The EDP Awards jury singled out new developments from swissQprint for honours in two different categories. Their awards pay tribute to the Swiss manufacturer's innovative strength across multiple disciplines.

Nyala – the top performing member of the fourth generation of swissQprint flatbed printers – is a winner at the EDP Awards. Another award went to the neon inks for UV printing launched by swissQprint in 2021.

The EDP Awards jury singled out new developments from swissQprint for honours in two different categories. Their awards pay tribute to the Swiss manufacturer's innovative strength across multiple disciplines.

Nyala 4 flatbed printer
Nyala 4 won an award in the "Best flatbed/hybrid printer < 250 sqm/h" category. The jury's reasons: "The fourth-generation Nyala builds on the existing foundation while offering some serious improvements … The swissQprint Nyala's environmentally friendly values are another reason why it can be considered a benchmark in large format printing."

The key features of the new swissQprint model are its multi-functionality, working efficiency and – first and foremost – premium print quality. The Nyala delivers these benefits thanks to cutting-edge print head technology and the high-precision droplet placement perfected by swissQprint. Nyala 4 achieves maximum resolution of 1,350 dpi – with an output of up to 206 m2/h.

Neon inks for UV printing
Neon inks for UV printing are exclusively available from swissQprint at present – as the jury noted in its verdict for the "Consumables / UV inks" category: "The first fluorescent UV-curable inks for inkjet digital printing … as well as introducing glow into advertising technology, they also deliver clear added value."

Neon colours make advertising and signage glow: in black light, they even appear fluorescent. swissQprint users can print these eye-catching media in whichever versions they choose: on rigid substrates in any format, and also on roll materials. Neon Yellow and Neon Pink are available. These two inks make two additional colour variants possible – Neon Green and Neon Orange – along with countless applications.

EDP Awards in two different categories pay tribute to the holistic approach adopted by this Swiss manufacturer. "We aim to offer our customers comprehensive solutions that encompass hardware and inks as well as applications," explains Carmen Eicher, Head of Sales and Marketing at swissQprint.

Domino Digital Printing Solutions is delighted to share three new 3D animated videos that have been created highlighting the sophisticated intelligent Technology i-Tech features that are incorporated within the versatile, high speed Domino K600i digital inkjet printer. Combining excellent productivity with 600dpi print quality, the cost effective, modular K600i is capable of printing variable data onto a wide range of substrates for a variety of both sheet and web applications including printing onto labels, mail pieces, tags, tickets, forms and security products at speeds of up to 200m/min (650ft/min).  

Watch these videos and discover how Domino’s unique, automated, i-Tech components ActiFlow, CleanCap and StitchLink combine to create a flexible and highly reliable digital printing system with superior performance that requires minimal maintenance. 

The i-Tech ActiFlow continuous ink circulation system degasses the ink preventing air bubbles and blocked nozzles for superior jetting performance, resulting in less rejects, less maintenance and reduced downtime; the revolutionary i-Tech CleanCap automated print head cleaning and capping station maintains optimum reliable print nozzle performance, with reduced start-up time and minimal operator intervention; and i-Tech StitchLink offers automated print head alignment for accurate registration and seamless print across the full web print width. 

These 3D animation videos can be viewed at the links below: 

Domino K600i i-Tech ActiFlow: https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/7923k4i950

Domino K600i i-Tech CleanCap:  https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/6kakp0x8i4

Domino K600i i-Tech StitchLink: https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/5q485b6fpo

The K600i is based on Domino’s proven and reliable Generation 6 inkjet technology, of which there are approaching 1000 global installations. To find out more about this versatile, monochrome UV digital inkjet printer, visit the K600i product page at: https://go.domino-printing.com/PRJan22iTechK600i

Proven and reliable technology is just one of the cornerstones of The Domino Difference. Come and visit us on Booth No 9A60 at Labelexpo Europe and experience The Domino Difference for yourself. Domino will be hosting daily live demonstrations of the K600i at this event which is taking place at Brussels Expo from Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 April 2022. Watch this space for more details… 

In 2024 the international print and packaging industries will again meet at drupa, the world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies. As of now exhibitors can register online at www.drupa.com in order to present their innovations in Düsseldorf, Germany from 28 May to 7 June 2024. The deadline for registrations is 31 October 2022.

“drupa is the global meeting place for the industry and stands for innovations and trends,” emphasises Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “Here we will see what impact the mega trends sustainability and digitalisation will have on processes, products, business models and the future of a constantly evolving industry.”

Focus on topics of the future
drupa will showcase cutting-edge technologies along the industry’s entire value chain with a special focus on future and cross-industry technologies. Against this background, topics such as circular economy, automation, print/finishing 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, the platform economy and connectivity will play a central role in the conference agenda and at the special forums.

New key visual and new claim
drupa 2024 presents itself with a new, dynamic look and feel for the start of exhibitor applications. “The new motion design of our key visual combines classic graphic design with state-of-the art digital technology and is synonymous with dynamism, motion and especially with water as the most important resource on our planet,” explains Sabine Geldermann, Director Print Technologies Messe Düsseldorf. “It also visualises the top themes digitalisation and sustainability which drive the print & packaging industries, confront them with new challenges but also offer excellent opportunities. International faces represent the target group of drupa which is looking forward to networking in a fascinating atmosphere characterised by diversity. The organic structures stand for aesthetics, design and the beauty of nature. The new claim ‘we create the future’ underscores the clear commitment of the community to jointly and proactively participate in the continuous development and design of the sector. And it represents thought leaders as well as high-quality knowledge transfer.”

New exhibitor brochure sustainably produced
drupa is equally committed to the topic of sustainability – which is also successfully reflected in the new exhibitor brochure. Using state-of-the-art technology as well as environment-friendly resources this brochure was produced in a sustainable and climate-neutral way. The digital version can now be downloaded at www.drupa.com.

Forums for interaction and dialogue
At drupa 2024 there will once again be a high-calibre lecture programme by top international speakers offering a valuable knowledge to stay competitive. At the drupa cube and at various touchpoints focusing on the segments Packaging, Textile and Sustainability participants will gain detailed insights into relevant topics and impulses for growth potential as well as the further development of their business models. Start-ups will be hosted at “dna – drupa next age” using this opportunity to showcase their innovative services and ideas to a highly international and interested audience.  

Outlook on events in the industry
Numerous international trade shows will also be held in 2022 as part of drupa's global portfolio: printpack alger in Algiers (16 – 18 May), PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION (22 – 23 June), Indoprint in Jakarta (31 August – 3 September), PackPrintPlas Philippines in Manila (6 – 8 October), All in Print in Shanghai (11 – 15 October) as well as PackPrint International and Corrutec Asia in Bangkok (19 – 22 October). For more information about these trade fairs please visit: www.drupa.com/en/drupa_global

Kornit Digital Ltd., a worldwide market leader in sustainable, on-demand, digital fashionx and textile production technologies, announced on 26th January the official opening of its new scalable, state-of-the-art ink manufacturing facility in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

The modern, 11,000-square-meter facility incorporates advanced automation, sophisticated workflows, and innovative technologies for production optimization. The new high-volume production facility is expected to fulfill global demand for Kornit consumables for the next decade.

Recently completed at an estimated investment of $25 million USD, the facility was built in accordance with the highest quality, safety, and security standards, reflecting the Company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets embedded in Kornit Digital’s 2020 Impact Report.

“This is a key milestone in our journey to become a $1 billion company by 2026 and will ensure we can support the tremendous growth our customers are experiencing, for many years to come,” said Ronen Samuel, Kornit Digital’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to lead the charge for a cleaner and more responsive textile industry as we continue to write the operating system for sustainable fashion and textiles on demand.”

To learn more about how Kornit Digital is boldly transforming the world of fashion and textiles, visit www.kornit.com. 

MUTOH Australia has released the new XpertJet 1341SR ‘Pro’ series printer. Based on the former long running VJ-1324X model, the new XpertJet 1341SR ‘Pro’ series has significant speed increases (up to 200%) plus the integration of 3 new key Mutoh technologies to enhance quality and production.

The new, larger ‘AccuFine’ print head, ‘i-screen’ and Mutoh’s new genuine rip software ‘VerteLith’ all combine to deliver high printing speeds, extremely accurate dot placement, smooth gradations, and an intuitive workflow via the simple to use, but powerful Mutoh VerteLith rip (which recently won the European Digital Press Association for workflow technology)

The MUTOH XpertJet series, which delivers excellent print quality and high productivity, now has a 54”/1.3m wide eco-solvent printer model perfectly balancing cost and performance. In a compact body that’s easy to handle, equipped with MUTOH's latest unique technologies, the XpertJet 1341SR Pro is paired with MUTOH's new eco-solvent ink "VJ-MS31" that excels in colour reproduction, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance. The ink has been certified UL GREENGUARD Gold, making it environmentally and operator friendly.

The XpertJet 1341SR Pro brings the best "Made in Japan Quality" to various markets such as banners, trade show graphics, indoor and outdoor signs, POP displays, vehicle wrap and more.

Stock is available in Australia now. For more information, please contact Mutoh Australia sales@mutoh-au.com or 02-9437 1366. To learn more about all of Mutoh’s award-winning products visit www.mutoh-au.com

Cameron Sutherland, former Director of  Australian Visual Solutions for over 25 years has launched new business Rapide Resources.

Rapide Resources is a Consulting and Business Coaching specialising in the Print, Signage and International Trade. 

Cameron is quoted “The sign and print industry is defining it’s direction, I am so excited to use my experience to help business transition and secure their profitability with clearly defined goals and accountability of their team”

Rapide Resources has a pool of international and domestic experience in the industry and offers one off coaching or embark on a six or twelve month journey with Cameron to align your business for success beyond 2022. New print technologies have been instrumental in the growth of our industry, running a lean print room, maintaining well trained operators, selling the right products, into the right market, at the right price are the same issue in any print shop.

Cameron built Australian Visual Solutions over 25 years to be the premier supplier to the industry with six locations nationally. The experiences of importing, distribution, training and customer service can be a valued resource for Rapide Resources customers.

Rapide Resources is the first resource for the print and sign market for online coaching or project management.

Contact Cameron Sutherland direct on 0491 08 6679 or email cameron@rapideresources.com.au

www.rapideresources.com.au

Significans Automation Inc., a leading provider of integration and automation solutions for the graphic arts industries, has made its first foray into software development with the launch of Virtual InkBooks™, a powerful colour management tool for creating Cloud-based custom ink libraries that can be tailored to any job.
 
Designed to work in conjunction with Esko’s WebCenter and Automation Engine, Virtual InkBooks™ enables users throughout a printing or packaging operation to view Pantone and custom ink libraries in real-time, and allows production teams to easily customize and record job-specific ink data in the Cloud. These libraries can be used for repeat work downstream or across multiple jobs or output devices, reducing make-ready costs and improving and augmenting color consistency across multiple platforms.
 
According to Marc Raad, CEO of Signficans Automation, the entry into the world of software development was a natural progression for the company, which has enjoyed a tremendous track record of improving production efficiencies and automating workflows for its clients throughout the Americas.

• Mix and match Pantone and custom colors;
• Enter color data in LAB or Spectral formats;
• Save and reuse libraries for future projects;
• Export libraries to Adobe Illustrator;
• Enjoy the benefits of cloud-based remote access.

The European Digital Press Association rewarded no less than three Agfa innovations introduced in 2021: the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED hybrid large-format printing press, the InterioJet water-based décor paper printing press for laminate surfaces.

It was the eleventh consecutive time that Agfa got recognised for its innovative power by the European Digital Press Association (EDP). Each year, the experts of its member magazines review products that are new to the European market, evaluating them in terms of quality, value to the user, support and service – and granting awards to the most groundbreaking ones.

“We are very proud to have our inkjet printing solutions rewarded once again with this mark of quality and innovation,” states Vincent Wille, Agfa’s President of Digital Print & Chemicals. “We are committed to providing next-gen printing solutions that enable print service providers to grow profitably. The EDP Awards granted to our solutions bear witness to the added value we provide to our customers.”

Agfa’s printing solutions capturing awards this year are:

The Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED in the category ‘Large and wide-format printing – flatbed/hybrid printers with a printing speed of over 250 m²/h’.
The Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS is the latest ‘ultra-high-speed’ version of Agfa’s flagship inkjet press. It is a 3.3 m heavy-duty workhorse for sign & display as well as corrugated printing applications, combining extreme quality with a production speed of up to 600 m²/h and cutting-edge automation.

The EDP jury stated that “With the UHS, Agfa has brought the Jeti Tauro platform to the next level, putting more volume applications within reach. A high-speed loader with a double gantry ensures that the high printing speed gets used to its full potential.“

The InterioJet 3300 in the category ‘Industrial Print & Finishing Solutions’.
The InterioJet 3300 is a multi-pass inkjet system that uses Agfa’s eco-friendly, water-based inks for short to medium production runs of décor paper for laminate surfaces. With its brilliant and consistent print quality, its speedy start-up and high degree of versatility, it meets the interior decoration market’s demand for fast market introductions and customised designs. As a digital printing system, the InterioJet surpasses the limitations of gravure printing, since it is not limited by cylinder length or ink kitchen, and thus allows for the printing of fully customised, non-repetitive patterns for every single order.

The EDP commended Agfa for showing “how to change an existing print engine so it can be successfully combined with a new ink specifically aimed at the industrial market for printing laminate patterns on decor paper. By doing so, it is contributing to the transition from analogue to digital printing and enabling a faster response to market needs.”

The Alussa leather printing ink in the category ‘Industrial Inks’
Alussa is cutting-edge inkjet printing technology for the creation of stunning designs on leather for a variety of markets, such as interior decoration, fashion, automotive and more. It meets the ever increasing need of brand to differentiate and personalise products. As the Alussa system, consisting of the Alussa eTU printer, Alussa iUL10 inks and workflow software, is effectively integrated in the leather production process – with perfectly tuned inks and coatings – it is the only digital leather printing solution that warrants superior and lasting quality.

The EDP praised the Alussa ink, which “makes it possible to print on leather on an industrial scale. Printing is done in full colour plus white, which gives a reliable result even on coloured leather. In combination with the coatings for leather developed together with TFL, this creates a hardwearing colourfast print that can be called unique.“

About the European Digital Press Association

The European Digital Press Association (EDP) is an industry forum comprised of publishers of leading European magazines devoted to digital printing and associated products. It counts 21 member magazines all over Europe, covering 27 countries and reaching more than half a million readers.

Each year, experts of the member magazines review the latest technological developments introduced on the European market in several categories – software and hardware, large/wide format printing, commercial printing, print and finishing solutions, finishing and enhancement, consumables and special solutions – and honour the best products in each category in terms of quality, value to the user, support and service.

https://www.edp-award.com/ 

Since their recent launch of business printer solutions, Epson NZ has built a solid distribution channel and network of copier dealer partners for the new category. Of particular note is the signing of distribution agreements with major distributors including Sektor and Ingram Micro, in addition to a number of dealers and resellers across the key regions of Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Wellington in the North Island and Queenstown and Christchurch in the South Island. 

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C579R

Epson NZ General Manager, Kaden McCaffery, said, “The interest in and demand for Epson’s Heat-Free business printers has been significant, allowing us to rapidly establish a network of active copier dealers across both the North and South Island of New Zealand.”

McCaffery sees real customer value in this new network of copier dealers and has sought to widen Epson New Zealand’s potential partner and customer base by adding two distributors noting “As a specialised distributor, Sektor works with a range of non-traditional print partners and operates with resellers in specialist areas such as the medical industry which complements our clean hand–clean air print technology. Sektor has seen significant growth and expansion across its New Zealand operations as a result of its strong customer partnerships in specialised verticals. As the largest wholesale provider of technology products and supply chain management services within New Zealand, as well as internationally,Ingram Micro is expanding through the acquisition of new employees, a head office and warehouse in Auckland, a sales office in Wellington along with a sales office and satellite warehouse in Christchurch which has in turn resulted in faster delivery to South Island customers.  Although these are only two of many examples of how our new copier dealer and distribution network will add significant value to our customers across New Zealand.”

Andre van Duiven- Managing Director of Sektor, said, “Epson is one of our most prominent vendors and the dominant force in the retail receipt printing landscape. Epson has retained its market-leading position due to the quality of its technology and hardware reliability. We are excited to now extend our engagement with Epson to include their full range of printing technology. Epson’s innovation in sustainability and technological advancement means their product ticks many boxes around environmental impact, energy savings and support. Their Document Solutions inkjet printers are a disruptor in the market that provides a better quality of print and removes the complexity of print with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements.”

Andre van Duiven, Managing Director of Sektor, holding an Epson award

 
Ingram Micro NZ Managing Director, Jason Langley, added, “We’re thrilled to be invited to take Epson’s exciting new range of business printers to market in New Zealand. The fact that they’re heat-free and consume less energy is a differentiator that will not only resonate with the market but is also well-aligned with one of Ingram Micro NZ’s key guiding principles; reducing our overall carbon footprint and the impact our business has on the environment. Epson has been a leader in print and an important partner for Ingram Micro for many years. It’s a privilege, therefore, to deepen our relationship with this new, energy-conscious, aspect of its portfolio and to facilitate new conversations for our shared partners to have with the customers they serve.”

Jason Langley - Managing Director of Ingram, holding an Epson award

The sales and growth combined with the fact that Epson’s business printers use Heat-Free Technology and thus use less energy, is no coincidence as the company was recently voted the No.1 Sustainable company by Forbes Japan.

The recent Better Futures 2021 report, compiled and issued by Colmar Brunton after 12 years of studying New Zealanders and their purchasing decisions, also found that many NZ businesses have responded with sustainable initiatives and a greater sense of purpose in recent years. It also highlighted that New Zealanders know that brands with strong brand purpose, such as sustainability, grow their brand value at a much faster rate of around 175%.

The report further states that, despite the significant challenges of the last two years, New Zealanders’ commitment to living more sustainably continues to build with over 60% of people (in most cases) trying to do the right thing by recycling, reusing, reducing and repairing on an everyday basis.

Epson also recently earned its second successive platinum rating for sustainability from EcoVadis. The platinum rating, which was established in 2020, indicates that Epson was ranked among the top 1% of companies in the industry. The platinum rating was awarded in recognition of Epson’s global sustainability initiatives. In the four themes assessed by EcoVadis, Epson received high scores for the environment, sustainable procurement, labour and human rights and ethics.

Kaden McCaffery concluded, “It’s clear that New Zealand businesses want to have a positive effect on the environment and one of the ways this can be achieved is through the use of Epson’s Heat-Free inkjet business printers which use a substantially lower level of energy than a comparable laser printer. Looking beyond product/material innovation, businesses like Epson can also make a difference through the promotion and demonstration of climate responsibility.  In that regard we are transitioning to 100% renewable electricity and are engaging with initiatives such as the RE100 renewable energy project; working to close the resource loop by, for example, promoting product refurbishment and reuse.”

For more on Epson NZ’s enterprise, business and document solutions products go to: https://www.epson.co.nz/products/printers_for_business/

For more on Sustainability at Epson go to: https://global.epson.com/SR/

To read the Better Futures 2021 report go to: https://www.kantarnewzealand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Better-Futures-Report-2021.pdf 
 

With just a week to go - don't forget to book your tickets for the FESPA Australia BBQ!

The legendary FESPA BBQ is back for 2022! Let's kick start the year with this iconic social event where you will get a chance to catch up with your industry peers while enjoying fine food and drinks.

"The FESPA BBQ has been going for over 30 years," said Nigel Davies, FESPA Australia President, and we are proud to keep up the tradition.”

If you are a wide-format printer, sign-maker, industrial printer or garment decorator, we hope you can join us for this famous networking event. 

The BBQ will be held at The Richmond Rowing Club Boathouse. A stunning venue on the south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It features indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, both with unrivalled views of the city.

When: 16 February 2022

Where: Richmond Rowing Club, 7 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne VIC 3004

Time: 6.00pm - 11.00pm

Tickets are $120.00 per head (incl. gst) for Members, and $135.00 per head (incl. gst) for Non-Members. This includes all food, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Spaces are limited, so make sure you get in early! For more information contact Jane on 0400 988 312 or email membership@fespaaustralia.org.au

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Parking:  There are several options from Fed Square, Wilson Parking at Exhibition Street to Boat House Drive a 2 minute walk from Flinders Street Station. It's free and unlimited from 3.00 pm.

Public Transport: Any tram that goes to Flinders Street Station/Fed Square or more metro trains that go to Flinders Street Station.

A note regarding COVID. Both FESPA Australia and the Richmond Rowing Club will undertake COVID Safe measures throughout this event. We ask that you please do not attend if you feel unwell or have been instructed to isolate or quarantine. If for any reason we have to cancel the event due to Government restrictions, you will receive a full refund of the ticket price.

Berlin events will offer most comprehensive innovation showcase for print and signage since 2019

FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2022 (31 May – 3 June 2022, Messe Berlin, Germany) are set to bring together the strongest line-up of exhibitors since 2019, with more than 250 suppliers already contracted to exhibit and many more active discussions in progress. The list of confirmed participants includes many who were unable to be at the 2021 Amsterdam event and who are now eager to regain their momentum by being part of the Spring 2022 events.

Visitors will be able to see hardware solutions from major exhibitors including event sponsors Durst, Mimaki, Brother and HP, as well as Agfa, aleph, Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, KornitDigital, Mutoh, M&R, Roland DG and swissQprint. The array of media and consumables suppliers includes 3A, Ahlstrom Munksjö, Avery Dennison, Hexis, InkTec, NeenahColdenhove, Neschen, ORAFOL, Poli-Tape and Sun Chemical. Barbieri Electronic, Caldera, OneVision and ONYX Graphics are among the companies presenting automation, workflow and colour management solutions.

Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, Michael Ryan comments: “It’s so motivating to have such a strong vote of confidence from the supplier community for FESPA and our power to reinvigorate the speciality print industry after the challenges of the last two years. Suppliers who joined us in Amsterdam in October 2021 were reminded of the unique value of live events and the commercial advantage of connecting with customers and prospects face-to-face, so we’re delighted that many more exhibitors will reap these benefits in 2022. Now that businesses are back up and running and senior decision-makers are looking to secure their future investments, the importance of live shows to accelerate recovery has never been more significant.”

European Sign Expo 2022, the leading European exhibition for signage and visual communications, will be co-located with FESPA Global Print Expo. 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. Platinum Sponsor EFKA will return to European Sign Expo alongside confirmed exhibiting companies including: Art Neon Lighting, Cosign, dap, Domino Sign, Harmuth, NEX LINE SRL, SolaAir, and vhf camfacture.

Christoph Gamper, CEO & Co-owner, Durst Group AG comments: “All signs point to FESPA 2022 meeting a weakened COVID scenario, and we can finally talk business again. But it's no longer about unchecked "wild growth" but solutions for a more sustainable world. Print can be an essential part of this, and FESPA is a fixed point in the universe of print. In this respect, experiencing print in motion means new, sustainable business models for our customers and us. We are looking forward to FESPA, to Berlin, and above all, to finally seeing customers "live" again and demonstrating new ways and possibilities.“

Kevin Jenner, European Marketing Manager, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems comments: "Having not attended any major exhibitions since before the pandemic, FESPA 2022 is happening at the perfect time for Fujifilm. In 2021 we unveiled our 'new blueprint for wide format' with two new Acuity presses (the Acuity Prime flatbed and the Acuity Ultra R2) built with a completely new look, a new level of functionality and enhanced ROI. FESPA 2022 provides us with the perfect platform to reveal the exciting next phase of machines in this expanding range.” 

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

For more information on FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 and to register your interest to attend, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/.

For more information on European Sign Expo 2022 and to register your interest to attend, visit: https://ese.fespa.com/welcome.

The new MUTOH ValueJet 1628MH hybrid printer combines upgraded features and new technologies designed to produce vibrant output with smoother gradations and a wide color gamut using MUTOH’s own VerteLith RIP software.

The VJ-1628MH is the most versatile printer on the market and offers the flexibility of printing on roll or rigid media using MP31 multi-purpose inks in up to 8 colors, including CMYKx2 and CMYKWhWh. A new built-in circulation system for white and magenta inks provides improved color stability and consistency while a new custom roller selection function offers diverse media compatibility and the ability to set each pressure roller independently for various types of substrates.

MUTOH’s new VerteLith RIP software is bundled with FlexiDESIGNER MUTOH Edition 21, a $2,199.00 value. VerteLith includes MUTOH Clear Tone and CMYK technologies, two preview functions and auto-generation of named Pantone spot colors. The VJ-1628MH outputs packaging prototypes, indoor/outdoor signage, banners, posters, and thermoforming prints easily and efficiently with high heat and stretch tolerance, and produces a smooth and natural finish, preserving the texture of the print substrates.

The VJ-1628MH is a direct replacement for the VJ-1627MH. Other model features include:

• Blower heater – gently dries the entire printing surface. The temperature and air pressure of the heater can be set and changed.
• Automatic media height adjustment mechanism – easily set media height to allow for printing directly on corrugated plastics, polystyrene, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, foam board, aluminum composite, banner material, vinyl and more.
• Built-in head strike prevention sensor – protects the print head from collisions with the media.
• Media retainer – provides proper positioning of media for output.
• Take-up system – an optional 88lb unit is available.

https://nzsda.org.nz/changes-for-nz-sign-award-categories/

Super Web Digital, Inc. is announcing the full launch of the newly engineered WEBJet 2100P production inkjet printing system, powered by Memjet’s DuraLink pigment-ink based writing system. The WEBJet 2100P provides dramatically improved head life over prior generations, among the highest resolution output in the market and the unparalleled simplicity enabling operator servicing to maximize uptime. Super Web Digital has paired the Memjet DuraLink technology with a state-of-the-art scalable drying system from Adphos and inline scanning from Mitsubishi to enable the most challenging of graphic-rich, variable-data output for print service providers across a broad range of industries. The WEBJet 2100P is easily paired with the full range of proprietary slit & merge, perforating, punching, cutting, folding, and/or stacking solutions that the WEBJet 200D platform has successfully delivered over the past 7 years.

“We are beyond excited to announce the launch of the WEBJet 2100P which is the culmination of over two years of hard work by our team at Super Web Digital. The WEBJet 2100P brings a pigment ink solution into our portfolio with the added benefits of extremely long-life thermal printheads and improved print durability. With over 40 million pages already run on the platform at a beta customer site we are excited to announce the broad availability as we start 2022.” – Paul Schwartz, President Super Web Digital.

The first WEBJet 2100P has been running at a Midwest customer location since early 2021 with over 40 million pages printed. Super Web Digital is taking orders immediately.

Color-Logic, a world leader in metallic colour systems and print embellishment--has added 644 new colours to the Color-Logic metallic colour system. The new colours bring the total Color-Logic colors to 924, of which 55 are golds. A key element of the gamut expansion is the inclusion of the blues, greens, violets, and browns so popular with brands today. All 924 Color-Logic metallic colours can be printed using only five inks or toners: silver ink or toner with CMYK on conventional substrates, or white ink or toner and CMYK on silver-based metallic substrates.

Because graphic designers prefer to work with proven colours, Color-Logic provides licensed printers, at no extra cost, files with which they can produce their own Color-Logic swatch books. Providing Color-Logic swatch books to graphic designers, agencies, brands, and corporate marketers lets them see and select any of the 924 metallic colours that can be produced without trial or error.

Discussing the new colours, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves said: "Together with Color-Logic embellishments, our 924 metallic colours provide graphic designers with unlimited ways to differentiate their clients in print. Already, Color-Logic licensed printers provide brands with economical, quick-turnaround work, and these new metallic colours only broaden the possibilities."

Color-Logic develops colour communication systems and software tool sets for a variety of special effect printing applications. Color-Logic provides brand owners, product managers, corporations, and their advertising agencies the ability to differentiate themselves and their clients with a simple print production process that yields dramatic results. Color-Logic decorative effects utilise the existing workflows of printers and designers, yielding dynamic results without the use of special equipment. Color-Logic supports the value of print and works with designers and printers to enhance their printed media. For more information, visit www.color-logic.com

Epson has joined forces today with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) to become an Official Partner. The LPGA and Epson alliance reflects both organisations’ commitment to diversity and supports Epson’s aspirational goal of achieving sustainability and enriching communities.

With a partnership that will run for an initial five years, Epson and the LPGA have committed to work together on a variety of player experiences and events focused on supporting and highlighting women’s challenges through golf. Additionally, Epson will become the title sponsor with exclusive naming rights to the LPGA’s qualifying tour. As the official “Road to the LPGA,” the Epson Tour supports all competitors and sends the top ten finishers to the LPGA and is the most established women’s qualifying tour in the world, entering its 42nd year of structured competition in 2022.

Through the partnership, Epson will share the ongoing accomplishments of these athletes through prominent branding, broadcast, signage, and digital integration across the LPGA network, as well as across all tournament promotions, content, and social media platforms. In addition to exclusive naming rights for the Epson Tour, which will run through the 2026 season, Epson has also pledged additional contributions including player ambassador funding, and product and technology support.

“Our partnership with the LPGA presents a unique opportunity to inspire future women leaders and advance the Epson brand,” said Yasunori Ogawa, global president of Epson. “The Epson Tour is focused on providing promising women golfers with the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and young women with role models for the future. The LPGA is a world-class organisation and working together over a multi-year period allows Epson to take an active role in advancing the professional careers of talented women golfers.”

“We are delighted to welcome Epson to the LPGA Family. This ground-breaking partnership will provide expanded opportunities for the future stars of the game from around the globe to test their talent and take one step closer to realising their dreams,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “We are grateful that Epson shares our commitment to supporting young female athletes as they grow and develop and to playing an active role in the growth and equity in women’s sports. The ‘Road to the LPGA‘ has never been better.”

The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 42nd competitive season in 2022. The Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s most promising women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Expanding from 16 tournaments and $1.7 million in prize money to $4 million in prize money awarded over the course of 24 tournaments, more than 435 LPGA titles have been won by former Tour players. Previous Epson Tour graduates include 27-time LPGA winner Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and Olympic gold medallists Inbee Park from the Republic of Korea and Nelly Korda of the United States.

The printing and ink world has evolved over the years, perhaps more dramatically with the rise of digital in the last two decades. Finding accurate and useful information to keep pace with the changes can still be challenging, so INX International Ink Co has created a helpful solution with the Printer Space blog.

Each month, Printer Space will provide timely advice on a wide assortment of topics. Articles will range from Color Management, Digital Printing, and Innovation, to Productivity, Shelf Appeal, and issues pertaining to Sustainability and Compliance.

“The idea for the Printer Space blog was largely based on the number of questions we receive and address from our customers. We saw it as an opportunity to increase awareness and help the print and packaging communities,” said Renee Schouten, Director of Marketing for INX.

“With the number of experts we have on staff, our goal is to make Printer Space the place where people go for insightful information. We did receive feedback from some initial postings that will shape our focus in the coming months. And it’s important to continue having an open dialogue because our industry is constantly changing.”

The experts Schouten mentioned have a world of experience and advice to offer, with the majority having 20 or more years invested in the printing industry. Some have devoted their entire careers to ink chemistry while others offer a brand owner, R&D or marketing viewpoint. All told, the different perspectives make for compelling reading.

inxinternational.com