Actual News about Large Format Printing
A free of charge information service
Distributor: CREACT, Hamburg; chief editor: Wolfgang Hey
Published by: Neun Punkt GbR, Hamburg
2002-04-28
Dear Readers, dear friends,
most of the vendors rush from one show to the
next. Even open houses are done nearly everyday. So there is less time to do
communication on the regular base. Nevertheless we found again a lot of news
which might be for interest. Keep in mind, FESPA is coming up soon. A great
place to go and meet with all the systems, media, inks, software, etc.
Sincerely
Wolfgang Hey
1) Wasatch to offer second Web seminar
The first HP/Wasatch SoftRIP web seminar
created such excitement that Wasatch have decided to hold another session. If
you missed them in March, make sure to register early for the May 1 makeup
session. Topic: Using Wasatch SoftRIP to Increase HP Designjet 5000 Performance
Date: Wednesday, May 1 Time: 2PM Eastern, 1PM Central, 12PM Mountain or 11AM
Pacific Time. Attend this interactive presentation to learn how to increase
your efficiency using the powerful Wasatch SoftRIP and Hewlett Packard
Designjet 5000 printing combination. The Wasatch printing experts will cover
topics including color, sizing, rotating, tiling, queue management, and
SoftRIP's two newest features: ImageNET Network Services and SpotOn Color
Capture. A special segment will give advice on optimizing the software and
hardware settings to dramatically improve your printing performance.
More information: www.wasatchinc.com
2) Sihl introduces J39DS Banner material
J39DS is a double side coated, matte and tear-resistant polypropylene
banner. The banner has a water-resistant coating and a paper-like touch. The
printouts are characterized by high color brilliance and image definition. A
high opacity reduces the shining through of the backside printing.
Applications: The product was especially designed for
"POS-advertising". It is also suitable for all kind of indoor
applications and temporary outdoor use of up to 2 weeks (weathering-tests
ongoing). For outdoor-use, pigmented inks should be used. The product is
compatible with most of the common ink-jet systems. For double-side-printing it
is recommended to print the first side from the roll, to cut the printed sheet
and to roll the finished print in the opposite way for about 15 minutes. For
the printing of the backside, the product can be loaded as a cut sheet. When
printing the backside, please beware of upstanding edges. Problems due to curl
can be solved anytime by rolling the media the opposite way. For specific
applications the borders can be stabilized by folding. Double side tape can be
used to stick the product. The banner has good lamination-characteristics and
is suitable for encapsulating. For
single-side lamination we recommend the use of pressure-sensitive laminates. To
hang up the product, eyelets can be used but high tensile-forces and tensions
should be avoided.
More information: www.sihl.ch
3) Scitex Vision showcases New Printers and Revolutionary Ink Concept at ISA
Scitex Visionis maked a big splash at ISA with
two new models of its printers and a revolutionary ink concept specifically
designed and adapted for Scitex Vision printers and their applications. The
Scitex Pressjet II was launched and demonstrated for the first time during the
ISA show. Targeted at the graphic arts market, the Scitex Pressjet II
represents a new generation of the Scitex Pressjet; six-color printing (CMYK
with the addition of light cyan and light magenta), making it possible to
attain the highest image quality. Printing houses will also benefit from Onyx®
Postershop® RIP, which offers a faster and simpler workaround, and provides new
color management options. With a throughput of up to 240 sqm (2580 sqft) per
hour, the Scitex Pressjet II offers impressive digital productivity. This new
digital press also prints backlit and double-sided jobs with high registration
accuracy, making it a perfect complementary system to all screen and digital
printers. In addition to its new printing systems, Scitex Vision is introducing
the innovative VisionInk ink program to the market.
More information: www.scitexvision.com
4) New inks and software for NUR SalsaT Ultima
NUR Macroprinters announced a new ink set,
Version 3.0, and new control software, Version 4.3, for its line of NUR SalsaT
Ultima affordable, wide-format photorealistic printers. The cost-effective NUR
Salsa Ultima series printers are available in 4 models for producing
photorealistic output in shorter runs in widths from 1.5m to 5m (5 ft.-16 ft.).
The new Version 3.0 inks for the NUR Salsa Ultima printers provide a wider
color gamut, accurate dot gain, optimized impact drying, better light ink
balance, and higher density printing while eliminating drop outs. The new ink
formula also provides a longer "open bottle" life and does not
require auto-purging, resulting in savings through reduced ink consumption. The
new Version 4.3 software for the NUR Salsa Ultima printers, while retaining the
Ultima series' unique dot placement algorithm - another key to the printers'
high image quality - includes the 'custom-mode' feature that enables users to
define the appropriate combination of print speed and quality based on the
unique requirements of the individual application to be printed. The new
Version 3.0 inks and Version 4.3 software for the NUR Salsa Ultima printers are
available immediately.
More information www.NUR.com
5) Version Image Plus supplys advertising graphics for fleet of 3,000 trucks
When Canadian large format printer, Version
Image Plus signed a partnership deal with Robert Media Transport Company to
print advertising graphics for its fleet of 3,000 trucks, for both parties,
there was no question of which type of press would be used, it had to be a
VUTEk. Pierre Peloquin, President of Version Image Plus explains, 'Four years
ago we decided to switch to VUTEk and purchased an UltraVu* 5300 and an
UltraVu* 2360 to replace our E-Stats as more cost effective, reliable options.
So when we signed a partnership agreement to print advertising graphics for
Robert Media Transport, we opted for another VUTEk printer, the UltraVu 5330*
because of its substrate versatility, speed, reliability and most of all, color
consistency.' This decision was fully endorsed by Robert Media Transport's
Managing Director, Francois St Hilaire, who explains, 'Prior to going ahead
with the deal, I myself had been to many trade shows to compare printers, and
felt that VUTEk was best, offering excellent print quality. Since using VUTEk
printed graphics, our customers frequently comment on the sharp vibrant colors
produced.
More information: www.vutek.com
6) Rexam divests Coated Films and Papers business
Rexam PLC, the global consumer packaging
company, announces that it has reached agreement to sell its Image Products
business, for a consideration of $60 million subject to a working capital
adjustment. The purchaser is Sun Capital, a leading US private investment firm
focused on leveraged buyouts of market leading companies. The consideration
comprises $35 million in cash, including borrowings assumed, and a 3½ year
subordinated note for 25 million. The cash proceeds will be used to reduce
borrowings. The sale is subject to regulatory clearance. Image Products is a
leading global player in the market for speciality coated films and papers for
the electronics and digital imaging markets. It has four plants in the US and
two in the UK. Rexam retains the Lancaster plant in South Carolina, which makes
weatherable films. A purchaser for this, the last remaining part of Rexam’s
Coated Films and Papers businesses, is being actively sought.
More information: www.rexam.com
7) News from Aurelon
Aurelon PDFWriter offers 'direct to PDF'
distilling capabilities from any application on PC and Mac. The application
will be sold via the Internet and is only available through electronic
delivery. Aurelon PDFWriter is still in beta stage, which means it is not yet
available for evaluation or sales. The current development schedule is aimed to
release the product in Q2, 2002. GretagMacbeth EyeOne Support: Aurelon's nColor Engine™ technology
utilizes the spectral measurement of color to profile desktop inkjet printers
and off-set presses without requiring any prior color expertise. The upcoming
versions of the Aurelon calibration software will include support for the
GretagMacbeth EyeOne. This popular handheld spectrophotometer will provide the
Aurelon calibration software with accurate spectral data for easy creation of
Desktop and Press Fingerprints. Epson 10000 Native Screening Support: Aurelon proudly announces the
support of the Epson Stylus Pro 10000 using Epson Native Screening. Epson and
Aurelon recently signed a license agreement that will enable Aurelon to deliver
the native Epson Error Diffusion used in the drivers supplied with the printer.
Aurelon RIP software already offers its own screening methods like CED, Error
Diffusion, FM Screen and Halftones and is now extending its support in the
upcoming versions of its software. The first driver to support the Epson Native
Screening is the Epson Stylus Pro 10000 ENS for the Windows platform.
More information: www.aurelon.com
8) PRO SIGN with its finger on the industry's pulse
While the ISA Show (organised by the International Sign Association),
the largest sign making show in the USA, the PRO SIGN team headed by Daniela
Rose and Petra Schmitz was once again there on their own stand. As in previous
years, the aim was to set up bilateral transatlantic contacts, which will
ultimately benefit the PRO SIGN exhibitors in the late autumn. "Obviously
our main aim was to attract new customers in the USA for the PRO SIGN. But it
was also important for us to be present at the global sign making industry
got-together in the sunshine state of Florida because US companies are not the
only ones to sign contracts there; German companies based just 30 kilometres
away from the Reed group's head office in Düsseldorf were also there. Even
Prosign is named a sign show, main part at this show will be large format
printing with a lot of additional events and seminars around.
More information: www.prosign-messe.de
9) Inca Digital launches digital variable data foiling machine
One of the key developments in the printing
industry could be seen at IPEX on stand 5/494, a digital foiling solution
resulting from the partnership between inkjet specialists Inca Digital Printers
and global foil manufacturers API Foils. On the stand there were regular
demonstrations of this new foiling concept (patent pending) which allows fully
variable foiled images to be applied during print runs. This is a dieless
application and offers a cost effective solution for metallic effects, however
short the run length. Inca Digital built the prototype inkjet system and
developed the associated control software. MM Digital with its knowledge of
inkjet print in the direct mail market has been instrumental in the development
of a web handling system capable of running in excess of 60m/min.
More information: www.incadigital.com
10) Do you like to build an ink jet printer yourself?
The company Maxi-Poster digital printing GmbH
from Germany offers electronics - and software components for the building of
Large-Format-Printers. The completely package includes a favorable RIP
solution, software for the control mechanism of Printers as well as
electronic-boards for the operation of different Piezo print heads. Along with
this components, that were tested in the own print shop more than 2 years, Maxi
- poster offers an extensive KnowHow - package to the theme Piezo-Inkjet-printing.
More information: www.maxi-poster.de
11) 3M Approves Liquid Lamination for Scotchprint Graphics
3M Scotchprint Graphics fabricators can now use
either an AquaSEAL® AS1600 or SW3000 liquid laminator and 3M's water-based
Piezo Ink Jet Protective Clear 8530 on selected piezo inkjet-printed graphics.
The coated graphics will be covered under the 3M™ MCS™ warranty. Clearcoats are
becoming increasingly common on superwide graphics to improve production
efficiency and reduce finishing costs. And as 3M's Marcie Anderson points out,
"Liquid lamination gives users the ability to apply graphics in very
intricate areas, especially contours and curves, without fear of delamination."
The clearcoat can be applied and dried at a throughput rate of up to 3 lineal
ft/min. The AquaSeal AS1600 can apply coatings to materials ranging in with
from 12 to 60 in. The SW3000 can coat substrates up to 102 in. wide.
More information: www.scotchprint.com and www.sealbrands.com
12) ASLAN presents new self-adhesive films for digital printing
ASLAN, Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG presents its extended range of products for digital printing at the Fespa
in Madrid, Spain, 4.-8. June 2002. For ink-jet printing ASLAN presents a new
PVC-vinyl, white, matt, which is highly water resistant (ASLAN IF 83), a
PE-film with a micropore surface and a new banner material with an excellent
covering, also there are different new polyester films that complete the
ink-jet program. With digital printers using spirit based printing systems
ASLAN offers an excellent range of products such as white and transparent
films, matt or gloss, in all popular widths. ASLAN also offers laminating films
with a matt and gloss finish in many different types. Their bestsellers are the
floor-graphic-laminating films, where ASLAN offers a special guarantee. And
lastly ASLAN have a range of clever mounting films, covered on both sides and coated
with various adhesives to complete the program. This includes an innovative
transferfilm, sandwiched between two liners, which is the ideal product for the
person who wants to apply an adhesive layer without the use of expensive
machinery.
More information: www.aslan-schwarz.com
13) STAEDTLER Ink Jet is going from strength to strength
STAEDTLER Ink Jet has announced a successful
start to the new business year. Whereas a turnover increase of well over 50 %
was already enjoyed in 2001, the turnover in the 1st quarter of 2002
has already exceeded that of the same period last year by an incredible 80 %.
Product Manager Helmut Hufnagl comments: “The weak economy has helped us no
end. Users are keener that ever to find ways of cutting costs. With the launch
of our professional refill system for HP 5000 we hit just the right mark. OEM
business (inks for machine manufacturers and professional refillers) and also
services rendered to outside companies have played their role in this growth.
STAEDTLER Ink Jet is extremely confident about the second quarter. The launch
of a new solution for HP 1050 (enabling even completely empty cartridges to be
refilled) as well as the launch of an own-brand bulk feed system for Piezo
printers will offer further potential for growth. In addition, efforts will be
concentrated on expanding the field of Continuous Jet, i.e. patented,
specialized inks for industrial marking.
More information: www.staedtler-inkjet.com
14) Scitex and Franchise Services announced collaborative Relationship
Even this news is concerning small formats it
might be for interest. Scitex Digital Printing and Franchise Services, Inc.,
parent company of Sir Speedy, PIP Printing and Multicopy, announced today a
strategic and collaborative relationship for developing and applying business
color technology and printing systems designed to meet the franchisor’s business objectives and
customer needs. This collaborative
relationship pairs two industry leaders in advancing new workflows techniques
and applications for digital color printing – Scitex Digital Printing is the world’s leading provider of ultra
high-speed digital printing solutions, and Franchise Services, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of business
printing. The collaborative development will focus on the latest product from
Scitex Digital Printing, VersaMark™ Vantage™, which was launched at IPEX 2002
in Birmingham.
More information: www.sirspeedy.com. and
www.scitexdpi.com
15) STC Dye Sublimation Toners for Scotchprint 2000 Printer
Specialty Toner Corporation (STC) announces the
commercial introduction of its Dye Sublimation toners specially formulated for
the Scotchprint 2000 printer. The recent explosion of “direct print to vinyl”
printers such as the Vutek, Nur, and Arizona has left many Scotchprint 2000
owners with heavy lease/support payments and a dwindling market for the vinyl
transfers the machine was designed for. 3M itself states that the only real
market left for the SP2000 is vehicle graphics. STC’s new dye sub toners bring
a new and exciting option to SP2000 owners. You will be able to offer your customers
the latest in exciting products, including soft signage/fabric banners, ceramic
tiles, and (when combined STC’s Soltex coating) a wide variety of other
substrates. STC’s focus on full support will help you enter this new production
area, as we can provide all the resources (training, heat presses, etc) for you
start production.
More information: www.specialtytoner.com
16) NEW Pre Press Proofing
Solution with Dr Graphix TR51 Photo Papers
The already highly successful TR51 Gloss and
Satin Multiple Application Photo Papers are already widely accepted and used as
a contract and intermediate Pre Press proofing substrate for use with Hewlett
Packard Printers. TR51 Gloss/Satin provides the high image definition and
colour space that enable accurate representation of the final print, and offers
an unsurpassed image and substrate durability that ensures the proof remains
looking fresh no matter how many people it is passed to for inspection. TR51 is
also a fraction of the cost of dedicated proofing papers. Dr. Graphics also
introduced a new universal reverse print backlit film. It’s 5-mil durable
polyester base designed for light box applications. Excellent for long-term,
high-traffic backlit applications. Its unique coating formulation will produce
high color vibrancy and superb light diffusion quality. In addition, it will
withstand heat from prolonged backlit exposure and offer the most eye-popping
color fidelity and intensity you will ever experience.
More information: www.drgraphix.com/tr51c.htm
17) Condé Offers
Dye-Sub-Ready Wallets
To create a special gift for Father's Day, a
groomsman, or a wedding anniversary, Conde Systems suggests custom decorating a
wallet. The company has added men's tri-fold, nylon wallets to its line of
products ready for dye-sublimation. Available in blue or black, each wallet
features a 4.75 x 2.75-in. sublimatable panel, currency pouch, credit card
slots, 4-sleeve photo holder, plastic ID window, and Velcro closure. For
entry-level to professional users, Condé also offers a selection of turnkey
DyeTrans™ dye-sublimation printing systems, including desktop inkjet printers,
software, transfer media, inks, and heat presses.
More information: www.conde.com
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Although the tools for digital color
management and proofing have been around for several years, getting the
software and hardware components to work together remains a challenge. Even if
the user ultimately makes the correct decisions, the process of researching,
testing, and purchasing the disparate elements is time consuming. For these
reasons, many graphics providers have chosen to take advantage of integrated
offerings that bundle key color management elements together. Beyond
assurances of compatibility and performance, such packages usually offer
savings on total price. High on the list of recently released color-management
packages are theX-RiteColor® Ensemble Solutions, created in partnership
with Monaco Systems.
More information: www.x-rite.com and
www.monacosys.com
19) Wasatch to offer special textile software
Digital Fabric and Textile printing is a
growing field with specific opportunities and needs. Wasatch has been
providing specialized software for this field for some time and they'd like to
offer you the chance to try it FREE OF CHARGE. The Repeats Option for Wasatch
SoftRIP handles textile designs created in dedicated CAD software, as well as
in popular applications such as Adobe PhotoShop. It can produce endless
repeats on inkjets, electrostatic plotters, and thermal imagesetters. If
you're running Version 4.4 of Wasatch SoftRIP, you can try this exciting
extension by simply entering an 'enabling code'. Try it for one month FREE OF
CHARGE.
More information: www.wasatchinc.com
20) Hint of the month by SCP Software
Scan-to-PDF: Did you know that with Colorado
and EasyScan you can create a PDF file directly, without having to switch to
Adobe Acrobat™ ? In "scan-to-file" simply select PDF as file format.
Now you can define further PDF parameters, if needed. At the end of the
scanning process, a PDF file, compatible with Acrobat Reader 3, 4 and 5, is
ready.
More information: www.scp.de
21) AGL's Ergonomic Laminator Eases Production Hassles
When developing the new AGL 64i laminator, the
engineers at Advanced Greig Laminators consulted finishing expert David
Goetter for advice. At dozens of graphics-industry workshops, Goetter has
taught hundreds of laminating-equipment operators how to overcome commonly encountered
problems. In the process, he has formed some definite opinions about how to
make laminating equipment more user-friendly-particularly in busy digital
graphics shops that must efficiently produce multiple jobs on different
materials each day. Advanced Greig Laminators has historically built
heavy-duty equipment reliable enough for industrial applications. The company
wanted to attune its newest generation of digital-graphics equipment to the
specific demands of busy production shops. Like previous versions of 64-in.
AGL laminators, this production-grade, bidirectional laminator features dual
heated rollers, and can process materials up to 62 in. wide and 2.38 in.
thick. It is a ruggedly built, versatile, "print-conversion" machine
that can overlaminate, encapsulate, and mount images, or transfer graphics
produced on electrostatic printers.
More information: www.aglaminators.com
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