Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, today announced that Body of Work, a division of Sydney Design and Print Agency Armstrong, won two wide format awards at last week’s Printing United Expo in Las Vegas.

Following on from the success of its Queensland, Victorian and Western Australia 2022 networking evenings, the Australian Sign & Graphics Industry (ASGA) will host a free Lawn Bowls industry networking event in South Australia on December 1 from 4.45pm at the Adelaide Bowling Club in Kent Town. The event is open to anyone working in the sign, print and graphics industries.

“The positive feedback from the networking events held in the other states has been encouraging and so we wanted to provide the same opportunity for those that are SA based for a social get-together.” said ASGA Event Manager, Michael Punch.

“Lawn Bowls was the ideal event type for this busy time of the year where time is very limited. There is fun associated with the event, especially if you are playing for the first time. The relaxed, easy pace of the game provides ample time for networking at the same time that attendees can be engaged in some competitive fun. While not everyone is there to win, the anticipation of which team will be crowned the winner on the night brings some added excitement to events such as these and helps to break the ice when bringing people together.”

For more details, including registration, visit https://signs.org.au/Events-and-News/Current-Events  or contact Michael Punch on 0448 274 211, michael_punch@signs.org.au. 

Kellogg's, one of the world's most recognised food manufacturing companies, has partnered with the HP Brands Innovation Platform and the team at print service provider, Precision Proco Group’s Sheffield site, to design and digitally print special packs of Corn Flakes to mark 100 years since Kellogg's first brought its iconic cereal to the UK.

To mark the brand’s centenary in the UK, 2,022 unique, Corn Flakes packs decorated with iconic assets, including historical branding, packaging, and adverts that have been featured since 1922 have been created.

To bring the unique centenary packs to life, Kellogg’s leveraged the power of digital printing. By partnering with Precision Proco and using the company’s HP Indigo 10000 digital press and SmartStream Mosaic software, Kellogg’s was able to provide a unique design for every single limited-edition box. This has helped Kellogg's tell the story of when its cereal was first introduced to the British public back in 1922 and has influenced breakfasts around the world over the last century.

The 2,022 limited-edition cereal packs have been gifted to Kellogg's UK employees, as part of activities to celebrate its 100-year milestone. Following the success of the campaign, Kellogg’s is keen to continue its digital printing journey across more of its products.

The 100th anniversary activity is just one example of Kellogg's partnership with HP, which has supported the cereal company's digital printing journey since 2020.

Steve Wardle, Senior Manager, Design Operations & Process, Kellogg Company, also commented, “This unique milestone in Kellogg’s history was the ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate our creativity to produce a wonderful souvenir for our UK employees and to also learn even more about the power and capability of digital printing and the power of personalisation.”

“We couldn’t have brought this idea to life without the creative talent and expertise from Deldea Design, the team at Precision Proco, and the inspiration provided by HP who support brands with insights into a world of possibility with HP digital print and how to unleash it’s potential.”

“Empowering brands to create memorable and engaging experiences through packaging co-creation is the result of building trust via marketing thought leadership, combined with our unique innovation services and a great partnership, such as Kellogg’s. We are just at the very beginning to this journey and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Said Jose Gorbea, Global Head of Brands Sustainability and Innovation at HP Inc.

“HP’s partnership with Kellogg’s is a brilliant example of how digital printing and customised packaging can bring a brand’s history to life. HP started its personalisation journey over ten years ago and since then has dug deeper into this megatrend, learning that personalisation can create a one-of-a-kind experience for consumers.” said Dave Prezzano, UK & Ireland Managing Director “I’ve loved seeing the limited-edition Corn Flakes boxes come to life, and it’s brilliant to see how HP Indigo and Kellogg’s have helped to celebrate this 100-year milestone.”

In partnering with Kellogg's, HP has been able to use its market-leading digital print technology to further leverage the power of Kellogg's iconic brands and to surprise and delight breakfast enthusiasts across the country with these unique cereal boxes.

To learn more about how brands can celebrate uniqueness with digital print, please see here.

• BOPP film offers higher yield and an improved carbon footprint
• New material has EU food contact compliance

Innovia Films is launching Rayoface™ CSA46, a clear, one-side gloss coated BOPP film, perfect for use in Food and Beverage or Household and Personal Care applications. This 46 micron film is approximately 10 percent thinner than most facestock films, giving this a higher yield and an improved carbon footprint. 

Rayoface™ CSA is a high clarity and low haze film which gives enhanced product visibility and the “no-label look” appearance. The material has a very wide print window and is suitable for printing with flexo, gravure, screen offset and letter press. Also with UV, low-migration, and water-based inks. 

Alasdair McEwen, Product Manager, Labels explains “the performance of CSA46, means it has excellent cold foil adhesion and appearance, allowing eye-catching graphics and label designs for your product. Whilst reducing carbon impact versus thicker coated facestock films” 

McEwen adds “CSA46 provides balanced orientation for enhanced die-cutting and die lifetime and importantly also has EU food contact compliance”.

To find out more contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager or email labels@innoviafilms.com

Pulse Roll Label Products (‘Pulse Roll Labels’), a leading supplier of UV flexo inks for the global label printing industry, has shared its insight to Fixed Anilox Printing – a game-changing technique to simplify and standardise UV flexo label printing. 

Fixed Anilox Printing uses Pulse Roll Labels’ specially formulated PureTone^Ò range of high strength single-pigment inks alongside a bespoke colour mixing database. The system enables printers to produce any imaginable spot colour all off one volume of anilox – meaning a fixed set can be installed and the rollers do not need changing between jobs.

Fixed Anilox Printing has already demonstrated its success in many leading label companies, helping them standardise, maximise capacity, and save time and considerable cost, while ensuring perfect printing with minimum effort.

Gary Seward, Managing Director of Pulse Roll Labels, comments: “Time and again we see our competitors’ inks requiring multiple aniloxes and many anilox changes to achieve consistent print performance because their inks are varying in strength. Changeovers are eating up capacity and cost unnecessarily.

“Simply put, with Fixed Anilox Printing, we’re removing variables from the print process so lines can run and run. One anilox, one set of inks, and a next generation mixing database ensure instant colour matching. With high speed make ready, up to a 30% reduction in ink consumption, increased uptime, and reduced overall capex in buying rollers, Fixed Anilox Printing changes the game.”

Most competitor inks are too weak and out of balance to use a low enough volume of anilox to produce all colours, but PureTone’s high strength bases, in combination with a fixed anilox, achieve right first-time printing with clean bright colours delivering a Delta E < 2 and higher print consistency, all as a result of the reduction in variables.

The higher strength composition means PureTone inks also require a lower coating weight. This supports lower migration, faster printing, less print imperfections, and reduces ink use by up to 30%, saving further cost. The range also offers increased flexibility to print half tones and full tones using one plate.

Gary Seward adds: “Fixed Anilox Printing takes the flexographic industry into the 22^nd century. With a mixing database supplied by Pulse Roll Labels, our recommended anilox, and our PureTone ink range, this system offers label printers a level of control and simplicity never seen before in the printing world; standardising spot colour printing and removing manual selection from the anilox process so that you use the right solution every time. 

“Importantly, we’re changing over customers in under a week. The days of spending months trialling are over! You don’t need to be a printing guru to put this in place. We know that Fixed Anilox Printing works and the system is simple to understand and easy to implement. We’re excited to share this system with the industry and can’t wait to see how we can drive efficiencies and cost savings for more label printers.”

For more information about Pulse Roll Labels and PureTone, please visit pulserl.com

Canon Production Printing announces that 3M has recognized the exceptional quality of the Colorado 1650 and its UVgel 460 ink for approval in their 3M™ MCS™ Warranty program. This approval provides assurance that applications printed on the Colorado 1650 in combination with the UVgel 460 and 3M’s approved media will achieve the highest quality standards. Applications covered by the 3M MCS Warranty include vehicle graphics, signs and displays, floor graphics and many others.

To qualify for the approval, the Colorado 1650 and its UVgel 460 inks, in combination with a variety of 3M media, successfully passed a series of rigorous tests carried out under 3M’s stringent assessment conditions. Underpinned by the thorough testing of ink, printer and media combinations, including also 3M’s elaborate weathering technology, the 3M MCS Warranty gives both print service providers and their customers peace of mind and confidence that their images will perform as expected for the intended lifetime of the printed graphic.

Widely recognized as a de facto industry standard and representing the most comprehensive, all-inclusive warranty for finished graphics, the 3M MCS Warranty provides non-prorated protection for the graphic’s intended lifespan, including protection against fading, cracking, peeling, blistering, discolouration and many other aspects of graphic performance.

The industry’s most productive 64 inch printer, the Canon Colorado 1650 uses the unique UVgel ink technology, which incorporates all the best aspects of alternative ink technologies, such as the colour gamut and light fastness of eco-solvent, the fit-for-indoor use and quick drying time of latex and the productivity and low-temperature printing process of UV. UVgel technology also enables unique options, such as the production of output with a matt or gloss finish or even the two combined in one print.

UVgel inks produce odourless, ultra-robust output fully certified for indoor use, as well as being very durable for outdoor use. And with customers benefitting from zero VOC emissions, zero hazardous air pollutants and a low average ink usage of 6.4ml/m2 across the more than 2,500 UVgel engines installed worldwide, UVgel has already proved itself to be a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative for latex and eco-solvent technology.

Woonsik Shim, Vice President, Graphics and Personal Auto Business, 3M Commercial Solutions Division, says, “At 3M we take pride in the ability to provide graphics manufacturers the widest selection of premier printing solutions. Extending the warranty through our partnership with Canon reinforces our commitment to quality and to our customers' success, which in turn inspires confidence in the printed graphics.”

Dirk Brouns, Vice President Large Format Graphics at Canon Production Printing, comments, “UVgel is a breakthrough technology that is transforming the way wide format graphics and other applications are being produced. By securing the 3M MCS Warranty, we have passed yet another milestone in our long-term strategy to encourage adoption of the technology. By working together with key industry partners such as 3M, we will continue our mission to offer print service providers in this exciting market a wider choice of print technologies and demonstrate the significant difference UVgel could make to their business.”

Canon is seeing a rapid growth in the take-up of its Colorado platform and patented UVgel technology and, in 2020, invested in a new, state-of-the-art ink factory at its HQ in Venlo, Netherlands, which is now fully operational and increasing its production capacity continuously to keep up with demand.

Canon is currently setting up new labels and packaging so that the Colorado 1650 and its UVgel 460 ink will be available for the 3M MCS Warranty starting 1^st January, 2023. At this time, customers will be able to register to apply for the 3M MCS Warranty Certificate for the Colorado 1650 and UVgel 460 ink.

Following extensive and successful talks over two years, Fujifilm has agreed terms for a joint development with Spanish industrial print manufacturer Barberán, to bring a high-speed, single pass inkjet press to the sign and display market.

Barberán has established itself as a world leader in high-end, high productivity industrial presses for the corrugated market over the last ten years – with 30 customers in North America alone. Now this new partnership combines Barberán’s manufacturing expertise with Fujifilm’s unrivalled knowledge of inkjet integration, ink chemistry and its extensive experience in the sign and display market. The new press will print with a bespoke new Fujifilm ink and primer, developed at its multi-award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, making it suitable for printing on a range of substrates, including plastic and particleboard.

At 30 meters in length and with an excellent built-in print engine, the machine will be able to print on all typical sign and display substrates, up to a width of 1.6 meters, at breath-taking speeds of 6,000 square meters per hour. A number of major sign and display print businesses in North America and Europe are already impressed enough with the technology to sign an agreement to take the first machines when it is available in late 2023.

David Burton, Business and Commercial Director at Fujifilm WFIJ HQ, says: “We choose our partners carefully and Barberán is no exception. We’ve been in close talks with them for more than two years because they have a huge amount of expertise in industrial print manufacturing and we saw an opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship. They already have a single pass product that is proven in the corrugated sector, and we have the expertise to help them adapt it for the very different requirements of the sign and display market.

“Fujifilm has a huge market presence across the whole graphics sector, from analog to digital,” Burton continues. “It’s a market presence that spans commercial print and packaging, as well as sign and display which, of all the graphics sectors, has digitized most rapidly in the last two decades. We’ve played a key role in that transformation and, with this project, we can take that process a step further – supporting digitization for some of the highest volume sign and display production businesses in the world. We will be able to provide a path to digital transformation for businesses printing such massive volumes that (for now) offset processes often still make more economic sense.

“That breadth of experience, and our unrivalled expertise in ink development, combined with Barberán’s skill in heavy engineering, also makes us the perfect partnership to provide a business development opportunity for high-end flat sheet sign and display printers.”

Eladio Lerga, Technical Director of Barberán adds: “We’re really excited to be bringing our technology to a whole new market. Fujifilm’s breadth of experience in print for sign and display will be crucial to this – as well as its expertise in inkjet ink chemistry and inkjet systems. Working together we can maintain our print speeds and quality, and adapt our systems to accommodate a much wider range of substrates and to meet the very different market requirements of this sector.”

fujifilm.com

HP Inc. has today announced new solutions to help Print Service Providers (PSPs) meet high levels of demand, optimise work processes and grow their businesses by delivering innovative applications.

“To reach higher margins, PSPs are always on the hunt for efficiency gains, and technology that allows them to say yes to more jobs with the confidence to deliver exceptional results,” said Daniel Martinez, General Manager, HP Large Format. “Our latest offerings are designed to enable this. The HP Latex 2700 family delivers increased print quality, raw speed and white ink capabilities that will amaze customers. Meanwhile, our new Professional Print Service Plans give PSPs a range of ways to manage fleets and operations - improving workflow and maximising the potential of their business.”

Designed to tackle pressing issues facing print service providers today, the HP Latex 2700 wide-format printer ensures high-quality printing at a pace that is difficult to match. Get a full overview of the printer in the forthcoming online HP webinar, click here for details and to reserve your place.

High performance printing with sustainability in mind

The new 3.2m (126-in) wide HP Latex 2700 printers take production efficiency to the next level, offering vivid colours at up to 89 m2/hr (958 ft²/hr) via symmetrical double printheads, which come equipped with automatic printhead cleaning technology. Users can take on high-margin jobs with 30% wider gamut at high speed, preserving media gloss and feel across a range of signage and décor applications – including thin films, vinyl and paper.

“With the investment in the HP Latex 2700, the increased white ink capabilities allow us the opportunity to go after so many new layers and finishes which offers us new techniques,” says John Mark Watson, MD of John Mark Ltd. “We have been blown away by the results we are getting and have been showing those to designers who have been impressed by the outcome. The new white ink changes the game and takes digital wallpaper printing into a whole different dimension.

In the long term, we see that this will lead to a new trend in design, and it accelerates our position in offering quality digital printed wallcoverings. The machinery and the ink that HP supplies are not only eco-friendly but are leading in the market which also gives us a competitive edge.”

Meanwhile, the HP Latex 2700W printers offer the whitest white ink on the market at speeds of up to 54 m2/hr (581 ft²/hr), allowing PSPs to produce high-margin applications on pre-coloured and transparent media. Automatic ink recirculation and white printheads that can be stored in an offline rotating chamber eliminates waste between white jobs.

All devices in the Latex 2700 series run on fourth generation HP Latex ink - bringing UL ECOLOGO certification , while also meeting UL GREENGUARD GOLD and Toy Safety requirements. This allows PSPs to embrace jobs in even the most sensitive environments.

Additionally, the whole portfolio takes HP Eco-Carton - cardboard-based ink cartridges that reduce plastic by using 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard containers, as well as recycled plastics from HP’s closed-loop recycling process, including post-consumer beverage bottles and U-validated ocean-bound plastics.

Unlock efficiency gains with HP Professional Print Service Plans

HP Professional Print Service Plans are designed to enable business agility, maximise uptime and productivity, and to provide learning opportunities and support.

PSPs have a choice of two different HP Professional Print Service Plans – Basic and Plus – with each containing a portfolio of service and software solutions tailored to business needs. New and enhanced features include:

• Print Beat Live Production – giving users a single, real-time view of all jobs queued and in production across multiple sites. This helps monitor work, anticipate issues, and save precious time
• Print Beat Jobs API – making printer data available to businesses’ external ERP/MIS systems. Monitor HP printers alongside non-HP hardware, automate processes and combine with other operational data for richer business insights
• HP Learn – a digital learning platform with free and premium training modules depending on the service plan PSPs choose, allowing users to upskill and keep ahead of challenges
• Enhanced HP Service Center – proactive troubleshooting to improve uptime, including smart diagnostics that alert your service representative when action is needed

For further information about HP Professional Print Service Plans and its features, please visit the website here.

Availability

The HP Latex 2700 portfolio will be available in all major markets from October 19th, 2022 with pricing available on request from local HP teams and partners.

HP Professional Print Service Plans will be available globally from October 19th, 2022.

To read additional recent news from HP, click here

Models D-100 and D-1000, the smallest conveyor dryers produced by Vastex International, are now available with Powered Exhaust to remove excess moisture and fumes from the infrared heating chamber. Available as an option on new units or as a retrofit kit on existing units, the exhaust hood vents from the top of the dryer for maximum flexibility in ducting to the shop's exterior, while reducing noise significantly.

"The powered exhaust hood pulls fumes and hot air away from the operator’s environment, making these compact dryers ideal for working in confined spaces, especially when curing direct-to-film adhesives," says Mark Vasilantone, president.

These entry-level dryers can cure up to 110 plastisol-printed garments/h, or 50 garments/h printed with water-based ink or discharge, as well as DTF adhesives at high rates. Variable controls for both heat intensity and conveyor speed allow fine-tuning of the drying process according to ink type, ink coverage, desired cure temperature, and rate at which items are being screen printed, or coated with DTF adhesives.

The D-100 is equipped with a 46 x 117 cm conveyor belt and a 41 cm square, 1,625 watt infrared heater. The D-1000 comes with a 66 x 142 cm conveyor belt and a 51 x 41 cm, 2,050 watt heater. The heaters can be raised, lowered or angled to accommodate bulky garments or irregularly shaped items, and carry the same 15-year warranty as the company's larger dryers.  

Available in 120V or 240V models, the dryers can be placed on a tabletop or on utility carts for in-shop mobility. Their compact size and light weight also make them portable for onsite printing at fairs, concerts, trade shows and other events using a small generator or other power source.

Vastex also manufacture 16 larger models of conveyor dryers with capacities as high as 2,700 plastisol-printed garments/h, 900 garments/h printed with water-based inks or discharge, and 576 garments/h printed with DTG/digital white ink. DTF adhesives can be cured at correspondingly high rates.

All floor-standing units can be expanded by adding modular heating chambers and extending the conveyor belt, multiplying capacity (belt speed) in direction proportion to the number of chambers added.

The company are also a leading producer of manual screen printing presses, flash cure units, screen exposing units, screen drying cabinets, washout booths and complete screen printing shop systems, and offer a comprehensive range of training classes for entry level, intermediate and advanced screen printers.

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

Karibu 2, the dedicated roll to roll printer from swissQprint, uses the latest print head technology. It achieves up to 1350 dpi resolution, so Karibu 2 delivers top quality even at high output. The machine accommodates rolls up to 3.4 metres wide and prints using UV inks that are flexible, NVC-free and Greenguard Gold certified. Unique features ensure high efficiency and reliability as well as outstanding versatility. “We took these proven and popular features from the first generation and have now augmented them with the latest print head technology”, explains Carmen Eicher, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer.

Easy roll handling for single and dual rolls

Thanks to the cassette system, rolls are loaded and ready to print within minutes. swissQprint offers a dual roll option capable of handling two rolls each up to 1.6 metres wide. This doubles productivity. The roll holders are split into two sections with each half of the shaft driven individually to ensure optimum web tension and perfect results on both rolls.

Tip Switch vacuum

The Karibu vacuum plate is divided into 136 individually operable segments. Within four seconds, the vacuum can be selectively adjusted, whatever the roll width. Hence there can be no air leakage, even through the space between dual rolls.

Convenient backlit and mesh printing

Karibu features a Light Box right next to the printing area, for immediate and continuous quality control of backlit prints. As a result, neither much material nor time is lost should optimisations prove necessary. A Mesh Kit is also integrated right next to the Light Box. This makes clean and simple work of processing permeable substrates, as well as full bleed printing. There is neither additional set-up work beforehand nor cleaning afterwards. A mouse click by the operator sends the beam from its standard position to the mesh position. Printing can then start immediately.

Automatic double-sided printing

For media that needs to be printed front and back, swissQprint offers an automatic double-sided printing function. Karibu controls the process with the help of an integrated high-resolution camera system and QR codes printed next to the image. This ensures that subjects printed on the reverse side are positioned with perfect registration, and matching the correct image on the front. Lory, the intuitive output software, guides operators through the process – so they have less work (and less thinking) to do, and the risk of errors is minimal.

swissqprint.com

Xitron, a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group and the developer of Harlequin-based Navigator RIP and workflow products for commercial, flexo, screen, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing has been selected as Memjet’s sole developer for the Digital Front End (DFE) of two soon-to-be-announced digital print engines.

According to Memjet, the first print engine assemblies will support full-color, high-quality output at speeds approaching 500 feet per minute. In monochrome mode, the print engine will reach speeds close to 1,000 feet per minute. Xitron’s scalable DFE technology supports these speeds and beyond, with or without variable data.

“Aside from the performance needed to drive these print engines at speed, which is impressive, what really stands out about the DFE is the level of integration,” said Eric Nelsen, Xitron’s VP of Product Development. ”Navigator doesn’t just provide print data; it fully controls all press functionality.” Everything from feeders, vacuums, dryers, dehumidifiers, and web tensions are addressed in the DFE dashboard and maintained through configurable MODBUS control.

“This new approach delivers flexibility to machine builders and simplicity for the end users of these systems,” said Scott Desoto, Memjet’s VP of Sales. “In today’s world where labor is tight, this highly integrated approach is critical to asset utilization and company profits,” he added.

“By incorporating MODBUS connectivity, we’ve eliminated the external synchronization issues presented by separate hardware and software subsystems, which can be a major hurdle in getting a press to market,” said Karen Crews, President of Xitron. “This means Memjet’s OEMs will get to the commercialization stage much faster, and with an intuitive, single-interface product.”

The first shipments of Memjet’s newly integrated print engine technologies are happening now, through the end of the year, and Memjet expects to accelerate deployments to their customers starting in Q1 of 2023.

Commenting on receiving the award, Mr. Takatsu, Managing Director of Mutoh EMEA said, “We are extremely proud to have our XpertJet 1641SR Pro printer recognised with a BLI Pick Award from Keypoint Intelligence. We never compromise on quality and we have always put high print quality, productivity, and reliability at the top of our priorities list. To us, this award is a clear recognition of the true innovation that is under the bonnet of our XpertJet Pro printer line, which we released in Q1 of 2022. And since attribution of this award is based on intensive independent apples-to-apples testing, it offers true added value to print providers looking to invest in future-proof digital print equipment.”

Russel Cavangh, Managing Director, Mutoh Australia, said, "The XpertJet 1641SR Pro is a fantastic printer for car wrapping, point of sale and all things signage. Coming off the back of five more Pinnacle Awards at Printing United, this is a great endorsement of the technical and performance excellence of the XpertJet 1641SR Pro”.

Since its inception in 1980, Queensland based audio visual and communication solution specialist Videopro has grown to be one of Australia's leading technology companies. Australian owned and operated, one of their key core values is ‘We Care’ and it’s this customer commitment that has seen their business continue to expand year on year. A leading Epson partner for visual display solutions, Videopro recently saved significant operating costs by switching all their in-house laser printers to lower energy consumption and more sustainable Epson inkjet solutions.

Epson WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20600 with Finisher Stapler and High-Capacity Feeder

Videopro CEO, Cameron Douglas, explained, “Videopro’s in-house copiers and laser printers were previously supplied under a cost per page plan and service agreement. The equipment was old, becoming increasingly unreliable and the finance contract was about to end. After hearing about the savings that were to be had by switching to Epson’s document solutions range of business copiers and printers, we investigated how this could benefit our business.”

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C579R

The result of this investigation would lead to Videopro upgrading to a faster, better featured and more reliable fleet of devices. It was also projected that, conservatively, the company would save many thousands of dollars on service costs. The icing on the cake was that by using Epson’s Heat-Free print technology they would reduce copier-related CO₂ emissions by over 1,600 kg.

Douglas continued, “With our business servicing a wide range of sectors and locations, the goal was to find a technology partner that could provide products that could support our requirements while also maintaining value and consistency with a maintenance and support program. That partner was Epson.”
 
 When starting to look at different options, it quickly became evident to the Videopro team that there were a lot of different stakeholders in the decision-making process and each person brought their own focus points to the process.

Douglas said, “With this in mind we came up with the assessment criteria that best fitted the requirements across the business. These included initial costs, ongoing costs, suitability of product range and the technology used. There were initially some questions about moving from laser printers to an inkjet solution in a corporate environment, but by experiencing the Epson range of printers we quickly saw the significant benefits of using inkjet over laser.” 

 Having completed a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of all the laser and inkjet solutions available on the market Videopro decided to consolidate their printer fleet and standardise it with all Epson Heat-Free Technology inkjet solutions.

Douglas said, “The Epson WF-C20600 was chosen as the main print device at our head office as this allows for additional finishing options such as the stapler and booklet finisher. A combination of Epson WF-C579RTC, Epson WF-M5799 and Epson WF-M5299 units are used in our other locations that don’t have access to the main printer.”

 
 As Douglas mentioned earlier, there were initially some questions concerning the move from all laser to all inkjet printing solutions and how Epson’s inkjet technology would compare and compete. This is a point and outcome that Douglas clearly wants to emphasise.

He explained, “The technology that the Epson print range uses dispels any issues about inkjet technology. The Epson inkjet prints are fast and high quality, the printers are quiet and consumable support is quick and efficient. Another positive aspect is the reduction in energy usage you get by using Epson inkjet printers.

According to Cameron Douglas the benefits of Epson’s inkjet printing solutions over any laser solutions are not just obvious but immediate.

He concluded, “By switching to Epson inkjet printing solutions there were immediate savings as the initial costs were less than all other laser options. Ongoing support and consumables are well priced, have a fast turnaround time and there were savings from the reliability of the Epson printers, which have not had any real downtime. Energy savings are certainly a big part of the overall savings too. Overall, we have found the Epson document solutions inkjet range to be beneficial to the business and our users, while also offering a positive environmental impact by reducing energy and CO₂ emissions.”

For more information go to: https://www.epson.com.au/products/printers_for_business/

HP and ePac Flexible Packaging, the all-HP Indigo converter in digital flexible packaging, has purchased 50 new HP Indigo digital presses to be deployed in existing and new sites around the world, as part of the company’s continued global expansion plan in the largest deal ever for HP Indigo.

Industry-leading ePac Flexible Packaging is a digitally based, flexible packaging company driven by its mission to help brands and businesses of all sizes remain competitive with a variety of flexible packaging systems. ePac leverages the latest in digital print technology, providing its customers with a quick and easy way to purchase custom printed flexible packaging.

According to HP, ePac has been a principal adopter of HP Indigo digital presses since the company’s inception in 2016 and has since upheld a strong and deeply rooted collaboration with HP. Over the past six years, the company’s fleet of HP Indigo digital presses has grown enormously, overseeing large-scale investments of HP Indigo 20000 and HP Indigo 25K digital presses.

The new wave of 50 HP Indigo digital presses, the largest single order in HP Indigo’s history, will accelerate ePac’s record-breaking production capacity as it continues to disrupt the global flexible packaging market.

Focusing on global expansion, this new fleet will be distributed within 36 new and existing sites across five continents. These presses, which incorporate HP Indigo’s latest technologies, will also support ePac’s strategy to expand its share and business in existing markets

'As we recently announced, ePac aims to accelerate its growth and expand its global footprint.  Our 50-press acquisition will enhance ePac’s record breaking flexible packaging production on HP Indigo Digital Presses, further rooting our longstanding collaboration with HP. This transition will leverage ePac’s vast market experience together with HP’s unique digital printing technology,' said Virag Patel, COO, ePac.

'ePac Flexible Packaging is leading the global digital flexible packaging movement as it continues to replicate its HP Indigo-based business model in new locations around the world. ePac’s vision to utilize digital print to give a voice to small and medium brands and revitalize local communities exemplifies our joint values and demonstrates the power of digital to have a meaningful global impact,' said Haim Levit, GM of HP’s Industrial Print Business.

ePac Flexible Packaging’s latest investment into HP Indigo is an example of how HP is continuing to disseminate the advantages of digital printing and serving even more brands and communities around the world.

Akita Epson, a group company of Seiko Epson, will invest a total of approximately $3.5 billion yen ($24 million USD) on the construction of a new factory on the Akita Epson lot to increase production capacity of printheads for inkjet printers. Construction work on the new factory will begin in November 2022 and is scheduled for completion in December 2023. This investment will approximately triple Akita Epson's current printhead production capacity.

Epson's printing solutions business provides products and services based on original Micro Piezo inkjet technology to customers in the office, home, commercial, and industrial markets. Global demand for inkjet printers in the office and home inkjet printer markets is forecast to continue growing over the medium and long terms. The need for distributed printing that arose with COVID-19 is helping to fuel this demand, as is the strong demand for high-capacity ink tank printers in North America and other developed economies.

The new factory will be used to manufacture and assemble inkjet printheads, the core devices used in inkjet printers. The investment plan will ensure that Epson has enough production space to meet the predicted future growth in demand. It will also enable Epson to strengthen its product lineup and expand printhead sales to third parties, with a view to increasing the supply of inkjet printers equipped with cutting-edge PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads^*.

The plan is to construct the new factory adjacent to the existing factory. By consolidating PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead production at Akita Epson, the company aims to maximise efficiency. In addition, production equipment and processes will be arranged to further increase human productivity and space productivity.

As a production site with high technological capabilities, Akita Epson works closely with other Epson R&D sites. It shares the advanced production technology and know-how it gains through the production of core devices with Epson's worldwide production sites to help maximise manufacturing capabilities across the Group.

• ^* PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads are critical components that determine the image quality and speed of an inkjet printer. Equipped with an array of individually controlled nozzles, they are capable of ejecting 50,000 tiny ink droplets per second, with droplet sizes as small as several picolitres (a picoliter is one trillionth of a litre).

Online program will see experts and thought leaders give their take on environmental sustainability 

Esko is pleased to announce a new program of informative and exciting virtual events focusing on a megatrend in the packaging industry – environmental sustainability.

“We all know that amidst political volatility and economic uncertainty, brands and their packaging suppliers are also facing increasing pressure to demonstrate their environmental sustainability credentials,” said Jan De Roeck, Esko Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy. “As a result of global public concern, and depending on the market a business operates in, having sustainable operations has rapidly evolved from being a ‘nice to do’ strategy to a ‘must do’ critical demand. 

“These drivers of change - responding to consumer demands, and accelerating their own sustainability commitments - require the industry to deliver a wholesale shift in packaging design, development, and production,” said Jan. 

“During this new series of virtual events, sustainability experts, thought leaders, and representatives from across the packaging industry will give their take on how businesses can successfully turn the sustainability dial.” 

The first event, on 18 October, will examine sustainable packaging trends expected in the coming decade. “We’ll analyze the major drivers and trends anticipated to impact the development of sustainable packaging through to 2032,” said Jan. “This will be followed by further events, looking at everything from best practice and how to integrate sustainability with other industry influences, through to real-world case studies showing how technological innovation has resulted in profitable solutions that also achieve environmental goals. Esko is excited to host this series to give its customers insights they can act on.” 

For more information on each of the events and to register your free place, just visit www.esko.com/en/company/sustainability/sustainability-sessions 

The series comprises the following events: 

18 October, 4pm CET / 10am ET: Sustainable Packaging Market Trends to 2032 

Analyze the major drivers and trends anticipated to impact the development of sustainable packaging through 2032. 

19 October, 4pm CET / 10am ET: Understanding the Green Deal – A New Best Practice to Achieve your Sustainability Goals 

Review the Green Deal concept and how brands are responding to market challenges impacting EU laws and regulations. 

20 October, 4pm CET / 10am ET: How Technology Helps Sustainability Initiatives Thrive 

Hear how CSW Inc. has leveraged technology to accelerate the drive to environmental sustainability, whilst enabling advanced levels of productivity and operational efficiency. 

21 October, 4pm CET / 10am ET: Balancing Sustainability with Other Packaging Trends 

Discuss the integration of sustainability with other industry influences, including an overview of emerging technologies in response to challenges, tradeoffs, and trends. 

25 October, 4pm CET / 10am ET: Sustainability: Headache or Opportunity? 

Esko provides an overview of its digital tools available to help you meet your sustainability goals.

This year, the photo contest will run for one month, from 1st to 31 October 2022.

The HEXIS Worldwide Photo Contest is a great opportunity for professionals to showcase their best work with HEXIS products to the world.

Any project where HEXIS self-adhesive vinyl films are used can be entered.

With 7 categories, every participant is invited to submit its best wrapping project in:

- Automotive

- Pure Zone (the HEXIS antimicrobial adhesive film)

- Solar films

- Textile

- Free project

- Sign

- Decoration

The purpose of the Competition is to award prizes for the photos of the most accomplished projects, from a visual communication point of view, using HEXIS self-adhesive vinyl films.

Winners will be chosen based on criteria of compliance with the theme and category, uniqueness of the design, general visual appearance, technical constraints of the project, print quality and quality of the installation.

There will be 3 winners per category and 1 overall winner. The naming of the winners will occur on week 46 2022, after deliberations of a jury made up of HEXIS professionals.

The entire HEXIS Worldwide Photo Contest prizes are valued at almost € 5,000 (HEXIS gift vouchers, iPhone 14 Pro Max).

Winners also receive social media exposure on our social media handles (174 000 followers) including Facebook and Instagram ads, exposure on the Hexis Graphics websites, and a variety of marketing tools. 

All entries need to be submitted at https://www.hexis-graphics.com/en/photo-contest/ where full information about the competition is available too.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, proudly announces its entry into the high-end wide format hybrid market with the unveiling of the new Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer.

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED expertly handles both rigid and flexible media, all in one platform, delivering an extremely versatile solution with maximum speeds of up to 2,346 ft²/hr. (roll-to-roll) and resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.

The printer, which will be commercially available the beginning of 2023, will be available for demonstration at PRINTING United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas, October 19-21, in the Fujifilm booth (#825, North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).

“The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED wide format printer is a high-end printer for rigid and flexible media for the sign and display market, offering superb, high-quality printing in a 3.3m platform,” said Shaun Holdom, marketing manager, Ultra products, FUJIFILM Corporation, WFIJ System Business Headquarters. “The printer features new Fujifilm Uvijet UH inks, designed to produce both exceptional near-photographic quality for close viewing applications including interior graphics, signage and decor as well as the speed and durability for long distance viewing applications including short- and long-term exterior signage and industrial applications." 

Media handling and functionality

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED features media loading and unloading tables with a unique textured table surface designed to optimise the feeding and alignment of rigid media. A strong catch mechanism protects against accidental damage, and secure locking allows for media feed accuracy throughout every print run.

The Graphic User Interface (GUI) features the same design features found on the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 and includes additional functionality to handle rigid media production—up to six sheets simultaneously.

An intelligent vacuum control system automatically turns on the correct vacuum zones needed for any print job based on the width of the media, and the vacuum motor power constantly adjusts to maintain optimal media hold down, regardless of media type and size, ensuring an accurate and high-quality print finish.

A tailored designed airshaft allows dual roll functionality, two media rolls of different diameters (each up to 14 in.) that can run at the same time.

Uvijet UH: New LED UV inkjet ink from Fujifilm

Fujifilm has developed an entirely new inkjet ink series, Uvijet UH, designed specifically for the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer, with six colours (CMYK, Lm, Lc) available as standard and white ink available as an option. The new ink has both GREENGUARD Gold and AgBB certifications.

Uvijet UH has been designed to adhere to a broad range of rigid and flexible media types, delivering the same exceptional high quality of the Uvijet GS and AU inks used in the Acuity Ultra R2, while also minimising ink usage and waste, helping to reduce running costs.

“Our new blueprint for wide format printer offering, announced last year, will provide our customers with greater flexibility, ease-of-use and even better ROI,” said Holdom. “The development of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED showcases Fujifilm’s commitment to continually meet our customer changing needs.”

For additional information on the new Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED wide format printer, go to https://print-us.fujifilm.com/products/wide-format-printers/acuity-ultra-hybrid-led/ 

For additional information on FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, go to www.fujifilmgraphics.com

Specialist trade supplier, Avon Graphics, advised today that it has acquired Lorimier in a move which will bring more than 200 years of history – and two of the country’s most well-respected names in trade finishing and embellishment – under one brand. 

The announcement was made by Avon Graphics Managing Director, Tate Hone, who said both parties were delighted with the deal, which was done in a ‘very professional’ manner.

“Lorimier is a respected Melbourne-based specialist in foil stamping and embossing, and we have always held them in high regard as a professional, well-run business – and a worthy competitor,” Hone said today.

“The company has an exceptionally long history in the Victorian marketplace, having been in continuous operation ever since its inception in 1876, and they have an enviable reputation for quality, creativity and service.”

Initial discussions between Hone and Peter Johnston, Owner and Managing Director of Lorimier, were straightforward, open and positive, Hone reports, with both agreeing that the acquisition of Lorimier by the family-owned and operated Avon Graphics made ‘good sense’.

“We both felt that the time is right for further rationalisation in the trade supply market place, and that provided a sound basis for productive discussions which resulted very quickly in a deal which was acceptable to both parties,” he says. “We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition today.”

Avon is widely regarded as Australia’s leading specialist print trade supplier and embellishment company, with more than 80 staff across locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With services covering foil stamping and embossing, cutting, coatings, verkotype and glitter, security printing and specialty prepress, as well as large-format print, the business offers a range of options to ‘enhance the artistry of print’.

Lorimier has a similar approach, with services including foil stamping and embossing, laminating and celloglazing, varnishing, forme cutting, strutting and mounting, and pattern gluing, as well as embellishment of leather goods and promotional products.

Hone sees the acquisition as a strategic move that will strengthen Avon’s offering for trade supply, particularly throughout Melbourne and Victoria. 

“Avon intends to continue operations from Lorimier’s Heidelberg West location, in addition to our own manufacturing facility in Rowville, spreading our footprint across greater Melbourne,” he says, adding that changes to the Lorimier facility are expected over time, to broaden the range of services offered from that location.

Most importantly, Hone says, the companies’ shared commitment to superior quality, personalised service and long-term relationships means the two teams of passionate and professional staff are expected to fit comfortably into the newly expanded operation.

“It’s been great working with Peter, and we thank him for his cooperation and professionalism as we have worked through the detail of this important agreement,” he says.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all Lorimier staff to the Avon team as we put our plans into action, including Peter who has agreed to stay on into 2023 to ensure a smooth transition across all aspects of the handover.

“Together, we can now not only look back on a proud combined history of more than two centuries of service, but look forward to a future of even better and more comprehensive support to our industry throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area – and across the country.”

The acquisition will be completed on 31 October 2022.

The winners of the 2022 Epson International Pano awards have been announced and the overall winner of the 2022 Open Competition was Jinyi He from the China with three entries, ‘The Vein', ‘Purple World' and ‘Rainbow Canyon'.

Jinyi said, “I’m deeply honoured to receive 2022 Epson Pano Award as Open Photographer of the Year. It is very special for me to get recognised for the works shot in my childhood hometown Xinjiang, China. As a landscape photographer, I’m always passionate about exploring majestic Chinese landscapes rarely known to western photographers. I dedicate myself to capturing their precious but hidden beauty. I believe the most powerful photos come from one’s heart instead of one’s brain. Heartfelt feelings on the road always bring me different inspirations, perspectives and appreciations of our planet.”

In describing ‘The Vein’, Jinyi said, “I travelled to Xinjiang last year and took this photo in Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a geological wonder. For tens of millions of years, the melting snow water of Tianshan Glacier has torn open the chest of the vast Gobi like a Hummer and formed this natural landscape under the movement of the earth's crust and the erosion of wind and rain. 'The Vein' is stitched by 40 photos. I operated my drone to capture these 90 degrees aerial view photos at 40 appropriate points (5 rows and 8 columns) of the canyon in order to get whole canyon aerial view. Nature is an artist and it reminds me of an abstract painting.”

The Epson International Pano Awards showcases the work of panoramic photographers worldwide and continues to be the largest global competition for panoramic photography.

Epson Australia MD, Craig Heckenberg, said, "Every year we are amazed by the amazing standard, quality and level of excellence in every one of the Pano Awards entries and this year is no different. The awards connect photographers of all levels and from all walks of life through their creative passion. Epson is not only delighted to be a long-term sponsor of these awards, but we are a very proud one too.”

This year the competition received 4,129 entries from 1,197 professional and amateur photographers in 98 countries - all of whom were competing for thousands of dollars cash and prizes with main sponsor Epson Australia alone providing prizes that included an Epson SureColor P7070 printer, an Epson SureColor P5070 printer and an Epson EB-1795F ultra-slim projector.

Epson SureColor P5070 printer

The overall winner of the 2022 Amateur Competition was Florian Kriechbaumer of the United Arab Emirates with his entries ‘In Formation’, ‘The Confrontation’ and ‘Sunrise in the Clouds’.

Kriechbaumer said, “I’m a passionate photographer and traveller originally from Germany, but have spent most of the last 15 years living in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where I have been working for various technology companies. The country is an amazing playground for photography, which gave me the opportunity to slowly broaden my skillset over the years. I try not to limit myself to one discipline, but experiment in many areas across cityscape, landscape, wildlife, drone, timelapse, timeblend, astro and everything in between. That probably means I’m not an expert in anything, but sometimes the magic happens at the intersection of domains and technologies and that’s where I strive to be. This is my third year taking part in the Epson International Pano Awards, and I’m very grateful the jury found my submissions appealing - the quality of the contest has been so high over the years that it still feels a bit surreal to be a part of the winning images.”

The Epson Digital Art Prize was won by Juan Lopez Ruiz from Spain who said about his winning ‘Poison River’ entry, “This is an aerial view of the surroundings of the Riotinto mine, Huelva, Spain. This is a reservoir close to the mine where all the mine waste accumulates, it is an area of polymetallic massive sulphide concentration where copper, lead and zinc are extracted, as well as gold and silver, which contributes to a great variety of textures and colours in constant change, this makes it a unique place perfect for aerial photography.”

The Curator’s Award was won by Judith Kuhn from Germany for her entry ‘Bernese Oberland’. Judith said, “Alps in the Bernese Oberland. It is known among wildlife photographers for its ibex. A larger colony lives there, which has gotten used to the numerous walkers and shows little shyness. So I followed the call of the ibex to the Niederhorn. The landscape of the area is also not uninteresting (the triumvirate Mönch Eiger Jungfrau is directly opposite), but not a photographic hotspot. Therefore, for weight reasons, I set out early in the morning for my photo tour armed only with a camera, telephoto lens and a few spare batteries. Landscape photography was not planned. At the Burgfeldstand, a neighboring summit, the view opened up to the north-east, hills and valleys staggered in the light haze in the backlight of the rising sun. A perspective that creates spatial depth and, fortunately for me, could only be effectively photographed with a telephoto lens. So I unexpectedly came across a wonderful landscape photo on my wildlife tour.”

Competition Curator, David Evans said, “What stands out this year is the quality of the entries, both generally and for the top placing images. The Pano Awards has always been about the journey of each and every photographer who enters. We can travel the world through their eyes and it’s the translation of each unique perspective into these works of art which seems to become more incredible each year. 2022 represents a leap in both creative vision and technical skill and I can’t stop staring at the images.”

The judging panel for The Epson International Pano awards includes some of the world's top panoramic photographers and industry professionals.

To view all the winning and top image galleries go to: https://thepanoawards.com/2022-winners-gallery

For enquiries and more information contact David Evans, Curator at contact@thepanoawards.com