Latest News about Large Format Printing
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Company: CREACT, Spain; editor in chief: Susanne Aschoff
Monday, 31. May 2004
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Information: www.drupa.com
Enjoy yourself by reading this newsletter.
Yours faithfully
Susanne
Aschoff
1) Jeti: World premiere at drupa
With the experiences of more than ten years of development and a production of digital print systems James Gandi produces now the innovative Jeti printing systems. The most extremely stable and robust XXL printers, manufactured in Toronto/Canada, are equipped with Spectra print heads. Only small maintenance is required. The life is higher than comparable fluid ink print heads. Therefore Gandi offers a one-year guarantee. Printing with four or six colors in high speed is optional, so that according to the quality mode up to 100 sqm/h can be printed. Round the globe including Germany already 120 Jetis are used. Since the installation in Germany at the end of February on this system were printed several thousand of square meters – from that only more than 4000 sqm Window-Vision-Film in a little more than a week. That means this XXL printing system is reliable and productive. As a world premiere the new Jeti 3150 flatbed UV printer was introduced at drupa. This extremely compact machine prints on 1.5 x 3 m with 400 dpi on rigid material such as plastics, metal sheet, alu dibond, and corrugated board.
More
information: www.gandinnovations.com
2) Inca: Columbia Turbo and Spyder
Two new flatbed printers were presented at drupa on the booth of Inca Digital Printers. In front of all: the Inca Columbia Turbo. This flatbed printer is set to break the mould of what had been considered possible on a flatbed printer, and is a technology demonstration of Fastjet – a single-pass system. With a variable print mode up to 160sqm/h the Columbia Turbo is a very fast flatbed inkjet printer and is the first true challenge to screen printing presses. Speed does not come at the expense of print quality, which is excellent, even when the printer is running at maximum output. The Columbia Turbo has a maximum print area of 3.2 x 1.6 m and can print on to rigid substrates up to 40 mm thick. Substrates can include paper and board, wood, textiles, flexible and rigid plastic and glass. Inkjet technology is suitable for printing uneven surfaces, so excellent results can be obtained even on single-faced corrugated board and foam. The printer is supplied with the latest Wasatch RIP version 5.0. Also Inca Digital Printers launched the Spyder 150, a high productivity flatbed printer with a 1.52 x 1.016 m print area, offering super high quality output plus all the technical features and benefits associated with the Eagle and Columbia flatbed printers. Spyder 150 is also supplied with the Wasatch version 5.0 software RIP.
More
information: www.incadigital.com
3) Lüscher: Targets exceeded
The Swiss manufacturer of digital
prepress and large format print systems, Lüscher AG, has announced that sales
results at drupa exceeded the company’s targets by far. With 33 XPose! Termal
plate exposure systems for offset they bypassed their sales forecast
considerably already one day before the fair had closed its doors. Lüscher’s
world premieres included XPose! 190 for XXL presses, simultanXPose! for
security printing, JetPrint 3530 UV, a new flatbed printer for 3500 x 3050 mm
printable area and FlexPose!direct, a laser engraving system for flexo. The
JetPrint, a UV inkjet printer, which is mounted on a unique fixed vacuum table,
employs Spectra piezo print heads with 1024 jets per color. Using 4, 6 or 8
future-oriented SunJet UV curing inks, Jetprint prints virtually any rigid or
flexible substrate up to 80 mm thick or even numerous small formats
simultaneously and achieves a true resolution of 400 x 400 dpi and a speed of
up to 100 sqm/hour (with 8 colors). Lüscher AG has presented itself for the
first time as a global supplier. Their distributors’ sales specialists from all
over Europe, Middle and Far East countries, Australia, South Africa, North- and
South-America have been on the booth and sold machines to countries in all five
continents.
More
information: www.luescher.com
4) Durst leads the way
With the white ink feature of the
Rho 160W Plus Durst leads the way to print white ink direct to media inkjet
printer. The company showed its technical supremacy by demonstrating the
ability to print white ink on the Rho 160W Plus to media inkjet printer.
Throughout the exhibition, the Rho continued to print different images
featuring white ink on a wide range of materials, both roll and sheet feed. The
Rho 160W Plus is the white ink version of the recently introduced Rho 160 Plus,
the latest version of the Rho 160. The white ink feature allows users to create
a white background, ideal for colored and clear media. In addition to the Rho
160W Plus, also on the Durst booth was the new Rho 205/16. It was the first
presentation of this brand new development to the Rho 205/8. It has an
increased number of print heads from eight to 16. Two more important
developments on the Rho 205 were launched at the Durst’s first visit to drupa.
Firstly, the machine on display is now equipped with roll-to-roll feed in
addition to the standard sheet feed. The other product development available is
the optional white ink feature as demonstrated by the Rho 160W Plus.
More
information: www.durst-online.com
5) ColorSpan: DisplayMaker X–12+
The new high-speed thermal inkjet printer MacDermid ColorSpan introduced is named DisplayMaker X–12+. It was shown for the first time at ISA in Orlando/FL. The printer features a top speed of 55.8 sqm/h in draft mode and 18.6 sqm/h in production mode. X–12+ uses twelve high frequency 600 dpi printheads with ColorSpan’s EnduraChrome dye and PermaChrome pigmented inks to produce indoor and outdoor posters, banners, signs, trade-shows, and POP displays or other large-format printed output. A Modular Ink Delivery System features 500 and 960 ml ink reservoirs. The 12-head inkjet printer uses for example an on-board Automation Eye, together with embedded firmware, to automatically perform quality management and productivity enhancements including. The DisplayMaker X–12+ is available in 72 inch and 60 inch wide models. ColorSpan has reduced the price of EnduraChrome dye and PermaChrome pigmented inks for the Mach 12, X-12 and the new X-12+ printers.
More
information: www.colorspan.com
6) MUTOH: Premiere at drupa 2004
The Belgium-based Mutoh Europe N.V. presented as a European premiere
its latest addition to its Rockhopper line of Eco-Solvent Plus inkjet printers
at drupa – the Rockhopper 38, a near 38" four-color printer for outdoor
durable prints on a variety of uncoated and coated media. Developed at Mutoh
Europe, the new Rockhopper 38 is specifically targeted at smaller sign shops
looking for an affordable and versatile printer able to produce indoor and
outdoor durable graphics on a selected range of inexpensive uncoated PVC and
banner media as well as on coated substrates such as paper, tyvek or
backlit/frontprint film. Offering a media width of 37.55" and a maximum
print width of 36.77" Rockhopper 38 incorporates Mutoh's proven
Eco-Solvent Plus ink concept to produce high quality, bright, vivid outdoor
durable images. With the arrival of the Rockhopper 38, Mutoh will be offering a
whole range of Eco-Solvent Plusprinters, i.e. entry-level with the Rockhopper
38 four-colour printer, mid range with Rockhopper 46" and 62"
six-colour printers and finally high-end with the Rockhopper II 50",
64" and 87" production printers. Another European premiere at drupa
was the presentation of Mutoh's Digital Transfer Printer, which is available in
two widths: 65" and 90". The DT-Series printers incorporate a
softwarecontrollable pre-heater and dryer, eight 360 nozzles/colour
piezo-electric drop-on-demand inkjet heads and a unique heavy-duty motorised
unwinding / winding system for rolls up to 100 kg.
More
information: www.mutoh.be
7) Matan’s new JetSet
The Matan Digital Printers, based in Israel, has launched at drupa the JetSet line of wide format digital inkjet printers, using Hitachi inkjet printing technology. Matan JetSeti printers offer excellent printing capabilities and low maintenance requirements, allowing for especially rapid return of investment. Based on piezo drop-on-demand printing technology, the JetSet inkjets can utilize solvent-based inks, and support up to six colors for better rendering and color gamut. This allows for exceptional outdoor durability and eliminates the need for expensive pre-treated media. The JetSeti product line using the Hitachi printheads are available in 2.5 m or 3.2 m width and prints with six colors and 360 dpi resolution. By the way, recently Matan announced the establishing of a new, wholly owned subsidiary in the United States – the Matan USA, Inc., with its main offices based in Buffalo, New York. The new company will represent Matan for its North American and South American clients, and supervise al marketing and support activities.
More information:
www.matanprinters.com
8) PosterJet® Version 7 presented at drupa 2004
The presentation of
the newest generation of the software RIP PosterJet® by Eisfeld-Datentechnik
found great favour with the audience on the drupa 2004. With the Version 7
PosterJet® focuses on a modern client- and web-based decentralized job
processing. Further outstanding features of the Version 7 are:
Mac-Windows-crossprinting and 100% FOGRA binding proofquality prints as well as
new intelligent functions at tiling, nesting of print jobs, media-, colour- and
job-management. The date for the Launch of PosterJet®7 will be the 1st of June
– so the feedback of a select fair audience will flow in the software before
the publication date. The Mac OSX version of PosterJet® 7 will be released in
September 2004. PosterJet® will continue its successful partnership with Canon
and Hewlett-Packard in order to offer the optimum solutions regarding quality,
performance, reliability and productivity.
More information: www.posterjet.com
9) Infiniti with 3 new products
Founded nearly a year ago in Belgium as the European headquarters for Infiniti products, Infiniti Europe offered at drupa three new products developed and built by Shanghai, China-based Perfect Technology Company WHQ. These products offer diverse features and satisfy a wide range of uses. The Xplore 8330 is a high speed wide format solvent printer with eight Spectra heads and a newly developed feed and drive mechanism. It is printing a full width of 3.2-meter substrate at 120 sqm/h. On opposite ends of the market is a redesigned version of Infiniti’s 6150 printing engine, built around for Xaar heads with 128 nozzles. It boasts a new ink supply system and head array in combination with a new media feed system (utilizing a motorized unwinder). The 6150 can print on solid materials such as foam and coated aluminum boards up to a thickness of 7 mm. At third, there is the new large format textile printer developed by Fei Yeung, a company that becomes one of China’s most notable textile printers. This one has eight heads and 16 channels, ultimately allowing as many as eight colors to print on a variety of textiles.
More information:
www.infiniti-europe.com
10) 3M presented 2500UV Printer
3M Commercial Graphics presented the 3M 2500UV Printer for
Scotchprint Graphics. A printer in XXL format, featuring high productivity and
the advantages of three production methods: roll-to-roll, flatbed, and
textiles. The piezo inkjet UV printer offers graphics manufacturers a system
solution with highest-quality components for every step of the graphics
production. The 3M package includes the printer, software, and a wide variety
of qualified materials, optimized inks, and a broad range of services. The
high-performance printer features a unique, cold UV light-curing system that
pumps cold water between the UV lamps and printing substrates. This reduces
radiant heat build-up of the substrate by about 85 percent, enabling the 2500UV
to print on temperature-sensitive materials. The maximum resolution, depending
on graphic applications, is 726 x 600 dpi with either four or six colors, and
the maximum printing speed is up to 125 sqm/h. At drupa 3M presented also its
new generation of Piezo Inkjet Inks – the 2600UV series. These inks are the
first flexible, durable, UV cured piezo inks on the market. Flexible means that
they conform to curve surfaces. The printed graphics are durable in outdoor
applications for periods of up to five years. The 2600UV series were especially
developed for producing Scotchprint Graphics with the 3M 2500UV printers.
More information: www.3m.com
11) Aellora introduced VistaSpec
Aellora Digital is a MARKEM company providing digital chemistries, drop-on-demand inkjet systems, and services for commercial, graphic, and selects other digital printing, imaging, and dispensing applications. Now the company has introduced its new VistaSpec Hybrid Ink Series for UV-curable piezo drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet suitable for a broad range of substrates. Hybrid UV-curable jetting inks are highly viscous at room temperature. These inks are jetted at elevated temperatures for lowering the ink’s viscosity to the levels required for piezo drop-on-demand inkjet technologies. VistaSpec ink rapidly cools after contact with the substrate offering excellent drop control for extended periods without requiring special surface treatment or pre-setting/pinning of ink. That process provides superior print quality as compared to liquid UV-curable inks for high resolution printing with the benefit of no bleed-trough or color dilution on a wide variety of substrates.
More information: www.Aellora.com
12) NOVAJET 1000i began shipping
ENCAD, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastman Kodak Company, has
announced its first volume shipment of the NOVAJET 1000i printer. It is the
first printer jointly developed by ENCAD and Kodak. An advanced
print head, new ENCAD Quantum Inks (QI) and innovative Intelligent Mask
Technology (IMT) are prime elements of the NOVAJET 1000i, which consistently
produce brilliant photo-quality prints. The powerful Rapid Evaporation Drying
system allows for output at speeds up to 20.6 sqm/h – making the NOVAJET 1000i
the fastest printer in its class. The NOVAJET 1000i performed before
enthusiastic crowds at drupa in Duesseldorf, generating hundreds of new
qualified leads and was part of the Graphic Communications Group’s first
integrated sale to a customer, combining products from all four businesses to a
North American-based commercial printing customer. ENCAD is thrilled to offer
the unsurpassed indoor performance guarantee of 100 years on images using the
Quantum Pigment Ink on Kodak Rapid Dry Media.
More information: www.encad.com
13) Fujifilm: New inkjet solutions
Fuji Photo Film has launched four inkjet printers at drupa: Fujifilm/Epson Stylus PRO 4000, 7600,9600, and 10600, with output widths from 17 inches to 44 inches. Epson Stylus PRO printers with Fujifilm color management software provide a complete high quality package for proofing, photo, and sign markets. Therefore, Fujifilm showed a range of color management software at the booth. Fujifilm ColorKit Profiler Suite, ColorManager, and PD System Pro are the key components to set the color reproduction quality for inkjet printers. The new version of Fujifilm ColorManager, which is available only in Europe, promises unbeatable quality within the proofing market. The company also launched the new Fujifilm Photo Glossy Inkjet Paper that takes full advantage of synthetic chemical and thin-coating technologies and utilizes Fujifilm’s proprietary photographic technologies. This inkjet proofing paper has already received acclaim in the European market. The current lineup comprises Fujifilm Inkjet Proofing Paper Semi-glossy (IPP-SG), Glossy200 (IPP-G200), and Matte120 (IPP-M120).
More information: www.fujifilm.com
14) Success for Continental Grafix
After drupa 2004 Continental
Grafix draws only one conclusion: unbelievable. Of interest was the quality of
the booth visitors. Especially the non self-adhesive perforated products – the
perforated panoVision 40, the perforated polyester panoFilm 1550, and the one
sided transparent textile panoTex 50 caught great interest. During the
exhibition the distributors for the countries USA, South America, and Australia
have been attained. The CGX-Team is positive that the innovations will also be
available in Europe soon through various distribution channels. The issue of
the self-adhesive window-films was mostly selectively talked about and already
existing contacts could be intensified. Whereby, the non self-adhesive products
were appreciated as the outstanding news of the media at drupa. Finally with
the inside use there is an alternative to the application on the outside and is
therefore easy to apply and re-usable again. The cost intensive lamination is
not necessary anymore. panoVision 40 (perforated paper) and panoFilm 1550
(perforated polyester) are immediately available. The transparent and reverse
side black textile texture panoTex 50 will be available in the coming autumn.
More information: www.continentalgrafix.com
15) Schoeller’s new proofing papers
Osnabrück-based manufacturer of specialty papers, Felix Schoeller, has exhibited for the first time at this year’s drupa, presenting its complete, recently expanded range of high-caliber inkjet papers. The company has also further improved the product characteristics of its matt-coated papers. The proofing papers offer outstanding color consistency. Since these papers can depict a broad spectrum of colors and gloss values, the image quality they offer is one of the best that can be obtained in this category. The five grades available – 120 g/sqm, 120 g/sqm printable on both sides, 200 g/sqm, 270 g/sqm – mean that they can produce the results needed in virtually any application in brilliant colors. The excellent handling characteristics, such as fast drying and universal printer compatibility, are an extra bonus. Schoeller had completely relaunched its ten grades of matt-coated papers and has raised the bar several notches. They made significant improvements to the relevant quality characteristics of all their existing products – between 90 and 230 g/sqm, some of them printable on both sides. These include excellent black density, line sharpness and resolution, color separation, coalescence, optical density and chroma.
More information: www.felix-schoeller.com
16) DuPont Fusion Dye Ink
The new ink provides wider
gamut and more options for wide-format printers. DuPont recently announced it
as a new line of dye-based ink for wide-format printing on ENCAD Novajet
printers. The ink broadens the company’s offering of DuPont Fusion aqueous ink
and will be sold through DuPont Ink Jet’s worldwide network of distributors.
DuPont Fusion dye ink is fully compatible with ENCAD GS+ ink and is guaranteed
for 500 ml throughput with cartridge life expectancy up to a maximum of 2400
ml. No profile or system changes are needed to use the new ink. Also, printer
line flushing, cartridge changes, and system adjustments are not required.
Simply adding DuPont Fusion dye ink into the ink reservoir allows printers to
continue with no downtime. The ink is compatible with ENCAD Novajet printer
series 600, 700, and 800 and is available in eight colors including cyan,
magenta, yellow and black. The additional colors medium cyan, medium magenta,
light cyan, and light magenta allow printers to extend the tonal range, making the
new ink ideal for most indoor applications such as tradeshow graphics, exhibit
displays, POP graphics, and photographic images. In Germany, these inks are
available through Dina.x, a DuPont Fusion authorized distributor.
More information: www.fusion.dupont.com
17) VUTEk sets Price/Performance standard
On display for the first time in Europe at drupa was VUTEk’s all-new PressVu UV 200/600 digital inkjet flatbed printer. Starting at a true low price, the PressVu UV 200/600 is designed specifically for commercial imaging shops looking to achieve high-end image quality and greater productivity at an affordable cost. The UV-curing printer delivers stunning four- and six-color, 600 dpi, photographic color reproduction and crisp text reproduction. The versatility of the printer allows owners to expand their services and satisfy a nearly infinite variety of long-term outdoor and indoor applications. The PressVU UV 200/600 prints on both roll-to-roll and rigid substrates. This two-printer-in-one capability allows commercial imaging ships to offer a more comprehensive range of applications. The switch between roll-to-roll and rigid materials is quick and easy, and can be completed by a single person. Available in four- and six-color models, the 200/600 can print up to 2 m wide at 33 sqm/h. It prints on rigid materials up to 4.45 cm thick.
More information: www.vutek.com
18) MegaInk’s new XLjet ink
The Czech Republic based
MegaInk s.r.o. – released new ink for the Scitex Vision XLjet large format
printer at drupa in Duesseldorf. The new MegaInk XLjet inks introduce quantum
leap production enhancements to the Scitex Vision XLjet large format line of
printers. These inks deliver rich color, high density, fast drying and a wide
color gamut. Users can notice big advantage when printing in the both side of
the media. The MegaInk XLjet inks have been specially designed and developed
with XLjet users to achieve maximum outdoor-durability and were beta tested to
ensure 100 percent compatibility with XLjet line of printers. The ability to
print in both sides of the media reduces the risk of scratching it. Established
three years ago, the company is developing and manufacturing solvent-based inks
for the wide and super-wide digital printing industry. In the meantime MegaInk
has a strong presence in Europe, Africa, and Middle East.
More information: www.megaink.biz
19) SEAL: New entry-level laminator
Unveiled on the first day at drupa, SEAL Graphics offers a new entry-level professional laminator which will enable many more sign makers, printers, and finishing houses to benefit from the quality that is the hallmark of the brand. Called SEAL 54 Base, the machine offers adjustable pressure-sensitive laminating with heat assist on the top roller allowing it to be used with a large variety of consumables to suit a wide range of applications. Like all SEAL laminators, the 54 Base has auto grip shafts for ease of webbing. It will handle materials up to 1400 mm at a maximum speed of 5 m/min, and it is very small – just 0.9 m deep by 2 m wide. Also at drupa SEAL revealed its new affordable indoor laminate and mounting adhesive “Print Shield Base”. It was designed for short-term indoor POS applications and presents a cost effective solution in situations where graphic materials are frequently changed. Print Shield Base is suitable for use with both photographic and digital media up to 154 cm wide. It is available in both matte and gloss finishes to provide basic protection against dirt and abrasion.
More information: www.sealgraphics.com
20) PROOFGATE with new features
The German software manufacturer ColorGATE kicked off drupa with a new CI and facelift for all product offerings. These new changes correspond to the launch of two ColorGATE product news in Version 4: PRODUCTIONSERVER for digital print-for-pay business and PROOFGATE for contract proofing. It completes ColorGATE’s offer to address the full spectrum of inkjet applications. Next to these advanced feature applications, the established software solutions of Screen&Sign and PhotoRIP have been also on display at the booth. PRODUCTIONSERVER came with new modular software architecture and the option for the end-user to create a workflow specific RIP-software solution. Colormy, a ColorGATE channel partner presented a productive print solution, around PRODUCTIONSERVER driving new printers of Seiko and Mimaki. The software will additionally be connected to the ENCAD Novajet 1000i. Included in PRODUCTIONSERVER PRO is support for Fotoba compliant cut marks. PROOFGATE, a dedicated software solution for all print creators and producers allows the easy production of ISO 12647-2 compliant contract proofs.
More information: www.colorgate.com
21) Wasatch with new screens
Wasatch Computer Technology has announced the release of an innovative new Precision Hybrid Screen for the Screen Printing industry. Called “Precision Rosette/Stochastic Hybrid Screens”, this revolutionary feature eliminates the “fourth screen” or “yellow moiré”. This tool lets Wasatch SoftRIP SP users print yellows and flesh tones without worrying about moiré or changing screen angles. Prints, made with these separations, exhibit the rosette structure that print buyers expect, while using stochastic screening to eliminate moiré. SoftRIP SP makes this benefit incredibly easy to set up. Tools give users the power to configure a stochastic screen quickly in place of the yellow or 15-degree plate. This new release builds on Wasatch’s exclusive Precision Rosette Screens (WPRS), a breakthrough technology. Wasatch SoftRIP SP has been a key tool to enable screen printers to save time and money with inkjet technology.
More information: www.wasatchinc.com
22) Crest introduced the Contrail 320
Crest Engineering B.V.,
based in Zwolle, the Netherlands, has launched a new Heavy Duty Board Cutter
named Contrail 320. This new board cutter is aimed at medium and large sized
high volume sign and flatbed printing establishments in the large format
presentation graphics market. Due to smart engineering the old Sallmetall
cutter has now even more strong points. Laser guided cutting line, adjustable
acceleration, and easy knife change is just a few of these points. The Contrail
320 is able to apply a wide range of substrates with a maximum substrate
thickness of 19 mm. Maximum operating width is 320 cm and the maximum operating
speed is 60 cm/sec.
More information: www.crest.nl
23) Xaar presented peripherals
For the first time at drupa 2004, Xaar plc showed its new range of Xaar-branded peripherals for use in production machines – the Xaar Print Control System, and Xaar Ink Supply System – which have been developed with Xaar’s industry integration partner TTP, to enable, assist, and support the production of high-specification inkjet printing machines. Xaar’s print control system provides a key digital process that creates a link between an unprinted image and the printhead. This system is extremely flexible – between one and 48 printheads can be driven at any time – the process can be developed in stages, offering customers a modular build approach and supports Xaar’s XJ126, XJ500, Leopard, OmniDot, and future printhead products. The Ink Supply System provides the path between the central reservoir of ink and the printheads, ensuring reliable jetting. In addition to both systems, Xaar has presented its range of oil based spot color inks.
More information: www.xaar.co.uk
24) TEPEDE achieved success at drupa
As an exhibitor with a huge success TEPEDE has concluded its visit to drupa 2004. In Duesseldorf TEPEDE introduced three new special media out of a range of 15 media portfolio for solvent printers. Firstly, they showed the PVC Banner Vinyl with 300 g/sqm and 500 g/sqm, very reasonable and with convincing print quality. The second one was the Polymer SK Vinyl Gloss that offers superb print quality but costs only parts of already existing self-adhesive media. The third new solvent media is the Canvas Artist. It is a material also with convincing quality used for unique and durable works of art reproductions.
More information: www.TEPEDE.com
25) EPSON introduced 10000XL
The latest addition to its scanner portfolio of products to suite both professional and high-end consumers EPSON presented at drupa: the EPSON Expression 10000XL. It is an exceptional A3+ graphic arts scanner featuring high resolution, fast scanning speeds, excellent functionality and advanced networking capability. EPSON demonstrated the portfolio of products including the Stylus PRO 400, 7600, 9600 and 10600, offering professional printing solutions for high quality output. The Stylus PRO 4000 was the focal point for EPSON’s professional studio situated on the booth. The studio showed the Capability to produce data on site and has demonstrated how this can be edited, printed, proofed, and checked on location. A prominent professional photographer from the Netherlands was working in the photo studio and offered visitors the opportunity to experience first hand a variety of stages in the commercial digital imaging process. Another highlight was the pro photo area, which included the Stylus Photo R800, an A4 photo printer that sets a new benchmark for quality and durability thanks to EPSON’s UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink. The Stylus Photo 2100, a high quality professional A3+ printer, was also situated in the pro photo area.
More information: www.epson.de
26) Canon-strategy came to life
Following its announcement earlier this year, Canon has evolved from an office equipment supplier into a major business partner for the professional print market within the graphic arts industry. The company’s new strategy came to life at drupa. Canon Europe has displayed and demonstrated a range of devices and solutions. The booth at drupa has given customers an exact experience of how Canon’s products and end-to-end solutions work in a professional print environment. Canon now has the hardware, software, support and most importantly, expertise and knowledge to add value to organizations in many areas of printing and publishing, with particular strength in the creative services, print for pay and corporate print environment. The booth at drupa was divided it 3 main zones: “Commercial Imaging and Graphic Arts” with the focus on proofing and production of color output in laser and large format printing; “Intelligent Publishing” where visitors could experience high volume black and white production printing with cost-effective and high-quality color; and the zone of “Intelligent Production Printing” also with focus on production workflow.
More information: www.canon-europe.com
27) BrettMartin: Foamalux Xtra
Brett Martin Ltd, a producer of semi-finished plastics, developed a new „green“ substrate for signage and display work: Foamalux Xtra. It is a 10 mm thick foam PVC sheet featuring a black core of recycled material, which accounts for over 80 percent of the sheet structure, with a co-extruded “virgin” white Foamalux foam PVC outer skin on both faces. Foamalux Xtra provides a hard surface ideal for all types of sign and display applications, and reduces weight over similar 10 mm sheets, without compromise on the graphic reproductive benefits and performance characteristics of standard foam PVC sheet. The color combination also provides a striking option for engraving and etching. Foamalux Xtra can be cut, and processed in the same way and to the same standard as traditional foam PVC. For display work, the sheet edges can be easily chamfered to create dramatic effects with the black core against the white surface skin. It complements the established Foamalux range of Foamalux foam PVC, Foamalux Ultra (with a co-extruded gloss surface), and Foamalux AS (anti-static).
More information: www.brettmartin.com
28) HP offers new media
The new HP Two-View Cling UV Media is the first product of its kind in the display graphics market. HP designed this UV durable translucent film for reverse printing and when used with HP UV ink supplies produces vivid, eye-catching two-sided color prints. The low tack adhesive and water resistance within the media means the HP Two-Views Cling UV Media display can be repositioned many times and last for several years. The second addition to HP’s inkjet display graphics portfolio is the new HP Instant Dry Photo Media – Universal. You can get it in gloss and semi-gloss. This media is an economical option as it suits many applications from window display to hanging display graphics. The low cost photo paper dries instantly due to the porous technology that allows laminating and mounting within seconds of printing. The Instant Dry Photo Media – Universal works perfectly with both dye-based and UV inks. The two new media reduce the time needed for printing and drive down the cost of printing display graphics. They represent new additions to HP’s line of imaging and printing solutions for the graphic design and retail market.
More information: www.hp.com
29) Hexis unveiled new media range
This year’s ISA in Orlando was the right opportunity for Hexis USA of Corona/CA to unveil its new range of media for large format solvent printers. The range comprises the economy V400, intermediate V300, and high performance V200 vinyl films available in white gloss or satin, clear or translucent. White media can be supplied with clear or gray tinted adhesive for increased opacity. The V350 is a vinyl specially formulated to work with the new Eco-Sol Ink on the Roland Soljet Pro II EX. Roland endorsed both the V300 and the V350 and suitable ICC color profiles are available for download. Hexis USA also showcased its V209TH gloss vinyl specially engineered for use with thermal transfer printers. It features clear polyester liner resistant to rapid temperature changes and solvent based acrylic adhesive. The V209TH when laminated has an outdoor durability of up to eight years.
More information: www.hexiusa.com
30) SCP with success at drupa
SCP Software Company has been present as exhibitor at the recently ended drupa. A software partner of Canon Europe, SCP has demonstrated its latest solutions for large format scanning, archiving, copying, and printing on its booth. Visitors were given a preview of the innovations in the upcoming new versions of Colorado and DaylightRIP, such as the new concept for the automatic modes and the filter editor, as well as the advancements made in color management and in the user interface, resulting in enhanced quality, workflow efficiency and ease-of-use. In addition SCP has shown the new AutoCAD-HDI driver for Canon large-format printers, which enables operators of this widely used CAD application to directly print their files on the Canon Plotter.
More information: www.scp.de
31) Typon: Agreement with Digitaltype
The Swiss-based Typon Imaging AG and the Digitaltype GmbH in Darmstadt have agreed that the German company will handle sales and servicing of the TypoJet Print and Media System in Germany. Digitaltype will sell the TypoJet Explorer large format printer as well as the suitable inks and print media throughout the German market. In addition to the agreement between both companies Digitaltype has created a new division named Digijet. Since Digitaltype was established ten years ago, it is a provider of services in the pre-press sector of the market. The company uses a TypoJet Explorer in its own printing operation in Darmstadt. The TypoJet Print and Media System is a complete, integrated range of LFP products. The inks, substrates and output devices as well as Onyx PosterShop RIP software are coordinated for both indoor and outdoor applications. The full range includes the Explorer 50 (1,263 mm printing width) and 64 (1,643 mm printing width) printer models, TypoJet dye-based and pigmented inks as well as a wide range of selected print carriers.
More information: www.typon.ch
32) GretagMacbeth: Varied new solutions
Visitors to the GretagMactbeth booth at drupa saw and learned about a variety of new solutions and technologies the company has announced. Between this, they found a new entry-level densitometer – DensiEye 700 – for accurate color control at a lower price; new Ink Formulation 4.2 solutions – IFS Printer Basic and IFS Online that provides only the functionality the user needs; technology preview of the newest version of Ink Formulation software – IFS5 – with many new features that provide faster, more accurate formulations, plus ink leftover reduction functionality; a new suite of ProfileMaker 5 color management packages; a Generic Output Profiler (GoP) technology for packaging industry that changes colors on a frequent basis; a new scanning chart reader – Eye-One iO – bringing hands-free, ease-of-use, and affordable automation to the Eye-One Pro device; a version of Eye-One Share software that not only allows ambient light measurement but also flash light measurement.
More information: www.gretagmacbeth.com
33) Survey about Eco Solvent Printers
In March 2004, I.T. Strategies surveyed 149 companies about eco solvent printers. Of the companies surveyed, 75% either have or plan to purchase an eco solvent inkjet printer. Of the 29% of the companies that plan to purchase an eco solvent inkjet printer, half of them plan to make that purchase within the next three months; 25% of respondents say they will never purchase an eco solvent printer. The survey was conducted online in conjunction with Signindustry.com. The #1 response for buying an eco solvent printer was to enter new markets. The #2 response was because companies already in these markets don’t want to outsource the printing any longer. According to I.T. Strategies analysts say, that light solvent/eco solvent devices have opened up the outdoor vinyl market to smaller players, allowing sign shops to expand into new markets including both in- and outdoor applications.
More information: www.it-strategies.com
34) The Agfa and M-real agreement
It was the Belgium Company’s Highlight at drupa: Agfa and M-real announced their sign of a worldwide agreement for remote proofing in package printing. They will install :SherpaProof systems in the M-real printing plants and network partner printers across the world. The agreement extends over a period of three years. The systems will ensure consistent color package printing via :SherpaProof remote proofing across 40 M-real locations. They comprise :Grand Sherpa 50 m digital inkjet proofers, Agfa ink, media, and software for color and quality management. In addition, client management service contracts will ensure flawless and uninterrupted performance of the remote proofing application. Four systems have already been installed, two of which are in operation at M-real’s Prepress Competence Center in Belgium. M-real is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of paper, paperboard, and packaging solutions. Its most important product ranges are coated and uncoated fine papers, and high-quality magazine papers, as well as packaging boards for consumer products.
More information: www.agfa.com
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