Actual News about Large Format Printing
A free of charge information service
Publishing Company: CREACT, Hamburg; editor in chief: Susanne Aschoff
Publisher:
Neun Punkt GbR, Hamburg
Friday, 18. July 2003
for
direct contacts, we all hope to see you at the viscom-show, where we will
organize some very interesting presentations. Please see further information at
the end of this newsletter.
Beside
this we have a lot of information you should be interested in.
Have a
nice summer time and don’t forget to use the LFP-Newsletter as your
communication forum.
Sincerely
Susanne
Aschoff
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1) Be Digital launches three novelties
The presentation of three important launches will be
held by Be Digital during at viscom, hall 6, booth J 41. At first
the UV curable printer flat and roll. The BEDIGITAL UV PRINTER is an exclusive
unique product, manufactured in Europe, with a very high level of productivity,
versatile and at a very competitive price. It will be available in the printing
sizes 1’80, 2’50 and 3’20. At second the new SOLBEJET, a solvent printer with
1’87 of useful printing width, with an amazing printing quality and a real
maximum productivity of 28 sqm per hour at 360x540 dpi resolution and 18 sqm
per hour at 360x720 dpi resolution. At third, the Spanish company will
presenting the new range of BeDigital laminators, that cover all the various
production needs for any kind of finishing: encapsulator or double laminator,
up to two meters wide. The one is the BeDigital TWICE. This encapsulator is offering a complete featured machine to
control speed, pressure and temperature through some unique settings. The other
is named BeDigital DOUBLE. It offers 4 rollers encapsulating, mounting and
laminating on both sides, an independent temperature control, six axes to
manage both sides at any time and same more features. One machine with
everything and just a little more investment.
More
information: www.bedigital.info
2) Mutoh’s new ink: Eco-Solvent PlusTM
There is a new Eco-solvent
ink-generation, developed by Mutoh for the Rockhopper eco-solvent printer
series: It’s named Eco-Solvent PlusTM. Eco-Solvent Plus inks use the
benefits of Mutoh’s current light solvent inks, yet adding a set of unique and
pioneering features. First of all, Eco-Solvent Plus inks offer users the
possibility to print directly onto low-cost standard available uncoated PVC and
scrim banner media. Secondly, Mutoh’s new ink is the first ink ever on the
market not containing any dangerous solvents nor spreading any volatile organic
compounds (VOC’s) in the working environment. Eco-Solvent Plus ink is a light
solvent offering UV, water- and scratch-resistance for outdoor applications (up
to three years), without lamination. The ink offers the same ease of use as
standard water-based inks. It has been specifically developed for the
Rockhopper piezo print heads. And, apart from the ability to directly print
onto uncoated media, there is a big difference in the chemical behavior between
the eco-solvent inks and the new “Plus” ink. Eco-Solvent Plus ink has a very
wide media compatibility, as it is suited for printing on both coated and
uncoated media as well as on media coated for water-based pigmented inks.
Eco-Solvent Plus will be commercially available during August 2003. The price
will be the same as Mutoh’s current eco-solvent inks for Rockhopper printers.
Mutoh will show its new generation of eco-solvent ink for Rockhopper printer
series from September 4th to 6th at viscom show, hall 6, booth F 03, in Duesseldorf.
More information: www.mutoh.be
3) InteliCoat at viscom 2003
The
manufacturer of coated paper, film and speciality substrates for imaging and
electronic technologies in the Netherlands, InteliCoat Technologies, is going
to show a host of new products for the digital imaging market at viscom, hall 6, booth H 28 in Duesseldorf. The
company will be demonstrating a prototype for a new “easy clean” coating which
offers several unique properties, including ink repellence and scratch
resistance. This media will have a wide range of applications within the
digital imaging and signage market for high quality displays, such as in public
buildings. From InteliCoat’s main coating operation for electrical, engineering
and medical equipment comes the new
Stratfx range of optically clear, hard coated polyester films, developed for
use in protective surface applications. And at viscom will be announced details
of a new warranty plan for Magic brand products. In addition, InteliCoat will
present a line of Magic products especially developed and formulated to work
with solvent ink jet printers.
More
information: www.intelicoat.com
4) NUR: 3 Tempo flatbed inkjet presses installed
NUR
Macroprinters has begun beta testing its recently announced and hotly
anticipated NUR Tempo flatbed inkjet press, that now have been installed – two
in Europe and one in the United States. Gescom S.p.A. of Viterbo/Italy and
Stiefel Digitalprint in Lenting/Germany are the two European beta test
customers for the NUR Tempo. Impact Imaging of Kaysville/Utah is the first beta
customer in the U.S. All three companies have considerable experience providing
wide-format digital printing services using equipment from NUR Macroprinters as
well as the other suppliers. The beta testing program for the NUR Tempo flatbed
inkjet presses expected to last three months. Commercial shipments of the
machine are now planned for September 2003.
More
information: www.nur.com
5) Durst offers a dream team
Because
they increase the quality, productivity and flexibility of the large format
production, the Laserlab Thea 50 and the Highspeed Scanner Sigma, developed by
Durst, are regarded as dream team in case of professional and expert work. This
experience did Eurocolor Munich, the company employs the “highspeed cart” as
the first large fotolab of Germany – so successful, that Eurocolor has fit out
all its locations with the Durst high speed tools, distributed by PSL
Photosysteme. In the big lab of Eurocolor Munich this Germany premiere runs
currently under the title “the digital future of the large format production”.
More
information: www.pslphotosysteme.de
6) Contex presents its Magnum Scanner
They say
that it is the fastest, widest color and monochrome scanner in the industry
with Automatic Thickness Adjustment Control (ATAC) – the all-new Magnum XL 54
Scanner, developed by Contex Scanning Technology. The Magnum XL is a 54” wide
scanner that incorporates state-of-the-art Tx technology for enhanced scan
speed and image quality for high impact monochrome and color scanning for
scan-to-print applications. This scanner is the first in the industry to handle
54” wide media using an assigned button that is held down to automatically
adjust for the correct scan thickness of a thick original up to 6” and it
incorporates the latest in imaging technology for high-quality full color
scanning and copying of the largest formats. The Magnum XL’s on-board real time
color correction and 2D-filters for color sharpening, softening and blur
provide superior results with a wide variety of input images. The operator
panel can initiate common tasks directly from the scanner. The Magnum XL 54
scanner lets you fit the connection to your immediate needs by offering two
interface options – the highly efficient and convenient Plug-and-Play (PnP)
FireWire connection and the industry standard SCSI interface. It supports
Windows 98, 98SE, ME, NT4, 2000 and XP platforms.
More
information: www.contex.com
7) EPSON’s Stylus with Eye-One Display
Pure Color with this color expert
package: EPSON Deutschland is offering a new summer highlight to those who
enjoy high quality. Since 1st of July with every purchase of an
EPSON Stylus Pro 7600, 9600 or 10600 printer, customers receive the calibration
solution Eye-One Display from GretagMacbeth as a value-added bonus. There are
no additional charges. This offer is valid as long as supplies last and is
distributed via the EPSON PROfocus Partner network. Once again, EPSON and
GretagMacbeth demonstrate their true color expertise with the large format
printer and monitor calibration solution package. The Stylus PRO 7600/9600 is
predominately used in proofing, photography, fine arts and POS. The Stylus PRO
10600 is primarily used for professional production. The pigmented UltraChrome
inks used for this printers ensure fastness of light of up to 75 years
(according to EPSON test conditions). The latest Eye-One Display developed by
GretagMacbeth contributes to those color expertise. Compact and easy to use,
the Eye-One Display is the ideal color measuring tool for reliable color
representation. Irrespective of the type of monitor, it guarantees precise
calibration as well as profiling. A built-in counterweight for LCD displays and
an integrated suction cup for CRT monitors enables easy handling, while the
felt edge protects the screen from scratches.
More
information: www.epson.com
8) Onyx Graphics adds Mimaki Support
The developer of wide-format digital color printing
software, Onyx Graphics in Utah/USA has added support for the Mimaki JV3-250SP
Inkjet printer to all Onyx 5.6.1 Workflow Solutions Software products. The
printer is Mimaki’s first baby grand-format solvent inkjet printer. The Onyx
driver includes support for these JV3-250SP features: 2x4 and 1x6 inkjet head
configuration modes, Pre-heater and print-heater temperature settings, ink set
selection: front, rear or both, ink layer settings and adjustments, print pass
selection: 1 to 32, depending on dpi, automatic cutting selection: on or off,
drying time duration. The Mimaki JV3-250SP driver includes the exclusive Onyx
Virtual Pixel resolutions for fast image processing and superior color. Onyx driver
for this printer also includes screening capabilities not typically found in a
RIP product for large format printing. In addition to dot patterns such as
stochastic and error diffusion, users can print with dot patterns that simulate
traditional screen printing. The driver is available to registered licensed
users of Onyx 5.6.1 versions of Onyx ProductionHouse, Onyx PosterShop and Onyx
RIPCenter software.
More
information: www.onyxgfx.com
9) New Eye-One solutions
The new Eye-One product range developed by
GretagMacbeth includes solution packages for different use. Especially the new
Eye-One PUBLISH is an extensive color management system and easy to use for
advertising agencies, graphic designer and publisher. It makes it possible
calibrating and profiling the whole workflow of any print production. The
package Eye-One Publish includes the spectrum photometer Eye-One Pro – now with
the new surrounding light measuring head – and the Eye-One Match 2.0 software
for calibration and profile constructing for all types of monitors, scanner or
printers. Precise and solid colors are protected and guaranteed.
More
information: www.gretagmacbeth.com
10) NCD: EasySIGN version 4.5
The challenge of color management for large format
output devices is to reproduce colors on a computer screen as they would appear
on the final output, a process called “soft-proofing”. Consistent color across
various displays and types of output is what is offered in EasySIGN 4.5, as
close to WYSIWYG as possible. The EasySIGN CMS map colors from a device with a
large color gamut like a monitor to a device with a smaller color gamut like a
large format printer. The result: The output device actually can reproduce all
colors of monitor’s represent colors. With EasySIGN you can change the behavior
of the output profile and see the changes promptly displayed on the monitor.
More
information: www.easysign.com
11) ColorGATE software with VinylJet 36
Encad has
created the VinylJet 36 in 36” printing width for the usage in the signage
business. Simultaneously to the availability of the new Encad VinylJet 36 the
software manufacturer ColorGATE dedicates an own edition to this printer in the
variants “ColorGATE VinylJet Edition” and “ColorGATE VinylJet Edition PLUS” to
optimize the printer addressing. Software and printer together offer a productive outdoor solution, which allows the
user to produce flexibly a widespread variety of different print jobs, also on
uncoated vinyl media, on a high quality and speed level. So the tailor-made
software “ColorGATE VinylJet Edition” offers the user the usual functionality
of the approved “ColorGATE Plus” version including the hot folder technology
for a fully automatically output and cross platform processing of jobs.
More
information: www.colorgate.com
12) INIMAP: Monaco releases 3 novelties
MonacoPROFILER Platinum 4.6.1, MonacoPROFILER Gold
4.6.1 and MonacoPROOF 3.7.1 are the three new products of Monaco Systems INIMAP
has available. These versions include – of course – new functions: 1. Monaco
GamutWorks, an utility for visualizing an evaluating ICC profiles. Monaco
GamutWorks is available to current owners of MonacoPROFILER and MonacoPROOF via
download from the website.. It’s a dongle-protected product. 2. French, German
and Spanish language versions. All languages as well as English are on one
CD-ROM. A Japanese version will be available soon. A French version of
MonacoEZcolor has just been released, and a French version of MonacoOPTIX will
be launched in a few months.
More
information: www.inimap.com
13) Sihl: 3603 PRISMA Backlit
The one-side-coated, translucent
polypropylene film 3603 PRISMA Backlit Front Print WF 170 matt was developed
for pretentious graphic art applications on inkjet plotters and printers. It is
used as a front print film for picture presentations in bright poster displays.
If pigmented inks are employed, the film can be used especially well in fields
with high humidity and condensation water. With pigmented inks water-resistant prints
can be achieved. And even with high in amounts no bleeding occurs, however, the
drying time can extend considerably. The opacity of the film was increased a
little so that also at front light and strong, bright backlit sources of light
a good contrast is available.
More
information: www.sihl.ch
14) GBC launches a new film
One of
the market leaders in finishing equipment and consumables, GBC Film Products
Group, has introduced a new OPP (Orientated Polypropylene) film 9525 Premium
Gloss. This film is 25,5 micron thick and features an improved adhesion and
quality. It is specially developed for the On-Demand Market (printers, digital
printers with low toner content) and the High Speed Commercial market (trade
finishers, printers). Finishing protects your materials. Successful finishing
depends on using the right film for each specific application. A polypropylene
film with copolymer adhesion, the 9525 Premium Gloss has a clear finish with
acid-resistant properties and high clarity. With a temperature range of 85° -
110° C, it is designed for lamination book covers and low weight papers.
Furthermore the new film can also be used for embossing. The new film is
specially developed and patented by GBC to negate the curling effect of
moisture absorbed by paper and is particularly effective in applications where
product-flatness is critical. Due to its aggressive adhesion, de-lamination of
digital low toner-based prints can be avoided. The 9525 Premium Gloss can be
used on the GBC finishing systems Orbit and all thermal-dry machines in the
market.
More
information: www.gbcfilm.com
15) DGI introduced Solvent Media Line
Dr.
Graphix Imaging presents its latest development: A Solvent Inkjet Media Line
for large format solvent-based printers, consisting of three different
substrates: a polypropylene based Solvent Tear Resistant Gloss Film (DRSTR); a
Solvent Reinforced PVC Banner (DRSPVC) and Solvent Adhesive Gloss Vinyl
(DRSSIV). These are three most popular materials in the solvent inkjet/outdoor
industry. DRSTR is based on DGI’s most popular product line, TR51 Inkjet Media.
The company reformulated the top coating for this substrate to a glossy,
instant dry, water-fast, no bleeding surface. It is strong and durable. DRSPVC
Banner has a bright white, smooth printing surface, which will give a high
quality imaging capability on outdoor banner application. DRSSIV has also this
bright white, but also high gloss, smooth surface, and permanent adhesive vinyl
for solvent printing purposes. It is highly stretchable and durable. All three
materials will be available in 42”, 50” and 60”.
More
information: www.drgraphix.com
16) AIT’s new brand of photopaper
The
consumable arm of Applied Image Technology (AIT) offers a new brand of
heavyweight digital photopaper, that promises significant savings on current cost
for sign, display and photolab users of large format inkjet printers. Applied
Graphics’ Quicksilver Pro papers are little more than half the price of
comparable better-known brands on the market. Quicksilver Pro papers are
manufactured from an acid-free base stock to obviate the ageing symptoms of
yellowing and embrittlement and have a microporous ink-receptive coating
formulated to accept exceptionally heavy deposits of ink and accelerate drying.
They are available with either a high-gloss or semi-matt, satin finish in a
comprehensive range of roll widths 610 mm, 914 mm and 1118 mm (24/36/44/in).
Quicksilver Pro heavyweight inkjet photopaper is one of the three media
products in Applies Graphics’ exclusive Quicksilver range, all of which are
supplied automatically profiled for Shiraz.
More
information: www.applied-graphics.co.uk
17) MACtac worldwide Awards 2004
Following the popularity of the
three consecutive MACtac European Awards, run on a biennial basis over the last
six years, MACtac is launching “MACtac Worldwide Awards – 2004”. Entries from
sign makers, applicators, digital printers, converter, advertising agencies,
studios and end-users around the globe will be judged by separate juries and
awarded prizes in three territories: Europe, the Americas and other regions of
the world: Middle East/Africa/Asia/Oceania. This Award is open to projects
produced in 2002/2003 using either digital printing or computer aided signage
(CAS) techniques and utilizing MACtac’s marking, digital and screen printing
films: MACmark, MACfleet, Imagin, MACscreen as well as Permacolor materials.
Entries, in the form of high quality photographs (minimum 13x18 cm) or high
resolution prints or digital files (minimum 600 dpi) will be evaluated in four
categories: vehicle graphics, exterior signs, interior signs and technical
achievement. Two key criteria will be taken into account by the high level,
independent jury that will evaluate entries in each territory: first creativity
and visual impact, and second technical achievement. Closing date for entries
from sign makers, applicators and others responsible for designing, producing
and applying signs is January 1st, 2004. Winners will be informed by
the end of the first quarter of 2004.
More
information: www.mactac-awards.com
18) X-Rite acquired Monaco Systems
The color management software company Monaco Systems
has been acquired by X-Rite, Incorporated, a world leader in precision
measurement devices, software and service solutions. Monaco is a company that
develops and distributes color management software to the graphic arts and
photo markets. This $ 10.6 million asset purchase funded by a combination of
cash and stock, some of which is subject to certain vesting requirements,
includes the entire Monaco line of color management products, all intellectual
property and operating assets. The X-Rite management strongly believes that the
combination of products, global distribution, color expertise and service
offerings will enable X-Rite to offer a broader set of color solutions to new
and existing customers. This is X-Rite’s third acquisition in 2003, affirming its
position as a global leader in the color business. Earlier this year, in an
agreement with Benjamin Moore & Co., X-Rite acquired the ColoRx® product
line and related assets from Thermo Electron Corporation. More recently, X-Rite
acquired the ccDot meter product line of Centurfax Ltd., a London-based company
that develops and distributes products serving the pre-press and printing
industries.
More
information: www.x-rite.com/monaco
19) viscom 2003 again with Open Forum
Success should be multiplied.
Therefore the international trade fair for visual advertising techniques and
signmaking “viscom” 2003 will offer again the LFP-Congress as an Open Forum at
the special presentation area in hall 6. From September 4th to 6th
visitors as well as exhibitors can listen to highly qualified lectures about
digital large format printing. LFP is one of the most varied fields of this
industry. So all the talks at all three days of viscom will give a lot of
information and basic know-how. A basic seminar in the beginning every day is
given with the target, to make the visitors fit for questions and discussions
with the manufacturers, distributors and other specialists.
More
information: www.viscom-messe.com
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