INDUSTRY NEWS

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  • + Currie Group appoint Anthony Jackson as National Sales Manager - Commercial HP Indigo

    Currie Group is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Anthony Jackson (AJ) as National Sales Manager - Commercial HP Indigo. AJ joins Currie Group with a wealth of industry experien...

    May 08 2019

    Currie Group is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Anthony Jackson (AJ) as National Sales Manager - Commercial HP Indigo.
    AJ joins Currie Group with a wealth of industry experience and proven track record in sales of digital printing and finishing solutions. 

    For the past 23 years, AJ has been selling digital printing presses, colour management, cross media, Web2Print and workflow software solutions, whilst forging strong relationships with both customers and technology partners across the Australian and Global Commercial Printing industry.

    AJ’s role encompasses managing all national sales activity for HP Indigo sheetfed presses with the existing team of experienced state representatives.  

    “I look forward to working with the Currie Group team and leveraging the healthy customer relationships built up over 70 years of business. And to also expand on the relationships with HP, Horizon and all technology partners of Currie Group to bring innovation and new value-add applications to the Australian Graphic Arts market,” AJ said.

    Executive Chairman, David Currie comments that Jackson represents a type of sales activity that fits in well with the Currie Group ethos. 

    “I know AJ has won deals against us over the years because of his strong relationships with customers even though we had the better press. This is the same kind of relational sales I’ve always had,” he said. “I’m very pleased to have him join the team.”

    “I’ve known AJ for more than 15 years now and have respected him during that time, he brings great experience and knowledge and this fits perfectly with his new role. I am looking forward to working with AJ and excited about his contribution to our business and customers.” Adds Phil Rennell, Sales and Marketing Director. 

    www.curriegroup.com.au






  • + New Mutoh High-Performance Cutting Plotter ValueCut II

    Mutoh, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D printers, announced the launch of the new cutting plotter “ValueCut II” from the ValueCut series. The Va...

    May 08 2019

    Mutoh, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D printers, announced the launch of the new cutting plotter “ValueCut II” from the ValueCut series.

    The Value Cut series achieves precision cutting and high productivity. The “ValueCut II” is available in three models with different maximum cut width, and upgraded to maximise ease of use and functionality. By combining with the award winning Mutoh “ValueJet Printers”, the “ValueCut II” displays great ability as an affordable high-performance print; cut system.

    Features of the ValueCut II include:

    1. AASII Contour Cutting System (Automatic Alignment System II) AASII guarantees the finest cutting quality with automatic detecting registration marks.The continuous contour cutting function is added to the AASII in ValueCut II. (X axis direction only)

    2. Superior cutting speed The max cutting speed is 60.2” (1,530mm)/s (at 45°direction) inherited from the current ValueCut, and enhances productivity with superior performance.

    3. Optimum cutting force Selectable cutting forces range from 5g to 600g to easily cut a variety of materials.

    4. 3 types of interface connection The ValueCut II supports various system environments with three available connection ports. USB, serial port (RS232C) and the newly added Ethernet port which allows users to operate multiple cutters with one PC.

    5. Pen-up movement acceleration setting + contour cutting register mark detection movement speed setting The acceleration of the pen-up movement can be set in two levels according to the media. With this function, it is able to adjust the registration mark movement speed of the contour cut.

    6. Function on disablement of media sensor Allows users to disable the media sensor to accommodate cutting transparent material with ease.

    7. ValueCut II dedicated cutting software “FlexiSTARTER ValueCut Edition” as standard Create cut paths and print and cut paths without design software.

    For more information about the new ValueCut II, please contact Russell Cavenagh,  Mutoh Australia by calling 1300 468 864 or visiting www.mutoh-au.com






  • + Colex Introduces Latest Model SXC1732 Sharpcut Flatbed Cutter

    Colex, the industry leader in wide-format finishing solutions, features the Sharpcut Conveyor Flatbed Cutter System. The Sharpcut Conveyor is Colex’s most productive solution for automated fi...

    May 07 2019

    Colex, the industry leader in wide-format finishing solutions, features the Sharpcut Conveyor Flatbed Cutter System. The Sharpcut Conveyor is Colex’s most productive solution for automated finishing of wide format media. The new Sharpcut Conveyor can be used for a variety of applications.   The conveyor system is designed to speed up the process of cutting soft to rigid boards, vinyl, fabric, and textiles by utilizing the automatic board feeder or the roll feeder allowing for faster production runs. The Sharpcut Conveyor is designed to operate with minimal operator intervention when equipped with the automatic board feeder or the roll feeder.  This provides users with the best affordable digital cutting automation system.

    Most shops have a router today, but traditional routers cannot efficiently perform the necessary specialized functions inherent in the versatile Sharpcut Conveyor tool library available. The Sharpcut Conveyor is special in that it allows finishing technicians to perform intricate cuts while operating fully automated.  The Sharpcut Conveyor offers a Triple Interchangeable Tool Head station that selects the proper tool for the job and an energy efficient 6-Zone Vacuum System with a Vision Registration System. The Sharpcut Conveyor package includes a Fixed Knife, Oscillating Knife and a Router. The new and improved oscillating knife cuts at 14,000 strokes per minute cutting 50% faster along with a variety of new tools offered to customize the Sharpcut Conveyor to suit specific needs and workflow including the Universal Drawing Tool,  V-cut Knife for 90 degree folds, Coroplast Knife, Creasing Wheel, Universal Single Edge Knife for Sintra up to 6mm, and the new motorized rotary knife for fabrics.

    The Optiscout Vision Registration System features a high resolution color camera, the ability to import over 30 file formats, plug-in export data from CorelDRAW, Illustrator & AutoCAD desktop to the Optiscout desktop, user friendly material library and the ability to read any diameter registration mark, crop mark or square resulting in highly efficient production.





  • + Drytac media to be showcased across the floor at FESPA

    The forthcoming FESPA event will showcase a multitude of products from Drytac - a leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large format print and signage markets - allo...

    May 07 2019

    The forthcoming FESPA event will showcase a multitude of products from Drytac - a leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large format print and signage markets - allowing visitors to experience them across the event space.

    FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 is the premier professional wide-format print exhibition in Europe, covering a large range of industries and applications. As such it is the ideal environment for a presentation of Drytac's extensive product portfolio.

    Delegates will be able to see Drytac SpotOn Floor 200 specialist floor media in use across the show floor - literally, as it will be used for the official FESPA floor graphics - and an impressive selection of Drytac products in four spaces on the Drytac booth (Stand A5-G40). These four distinct areas will comprise an application space to show how Drytac products are used for real-world projects; a retail shop area with live demonstrations of the graphics being changed each day; an interior decor gallery; and a hospitality zone with food and beverage applications.

    Drytac ReTac Textures, a stunning range of embossed wall graphics products, will also be put to creative use in Printeriors 2019, FESPA's interactive visitor experience displaying interior and exterior decor applications. And at a faster pace, Drytac Polar Cast film will be used by OKI for its live car wrap demonstrations (Stand A5-F10).

    In addition, HP (Stand A5-F30), Epson (Stand B5-G10), Roland DG (Stand A5-H10) and Ricoh (Stand B4-K31) will all feature Drytac products and media on their booths. These leading print manufacturers choose Drytac materials for their quality and application-specific features, so this four-pronged showcase is the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience Drytac products with several popular technologies and workflows.

    Hayden Kelley, CEO of Drytac, comments: "Drytac products will be on display literally across the show floor at FESPA Global Print Expo 2019: as the official FESPA graphics provider; on the booths of international brands HP, Epson, Roland, Ricoh and OKI; for car wraps; interior design applications - and much more. FESPA caters for a huge variety of wide-format markets - just like Drytac's product portfolio - making this show the ideal showcase for us."

    FESPA visitors can keep up to date with Drytac via its social media platforms and meet the team at the booth (Stand A5-G40).

    For more information on Drytac's products and services, please visit www.drytac.com





  • + Epson announces new ultra-connected compact point-of-sale printer

    Epson Australia has announced the launch of a new compact point-of-sale printer capable of receipt printing, slip printing and cheque processing in one unit, and offering improved reliability, usef...

    May 07 2019

    Epson Australia has announced the launch of a new compact point-of-sale printer capable of receipt printing, slip printing and cheque processing in one unit, and offering improved reliability, useful connectivity features and a very low total cost of ownership. Amongst other retailers, the TM-H6000V is aimed at shops and businesses that require cheque-processing facilities at point of sale, and want to print receipts with the same unit.

    The TM-H6000V prints at speeds up to 350mm/s¹, offers faster cheque processing than its predecessor, has a faster auto-cutter, and offers a selection of other improvements that help businesses boost overall efficiency. It also helps minimise downtime with improved reliability.

    The thermal printer is now effective for 200 km of receipts, while its auto-cutter is capable of three million cuts.

    The printer is flexible enough to adapt to the demands of a modern retail environment, with new features including Server Direct Print (SDP) to permit web-based printing, as well as multiple interfaces for tablet and PC coexistence. ePOS-Print, ePOS-display and NFC tagging allow simple and quick tablet POS set-up, for businesses moving into tablet-based POS.

    Designed with significant business critical improvements, the TM-H6000V multifunction hybrid printer supports advanced functionality to 'future proof' the product for many years to come.

    In short the TM-H6000V helps businesses maximise the efficiency of their in-store printing so they’re constantly ready for the ever-changing world of retail.
     
    TM-H6000V Key Features:
     
    - Connect to multiple devices ― printer can be dynamically shared by legacy POS terminals, tablets and mobile devices, as well as cloud servers
    - Triple-interface connectivity to future-proof growing businesses ― maximum flexibility with three options, including built-in USB and Ethernet2
    - Less down time ― remote monitoring of the printer’s status and part life expectancy3
    - Fewer service calls ― intuitive control panel with visual error notifications
    - Designed for the cloud ― supports printing from Web-based applications utilising Epson's ePOS™ print technology; plus, utilise Server Direct Printing for online ordering support
    - Distributed proximity-based printing ― through Epson’s Beacon support using BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy)4; and, through NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for easy pairing with mobile devices5
    - Advanced paper-saving functions for thermal receipts ― top-margin and character height reduction features help reduce paper usage by up to 47%6
    - Reliability ― printhead reliability of 200 km and extended auto cutter life of 3 million cuts7
    - Fast transaction times ― print speeds up to 350 mm/sec1, plus a high-speed auto cutter
    - Fast check processing ― high MICR reader accuracy


    1. Maximum print speed may not be achieved depending on the paper utilised, type of interface, data transmission conditions and combination of commands.
    2. Built-in USB and Ethernet interfaces, with additional options of serial, parallel, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces
    3. Requires customisation with third-party applications.
    4. Requires the use of a beacon dongle connected to TM-H6000V printer via the USB-A port. Supports only Apple® iBeacon™ compliant format. The Epson-approved dongle is Laird model BT820.
    5. NFC tag requires use of a device that includes an NFC reader, and may require additional software
    6. Paper savings depend on the text and graphics printed on the receipt.
    7. Rated printhead and cutter lives based on use of the following media only, with printer operated at room temperature and normal humidity:
       Model KT55FA: Papierfabrik August Koehler SE
       Model PD160R: Oji Imaging Media Co., Ltd.
       Model TF50KS-Y: NIPPON Paper Industries Co., Ltd.





  • + GBC Launches the Revolutionary Foton TM 30 Laminator: Where Time-Saving Efficiency Meets High Tech

    GBC will launch the groundbreaking Foton 30, the first affordable, fully automated laminator that is redefining limits in the lamination category.   The Foton 30, which was in development...

    May 07 2019

    GBC will launch the groundbreaking Foton 30, the first affordable, fully automated laminator that is redefining limits in the lamination category.   The Foton 30, which was in development for over four years, is both time-efficient and cost-effective, resulting in a superior quality output for a fraction of the cost of an industrial machine. Easy. Fully automated. Pouch-free. The Foton 30 is proven to free up 98 percent of your time spent laminating compared to manual pouch loading and feeding.

    With the Foton, there is no warm up and the fully automated system will do all the feeding, laminating and trimming for standard size papers.  Drop up to 30 documents in the tray, press run and save over 30 minutes of highly valued user time previously spent loading, feeding or repositioning.  This easy-to-use laminator provides benefits like automated deskew, which gives perfect positioning and borders every time. Foton 30’s internal sensors auto-detects film thickness and provides perfect cuts with no waste or manual trimming. Even cartridge loading is as easy as simply dropping the cartridge into the machine. No film threading required.

    GBC knows, whether you’re a mailroom manager, teacher, facilities manager or franchise printer, your equipment needs to work fast, the first time and every time, and each Foton 30 comes with a risk-free 60-day trial and a two-year or 5,000-cycle warranty.

    “GBC’s number one goal is to be the most reliable, efficient brand in the classroom, office, production room or other place of business, and we know our Foton 30 will be that machine,” shares Daniel Charwath, Product Marketing Manager at GBC.  “The Foton 30 is set to disrupt the lamination industry and will be life-changing for anyone that laminates with pouches regularly.”

    Product Details:

    ·       No pouch

    ·       Auto-feeds up to 30 letter sheets at a time

    ·       Auto-detects film thickness

    ·       Drop documents in tray, press run, and walk away

    ·       Three modes of operation to allow for any paper thickness or shape

    ·       Deskew system for perfect positioning and borders

    ·       Sensor provides a perfect cut every time

    ·       Simple and foolproof cartridge loading with auto-threading

    ·       Safety auto shutoff


    For more information: www.gbc.com/Foton





  • + Imagine the future of print with Mimaki at FESPA 2019

    Mimaki Europe has announced that it will inspire customers to explore creative, innovative, profit generating possibilities in a futuristic atmosphere at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2019.

    May 07 2019

    Mimaki Europe has announced that it will inspire customers to explore creative, innovative, profit generating possibilities in a futuristic atmosphere at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2019.

    Under the theme “Imagine the Future of Print”, the company will take visitors to its stand (B6-A30) on a journey through its world-first and market-first innovations in printers, software and cutting-edge solutions, to demonstrate how they can take their businesses to the next level.

    A must-see stop along that journey will be a brand-new Mimaki large format printer, displayed at FESPA 2019 for the first time in the EMEA region. Featuring a best-in-class combination of productivity and print stability, new application opportunities, boosted usability and unprecedented substrate range flexibility, the new Mimaki print platform will provide a glimpse into future developments of UV LED inkjet technology.

    Thanks to Mimaki’s development of its 3D printer and slicing software, preparation and printing of 2.5D up to multiple layers will be easy and fast. A further highlight on the stand this year will be the new FDM 3D printer for the small direct to object printing market, focusing on self-production of jigs.

    The journey continues with workflow efficiency, which will be the keyword for digital printing for years to come. As Mimaki already introduced its IoT solution for the UJF-7151plus and the JFX-series, this year’s FESPA visitors can learn about the next phase of IoT showing a glimpse of the upcoming Job Controller IP software. Connectivity with Gravograph and Trotec laser systems will also be fully supported in the latest Rasterlink RIP.

    Last but not least on this journey, Mimaki will demonstrate its new Simple POP software, specially developed for the retail market. Shop-owners require no graphic knowledge to create and design their own signage such as labels, stickers and roll-ups. The new software connects directly to Rasterlink for an automated workflow from design to print and cut on Mimaki’s successful and popular UCJV series.

    “Mimaki boasts a history of pioneering inkjet technologies and breakthrough innovations. Building on those solid foundations, the company aims to maintain its position at the forefront of advancements in digital printing,” comments Danna Drion, Marketing Manager, Mimaki EMEA. “This vision of reflecting on past innovations and leveraging state-of-the-art solutions to deliver a whole spectrum of unexplored future customer opportunities, underpins that ambition, and embodies our FESPA show theme.”

    Designed with a futuristic theme, Mimaki’s largest ever FESPA stand will lend a glittering silver guise to proceedings. As an example, LED-lit paths on the floor will lead to a central hanging kaleidoscopic installation, incorporating UV digital print on mirrors. Encompassing four key business areas strategically integrated across the stand – Sign Graphics, Industrial Products, Textiles and 3D – flagship Mimaki technology and a wealth of exciting, creative applications will be showcased.

    Visitors will also be able to take part in product demonstrations and engage directly with the Mimaki team. To learn more about how they could implement and use Mimaki technology to offer and sell new inkjet applications, Mimaki visitors will also have access to some leading designers and creative professionals who regularly use digital print within their work. Connecting customers, partners, designers and innovators to generate new and rewarding collaborations will be key to Mimaki’s FESPA 2019 show and vision for the future.

    “With the help of our industry-acclaimed inkjet print and cutting technology, we will use the show to demonstrate how businesses can become forward-thinkers and boost productivity in a more advanced workflow. At the same time, we will also encourage and welcome visitor ideas, feedback and requests too – as always, this is essential R&D learning for us,” adds Drion. “What’s more, why not talk to us live at the show using #FutureofPrint and tell us what you think? In addition, go to Mimaki’s registration page for a chance to win one of 50 fantastic Flic Wireless Smart Buttons that we will give away during the show.”

    Mimaki is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services and the company’s Chief Operations Manager, Brett Newman extends an invitation to UK and Irish customers. “Mimaki’s FESPA stand is set to impress again this year and with the arrival of new technology, it’s going to be a busy show for us all, so we look forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition in Germany.”





  • + Ricoh to demonstrate vibrant applications at FESPA

    Visitors to the Ricoh stand at FESPA 2019, Munich Messe, May 14 to 17, will encounter colourful creativity on a wide range of substrates. They will also be able to appreciate how they can harness R...

    May 07 2019

    Visitors to the Ricoh stand at FESPA 2019, Munich Messe, May 14 to 17, will encounter colourful creativity on a wide range of substrates. They will also be able to appreciate how they can harness Ricoh solutions to boost their businesses.

    “We are redefining what print can do. A wide range of samples will demonstrate the spectrum of options presented by our versatile portfolio of systems and solutions,” states Graham Kennedy, Head of Industrial Print Business Group, Ricoh Europe. “With the ability to print on anything from glass, wood and acrylic to carton board, we are able to fully support industrial printers and print service providers as they endeavour to deliver a greater range of high quality capabilities.”

    Among the applications on show are the:

    - Media kit box of samples including plywood, Corex, Forex, DiBond, aluminium, vinyl and glass, printed by the Ricoh Pro T7210 UV flatbed printer.

    - Spot colour artwork and texture samples, using white and clear varnish, on acrylic, Forex and DiBond, printed by the Pro T7210 and the recently announced Ricoh Pro TF6250 UV flatbed printers.

    - Rhino cutouts produced CMYK on Xanita Board by the Pro T7210 and cut to shape.

    - Coasters printed CMYK on board suitable for beermats by the Pro T7210 and Pro TF6250 and then cut to shape.

    - Acrylic blocks reverse printed CMYK + white onto 20mm acrylic blocks by the Pro T7210 and Pro TF6250.

    - Brochure stand printed on Xanita Board by the Pro T7210 and Pro TF6250 and cut to shape.

    - Metallic coasters printed CMYK + white by the Ricoh Pro™ L5160 roll to roll latex printer onto Kernow metallic self-adhesive vinyl, cut to shape, resin domed and applied to coaster bases.

    - Window graphics printed CMYK + white by the Pro L5160 onto DryTac Viziprint optically clear.

    Various media samples printed by the Pro L5160 showcasing different print speeds.
    The Ri 1000, the newest addition to Ricoh’s expanding Direct to Garment printer range, launches in Europe at FESPA. We will be demonstrating its ability to print directly onto white polyester fabrics. Visitors can also explore DTG applications such as aprons, sweatshirts, polo shirts and wine bottle bags. Ricoh will be working with a range of brands such as Fruit of the Loom, SG and RTP Apparel.

    On show, too, will be food packaging produced by the Ricoh Pro C7200x sheetfed digital colour press. Ricoh Pro Print toners have recently received the Smithers Pira Certificate of Conformity assuring EU food packaging legislation compliance.

    Ricoh company ColorGATE’s Production Server V10 will be driving multiple and diverse inkjet devices on the stand, highlighting how it can maximise operational efficiency, output integrity and colour consistency.

    Ricoh’s partnership with Antalis will be firmly in evidence at FESPA thanks to the wide range of flexible and rigid substrates that the company is providing for printing purposes.





  • + Roland DG to inspire at FESPA with newly launched products

    Roland DG Corporation, a leading supplier of digital print technologies with more than 35 years’ manufacturing expertise, is showcasing brand new and exciting solutions at FESPA Global Print ...

    May 07 2019

    Roland DG Corporation, a leading supplier of digital print technologies with more than 35 years’ manufacturing expertise, is showcasing brand new and exciting solutions at FESPA Global Print Expo 2019.

    The award-winning new TrueVIS VG2 Series printer/cutters and VersaUV LEF2-200 UV-LED printer will be demonstrated live on the Roland DG booth (Hall A5 Booth H10). In addition, the booth will feature Roland’s most extensive portfolio of innovative technologies, reflecting the digital print pioneer’s industry-leading role as a key player across a broad range of markets, including sign, textile & décor, industrial and retail.





    Be the best. Choose new TrueVIS VG2 printer/cutters
    Taking pride of place on the booth will be Roland's latest technological innovation: the new TrueVIS VG2 Series. This duo of printer/cutters – VG2-640 (1625 mm) and VG2-540 (1371 mm) – builds on the brand’s impressive heritage of digital desktop technology and represents the next generation of inkjet, featuring over 40 exciting enhancements to set the new industry standard in wide format print.

    TrueVIS VG2 is already an award-winner and delivers a host of significant user benefits, including new TR2 ink, new Orange ink for an incredibly wide colour gamut and superb colour matching capabilities, six-hour outgassing for high-quality same-day finishing , and an enhanced workflow powered by VersaWorks 6 RIP software.

    The on-booth TrueVIS VG2 Discovery Zone will inform and inspire visitors, demonstrating how the TrueVIS VG2 can help them to be the very best in their business.





    Profitable personalisation opportunities with the new VersaUV LEF2-200
    For FESPA visitors exploring the profitable world of personalisation, the Roland booth will also feature the brand new VersaUV LEF2-200. This latest addition to the VersaUV LEF flatbed printer family inherits the series' renowned ability to print amazing graphics and life-like textures, including premium finishes such as simulated embossing, onto a vast array of rigid and flexible materials up to 100 mm thick.

    Visitors will be challenged to decide 'Is It Real Or Printed?', with interactive demonstrations showcasing the VersaUV LEF2-200's amazing versatility and ability to print authentic finishes on materials, including PVC and plastics, canvas, wood, leather and fabric.

    Gillian Montanaro, Head of Marketing, Roland DG EMEA, comments: "We're really excited to bring to FESPA some of our very latest technology innovations, shaped and developed by the needs of the market and our customers. Our solutions give print professionals a winning edge in what is a competitive market, enabling them to capitalise on unlimited opportunities. Our theme at FESPA, 'What Matters To You Inspires What We Do', reflects our commitment and approach to truly customer-focused product development, delivering the very best technology which our users can put their trust in.”

    Explore the exciting potential: Roland’s most diverse product portfolio 
    The booth will also display an exciting and wide-ranging portfolio of Roland's most popular digital print solutions, including:

    VersaUV S-Series UV-LED printer
    The VersaUV S-Series represents true choice and production flexibility with an impressive range of configurations and sizes to suit production environments and requirements of all types. This versatile and innovative range of flatbeds and belts prints stunning quality graphics, photographic images, textures and embossed effects onto virtually any substrate or object, rigid or flexible, up to 200 mm in height and 100 kg/sqm in weight. It is ideal as a next step for existing users of benchtop UV printers, for businesses with ambition looking to enter the world of UV printing, or for those with more ‘industrial’ scale requirements.

    The robust flatbeds are ideal for direct print onto rigid substrates and objects, while the belts offer the option to print flexible, roll-to-roll or rigid materials and items, meaning there is a VersaUV S-Series for everyone.

    VersaEXPRESS RF-640 8 Colour eco-solvent printer 
    Be stunned by colour on the Roland booth. Offering the widest colour gamut in its class for durable outdoor graphics, the RF-640 8 Colour is the ideal choice for print service providers looking to deliver head-turning, high-impact applications that exceed their clients’ colour expectations. The RF-640 8 Colour printer features CMYK plus Light Black, Red, Green, and Orange ink for stunning quality prints, super-accurate colour reproduction capabilities and impressive outdoor durability.
    Ideal for matching corporate brand colours, with the RF-640 8 Colour up to 99% of Pantone®+ Solid Coated is within gamut . The RF-640 8 Colour also represents superb value for money, and is priced to be the industry's most affordable 8-colour printer.

    Texart RT-640M multi-function textile sublimation printer 
    Following its preview at FESPA in 2018, Roland’s latest ground-breaking addition to the popular Texart dye-sublimation range, the RT-640M, will be in action on the booth. With unique printing capabilities, the RT-640M makes it possible to print directly onto polyester-based fabrics and onto dye-sublimation transfer paper with the same device, using the same ink and RIP.
    Delivering an unparallelled price-performance ratio, the RT-640M’s direct printing capabilities make it ideal for businesses that want to print double-sided items, such as flags and banners, and it offers textile print suppliers a truly versatile digital dye-sublimation print solution. Sign makers, promotional goods companies, and apparel and interior décor suppliers can all deliver agilely across a wide range of applications.

    LD-80 laser foil decorator 
    Discover a world of high-value product customisation with the compact and user-friendly LD-80 laser decorator. Add text, logos and graphics in a variety of metallic and holographic foils for premium, on-demand personalisation of off-the-shelf gifts, and products including fountain pens, smart phone covers, stationery and cosmetic accessories.
    Be inspired by amazing Roland users 

    Graphics professionals visiting the Roland booth will also have the chance to explore exciting new opportunities and learn how other customers have succeeded with Roland's technology. The Roland Hero Awards in 2018 celebrated the Roland community’s amazing creativity, entrepreneurship and ingenuity. On the booth, videos featuring Roland's spotlight Heroes will be screened alongside a gallery of insightful customer stories, so come and be inspired, pick up some tips for your own business and discover ways to get the very best from your technology.

    Montanaro concludes: "We're excited to showcase a range of fantastic solutions at FESPA and to continue to build on our close connections with the graphics community – we're very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to our booth and demonstrating the exciting and profitable ways in which Roland technology can benefit their businesses."

    FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 takes place in Munich, Germany, from May 14th to 17th 2019.





  • + WORLD'S SMALLEST DTG-CAPABLE DRYER INTRODUCED BY VASTEX

    Vastex International has introduced the world's smallest conveyor dryer matched to the output of Anajet®, Brother®, Epson®, Polyprint® and other DuPont®-based DTG printing syste...

    May 07 2019

    Vastex International has introduced the world's smallest conveyor dryer matched to the output of Anajet®, Brother®, Epson®, Polyprint® and other DuPont®-based DTG printing systems, depending on model size and image saturation, it was announced by Mark Vasilantone, president.
     
    Dubbed "LittleRed X1D," the compact dryer measures 46 x 122 cm (dimensions of its conveyor belt) and is the first dryer with a heater that spans the entire belt width.
     
    Mr. Howard Debney from Leapfrog Machinery (Australian Distributors for Vastex) says “this is an exciting development for the Australian DTG Market. The LittleRed X1D offers an extremely dense machine; engineered to meet the space, budget and performance needs of DTG shops.”
     
    Compatible with the most popular inkets on the market, the LittleRed X1D can cure up to 27 garments per hour DTG-printed with digital white ink, as well as screen-printed garments at rates to 81 per hour for water-based ink or discharge, and 162 per hour for plastisols.
     
    As standard, it is equipped with features found on the company's larger DTG-capable dryers including adjustable belt-to-heater clearance to accommodate bulky items, a dual digital PID temperature controller accurate to ±1°, and an X-Series conveyor belt roller tracking system with Teflon-coated fibreglass belt. A powered exhaust removes moisture and air contaminants, while cooling the housing and controls. 
     
    The heaters of all Vastex dryers carry an industry-leading 15-year warranty, and feature closely spaced coils that provide high-density, medium-wavelength infrared heat for maximum cure speed without cold spots or under curing associated with conventional units.
     
    With many Australian printers moving towards the DTG market, Mr. Debney says “The LittleRed X1D will play an important role for small businesses, enabling them to compete in the DTG Market.”
     
    Vastex, through Leapfrog Machinery, offer the Australian market a range of quality screen printing equipment for entry level to large commercial shops. 
     
    For further information or to see this compact DTG dryer in action, contact Leapfrog Machinery on (02) 9482 4999 www.leapfrogmachinery.com.au





  • + Alfex Laser Open House Brisbane - May 29 10:00 am - May 30 @ 5:30 pm

    Alfex Laser Open House is an opportunity for everyone interested in laser cutting, laser marking and laser engraving to visit our facility in Brisbane to showcase some of our leading laser system s...

    April 30 2019

    Alfex Laser Open House is an opportunity for everyone interested in laser cutting, laser marking and laser engraving to visit our facility in Brisbane to showcase some of our leading laser system solutions.

    You will have a chance to tour our Brisbane facility, view demonstrations and network with industry-leading companies and like-minded professionals.

    Meet our Alfex Laser sales & support staff and peek inside one of our Service Vans to see how well stocked and organised they are with repair parts needed to service your machines.

    Alfex CNC Australia is celebrating 40 years in business and Our Open House is the best opportunity for you to network with other manufacturers and to discuss ways to increase your productivity with our experienced Application Engineers.

    If you plan to attend – and you should – please be sure to register.

    https://alfexlaser.com.au/event/alfex-laser-open-house/





  • + Alfex Perth Laser Demonstration Day June 6

    We know that deciding to invest in a laser machine is a big decision. That is why we are bringing our machines to you. We will be showcasing our latest laser products in Perth

    April 30 2019

    We know that deciding to invest in a laser machine is a big decision.

    That is why we are bringing our machines to you. We will be showcasing our latest laser products in Perth

    This is your opportunity for a personalised demonstration close to home.

    Our laser experts will be on-site and available to answer all your laser cutting and laser engraving questions.

    If you’d like to check the application for a particular material, bring a sample along and we’ll be happy to run it through.

    https://alfexlaser.com.au/event/perth-laser-cutter-and-laser-engraver/





  • + AstroNova introduces range of grass paper labels

    This new paper, made from grass, provides an eco-friendly label material for organic product brand owners. This label is usable on a wide range of product types (foodstuff, cosmetics, wine, pet foo...

    April 30 2019

    This new paper, made from grass, provides an eco-friendly label material for organic product brand owners. This label is usable on a wide range of product types (foodstuff, cosmetics, wine, pet foods) and is particularly suitable for labeling clothing.

    The manufacturing process for conventional wood pulp uses 6,000 litres of water per ton – compared to 1 litre used in the production of this grass-based product; known under the reference 261. It has a permanent adhesive for small surfaces on a variety of substrates. This general-purpose adhesive is approved for direct foodstuff contact and has been awarded ISEGA Institute certification. As an option, AstroNova can also provide an acrylic dispersion adhesive, which is removable without leaving residue, from a variety of substrates.

    The light brown colour of Grass paper means that a vintage-style label can be achieved without the need for additional processing.





  • + Gerber MCT Cutter makes its European debut at FESPA

    As the need for on-demand manufacturing increases across an ever-widening array of substrates, producers in the sign & graphic and packaging industries need a system that offers speed and versa...

    April 30 2019

    As the need for on-demand manufacturing increases across an ever-widening array of substrates, producers in the sign & graphic and packaging industries need a system that offers speed and versatility to meet every request that comes in. In order to remain competitive, companies must offer more material options and quicker turnaround times without diminishing the quality of their product.

    As the most versatile digital cutting solution on the market, the Gerber MCT Cutter has all the tools, including laser, to complete the most challenging jobs for a wide range of substrates, while increasing productivity and delivering high-quality results. The innovative system allows users to control target registration, cut file editing and machine production from one, integrated user interface.

    Six months after having acquired MCT Digital, Gerber is expanding its MCT digital cutting system worldwide into the sign & graphics and packaging markets. The highly-integrated system of hardware and software has won a number of accolades in the North America market.

    “We are excited to bring such strong innovation in digital finishing to the European sign & graphics and packaging markets, and look to build on Gerber’s deep heritage of automated finishing and integrated production software,” said Gerber Technology’s Scott Schinlever, president and chief operating officer, Automation Solutions.

    The most versatile cutting solution on the market, the Gerber MCT Cutter, is equipped with an industry-leading 100w laser for textiles and acrylics, as well as 11 interchangeable tools and the industry’s most integrated production and vision-guided software, TigerVision™.

    “We went from doing everything by hand to having a giant digital worker who is very accurate and fast,” said Jonathan Merendlender, founder of Printed Ink (Huntingdon Valley, PA) who has been using a Gerber MCT Cutter since October 2018. “Aside from the obvious benefits of custom shapes, 3D lettering, and fabrication, the CNC router drastically cut down on labor and increased capacity almost instantly.”

    The Gerber MCT Cutter will be making its European debut at FESPA, the largest international wide format professional printing exhibition that showcases the latest innovations for digital printing and laser cutting.





  • + NUtec Digital Ink releases latest GBL-free offering

    World class manufacturer, NUtec Digital Ink is further expanding its GBL-free ink range with the announcement of the release of its newest eco-solvent product, known as the Diamond D20-GF ink.

    April 30 2019

    World class manufacturer, NUtec Digital Ink is further expanding its GBL-free ink range with the announcement of the release of its newest eco-solvent product, known as the Diamond D20-GF ink.

    The Diamond D20-GF is a premium eco-solvent ink designed for use on Spectra Starfire print heads such as those found in Gongzheng wide format printers. The D20-GF ink offers excellent outdoor durability and, when used in regular applications using suitable substrates, will deliver printed images that last for up to two years.





    The Diamond D20-GF formulation is low smell, GBL-free and offers superior abrasion and chemical resistance, while providing excellent media compatibility across a broad range of self-adhesive and flexible substrates.

    Available in either 1L, 2L or 5L bottles with an 18 month shelf life,  the D20-GF eco-solvent ink supports NUtec’s new product strategy which includes the development of more environmentally and operator- friendly digital ink alternatives for its customers worldwide. The company’s ink products are supported by NUtec Digital’s Ink Delivery System Warranty.

    NUtec Sales and Marketing Director, Neil Green notes, “While we are continually developing newer ink technologies such as our water-based and UV-curable digital inks, it is our eco-solvent chemistry that remains the first choice for our  customers in the traditional outdoor signage arena. The Diamond D20-GF ink is our latest eco-solvent offering in the GBL-free range and already has our customers thrilled with its performance.“

    www.nutecdigital.com





  • + Summa to launch the L3214 laser cutter at FESPA 2019

    Summa is proud to announce that its brand new L3214 laser cutting machine will be introduced at FESPA 2019. This is the second Summa style laser unit and equipped with a 1.4 m long conveyor bed on ...

    April 30 2019

    Summa is proud to announce that its brand new L3214 laser cutting machine will be introduced at FESPA 2019. This is the second Summa style laser unit and equipped with a 1.4 m long conveyor bed on a total width of more than 3.2 m, to be exact 3.35 m.

    Besides the size, one of its most unique features is the on-the-fly cutting process, which allows for continuous feeding of material to the machine. This will make the user much more productive. While the machine continues cutting, the newly cut material is readily available for pick-up from the conveyor belt. Fast, accurate, and on-the-fly cutting – the L3214 is bound to change the go-to-market strategy for applications in soft signage, home decoration, sportswear and fashion. The L3214 will be on display at FESPA 2019 in Hall A5, Booth F20.

    Meet your customers’ deadlines and improve your margin

    Summa has developed a unique on-the-fly cutting concept to ensure a perfectly cut product that’s ready to roll off the table. The concept has many benefits to offer, which contribute to higher productivity, enabling L3214-users to serve their customers faster with high accuracy. To illustrate this, when processing typical jobs, the machine even cuts 400 m2 an hour.

    At the core of the enhanced productivity lies a top-notch camera recognition system. Instead of getting your files ready, or waiting for the material to be scanned, this Summa L3214 Vision system continuously scans the material and automatically creates the cut vector needed for the job. The system secures continuous cutting, even when the conveyor is moving, saving you a considerable amount of valuable time.

    At this high speed, Summa is still able to maintain the high standards for accuracy. A motorized de-reeler makes sure there is no fabric distortion while cutting. The system secures a constant and stable fabric feed onto the vacuumed cutting bed. By creating a loop in the material, the de-reeler relaxes the material, reduces distortion and secures an accurate cut. No more idle periods, yet boosted productivity instead with a perfectly cut product that’s immediately ready for shipment or further processing.

    Like all L Series, also the L3214 enjoys the following benefits:

    - Cutting quality that exceeds your expectations, thanks to the perfectly sealed edges. 

    - Processing textiles with high precision and without fraying by default, through contactless cutting with a laser. 

    - Any deformations are automatically recognised by the intelligent camera system and immediately compensated in the cutting vector. 

    - Material optimisation reduces waste with the Vision technology because the laser system does not need markers, the cutting designs can be placed much closer to each other, ensuring maximum use of the material. 

    - Environment & Safety is a priority. Fumes are removed by the internal extraction system and cutting by laser produces no dust fibres ensuring a clean work environment. The L Series is enclosed to meet the Class 1 standard, ensuring the laser cutting source is covered during operation and machine pauses if the cover is open.

    Laser cutting excellence at FESPA 2019

    Textile is one of the fastest growing markets nowadays, where on-demand digital printing proved to be the game changer many soft signage, sportswear and fashion brands need. Printed textiles still require finishing and nothing cuts as accurately as laser cutting. The contactless cutting means no fabric distortion, low to none dust generation, no tool wear and no fraying of synthetic textiles thanks to the edge sealing feature. It can be applied to any type of material and secures a quick and precise cutting of even the most intricate designs.

    Wim Maes, Executive Director & CCO at Summa nv comments: “Our first model is a crowd-pleaser, especially in sportswear, but large format textiles and on-demand business models, raised the bar and a fast time-to-market is needed. The market asked for a bigger L Series model and we gladly comply. Textile will again be a major focus market at FESPA 2019 with many visitors looking for the perfect match of quality and price. Seekers of excellence in this field will find it on our stand F20 in Hall A5. We invite everyone to experience the benefits of laser cutting first-hand by joining one of the demonstrations and viewing the accurate and fast output the L3214 delivers with on-the-fly cutting technology.”






  • + MUTOH achieves UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for US11 ink

    MUTOH, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, announced that their original LED-UV ink or UL’s US11 ink is now the UL GREENGUARD Gold certified.  UL’s ...

    April 25 2019

    MUTOH, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, announced that their original LED-UV ink or UL’s US11 ink is now the UL GREENGUARD Gold certified. 

    UL’s GREENGUARD Certification Program is a widely used standard for design professionals, consumers and others to find low emitting interior products that promote better indoor air quality. Products that achieve GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold Certification have demonstrated low chemical emissions during normal use. Some products, such as printing inks, are used in a wide variety of applications.

    The GREENGUARD test method includes standardised room exposure models for both an office and classroom environment developed by the California Department of Public Health. The stringency of these models is directly related to the surface area of product that will be used in the room. For products that may be used in many applications, UL considers all potential applications and awards certification for the highest surface area loading for which the products meet the GREENGUARD and/or GREENGUARD Gold Certification criteria.

    To learn more about the GREENGUARD Certification, go to https://services.ul.com/service/greenguard-certification/  

    MUTOH is taking steps to ensure our company and our products are environmentally responsible. MUTOH has been committed to provide customers safe, environmentally-friendly and high-quality products by following industry standards in our product development process.

    About MUTOH’s original LED-UV ink; US 11 ink  

    The MUTOH US11 ink has been specifically developed for MUTOH’s specialty/industrial UV printers. The US11 ink is capable of printing on a wide range of materials and is designed to bend and stretch with the materials after cured. The ink enables beautiful and versatile layer printing with CMYK + white and varnish colours. Available in cartridges & bulk ink bags, the MUTOH's LED-UV ink features high-productivity, ultra-sharp and high quality outputs.  

    Area of Application – printer compatibility


    MUTOH US11 ink is applicable to the following ValueJet UV inkjet printers.
    - VJ-1638UH
    - VJ-1638UR 
    - VJ-626UF
    - VJ-426UF






  • + Sign & Corrugated Converters Avoid Costly Future Reinvestment With Launch Of Esko Kongsberg C Edge Upgradable Cutting Table

    Esko, a global supplier of integrated hardware and software solutions for leading packaging, labels and wide format customers, has extended its Kongsberg digital cutting table range with the new Ko...

    April 25 2019

    Esko, a global supplier of integrated hardware and software solutions for leading packaging, labels and wide format customers, has extended its Kongsberg digital cutting table range with the new Kongsberg C Edge; a completely upgradable table design that avoids costly reinvestment for customers as business grows.
     
    The breakthrough innovation in the Kongsberg C multifunction, digital finishing series is designed specifically for signage and corrugated packaging converters.
     
    Russell Weller, Esko Product Manager, stated: “The new C Edge is designed to grow with our customers. Invest now and you invest for the future. Unlike other tables on the market, the C Edge is completely upgradable avoiding the impact of having to reinvest when a business expands. The C Edge evolves with a business to unlock production flexibility and profitability, and delivers exceptional cutting quality and milling accuracy at a remarkably cost-effective price.”
     
    With high speed production capability up to 75m/min, at an acceleration of 1G, the Kongsberg C Edge enables converters to produce high quality results with fast turnaround to meet today’s dynamic market needs.
     
    Suitable for the wide range of substrates used in the signage sector, the C Edge can be fitted with  the new second Fast Tool adapter to reduce manual tool changes and minimise downtime. When two Fast Tools are utilised together, converters can achieve higher throughput with clever tool combinations and improve output quality, especially on signage materials like vinyls. The C Edge is also available with or without a conveyor.
     
    For corrugated packaging manufacturers, the C Edge can also be fitted with a heavy duty unit with a 50kg downforce to produce high quality crease lines with a 150mm crease wheel. Efficient and high-quality creasing, even at 100% speed, is supported by CorruSpeed; a unique tool developed for cutting corrugated board at high production speeds without oscillation. The CorruSpeed tool delivers higher quality and generates significant time savings on a range of corrugated applications, even with recycled content.
     
    Having a track record of delivering speed, precision and production power through superior engineering and build quality, Esko brings next generation innovation with the C Edge table for converters, supporting them today and in to the future.
     
    Kongsberg C Edge is now available to the global market. For more information about the table and its complementary tools and software, please click here





  • + HP Reinvents Dye Sublimation Printing with the Launch of HP Stitch

    HP has announced the new HP Stitch S series, a portfolio of digital textile printers that deliver fast, precise colour-matching, alongside efficient, simplified processes. It is HP’s latest i...

    April 24 2019

    HP has announced the new HP Stitch S series, a portfolio of digital textile printers that deliver fast, precise colour-matching, alongside efficient, simplified processes. It is HP’s latest innovation designed to accelerate commercial digital print adoption.

    “Décor and fashion application trends, on demand production and personalisation are boosting digital print growth,” says Jeremy Brew, Large Format Application Specialist at HP. “The digitally printed textiles market is experiencing double-digit annual growth, forecast to reach US$5.5 billion by 2023, according to Smithers Pira. We look forward to more digital print transformations being realised with the arrival of the new HP Stitch S series.” 

    The portfolio of printers couple HP Thermal Inkjet technology with industry-standard dyes for superior colour durability. The first-ever built-in spectrophotometer enables Stitch’s fast and exact colour-matching. The introduction includes three new printers from 64-inch to 126-inch wide: the HP Stitch S300 64-in Printer, the HP Stitch S500 64-in Printer, and the HP Stitch S1000 126-in Printer.  

    The HP Stitch S300 Printer holds the first user-replaceable printhead, resulting in reduced down-times and service costs. The HP Stitch S300 Printer was designed specifically for new-to-dye sublimation professionals, prototyping departments, and growing print providers. 

    “Our experience with HP Stitch S300 has been much easier and faster than other dye sub printers we’ve previously used,” says Teunis Roos, Color Concepts. “Most printers require manual action in terms of head maintenance and alignment, but the HP Stitch S300 is more proactive and automated when it comes to performance.”





    Highlights: 
    Delivers the world’s fastest colour-matching - in the printer, in the RIP (Raster Image Processor) and in the cloud 
    Features Thermal Inkjet printhead technology to help reduce time and waste, and achieve repeatable, colour consistency across customer fleets
    Offers continuous high-quality prints with transfer paper and direct-to fabric features 
    Prevents downtime with HP Proactive Services offering pre-emptive support  

    HP Stitch S500 Printer enables predictable dye sublimation colour and less media waste for production environments. With symmetrical 2xCMYK printhead configuration and Optical Media Advance Sensor, this 64-inch printer allows for saturated and reliable one pass mode for true top speed. The HP Stitch S500 Printer was designed specifically for high production sites.

    Key HP Stitch S500 Printer features include:
    Streamlined production
    o Big ink supplies, larger rolls, and HP’s Tension-Sensing Winder allow unattended operations—even overnight, complete with HP Services and cloud fleet management tools.
    Colour you can rely on with HP SmartColour tools
    o Confidently distribute jobs across your fleet with colour consistency from printer to printer.
    Cost savings 
    o Help avoid reprints and media waste with 1200 native dpi printheads and HP Smart Nozzle Compensation system, saving up to 50 percent floor space with frontal media loading and a spindle-less system. 





    New HP Dye Sublimation Paper
    HP has also launched a set of new dye sublimation papers for the new HP Stitch S Printer series. These papers are designed and tested as a system with HP dye sublimation inks and the HP Stitch S Printer series to achieve excellent image quality and colour consistency.

    The HP Stitch S300 and S500 Printer series, as well as dye sublimation paper, are available now and will be showcased at ISA 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 24-26. Visit us at Booth 1935 and 1919 for a hands-on first look at the portfolio. 

    The 126-inch HP Stitch S1000 Printer can be seen at ISA 2019 under exclusive invitation and will make its debut at FESPA 2019 in May. 

    Pricing and availability

    Information on Australian availability, pricing, and retail destinations will be available in the lead-up to PrintEx 2019. 






  • + Mimaki release flatbed UV inkjet printer “JFX200-2513 EX”

    Mimaki has released the “JFX200-2513 EX”, a large flatbed UV inkjet printer. The entry level flatbed will print direct onto a range of materials including white board, tran...

    April 24 2019

    Mimaki has released the “JFX200-2513 EX”, a large flatbed UV inkjet printer.

    The entry level flatbed will print direct onto a range of materials including white board, transparent/coloured board, wood, cardboard, and metal. Bed size is 2,500mm x 1,300mm.

    “The JFX200-2513 EX is an ultimate 2.5m x 1.3m flatbed LED UV inkjet printer that combines high value-added print and high productivity," said Brad Creighton, National Marketing Manager, Mimaki Australia. "The newly developed head unit is adopted to enable production without reducing speed even in white and colour simultaneous printing. This has increased the productivity 200 per cent compared to the JFX200-2513."

    “We have also added high value added printing features, including a special Emboss Print function. Most printers make the surface look bumpy with many layers of UV ink straight on top of other layers. Smoother expression is only achieved by stacking stepped layers, so there was a need to manually prepare the data for each layer. The JFX200-2513 EX allows you to create semi-stereoscopic 2.5D print data for stepped layers that are sized differently, simply by common Illustrator/Photoshop operations and RasterLink6Plus. We call this 2.5D Texture Maker, the prints look fantastic.”

    The Emboss Print in the Surface Imaging is a technique that enables 2.5D expression using multiple layers of UV ink to add a three-dimensional effect to the surface.

    The new 2.5D Texture Maker is a new function of Mimaki genuine rip software, RaterLink6Plus, which allows printers to easily create multi-layered gradation data.

    The company says semi-stereoscopic smooth 2.5D print can be easily made, for applications such as interior materials with printed bricks and woodgrain texture, an elevation of thick ink of an oil painting, and embossed letters of signage.

    The newly featured Draft mode achieves a higher-grade productivity, realising a maximum printing speed of 35sqm per hour.

    Main features

    1. High value-added print “2.5D Texture Maker” that enables easy creation of smooth semi-stereoscopic 2.5D data

    2. High productivity
    a) Print speed in white-simultaneous printing has improved 200% of the conventional model
    b) Higher-grade productivity realised by adding the new print mode

    3. Stability and safety
    a) NCU & NRS automatically detects missing nozzles and performs recovery
    b) Links with external interface allow users to meet safety standards that are different by factory

    4. Upgraded usability
    a) Work efficiency improved by adding the vacuum-controlling foot switch
    b) Ethernet connection supported