Epson has launched a PC tool for creating high-quality voice data in an expanded range of languages for an Epson audio playback microcontroller and IC. The new tool is compatible with Epson's S1C31D50 (a 32-bit microcontroller with dedicated sound hardware) and the S1V3G340 audio playback IC. 

The microcontroller and IC support four languages (American English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean), but the new tool provides support for an additional eight languages (American Spanish, British English, Canadian French, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish). 
 
The use of voice guidance has become increasingly common in items ranging from remote-controlled tankless water heaters, home electronics, and health and fitness equipment to alarms in office buildings, shopping complexes, and factories.
 
Epson's existing sound playback microcontroller and IC have been optimized for these applications and have been well-received by customers. By providing the new tool, Epson enables developers of items such as household equipment, home electronics, health and fitness equipment, and industrial equipment to easily make their products multilingual by embedding an IC.

Epson bundles the tool with evaluation boards and provides it for free to customers of the S1C31D50 microcontroller and S1V3G340 IC.

Epson is committed to helping its customers improve the performance of their products with solutions that leverage Epson's efficient, compact, and precision technologies.

• Click here for an attachment on the specifications
• For more information about the S1C31D50 32-bit microcontroller with dedicated sound hardware go to: global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/semicon/products/micro_controller/armcore/
• For more information about the S1V3G340 audio playback IC go to:
global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/semicon/products/speech/voice_guidance_index.html

Kornit Digital, a worldwide market leader in digital textile printing technology, announced the release of its new NeoPigment Robusto Softener solution for Presto, the company’s system for digital, pigment-based direct-to-fabric decoration. Reflecting Kornit’s commitment to expanding sustainable, on-demand (i.e. waste-free) decoration capabilities to all corners of the textile industry, this solution eliminates a key barrier between digital, pigment-based impressions and the fashion industry—namely, a softer hand feel.

The new Softener solution is a product of the brand’s continuous innovation strategy, making Kornit technology the fashion world’s solution for on-demand proximity production. By streamlining the end-to-end process, these systems eliminate the need to predict demand and manage inventory, while supporting global sustainability imperatives. Offering vibrant colours, intricate design capabilities, and a fabric touch that is second to none, Kornit’s pigment-based digital print solutions require minimal space and labor relative to competitive offerings.

“The new Softener addresses the final sticking point we’ve encountered for high fashion and other markets considering a move to digital printing—and that’s the touch, the physical feel of the finished piece,” says Ronen Samuel, Kornit CEO. “Being able to produce precisely and only what is sold, and doing so in a manner that reflects the premium modern consumers place on community and social responsibility, is the key to stability and growth in these uncertain times.”

Kornit digital textile print systems are GOTS and ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified.

www.kornit.com

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020 enables graphics professionals and teams to break down creative barriers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), impressive performance enhancements, and access to cloud-based collaboration to speed up the creative workflow. Offering native suites for macOS and Windows, plus CorelDRAW.app for the web, the CorelDRAW 2020 graphics software lineup delivers the power designers need to get from original concept to flawless output in record time.

With a complete collection of professional applications for vector illustration, layout and typography, photo editing, and more, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020 makes its debut with extensive updates to accelerate the creation of complex projects and graphics. Use CorelDRAW.app to work with design files virtually anywhere and, for the first time, subscribers can take advantage of the app’s new collaboration features to simplify the entire review and approval process.

“Our flagship CorelDRAW release introduces state-of-the-art tech to enhance your entire design experience. With CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020, teams and clients can now access a centralized collaboration hub to get everyone on the same page in real time; while designers can discover the power of machine learning to create striking results, faster than ever. Make no mistake — this isn’t AI for AI’s sake. We’ve leveraged artificial intelligence across the suite to make the biggest impact on your professional graphics workflow,” said John Falsetto, Senior Director of Products, CorelDRAW and Productivity.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2020 offers new capabilities to produce visually stunning designs and high-quality assets, every time. Highlights include:

AI-powered tools that expand design capabilities and accelerate workflows
GPU-optimized artificial intelligence makes an impressive and time-saving impact across the design process. This deep AI technology integration enables users to deliver exceptional results, when nothing short of perfection will do.

NEW! Image upsampling and artefact removal: Enlarge images with AI-based upsampling options that create high quality results with clean edges, sharpness, and fine details. Get more out of lossy JPEG images with machine learning techniques that remove JPEG compression artifacts and recover color details, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual editing.

REDESIGNED! PowerTRACE™: Experience our best bitmap-to-vector trace results to date thanks to CorelDRAW’s new AI-assisted image-optimization technology that improves the quality of a bitmap as it’s being traced.

NEW! Art Style effects: When working in CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT™, choose from a range of eye-catching AI presets inspired by the techniques of different artists and genres to produce a stylized version of an image or object.

ENHANCED! Masks in Corel PHOTO-PAINT™: Quickly and accurately select an image with the new Smart Selection Mask that intelligently expands the selection by finding edges. The Mask Transform tool now enables transformations to be applied to pixels within a mask.

Seamless collaboration to speed and simplify the review process

Boost productivity by taking advantage of an all-new collaboration workflow in CorelDRAW.app, available exclusively with a CorelDRAW Graphics Suite subscription, licensing with maintenance, or an additional CorelDRAW.app Pro subscription for perpetual license customers.

NEW! Easily share files for collaborative review and approval: Offering a dramatically better way to connect with colleagues and clients in real time, CorelDRAW.app can now

HVG Graphics Media are proud to introduce you to the updated imprint self-adhesive vinyl collection, designed to meet the needs of the Australian market - the range you’ve been waiting for. 

The imprint collection is an economical offering and consists of digitally printable films and matching overlaminates which are a great choice for everyday applications such as short to medium term flat and gently curved signage, ultraclear window graphics, point of sale campaigns, perforated window advertising and more.
With modern product benefits on selected products such as air flow liners for fast, bubble free application, stay –flat liners, block-out adhesives, high tack adhesives, widths up to 1550mm and gloss and matte finishes, imprint has the breadth of products you want.

With the HVG Graphic Media’s team being renowned for their knowledge and experience in the wide format industry, they have taken time to re-define the imprint brand, revealing a dependable range of products positioned as the go-to choice for your day-to-day wide format printing needs. 

Mercury

This 100% PET satin film is ideal for hanging displays, retractable banner systems and posters. Available in both 91.4cm and 127cm widths, Mercury is suitable for eco solvent, UV and latex printers.

PP Display Film

This quick drying synthetic film is ideal for posters and banner systems. Available in both 91.4cm and 127cm widths, PP Display Film is suitable for eco solvent and UV printers.

If you would like further information, contact one of the Print Media experts today on 029735 3333 or sales@rickyrichards.com.au

Imagine. Personalise. Create. 

cotodesign is an innovative design and print management software package that allows customers to personalise apparel and gift items in-store using photos or artwork from their mobile device. 

cotodesign provides an intuitive workflow so customers can design, personalise and order. The browser-based software enables customers to easily create original designs using their own photos, images and text on a range of products using the cotodesign web application on a tablet or computer terminal in-store or on-site. 

Key Features 

• Easy-to-use and integrate into store environments
• Works in combination with a selection of Roland DG devices
• Intuitive interface makes it easy for customers to personalise a wide range of merchandise
• Customers can connect to the store’s wi-fi network to use photos from their mobile devices
• Used by leading brands for the mass-customisation of products such as jewellery, cosmetics, packaging and more.

With cotodesign, retailers can offer their customers a unique on-site experience, increasing business through product personalisation. 

Find Out More 

For more information on cotodesign, including detail on supported Roland DG devices, click here.

Simple to use software designed to deliver improved capacity management, smoother workflow and greater productivity

SA International (SAi), the leading provider of software solutions for professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CAD/CAM machining industries, has announced the availability of SideKick – a convenient and easy-to-use job organisation tool that helps sign and large format print businesses to effortlessly manage their end-to-end production operations, from quote creation to invoicing.

Simple to use, SideKick comes pre-loaded with a database of predefined products and finishing options, including average industry costs, to rapidly and accurately configure pricing, while factoring in materials, labor, commissions, discounts and taxes. Users can also tailor pricing for their own business. Via an intuitive quoting system, sign shops and large format print providers can quickly create professional and personalised PDF job quotes to send to customers within just a few minutes, based on size, quantity and finishing of the product.

Thereafter, SideKick lets users organise account contacts, convert quotes into orders with one-click and track jobs through various production stages. This enables jobs to be rapidly exported into the invoicing process so that payments are made quicker and cashflow is improved.

 “No one likes doing paperwork, but it’s necessary if you’re running a business. Our smaller customers, in particular, frequently tell us that administrative tasks are their least favorite and most time-consuming part of their jobs,” says Annette Plummer, VP Marketing, SAi.

“SAi SideKick effectively addresses our customers’ wider requirements and ensures hassle-free shop management at a low monthly operating cost,” Plummer adds. “The result is a more streamlined administrative process that ultimately saves business managers time.”

Accessible via monthly or annual subscription to existing SAi users, SideKick functions as a standalone tool independent of both SAi’s Flexi signmaking and EnRoute CNC CAD/CAM software solutions. Those customers accessing Flexi or EnRoute on a subscription basis can also take advantage of a preferential pricing structure when subscribing to SideKick.

Pricing is as follows:

• For current Flexi subscribers: $49.95 / €49.95 a month based on annual commitment, $59.95 / €59.95 for month-to-month.
• For traditional Flexi licenses: $69.95 / €69.95 a month based on annual commitment, $79.95 / €79.95 for month-to-month.

SideKick can be purchased directly from SAi by visiting: https://www.thinksai.com/en-eu/products/sidekick. 

Company announces that, as of Q1 2020, over 14,000 global sign & display business now accessing its software via subscription.

SA International (SAi), has announced that FESPA Global Print Expo 2020 (Madrid, Spain: 24-27 March) will provide the platform on which it will premier an innovative new software tool that enables sign and large format print businesses to more easily manage their design to production operations.

On its stand (5-D40), the event will also see SAi showcase the latest version of its powerful Flexi signmaking software. Flexi 19 delivers greater power to significantly improve the production capabilities for sign & display users, thanks to a high-performance 64-bit RIP engine that provides a speed increase of over 30%.

Subscription-based offering a hit among customers

As well as demonstrating the throughput-enhancing functionality of its signmaking and printing software solutions, SAi will highlight the way in which it continues to revolutionise the accessibility of those packages via its popular subscription-based purchasing model.

As of Q1 2020, SAi reached the milestone figure of registering over 14,000 large format print providers and sign & display businesses worldwide who benefit from new levels of flexibility and cost management via this purchasing method. Visitors to SAi’s stand can learn more about the benefits of accessing both Flexi signmaking and printing software and EnRoute CAD/CAM software through monthly subscription and cloud-based downloads.

Hear directly from SAi within the FESPA Trends Theatre

FESPA will also see Eyal Friedman, SAi’s Vice-President, Technical Services, partake in an interactive panel discussion as part of the event’s official conference programme. Entitled, “A Big Step for Mankind: What are the Next Technology Leaps in Digital Printing?”, this insightful session will take place in the Trends Theatre on the show floor on Thursday 26 March from 13.00h-14.00h.

“As a key event in our trade show calendar, we encourage visitors to visit our stand at FESPA, meet our team of software experts and see our latest innovations that have been engineered specifically to make life easier for sign and large format print providers,” says Annette Plummer, VP Marketing, SAi.

“On top of that, we’re thrilled that we’ll be heading to FESPA as we celebrate another milestone with our pioneering subscription-based software – now the most complete design, RIP, vinyl cut, and print & cut package in the industry,” she concludes.

Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices worldwide, today announced the release of “cotodesign” in Australia. cotodesign is a design and print management software package that allows customers to personalise apparel and gift items in-store using photos or artwork from their smartphone or other device.


cotodesign provides a comprehensive solution for retailers and other businesses using Roland DG inkjet printers and other digital output devices to print customers’ designs on to store merchandise. With the browser-based design software, consumers can quickly create a design using in-store tablets or computer terminals. cotodesign covers all the required processes, from creating a design to full colour printing and managing orders via a simple software interface. 


“Now anyone can create a treasured keepsake or personalised garment from a favourite photo or artwork in a matter of minutes using this simple and intuitive software,” said Greg Stone, Product and Marketing Manager at Roland DG Australia. 


Once the customer has selected their design, store staff can then use cotodesign to add the design onto a variety of items, including t-shirts, bags, pens, smartphone cases, stationery and a wide array of giftware even without prior experience in digital printing. 


Customised gifts, personal accessories and clothing has become enormously popular in recent years. Offering in-store customisation adds value to merchandise and can deliver a rewarding new shopping experience that will attract more customers to the store. cotodesign paired with a Roland DG compatible device offers an ideal solution for business owners looking to differentiate themselves from other stores, or create new business opportunities within the retail market. 


For further information on cotodesign, including detail on supported Roland DG devices, click here.

Colour Graphics Services, the Australian distributor for Techkon colour measuring instruments, is please to announce the availability of Techkon’s ChromaLT – a ‘lite’ version of the Chroma software.

Designed for small and mid-sized packaging printers who are looking for an affordable solution that is easy to deploy in the pressroom, ChromaLT is the ultimate companion software for press-side spectrophotometers and makes matching colour on press quick and easy. ChromaLT guides operators on how to get a match with either specific ink density adjustments (G7 verified) or by toning the ink when density adjustments need supplementing. 

Operators will appreciate color matching feedback that is easy to understand, actionable, and with clear Pass/Fail indications. When the job is done, the measurements are saved and a report can be generated for the quality department or the end customer, showing that colours were printed in tolerances and the job was a success. ChromaLT improves print process efficiencies by removing the colour matching guesswork, cutting make-ready times, and ultimately increasing profitability.

Features include:
• Centralisation for the storage of colour standards by organising into and Libraries
• Adding new colours via measurement, import from file, or text entry
• Searchability for colours by name or by deltaE threshold
• Rationalisation of “clean” colour standards database with the Search by deltaE feature to find duplicates and similar colours
• Picking of colours, setting the deltaE tolerance for each, and either Save or Run the job immediately
• Choosing up to 8 colours per job and set the deltaE tolerances for each
• Measuring colours in any order and ChromaLT automatically identifies the correct colour standard in the job
• Instant PASS/FAIL and colour difference results with easy to understand graphics
• Get actionable feedback with InkCheck technology which provides specific density adjustments to achieve lowest possible deltaE on press
• Creating reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Reduction of trial-and-error with actionable feedback and clear direction for operators


David Crowther of Colour Graphics Services notes: “Techkon ChromaLT represents excellent value for such an advanced colour management software application and works seamlessly with Techkon SpectroDens. It is available on either a yearly subscription or outright lifetime purchase.”

www.techkon.com 

Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and printer cutters, today announced plans for the discontinuation of TR ink for TrueVIS VG and SG Series large format inkjet printers by February 2021* due to its replacement by new and improved TR2 ink. 

Roland DG encourages VG and SG owners to switch to new TR2 inks, that offer increased performance and cost savings.**

The ink conversion process must be performed together with firmware and RIP software upgrades that will enable a host of advantages and new features for VG and SG Series owners: 

• New TR2 inks perform better in scratch resistance, alcohol resistance, and washability over TR inks.
• The new "True Rich Colour" preset maximises the capabilities of the VG and SG series with new TR2 ink to produce stunning graphics.
• The VG Series with TR2 ink is certified for long-lasting results by the 3MTM MCSTM Warranty, providing shop owners and their clients with assurance of the quality and reliability of their graphics.
• The VG and SG Series with new TR2 ink is also certified by the Avery Dennison ICS Performance Guarantee.
• **Ink consumption is greatly reduced due to an automated maintenance sequence.
• VG and SG Series owners obtain a host of new features to improve Print & Cut accuracy and usability, including crop mark options for more stable cutting performance when cutting laminated printed materials, and a PerfCut mode for printing, cutting and die cutting in one seamless operation.
• The Roland DG Mobile Panel 2 lets you perform control panel functions, including test printing and cleaning from your smartphone or tablet using a Bluetooth connection.
• The VG and SG Series support the latest TU-4 take-up unit (sold separately), enabling various media to be taken up with increased accuracy and stability.

In the unlikely event of a blocked nozzle, the "Nozzle Mask Function" lets users specify which section of the printhead to use, allowing production to continue with minimum impact. 

VG and SG Series owners can switch ink and upgrade their devices by downloading the specified firmware and the latest version of VersaWorks 6 software RIP. For more information or to download the firmware and software, go to: www.rolanddg.com.au/trinkconversion. 

Graphics One is announcing the release of its GO Fuze Dye-Sub to Cotton liquid solution for use with virtually all brands of dye-sub inks. This extraordinary new capability uses new patent-pending polymer chemistry, which allows standard dye-sub ink to fuze to cotton fabric. Any dye-sub printer will be capable of imaging transfers for use with both polyester and cotton using the GO Fuze liquid.

GO Fuze liquid works through an easy pre-treat process using either a hand spray method or GO Fuze PreTreater machine. Once the garment or fabric is sprayed and dried, dye-sub inks can then be transferred in a normal dye-sub workflow utilising standard dye-sub paper with a heat press. In addition to transfers, users can also print directly to the fabric. Of course, the ink must be cured by heat for the fabric to be usable.

Dan Barefoot, Vice President of Graphics One indicated, “Our GO Fuze solution was developed in conjunction with our FabriMate dye-sub-to-cotton solution. Our R&D Team discovered that the GO Fuze liquid would work with virtually any dye-sub ink brands, including both our GO SubliMate and GO FabriMate ink families.”

Barefoot further stated, “We feel having the ability to use any dye-sub ink transfers with both cotton and polyester presents tremendous new opportunities for the dye-sub market. The process is simple and fits into a standard workflow. We believe every dye-sub provider will want to incorporate this innovative new technology into their product offering.”

GO Fuze liquid will be available in the Spring of 2020 through the extensive Graphics One distribution network. 

EasyCut has introduced Easy Cut Studio version 5, a compatibility update to the company’s sign-making solution with more enhanced functions, Support for more vinyl cutters, 64-bit compatibility and much more. Version 5 of Easy Cut Studio has been optimized to be fully compliant with Apple’s latest operating system – macOS 10.15 Catalina.

Easy Cut Studio is designed and engineered to be the total solution for any sign-making business. It helps you make signs quickly and easily, even if you're not a professional designer. The software features advanced vector graphics editor, vectorization tool, and all special effects, along with full vinyl cutting and color printing features. Perfectly adapted for both Mac and Windows. it can be used in 8 different languages and together with over 600 different cutting plotters.

“EasyCut is excited to add 64 bit support to Easy Cut Studio 5, With 64-bit support, The program can process significantly larger design files and even quicker than before. Both 32-bit and 64-bit worksheets are interchangeable for optimal compatibility, provided that the file can be processed in 32-bit.” said Eric Lee, EasyCut CEO. “ As the superstar product, it combines the advanced cutting technology and simplest UI design. We are always trying our best to making it better and better.”

Easy Cut Studio Version 5 is the culmination of 2 years engineering work and carefully considered feedback from dozens of cutting plotter manufacturers and hundreds of customers worldwide. Easy Cut Studio 5 is the new version of the sign industry’s leading vinyl cutting software, It offers a variety of powerful tools and features to create from scratch, edit and enhance vector graphics. The upgrade of the vinyl cutting software for Mac and Windows features a 64-bit engine for speed improvements, larger projects and additional features listed below.

Easy Cut Studio 5 includes the following new features and bug fixes:
- Added support for GCC RXII, UKCutter SMURF, Cotek, FlyCut, Bridge, Bascocut,
Vinyl Express GRC, ArtSign and EastSign cutters.
- Fully compatible with the latest macOS 10.15 Catalina.
- Completely rewritten for 64-bit, now runs natively as 64-bit on machines.
- Added sensitivity option for USCutter TITAN3 ARMS.
- Add TCP option to Janome cutter.
- Export as PDF format.
- More than one project can be opened at a time.
- Custom guidelines.
- Custom color for Cutting Mat.
- Custom guidelines.

- More functions added to Trace Image.
- Other stability improvements and small bugs fixed.
To learn more about Easy Cut Studio 5, please visit
www.easycutstudio.com/ 

Esko continues to bring innovations to market while delivering outstanding value to its customers, unveiling a host of new updates for its integrated software platform which will bring operational efficiency improvements to the packaging value chain.

From 25 November, significant new functionality has become available to customers with the release of an 18.1 update of the Esko Software Platform, the suite of software solutions from Esko, the global supplier to the label, packaging and wide format sectors. These include:

• ArtPro+ – updated with a patented new trapping concept, expanded support for Action Lists and brand new Dynamic Marks

• ArtiosCAD 18.1 – enhanced canvas layout, manufacturing tools, latest DWG and Spatial libraries, and new functionality in the innovative ArtiosCAD Preflight module now including automatic fixing 

• Automation Engine – new ‘Optimise File’ task to simplify user experience, new tasks exploiting the processing steps in native PDF

• Device Manager in Automation Engine – new optimised merging algorithm to reduce flexo platemaking waste

• Cape Pack – new online Truck Analysis giving greater functionality and savings potential

• Share & Approve – new customised emails, forward approval function and reporting on approval KPIs


Jan de Roeck, Esko Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy, said that the updates would drive increased efficiency by enhancing and improving the user experience and offering a greater range of functions for customers.


“We are delighted to be making these updates available all at once, underlining our commitment to a fully integrated ecosystem of solutions and a commitment to our users, ensuring they enjoy continued support, benefits and updates when using Esko software,” said Jan. “For example, our next generation native PDF editor for packaging prepress, ArtPro+, now incorporates an innovative, object-based trapping feature which addresses one of the most time-consuming elements of packaging and label prepress work. This patent-pending concept pushes the ‘right first time’ ratio to 70% and enables individual changes and enhancements to be made in a sustainable way.”

The latest software updates all lead to greater accuracy, efficiency and consistency across a design and print workflow. “Once you’re on board with an Esko workflow, you will enjoy continued support along the ride, each update bringing significant benefits,” said Jan, “and those using several tools in an integrated workflow should expect to be stunned by the massive combined improvements to their workflow.”

The new Esko software updates include:

Object-based trapping ArtPro+The new ArtPro+ update, which is undoubtedly a game-changer, as Jan explains: “So far in packaging there has not been a single solution that can automate and accurately trap a packaging or label job due to the requirements of different printing processes, substrates and the use of spot inks and embellishments. But this new patented concept as part of ArtPro+ now tags upfront how a file should be trapped, making this a real breakthrough in artwork and design.”

The new automated trapping concept is far from the only new feature being added to Esko ArtPro+ though. “The update also features a series of new Action Lists helping to apply house standards before the file is even opened,” said Jan. “It also supercharges brand new Dynamic Marks, reducing the time operators need to create or amend print sheet layouts, helping ArtPro+ stand out from other packages.”

ArtiosCAD 18.1, the world’s most popular structural design software for folding cartons, corrugated boxes and displays, benefits from enhancements to the manufacturing tools which allow designers to optimize the nested layout for digital production or for die cut tooling production as part of this update. “The latest DWG and Spatial library for integration with Solidworks is also available and ensures Esko ArtiosCAD maintains its number one position as the professional’s choice for structural packaging design and manufacturing,” said Jan. “ArtiosCAD can also now automatically fix common anomalies identified in Esko ArtiosCAD Preflight. This will invariably save structural designers several minutes on each design by totally eliminating the need to manually search for design flaws and make corrections, in turn boosting productivity.”

Automation-EngineAutomation Engine also enjoys a substantial update. “Whenever we are developing software solutions, we work to ensure they are easy to use while bringing added value to our customers,” said Jan. “Esko Automation Engine is also upgraded to support all the new trapping modifications and Dynamic Marks, enjoying full compatibility with the host of new features.”

As Automation Engine now connects to the Esko Cloud with the Automation Engine Cloud Connector, it has just become significantly easier for customers to deploy expert skills even if they are residing at a remote facility, or to easily move jobs to another site in an effort to balance workload.

A new ‘Optimise File’ task has been introduced, which consolidates three existing tasks into one thereby simplifying the user experience, while the new update also now enables Esko Automation Engine users to work with native PDF files, including the use of processing steps in PDF.

“The update supports Esko ArtPro+ templates for web and sheet layout creation, so a fully native PDF workflow can be set up. This eliminates the need for any file conversion and related complexity of file processing and therefore simplifies the workflow setup and maintenance,” said Jan. “It also extends the graphic capabilities of classic workflows with new PDF action lists and powerful Dynamic Marks, enabling all users to automate repetitive prepress tasks without the need for scripting or programming skills.”

The updated Device Manager in Esko Automation Engine comes with a new optimised merging algorithm and will help ensure less waste of expensive flexo plate material.

The addition of the online Truck Analysis feature brings added functionality to Cape Pack, the Esko palletisation software that optimises product and case sizes for shipping. “This newest update includes a brand new, simple to use online Truck Loading creator and interactive 3D viewer,” said Jan. “Users can complete their pallet load formatting and then fill a virtual truck to identify and analyse different logistical solutions.

“Users of Share & Approve, our cloud-native approval tool which enables users to upload, review and annotate packaging and label jobs in 2D and hyper-Esko update - Approval KPIs ShareApproverealistic 3D, will also benefit from additional functions as part of this update,” added Jan. “Customised emails, reporting on approval KPIs and a new Forward Approval function will all be included in the base version from November onwards. With this new Forward Approval feature, a user can invite another person to approve files instead of, or in addition to, themselves.

“Our research and development teams work tirelessly to ensure a regular heartbeat of updates for our solutions,” commented Jan. “We value the dialogue we have with our customers in advisory boards and inner circle meetings because only with an intimate understanding our customer’s needs will we develop software that answers even the most challenging demands.”

“We are continually responding to industry requirements and develop innovative solutions that deliver value to our customers,” he said. “The extensive list of new features in the November update of the Esko Software Suite 18.1, available for global release from November 25th onwards, is the evidence of this.”

For more information about Esko software solutions, please visit www.esko.com

Backlit textile Artist Mambo Direct-Tex and Blackout textile be.tex Directo FR are now available from Ricky.

Backlit textile Artist Mambo Direct-Tex is a printable textile is ideal for backlit LED flat frames and trade show display systems with exceptional dye sub transference. 
The textile is suitable for UV and dye sub printing.

Blackout textile be.tex Directo FR is a printable textile is ideal for banners, display frame systems, roll-up display systems, backdrops and curtains. As its name states, be.tex Directo FR is fire retardant and can be printed on both sides. The new textile is suitable for UV, Latex and dye sub printers.

If you would like further information, contact one of the Print Media experts today on 029735 3333 or sales@rickyrichards.com.au

EFI has released PackCentral, a new addition to its MarketDirect platform designed to allow packaging professionals to target profitable growth through new revenue streams and reduced sales costs by utilising enhanced web-to-pack (W2P) capability.

MarketDirect PackCentral allows packaging and corrugated service providers to increase value for the brands they serve by streamlining end-to-end workflows, according to EFI, while also providing future-ready features like SmartBox Designer, a new tool to simplify and visualise online 3D designs.

The updated EFI MarketDirect options for packaging design and project re-ordering are intended to help converters quickly adapt to global trends toward just-in-time, customised inventory, and multi SKU/versioned packaging supply chains, which in-turn provide new revenue stream opportunities and growth capabilities, noted EFI. The software also simplifies and automates key operations to help packaging printers and converters maintain and grow profits, stated the supplier. This includes:

- Intuitive and flexible tools, which enable customers, procurement agents and buyers to quickly search, select and order products 24/7 from a customised online portal;
- Producers and manufacturers being able to more efficiently create and publish a library of products to online catalogues, eliminating errors and reducing transactional costs by moving more procurement online. Users can automatically create sales orders and view available inventory saving precious time for customers and CSRs alike; and
- SmartBox Designer, which allows the creation, customisation and visualisation of folding carton and corrugated box designs entirely online. Brands and designers can bring their designs to life in real time before placing orders, ensuring brand integrity while speeding time to market.

Specifically, new PackCentral W2P options are designed to enhance the functionality MarketDirect offers beyond its core customer communication and marketing campaign management capabilities, adding easy-to-use procurement, order management, and customer collaboration tools designed specifically for packaging converters and brands.

Early reviewers such as US-based custom corrugated packaging manufacturer Abbott-Action in Attleboro, Massachusetts have been able to see how company’s can improve their total offering to brands using such tools.

Abbott-Action expects MarketDirect PackCentral to provide the business with an intuitive online design, ordering and management process that will help make it the preferred or sole converting partner for an even greater segment of its client base.

Abbott-Action CEO J. Samuel Abbott commented, ‘We’re excited about the potential with SmartBox Designer to support our key brand agents in specifying content online. Our valued customers are always looking for flexible tools to better manage their artwork and assets through production.

‘SmartBox Designer will enable us to push our small box order specification to an online platform, enabling our customers to process orders on a digital platform removes internal administrative tasks and greatly improves our speed to market.’

This brand-new display textile made of 100% recycled yarn, is fire resistant and sound absorbent. Consisting of yarn obtained from plastic bottles, this printable textile leads the way when it comes to sustainability in the printable textiles industry.

be.tex® Green Valuetex FR delivers the same end-quality print as the other Berger textiles, but the fact it uses recycled materials makes a positive alternative for the more environmentally conscious.

Ideal for banners, display frame systems, pop up displays and tablecloths.

Contact your Print Media expert today to find out more: sales@rickyrichards.com.au

French RIP software specialist Caldera has announced RIP certification and support for the new HP STITCH series of printers, having developed TextilePRO printer drivers specifically for the range.

The new and intuitive workflow suite has been designed to enable fast, precise textile printing that will cut down on waste and error, resulting in more profitable production.

TextilePRO is Caldera’s intuitive production suite for textile printers. It will give HP STITCH users the ability to control, color, ink and substrates at the touch of a button and includes features that create a more efficient workflow by minimising waste. The TextilePRO RGB Workflow keeps all colors in RGB to guarantee full fidelity to the original, and there is a choice of generation methods for blacks to achieve the richness and texture required by the fashion market.

Other TextilePRO features include Step & Repeat Textile for the creation of repeatable aligned patterns and Color Management to ensure the most accurate and consistent color matches across the full production cycle.

According to Caldera’s Vice President Marketing and Communication, Sebastien Hanssens, “In TextilePRO, we believe we have a great RIP solution for digital textile printing – it’s intuitive to use and results in excellent color reproduction and a highly-efficient workflow. Our objective is to offer the leading software solution for the digital textile printing market.” With new developments and more advanced devices coming to the market, Caldera is positioning its textile RIP suites as the reference RIP products for this sector. “As always,” says Sebastien, “the development of our products is driven by what will make the best user experience for our customers. The new HP STITCH series is a step forward in dye-sublimation printing and Caldera is delighted to be offering a custom-designed RIP product for the range.”

EFI's new Fiery® digital front end (DFE) software platform, EFI™ Fiery FS400 Pro, gives a new level of innovation to the industry-leading DFE server platform. EFI Fiery FS400 Pro includes innovations that can provide unmatched colour superiority, increased productivity, and more automation customers need to respond to the demands of today’s production print environments.

New technologies coming to market with the platform launch – including EFI’s most advanced tools yet for colour management and enhancement, spot-colour reproduction and variable-data print (VDP) management – elevate digital production, giving print service providers (PSPs) a new, higher level of integrated, advanced digital print workflow capabilities.
 
EFI is working closely with its OEM partners to make EFI Fiery FS400 Pro available in conjunction with their upcoming new product launches. EFI Fiery FS400 Pro is available for both external and embedded Fiery servers. 
 
“This is the biggest Fiery platform release of the past few years, one that can have a significant improvement for print providers looking to advance their businesses with higher quality, higher accuracy, and outstanding efficiency,” said John Henze, vice president of Fiery marketing and sales, EFI. “Customers who adopt the Fiery FS400 Pro platform in their new digital press investments will quickly realise that it is more than capable of handling some of the most demanding production printing requirements.”
 
More value in digital print with Fiery FS400 Pro
 
New functionality for Fiery FS400 Pro falls in two categories: a series of innovations and a stronger Fiery foundation that will make it easier for users to get the most out of their investments.
 
Fiery FS400 Pro introduces Fiery JobExpert, an in-RIP technology to dynamically analyse incoming PDF files and optimally process the job to achieve the best image and colour quality while reducing production time. JobExpert will help print service providers process more jobs per day with fewer errors and less waste with less experienced operators.
 
Colour advancements include a completely new technology for colour profiling, Fiery Edge™, that improves out-of-the-box colour as well as gives users more control to produce the desired output. Users of Fiery embedded servers will benefit from processing jobs through the Adobe PDF Print Engine and more-convenient access to advanced colour and imaging features with the Fiery ColorRight Package.
 
Fiery Impose software now tightly integrates with many more offline finishing equipment brands with slitter/cutter/creaser finishers, enabling all preparation steps in just one click. This time-saving prepress to finishing integration works with equipment from Ausjetech®, Graphic Whizard, Horizon, MBM®, Morgana®, Plockmatic® and Uchida® in addition to Duplo®.
 
In terms of foundational enhancements, Fiery FS400 Pro features improved reliability with new system maintenance tools and intuitive recovery mechanisms to respond to high uptime requirements. Fiery Health Monitor aids users in keeping their DFE running in its most efficient condition at all times. The DFE also includes a Fiery deployable image for easy replication of the Fiery system image across a fleet of the same Fiery server model to speed up installation and ensure consistent operation.
 
Other innovations include:
 
- Support for Adobe’s latest PDF Print Engine (APPE 5.0) and PDF 2.0;
 
- Fiery Spot Pro, a feature that offers brand colour-matching with higher precision from design to print;
 
- Fiery FreeForm™ Plus, a new, proprietary variable data printing format that works in conjunction with the Fiery FreeForm Create free application for designers;
 
- Security enhancements to stay up to date with evolving requirements and standards that meet specific customer environments;
 
- Additional compatibility with third party cost accounting software.
 
In conjunction with this release, there are also new features in the Fiery Command WorkStation® job management interface, including faster response with frequently used functions, and a Smart Search tool that helps users quickly find Fiery-related information and training.
 
For more information about products and services from EFI, visit www.efi.com.

We often wonder what role we can play to keep our environment green. 

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Suitable for all indoor applications, this matte white self-adhesive film is environmentally friendly and has an outdoor durability of up to 5 years when used with matching non-PVC laminate.

For more information, contact your Print Media experts on 9735 3333 or sales@rickyrichards.com.au