UPM Raflatac unveils new range of wash-off film labels


UPM Raflatac is taking another step forward in its drive to label a smarter future by announcing that it has developed a range of wash-off film labeling solutions for a variety of end uses that can help brands create a circular economy. This will also enable them to meet or even accelerate their sustainability targets.


These clear, white and metalized film labelstocks – featuring UPM Raflatac's RW85C wash-off adhesive and a PET liner made from 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content – have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as exceeding its strict standards for recyclable label products. Now available in the Americas and Asia Pacific market regions, the labels are suitable for labeling PET containers in the food, beverage, home care and personal care segments.


Thanks to the RW85C wash-off adhesive, the labels are able to undergo common PET recycling processes without contaminating any of the PET flake by-products. During the caustic washing process, the polypropylene labels easily separate from PET containers and float, allowing more high-value, clean PET flakes to be recovered. The clean flakes can then be converted back into PET containers, which promotes a circular economy and reduces the amount of plastic pollution in landfills and the environment.


"As the global drive to reduce plastic waste continues to gain speed, more and more packaging companies are looking for new and innovative solutions to maximize the recyclability of their PET containers," says Junion Zhao, director, Films Business, APAC, UPM Raflatac. "We are pleased to bring these wash-off labeling materials to market for our customers and brand owners aiming to achieve their sustainability targets."


"Exceeding the APR's standards for recyclable label products on PET packaging was very important for us when we developed these new film labels with RW85C adhesive," adds Daryl Northcott, director, Films Business, Americas, UPM Raflatac. "UPM Raflatac recently became an APR Recycling Demand Champion, which means we are committed to boosting circular packaging solutions and incorporating post-consumer recycled content into our materials, and these new label materials do exactly that."

Women in Print announces WA donation in remembrance of Olivia Grida, Advance Press


In 2017, the Women in Print community was shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of their Western Australian Patron, Olivia Grida.  Olivia, Business Development Manager for Advance Press, had worked tirelessly and enthusiastically since 2013 to grow our events in WA. 


Olivia was passionate about print, leadership and women’s contribution to the dynamic industry that we work in. Everyone that met her felt that passion in her vibrant smile, her energetic personality and in her actions. 


The State Patrons for Women in Print would like to announce an annual donation to be made available to up-and-coming female print professionals in Western Australia. Each year the donation will cover three complimentary tickets to the Perth event, to be made available to applicants who otherwise may not be able to attend.


For information to how to apply for your free ticket to the 2018 Perth event, please contact Lisa Blachut (WA Patron) on lisa.blachut@advancepress.com.au


Women in Print is a not-for-profit activity. 

TAFE gets fashionable with Epson projection and dye sublimation printing


Epson fabric printing and projection are at both the forefront and grass roots of Australian fashion. Recently fashion students at the Sydney Fashion Design Studio (FDS) Ultimo TAFE NSW began using Epson SureColor F-Series dye sublimation fabric printers in their coursework and in particular the creation of their graduation designs. FDS are also using Epson EB-L1505UNL projectors to display student artworks on the walls at the end of year fashion parade.


TAFE NSW’s Alexander Zehntner explained, “FDS Ultimo TAFE had invested in an Epson F-Series dye sublimation printer when we upgraded and started delivering the Bachelor of Fashion Design to enable training with the latest industry technology standard. Our students use the Epson dye sublimation printer to realise their original art works for individual custom design on fabrics for fashion and interior products. Last year FDS Ultimo TAFE also used Epson EB-L1505UNL projectors at our final year fashion show in an inner city warehouse space to project students work onto distressed walls as people walked into the space.”


Epson’s printing, projection and imaging have helped raise the FDS’ quality bars to a new level.


Zehntner continued, “The projector was amazing with incredible colour and definition capturing all of the artwork’s character. Truly great image reproduction. The projector was also left on for an extended length of time with no problems and it really created a buzz and a great conversation piece amongst guests as it allowed us to be innovative and create an interactive experience with our audience, transforming a simple waiting space into a dynamic experiential space. We have already seen a lot of growth with digital printing in the fashion industry and with all our graduates being skilled and able to use specialised equipment. It’s good to know they will keep pushing the design boundaries with Epson and printers like the F-Series there to support them.”


For more on Epson SureColor F-Series printers go to: https://www.epson.com.au/fabric


For more on the Epson EB-L1505UNL projector go to: https://www.epson.com.au/products/projector/EB-L1505UNL.asp

NUtec to introduce GBL-free solvent ink range
 
Global supplier, NUtec Digital Ink is expanding its Diamond eco-solvent product offering with new GBL-free ink versions. This move supports NUtec’s new product strategy which includes the introduction of more environmentally and operator- friendly digital ink alternatives for its worldwide customers.

The Diamond GBL-free range will include the D10-GF-MS21 which will be chemically & colour matched to Mimaki® SS21 and designed as a back to back replacement, while the D10-GF-ESM will be chemically & colour matched to Roland Eco-Sol MAX™ inks.
A key feature of the GBL-free Diamond ink range is that no flushing or profiling will be required when converting from OEM inks. It will also be a low smell ink with excellent outdoor durability, superior abrasion and chemical resistance.

The Diamond range will provide excellent media compatibility across a broad range of self-adhesive and flexible substrates. All NUtec’s ink products are supported by NUtec Digital's Ink Delivery System Warranty.

NUtec also offers its customers a HAPs-free ink alternative through its Emerald range of Environment Responsible Product or ‘ERP’ inks.  Both the Diamond GBL-free and the Emerald solvent ink ranges eliminates the use of controlled or restricted substances as defined in specific regions and countries.

Technical Director of NUtec, Paul Geldenhuys notes, “NUtec is continually working on alternative versions of traditional ink chemistries to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for its customers. The Diamond GBL-free and Emerald ERP ranges are prime examples of these developments which are being welcomed by NUtec customers worldwide.” 
 
For more information on the company, its products and its people, visit www.nutecdigital.com

Roland DG's Dye Sublimation Inks Earn ChromaLuxe Certification for Outdoor Durability


Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, has announced that its Texart™ SBL3 dye sublimation inks have earned certification from ChromaLuxe® for outdoor durability. This certification assures users that they can expect optimum quality and durability when transfer graphics are printed with Texart SBL3 inks and sublimated to ChromaLuxe EXT (Extended Life) UV-resistant photo panels.
 
In addition to the certification, Chromaluxe is backing up the UV resistance and expected outdoor life of graphics printed with Texart inks and transferred to ChromaLuxe EXT with a two-year warranty on photography-based output and a three-year warranty on signage-based output.

This certification from ChromaLuxe applies to all standard Texart SBL3 inks, which are available in 4-colour or 8-colour configurations with CMYK, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Orange, and Violet. Designed to bring out the best in Roland DG’s advanced Texart RT-640 and XT-640 dye sublimation printers, SBL3 inks are ideal for creating vibrant sublimated signage, apparel, accessories and hard goods. In addition to producing rich, durable graphics, these water-based, fast-drying inks contain a high concentration of dyes, which allows for reduced ink usage while retaining maximum vibrancy.
 
“The ChromaLuxe certification and warranties provide assurance to Texart series users that their graphics sublimated to ChromaLuxe EXT panels will stand up to powerful UV rays and the elements,” said Lily Hunter, Roland DGA Product Manager, Textiles and Consumables. “They get the best of both worlds – colourful, vibrant graphics and the very best outdoor durability possible.” 
 
For additional information on Roland Texart SBL3 dye sublimation inks, visit
https://www.rolanddg.com.au/products/inks/roland-texart-sbl3-dye-sublimation-inks

IPEX to close after consultation with print industry


IPEX, the international print technology and equipment event, is to close after a period of consultation with the industry.


The most recent edition, IPEX 2017, took place at the NEC in Birmingham late October and early November 2017. Over 150 companies from 20 countries exhibited to showcase the latest solutions in print technology and equipment, while over 7,000 visitors attended to source new products and keep abreast of industry trends.


Rob Fisher, IPEX Event Director, said: “Through IPEX, we’re proud to have played a role in an important and diverse industry, and to have supported a brand that has such a long history. We enjoyed organising and delivering IPEX 2017 and received positive feedback from exhibitors, many of whom recorded excellent levels of interest and sales at the event.”


Fisher continues: “The changing market conditions and appetite for a large-scale event which focuses on Print in Action continues to be challenging. Having engaged with a range of exhibitors and partners to evaluate the options for IPEX, we have concluded that the requirements of the industry no longer match our own in terms of the cycle, scale and what is required to help us further support and fully invest in the brand.


“We’d like to wish our partners, exhibitors, and everyone we’ve worked with on IPEX every success as the industry continues to evolve.”

HVG Graphics Media adds hardware, signing exclusive partnership with award-winning American finishing solutions company, MCT Digital. 


HVG Graphics Media is pleased to announce their expansion into the supply of hardware.  

With HVG Graphics Media’s existing stronghold in graphics media sales and distribution, this move to hardware will enable a holistic approach to meet market demand for a single supply model. The partnership with MCT Digital will further enhance HVG’s position as a supplier of leading edge graphics solutions.

HVG Graphics Media has developed and maintained its strong Australian customer base, and with over 40 years in the industry. HVG Graphics Media General Manager, Richard Lucas, has great expectations for this launch, and for the ability to provide HVG’s customers with a whole new range of products and capabilities.

“We are excited to announce our first move into supplying hardware to the Australian graphics market, by signing an exclusive agreement with MCT.

VersaTech2™ is MCT’s next generation cutting solution and has been awarded the SGIA Product of the Year Award for Digital Finishing, boasting a high strength, and light weight gantry for unparalleled cutting speeds and accuracy. The American engineering and manufacturing results in a robust and industrial system. 

This cutting solution perfectly complements our wide range of substrates and our ever-expanding printable fabric range.”
MCT offers the industry's most innovative wide format digital flatbed cutting systems, with a heritage that stems from Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering (MGE); pioneers of optical registration, and subsequently, growth of the digital die-cutting market. 

According to Steve Aranoff, MCT’s VP Business Development, “MCT’s founders were responsible for the development of i-cut®, the world’s first vision capability for “cut to print” graphics in 1999.  Today, VersaTech2 with its TigerVision™ software vision system provides the most innovative and intuitive solution for its customers.”

Adrian Morris, HVG Graphics Media’s Business Manager, Strategic Growth, added, “I believe we have a truly unique finishing system in the VersaTech2. In a world in which printing capabilities and market needs are changing rapidly. 

The high quality VersaTech2 tables, are a complete “3 in 1” digital die-cutting solution for every industry segment, and significantly, are the most trusted and proven laser cutting solution for digitally printed textiles. 

Whatever your material, roll or sheet, you can be assured that the VersaTech2 will handle it with ease, whether it needs laser, router or knife capabilities.

MCT have also developed cost-effective automation options, which give businesses the opportunity to minimise labour costs.”
Steen B. Mikkelsen, MCT Founder and Chairman stated, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of HVG Graphics Media as the Sales and Service/Support Dealer for MCT’s VersaTech2 product line in Australia. Thanks to our patent-pending dual conveyor belt technology, the VersaTech2 is the only automated “all-in-one” laser-router-knife digital die-cutter in the world. 

It is fitting, therefore, to have HVG Graphics Media as our partner is Australia, as they stock the widest array of printable materials and already have strong relationships with the vast majority of prospects across the continent.”

HVG Graphics Media distributes the following sheets: Dibond, Dilite, FOREX Classic, Foamalite, KAPA, Gatorfoam, FomeCor, Re-board, VIEWseries substrates; DECOprint and VIEWfab textile ranges, all perfectly compatible with the VersaTech2 cutting system’


For further details of MCT product portfolio please visit:
http://www.hvggraphics.com.au/ 
http://www.mctdigital.com/

Ricoh Aims to Change the Inkjet Game With the New RICOH Pro VC70000

Ricoh USA Inc. announced the newest addition to its award-winning inkjet portfolio, the RICOH Pro VC70000, built to accelerate the transfer of offset print volumes to digital. The new continuous-feed platform empowers commercial printers to produce quality applications, such as high-end catalogs and magazines, traditionally expected from offset presses. Additionally, Ricoh-developed inks enable up to 40% savings in paper costs while also expanding media support to offset-coated papers, untreated papers and more. Commercial printers looking to acquire new technologies that help them stand out from the competition will benefit from these strategic advancements from Ricoh. This newest addition was announced at Ricoh’s sold-out INTERACT User Community Event.

Honoured as the “Company to Watch Out For” by industry thought leaders and customers in attendance at the sixth annual Inkjet Summit, Ricoh’s commitment to inkjet innovations continues to be unwavering. As a pioneer in continuous feed inkjet, Ricoh has repeatedly brought award-winning inkjet technologies to market that help printers produce more advanced applications stemming back to its flagship InfoPrint 5000 platform more than ten years ago.

“We’re constantly hearing from customers that they are looking for lower costs, higher quality and increased productivity. What we’re announcing today delivers, and delivers big,” said John Fulena, Vice President, Commercial & Industrial Printing Business Group, Ricoh USA, Inc. “We are confident this new platform and new inks are exactly what the industry has been waiting for and will help commercial printers more quickly transfer to digital. It’s been talked about for years, and finally, the breakthrough is here.”

The Pro VC70000 joins the RICOH Pro VC60000, RICOH Pro VC40000 and InfoPrint 5000 in Ricoh’s inkjet portfolio. It touts a wealth of features that help advance inkjet printing including a new engine platform that increases drying capacity. The platform prints at speeds up to 492 ft/min, producing nearly 130,000 A4/letter impressions per hour. It leverages the industry’s most popular and advanced piezo drop-on-demand printheads at up to 1,200x1,200 dpi resolution on uncoated, offset-coated, inkjet treated or inkjet-coated papers. Ultimately, the Pro VC70000 gives commercial printers the flexibility, lowered paper costs and productivity they’ve been seeking.

Initially available for the Pro VC70000, Ricoh’s new inkjet ink technology rivals the output of offset inks with its media versatility and compatibility with gloss-coated stocks. They are designed to make the entire production system more versatile and economical - and less complicated. In addition to a significant boost in color gamut, these latest Ricoh inks take quality enhancements further by enabling operators to print faster on a wider variety of media, including standard offset coated and uncoated papers, all with improved make-ready times.

The Pro VC70000 will be available in Winter 2018.

Colordyne Technologies launches laser finishing system


Colordyne Technologies, a digital labels and packaging equipment manufacturer, has introduced the 2800 Series Mini Laser, an off-line or near-line finishing system. The new addition to Colordyne's suite of solutions marks the first of the company's finishing-only product offerings.


The 2800 Series Mini Laser features the same reliable finishing technology as Colordyne's 2800 Series Mini Laser Pro. It laminates, laser diecuts and removes matrix waste in a single pass. This solution is ideal for accompanying roll-to-roll digital printers, such as the 2600 Series Mini Press, to complete the short run, custom label and tag production process.


"Other companies sell digital label and packaging equipment. We sell digital label and packaging solutions," says Andrew Matter, president of Colordyne Technologies. "We have brand owners and private label manufacturers using our digital printers that typically source pre-diecut material from outside vendors because they do not have the space or resources to manage a multitude of dies. We wanted to provide a solution for these customers to bring label finishing in-house to take full control of their label production."


The 2800 Series Mini Laser is suitable for finishing labels off-line or near-line, and it can create custom diecut blank labelstock for use on digital benchtop solutions. Since it uses a laser for diecutting instead of traditional rotary or blade cutting, it can produce more jobs in less time, with lower consumable costs, the company says. The laser technology eliminates the need for expensive dies and knives, making it a more cost-effective solution long term.


The 2800 Series Mini Laser offers a max cut width of 7.87" and a max cut length of 47.24" with speeds up to 60 fpm. It allows users to easily and affordably execute complex cuts in any quantity to create custom labels.


Like Colordyne's digital print systems, the 2800 Series Mini Laser features an intuitive and visual user interface that allows operators to make cutting adjustments on-the-fly. Transitioning from one cut to another is completed quickly with its built-in job library that allows users to save and reopen diecuts on-press. Setup times between jobs are nearly eliminated compared to traditional finishing.


"Every product we engineer has our customers in mind," adds Matter. "We decided to offer the 2800 Series Mini Laser for companies that do more than labeling such as brand owners and private label manufacturers. There was a gap in the market for this type of application, so we stepped in to fill it."


The 2800 Series Mini Laser can fit anywhere from a press warehouse to an office, thanks in part to its compact size and low level of noise. While this solution is user friendly enough for companies new to packaging production to operate, it laminates and cuts with the precision needed for converters.

Mark Andy unveils Digital Series HD


Building on the excitement of the recent Digital Series HD debut, Mark Andy announced a successful preview event of the hybrid label press in San Diego, California. The product showcase was held on March 14 at the company’s Digital Technology Center. The facility is the press manufacturer’s “digital hub”, where engineers who specialize in inkjet, workflow, and programming have been based the past 7 years to support new product development on the digital side of the business.


The attendee pool of the true hybrid press preview consisted of label business owners from the California area, as well as industry-members attending the annual TLMI Converter Meeting earlier in the week. Attendees received an exclusive sneak peek of the press prior to this week’s global launch and enjoyed networking opportunities with other converters and Mark Andy specialists.


The highlight of the event was a print demonstration led by Mark Andy’s West Coast Digital Sales Manager, Ralph Boer. Seasoned Print Technician, Joel Panhorst, ran 17 SKUs on 3 unique substrates- clear PP, white BOPP, and an estate paper in under 14 minutes. All jobs were printed at full speed of 240 fpm and used Extended Gamut printing at Mark Andy’s UV inkjet quality standard of 1200 dpi. Additionally, a job made use of a flexo station directly following the digital print engine to apply a metallic flexographic spot that cannot be reproduced digitally. Proving hybrid versatility, this deck was then used to apply a varnish to a subsequent job with rapid changeover.


Building off the success of its’ predecessor’s 2017 FTA Award Win, Digital Series HD is Mark Andy’s commercial approach to label production. Able to profitability support short to mid run lengths, Digital Series HD is highly configurable and versatile. The press is modular- built to support 5 through 8 digital print head options, as well as integrated in-line or near-line finishing configurations. This is made possible by Mark Andy’s future-proof converting platform.


Those interested in experiencing the new press - can request demos at the OEM’s global headquarters in Saint Louis, MO or at the San Diego Digital Technology Center. In regards to global reach, the press will also be available for demonstrations in Mark Andy’s Polish demo center in June. The machine will accompany the Performance Series, Digital One, Rotoflex finishing technologies, and other new innovations on stand at Labelexpo Americas 2018.


Joe Calmese, Vice President, Digital, Mark Andy reflects on the event’s success, providing “Digital Series HD isn’t Mark Andy’s first pass at digital. It’s built on years of success and our Engineering group’s expertise in UV inkjet. A lot of work went into this launch and i’m incredibly proud of where our digital business is to date.”


“Our digital footing is stronger than ever. We have over 90 hybrid presses in production, and anticipate that number to grow significantly as more members of the print community see the undeniable productivity gains of the technology.” concludes Calmese.

New Developments for Koenig & Bauer High-Volume Commercial Printing Presses


On the one hand there are short jobs, a raft of different orders and high quality products, and on the other hand the focus is on high-volume print runs - customer demands placed on commercial printers are becoming ever more versatile and challenging. Koenig & Bauer has been successfully tackling both of these developments for years. Stefan Segger, sales director Digital & Web Solutions: “We are in constant communication with our customers. On the one hand we develop new products with our partners, and on the other hand we are proactively represented on the market with new innovations.”


New UV coater for C16
The new UV coater from Koenig & Bauer offers production speeds of up to 60,000rph, high automation, simple and self-explanatory operation, the stability of a printing unit, automatic cleaning at the push of a button and anilox roller change within a few minutes. Whether for the full-solid finishing of covers or as spot coating for the partial finishing of printed images, the coating unit is already being used very successfully by customers. A compact UV dryer is integrated into the superstructure after the coating unit to enable the widest possible range of paper substrates to be processed. The UV coater processes substrates with a grammage of between 60g/m² - 250g/m² (38 - 160 lbs). Between 2 and 5g/m² of coating is applied depending on the anilox roller.


Intelligent copy control in quarterfold
Intelligent, patented copy control in the quarterfold makes for a trouble-free folding sequence. Production conditions are therefore always consistent irrespective of operator skill. Copies are slowed effectively and with a minimum of abrasion, and aligned in the direction of fold during deceleration. The automatic copy control system is self-adjusting and exceptionally reliable regardless of production speed and copy thickness. As a result folding is consistently accurate, even during changes in press speed. Stefan Segger, sales director KBA-Digital & Web Solutions: “We continue to be very successful in the market and expect investments to be made this year. Our presses are known for their quality. With our know-how we have worked on many new developments for our commercial presses.”


Superstructure concept with new ribbon lead
The microporous patented turner bars are one of the many proven features that are unique to Koenig & Bauer. They no longer need to be set for different ribbon widths, and operate reliably with a minimal air cushion and superior ribbon guides. A modular design and dedicated drives throughout allow the superstructure to be customised for specific production scenarios. The short and stable web lead allows a more even web tension.

Océ Launches New Touchstone Dimensional Printing Software


Realizing the appeal that dimensional printing can have in the graphics market, Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced the launch of Océ Touchstone dimensional printing software, positioned for large-format print solutions to streamline dimensional printing on the company’s Océ Arizona Series UV flatbed printers. Until now, creating these dimensional prints tended to be a laborious process involving significant file manipulation and iterative testing performed by the print provider. As a result, few end users are aware that this is even possible, let alone request this type of printing. To simplify this labor intensive workflow, Canon has tailored specific solutions to meet the needs of the two parties involved in the process: the designer who creates the files and the print provider that prints them.

Utilizing the highly-accurate ink drop placement and repetition provided by Océ Arizona UV curable flatbed printers, resourceful print providers have been able to print multiple layers of ink and produce dimensional effects ranging from common textures such as woodgrain to special effects such as varnish highlights, embossed type and logos or even braille.

“Our commitment to our customers and the drive to expand our large format capabilities, has led to the development of the Océ Touchstone Dimensional Printing Software,” says Toyotsugu Kuwamura, EVP and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are thrilled to introduce this simple solution that will help print providers improve their workflow and create new possibilities for both their organizations and their customers.”

Through Canon-created Adobe CC Photoshop and Illustrator extensions, graphic designers can build the dimensional effects quickly and easily, preview and refine these effects on screen and then export the file as a single PDF file that can be sent to an Océ Touchstone enabled print provider for final print production.

To help streamline the process on the print production side, Canon worked closely with graphics RIP provider ONYX, a Canon group company, to marry the patented Océ ALPS (Advanced Layer Printing System) technology with a special ONYX Thrive printer driver so that the RIP could now interpret the height map contained within the PDF, convert that data into separate print layers and send it to the Océ Arizona printer as a single batch file containing all the layers in the correct print sequence. This provides the print provider with a familiar print workflow where they can print the entire job essentially with one push of the print button. Carriage height adjustment is automated and the multiple layers can be left to print unattended, thus enabling print providers to make additional revenue after business hours.

The commercially licensed Océ Touchstone software is offered exclusively by Canon Solutions America and available now. The software requires ONYX Thrive 12.2 or a newer edition and an Océ Arizona 1260, 1280 or 2200 series printer to use. The Adobe CC Océ Extensions are available for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS operating systems.

Fuji Suing Xerox for $1 Billion in Damages Following Failed Acquisition Agreement

After being left standing at the altar following Xerox's decision to terminate their original $6.1 billion agreement, signed Jan. 31, to combine Fuji Xerox and Xerox, Fujifilm Holdings (Fuji) struck back June 18 by filing a suit for damages in federal court of the Southern District of New York. Various news media outlets are reporting that Fuji is seeking more than $1 billion, plus punitive damages, for their failed nuptials.

Fuji is claiming that Xerox "breached its agreements with the company by making a unilateral decision to terminate, without legitimate cause, the agreements ... The terms of the agreement were discussed in an appropriate manner, based on fair valuations from independent experts retained by both companies," Fuji said in its filing notice. Fuji and Xerox had also agreed to a $184 million termination fee if either party walked away from the deal, which Fuji is reportedly claiming that Xerox should also pay.

Acquisition Agreement Had No Cash Outlay by Fuji

In a complicated transaction, the initial deal announced Jan. 31 had Fujifilm acquiring a 50.1% controlling interest in Xerox as part of a complex agreement tied in with their existing Fuji Xerox joint distribution venture for Xerox products in Asia and the Pacific Rim. Fuji owns 75% of that joint venture, with Xerox owning the remaining 25%. As part of the proposed pact, Fuji Xerox would have taken a $6.1 billion loan to finance the repurchase of Fuji's 75% in Fuji Xerox, making Fuji Xerox a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox.

Thereafter, Xerox would have then issued new shares of common stock to Fuji to represent a 50.1% stake worth $6.1 billion in value. The $6.1 billion would have subsequently been used to repay the loan that Xerox had taken, with Xerox then borrowing $2.5 billion to pay to its shareholders as a special dividend. For Fuji, the transaction would not have required any cash outlay to Xerox shareholders.

But that proposed agreement didn't sit right with Xerox's first and third largest shareholders - Carl Icahn and Darwin Deason, respectively - who vehemently opposed the arrangement, claiming that Xerox was being highly undervalued, that the special dividend payout to Xerox shareholders was way too small and that the "lopsided" agreement was orchestrated by a "conflicted" Xerox CEO (Jeff Jacobson), who was fighting to keep his job.

The activist investors, who own a combined 15% of Xerox stock, scored a victory when a preliminary injunction against the transaction was issued April 27 by the New York State Supreme Court. Fuji, in response, filed an appeal on May 4. The deliberations are expected to commence in September.

METROPOLE Ensures Life-Size Triceratops Causes a Stir in Paris using Massivit 3D Printing


Massivit 3D, the leading provider of large format 3D printing solutions for visual communication applications, today announced that its customer, METROPOLE has created an ultra-realistic, full-size triceratops to promote a new palaeontology exhibition at Paris’ Musée national d'Histoire naturelle.
 
With the objective to drive visitor footfall to the museum’s exhibition, the visually-striking dinosaur was brought to life using METROPOLE’s Massivit 1800 3D Printer in just two days. Measuring a gigantic 1.8m-wide, 2.33m-long and 3m-high (5.9ft x 7.6ft x 9.8ft), the reptile is currently grazing on vegetation at the Gare d'Austerlitz railway station, adjacent to the museum.
 
Bringing History to Life
“When it comes to producing giant attention-grabbing models that truly turn heads and capture people’s attention, our Massivit 1800 is the solution of choice,” says Denise Zanet, Executive Partner at METROPOLE.
 
Using the Massivit 1800’s unrivalled print speed of up to 35cm / 14’’ per hour and dual print heads, METROPOLE was able to meet the museum’s stringent deadline by producing the triceratops in just eight components. Once assembled, the company strengthened the construction with ballast to guarantee the dinosaur’s longevity during sustained interaction within a public environment. To ensure even greater lifelikeness, Metropole’s cinematic artistic team then covered the dinosaur with a textured surface to achieve its natural-looking skin, while also producing realistic eyes to enhance its authentic appearance.
 
“The Musée national d'Histoire naturelle was completely blown away by how astonishingly lifelike our 3D printed triceratops looks,” says Zanet. “It’s already generating huge buzz at the train station with many passers-by asking how it was created and where they can find out more.”
 
Securing Repeat Business
According to Zanet, France’s leading transport company, SNCF Gares & Connexions approached METROPOLE following its close collaboration and success of last year’s Corto Maltese campaign. This saw the company produce a life-size replica of the Italian comic book adventurer in celebration of the series’ 50th anniversary. 
 
She explains: “Gares & Connexions were so overwhelmed by the incredible success and interaction that the 3D printed replica generated, that they recommended us for this campaign. This is a testament to the strong customer engagement and brand awareness attainable with our Massivit 1800.”
 
The stunning triceratops will be wowing the public throughout the duration of the palaeontology exhibition, which is on display until 2nd September.

NeoPost Announce Dates for Power of Print Series 2

Be quick to register for your spot at the Power of Print Series run by NeoPost Australia. After the success of the first round of presentations, NeoPost has launched a second series inviting experts from across the industry to discuss the opportunities for printers in today's marketplace. 

To register, simply click here. 

ProCloud chooses Epson SureColor eco-solvent printer solution For vivid vehicle and building signage


Brisbane-based graphic design and web development studio, ProCloud, create and implement brand experiences. They are dedicated to establishing partnerships with their clients in order to create inspiring solutions to their needs. Recently ProCloud had a requirement for a large format printer that would produce vivid vehicle and building signage. For that they chose the Epson SureColor S80600.


ProCloud MD Michael Jackson explained, “At ProCloud our talented creative team are able to design, produce and install our full range of products, making us a one-stop-shop. Regardless of whether you are an established business, a start-up, or an individual looking to make your mark, our team will collaborate with you to better understand your needs and goals. In order to do this we have to use the very best printing equipment. We had purchased another brand-new printer but it was not able to produce solid quality prints. After a lot of research we bought the Epson SC-S80600 as it was clearly the best in its class.”


ProCloud’s SureColor S80600 is designed to produce high-value graphics with enhanced durability. It suits a variable workflow with low to medium production volumes. It can be used with a wide range of media including paper, canvas, film and vinyl and suits a wide range of high-value high-impact applications including large format photo imaging, indoor POS and signage, back-lit displays, window decorations, wallpapers, surface finishes & décor.


The SC-S80600 incorporates Epson’s latest PrecisionCore printhead and UltraChrome Eco-Solvent ink technology. It produces durable prints that are bright and glossy with an unparalleled colour gamut. It is designed to produce premium quality output, using minimum ink, with simple operation, and fast job completion. Prints dry quickly and machines require minimum maintenance. The ink also has a low odour to enable operation in a wide range of commercial, business and office environments.


Jackson continued, “We produce lots of vehicle signage and needed a printer that would give us truly vivid colours. When we completed our research it was clear that the SC-S80600’s vivid colour gamut was second to none.”


As well as vehicle signage ProCloud also uses the SC-S80600 to produce a large amount of building signage.


Michael Jackson concluded, “The SC-S80600 really gives ProCloud and our customers an edge as its vivid colour offerings, high speed and extremely solid prints ensure happy clients. For vehicle and building signage there is no better printer on the market today.”


For more information on the SC-S80600 click here. 

The Industry Mourns the Passing of a Pioneer


Peter Tailby, former owner of Graphic Art Mart, passed away peacefully on Saturday 16th June 2018. 


Peter, together with his wife Pamela, and sons’ Mark and Glenn owned Graphic Art Mart from 9th January 1978 through to 15th December 2015.


Peter had a passion for the industry. He took great pride in building the small paint and brush supply company, into one of the major suppliers to the Australian sign, graphics and print industry. No matter their size, Peter travelled across the country to visit and help his customers. His firm belief in personal service became legendary, cementing Graphic Art Mart’s reputation for customer care and building a very loyal customer base along the way. 


A dedicated family man, Peter took great pride in seeing his family continue to build the business he dedicated so much too, as well as support the industry he was so very passionate about. 


The Tailby family wish to take the opportunity to thank all the staff, customers and friends of Graphic Art Mart over their 38 years of ownership. 


Peter will be fondly remembered and leaves a lasting legacy. 


The funeral is Monday 25th, in the East Chapel at Northern Suburbs Crematorium at 11.30am.

Esko and Asahi partner to streamline flexo platemaking

Esko and Asahi are partnering to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in flexo platemaking through the combination of their respective technologies.


Stephan Doppelhammer, business development manager at Asahi Photoproducts Europe, explained: ‘In our fast-paced and rapidly evolving industry, efficiency, waste reduction and speed to market are critical.


‘By partnering with Esko, we bring together solutions from two world-class companies to create a faster, more efficient and more consistent workflow in flexographic platemaking. Esko Equinox is ideal for converting separations to fixed palette printing, while Esko’s Crystal technology reduces the number of platemaking steps required and is making the process more consistent. By adding Asahi’s AWP water washable plates with Clean Transfer Technology to the mix, Asahi and Esko customers can take OEE to a brand new level of efficiency while boosting print quality and reducing their environmental footprint.’


Gateway Packaging, a high-end printer and packaging converter, and the largest pet food packaging provider in North America, recently restructured its entire platemaking process with Asahi Photoproducts technology as the core element.


Tharrin Akers, the company’s pre-press manager, commented: ‘When running the Asahi AWP Clean Transfer plates, we were able to run the press at a 17 percent higher speed – 1,640ft/min – and only had to stop for plate cleaning once. And that only required cleaning two plates, consuming 20 minutes.


‘The result was a total production time of 7.2 hours instead of 11 hours in the past and an astonishing 53 percent improvement in OEE over our previous process.’

Canon has entered the digital label printing market with the launch of the Océ LabelStream 4000.


Océ LabelStream 4000 is a roll-to-roll industrial-scale UV inkjet press, offering CMYK+W printing and available in a number of configurations to suit different needs in self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging. The white printing station is positioned ahead of the CMYK units, with two types of white ink available providing opacity from 67 percent (True white) to 80 percent (Alpine white), depending on application. Two widths are available – 330mm and 410mm –, with 48m/min and 68m/min production speeds available. This equates to a production range of 950-1,672 sqm an hour, depending on resolution.


Océ LabelStream 4000 features the latest Xaar 2001 printheads with an achievable resolution of 720 x 600 dpi. It can print on a wide range of standard labelstocks including PP, PE, BOPP plus selected special substrates. Applications include beauty and personal care, beverages, beer and spirits, household, industrial, pharmaceutical and promotional.


The inkjet press can be configured as a standalone digital press, with in-line finishing or as a hybrid platform. This allows the addition of a variety of value-adds, such as lamination, cold foil, delam/relam, turnbar and flexo color units, both before and after the inkjet engine. Canon identified the mix of conventional and digital technologies as enabling fast, affordable production of high-quality self-adhesive labels.


It has been developed in collaboration with label industry specialists Edale and FFEI, which has allowed Canon to achieve a fast entry to market, having commenced conversations with partners at Labelexpo Americas 2016.


The latest addition to the production printing portfolio underlines the Canon and Océ strategy to invest in growing industrial printing segments. Christian Unterberger, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of production printing products (PPP) at Océ Printing Systems, commented: ‘The Océ LabelStream is based on the inkjet DNA of Canon and Océ. With this comprehensive solution package optimized to benefit from current market dynamics, label converters can boost their profitability for short and medium job sizes, and amaze customers with labels of exceptional quality and customized messaging.’


His colleague Crit Driessen, vice president and head of digital packaging PPP, added: ‘Océ is keen to break into forward-looking markets, and industrial packaging printing offers excellent opportunities for new revenue streams. Digital products currently account for only a relatively small part of this market worldwide, but the share expected to grow rapidly. We are confident that market players will appreciate the Océ LabelStream’s productivity and customizing abilities as a way to add value to label printing.’


LabelStream 4000 is seen as a platform, with configurations tailored to a printer's specific needs and allowing maximum productivity, while also allowing Canon to establish and build a presence in mutiple package printing markets, starting in labels with flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated on the horizon


Unterberger concluded: ‘The new Océ LabelStream 4000 series is the next step in advancing our market strategy. We plan to grow in the packaging market and ultimately play a leading role.’


Commercial availability of the Océ LabelStream 4000 series in Europe will be towards the end of 2018, with plans to enter the US market after that.