsorship came about. “Not only is Ryal a super race car driver, he is also the owner of Rad Visuals, a sign and display business located in Queensland. Ryal has been a long standing customer of Neopost, in the past few years investing in HP Latex Printing technology to serve his sign and display business. Give Ryal’s highly successful profile on the race circuit, when the opportunity arose for Neopost to invest as Ryal’s personal sponsor, we jumped at the chance to align Neopost Australia’s award – winning brand, to the award – winning brand of Australia’s most successful UTE driver on the circuit”

“This deal marries so many opportunities together for Neopost, to further enhance and raise its profile amongst our long serving loyal customers in the Australian Print industry”

The partnership makes sense in so many ways for Neopost – Ryal as a business owner is a long serving customer of Neopost, he himself uses the HP Latex print technology to wrap his vehicles and most importantly, the sponsorship deal affords Neopost the opportunity to further extend its VIP program across the print, sign and display customer network – as we roll out a new corporate hospitality program throughout this year’s race series, across the country, exclusively available to Neopost customers. “There is 11 race days on the schedule this year, a Ferrari lap day and skid pan track day – all of which gives Neopost the opportunity to provide key customers and partners in the industry with the opportunity to enjoy the Neopost VIP experience over the race weekend. We have just completed the first in the series at Adelaide, where customers and partners got the opportunity to witness Ryal be first to the chequered flag in 2 of his 3 races. It really is a great experience to witness and be part of’ states Kavanagh.

‘I am delighted that Neopost Australia has chosen to be my 2018 personal sponsor’ states Ryal. This investment will allow me to further invest in my on-track performance to see out what I hope will be my most successful year in my racing career’

Ryal is now the most successful V8 Ute driver in history with over 38 race wins, 11 pole positions, numerous lap records and the first driver in history to win 3 championships in the V8 Ute category.

Neopost Australia is a leading partner to the Australian print industry – supporting almost 15,000 customers across commercial print, sign & display and of course the franchise network. We are the 2018 HP Channel Partner of the year (Large Format) an accolade bestowed to us for the past 4 years in a row.

To see Ryal in action, click here www.supercars.com/news/superutes/harris-wins-maiden-superutes-race/

Graphic Art Mart Pty Ltd is delighted to announce the opening of its eighth location in Sunshine West, Victoria. Located at Factory 2, 177 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine West this new facility will offer customers in Western Melbourne unparalleled access to many of the industry’s favourite products.

Mousa Elsarky, General Manager of Graphic Art Mart, said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to better service customers in Western Melbourne. We recognise the challenge Melbourne customers face when they need quick accessibility to their favourite products. This new site, in addition to our Mount Waverley facility, now offers fast and convenient access to products throughout the metropolitan area. It is our desire to offer Melbourne customers the best of products and the high service levels they deserve.”

Graphic Art Mart has serviced the sign and display market in Australia for more than 45 years – marketing leading industry brands such as Avery Dennison, Roland DG, Arlon, Aslan, Mactac, Chemica, Mimaki, Sihl, CWT and 3M among others. Existing operations in North Rocks New South Wales, Peakhurst New South Wales, Virginia Queensland, Mount Waverley Victoria, Belmont Western Australia, Woolner Northern Territory and Edwardstown South Australia have provided customers with the highest levels of product knowledge, service and support.

Customers can visit the new Sunshine West facility at Factory 2, 177 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine West VIC 3020.

For more information, visit www.gamart.com.au, phone 1300 GAMART (426 278) or contact Tabitha Billinghurst and her team at the Sunshine West location via phone 03 8609 4300, fax 03 8609 4399 or email sunshine@gamart.com.au

Matrix Frame (Leiden, The Netherlands) is pleased to announce that David Cross has commenced in the role of General Manager for Australia. David will head a distribution/sales centre in Australia to service the Pacific Region for trade sales. The centre, based in Sydney, will now compliment Matrix Frames’ three other distribution centres in The Netherlands, The United States and China.

With over 25 years of industry experience, David brings comprehensive industry knowledge and skills to the role having previously worked at Supply One, Claude Neon and the last 16 years at Signcraft. Having had exposure to distribution, project, sales and management roles over this time, David is well equipped for his new role as General Manager in Australia.

David will manage the full Matrix Frame operations here in Australia and be the main point of contact.

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

HP will launch at FESPA a new rigid printer, the Latex R-series, that will feature a ‘newly formulated for rigid’ latex ink.

• First true hybrid HP Latex Printing technology, offering both flexible and rigid printing with HP Latex Inks
• Introduces HP’s White Latex Ink, an industry breakthrough
• First solution to produce totally odorless flexible and rigid prints with eco-friendly, Original HP Latex water-based inks
• Enables Print Service Providers to expand their offering and enter new markets

Today at ISA Sign Expo, HP Inc. announced the HP Latex R Series, HP’s first latex technology capable of printing on flexible and rigid materials with HP Latex Ink. The HP Latex R Series brings the most vibrant colors into the rigid printing world, and pioneers white ink capabilities with the introduction of HP Latex White Ink.

Equipped with a single, six-color ink set, the HP Latex R Series technology delivers unprecedented quality at speed, and is the first, true hybrid latex technology that merges HP’s renowned flexible printing capabilities into rigid printing.

The HP Latex R series brings unparalleled quality to a wide range of rigid materials, such as foamboards, foam PVC, cardboard, fluted polypropylene, solid plastics, aluminum, wood and glass among others. Unlike UV printing technology, which creates a thick layer of ink that completely covers the material and requires time to dry, HP’s water-based Latex Inks preserve the look and feel of the media, and delivers odorless prints that are both safe for the environment and the printer operator.

“The HP Latex R Series is remarkable for setting up new industry standards in quality and enabling Print Service Providers to produce stunning rigid and flexible prints,” said Joan Perez Pericot, General Manager, Graphic Solutions Business, HP Inc. “Our customers can expand their offering into new, high-value applications while also opening fresh creative ideas and concepts for sign and display that provide their users greater value.”

Tackling one of the industry’s most pervasive limitations in printing, HP’s White Latex Ink has an innovative system that recirculates the white ink – both within the ink delivery system and at the printhead – to avoid settling. It also has a unique storage system with automatic agitation for when the ink is not being used to minimize waste. For the first time, HP’s innovative White Latex Ink delivers glossy, high-quality “true white” that doesn’t yellow over time like traditional UV-based white ink does.

“White ink has been a consistent problem for the industry. Traditionally it uses bigger and heavier pigment particles that frequently clog printheads, or the opaque mixture becomes separated and settles to the bottom of the ink reservoir. Until now, physically shaking the reservoirs often has been the necessary solution,” said Thom Brown, Chief Inkologist at HP. “Through HP’s investment in innovation around chemistry and engineering, the white ink solution with the HP Latex R Series is an industry breakthrough.”

Screen Graphic Solutions has seen cumulative shipments of its Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet label printing systems pass the 100-unit mark worldwide.

The Truepress Jet L350UV series was launched at the end of 2013, and has since been expanded to include: the Truepress Jet L350UV+, featuring enhanced productivity, thin substrate support and new orange ink; and the Truepress Jet L350UV+LM, which is compatible with newly developed low migration inks for the food packaging industry. These systems were launched at Labelexpo Europe 2017.

The first was commercially released as a CMYK model at the end of 2013. In the spring of 2014, white ink was additionally released and in the following autumn, the JetConverter L350 digital label finishing line was added. Screen and Prati have also formed a collaboration to develop an interface between the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV series of digital label presses and the Digifast One modular digital converting line.

Following successful promotions in Japan, Europe and North America, Screen strengthened its showroom displays to create regular demonstrations in East Asian locations such as Singapore, Shanghai and Taiwan. These efforts have effectively contributed to a continuous increase in the number of installations throughout the East Asian region, the company noted.

Tsuneo Baba, Screen Graphic Solutions president, commented: ‘While we released the Truepress Jet L350UV digital label printing system at the end of 2013, the actual start of worldwide sales activities was around the spring of 2014, following the release of our white ink. I believe achieving shipments of 100 units in 3.5 years represents a good and stable pace, compared with our existing competitors.

‘The Truepress Jet L350UV was a late entry to the digital printing field. However, we have successfully differentiated ourselves in the market thanks to our well-established pre-press core technologies such as color matching and detailed reproduction of text and fine lines, as well as our product reliability and user-friendly designs promoted through the integration of software and hardware development.

‘Our efforts have resulted in high customer satisfaction, leading to strong repeat orders and customer-driven referral marketing. [We] will continue to develop products, sales and marketing programs, and support networks that quickly respond to market needs. We will also continue to listen to our customers’ opinions and build trusting relationships with these customers as a first priority.’

Eastman Kodak has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2017, delivering net earnings for the year of $94 million on revenues of $1.5 billion and continued growth in key product areas.

Highlights Include:

• GAAP net earnings of $94 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017. GAAP net earnings for the year includes a tax benefit of $101 million due to the release of a valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of increased profits in a location outside the U.S.
• Operational EBITDA for the year of $57 million.
• Revenues for 2017 of $1.5 billion, a decline of $112 million compared with the same period in 2016.
• Key product lines achieved strong year-over-year growth for the full year 2017:
  • Volume for Kodal Flexcel NX Plates grew by 17%.
  • Volume for Kodak Sonora Process Free Plates grew by 21%.
  • Annuity revenues for the Kodak Prosper inkjet platform grew by 13%.
• The company ended the year with a cash balance of $344 million.

2018 Guidance

• 2018 guidance is for revenues of $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion and Operational EBITDA of $60 million to $70 million. Beginning in 2018 Operational EBITDA will only include the service cost component of pension income in conjunction with the adoption of a new accounting standard. If this change were made in 2017 Operational EBITDA would have been $49 million.

 “2017 was a year of investment in our strategic growth priorities which bodes well for the future,” said Jeff Clarke, Kodak CEO. “We also eliminated several business initiatives while continuing to reduce cost and drive greater efficiency in the company. We enter 2018 with a stronger growth profile and more productive operations.”Revenues for the full year 2017 were $1.5 billion, down 7% from 2016. The revenue decline was driven by volume and pricing declines within the company’s commercial print business and volume declines in the company’s consumer inkjet and industrial film and chemicals businesses.

The company’s cash balance was $344 million at the end of 2017, compared with $434 million at the end of 2016. The company used cash to invest in strategic growth businesses, fund working capital needs, meet legacy cash obligations and service and prepay debt.

“Our use of cash in 2017 included meaningful investments in the Ultrastream inkjet platform, Flexcel NX packaging, Sonora X plates, advanced materials and brand licensing which will contribute to growth,” said David Bullwinkle, Kodak CFO. “In the fourth quarter of 2017, we reprioritized our investments to focus on shorter payback periods and reduced costs which will improve our ability to generate cash in 2018 and beyond.”

Print Systems Division (PSD), Kodak’s largest division, had Q4 revenues of $261 million, a 6% decline compared with Q4 in 2016. Operational EBITDA for the quarter was $16 million, compared with $39 million for the same period a year ago. Print Systems Division had full-year 2017 revenues of $942 million, a 7% decline compared with 2016. Full-year Operational EBITDA was $58 million, a decline of $48 million compared with the prior year. The decline was due primarily to industry pricing pressures, higher aluminum costs and an overall commercial print industry slowdown.

PSD’s environmentally-advantaged Kodak Sonora Process Free Plates had continued strong performance, delivering 21% year-over-year growth in unit sales. Sonora Plates now account for 19% of the division’s total plate unit sales.

Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division (EISD), including the Kodak Prosper and Kodak Versamark businesses and the investment in Ultrastream inkjet technology, had fourth-quarter revenues of $39 million, down from $43 million in the same period in 2016. Operational EBITDA was $3 million, an increase of $1 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the full year 2017, EISD revenues were $144 million, compared with $166 million in 2016. Operational EBITDA for the full year 2017 increased by $21 million from 2016 to $5 million in 2017. The results reflect the positive impact of cost control actions and continued strong growth in Prosper annuities.

The company continues to invest in the development of Kodak Ultrastream, the next-generation inkjet writing system, which is scheduled for launch in 2019.

Flexographic Packaging Division (FPD) includes Kodak Flexcel NX systems and plates, as well as other packaging businesses, such as analog flexographic plates and letterpress plates, proofing products and services. Revenues for Q4 were $41 million, up $7 million compared with the same period a year ago. Operational EBITDA for Q4 was $10 million, an improvement of $3 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the full year 2017, revenues were $145 million, compared with $132 million in the prior year, or a 10% improvement. Full-year Operational EBITDA of $31 million is an improvement of $7 million compared with the prior year.

Flexcel NX products continue to deliver strong growth. Year over year, Flexcel NX plate volume increased 13% for the quarter and 17% for the full year. The division continues to invest in new product development and infrastructure, including a total investment of $16 million to build a plate manufacturing line.

Pozitive sign & graphic supplies, a leading supplier of machinery and consumables for the print, sign and display industries, is pleased to announce they have been appointed as the exclusive Australian dealer of the state-of-the-art the F Series range of flatbed cutting tables from Summa.

“At Summa, we believe in the values of reliability, high-quality solutions & impeccable customer service,” says Wim Maes, Chief Commercial Officer – Executive Director. “We want these values to reflect in our partners. As the exclusive Summa F Series partner in Australia, we have no doubt that Pozitive will represent these values perfectly. Together, we will provide the Australian market with high quality Summa solutions and dedicated customer service from Pozitive. Summa looks forward to fulfilling the customers’ needs for an excellent finish, which only a Summa product can provide.”

The Summa F Series is the most versatile flatbed cutting system on the market. An award-winning solution, the Summa F Series is ideal for producing innovative signage, displays, samples, packaging applications and more.

Features include:

. Multifunctional head that holds up to three modules at one time

. Powerful tangential module that offers 10kg vertical force with a wide range of matching tools

. Pneumatically driven media advance clamps to hold materials down for continuous operation

. Automatic barcode recognition identifies the job to obtain the necessary cutting data

. Safety pack laser system that surrounds the table and controls the motion area

. Automated depth control (ADC) simplifies tool, knife or bit changes for optimal cut quality

. Available in four sizes, ranging from 160cm x 120cm up to 265cm x 305cm

“Pozitive has a long history supplying and servicing the Summa cutters to the Australian market,” says Philip Trumble, Managing Director, Pozitive sign & graphic supplies. “It was the very first cutter I used when I was introduced to the industry at 16 years old! Over the next 25 years I have seen first-hand the quality and durability of the product, so it’s an honour and privilege for Pozitive to be appointed as the Exclusive distributor of Summa’s versatile flatbed cutting systems.”

A Summa F Series F1612 flatbed cutter will be available for viewing and testing at Pozitive’s state-of-the-art demonstration centre at Eastern Creek, NSW. Guests can also view a wide range of equipment and consumables that Pozitive represents exclusively in the Australian market.

For further details about the Summa F Series range, please visit https://www.summa.eu/f-series

ABOUT POZITIVE

Pozitive sign & graphic supplies is an Australian family owned industry leader in the supply of UV flatbed printers, eco-solvent printers, CNC routers, laser cutters and engravers, dye sublimation textile printers and hardware, software and consumables for the sign making, screen printing, graphics, display and commercial printing industries. With over 25 years experience, Pozitive has established a reputation for excellence, offering expert advice, equipment, service and support. Their mission is to supply the very best machinery, powered by the very best consumables and always to exceed the expectations of their clients.

Media Contact

Andrea Georgiadis / Marketing Manager

E: andrea@pozitive.com.au

T: +62 2 9648 5588

www.pozitive.com.au

Sydney March 14^th, 2018 – As of February 1^st Starleaton completed the acquisition of the Uniscreen Australia business. Established in 2004, the Australian arm of the Uniscreen group is primarily focused on supplying sublimation papers and inks.

Early this year Starleaton completed talks with Uniscreen Owner and CEO Ross Clarke to take over their Australian distribution. Over the last few weeks the Starleaton team have been undergoing extensive training on the new range to begin the immediate introduction to their customers.

In particular they are excited to gain access to the Coldenhove sublimation papers. CEO Ben Eaton says: “Coldenhove are the industry leaders and inventors of digital sublimation transfer printing papers, so to be able to add their range to our current offering is a real bonus for us. With the Epson F-series, EFI FabriVu, and Georg+Otto Friedrich fabrics already covering the direct to fabric market for us, a quality transfer paper was the missing link.”

Starleaton will also continue to supply the full range of Kiian inks and Transmatic heat presses.

Existing customers of Uniscreen Australia should see a seamless transition to Starleaton, and the range will be introduced to Starleaton’s existing customers over the course of the coming months.

About Starleaton
Starleaton is a 100% Australian-owned and operated importer, converter and distributor of materials, hardware, software and know-how for the Signage, Display, Exhibition, Photography, Graphic Arts and Packaging industries. In 2016 Starleaton acquired DES, a leading Australian supplier in similar fields, to create the ANZ region’s most dynamic supplier in these industries. Starleaton is family-owned and run, with family values that extend to customer service, product integrity, staff training and the development of young people in the workforce. www.starleaton.com.au or 1300 880 605.

Chooses SC80600 for ability to print and match reds and orange at speed

Peak Digital is an Australian, family owned business with many years of experience and expertise in all aspects of design, pre press, large format digital print, screen printing, signage and installation. They pride themselves on only using equipment that incorporates the very latest, environmentally friendly technology. Recently the company was looking for a new large format printer that could specialise in signage and décor. The printer they chose was Epson’s SureColor Solvent SC80600. The requirements the printer had to meet were, however, quite strict.

Peak Digital Director Andrew Robertson explained, “We strive to deliver high quality printing, personalised service, competitive pricing and a fast turnaround but the emphasis really is on quality. Peak Digital required a printer that could very accurately match reds and orange as closely as possible – a near match just wouldn’t be acceptable for our clients so this printer had to be very, very good. After viewing samples we made our minds up that the Epson SC80600 was the way to go. The SC80600’s ability to print either white or metallic silver was also a big contributing factor in our decision.”

The SureColor Solvent 80600 is designed to produce flexible high-value signage quickly, easily and at minimum cost. It suits a variable workflow with low to medium production volumes and can be used with a wide range of media including paper, canvas, film and vinyl. It suits an extended range of applications including large format photo and image printing, high-value high-impact indoor POS, durable outdoor signage, back-lit displays, window decorations, banners, vehicle wraps, wallpapers, surface finishes and labels.

Robertson continued, “The SC80600 incorporates Epson’s latest PrecisionCore printhead and UltraChrome Eco-Solvent ink technology. It produces durable prints that are bright and glossy with an unparalleled colour gamut and is designed to produce premium quality output, using minimum ink, with simple operation and fast job completion. The output speed and the ability of this amazing printer to so accurately colour match were unquestionably the main factors in our decision to purchase it.”

Peak Digital uses its new SC80600 to print vehicle signage, external shop signage, window and wall graphics with the printer getting a full daily workout, often seven days a week.

Robertson concluded, “The SC80600’s ability to print a much wider colour gamut means we are able to consistently and accurately match corporate colours, a major bonus for our customers. The machine also continuously runs unattended allowing operators to perform other tasks without the worry of checking the printer and despite its constant use, since we acquired it we have had no issues that have required technicians or operator intervention. Moving forward it’ll be hard to find a better large format signage printer than the SC80600 as the fact that we can so consistently meet customer demands in terms of colour matching and turnaround times makes it incredibly hard to beat and in my opinion the best printer in its class.”

For more on the Epson SC80600 click here

NZ Sign & Display Awards – Online entries are open, less than 57 days to go …

The New Zealand Sign and Display Awards were created back in 1997 to encourage and promote high standards of design and execution in all aspects of sign making and attain excellence in production. Therefore Acknowledging Excellence is the primary purpose of this event and so every year it receives hundreds of online entries from all over New Zealand which ensures that the overall standard of entries is high and competition for gold, silver and bronze medals is fierce.

Sign making in New Zealand is truly of a global standard – from the more traditional aspects of the industry such as brush lettering, gilding and airbrushing, through to the modern techniques that computerisation has brought to the craft, it is fair to say that we are blessed with some of the best, most creative, and most innovative craftsmen in the world. When judging takes place it is performed by a panel of three judges, one of whom is replaced each year to keep a fresh and current perspective. The judges are all previous winners of New Zealand Sign Awards and were chosen for their wide and varied experience within the industry

Register and upload today! The website is ready, so go check it out.

United Franchise Group (UFG) is pleased to announce two decades of evolution and growth, as they celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the first Signarama location opening in Australia.

After launching in the U.S. more than 30 years ago, Signarama first expanded into Australia 20 years ago. Today there are 105 locations there with proven successes that include 22 Australian stores achieving “Million Dollar Circle” status in 2017.

“There have been many positive changes in the sign industry in the last 20 years that have helped our franchise locations succeed,” said Evan Foster, National Director for Signarama Australia. “The future promises to be even more exciting as we embrace new technologies and product lines to strengthen our network even more across the country.”

Franchisees who started twenty years ago say their success has less to do with simply making and selling signs and more to do with building strong relationships with their valuable customers to help meet their needs.

“I opened my store in 1998 and we’ve gone from focusing on installers and simple signs to today’s world of multi-million dollar locations with experts in all fields of signage within our ranks,” said Ross Wade, Signarama Dandenong, Vic franchisee.

The same milestone is also being celebrated in New Zealand, where Master License partner, Grant Archibald now has 25 locations under the “Speedy Signs” name. Grant and his wife, Sarah were privileged to be able to meet with Prime Minster, Jacinda Ardern on the actual 20^thanniversary date. Ms Ardern congratulated them on their success in creating the country’s largest network of sign companies.

“While the 20 years have passed quickly, I still remember the day we opened in Penrose, Auckland,” said Archibald. “Our eldest son was only a baby in our grand opening photos, and now, in a few more months, he’s getting married. The Penrose business as well as our other New Zealand locations continue to perform strongly -with no signs of stopping. We are now planning on opening another half dozen franchised locations in some of the smaller provincial centres like Gisborne, Napier, Wanganui and Timaru.”

The Signarama brand continues to grow worldwide with locations now in more than 60 countries and hundreds of new locations slated for opening in 2018 worldwide. Signarama consults with business owners to develop impactful signs, messaging, and marketing tactics that result in higher sales and increased business. To learn more about Signarama’s products, services and locations, go to signaramafranchise.com.au.

GJS today took the wraps off its new industry knowledge base* and Creator Community, an online hub designed to support its digital decoration customers and provide a forum for people to connect, be inspired and share knowledge.

The launch of the GJS knowledge base continues GJS’ proud tradition of exceptional and industry-leading customer support and after-sales support and is designed to be a further value-add to support loyal GJS customers in an increasingly price-driven market.

The knowledge base already includes over 600 support articles and is driven by powerful heuristic search technology that enables creators to quickly and easily find the answers that they are seeking.

“Gone are the days of downloading a PDF document and misplacing it in the print room or fumbling through paper to find the times and temperatures needed to sublimate an item or instructions on how to operate and maintain equipment,” said Greg Stone, Managing Director, GJS.

The knowledge base also deeply integrates with the GJS website, providing powerful support options and assistance to customers from any page that they are browsing.

“Now, from any page on the GJS website and from within the knowledge base you simply type what you’re looking for in the help/search field and the relevant articles and help documentation will be presented to you. For example, if you’re looking for the time, temperature or pressure to sublimate our popular 11oz mugs you might enter ‘sublimate mug’ and several articles will be immediately available to you in the help window.” Greg added.

If accessed via the GJS website, the support articles open directly in the help widget giving creators access to all the information that they need without having to leave the page they might be browsing.

To help streamline the support experience, creators will only be shown articles relevant to the solutions and consumables that they have recently purchased.

“What this means is if you’re a creator who has one of our dye sublimation solutions and searches for ‘printer maintenance’ you’re not going to be shown a whole lot of articles relating to the maintenance of direct to garment printers,” Greg added.

In addition to the knowledge base, GJS today launched its Creator Community, a conversation hub that is designed to bring together Australia’s biggest collective of ‘digital decorators, photo-gift producers, garment customisation gurus and embellishment entrepreneurs.’

With existing topic areas such as dye sublimation, direct-to-garment printing, heat transfer vinyl, laser printers and doming, GJS hopes that these forums will become a place for valuable information sharing, networking and even shared business opportunities.

GJS customers can access the new knowledge base and Creator Community at: https://help.gjs.co and via the ‘Help’ widget on the bottom right corner on all pages of the GJS website when signed-in to their account.

*You’ll need a GJS.co account to view knowledge base content.

North Carolina State University researchers may have found a new way to print flexible (and stretchable) electronic circuits.

In a recent study, researchers Yiwei Han and Jingyan Dong used electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technology to create metallic conductors with sub 50 µm resolution that are not only electrically stable but also durable enough to stand up to hundreds of bending and stretching cycles.

The new fabrication method, published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies, could be a window to next-generation electronics.

The researchers used EHD to print three different molten metal alloys onto glass, paper, as well as a pair of stretchable polymers. EHD is common in many manufacturing processes that typically use ink. This study was unique in that the researchers were direct printing metal alloys with melting points down to 60°C.

According to researcher Jingyan Dong, this method could reduce the cost of making high-resolution circuits, which could finally bring the price point low enough to employ the technology in commercial devices.

In tests, circuit conductivity survived 1,000 bend cycles and even remained viable after the conductors were stretched to 70% of tensile strain. When they did break, the conductors were easy to fix, because, given the low melting point, researchers could heat the area to ~70°C which enabled the metal to flow back together.

To demonstrate the technology, the researchers built a prototype touch sensor, but the team is now looking for partners to employ the method in electronic device markets, such as wearable sensors.

Roland DG Australia, a leading provider of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, will this year mark a significant milestone in the industry, as it celebrates 30 years of business in Australia.

Established in 1988, Roland DG Australia Pty Ltd was one of the first international subsidiaries of Roland DG Corporation Japan. Since then, Roland DG Australia has grown to become a leading supplier to the Australian sign and display industry, and the 3D and Dental CAD/CAM markets.

“I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the customers who have supported the growth of Roland DG and Roland DG Australia,” said Hidenori Fujioka-san, Roland DG Corporation President. “Roland DG has continually valued the power of imagination, and has focused our efforts on developing digital technology that allows our customers to transform imagination into reality. Roland DG’s cutting machines and wide format inkjet printers have been widely accepted by the sign and display markets, and have contributed to propel forward our customers’ business around the world for more than three decades.”

John Wall, Director of Roland DG Australia, said: “We are very grateful for the support of our Authorised Dealers, partners and customers who have chosen to work with us over the past 30 years. Their contribution to our success cannot be overstated. We hope to continue to grow together for many years to come.”

As the company continues to evolve and diversify, developing new technologies and adding value for customers, remains a priority. In light of new products focusing on the personalisation market, as well as its 3D business under DGSHAPE Corporation, Fujioka-san commented: “Our mindset has always remained focused on the pursuit of creating added value for the customer based on our vision of ‘transforming imagination into reality,’ and will remain unchanged in the future.”

Throughout 2018, Roland DG Australia will mark this significant event in our history with our partners and customers with special offerings and an exclusive celebration event later in the year. Stay tuned for further announcements.

HEXIS announce the opening of a new subsidiary in Brisbane (Queensland), Australia. The launch of this subsidiary will reinforce the distribution of the HEXIS products, marketing and service on the Australian market. HEXIS products have been available in Australia for the last 16 years, thanks to their Melbourne-based distributor, Stickittome Australia Pty Ltd.

The opening of this subsidiary is in line with the HEXIS strategy to expand their worldwilde distribution network.

“HEXIS have been experiencing a consistent growth on the Australian market”, says Clément Mateu, HEXIS CEO. “We are convinced that the Australian market represents a substantial growth potential for our company and our local partners. Therefore we have considered that it was the right moment to invest locally.”

“The new HEXIS Australian subsidiary reflect our will to keep improving the quality of our service and the assistance to our customers and distributors in this area”, says Caroline Mateu, HEXIS President. “I am convinced that our presence in Queensland will help boost the local and neighbouring markets.

Establishment of sales office & warehouse in Brisbane

With 20 years experience in the print industry and an accounting background, HEXIS have entrusted Ian Parsonson with the management of this new subsidiary and the growth of HEXIS in Australia.

In terms of logistics, a brand new warehouse will hold a massive stock of the various HEXIS products, such as sign self-adhesive vinyls, printable media and laminates, wrapping films and PPF.

Customers and partners will also benefit from a dedicated sales dept. In addition, a HEXIS training centre will provide technical assistance and installation courses up to the HEXIS standard.

A reinforced cooperation between Hexis & Stickittome

The establishment of a new HEXIS subsidiary will also reinforce the partnership with their long-established distributor, STICKITTOME. A joint distribution policy will be implemented, allowing to strengthen the HEXIS brand image and the global offer.

“We are delighted to consolidate our partnership with Scott and Elisha Niven, they have been doing a brilliant job since 2001 to develop the HEXIS brand awareness in Australia”, says Sylvène Poncet, HEXIS Export Manager. “We shall work together in order to optimise the offer and the customer service. We wish to continue bringing innovative and bespoke solutions to our valued customers.”

For more information, please visit www.hexis.com.au

Fujifilm Graphic Systems is pleased to announce the sale of the region’s first two Inca Onset X series UV flatbed printers to Active Display Group (Active) – one of Australia’s most awarded retail industry, POS, display and signage manufacturers. Active is part of the region’s largest brand management, advertising, PR and media group WPP AUNZ. WPP AUNZ is majority owned by WPP plc which has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. WPP plc is headed by notable advocate of print media, Sir Martin Sorrell.

This will be one of Fujifilm’s largest installations of its type in the Asia-Pacific region and features ABB Robotic Systems automation. These combined systems, to be installed at Active’s Mulgrave site, will be outstanding examples of digital wideformat productivity and, importantly, they are versatile and scalable systems that can grow with business needs, being highly automated with robotics.

Active’s Onset X3 is capable of printing commercial-quality up to 900m² per hr and features industry- leading printhead technology from Fujifilm Dimatix, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation. Both of Active’s Onset devices use the latest Dimatix R-class printheads which fire a standard 14pl ink droplet at billions of times per second. They will also be running the new Inca ‘tear-drop’ feature which allows droplet tuning from 11pl – 17pl, giving Active the capacity to further improve image quality and eliminate the need for additional light ink channels, which dramatically reduces the ink usage per square metre. This combined technology from Fujifilm and Inca Digital will be an impressive combination of quality and speed for the Australian-New Zealand market. The systems are due to be fully operational in early 2018.

Active’s second machine is an Onset X1 designed to be future-proof, like all Onset X series, thanks to Inca’s scalable architecture. This means that an Inca Onset-X purchased today is designed to grow with businesses into the future with in-field upgrades such as additional printheads and higher speeds.

Both of Active’s X series devices will be running robotic automation, allowing the company to maximise productivity by stacking higher stacks of printed sheets – something that was not previously possible with scissor-lift systems. This is of major benefit in terms of machine uptime, as other technologies increase the downtime due to pauses for stack changes. Added to this is the flexibility of being able to place proof-sheets for the operator to check during production, without having to interfere with the palletised job

Active’s General Manager of Operations, Stuart Gittus, comments: “As part of WPP AUNZ, Active is able to provide clients with an end-to-end path to purchase solution, seamlessly delivering one streamlined integration of experts. Because we offer the region’s most comprehensive suite of services from design, production & distribution through to merchandising and warehousing; we needed to look at our present and future needs including, but not limited to, growing volumes and shorter print runs.”

He continues: “Extensive due diligence was performed and, in the Inca Onset X series from Fujifilm, we found print speed at high quality will ultimately enable us to become even more competitive in a challenging market, whilst increasing our capacity for speed-to-market. Also, with the degree of automation, both machines can be run by a single operator.”

Fujifilm Graphic System’s National Sales Manager, Ashley Playford says: “Our thanks go out to Stuart and the whole team at Active for entrusting Fujifilm and Inca with their next production growth phase. We are truly excited for Active and can’t wait for their customers to experience the quality and speed to market that these two Onset X series systems will offer them.”

Active has two other Fujifilm-supplied grand format printers at Mulgrave; a Uvistar 2 and a Uvistar Pro8 – both 5 metre wide roll-to-roll machines. Gittus says: “When the new Incas arrive, they will be printing a wide range of media including synthetic paper, art paper, screen board, fluted plastic and fluted cardboard for both Australian and global leading retailers and brands. He adds: “Fujifilm has been very proactive and lateral working with us to provide a solution to suit all our needs. Also, the technical information has been invaluable to the decision. It has been a pleasure working with Fujifilm and Inca.”

For more information, please visit  http://www.fujifilm.com.au/powerofinkjet/platforms/robotics  or www.Activedisplay.com.au

Mactac, a leading brand of pressure sensitive graphic and decorative products from Europe, today announced the appointment of HVG Graphics Media as its new distributor in Australia for screen, digital and architectural applications.

“Since relaunching Mactac late last year, customers have been responding to our full range of quality and reasonably priced products for their needs in interior architecture and visual communication,” said Jordan Leach, business manager, Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions in Australia and New Zealand. “This agreement

with HVG Graphics Media will give customers in Australia convenient access to Mactac’s products.”

“We are very excited to be launching the Mactac range products nationally through our business,” said Richard Lucas, general manager, HVG Graphics Media. “This quality European product range compliments our current consumables range and helps provide many products in crucial growth areas of our portfolio, for instance like perforated window films and the tough area of wall films that provide real solutions. Our team are looking forward to using their experience and knowledge to help support our customers to provide more solutions and more value for the end customer.”

With a reputation spanning over 50 years, Mactac products undergo strict quality control and are highly appreciated for their proven consistent product quality. Mactac has the strong backing of prestigious brands in areas ranging from architecture, interior design, signage and marking, transport to advertising. Its core development constitutes a constant drive to offer new market opportunities while ensuring strict compliance regulations and innovations in sustainability.

For more information, please visit www.hvggraphics.com.au

For the full range of Mactac product portfolio, please visit www.mactacgraphics.eu

Richard Lucas of HVG Graphics Media (2nd from left) and Jordan Leach of Avery Dennison (2nd from right)announced the agreement.

Roland DG Australia, a leading provider of wide format inkjet printers and printer cutters for the professional durable graphics market, has released dates for VersaWorks: Beyond the Basics, the Roland DG Academy training course for 2018.

VersaWorks: Beyond the Basics has been developed to improve users’ knowledge of VersaWorks and VersaWorks Dual, increasing the efficiency and productivity of their output. Following on from 2017’s successful training sessions, the course will be held across the country once again in 2018.

Since 2009, Roland DG’s VersaWorks Academy training courses have been responsible for accrediting more than 600 students. Over 95% of those surveyed have said that they would recommend the course to others and many more have given positive feedback on how relevant, informative and easy-to-understand the course is. Vicki Wesley at Grove Wesley Design Art said: “Having used VersaWorks for [8] years, I haven’t used or known the program to its whole potential. This course was well worth doing”. Rakesh Kapadia from Rax Signs and Designs also got a lot out of the training: “There is a lot this program can do. You only know it when you do this course”.

Run by our expert Roland trainers, students will learn on Roland-supplied laptops in classes of 8 or less, with the trainer working closely with students to develop their skills and knowledge of the programs. The main areas covered in VersaWorks: Beyond the Basicsare:

• ICC profile creation demonstration
• 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
• Latest features of VersaWorks and VersaWorks Dual

Course details have now been finalised and bookings are available online for the following dates and locations:

Sydney, NSW                     Melbourne, VIC                    Brisbane, QLD
Wed 11th April                     Tue 1st May                          Thurs 31st May
Tue 9th October                  Wed 24th October                 Wed 7th November

Adelaide, SA                      Perth, WA
Wed 18th July                     Wed 15th August

There are only 8 places available per class, so get in quick to secure your spot. To find out more or make a booking, go to http://go.rolanddg.com/e/66942/support-roland-academy/c3zlww/334488978, email training@rolanddg.com.au or call 1800 500 119.