Visual Impact Magazine

+ Andrea Trumble Appointed to Visual Connections Board

April 04 2023

Andrea Trumble, Marketing Manager for Pozitive Sign & Graphics Supplies, has been appointed to the Visual Connections Board bringing a wealth of expertise in everything from industrial design and engineering, to events, account management and marketing, to her new role.

Trumble, who was voted onto the Board at its last meeting, replaces Jeremy Brew from HP, who stepped down recently due to other commitments.

Announcing the appointment, Visual Connections President John Wall said the appointment was a positive one.

“Andrea’s appointment adds someone with an impressive depth of knowledge, and helps maintain the balance between print, sign and display suppliers, as well as between global players and the smaller, family-owned businesses who make up such an important part of our industry,” he said.

Trumble, who has had a long connection with Visual Connections through her role in events like PacPrint and Visual Impact for Pozitive and others, says she is delighted to join the supplier association in this capacity.

“I have always believed that having a strong, representative voice at association level is vitally important, for both industry businesses and for suppliers,” she says.

“As someone who has been involved in this diverse sector for many years, I have seen and appreciated the work Visual Connections has done with expos, events and education – a subject which I consider particularly important – and the way they cooperate so closely with other industry associations to drive benefits for both suppliers and consumers.

“I look forward to working with the Board and the operational team to continue that united front, in the strong belief that working together on projects which benefit all is the best way to build a strong and successful industry into the future.”

Wall said the evolution of the Board continued to ensure fair and diverse representation, and new members were always welcomed for their new ideas and perspectives.

“We are fortunate to be able to attract such a high calibre of people to our Board, and to benefit from their expertise and insights,” he said. “We thank Jeremy most sincerely for his contribution to the Board and to Visual Connections over his term, and are very much looking forward to Andrea’s input at this strategic level.”

+ Canon introduces new version of PosterArtist, adding functions for businesses and individuals

April 04 2023

Canon Australia today announces the launch of PosterArtist v1.1, a new version of its web-based design software for the creation of posters, banners and signage - enabling two-sided and variable printing, as well as offering new templates to support the creation of a wide array of applications. PosterArtist v1.1 allows users to easily create professional-level designs to print on selected Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX, imageRUNNER, and imagePRESS Series of multifunction printers for office use. The software is also compatible with selected imageCLASS laser printers for small business use, imagePROGRAF large-format printers and PIXMA home printers.[1]

Create diverse designs with two-sided and variable printing

PosterArtist version 1.1 allows users to create flyers for retail stores, menus for restaurants and many other applications. By using the variable printing function, users can efficiently print applications, such as certificates, by importing text data from an Excel file and adding it to the design. Combining two-sided printing and variable printing, users can design and print two-sided applications, while including personalised details such as the name of a customer and their appointment time.

Yoshinori Moritaki, General Manager Product Marketing at Canon Australia comments, “The visual appeal and tactile nature of a printed application has the power to cut through digital noise and help brands stand out in an age of screen fatigue. With an array of new templates and an easy-to-use interface, the new version 1.1 of PosterArtist will help our customers to create exciting double-sided, variable designs for both business and personal use.”

New templates for business and individuals

Canon has added new templates for applications such as flyers, menus, calendars, and photo collages, in addition to a variety of existing poster designs. The new templates feature complete front-and-back design options, making it easy to create a unified two-sided design. In addition, Canon is adding clip art, including stamps like "Big Sale" and "Limited Time Offer" and illustrations in a handwritten style.

Version 1.1 also supports "Auto Photo Fix" which streamlines the design process further, allowing for text and images to be changed, whilst photo colour tone and brightness can be adjusted to help create high quality and original designs.

Availability

Version 1.1 of PosterArtist is available now at https://www.canon.com.au/apps/posterartist .

+ Inaugural Sydney Paint Jam attracts local and interstate visitors for a creative weekend

April 04 2023

Inaugural Sydney Paint Jam meetup over the weekend of the 25-26th March gathered together a small but energetic group of 12 signwriters. The attendees were mostly local Sydneysiders but also included interstate visitors from Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Hosted by Emiel Saada of Studio Mielo (www.mielo.com.au) in Enmore. The area is a hotspot for hand-painted signage and murals – the perfect location for getting some inspiration while out for lunch.

Despite the event being steered towards being a laidback weekend meet, a few attendees couldn’t help themselves and bashed out a production line worth of panels. Some of said panels were kept, swapped and a bunch left behind that now adorn the walls of Studio Mielo.

Event organiser Ryan Donnelly of Alltype'sa Signs said, “I’ve been lucky enough to get to a few signwriting meets in Australia and around the world over the past few years. It inspired me to put together something in Sydney, teaming up with Studio Mielo meant the event could be held in an active workshop which really added to the atmosphere. I’m really happy with how the event turned out, and it was great to have sponsors on board encouraging the thriving hand-painted signwriting scene in Sydney.”

The event garnered positive feedback from attendees such as Killing Time Studio, Melbourne. He said, “met so many likeminded creatives, young and old. All good vibes and nothing to prove. Just a good old fashioned get together to talk shop and swap tips, tricks and yarns over a few beers.”

Sydney Paint Jam was made possible with the support of event sponsors:

Colormaker Industries – Permacrylic scenic paint range www.colormaker.com.au
Viponds – Sign enamel paint range www.viponds.com.au
A.S.Handover – Brushes & Sundries www.handover.co.uk

For more information, please contact:

Ryan Donnelly of Alltype'sa Signs (instagram.com/alltypesa.signs)

+ Kornit Introduces Smart Curing and Rapid SizeShifter

April 04 2023

Kornit Digital LTD., a worldwide market leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion^x and textile production technologies, announced today the Company is set to unveil its new Smart Curing and Rapid SizeShifter solutions at TecStyle Visions 2023 – designed to help customers accelerate textile production processes, streamline time-to-market, and grow their business faster with state-of-the-art “Smart manufacturing” capabilities. Kornit Smart Curing is an intelligent and adaptive solution significantly streamlining curing processes while delivering consistent high-quality results. Additionally, the introduction of Rapid SizeShifter eliminates time-consuming direct-to-garment pallet changes typically required to address disparate applications. Be the first to see these innovations live at Booth 5B61 in Hall 5 from March 30 – April 1 at Messe Stuttgart.

Kornit’s new energy-efficient Smart Curing solutions include Orion for mid-level production, and Titan for higher-capacity volumes – both optimized for compatibility with Kornit Atlas MAX systems and based on field-proven solutions from the acquisition of Tesoma. These highly efficient curing systems sync production and finishing for an end-to-end process that reduces both energy consumption and total cost of ownership (TCO). Kornit’s Rapid SizeShifter for Atlas MAX is an adjustable pallet that quickly adapts to disparate application requirements – reducing costly downtime associated with pallet changes and streamlining production for accelerated time-to-market.

“These new solutions come at a critical time for the EMEA market and are designed to specifically address emerging customer requirements across the region – streamlining production processes, improving time-to-market, and offering more diverse applications while answering environmental imperatives,” said Chris Govier, President EMEA at Kornit Digital. “With Smart Curing, we’re rounding out our end-to-end solutions, while enabling customers to globally mitigate energy waste and reduce operating costs. Rapid SizeShifter further advances ease-of-use and productivity for Atlas MAX users by enabling print size changeover in seconds while increasing application versatility. We’re very excited to showcase these new automation and connectivity benefits based on accelerated customer demand across the region – enabling them to experience how end-to-end, intelligent digital production can transform and grow their business.”

Powered in part by Tesoma technology alongside Kornit’s proven digital production capabilities, Smart Curing puts production and finishing in perfect sync with an end-to-end process that scales to meet customer demand. Key attributes include:

Optimal production flexibility by curing dark and light fabrics, T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
Significant reductions in power consumption and waste.
Multiple configurations to match specific business requirements, supporting either one (Orion) or up to three (Titan) Atlas MAX systems.

Rapid SizeShifter unlocks the speed and productivity of on-demand direct-to-garment production with a single pallet platform that addresses a wide range of applications – from t-shirts with or without neck tags and hoodies to children’s apparel. Making the production experience more seamless, Rapid SizeShifter delivers:

Increased utilization by eliminating pallet replacements.
A cost-effective solution that easily implements new sizes, products, and applications.
On-the-fly adjustments, addressing demand changes in seconds.
Simplified ergonomics, expanding ease-of-use for versatile garment production on-demand.
Fully streamlined production processes with Smart workflow software.

kornit.com

+ MUTOH releases UV Embossed Solution and Texture Library for XPJ-461UF/XPJ-661UF users

April 04 2023

The DTO (direct to object) market continues to innovate, and these new effects and textures will open up new, higher margin business opportunities for Mutoh VerteLith users.

MUTOH, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, affiliated with MUTOH HOLDINGS CO., LTD. has today announced the release of "Embossed Print Environment (pre-set files)" for MUTOH genuine RIP software VerteLith, and the Texture Library (Adobe® Illustrator file) optimized for embossed printing for users of UV LED flatbed printers, XPJ-461UF and XPJ-661UF. The service is available in MUTOH Club, a website exclusively for MUTOH users.

Embossed printing (thick layered print) with varnish ink on the UV printers can be set up simply by loading the Print Environment (pre-set) into VerteLith. Six different surface texture combinations are available with three varying thickness levels with a gloss finish and three varying thickness levels with a matte finish.

The MUTOH Texture Library, in combination with the Embossed Print Environment, provides texture patterns that are ideal for decorative printing of goods and other items with 2.5D texture, in addition to flat designs.

Simply Load ThePre-Registered Print Environment to Complete Setup

The MUTOH UV LED printers, XPJ-461UF and XPJ-661UF, are equipped with "UV LED Lamp Local Dimming Control Technology" that enables fine adjustment of printed surface texture by controlling UV LED lamp irradiation. In order to achieve a gloss or matte finish, the irradiation parameters of the UV LED lamps must be fine-tuned according to the purpose.

The MUTOH genuine RIP software VerteLith can pre-register complex settings including irradiation parameters as print environments, which can then be exported and imported. MUTOH has now created the Print Environment in which the settings necessary for embossed printing are registered. Users simply download this Print Environment from the MUTOH Club and load it into VerteLith to complete the embossed print settings.

Textured Patterns Ideal for Embossed Print

MUTOH has prepared 100 different texture patterns for embossed prints, which can be used as patterns in Adobe Illustrator. By printing texture of 2.5D on goods and other items, you can add value of not only seeing but also touching them.

+ New Modular Canon Colorado M-series Roll-to-Roll Printer Brings Scalable Speed and Easy-care White Ink Option

April 04 2023

Canon Production Printing today launches the new Colorado M-series, a modular 1.6m roll-to-roll printer with two speed configurations and now also with Canon UVgel white ink, boosting the printer’s unmatched productivity and substantially expanding the range of applications that customers can create.

Retaining Colorado’s industrial build quality, the new M-series design is based on a single platform that can be configured to customers’ needs and grow with their business, with easy in-field upgrades. The scalable series includes two base models (M3 and M5) offering a choice of output speeds (cruising speed of 29m2/hr [312ft²/hr] and 40m2/hr [427ft²/hr] and maximum print speed of 111m2/hr [1,195ft²/hr] and 159m2/hr [1,709ft²/hr] respectively), with the option to upgrade from one model to the other. Both printers can be easily upgraded to ‘W’ versions for white ink (M3W and M5W).

The introduction of a white UVgel ink maximises the scope for customers to benefit from UVgel’s renowned performance advantages for a full spectrum of premium graphics and décor applications – for example window graphics, labels and wallpaper. With this addition, and with new media detection sensor technology for easy media handling, Colorado M-series customers can expand their typical product offering using heavy structured, transparent, coloured, reflective and magnetic materials.

The unique gel formulation of Canon UVgel ink translates to fast build-up of dense and opaque white images in fewer passes than with conventional printing technologies, and printed output maintains its original whiteness over time. UVgel’s particular properties also eliminate many of the production, nozzle-cleaning and maintenance issues commonly associated with white ink, offering smooth, error-free printing, minimising ink usage and waste, and maximising productivity.

Customers can also choose the popular FLXfinish+ option with their Colorado M-series printer, allowing them to add matte, gloss or mixed matte and gloss on the same print, without additional varnish. High-volume customers can automate the print-to-finish process with a UVgel Print Factory or UVgel Wallpaper Factory configuration, which seamlessly integrates the Colorado M-series printer with cutting, rewinding, taping or sheet stacking to manage volumes of at least 50,000m2 (500,000ft²) per year with minimal operator time.

Craig Nethercott, Managing Director, Canon Production Printing Oceania says: “Ever since they burst onto the market, Colorado printers with UVgel ink have set the highest bar for speed, quality and all-round productivity. On top of these business-critical performance criteria, customers today want to make smart, environmentally-responsible investments in large format graphics printing solutions that can evolve with them and help them tap into lucrative creative applications, products and markets. With the addition of an easy-care white ink option, the new modular Colorado M-series is the growth engine that businesses need to level up their capabilities and turn ideas into reality.”

Canon UVgel ink delivers pin-sharp image quality and consistent colour, while its instant drying properties enable immediate cutting and finishing, and its ultra-durability removes the need for lamination. Like previous Colorado models, the M-series is designed to handle the workload of multiple legacy roll-to-roll printers, with industrial-grade round-the-clock reliability and unattended printing with minimal operator intervention. The new M-series Colorado printers are supported by PRISMAguide XL, the easy and powerful make-ready software which results in effortless production runs with consistently high quality.

Compared to other ink technologies such as latex or eco-solvent inks, UVgel technology consumes up to 40% less ink to build up the same image quality and colour intensity. The low-heat, energy-efficient LED curing system and ‘instant-on’ operation results in reduced energy use compared to other technologies. Furthermore, with UVgel technology, customers can print on environmentally responsible materials such as PVC-free and paper-based media, even uncoated. This means the Colorado M-series printer fits perfectly in a sustainability-conscious organisation.

The Colorado M-series is designed with low total cost of ownership and rapid return on investment in mind, thanks to the lowest operating costs in its category, the ability to produce high-value applications, and the unique modular upgrade options.

The Colorado M-series is available immediately via accredited partners as well as Canon’s direct sales organisations.

+ Pozitive Open House - New Technology for a Changing Industry

It was a busy day for the team at Pozit...

March 29 2023

It was a busy day for the team at Pozitive Signs and Graphic Supplies when they opened their doors for the launch of the Valiani Omnia100 auto feed die cutter. With their staff on hand, Phil and Andrea Trumble welcomed guests, giving them a look at the market leading Summa finishing solutions and recently released Roland DG TrueVIS AP-640 resin and LG-640 UV printers.

Enjoying the hospitality of the Pozitive Open Day

Located at Eastern Creek just outside of Sydney, the open house event marked a new chapter for the team at Pozitive as they expand their product base with the advanced, Italian made Valiani Omnia100 auto feed die cutter. Nico Valiani, CEO, Valiani, was on-hand to take guests through the capabilities of the machine, and detail how this autonomous system will deliver significant time and cost savings, and exceptional results.

“We have designed the Valiani Omnia100 to work non-stop,” says Nico. “We understand the staffing challenges the industry faces, and the need for machinery to run almost all day every day to meet customer demands. We have listened to what producers and manufacturers around the world have been saying, and what they need to respond to market challenges and customer demands.”

Phil Trumble (Pozitive) with Nico Valiani (Valiani)

The Valiani Omnia 100 has been designed to automatically feed and contour cut media. The operator can load media up to 75cm x 105cm in size. Omnia will feed media to the cutting arm using a suction system that lifts media from the feeder and drags it onto the conveyor. The feeder holds up to 500 sheets, depending on thickness. Once in position, the camera will detect crop marks and execute the cut file for the pre-printed graphics. The completed sheets drop into the catch tray. It’s perfect for personalised die-cutting processes, high-end packaging, and specialist labels without the added cost.

some of the work finished by the Valiani Omnia 100

The Omnia 100 also features a QR Code reader that uses a high-resolution camera to scan materials. After the codes are scanned, the system then runs the applicable files to process the work. Nico demonstrated how fast and accurate the machine is.

Valiani Omnia 100

Nico said that he and the Pozitive team are excited by the benefits and performance the Valiani Omnia 100 delivers. They see it being a very popular piece of machinery with Australian packaging and labels manufacturers.

Also on show at the open day were several Summa cutters including the F1612 and Summa S1 and S2 cutters.

Travelling from Singapore for the event was Summa technical expert, Eugene Tan, who talked about the advantages that Summa cutters deliver, especially the F Series.

Eugene Tan (Summa)

It’s easy to see why Pozitive have partnered with Summa. The cutters are perfect for the sign and display industry.

The Summa F1612 flatbed cutter optimises print & cut workflow, handling multiple materials including

POS displays, soft signage, packaging, stickers, mock-up designs, traffic signs and billboards, backlit displays, flags & banners, and sportswear. It’s all thanks to the systems multifunctional head that can hold up to three modules at once including a drag knife module, tangential module, high torque rotary module, standard router module, high-frequency router module and an extensive choice of tools.

The Summa F1612

For those looking for state-of-the-art wide-format print technology Pozitive opened the doors to the newest print solutions from Roland DG that included the TrueVIS AP-640 and LG-640 UV printers.

Greg Stone and Simon Waters from Roland DG were at the event to demonstrate the printers. An instant hit with the market, the company has already achieved significant sales levels in the very short time they have been available.

Greg Stone, Roland DG

Greg said, “There has been a lot of interest in the TrueVIS AP-640 resin printer, it has captured the attention of sign and display businesses that use wide-format technology.”

The TrueVIS AP-640 has dual, staggered printheads with variable dot printing capability. The printer’s resin inks means that prints dry very quickly, are scratch resistant, and can be used for a range of different materials.

Next to the AP-640 was the new LG-640 UV 64 printer and cutter which also runs staggered printheads. The inks deliver a wide colour gamut, and there’s a high-density white ink. Being a UV printer means that prints dry quickly so they are compatible with a significant range of media.

“We are pleased to be able to give print, sign, and packaging professionals a chance to see the new Valiani Omnia100, the Summa range and the new Roland DG printers,” said Philip Trumble, CEO, Pozitive. “It’s great to have Nico and Francesco from Valiani, Eugene from Summa, and Greg and Simon from Roland DG, be here to meet directly with guests. All who have attended have used the opportunity to learn from their expertise and see what this technology can do for their operations.”

For more information about any of the technology on display, or products from Pozitive’s extensive range of print, sign and display materials, please visit www.pozitive.com.au

+ Angus McGrath, a graduate printer from Note Printing Australia, has been named Winner of this year’s LIA Victoria Heidelberg Graduate of the Year.

March 28 2023

McGrath took the honours at a well-attended celebration held at Fujifilm Business Innovation in Melbourne last night, from a strong field of contenders who judges said were difficult to separate.

These included McGrath’s colleague and fellow printer at Note Printing Australia, Jack McAullay, pre-press operator Bailey Kennedy-Wall from Multi Colour Corporation, and printers Mark Pedroni from Fildes Group and Daniel Colbert from Camprint. McAullay and Kennedy-Wall were also awarded Special Merit Awards on the night.

LIA Victoria President Robert Black says the Awards continue to be a fundamental feature of the LIA charter, which is focused on education, connection and recognition for ‘all people in print’.

“The LIA has a long and proud history of recognising and encouraging graduates, as part of our commitment to the future of print and the wider graphic communications sector in Australia,” he said.

“With the generous support of our sponsors, Heidelberg Australia and the Collie Print Trust, we are able to provide a $3000 grant to the Graduate of the Year, as well as two $1000 grants for special merit, with the prize money to be used towards furthering the graduates’ education and career development.”

That sponsorship will also enable State winners to travel to Sydney for the 2023 national judging, which will be held during Visual Impact at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. The formal Award Presentations will take place during a drinks function in the Seminar Theatre at Visual Impact at 6pm on Thursday 4 May, 2023.

The 2023 and 2024 National Graduates of the Year will be sponsored by Heidelberg to attend the 2024 national presentations, where they will vie for the biennial Visual Connections LIA National Graduate Scholarship Prize of $10,000, and the $5,000 Ball & Doggett Future Leader Award, recently renamed to recognise that company’s sponsorship. Both awards are provided for graduates to use towards learning experiences which will further their career aspirations.

Black says all five finalists this year are ‘unquestionably future leaders’ for the industry, saying Judges had a tough time to decide on the eventual winners. “It is enormously pleasing to have such a high-quality group of entrants, and very encouraging for the future of our sector to see their passion, initiative and commitment,” Black says. “Each of the finalists this year should be congratulated on their preparation for the Awards, and on their career achievements so far. I have no doubt we will be hearing a lot from them in future years.”

To find out more about the LIA Graduate Awards, go to www.lia.com.au/lia-awards. Membership of the LIA is open to individuals involved in any aspect of print, from creative and design, through prepress and all forms of print production, to finishing and distribution. To find out more about LIA Victoria go to https://lia.com.au/states/victoria/ or to enquire about membership, contact vic@lia.com.au

+ AVERY DENNISON MAKES A POWERFUL STATEMENT IN MATTE WITH RED BULL AMPOL RACING

- Great Looks, Superb Print Quality and Fast Application for the Supercars Championship’s Most Successful Team Operating in Extreme Racing Conditions -

March 28 2023

- Great Looks, Superb Print Quality and Fast Application for the Supercars Championship’s Most Successful Team Operating in Extreme Racing Conditions -

Each week, under extreme race conditions in the highly demanding and intensely competitive 2023 Supercars Championship, the Red Bull Ampol Racing team relies on Avery Dennison high-performance wraps to protect its new livery and cars from the searing heat and dangerous road debris.

“We are excited about the new livery,” said Jordan Leach, Business Director, Graphics Solutions, Australia and New Zealand and ASEAN, Avery Dennison. “The high-quality matte finish is striking, lightweight, and more advanced than before. Avery Dennison is leveraging our expertise in materials science to push the limits and ultimately give the Red Bull Ampol Racing team a winning advantage.”

Triple Eight Race Engineering, the team behind Red Bull Ampol Racing, has been a valued partner of Avery Dennison for over 12 years. Working in close collaboration, Avery Dennison continually makes improvements to its wrap films, pushing the boundaries of quality, performance, durability and ease of application every season.

“Our new Gen3 Camaros feature more complex curves and deep recesses that require careful attention during the wrapping process,” said Jamie Whincup, Managing Director, Triple Eight Race Engineering. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Avery Dennison again for this season. Incredibly durable, the overall look is not only flawless but also spectacular.”

For the 2023 season, the team’s Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro racing cars are wrapped with the Avery Dennison MPI 1105 digital print wrapping film, a premium high-gloss cast film with stunning printability, maximum durability and superior 3D conformability, for complex surfaces with curves and recesses. The MPI 1105 uses Easy Apply™ RS technology to ensure the same application speed and convenience as the renowned Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film.

The digitally-printed images are protected by the Avery Dennison DOL 1480Z Matte overlaminate, a premium quality, flexible cast vinyl protective overlaminate film with extreme conformability that supports highly demanding graphics applications.

These cars are subject to extreme environmental conditions, but thanks to the Avery Dennison Supreme PPF Xtreme series, the highest wear sections of the cars are protected. In addition, the paint protection film's next-generation technology delivers impact, scratch and stain resistance with enhanced self-healing and comes with the benefits of optimised installation and an extended warranty.

Learn more about the Avery Dennison products for Red Bull Racing’s 2023 livery at https://graphicsap.averydennison.com/en/home/promotions/red-bull-ampol-racing-2023.html and get an exclusive look behind the scenes at our collaboration in the high-performance world of racing at https://avydn.co/3FR32Bp.

+ Details announced for Australian Sign & Graphics Industry Association’s (ASGA) upcoming webinar

Topic: Glues for Sign Making

March 28 2023

Topic: Glues for Sign Making

Date: Tuesday, 18 April 2.00pm AEDT

This webinar will showcase the various types of glues used in sign making, how and where to use them, how to prepare a surface to ensure maximum adhesion, and how to store glues safely.

Serge and Nicholas Popovic from Acrylic Technologies Australia will present on the topic, Mick Harrold of Visual Exposure and ASGA will outline his experience using glues and Vernon Kingman of Kingman Strategies will moderate the webinar.

“With the increasing popularity of channel letter bending technology and less reliance on mechanical fixings, understanding glues and their application is vital for ensuring a sign can withstand the test of time”, said Mick Harrold.

“There is not one glue that suits all projects. Knowing which glue to use and how to apply them is essential knowledge for all sign fabricators. With the latest in glue technology covered in this webinar, and following on from our channel letter bending webinar where glues were only briefly mentioned, fabricators of all levels are encouraged to register”.

ASGA members can register free. Non ASGA member cost is $33 inc GST.

For more details and to register, visit https://signs.org.au/events-and-news/current-events/

+ Epson launches its most sustainable business printer range ever

March 28 2023

New AM-Series fully commits to sustainable Heat-Free inkjet technology

Furthering its commitment to sustainability, Epson has launched the most seriously sustainable, feature-rich range of business colour copiers in its history – the WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series - all of which have its award-winning, patented Piezo Heat-Free inkjet technology at their core.

The new 40-60ppm multi-function devices bring Epson’s most successful static line-head technology to the mass market enhancing the company’s offering and ensuring end users have the best product fit while still addressing and staying true to the company’s sustainability agenda.

Inkjet technology uses one quarter of the energy compared to laser¹ and with a compact footprint and a lightweight design, these products help limit resources used during production and shipping. This reduced size also means they easily integrate into any office and save on space. High yield ink cartridges also reduce material usage, office disruptions, shipping, storage and end-user management of consumables.

The new WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series represents a significant shift in Epson’s printing strategy, fully supporting the company’s commitment to sustainability and coincides with Epson’s recent announcement of its ¥100 billion (AUD$1 billion) investment into sustainable innovation.

The launch of these products accentuates laser technology’s limited ability to make significant steps towards improved sustainability due to its ongoing requirement for heat during the print process and relative increased energy use.

This combined with fewer moving and consumable parts to replace over the lifetime of the printer compared to lasers, also means service and maintenance needs of Epson inkjets are substantially reduced, along with resulting printer downtime improving productivity and user satisfaction.

The new WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series now completes Epson’s business inkjet line up from small workgroup units to high-speed production machines – meaning that no matter the business function or print demand, there is a product that suits.

With a full range of support from Managed Print Service and Print Admin packages through to Remote Service solutions, these products truly enable a low maintenance, high quality, reliable, sustainable print system.

More about the new WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series range

Most compact footprint in class and significantly reduced weight
Modular design with the ability to upgrade the device as your office applications change over time
10.1-inch (25.65 cm) interface panel – smarter and more intuitive with eco print settings
Simple and easy to use with auto paper size detection and self-closing paper cassettes
Easy loading, compact high-capacity ink cartridges
2,000 sheet paper cassette capacity
Reduce downtime - Designed for easy internal access and quick and efficient routine maintenance
60ppm / 120 ipm scan capability and optional OCR feature
Optional inner finisher – compact and space saving to compile and staple documents. Also available with optional hole punch
Optional booklet outer finisher – to provide stapling, hole punching, saddle stitching, and centre and tri folding
Open platform for compatibility with supported MPS providers and ISVs

For more information on the new WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series go to:

https://www.epson.com.au/products/am-c-series/

+ HP Debuts the HP Indigo 200K Digital Press Designed to Accelerate Growth for the Flexible Packaging Industry

News Highlights Increases productivity – pushing the break-eve...

March 28 2023

News Highlights

Increases productivity – pushing the break-even point by 50 percent and allowing customers to triple their volume. Opens door to more flexible packaging converters who want to enter the digital market.
Delivers gravure-matching colour quality – using HP Indigo Liquid Electro Photography (LEP) and One-Shot Colour technologies. With patented Indigo Spot Master technology, converters can easily reach the right colour fast, keep it consistent, and share the colour results online with the brand.
Improves sustainability – carbon-neutral manufactured, minimises waste during set-up and production, reduces energy consumption and is food packaging compliant.

HP has unveiled its new HP Indigo 200K Digital Press, designed to give digital flexible converters the competitive edge with better productivity, on-demand delivery, no minimum orders, unique designs, reduced energy consumption, and minimal waste. The new press is based on the only field-proven digital technology for digital flexible packaging and on a successful install base of over 300 HP Indigo 25K digital presses, series 4, worldwide². The new, series 5, HP Indigo 200K digital press, prints up to 56 m/min (183 ft/min) and dramatically increases the productivity of high-margin, sustainable short runs of digital flexible packaging, to be delivered in days, not weeks.

“The HP Indigo 200K is a mid-web digital press especially designed for converters addressing the needs of brands in flexible packaging, but it also serves the growing requirements of the label and shrink sleeve industries for higher productivity and wider format,” said Noam Zilbershtain, VP & General manager of HP Indigo & Scitex. “Flexible Packaging is a growing market, and as HP Indigo customers are growing much faster than the market³, I have no doubt that the HP Indigo 200K digital press will open the door for more flexo converters who want to join the success, and reign in industry 4.0.”

Increased speed while maintaining quality

The HP Indigo 200K digital press showcases a 30 percent increase in speed and 45 percent boost in productivity compared to the HP Indigo 25K⁴. Featuring gravure-matching color quality based on the HP Indigo Liquid Electro Photography (LEP) and One-Shot Color technologies, the new press offers the widest available range of ElectroInks and is designed to print high coverage packages with white on the majority of industrial substrates, both surface and reverse. Additional business opportunities include unique brand protection elements.

Following the announcement of UK-based Sirane Group as one of the press' first beta customers, Peter Ralten, Commercial and Business Development Director said: “At Sirane, we have been looking into digital print for a while now, realizing it is where the future lies. The HP Indigo 200K digital press, with its incredible increase in productivity, opens new business opportunities for us. With the unmatched HP Indigo quality and versatility, we can’t wait to see the results of adding it to our portfolio.”

The HP Indigo 200K digital press achieves efficient production with HP Indigo’s PrintOS software automation capabilities for batching, ganging, and variable data, as well as faster, accurate color match and workflow. Automation tools for operator efficiency⁵, coupled with sustainable production, circular packaging and food packaging safety⁶, all amount to an outstanding digital solution.

Features of the HP Indigo 200K Digital Press

Mid-web press offers on-demand delivery, no minimum orders, fast setup, and minimal waste per job.
Press print speeds up to 56 m/min (183 ft/min).
A sustainable solution for the flexible packaging market to meet the needs of brands.

The HP Indigo 200K Digital Press will be supplied in Australia and New Zealand by Currie Group.

¹ In comparison to the HP Indigo 25K digital press.
² Proven technology claim based on IT Strategies Digital Packaging 2022 report, which identifies HP as the market leader in Flexible Packaging with more than 90% share of installations.
³ The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2026, Smithers Pira – 2021 (and internal HP Indigo customer statistics)
⁴ Increased speed is based on Enhanced Productivity Mode
⁵ Operator efficiency is improved by optimized user interface, quick color calibration, fast ink loading, and fast recovery
⁶ Selected HP Indigo ElectroInks were tested for compostability against leading standards, and can be used, under certain limitations, as an ink for printing compostable packages (Industrial and Home Composting). For details on approved inks and allowed limits, please contact the HP Indigo team for more information

+ Epson’s expanded range of production-class SureColor® T-Series wide-format MFP printers are available now

March 21 2023

Designed to deliver high speed print, scan, copy and share functionality

Epson’s multifunction models, SureColor T-Series T5760DM 36-inch and T7760DM 44-inch dual-roll, have joined the newly released production-class T-Series, taking the total in the range to 6 printers. All printers are available now from authorised Epson dealers.

New SureColor T7760DM dual-roll MFP printer

Developed from the ground up, the all new SureColor T-Series MFP models embody the philosophy of high-speed printing, scanning, copying and sharing across an even wider range.

New SureColor T-Series compact form factor in-situ

All SureColor T-Series MFP models share the same key features as the other models in the range which include Epson’s latest 2.64-inch PrecisionCore™ printhead providing outstanding image quality. There’s also improved usability, streamlined workflows and media handling, Adobe’s Embedded Print Engine as standard, dual rolls, built-in take-up reel for roll-to-roll printing, complete front operation and easy automatic roll loading.

The new MFP models like the other models in the range also share the same compact industrial design with flat top providing a small footprint for space-constrained production environments.

The new SureColor T-Series range’s many save options

The SureColor T5760DM 36-inch and T7760DM 44-inch models incorporate an advanced high speed integrated 36” scanner for scan and copy functionality. The scanner flat opens automatically when selecting either copy or scan mode and the printer conveniently allows for printing to continue when these modes are selected and in use. The scanner supports scan and copy functionality with network and direct USB and included is a 960GB SSD for file storage in a variety of formats. It features a dual light source to ensure the best possible imaging even on aged and creased documents. It also incorporates advanced CIS with RGB filters to reproduce accurate colours and recognise highlighter and pen-based markings even with fluorescent ink.

The SureColor T5760DM 36-inch and T7760DM 44-inch delivers posters and POP displays at speeds over 27 m²/h and CAD and technical drawings at production-class speeds over 130 m²/h, for fast cost-effective production with lower power consumption.

More about the new SureColor T-Series MFP

The new line delivers a range of features designed to revolutionise business productivity, including:

Advanced performance – Delivers crisp, detailed, colourful prints using a reliable 2.64-inch PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead, producing remarkable prints at speeds over 130 m2/h. The integrated scanner provides high speed productivity with an A1 portrait scan speed: 25.4cm/s or 10.0 ips for mono and 11.43cm/s or 4.5 ips for colour (200 dpi).

Superior image quality with UltraChrome XD3 6-colour inks - including a new red ink. Produces durable prints with crisp lines and vibrant colours for graphics, signage, blueprints, documents, and more.
Compact design for small spaces – up to 25% smaller than the previous generation with a sleek design that simplifies workflow and features a usable flattop design, complete front operation, and small footprint for space constrained environments.
Seamless, dual-roll productivity – Included in all 6 new models, to accommodate two media types or sizes, or so the second roll can be used as a take-up reel for roll-to-roll production
Easy setup and operation – Simple to install, large 4.3” LCD touch screen control panel, all front-loaded consumables, integrated pull-out drop-down media
Adobe Embedded Print Engine – High-speed processing and PDF printing convenience powered by a powerful Adobe Embedded Print Engine with four on-board Intel Atom CPUs. Provides up to 3x faster¹ processing of complicated data and accurate printing of transparent layers than previous generations, with PDF RIP resolution up to 1200 dpi
Epson Cloud Solution PORT – Remotely manage and monitor entire printer fleets cost effectively with a convenient dashboard on laptops or smart devices, including production rates, page and square meter counters, printer status, and equipment utilisation.
Versatile media handling – Print on a wide range of media, including glossy, bond, matte and specialty medias, and rigid posterboard up to 1.5 mm thick
Versatile connectivity – High-speed USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi^® connectivity (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) options to fit virtually any production workflow

-Enhanced security features and IT tools – 28 IT security features to assist with data production, communication security, and access control, including IC card option for user control and tracking, and SSD encryption.

As a further update to the original T-Series line-up, the SureColor T7760DL 44-inch dual-roll printer with large cost-effective 1.6L ink pouches, T3760D 24-inch and T5760D 36-inch dual-roll printer versions are also available now.

The SureColor T5760DM 36-inch and T7760DM 44-inch dual-roll MFP models are available in Australia and New Zealand now for the following RRP (ex-tax):

Australia

T5760DM Printer with 5-year CoverPlus – $16,995

T7760DM Printer with 5-year CoverPlus – $20,295

New Zealand

T5760DM Printer with 5-year CoverPlus – $18,495

T7760DM Printer with 5-year CoverPlus – $21,995

Picture credits

New SureColor T7760DM dual-roll MFP printer

New SureColor T-Series compact form factor in-situ

The new SureColor T-Series range’s many save options

Follow Epson on social media:
Facebook: @EpsonAustralia
Twitter: @EpsonAust
Instagram: @EpsonAust

+ FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO 2023 SET TO WELCOME STRONG LINE-UP OF 490 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS

March 21 2023

Munich events will welcome back 95 suppliers returning for the first time since 2019

490 exhibiting companies are already confirmed to participate at FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience 2023, including 95 suppliers who were unable to attend the events in the last two years due to travel restrictions, including DP Solutions, eurolaser, INX, Lüscher Technologies, Marabu, SPS TechnoScreen, Vastex International and Vivid Laminating Technologies. The line-up also features 78 new exhibitors, including Aerolam Decoratives, CarbonQuota, Duveholm Stallbacken, Magon, Newtown Packaging, Ronchini Massimo, Scandinavian Print Group, Toscana Systems and XEIKON.

Visitors to FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 will see solutions from event sponsors Durst, Surfex, Brother, Mimaki, Hanglory and HP and hardware from leading suppliers including AGFA, Aeoon, Aleph, Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, HP, Kongsberg, Liyu, MHM, Sakurai, Swissqprint, Ricoh, Roland, ROQ and Zünd.

Confirmed automation and workflow software suppliers include Caldera, efi, Enfocus BV, OneVision and PrintFactory. Ahlstrom Munksjö, APA, Hexis, ImagePerfect/Berger Textiles, InkTec, Neschen, ORAFOL, Poli-Tape and Sun Chemical are also among the companies presenting media and consumables.

Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, Michael Ryan comments: “Exhibitors who haven’t been able to participate in FESPA events in the last few years can’t wait to share their innovations and expertise with our visitors. And we know that printers benefit hugely from being able to see products from many suppliers in one place, helping them to compare and evaluate the right investments for their business. Our mission this year is to give valuable new perspectives to printers and signmakers. With the strongest line-up of FESPA exhibitors since 2019, we can guarantee that visitors to Munich in May will be in the best place to get the insight and advice they need to overcome their production challenges, access new opportunities and imagine their business future.”

Christoph Gamper, CEO & Co-Owner, Durst comments: “Whereas there was a strong focus on faster production in recent years, digital printing is now no longer the new kid on the block. The emphasis is now on automation, efficiency, and an overall sustainable process in the various digital printing applications. We are pleased to have FESPA in our ‘neighbourhood’ this year and look forward to a lively exchange of applications and unique views, celebrating achievements and discussing new perspectives. The best ideas are born in dialogue, and FESPA offers the ideal setting.”

European Sign Expo 2023, the leading European exhibition for signage and visual communications, will be co-located with FESPA Global Print Expo. With the support of Platinum Sponsor EFKA, the event will reunite key signage professionals with companies specialising in channel lettering, digital signage, dimensional signage, engraving and etching, illuminated displays, out of home media, LED, outdoor systems, laser cutters and sign tools.

The brand new Personalisation Experience will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about personalisation, with specialist suppliers including Antigro, Brother, Dreamscape, Infigo, Optimus, Printbox, Print & Logistics, Taopix and XMPie showcasing products and solutions.

Registration for FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience is now live. Entry to all three exhibition areas is free for members of a FESPA national Association or FESPA Direct. The ticket price is €30.00 for non-members who pre-register using code FESM306 before 23^rd March.

A four-day pass for the Personalisation Experience conference area will be priced at €495. Tickets to the PE conference are €225 for visitors who register before March 23rd using code PEX1.

For more information on pricing, discounts and bundles, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/visit/registration

For more information on FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 and to register, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/.

For more information on European Sign Expo 2023 and to register, visit: https://ese.fespa.com/welcome.

For more information on Personalisation Experience 2023 and to register, visit: https://www.personalisationexperience.com/

To view the floorplan, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/exhibitors

+ HEXIS SAS INTENSIFIES ITS EXTERNAL GROWTH STRATEGY

With 34 years of experti...

March 21 2023

With 34 years of expertise and a reputation recognised in France and internationally, HEXIS SAS, manufacturer and distributor of adhesive films for visual communication, whose head office is located in the south of France, continues its external growth strategy and announces the acquisition of the historic Australian distributor Stickittome.

Stickittome, based in Melbourne (Victoria, Australia), was created in 2001 by Scott NIVEN. Specialising in the supply of vinyl films for printing and cutting, it also offers a wide range of accessories dedicated to the application of adhesive films.

The creation of the HEXIS Australia subsidiary (Brisbane, Queensland) in 2018 consolidated the partnership with STICKITTOME. By establishing a common distribution policy, the HEXIS brand image and the global offer have been greatly developed in recent years:

“We are extremely happy to be able to take this step in strengthening our Team and the HEXIS brand here in Australia. We will look to focus on our customer relationships and site visits to work closely with clients on projects and their daily needs. Keeping on the Stickittome staff and adding more experience to our sales force will add to our overall Hex’pertise and we look forward to new conversations in the near future”, said Ian PARSONSON, MD of HEXIS Australia.

The HEXIS company philosophy is based on similar values to those of the co-founder of Stickittome: “it is a family-run business built from the ground up, with owners and partners who have a passion for the industry. Moreover they strive to remain as close as possible to the end-users and their needs enabling them to provide them with the best solutions and products.”

Clément MATEU, CEO of HEXIS SAS, emphasises the importance of this new operation: "HEXIS has experienced continuous growth for several years on the Australian continent thanks to the involvement and market knowledge of our teams as well as our distributor Stickittome. The decision to invest locally a few years ago proved to be wise and has led us today, thanks to a particularly dynamic sign industry in Australia, to opt for this takeover operation.”

HEXIS’S EXPERTISE AND KNOW-HOW ACCLAIMED BY IMAGING PROFESSIONALS

Who better than HEXIS to train you to install self-adhesive films? The increasing technical nature of HEXIS self-adhesive films is coupled with the requirement of providing technical assistance to the users of its products.

HEXIS, the only manufacturer to provide its own training courses, offer a complete, top-quality, professional and qualifying offer of training courses to discover the countless possibilities offered by self-adhesive films.

Teaching focuses on quality and efficiency, whilst keeping in mind the day-to-day environmental and time constraints daily faced by installers.

In order to train the elite of media applicators, HEXIS has two training centres in Australia, the first one in Brisbane, the other one in Melbourne.

John PAPADOUPOLOS (Blurred Sign. Co), Clayton WITNEY (Gold Coast Wraps) and Ben SCHLIEBS (Graphic Applications) are the 3 HEXIS mediapplicators who work everyday to highlight the quality of HEXIS products through their achievements.

+ New software makes it even easier to harness the power, precision and performance of Kongsberg PCS solutions

March 21 2023

Latest feature-packed Kongsberg iPC streamlines and simplifies production to bring designs to life

Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has unveiled its new software, specifically developed to make it even easier for users to harness the power and precision of its digital cutting solutions and get the most out of their investment.

The new iPC (i-cut Production Console) version 2.6 is packed with a host of new features and upgrades, making the integrated software solution that comes as standard with Kongsberg cutting tables the only production software that users need.

“The iPC’s intuitive user interface was designed to enable straightforward and efficient operation for all users,” said Koen Van Reybroeck, Kongsberg PCS product manager. “It enables users to import and automatically set-up files, customize production runs, calibrate tools and save settings,” he said. “With iPC you can set up standard production workflows, create simple designs and layouts, and run production manually or fully automated.

“With this new version, we have introduced a raft of additional new features and functionalities that help streamline the entire production process, making it faster and easier to achieve optimum cutting results and bring designs to life,” said Koen.

The new Kongsberg iPC 2.6 boasts a whole host of new features, including:

• New iPC Prep Station - a standalone, offline preparation tool that can be used for file and job preparation prior to production, without interrupting the production station or production time estimation

• Updated iPC job list – now split into active jobs/jobs still to go into production; additional job history viewing and exporting options; new reports for order or finishing department. Produced jobs history can also now be exported as a .CSV file

• Improved batch production - use ordered copies on job in batch production, a new way to produce different and mostly unprinted jobs in sequence without user intervention

• On the fly estimation of open jobs - estimation now updated as soon as a modification is done in Layer or Production tabs, or to job geometry. Updated estimate displayed in open job and jobs list, showing modifications’ impact on production time before producing the job

• Print preview for JDF files - jobs using JDF files that contain print preview images are now displayed when hovering over cut preview image

• Windows 11 support - updated documentation and support connectivity for Windows 11; supported operating systems are now Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7

• Kongsberg Connect HUB V1.0 – iPC’s new internal data management system improves connectivity with third party software providers, functioning as a central working interface to and from iPC

Work quicker, without interruption

“With iPC 2.6. we are introducing the new launch iPC Prep Station,” said Koen. “An offline preparation tool for the production table, iPC Prep Station is a standalone version of iPC that is not connected to a Kongsberg cutting table. This means users operators can undertake time-saving and crucial file and job preparation prior to the production process, without causing any delay or interruption to either the production station or production time estimation,” he said.

iPC Prep Station uses the exact same tooling and mapping presets as the Kongsberg table in production, so job preparation can happen even faster - but crucially without a need to be around the cutting table in production.

New integration with software partners

“With this latest version, we also continue to improve integrations with partner software, delivering greater connectivity to iPC and the Kongsberg tables,” added Koen. “This improved connectivity means users can now also take full advantage of a production-focused workflow, with new software partner integrations focusing on automated file setup, QR code production and intelligent file intake.

“Importantly, this also means they can benefit from the comprehensive Kongsberg automation portfolio, from manual feeding and Multizone production through to roll feeders, sheet feeders and robotics,” he said.

“These new features serve to protect users’ investment, ensuring they enjoy full support for all future additional functionality - only developed in iPC – as well as benefitting from advanced Kongsberg tooling, such as Fast Tool Adaptor or Dual Heavy Duty Unit, and all future tools,” said Koen.

To learn more about the benefits of iPC 2.6 from Kongsberg PCS – including user tips and tricks - check out the latest webinar video at https://app.livestorm.co/kongsberg-pcs/discover-ipc

To learn more about iPC 2.6, click here, or for more on the entire range of digital finishing solutions and tools from Kongsberg PCS, visit www.Kongsbergsystems.com

For the latest information on software partners and the latest integrations, just visit https://www.kongsbergsystems.com/en/about/software-partners

+ NZ Letterheads 2023 Registration Opens

March 21 2023

_{NZ Letterheads 2023 is now all go. We are in Christchurch this year and have to thank Sign Foundry for making their Christchurch factory available to us. Thanks Duncan Rourke and the team. The new website is up and running, and some of the sponsors are in place, but we are still seeking more, the programme is in place with just a tweak or two needed and registrations are now open.}

_{Host : Anne McDonald Signs of Art}

_{Venue : Sign Foundry,14 Alloy Street, Sockburn, Christchurch
Date : 29th Sept - 1st October 2023}

Letterheads is a group of sign makers and decorative artists dedicated to passing down traditional sign making skills. The Letterheads meet for hand lettering events and to exchange lost "tricks of the trade" and accumulated skills. This year we have some demonstrations booked to take place on the Friday. This will include:

Basic Brush skills - Pinstriping - Stone carving - Wood carving - Metal etching - Faux Finishing - Special Effects - Basic layout - Basic brush skills

https://www.letterheads.co.nz/

+ Visual Connections & ASGA Expand Successful Education Program

March 21 2023

Training is a hot topic in the sign, display and wider graphic communications space right now, and supplier association Visual Connections, together with the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), is leaping ahead of the market to expand its successful student recruitment and education program.

The two associations’ commitment to the future of the industry has long been demonstrated through programs designed to introduce young people to the print, sign and display market and assist them into appropriate training.

The purpose of this latest, expanded program, is to educate Years 9 and 10 students and their parents about the career opportunities available in the visual communication space, and to work closely with teachers and careers advisors to identify and resource interested students.

Visual Connections CEO, Peter Harper, says initiatives in recent years, including a pilot program conducted just prior to COVID in 2020 in partnership with the Australian Skills & Industry Partnership (AusSIP), had been successful in lifting apprentice numbers, but argues that more needs to be done to meet demand.

“Like many industries, the graphic communications sector is facing challenges in finding and recruiting young people into careers,” he explains. “Addressing this is vital for the future of our industry and has long been a priority for both Visual Connections and the ASGA.”

The first step, he says, is to create awareness of, and interest in, careers in signage, display, wide-format print and the wider graphics sector, not only with students but, just as critically, with their parents and careers counsellors.

“This program is specifically designed to showcase the exciting possibilities available in the industry, and to support those young people who are interested to identify training and apprenticeship opportunities,” Harper explains.

“When young people see what our industry does, they are invariably blown away by the possibilities, but we also know that parents and advisors play a vital role in helping young people evaluate their careers options. It is vitally important that any program to increase apprentice numbers addresses all stakeholders in what is a huge decision for these students.”

Already, with the help of AusSIP and industry sponsors, Visual Connections has booked Careers expos in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth running from May to July this year.

“We also have a ‘Try-a-Trade’ program locked in for Visual Impact Sydney in May, which will provide up to 100 students with the opportunity to try out skills in various aspects of the industry,” he reports.

“With the help of TAFE NSW, students can try skills in sublimation and direct-to-garment printing, laser engraving, print and fine art printing and channel lettering, as well as vinyl application, and see the ‘best of the best’ in action at an exciting wrap challenge planned by ASGA and Hexis.

“Students will also get a chance to try traditional hand lettering and brushwork, and the Penrith Print Museum will be there to let students see how printing on paper was done with traditional letterpress technologies.

“Following these introductory sessions, ‘Taster Days’ will be held with TAFEs in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, to take interested students from a number of schools on a tour of different manufacturers, as well as providing the opportunity for more focused ‘hands-on’ experience.”

The ambitious program, which comes at a particularly vital time for the industry, has received wide support from across the sector, with a host of sponsors signing on to sponsor the 2023 program.

“Programs like this require a significant investment, so we reached out to industry colleagues for their support, and are proud to announce that a number of leading organisations have already pledged their sponsorship,” Harper says.

“These include Amari Visual Solutions, Ball & Doggett, Cactus Imaging, Fujifilm Graphic Systems, Graphic Art Mart, Mulford Plastics, Orofol, Pozitive Sign & Graphic Supplies, Sign-a-Rama, Starleaton and Visual Connections.”

For more information about the program, contact Peter Harper on 0418 267 952 or email peterh@visualconnections.org.au

+ Avery Dennison Opens New Training & Innovation Centre

March 17 2023

Hot on the heels of the opening of an impressive new headquarters in Melbourne, Avery Dennison this week unveiled its new Training & Innovation Centre in Berrinba, Brisbane. The state-of-the-art 300m² facility is the first of its kind in the world and will service the entire ASEAN region.

The dedicated facility will be used for specialist application training and upskilling, and will be the regional base for the company’s certified installer and certified partner programs and for the ‘train the trainer’ programs which are vital to ensuring top performance of Avery Dennison products across the region.

Addressing the media prior to the official opening, Chris Kilgour, General Manager & Senior Director - Graphics Solutions in the Asia Pacific, said the new training centre – the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region – represents a major investment for the company, with its concept conceived and driven by the team in ANZ.

“There’s no question that the trend towards customisation and branding is as strong as it’s ever been,” Kilgour said.

“The take-up of vehicle wrapping, in particular, is increasing strongly around the ASEAN region, and we know that there is a shortage of qualified wrappers to service this growing demand. This Training & Innovation Centre will provide the industry with an important resource to address this shortfall.”

The centre, he said, will host training for Supreme Wrapping film, Paint Protection Film (PPF) and Automotive Window Tint, as well as architectural wrapping and general signage applications. Qualifications offered will include Platinum certification for national dealers, Certified Partner for distribution partners, and Certified Installer for installation professionals.

Jordan Leach, Business Director – Graphic Solutions for ANZ & ASEAN, said, “this dedicated, purpose-built facility is a major step forward for our training gin the region, and will ensure we can meet our strong commitment to supporting the future of the industry in this way.

“As well as providing training for existing installers and dealers, those who are looking to enter the industry – or who are working in the sector but have not yet received formal training – will also be able to come here to upskill to operational levels, and then return when they have the requisite experience to consider certification.”

“We are also consulting with industry associations, TAFEs and others about widening the use of the new centre to provide a pathway for new entrants to the industry, whether those be school leavers, long-term unemployed or others,” he said.

From the outside, the new facility itself is unassuming, tucked inside the company’s sizeable warehouse alongside racks of stock. Enter the doors, however, it’s beyond impressive, featuring two wet and two dry vehicle wrapping bays, large swing-out panels of architectural glass for the application of window films, and a fully-operational imaging room with HP and Mimaki latex printers and a high-end laminating system from French manufacturer, Kala.

In the vehicle bays, overhead Hexagrid lighting provides the ability to check film application down to the finest detail, and specialty grid flooring ensures water from wet applications flows straight away from the work area – a feature which makes this facility unique among Avery Dennison’s graphics training facilities.

The centre also features state-of-the-art video and presentation technologies, which can be used to complement on-the-spot training and, in future, to deliver webinars and virtual training events.

Peter Wright, Technical Marketing Manager – Graphic Solutions ANZ, said the purpose-built centre will complement the company’s training and product expertise with an ‘ideal environment’ for courses.

“We are looking at running about 40 workshops here in the coming year, with each group limited to about 15 people with two or three trainers per group, to absolutely optimise learning,” he added. Those graduates will join some 13,000 already certified by Avery Dennison since it began training in Australia in 1995.

Avery Dennison is a leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, operating in more than 50 countries and turning over USD $9B in sales last year alone. As well as a commitment to market-led innovation – evidenced by dedicated R+D facilities in the US, Europe and China – the company has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, with numerous programs designed to reduce the impact of its operations and products, further progress towards a truly circular economy, and contribute to the wellbeing of the communities in which it operates.

In Australia and the surrounding region, they are well respected name, not only for their superior pressure-sensitive label technologies, but also their wide range of graphic and reflective films which include vehicle wrapping films, solar paint protection and window tinting films, architectural films and an ever-evolving array of new innovations like self-healing top cover films.

+ CET Color and Gandy Digital Partner

March 14 2023

CET Color and Gandy Digital, two of the most innovative and reputable names in the printing industry, are proud to announce a new partnership that will take both companies to new heights. Gandy Digital has long been recognized for its cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and expertise in developing top-of-the-line printers. Now, they will be working together with CET Color to bring a new production marvel to life: the Dynasty UV printer specifically designed to meet CET Color specifications. This printer will be manufactured in Canada and feature American-made parts, ensuring the highest level of quality and reliability.

With a focus on speed, quality, and performance, this high-end upgradeable printer is sure to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding customers in the graphics industry. From experienced printers to those just starting out, the printer’s intuitive design and ease of use make it an ideal choice for all. And with CET Color’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, customers can rest assured that they will always receive the support they need to succeed.

“We are thrilled to partner with CET Color, a company with an impressive and long-standing history,” said Hary Gandy, of Gandy Digital. “Our focus on providing great products and service to the graphics industry aligns perfectly with CET Color’s mission, and we are excited to develop and manufacture a high-end printer specific to their customer needs.”

Ernie Chin, owner of CET Color, echoed Gandy’s sentiments. “Gandy Digital’s manufacturing expertise allows us to provide customers with an excellent high-end printer option,” he said. “We are also pleased to offer printers that support American manufacturers, further strengthening our commitment to quality and reliability.”

With a portfolio that includes flatbed, hybrid, roll-to-roll, and now this new printer, CET Color is well-positioned to continue leading the way in innovation and customer satisfaction. The partnership with Gandy Digital represents a significant step forward for both companies, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

cetcolor.com

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