Epson High-Speed Linehead Inkjet Multifunction Printers Receive ISO/IEC 15408 IT Security Certification

Epson has acquired ISO/IEC 15408 certification for compliance with IEEE Std. 2600.2™-2009*1 for its high-speed WorkForce Enterprise  linehead inkjet multifunction printers (MFPs), including the WF-C20590, WF-C20590a, WF-C17590 and WF-C17590a.

IEEE Std. 2600.2™-2009 is an international standard that specifies information security criteria for MFPs. MFP security can be comprehensively strengthened by providing standard-compliant security functionalities such as user identification and authentication, access control, data overwrite, network protection, security management, self-test, and audit logs.
 
ISO/IEC 15408, also called Common Criteria (CC), is an international standard for the independent and objective evaluation of security measures in IT products and systems to determine whether those measures are properly designed and implemented.
 
Epson is committed to providing its customers with products that offer robust information security along with unbeatable performance and usability.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS ANNOUNCE EDUCATION LIAISON POSITION

Visual Connections, the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) and Re-Engineering Australia announced today the appointment of AusSIP as its Industry Education Liaison Manager. 

The newly created national role is to help increase awareness of the opportunities in our industry to schools, TAFES and universities and strengthen ties between industry and schools in order to promote career opportunities within the sector.

The longer-term goal of the appointment is to influence enrolments in print, sign and graphic apprenticeships, increase school-based apprenticeships and to create a greater awareness of the industry as a viable career alternative for students. 

The role would work closely with two industry associations – the Australian Sign and Graphics Association and Visual Connections as well as our partner, REA (Re-engineering Australia). The focus of both associations is to promote and grow the industry for our members with particular emphasis on education and training within the broader print, sign and graphics area. 

AusSIP has been chosen due to its experience in working at local, national and international levels to raise educational and industry opportunities, both at strategic and operational levels. AusSIP has the demonstrated experience, skill sets, networks, capacity and passion to increase awareness and opportunities in the Print, Sign and Graphics industry nationally. 

Mitchell Mulligan, President Visual Connections welcomed the appointment “Visual Connections members are thrilled to allocate funding towards this vitally needed position. The need to promote the industry to younger entrants and to continue to build talent and career pathways has never been greater and we look forward to contributing to a stronger talent pool for our customers in the future”. 
 
Michael Blazek, President ASGA, says the appointment has been made with the strong affirmation of the Association’s members.  “For too long the most visible of all trades has remained invisible to parents, students and the wider education community.  It is an exciting industry, which offers a mix of skills, imagination and initiative.  We look forward to working closely with AusSIP in promoting increased industry awareness and opportunities for youth across Australia”.

Quick and easy access to the Display & Visual team at Ball & Doggett.

Ball & Doggett today announced the launch of a direct line and email address to support their growing
Display & Visual team around Australia.

Wide format customers can now call 1300 713 567 or email displayandvisual@ballanddoggett.com.au
to get direct access to a wide format specialist around Australia. This service is available from 8am to
5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.

Leigh Hooper, National Manager – Display & Visual states: “It’s vitally important for us to provide our
Display & Visual customers first class service and support. This service will allow us to provide our
customers with experienced product knowledge and technical support, live stock checks, the ability to
place and track orders, facilitate converting orders and manage general enquiries. We understand the
demands and pressures our customers face day-to-day, so we intend on providing them prompt,
reliable support and peace of mind.”

Recently, the company launched their website www.ballanddoggett.com.au which includes all of the
wide format media the company sells. From papers/boards, self-adhesive vinyl, synthetic, PVC Banner
to an extensive range of rigid substrates. Each product has a corresponding technical specification
sheet listing key data such as applications, features and material properties. To assist users with their
search, the filter function narrows down the large range by brand, machine type, category, application
and adhesive.

Ball & Doggett is Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials and consumables. For more than
100 years’ they have been selling the raw materials that turn big ideas into physical reality. With
offices in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania,
they are part of the OVOL Group owned by Japan Pulp & Paper, a company with a strong reputation,
trading history and global ties.

XAAR and Stratasys in High Speed 3D print joint venture

Xaar PLC is pleased to announce today that it will invest with Stratasys, a global leader in additive manufacturing, in a newly formed company, Xaar 3D Limited, to develop 3D printing solutions based on High Speed Sintering technologies.

Xaar 3D Ltd will leverage the natural synergies between Xaar and Stratasys, specifically Xaar’s technology relating to High Speed Sintering and industrial piezo inkjet printheads, along with the commercial and market expertise of Stratasys. 

Xaar will hold 85% of Xaar 3D Ltd shares with Stratasys holding 15%. In addition, Stratasys has been granted an option to increase its ownership in Xaar 3D Ltd to a total of 30%. Xaar 3D Ltd will hold all of Xaar’s High Speed Sintering assets. The new company’s Board will be chaired by Xaar CEO, Doug Edwards.

Doug Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Xaar
“We are delighted to launch our partnership with Stratasys. This joint investment in the development of 3D printing technologies reinforces the value created by our R&D and continues our plan to diversify Xaar’s business. We are also pleased to be working alongside a leader in the 3D printing space, who recognises the value of Xaar’s technology and expertise.”

Scott Crump, Chief Innovation Officer, Stratasys 
“We are impressed with the Xaar team’s achievements to date. We believe that the complementary assets of Stratasys and Xaar will enable Xaar 3D Ltd to develop solutions that further address customers' additive manufacturing requirements for a broader range of production applications.”

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

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/

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.

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.

The doors have opened for Visual Impact Brisbane. The fully booked show features exhibitors from across the print, sign and display industries, with a host of products, materials and services on display.

In 2018 Women in Print (WiP) will celebrate its 11th year providing a unique forum for women working in the print media industry to expand their networks and, at the same time, learn

from some of Australia’s leading businesswomen.

Women in Print are pleased to announce that Amna Karra-Hassan will be presenting at the five-event series around Australia in August.

Amna is an activist and advocate for diversity, inclusion and gender parity. She works for the Australian Federal Police in the Reform, Culture and Standards portfolio, which is responsible for engaging the workforce in cultural change. She is also the Founder and President of the Auburn Giants Australian Football Club and has pioneered programs for women of minority communities in Western Sydney. She uses her influence to change the conversation on gender, culture, faith and representation.

Amna will share her inspirational story through adversity, hope and achieving the impossible. She shares her experiences on collaborating with community leaders, small business owners,  local government, traditional and social media and thought leaders. She shares how she engages in the story telling process to help others overcome adversity, build confidence and resilience, and lead with perseverance and courage.

The events will be held:

Western Australia – Wednesday 15th August

South Australia – Thursday 16th August

Queensland – Tuesday 21st August

New South Wales – Wednesday 22nd August

Victoria – Thursday 23rd August

Since its inception Women in Print has attracted a diverse audience comprising women in senior management, sales and marketing through to those working in technical capacities on the shop floor. More than 3500 women have so far participated in the regular events.

Tickets will go on sale end May 2018. To keep up to date with WIP news please like us on Facebook, follow us on our new Instagram page or visit the website www.womeninprint.com.au

to sign-up to the database.

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

For more information:

Karen Goldsmith

General Manager – Visual Connections

Shop 4, 123 Midson Road, Epping NSW 2121

Ph: (02) 9868 1577 or 0403515427

Mutoh Australia is pleased to announce the Australian launch of 2 new UV printers, the VJ-1638UH and the VJ626-UF, at the Visual Impact show in Brisbane this week. “I’m very pleased to be launching both these new printers at the Visual Impact Brisbane show” Mutoh GM, Russell Cavenagh said.

“For companies looking to expand their business into UV printing the new 1.6M wide VJ-1638UH LED UV hybrid is an ideal fit. Capable of printing on roll and rigid medias the 1.6M wide VJ-1638UH is the ideal printer for companies making this step. With its long-life ‘cool’ LED lamps and excellent ink adhesion the 1638UH is a very versatile printer and can print on a wide variety of substrates up to 15mm thick and rigid medias up to 1.6M wide.”

“For promotional companies the new VJ-626UF LED-UV printer is a highly versatile and productive unit with its large bed size (594 x 483mm) and the ability to print ‘in the round’ with the optional rotary unit for cylindrical items.”

See both new printers being demonstrated on the Mutoh stand C10 at the Brisbane Convention Centre or contact Russell Cavenagh russell_cavenagh@mutoh-au.com at Mutoh Australia on 1300 4MUTOH for more information.

Currie Group has announced it will be bringing its mobile showroom to Stand A28 at Visual Impact in Brisbane next week, giving visitors to the show a VIP preview of its latest technology Roadshow on what will be the show’s largest stand by a country mile.

Currie Group is well known for its innovative Roadshows, trucking the latest technology around the country to provide print service providers with hands-on access to the very latest technologies.

Now, Visual Impact visitors will have the opportunity to see its latest iteration, which showcases inline automated booklet production via the innovative combination of an HP Indigo 7900 Digital Press with a Horizon 200 series booklet maker.

The combo, which made its world debut at PacPrint 2017 in Melbourne last year, delivers true ‘end-to-end’ productivity and solutions and is a perfect illustration of automated printing – a theme which is underscored by the company’s eye-catching Robot, which will also be on the mobile showroom.

“The Horizon booklet maker takes the sheets from the HP Indigo and, in one operation, stitches, folds and trims, to deliver a finished product onto the conveyor at the far end, all without a single touch point,” explains Currie Group Sales & Marketing Director, Phillip Rennell.

The setup, which Rennell admits only fits into the specially modified truck ‘by the width of a sheet of paper’, will provide an interesting addition to the diverse range of technology on show at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

It will be complemented by a range of finishing equipment – Horizon RD-4055 rotary die-cutting system, Horizon SmartSlitter sheet cutter and creaser, Horizon CRF-362 creaser and folder, Foliant Mercury 400SF laminator, which will be set up on the apron in front of the mobile showroom.

The company’s involvement at Visual Impact made sense, says Rennell, particularly given that the company is about to kick off another major Roadshow from outside the company’s showroom in Queensland’s sunny capital on 2 and 3 May, before heading South to Albury and Adelaide.

“We have a long association with VI, so we know the value of the show and its importance to the industry,” he said. “Given that our next Roadshow event will start outside our Brisbane showroom early next month, VI Brisbane was the perfect opportunity for us to give some of the industry’s key decision makers a look at technology many of them may not have had the opportunity to see at PacPrint, while also kicking off the Roadshow.”

Visual Impact will open its doors next Thursday, 19 April, and run from 10am till 6pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 21^st. To skip the queues, register online or for more information about the show, go to the Visual Connections website.

Stand B10 includes demos of real world copy shop, sign and textile applications

At this year’s Visual Impact show held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19-21 April, the Epson stand B10 will feature not only the very latest in real world copy shop, sign and textile applications and a full suite of sign and display solutions for business, but the company will also launch its new SureColor F2160 direct-to-garment printer.
 
The new SureColor SC-F2160 considerably raises the productivity bar while enhancing output quality and reducing running costs. It is capable of making full colour prints on a range of items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts and tote bags. It also incorporates a host of enhancements with easier job set-up, faster loading, and faster printing. The printer also features new print modes for improved imaging with reduced graininess and an enhanced gamut. Ink and print systems have also been enhanced to enable improved reliability with reduced user maintenance. 

The SureColor SC-F2160 provides a complete Epson solution including printer, printhead, ink, and software, meaning the user can be assured that not only have all parts have been designed to work together, but are protected by a comprehensive single-source warranty. Epson will offer the new model complete with on-site service cover that is extendable to three years.

Sitting alongside the new F2160 will be the new SureColor F9360 wide-format textile printer designed to deliver high quality digital dye-sublimation transfers at extremely high speed for a range of textile and apparel applications. This clever 64-inch printer delivers not only delivers outstanding image quality but also production speeds of up to 93 m2/hr. It features an integrated new fabric wiping system coupled with a highly accurate roll-to-roll media support system to handle economical lightweight transfer papers. The SureColor F9360 is also the proud winner of the 2017 SGIA Product of the Year Award in the “Roll-to-Roll Dye Sublimation on Textile” category.
 
The signage and POS graphics demo area on Epson’s Visual Impact stand will showcase the latest in high-speed, high-quality solutions in the market.
 
Kicking off proceedings is the SureColor Solvent 60600 designed for rapid and extremely cost-effective production of durable indoor/outdoor signage. It suits a wide range of applications including displays and POS, shades, screens, banners and vehicle wraps. In conjunction with a cutter it can even be used for label production. It suits medium to high production volumes and can be used with a wide range of media including paper, canvas, film and vinyl.
 
Then there’s its brother, the SureColor Solvent 80600, which boasts PANTONE© coverage exceeding 98%* and is designed to produce durable high-impact, high-value graphics with outstanding image quality. It can be used with a wide range of media including paper, canvas, film and vinyl and is ideal for applications including indoor/outdoor POS and signage, window decorations and back-lit displays, surface finishes, wallpapers, and décor.
 
Both these printers recently won BLI Awards for Wide Format Printers and both incorporate Epson’s latest PrecisionCore printhead and UltraChrome Eco-Solvent ink technology.
 
Epson’s final demo area at the show is dedicated to posters, graphics and technical printing and is admirably represented by the fast SureColor P20070 and extremely flexible SureColor T5200D.
 
If you produce large format saleable photography or commercial POS, then the Epson SureColor Production 20070 is a 64″ (1,626mm) large format printer designed to suit your needs. It offers production speeds of up to 38m2/hr and supports media up to 1.5mm thick. It uses a low cost 10 colour ink set that produces an outstanding gamut and incorporates a special LLk ink for gloss optimisation. Dedicated Photo and Matte Black channels ensure minimum waste and there is an optional precision ATU available for roll-to-roll production.
 
If you produce plans, drawings or low cost posters then the SC-T5200D is the product of choice. It will print an A0 image in as little as 50 seconds with output that dries almost instantly to be water and rub resistant. It is extremely cost-effective to run, with low power and low ink consumption. Designed for business, corporate, educational and government environments, the printer features a small footprint and dual roll loading. It can be ordered with optional high-speed Postscript for drag-n-drop P4P applications as well as a large format scanner for full print, scan, copy, and share functionality.
 
For more information on Epson’s range of wide and large format printers go to: https://www.epson.com.au/prographics/

Even astronauts occasionally need to print out important documents, so tech giant HP has provided the International Space Station with a new printer.

On-board the SpaceX 14 rocket which launched last week is the specially built HP Envy ISS, which has been customised to be able to handle paper and manage waste ink in zero gravity.

The tech firm said that while much of the technology built into the printer was off-the-shelf, several tweaks were needed in order to ensure the device would work in the demanding environment of a space station.

Special flame retardant plastics have also been used on parts of the printer, and it has also been specially tuned to be able to print in multiple orientations – meaning it can handle the rotation and zero gravity on the station.

According to HP the crew of the ISS go through two reams of paper a month, with hard copies used for mission critical information such as inventory return trajectories, timelines and personal items such as letters and photos from home.

Alongside printers, HP is also deploying around 120 of its ZBook Workstation computers to the station to support “mission operations”.

The astronauts use the printers on the space station for the same reasons people on Earth use them in offices and at home. The crews print out work documents as well as personal files.

“Letters from home, photographs and training materials are the types of things the crews print,” said Stephen Hunter, NASA Manager. “If you think about how much you print at home, or how much you print in your office environment, the same kind of thing applies in space, except that there are some critical things the crew has to print.”

While the astronauts have ample access to laptop and tablet computers, there are just some things they cannot keep in electronic format only. For example, were the space station to suddenly lose power or if the crew had to evacuate the outpost in an emergency, they could not rely on there being an available digital screen or the time needed to access their procedures. So hard copies are a must.

The rare contingency aside though, there is also the human factor.

“There’s something very human and psychological about the feel of paper,” Hunter explained. “You get things that are very personal to the crew — letters from home, pictures. There are some who have used the printers to make keepsakes to bring home. One crew member used the printers to print out their expedition patch on a special type of paper from their home country and used that as souvenirs.”

The space station’s printing needs put the orbiting outpost into a unique category, said Ronald Stephens, the R&D manager for HP Specialty Printing Systems.

“For the astronauts, the space station is really a combined environment,” he said. “It looks like an enterprise environment, where you have ‘corporate’ NASA on the ground changing procedures and sending up materials to be printed remotely, and we at HP work in those type of environments quite often.”

“It is also clearly an office and laboratory environment. You’ve got astronauts doing research, printing reports, graphs, other engineering and science documents.”

“And then it is also their home — their family sends an email or a photo,” added Stephens. “I think the challenge is that the space station is really a combination of all of the different types of segments that printers go into. It is that all in one.”

Keypoint Intelligence – Buyers Laboratory (BLI), the world’s leading independent evaluator of document imaging hardware and software, has awarded Epson three of its 2018 Inaugural Pick Awards for Outstanding Eco-Solvent 54″/64″ Wide Format Printers. These first-time awards acknowledge the products that gave the best performances in BLI’s rigorous wide format field tests over the previous year.

BLI’s 2018 Wide Format Picks went to the Epson SureColor SC-S40600 for Outstanding Entry-Level CMYK Eco-Solvent/Latex 54″/64″ Printer, the Epson SureColor SC-S60600 for Outstanding High Production CMYK Eco-Solvent/Latex 54″/64″ Printer and the Epson SureColor SC-S80600 for Outstanding Gamut Expansion Eco-Solvent/Latex 54″/64″ Printer.

Epson took home three well-deserved Picks thanks to excellent performances in BLI’s Eco-Solvent/Latex wide format printer field evaluation. “We were impressed with the superior colour accuracy the three Epson 64″ eco-solvent printers were able to achieve,” said Joe Tischner, Keypoint Intelligence – Buyers Lab’s Wide Format & Cut Sheet Production Analyst. “Each Epson SureColor printer delivered the lowest Delta E measurements of all the devices we tested, accuracy that any colour-critical print shop will definitely appreciate.”

For over 50 years, Buyers Lab has been the global document imaging industry’s resource for unbiased and reliable information, test data, and competitive selling tools. What started out as a consumer-based publication about office equipment has become an all-encompassing industry resource. Buyers Lab evolves in tandem with the ever-changing landscape of document imaging solutions, constantly updating our methods, expanding our offerings, and tracking cutting-edge developments. Based on rigorous testing in the lab or in the field, as well as comprehensive analysis in categories such as image quality, usability, and speed, Buyers Lab Wide Format Picks stand alone in the industry and are hard-earned awards.

Ball & Doggett today announced their appointment as an Australian print distributor for Avery Dennison’s digital inkjet and screen print portfolios.

This is key strategic alignment cements Ball & Doggett’s position as a leader in the display and visual sign market. “We are very excited to announce this partnership with Avery Dennison and include their digital range in our media portfolio. Backed by a global company like Avery Dennison ensures we can provide our customers first class products and service which includes direct technical and business support,” said Leigh Hooper, National Manager Display & Visual, Ball & Doggett.

Jordan Leach, Senior Business Manager, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, Australia and New Zealand adds: “The strong business relationship that Ball & Doggett has with key customers, the continued investment into this market and the successful history stemming from the previously known K.W.Doggett. Fine Paper business made the decision to continue with Ball & Doggett as a print distributor an easy one. This partnership will see both businesses continue to focus on incremental growth opportunities with the Avery Dennison digital inkjet and screen print portfolios within Australia.”

Ball & Doggett’s core delivery service includes fast and free delivery, national distribution, as well as an extensive range of media and substrates backed by globally recognised brands. Innovation is at the forefront for the company and in 2014 they launched Australia’s first vendor managed inventory system i_CONSIGNMENT, now with more than 400 users. With the strengthening of their partnership with Avery Dennison, they are now offering the i_CONSIGNMENT service to their signage customers, enabling them to have Avery Dennison media in the right place, at the right time.

Ball & Doggett is Australia’s largest distributor of paper, packaging, plastics, inks and wide format media

Epson has launched its very first double-sided A3+ printing and A3 copying, scanning and faxing model to the EcoTank range with the new ET-16500 4-in-1 inkjet.

In keeping with the other cartridge-free EcoTank printers in the range, the ET-16500 has been designed to offer a hassle-free and low-cost solution for printing, thanks to an ultra-high-capacity ink tank system, which is filled by high-volume ink bottles.
 
GeneralEpson Australia Bruce Bealby said, “The ET-16500 is a real first as home office and small business users can now enjoy all of the lower lost, low hassle benefits of EcoTank with the addition of double-sided A3+ printing and A3 copying, scanning and faxing.”

Suited to home offices and small businesses, the ET-16500 uses the PrecisonCore printhead and Epson’s genuine pigment ink to produce sharp and clear texts. Designed for business tasks, it offers fax, two 250-sheet front trays for extra capacity, A3+ double-sided printing and fast print speeds of 18ppm1. The addition of the A3 double-sided automatic document feeder (up to 35 pages) makes it effortless to copy, scan and fax multiple page documents. It’s. It’s also easy to use with a 10.9cm touchscreen and Epson’s latest user interface. The ET-16500 is backed by a two-year warranty (upon registration)

Offering an extremely low cost per page, the ET-16500 can print up to an impressive 10,500 pages in black and 11,300 in colour2 from the included ink. With significantly more printing between refills, it presents a cost-effective and efficient solution.
http://www.epson.com.au
With Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, sending documents to print from smart devices using the Epson iPrint app3 is made simple. It’s even possible to email files from anywhere in the world to the model via Epson Email print3. Providing further connectivity features, it also offers Ethernet, Google Cloud print and Scan-to-Cloud.

The ET-16500 is available now from www.epson.com.au for an RRP of $1599.00 and from all good Epson retailers and resellers across the country.

Key features:
• A3 scan (1,200 dpi), copy and fax, A3+ print
• Refillable high-capacity side ink tank
• Epson genuine ink included: 2x sets
• PrecisionCore printhead
• Print up to 10,500 pages in black and 11,300 in colour1, from the included inks
• Print speeds of 18ppm in black and 10ppm in colour2 
• Fast double-sided printing
• A3 double-sided automatic document feeder (35 pages)
• 10.9cm touch screen
• 2x 250-sheet A3 tray
• Epson warranty up to 3 years (upon registration)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet
• Print quickly and easily over Wi-Fi from smartphone and tablet PCs with Epson iPrint3
• Epson Connect support (Email Print, Remote Print Driver)3, and + Scan-to-Cloud
• Google Cloud print

Following a 29-year career with Image magazines, owner/publisher Stan Kilpin has announced his retirement.

“It’s been a long, eventful and very satisfying time in which I have met and enjoyed the company of so many industry people and who’s friendship I will long remember”, said Stan. He continued, “From the era of screenprinting with our first magazine, Australasian ScreenPrinter through to the current wide format signage market and our current magazines Digital Image, Textile Image, Sign Gear NZ and the Image Sign Price Guide plus the online publications Image Online Classifieds and Image Online News, I think I have almost seen it all as the industry has progressed. The early days saw us venture in to trade exhibitions with ImageExpo and the industry awards events Australasian Screen Print Awards.

“I could not and did not do it alone and I am so grateful for all the encouragement and support received over the years in achieving this:” continued Stan.

Now it’s time for a renewal and to take the business to the next level which will be ably achieved by the new owners Image Publications with Janet Maitland as publisher.

Janet has been involved with Image Magazine over the past 2 years through the joint venture with Sign Price Cruncher.

Image Magazine and Sign Gear provide a good fit with her strong corporate Sales and Marketing background. Janet is a highly experienced business leader with over 20 years’ experience as a senior level executive and management consultant in a wide range of industries across Australia, Asia and the USA. She has broad ranging business and industry exposure gained from working within major multinational corporations and SMEs.

When it comes to our advertising partners Janet has extensive experience in new product development, marketing and delivering sales results gained through her experience as National Sales and Marketing manager Carrier Corporation, General Manager Sleepmaker Bedding among others.

“I have experience with the sign industry and this combined with extensive sales and marketing experience, I am looking forward to creating and building connections as the publisher of the industry’s leading publications in Image and Sign Gear”, said Janet.

It will be business as usual with the highly experienced editorial and technology team as we build on the strong foundation of Image and Sign Gear. The future is bright and with the new resources available readers and advertisers can be assured of new innovations as the business moves forward into the future.

Stan Kilpin will remain with the business to assist with the handover for the coming months and all contact details remain the same.