Ricoh has launched the Ri 1000 Direct to Garment (DTG) printer providing imaginative print providers with a fast and flexible production solution that delivers exceptional image quality.

Appearing at FESPA, Munich, May 14 to 17, in response to the growing demand for easy to use, efficient and affordable garment decoration solutions, the Ri 1000 supports the adoption of value added services in new markets. It joins the Ri 100 and Ri 6000 in Ricoh’s rapidly expanding DTG portfolio of solutions.

Faster than the Ri 3000 it replaces, the Ri 1000 delivers greater print quality with enhanced resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi and supports CMYK plus white ink to ensure dazzling results on fabric of any colour.

The Ri 1000’s application flexibility is supported by a new pre-treatment liquid suitable for 100% light polyester and polycotton blends. This opens up greater opportunities for garments and textile products in a number of sectors including sports.

Quick operation and production versatility are made easy with the ability to smoothly switch between multiple styles of platens up to 406.4 mm x 508 mm. The Ri 1000’s magnetic mechanism enables the platens to easily snap on and off without the need for additional tools. This flexibility supports continuous production and a wide range of print capabilities from children's sizes to super wide designs.

“The Ri 1000’s comprehensive functionality, production flexibility and versatility make it the ideal option for personalised garment printing and print on demand services,” says Graham Kennedy, Head of Commercial Ink Jet Business, Commercial and Industrial Printing Group, Ricoh Europe. “It delivers the perfect combination of smart technology, fast print speeds and high output quality to enable creative print providers to capture genuine business growth opportunities. Its four Ricoh print heads, robust product design, advanced features such as temperature and humidity sensors, and precise ink supply monitoring assure consistently reliable high quality results.”

Minimal maintenance with customisable cleaning options maximises production uptime. For those maintenance tasks that aren’t automated, the device’s 7-inch touchscreen display provides smart alerts notifying operators when to perform manual maintenance tasks.

Vivid Sydney returns to transform the Harbour City into a colourful creative canvas for 23 nights from Friday 24 May to Sunday 15 June.
 
Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2019,  Australia’s most loved and awarded festival brings together light artists, music makers and brilliant minds to share their creativity with visitors and residents alike.
 
The official Vivid Sydney 2019 program will be announced on Tuesday 19 March.
 
We’ll be sure to update you as the program unfolds so stay tuned.
 
For further information please contact:
 
Nathan McIlroy, The Mint Partners
nathan@themintpartners.com.au

For more information you can visit vividsydney.com

Recently, the best and brightest from Canon Hong Kong toured the production facilities of one of Australia’s leading print specialists, Waratah Group. 

The aim of the tour was to show the team from Canon Hong Kong how the state-of-the-art 
Océ VarioPrint i300 is being used by the Waratah Group to maximise production, harness the benefits of variable data and shift from offset print to the more efficient digital inkjet cut sheet process. 

Brett Chalmers, COO, Waratah Group, met the delegation and talked about how the Océ VarioPrint i300 has greatly benefitted their business, why they invested in the technology, and the enormous workload the printer is able to handle. 

“We invested in the Océ VarioPrint i300 because we wanted a cost-effective alternative to the offset processes we were using,” said Brett. “The Océ VarioPrint i300 eliminates the need for plates, set-up times, chemicals, storage, transport and many of the other costs usually associated with offset print. Over time though, we have found that its versatility and ability to harness variable data, has really changed how we operate. It saves us so much time and the print quality is exceptional. We operate the Océ VarioPrint i300 close to 24/7 and it never lets us down.”



Waratah Group installed the Océ VarioPrint i300 in 2017. Though initially looking to replace their offset print technology for small and medium run jobs. The team at Waratah Group quickly realised there was far more to this printer. 

The VarioPrint i300 is a sheet-fed production colour inkjet press, about twice as productive as similar class digital colour toner presses. It is suited for multiple print applications from variable mail printing through to high-quality commercial print applications like premium direct mail, glossy magazines and high end collaterals, including the availability of MICR inks for check printing. Among its most appealing features is its ability to print on common offset coated substrates; the range of qualified papers is expanding daily.



As a production unit, it bridges the gap between the application flexibility and efficiency of toner-based sheet fed digital presses and the economy and productivity of web-fed inkjet systems, without compromising quality. It supports a large variety of paper sizes up to B3 format and uses the proven input and output technologies. This is combined with the innovative, highly efficient iQuarius Precision Sheet Control that uses vacuum suction to hold sheets flat on its seamless, stainless steel paper transport belt. For maximum performance, automated maintenance routines help reduce operator intervention; simultaneously helping maintain print quality, productivity, and uptime. The printer is engineered with "Sense and Support" Predictive Maintenance, delivering peace of mind by helping minimise unplanned service activities and optimising planned maintenance.



Craig Nethercott, MD, Océ Australia who was present at the tour added, “The VarioPrint i300 is extremely economical and highly productive. It is perfectly placed for businesses producing between one and ten million impressions per month. Highly versatile, it can address direct mail, publishing and general commercial print applications, and its high levels of automation and broad range of inline finishing options, with minimal need for further handling, deliver significant productivity improvements. Waratah Group has shown how productive the VarioPrint i300 can be, becoming (by volume) one of the top five operators of this printer in the world. The quality and versatility of printed items we have seen here goes to show just how good VarioPrint i300 is.”

Brett took the delegation on a tour of Waratah’s impressive industrial production facilities at their Port Melbourne location. They offer services and solutions for every area of print including offset and digital print, packaging, publishing, e-commerce, design and mailing services, as well as data management and logistical services. 

The team from Canon were able to ask questions and discover how the Waratah Group were getting the best from the Océ VarioPrint i300 in the ever changing printing landscape. 



Brett explained that the benefit of digital technology and variable data capability meant that they could offer new, personalised services to clients, something they were not able to do with previous offset technology. This ability has opened up new avenues, giving the company the opportunity to pitch new ideas to clients. He also provided examples of the superior print quality the VarioPrint i300 can deliver, handing out samples ranging from magazines, direct mail pieces, brochures and catalogues. 



The delegation was really impressed by the size, efficiency and professionalism shown by Waratah Group, and how the Océ VarioPrint i300 was able to facilitate the company’s growth, professionalism and ability to provide their clients with their signature quality and service.



“What sets us apart in the industry is the value proposition we offer to the market place,” said Brett. “We provide a fully integrated solution including all methods of print production including offset, digital, large format, small format, mailing, promotional item and 3pl, All these services are supported by the latest technologies available to our clients.”

To find out more about the leading range of Océ print technology, you can visit www.oce.com.au or contact Alexandra Grant Alexandra.grant@oce.com

To find out more about Waratah Group, please visit www.waratah-group.com.au

Royston Labels has created label packaging for Griffiths Brothers' Cold Distilled Gin, combining simple black line work with evocative detailing and flashes of blue. This may sound fairly simple, but using thermochromic ink, the blue portion of the label will only appear when the Gin is considered cold enough to be enjoyed at its best. How cool!

The Griffiths Brothers name is associated with premium gin that has been created using cold distillation to better capture the flavours of the botanicals, so in manufacturing the label for this special drink, the Royston team used a series of specialised techniques to ensure the highest quality finish.



The label was printed on a clear material to ensure that it was sufficiently and that the large, bold design was clearly delineated. High definition raised print was applied to give a smooth textural quality to the text, and vibrant blue detailing was achieved with premium inks.

For an innovative finishing touch, a heat-responsive section was added to the back. They manufactured this portion of the label using thermochromic ink, which turns blue when the gin is cold enough to drink. At warmer temperatures, the blue fades – indicating that it’s time for a trip back to the refrigerator.

Though impressive, this gin label’s colour-changing capabilities might be dismissed by some as the printing equivalent of a parlour trick, if not for the fact that it serves to reinforce the key selling point of this premium gin. Unlike traditional distillers, Griffiths Brothers created this gin using cold distillation, the better to capture the flavours of the botanicals used in its making, and ultimately making for a cleaner, brighter taste.

Designed by Milestone  and printed by Royston Labels,  the Griffiths Brothers Gin label is also an excellent example of digital inkjet printing. CMYK + White were printed on 50 micron Fasson Clear polypropylene (PP) film, with the white going down first to provide a neutral background for the vibrant blue and some of the leaf details. The vibrant Blue ink was then applied via flexo to the name of the gin and as an accent colour.

Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and printer cutters worldwide, today announced the launch of its second generation TrueVIS VG2 Series 64" and 54" wide format eco-solvent inkjet printer cutters.

Kohei Tanabe, President, Digital Printing Business Division, stated that the company’s objective in creating the VG2 Series was to improve upon the already high standards set by the previous award-winning VG Series. "To create printer cutters that boast the highest output quality in Roland DG history, we did not stick to existing concepts, but redefined product development by focusing on dozens of little details. The result is that the new TrueVIS VG2 Series offers customers a true competitive advantage and the "power to excite."

The TrueVIS VG2 Series adopts a new generation of eco-solvent TR2 ink. In addition to the previous seven colours of CMYKLcLmLk and White, new TR2 ink supports Orange ink to greatly expand colour gamut. "Orange ink effectively leads to richer colour expression which resonates in the mind," Tanabe said. A new Multiprocess Colour Function was developed to enable using Orange ink as a process colour. In order to take full advantage of the VG2’s superior colour reproduction capability and the wide colour gamut provided by TR2 ink, a True Rich Colour preset was also created. "Now for the first time," he added, "vibrant colour can be combined with neutral grays, smooth gradations and natural skin tones to create stunning graphics."

The VG2 offers a host of technological advancements to improve both printing and cutting accuracy for reliable results during unattended operation. New middle pinch rollers raise automatically prior to starting the cutting process for unattended operation. New crop mark options for cutting laminated printed materials in combination with optimised pinch roller pressure provide more stable cutting performance. A new take-up unit supports two modes according to the type of media chosen, securing take-up stability for smooth post processes. 

Tanabe said meticulous attention to details by Roland DG engineers resulted in increased performance and reliability for the VG2. Roland DG FlexFire printheads produce the precision ink firing that enables printing neutral grays, vivid colours, and smooth skin tones even at the highest speeds. TrueVIS VG2 and TR2 ink is certified for long-lasting results by the 3MTM MCSTM, providing assurance of the quality and reliability of their graphics. The VG2 with TR2 ink also supports Avery’s ICS performance guarantee and is certified GREENGUARD Gold for safe indoor graphic applications. Included VersaWorks 6 RIP software supports the latest Harlequin® RIP dual core engine with PDF 2.0 and native 64-bit processing plus new, easy-to-use capabilities that make it the most powerful RIP software ever.

Tanabe noted that the previous VG Series won the 2019 Pick Awards for Colour and Productivity from Buyers Lab. "Roland DG is committed to providing products to help graphic providers and sign makers unleash their creative possibilities, transform their imagination into reality, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment when people react to their output graphics with ‘WOW!’" he said. 

For more information, please visit here

Leading distribution companies Australian Visual Solutions (AVS), Amari Plastics and Chief Media have joined forces to offer their customers an expanded range of options following a strategic merger this week.

International parent company MM Plastics announced the merger today, with General Manager Steve Baker saying the resulting entity, Amari Visual Solutions, will bring the best of all worlds to its customers through an expanded product range and wider distribution network.

“We’ve been laying the groundwork for this since mid-2018, following the acquisition of Chief Media in 2015 and AVS in 2017,” he says. 

“With our customers needing access to a more diverse range of media and substrates to meet the demands of a dynamic market, it simply makes sense to offer our whole product range through every outlet.

“Also, while operating independently, the three companies have always shared a similar commitment to delivering a total solution to customers; quality products, responsive and knowledgeable support and excellent value for money. So, it’s a great fit.”

The combined product portfolio will give customers of all three original companies a single source of supply for a wide selection of high-quality substrates, signage media, printers, inks and accessories.

“AVS customers will now have access to an extensive range of quality substrates including Aluminium Composite Panels, PVC, Acrylic, Polycarbonate and Flute” Steve explains.

“Amari Plastics and Chief Media customers, in turn, will benefit from access to the huge range of wide format media, cut graphics and display media, as well as hardware, tools, accessories, inks and finishing solutions which were previously only available through AVS.”

Amari Visual Solutions will operate out of seven sites in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, servicing clients including sign, display and POS companies, digital wide-format printers, screen and offset printers, commercial shop fitters, truck and trailer builders, industrial and manufacturing companies and acrylic fabricators.

“This combined network gives us an excellent supply base for customers around the country, providing not only fast and efficient local delivery, but access to the technical expertise and support of local product specialists.”

While the merger officially comes into effect on the 4th of March, Steve says the transition will be staged to avoid any disruption to customers. Rebranding of buildings and delivery vehicles will take place over the coming months.

“In the meantime, though, all local reps will be able to help with products from across the entire portfolio and, in the next few months, we’ll be releasing a new, combined product catalogue and launching our new website, www.amarivisual.com.au,” 

“We are really encouraged by the enthusiastic response to this merge by our customers and look forward to providing a great portfolio of quality products accompanied by fast and reliable service to the market that has been so supportive of our activities in the past.”

Screen today announces that Campaign, a Bertelsmann Printing Group subsidiary, specialising in one2one customer communications, has invested in a second Truepress Jet520HD press to support the growth of its direct mail services. The investment brings the total number of Screen high-speed inkjet systems to three following earlier installations of the Truepress Jet520ZZ and its first Truepress Jet520HD.

Headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany, Campaign believes that this latest investment will create new business opportunities and strengthen its competitive position. With the help of the Truepress Jet520HD, Campaign is able to send high-quality personalised mail to its customers. In combination with shorter turnaround times, a significant increase in conversion rates has been achieved per campaign.

Engineered for short print runs, the Truepress Jet520HD is designed with personalisation in mind. The press is fully integrated with Screen’s workflow software, EQUIOS, boasting a vast gallery of preloaded templates. This, along with the system’s rapid start time, enables Campaign to optimise uptime, maximise throughput and increase profit margins.

According to Nik Bockmann, Managing Director at Campaign, this efficiency-enhancing capability was an integral factor in deciding to invest in the systems.

He explains: “As a print provider, we need the flexibility to react to diverse customer demands the very same day. The Screen presses offer us this and so much more. For example, we have the versatility to print on a wide range of substrates. This opens the door to a vast gamut of different applications.

“In regard to direct mail, we can produce highly customised, premium prints, cost-effectively and extremely quickly. When our customers can transform an idea into a flawless printed product in their customer’s hand in very little time, there’s a significant positive impact on their conversion rates, which in turn helps us secure repeat business.”

Bockmann explains: “Screen’s presses allow us to achieve near-offset quality and production costs while delivering the inherit benefits of digital printing. Our latest additions further cement our position as a leading innovator and expert in direct mail and one-to-one communications.”

Bui Burke, Screen Europe Senior Vice President Sales, concludes: “We are delighted that Campaign has invested in its second and third Screen presses. The company’s continued adoption of our solutions demonstrates how our presses are empowering print providers to realise their business objectives. Offering enhanced production, high-quality prints and consistent productivity, we are seeing more and more companies successfully integrating our solutions within their businesses.”

www.screenaust.com.au

VersaWorks: Beyond the Basics has been developed to improve users’ knowledge of VersaWorks, increasing the efficiency and productivity of their output. Following on from 2018’s successful training sessions, the course will be held across the country once again in 2019.

Proven Success

Since its inception in 2009, Roland DG’s VersaWorks training courses have been responsible for accrediting more than 600 students. Over 95% of those surveyed have said that they would recommend the course to others and many more have given positive feedback on how relevant, informative and easy-to-understand the course is:
 
Ash Carver @ Infinity Signs in SA: "Great course - a must to unlock the full potential of your productivity. So many features I never knew about VersaWorks, but will definitely explore and use in everyday jobs."
 
Judd Shoppee @ 1Daywraps in Sydney: "Awesome, clear and concise training, would definitely recommend."

Course Detail

Run by our expert Roland trainers, students will learn on Roland-supplied laptops in classes of 8 or less, with the trainer working closely with students to develop their skills and knowledge of the programs. The main areas covered in VersaWorks: Beyond the Basics are:

• Colour management
• Printer calibration, set up and maintenance
• Settings and features including variable data, custom cut, step and repeat, and special colour plate generation
• Advanced production techniques and tips
• Workflow automation
• Overview of new features in VersaWorks 6
• Dates and Locations

Sydney, NSW                      Melbourne, VIC                       Brisbane, QLD
Wed 17th April                      Thurs 9th May                          Thurs 6th June
Wed 4th September              Wed 18th September               Thurs 3rd October
 
Adelaide, SA                        Perth, WA
Thurs 20th June                    Thurs 4th July 

Book Your Place Today!

With only 8 students per class, you will need to get in quick to secure your place. Go to www.rolanddg.com.au/support/roland-academy to book online, or for more information, email training@rolanddg.com.au or call 1800 500 119.

Across Australia, Trotec Laser has experienced unprecedented growth since its establishment in 2008 in both laser and consumables.

Trotec first established an office in Queensland in 2012 and since that time has well and truly outgrew the previous premises in Meadowbrook.

The move to a brand new laser showroom and demonstration facility in Loganholme supports the laser technology manufacturer’s rapid business growth across Queensland, providing increased warehouse capacity and facilities to reinforce the growing Queensland sales and service operations.

The new 550m2 facility offers two air-conditioned machine showrooms, one dedicated to the industrial sector, a laser inspiration room showcasing the latest materials, samples and manufacturing techniques, training facilities and more importantly accommodation to cater for additional staff to join the business as it grows.



The official opening held on 19th February 2019 was attended by Dr Norbert Schrüfer CEO of the Trodat Trotec Group, Simon Moore managing director of Trotec Laser GmbH and Reece Moore managing director of Trotec Laser Pty Ltd. Also joining the Trotec management team was the Honourable Cameron Dick MP, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, and Melissa McMahon MP state Member for Macalister.



“We are very excited about our new south-east Queensland facility. Not only does it have a larger warehouse and office space to enable us to offer an unparalleled customer experience, it’s also home to the most advanced laser demonstration and training facility in Australia,” Reece Moore, Managing Director, Trotec Laser Pty Ltd, said.

“The new facility offers Trotec a vehicle for growth, not only in Queensland but also Australia, and the ability to offer more products and services to meet the evolving demands of our customers. The investment by the Trodat-Trotec Group is a testament to the success of the Australian subsidiary.
“We focus on providing an excellent customer experience and I have no doubt that our new facility will only enhance our capabilities so that we can continue to meet our customers’ increasing requirements.”



Minister Cameron Dick welcomed the new facility to Logan, saying the expansion would lead to more local employment opportunities.

“Queensland is proud to be a manufacturing state, and it’s growth like this that highlights the significant level of confidence we’re currently seeing in the local sector,” Mr Dick said.

“I thank Trotec Laser for continuing to choose Logan, for creating more jobs, and for pushing a new and exciting agenda when it comes to advanced manufacturing.”

There's always something new in the printing world. In the US, Overnight Prints introduced cookie printing. The online print provider will be serving an assortment of ready-to-eat custom printed cookie products as part of its print marketing materials and services. Adding the baked treat to its menu provides a sweet edible option for gift giving, event catering, party favors and promotional giveaways just in time for Easter and Mother’s Day.

“Custom printed cookies make any event even more meaningful and memorable, especially a once-in-a-lifetime occasion like a first birthday or 50th wedding anniversary,” said Janell Awong, brand manager, Overnight Prints. “What makes everyone’s favorite sweet treat even better is adding that personal touch like a unique photo or special message.”

Home baked style cookies can be personalized with edible images, photos, logos and short messages in full color. Each gourmet vanilla-flavored sugar cookie is hand-decorated with royal icing. Cookies are individually wrapped and delivered fresh from the bakery in quantities of 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 or 120.

Custom printed cookies are offered in 16 assorted shapes and sizes. Ranging from 3˝ to 8˝, circle and square shapes can be ordered in 3-inch, 3.5-inch, 4-inch and 8-inch sizes. Rectangle-shaped portrait cookies are available in 3-by-4, 3-by-5, 4-by-6, 5-by-7 and 8-by-10-inch sizes. Heart-shaped cookies come in either 3-inch, 3.5-inch or 4-inch sizes.

The personalised pastries cater to food menus at personal and professional functions, such as family gatherings and celebrations, holiday parties and for corporate gifting. Cookie printing is also ideal for promotional events like conferences, meetings and trade shows, and as party favours at weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, baptisms and retirement parties, etc.

www.overnightprints.com

A new robotic system to make aircraft painting quicker, cheaper and more environmentally friendly has just made its debut at ZAL Innovation Days.

Dutch robotics specialist Xyrec, which has developed the Automated Paint Robot (APR) in collaboration with Airbus and Southwest Research Institute, gave a live demonstration of the system that it says can reduce time in the paint shop from 16 days to 5 days.

The APR is able to print any aircraft livery design on an aircraft fuselage by automatically orienting itself during the painting process. According to Xyrec, the end-to-end painting process can sand the fuselage, clean it after paint has been stripped, spray primer and clear coatings, dry clear coatings in a mere two hours (compared to the 14 hours it currently takes) and then direct print a new design. Xyrec says the cleaning process can also be used for cleaning of aircraft during A and B checks.



Due to the APR’s ability to significantly reduce overall painting time, Xyrec says the robot can reduce labor costs by 80% while also saving up to 30% of paint, which provides environmental benefits. In addition, the company says the robot ensures higher predictability and paint quality.

During the demonstration at ZAL Innovation Days, Xyrec showed off the APR’s newest feature, which uses inkjet technology for digital printing rather than paint. The technology was illustrated by printing a large digital image on an Airbus A320 fuselage. According to the company, the printer technology enables airlines to be more creative with livery designs because it allows intricate decoration of a full aircraft faster and more efficiently than via manual masking and spray guns.

The APR began development three years ago and Xyrec says it will be available commercially in 2020, with a direct print feature coming in 2021.

AnaJet, a Ricoh company and global leader in the direct to garment (DTG) industry, has partnered with fellow DTG industry leader Kothari Info-Tech to release Kothari Print Pro, a cutting-edge raster image processor (RIP) software configured exclusively for Ricoh DTG machines. 

“We are incredibly pleased to integrate Kothari Print Pro into another printer platform,” said Sanjay Maheshwari, Director at Kothari Info-Tech (P) Limited. “With Kothari Print Pro’s high-performance capabilities, we knew the RIP would be an excellent way to add functionality and additional value to the new RICOH Ri 1000 as well as to AnaJet’s RICOH Ri 3000 and Ri 6000 machines.”

All Ricoh DTG printers come with a free license for AnaRIP software, which provides excellent RIP functionality suitable for many applications. The new Kothari Print Pro RIP software, however, now provides a premium option with more advanced capabilities to accommodate power users’ needs.

“With their robust, industry-leading features, the Ricoh family of DTG printers deserve cutting-edge software,” explained AnaJet Inc. Marketing Director Paul Crocker. “Kothari produced a truly amazing RIP software that helps our customers save time and money while creating even higher quality prints than what was possible in the past.”

Kothari Print Pro optimises ink usage for black garment printing by employing a patented process that takes the garment’s colour into account when processing a printable image. When a set of standard sample images were tested using “White Highlight” mode with default settings, Kothari Print Pro reduced the average ink costs of a black t-shirt print by over 44 percent when compared to AnaRIP Software.

To improve overall performance, the RIP software delivers more print profiles that are better optimised for a wider range of garment colours and types. The software provides fine detail and subtle colour gradations, resulting in prints that display richer, brighter, and more accurate colour.

Unlike other RIP software, Kothari Print Pro also provides convenient options for directly editing the RIP image. Load and position multiple image files or tweak colours on the fly. Kothari Print Pro makes it easy to create beautiful, exceptionally high-quality prints.


Kothari Print Pro is available for US$1,250.00 for the new RICOH Ri 1000 and $1,800.00 for the industrial-level RICOH Ri 6000. Both versions are now available in AnaJet’s online store. For details on Ricoh’s full line of DTG printers, consumables, and accessories, please visit www.RicohDTG.com

E Ink, innovator of electronic ink technology, announced its Advanced Colour ePaper (ACeP) has been used by TOPPAN Printing Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi to develop the world’s first digital point-of-purchase (POP) sign using a full-colour Electronic Paper Display (EPD).

E Ink’s first generation ACeP display is capable of displaying more than 32,000 colours, making the solution an attractive and sustainable alternative to paper POP.

E Ink’s ACeP display achieves a full colour gamut, including all eight primary colours, using a proprietary four pigment microencapsulated electronic ink containing cyan, magenta, yellow and white. Rich colour is achieved by having all the coloured pigments in every pixel as opposed to the side-by-side pixel colours achieved with a colour filter array (CFA). Like other E Ink ePaper technology, ACeP is low-power with paper-like readability under virtually all lighting conditions.


Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd., which has been promoting initiatives for the reform of working practices and from ESG, or Environment, Social, and Governance, perspectives, worked with TOPPAN to develop POP signage to reduce paper waste from in-store promotions, and to enhance worker efficiencies. Isetan Mitsukoshi will install a prototype in the Isetan Shinjuku store for their “HANABANASAI” campaign that launches on February 20, 2019.


The POP product developed by TOPPAN and Isetan Mitsukoshi enables a simple content update process through a PC or smartphone for greater operating efficiency and reduced environmental waste. The signage does not require any power at the location of installation for easy mobility around stores when layout changes are needed. The addition of E Ink’s ACeP display brings an enhanced visual appeal to the in-store promotions, with the ability to update information wirelessly.


“E Ink appreciates TOPPAN’s initiative to drive the ACeP POP business at a top tier Japanese department store. As technology guides our world in becoming increasingly connected, it’s imperative that we find sustainable solutions that help our workers and the environment,” says Naoki Sumita, GM of E Ink Japan. “We look forward to working together with TOPPAN to continue efforts to expand ACeP in the POP market and in other potential markets.”


“We are pleased to jointly test the potential of full-colour ACeP from E Ink, and look forward to the collaboration toward a digital POP product that contributes to solving the efficiency & waste challenges in the retail sector,” says Heeday Danjo, GM, TOPPAN Printing Co., Ltd.


A pilot of the solution is scheduled to be on display at the Front Entrance of Isetan Shinjuku Main Store in Tokyo, Japan, from Wednesday, February 20 to Tuesday, March 26.

Esko, a global supplier of integrated hardware and software solutions for the packaging, labels and wide format sectors, showcased the benefits of its latest preconfigured Automation Engine workflow prepress solution for label converters at the HP Indigo Global VIP Event.

Having partnered with HP Indigo for over fifteen years in the development of digital printing solutions for label printing, Esko and HP Indigo are focussed on delivering next level prepress workflow automation across the entire packaging supply chain.

Speaking at the event, Adi Levy, CEO of PEERPRINT Ltd., a leading Israeli label and packaging converter utilising HP Indigo digital presses and the recently launched version of Esko Automation Engine for prepress workflow automation, said: “The difference that the combination of these technologies is making to our business is astonishing. We have increased our productivity by up to 50% since implementing Automation Engine in our facility, which took less than one week to install. The speed and accuracy of jobs now reaching the press is outstanding, enabling us to grow and have more flexibility to respond to our customers’ needs.”

Esko President Mattias Byström commented: “Delivering easy to use, turnkey solutions to simplify operations, driving value and efficiency, is core to Esko’s strategy, and our collaboration with HP Indigo ensures we have a comprehensive offering. Our latest Automation Engine offers  an ‘out of the box’ style solution for label printers to quickly and easily deploy using pre-loaded industry best practice workflows, and the benefits for companies like PEERPRINT are clear for all to see.”

As a web-based workflow solution, Automation Engine automates prepress tasks, speeds up the process, reduces errors and minimises the need for operator intervention. As a result, Automation Engine enables converters to grow production capacity without increasing headcount. Equipment efficiency and productivity is enhanced and the intuitive nature of the technology ensures no prepress expertise is required in house at the label converter.

Esko Automation Engine ensures label converters can address workflow automation quickly and simply. The latest pre-configured Automation Engine can be up and running in under a week or a bespoke solution can be designed to the specific converter environment. Once familiar with the best practice workflows, customers can also further fine tune workflows to best match the particular challenges of their production set up.

Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager of HP Indigo, commented: “Converters are experiencing increasing demand for short run work and faster response times. Globally, HP Indigo digital presses are the leading technology designed to respond to this market trend and it’s clear that prepress automation is key to maximising overall productivity for converters. By automating the prepress, jobs can be delivered faster and more accurately to press to maximise asset utilisation. Working with ESKO we are able to provide a market-leading end-to-end solution to meet the needs of our customers just like PEERPRINT.”

To find out more about Esko Automation Engine and its collaboration with HP Indigo, please visit www.esko.com

Contex has introduced two new models to the HD Ultra X scanner series. The series now includes 36- and 42-inch models, completing the range of scanning solutions for Contex’s newest line of premium scanners. Introduced in 2018 to rave reviews from the scanning community, the HD Ultra X scanner series, which also includes a 60-inch model, reigns as the market’s fastest and widest scanner series available. The scanner series outperforms the competition in color matching and image scanning quality, while exceeding environmental standards. The scanner series also boasts numerous productivity-boosting capabilities to accelerate the scanning workflow, while delivering long-term value and a quick ROI. All scanners in the HD Ultra X series are immediately available from distributors worldwide.

“Our customers are thrilled with the capabilities of the HD Ultra X scanners, and the new models give them even more options to suit their requirements,” comments Jacob Bendix, CCO and VP of Global Sales and Marketing. “Productivity, improved workflow, and color matching have been the center of our attention, and our customers can instantly benefit from these advancements the HD Ultra X scanner series.”

HD Ultra X scanner series expanded

The HD Ultra X series uses CCD technology for the best quality images available in the market today. Whether scanning 36-, 42-, or 60-inches wide, customers can capture originals at an unprecedented 17.8 ips. The common platform also gives customers the same results from each scanner model. 

The scanner series includes several unique features and productivity boosters, including true size detection and instant-ON capabilities, which cut valuable seconds from production time. A throttle buffer control also eliminates scanner pauses, allowing operators to continuously feed documents without waiting for scanned data to be processed.

The HD Ultra X series boasts the fastest data transfer of any scanner on the market, made possible by the GB Ethernet xDTR2.5 and USB 3.0 SuperSpeed xDTR3 data transfer technologies.

Exclusive technologies for the most advanced image quality

The advanced technology in the Contex HD Ultra X scanner series offers customers several exclusive imaging advantages, including the highest color-rendering index (CRI). The scanners are equipped with Contex Perfect Light, which uses the latest LED technology combined with specially developed diffusion filters.

Sharp scans are achieved by Contex’s exclusive lens spherical correction technology and accuracy lens enhancement (ALE), which minimizes optical distortion. Each scanner model in the the HD Ultra X series is equipped with X-Rite ICC color technology and Fujifilm camera lenses, which deliver greater depth of focus — 0.3 inches — and CCD optics of up to 1200 dpi. The depth of focus allows users to capture documents of all types — especially thick, delicate, or with irregularities — with ease. 

Intuitive scanning advancements

With just the press of a lever, Contex’s Optimal Thickness Adjustment Control (OTAC) enables users to quickly adjust the HD Ultra X to the required paper thickness. Feather mode also protects delicate originals and extra-thin documents. 

A speed-matched roller system ensures fast and easy document loading and eliminates skewing. Operators can choose between center and side loading, or use the adjustable paper guide for smaller documents. 

The scanner’s static-free, touchless glass system and steel anti-static feed table also minimize friction, while reducing maintenance costs over time from worn scanner glass.

Exceeding environmental standards

The HD Ultra X scanner series exceeds Energy Star consumption standards and is RoHS compliant.

Additionally, the LED light source, guaranteed to last the scanner’s lifetime, saves energy by automatically turning off in between scans. Instant-ON scanning capabilities also allows operators to simply load and scan originals, without requiring the scanner to warm-up. 

HD Ultra scanner series availability

The HD Ultra X scanners are available as stand-alone (Contex AIO optional) or in a ScanStation Pro configuration, which includes a stand, touchscreen monitor, and Nextimage REPRO software (Contex AIO optional). The HD Ultra X scanners can be networked to any leading printer.

For more information visit a Contex distributor, or contact info@contex.com.

Four of Epson’s inkjet printer designs and two of its 3LCD projector designs have been named iF Design Award 2019 winners by iF International Forum Design.

Created in 1953, the iF Design Award is recognised around the world as one of the most prestigious awards for innovative industrial product design excellence. Products are evaluated based on a wide range of criteria, including factors such as practicability, workmanship, consideration of environmental standards, degree of elaboration and innovation, functionality, usability, safety, aesthetics, and universal design. This year's winners were selected from more than 6,375 entries from 52 countries by a 67-member jury comprised of experts from around the world.

EV-100/ EV-105 projectors



A projector to be used for lighting or video performances of products or exhibits in shopping centers or museums. To better show off the appeal of the product or exhibit, we focused on a simple design that melts into the surroundings. We removed all holes and wiring from the unit sides, which customers notice, for a clean design. The vents, which any projector requires, were hidden in the design as slits with identical patterns on the unit's front and rear. The cylindrical design, made to resemble a spotlight, enables you to install it on the ceiling without negatively affecting the atmosphere.

ET-M1140/ ET-M1180/ ET-M2140/ ET-M3140/ ET-M3170 inkjet printers



A4-sized monochrome inkjet machine with a high capacity eco tank that enables up to 6,000 sheets on a single ink refill. The new eco tank design puts a single slit through a simple and clean exterior. You can intuitively check the ink level or open and close the tank cover. A unique shape was used for the bottle tip and inlet to prevent filling mistakes. Just insert the bottle - the printer automatically refills ink then stops, giving you comfort and reassurance. While low cost, it lets you easily perform various printing and reduces downtime and waste to support your daily work. 

ET-2710/ ET-4700/ L1110/ L3100/ L3110/ L3150/ L5190 inkjet printers




A4-sized colour inkjet machine with a high capacity eco tank that lets you easily perform various printing at low cost. We focused on operability to eliminate hassle and concerns about stains when refilling ink. Not only did we improve front access and the visibility of the remaining ink, we also used a unique shape for the bottle tip and inlet of each colour to prevent filling mistakes for unprecedented comfort and reassurance. The protruding shape expresses the performance of the high capacity eco tank, and the simple, round design around the tank gives an approachable and familiar feeling.

SC-T5150/ SC-T5150N/ SC-T3150/ SC-T3150N/ SC-T3100/ SC-T3100N/ SC-T5100/ SC-T5100N inkjet printers



Full-colour large format printer (LFP) among the smallest in the world for use in offices, architect studios, schools, and retail shops. LFPs are conventionally used for special applications, but with UI identical to business printers and a simple and clean look that fits any office, we designed printers that make it easy for customers to buy their first LFP. For schools in particular we prioritised safety, reducing the outlet port to ten mm so that children cannot fit their fingers inside. The large touch panel and buzzer let you see the status at a glance and give guidance for easy use.

SC-T5450/ SC-T3450/ SC-T3450N/ SC-T3400/ SC-T3400N/ SC-T5400 inkjet printers



High-speed, high-resolution large format printer (LFP) for printing drawings in official bureaus and architect studios or PoP printing in retail shops. We redesigned the LFP, conventionally used for special applications, with UI identical to business printers and a simple and clean look that fits any office. It provides intuitive operation and maintains a clean office atmosphere. 
The large touch panel, warning LEDs, and buzzer let you see the status at a glance and give guidance for easy use. We also strived to cut assembly time, streamlining work by developing new legs assembled in three steps.

EB-L610U/ EB-L615U projectors



A projector to be installed in classrooms and lecture halls or offices for meetings and presentations. A new laser light source allows for a very compact size while achieving a bright screen up to 6,000 lm and eliminating the need for maintenance. The exterior design consists of vertical and horizontal elements in order to blend into the interior space, and the vents use a louver shape to hide the noisy internal parts. The emphasised thinness and the rounded corners give off a simple and clean feel when looked at from any angle, allowing you to install the product naturally on desktops or ceilings.

global.epson.com

It was the day of Madison's seventh birthday...

Aaron McDonald, from McDonald Signs and Print in Young NSW, is a long time family owned sign business. McDonald Signs and Print is a member of the Australian Signs and Graphics Association (ASGA). He is also a previous winner of the vehicle wrap award in the ASGA Awards. However, and very sadly, the McDonald’s life changed instantly in September 2018, when Aaron daughter, Madison, was involved in a horrific motor vehicle accident. It was the day of her seventh birthday.



After the accident, Madison was immediately airlifted to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, She needed immediate treatment for a severe head and body injuries.



Madison’s injuries saw her come close to death multiple times following the accident. She also suffered a stroke in the days following, eventually falling into a coma for 3 weeks and requiring Intensive Care treatment for a month. Maddie is currently still in hospital with a long road ahead. Thankfully, she has received amazing care and support from the Doctors and staff and her family. 



As any good parent would do, Aaron closed the family business so they could focus all their efforts on helping Maddie try to get through this extremely difficult period. As a result, in the days and months following the accident, Maddie’s family faced financial pressures that are, sadly, very common when a child becomes seriously ill or injured. 

Aaron is planning to reopen McDonald Signs and Print in April 2019 whilst also caring for Maddie and continuing her rehab. They need help.

So how can we help?

As an industry we would like to support the McDonald family and get their business up and running again. Any support that can provide would be greatly appreciated.

If you or your business can help with anything for Aaron and his family, then please contact Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections on peterh@visualconnections or Sarah Moore, Business Development Manager Visual Connections on sarahm@visualconnections.org.au or 02 9868 1577. Alternatively, an account has been established that people can donate directly to:

Westpac Acc
Acc Name: McDonald Fundraiser
BSB: 032-840
Acc: 278343

Together, let’s help this signage family in their time of need. 

Reflecting its continued commitment to provide customers with added-value offerings that improve the way they work, SAi has announced the launch of Sign Design Elements, a comprehensive stock library of over six-and-a-half million downloadable assets for the sign industry.

Available to customers accessing SAi software on subscription, Sign Design Elements comprises an ever-expanding collection of high-resolution images, logos, fonts, cut-ready vector illustrations, vehicle outlines and wraps, and metallic-ready files. With nearly 23,000 templates alone for global car and truck makes and models, the new portal is expected to prove particularly beneficial to those for whom vehicle wraps is a key application area.

SAi Flexi software subscribers benefit from five free-of-charge downloads each month, with the opportunity to obtain a hundred more images or templates for just $15 (€15 / £10) per month via simple subscription add-on. The service is available to those on both annual and monthly plans and is easily accessible from the user’s SAi Cloud window.

“Sign Design Elements responds to the specific needs of sign businesses that increasingly require high-quality images and graphic elements,” says Annette Plummer, Vice President, SAi. “This offering makes it easy for such users to quickly locate and download exactly what they need from one location directly from their SAi software, saving precious time and maintaining throughput.”

To register for Sign Design Elements, SAi subscription customers can visit here. 

SCREEN Graphic Solutions has finalised the development of its PlateRite Ultima 24000N series of thermal plate recorders designed for plates up to 24 A4 pages. The series features the latest GLV™ imaging heads and delivers high throughput of up to 35 plates per hour with an outstanding cost performance. SCREEN GA plans to release the new systems to the international market in March.
 
In recent years, as printing companies seek to improve the production efficiency of printed materials, the international market has shown a growing requirement for the use of large-format presses capable of easily handling multiple jobs in a single run. The need has affected both sheet-fed and web offset presses. In response to this trend, SCREEN GA has adapted and optimised the plate sizes supported by its PlateRite Ultima 24000 series to suit these presses. These efforts have now led to the development of the PlateRite Ultima 24000N series. Its two new systems offer significantly more compact dimensions than the existing models with even greater productivity and cost performance.  
 
The PlateRite Ultima 24000N series incorporates the latest GLV™ imaging heads with an upgraded optical system. These heads support the output of SCREEN GA’s proprietary Spekta 2 hybrid screening, enabling richer, high-resolution expression of printing themes. The series’ Z model is equipped with 1,024 channel heads that boost output to 35 plates per hour, up from the 27 plates possible with the current system. The 512 channel S model also improves throughput to 24 plates per hour, from the 22 plates offered by its equivalent system. Both models are able to handle plates from 650 x 490 mm up to 1,652 x 1,325 mm, comprehensively covering the sizes used by large-format presses.
 
In addition, the new series can be used with SCREEN GA’s MA-L40000 multi-cassette autoloader, capable of automatically supplying up to 300 plates, to achieve extended continuous operation. SCREEN GA also plans to develop a new model of its Skid autoloader, which is able to deliver a large number of uniformly sized plates. The whole system can likewise be linked to TRUST Network Service, the company’s sophisticated online maintenance support service, helping to ensure trouble-free operation.
 
SCREEN GA will continue to use its position as a leading international supplier of CtP systems to meet the constantly evolving needs of printing companies. It remains fully committed to the long-term growth of the industry.

Barberán, a leader in the design and development of digital Single Pass presses, and Esko, a global supplier of integrated hardware and software solutions for the packaging, label and wide format sectors, have reached an agreement to work together on a solution that will automate the pre-press workflow for the Jetmaster Series digital printer.

The relationship was consolidated during the recent Barberán Open House where, according to Chris Rogers, Esko Solutions Marketing Manager, Barberán demonstrated leading edge technology to a highly receptive audience of corrugated converters. This collaboration will combine the expertise of both companies and exploit the synergy between their respective product portfolios.