Xerox and Electronics For Imaging (EFI) today demonstrated a new Fiery digital front end (DFE) that will give print providers a powerful new tool to manage high-value jobs that require special embellishments and effects using dry inks including silver, gold and clear.

Keypoint Intelligence-InfoTrends projects that digital print enhancement volume will grow at a 27 percent compound annual growth rate through 2020, providing print operations with new business that promises both growth and profit.

“This new development by Xerox and EFI is a testament to the commitment by both suppliers to enrich their solutions with efficient production workflow, processing power and color management needed for the range of applications produced today,” said Ron Gilboa, group director, Keypoint Intelligence. “These tools are critical for print providers who are looking to grow their business and offer their clients differentiated solutions including color and the use of special embellishments in metallic gold and silver.”

In February of last year, Xerox announced the sale of its FreeFlow Print Server (FFPS) DFE business to EFI, along with plans to work with EFI to market a single DFE to drive Xerox digital production presses. The new DFE combines unique features from the Xerox FFPS with the capabilities of the market leading EFI Fiery DFE.

“This is an important step in our collaboration with EFI to offer our customers a single and more powerful DFE,” said Andrew Copley, president, Graphic Communications Solutions, Xerox. “Customers will benefit not only from greater production efficiencies and performance capabilities, but also from increased support in the field.”

The new DFE delivers fast Raster Imaging Processor (RIP) speeds, seamless automation integration, and advanced workflow efficiency and productivity. Additional customer benefits include:

• Access to EFI’s sales and technical field resources working side-by-side with their Xerox sales reps.
• A standardized and simplified digital workflow. Fiery Command WorkStation provides a single, intuitive user interface across a customer’s entire print operation.
• Customized workflows for metallic applications. The DFE optimizes processing speeds for single or multiple jobs with Fiery HyperRIP technology.
• Color management tools along with gold, silver and clear dry ink capabilities that allow customers to create more metallic effects and tactile embellishments for higher-value applications.

“Working with Xerox on the 2017 acquisition of FFPS technology marked a new level of cooperation in our longstanding partnership, and we are excited about the new technology that it has yielded,” said Toby Weiss, senior vice president and general manager, EFI Fiery. “The new technology demonstration at Connect will show customers the important ways digital print is expanding, with fully color managed metallic effects, stronger, better automation, superior options in late-stage editing, and much more.”

The new DFE will be driving a production color press technology demonstration at EFI Connect in Xerox booth # 101. The booth will also display a Xerox AltaLink C8000 with the recently launched Xerox EX-c C8000 Print Server Powered by Fiery along with a workflow station featuring Xerox FreeFlow Core.

We all know the global economy is changing at a rapid rate, and as business owners we need not only stay abreast of changes but, be open to them. Drawing from key points made in a recent talk by David Lindberg Head of Commercial Banking, Westpac, I highlight in this article, six areas of the economy where a lot of the action is happening.

1.SERVICES AND AGRICULTURE

The industries driving the Australian economy over the coming 10-20 years will be Services and Agriculture.

Services

Services contribute about 75% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP*), employing about 85% of the Australian workforce. Services include such things as education and tourism, financial services, energy and mining-related services, environmental services and financial technology (Fintech).

The services sector contributes more to total productivity growth in the economy than does the goods sector. How? While productivity grows more slowly in the services sector, as the services sector is so much larger than the goods sector, the services sector contributes more.

An efficient services sector is critical to trade and economic growth.

*(GDP– the total amount of goods and services we produce as a nation)

Agriculture

Australian farmers produce food for more than 80 million people per annum and with the emerging Middle Class in Asia, agriculture stands as one of Australia’s major exports.

The value of Australia’s agricultural sector is tipped to peak at $63.8 billion this financial year. The total value of Australia’s farm exports is expected to reach a new record of $48.7 billion, $1 billion higher than in 2016. This growth was driven by significant increased crop production with record harvests enjoyed in every state in Australia.

The future of economic success for Australia depends on these two industries.

 

2. CHINA

As the Chinese get richer at an astonishing rate their demand for our goods and services will grow too. We will therefore see a growing trend away from buying from China, to selling to China.

Some interesting statistics:

• China’s middle class is the biggest in the world and is growing at a much faster rate than America’s.
• 500 million Chinese citizens will be moving from lower to middle class within the next decade.
• There are already 109 million Chinese with wealth of between $50,000 and $500,000.
• By 2020, the number of Chinese millionaires will soar 74% to 2.3 million.
• A new billionairewas created almost every week in China in the first quarter of 2015.

The Chinese are consuming at an unprecedented rate as demonstrated by the following stats from the world’s biggest online shopping giant, Alibaba, owned by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma:

• In 2016 Alibaba surpassed America’s Walmart in gross sales, totalling a whopping $257billion sales.
• On their biggest annual global sale day in 2016, known as Singles Day, they recorded $17.8 billion in sales, up from $5.14b three years earlier.
• On this day orders were coming in at 175,000 per second.

 

ChAFTA

The 2015 China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) increases the ease of doing business with China. This coupled with Australian innovation, an established services & agricultural sector and our proximity to China, places Australia ahead of nations such as the US, Canada and Euro Union, to get much of this export action.

To read more:

http://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/chafta/fact-sheets/Pages/key-outcomes.aspx

 

3. CHANGE in OUR DEMOGRAPHICS

• In short, Australia will have more people but less workers.
• By 2055, the population of Australia will be about 40 million.
• Average lifespan will be 96 for women, 95 for men.
• The ratio of working people (15 to 64 years) supporting those over 65 is shrinking. In 1974, the ratio was 7.4 people to every one non-working person, today it’s 4.5 and by 2055, a meagre 2.7.

Therefore, we need to do more for less, and automation will be key. 57% of jobs will be automated by 2025, so we will be seeing a massive change in the work people do. Fields where social interaction is fundamental will be those in demand, also those in the creative landscape, such as Health and Education services.

 

4. CHANGING FABRIC OF THE ECONOMY

The relationship between big and small business is changing and should continue to do so. Small and Mid-Size business (SME) employ half the Australian workforce and generate 57% of GDP. This sector is growing at twice the rate of big business.

We are seeing a growing trend of big business outsourcing services to small business. The reason for this is that most of the innovation and new ideas come from smaller organisations who are much more agile and nimble than their bigger counterparts. The new economy will rely on the relationship between big and small business, and all parties need to adjust to this new relationship.

 

5. THE MILLENNIALS

For business owners to attract and keep the best talent, they need to offer a workplace that is intrinsically fun. Research shows that the millennials (those born roughly between 1985 and 2004) have quite different drivers than those generations before them.

This is what they are looking for:

• Flexibility – they are not interested in the 9 to 5, and want the flexibility to choose when and where they work – day, night, week days or weekend, at the office or in a café.
• Work must have a higher purpose & offer social advantage.
• Work should be fun

For the millennials, the notion of “work/life balance” does not resonate. It suggests that work is boring and “life” happens after the work is done. Merging the two is what concerns them.

 

6. TECHNOLOGY

Robotics is upon us and we will see more over the coming five years and beyond in all facets of society. Artificial Intelligence (A.I) will sweep across every business and is already being used. This will include the likes of driverless cars, medical advances and fraud prevention to name a few. Recent research found that 70 % of Americans couldn’t tell the difference between the voice on the phone between a real person and one driven by A.I.

Experts and thought leaders are divided as to whether this will bring positive or negative changes to work and society at large, but for sure we need to be watching this space.

These six drivers of change are upon us and bring challenges and opportunities alike for our business community. Embracing these changes and seeking out opportunity to benefit from these will be key to your success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR       

Marian Taggart-Holland is the director of Ecolease, an independent commercial broker, specialising in equipment finance to the Sign, Print, Display and Graphics Industry and member of the Visual Impact Suppliers Association.

www.ecolease.com.au

Joining 3M New Zealand as Sales Supervisor/Sales Manager for the 3M Graphics, Cleaning and Workplace Safety and Transportation Safety sales team, you will manage, train and motivate the team in driving sales growth. This is a critical role that will only suit a motivated, tenacious and successful professional with a passion for results. Within the role, you will be:

• Developing sales plans with the team and ensuring they are executed to deliver or exceed results
• Managing major channel partner and converter relationships
• Build relationships with senior level influencers at brand owners, facilitating specification and project management
• Developing new customers and increasing 3M profile in the market
• Executing sales productivity and effectiveness initiatives

The successful person will have:

• previous people and sales management experience, or be able to demonstrate capability to step into a sales leadership role
• proven ability to seek out and successfully close new business opportunities
• great time management, planning skills and a high level of initiative
• Tertiary qualifications in business will be highly regarded
• Ability to travel nationally, and to Australia from time to timeDon’t miss your opportunity to make a key difference within a company known for innovation. These positions are not available often. Apply now!

Epson is launching a new direct to garment (DTG) printer, the Epson SureColor F2100, to replace the existing SC-F2000 model with a number of enhancements and new features.

Epson says the new printer has improved speed and reliability, lower targeted TCO (total cost of ownership) and the ability to create print designs using Epson’s Garment Creator software.

The SC-F2100 is being aimed at anyone who wants to add direct-to-garment printing to their services, including production t-shirt printers, online t-shirt retailers, high and low-volume print companies, as well as corporates who want to produce their own branded workwear or promotional items.

The company says the printer is being released internationally from March. List price in Australia is not yet known but will likely be less than $30,000.

The SC-F2100 is said to offer speedier results than its predecessor, with additional fast print modes and improved ink circulation for quicker start-up, and incorporate improved screening for smoother reproduction of images and a wider gamut. Epson says the SC-F2100 also has an auto-maintenance mode with a separate cleaning cartridge to reduce scheduled maintenance, as well as a dust catcher to prevent fluff and dust on the printhead. The company says it comes with an optional fabric platen grip pad and platen grip tool to make garment placement easier.

Epson says its first direct-to-garment printer was a success, so following it up was always going to be a challenge. With the SC-F2100 it says it has managed to improve in every area – claiming faster, higher quality and more versatile, with software that makes it easy to create designs.

The company says the printer is capable of making high-quality full colour prints on various items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts and tote bags.

The company says the new DTG printer provides a complete Epson solution including printer, printhead, ink, software and warranty, meaning the user can be assured that all parts have been designed and extensively tested to work optimally together.

Along with the printer, Epson is offering its Garment Creator utility, software allows users to add text and multiple images, create user presets for image adjustment, and provides a hot folder and CMYK image support.

Afinia Label, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial color label printing and finishing equipment, has released the L901 digital color label printer, powered by the Sirius print engine from Memjet.

The L901 is the newest printer to join Afinia Label’s broad family of label printing and finishing solutions. The L901 gives companies the ability to run a full-color digital label printer inline with a finishing or application system without complications related to mid-job printhead maintenance. This industrial digital label printer can produce full-color prints with excellent image quality at speeds of up to 12″ per second. Photo-quality images and exceptionally-crisp text and bar codes are printed at up to 1600 x 1600 dpi via Memjet’s Sirius print engine. Five high-capacity 250mL ink cartridges (CYMKK) offer a low ink cost per label.

“The Afinia Label L901’s redesigned printhead servicing and cleaning station allows this printer to be run inline with finishing equipment, label applicators, label dispensers and unwind/rewindunits,” says Mike Atkins, national sales manager for Afinia Label. “This new design eliminates the need to cut the web in order to clean or cap the printhead, making it suitable for in-plant integration with other machines. The L901 gives users the ability to print and apply labels in full color, with variable data, on demand. This, combined with full color, photo-quality resolution, high print speed, and low cost of operation, make the L901 the perfect color label printer for medium- to high-volume labeling applications.”

For print houses, the L901 helps offload smaller jobs and proofing, eliminating the need to tie up large flexo or digital presses for those tasks. Additionally, the L901’s user interface was designed to be intuitive and easy to use, so there is no need for a specialized technician.“

Many companies would like the ability to automatically print and apply labels on the production line,” says Atkins.“Some achieve this now with single-color thermal label printers, but they are limited to simple text or bar codes. The L901 offers a new and better way to print and apply full-color labels on demand. This could eliminate the need to purchase pre-printed labels, which greatly improves productivity while driving down packaging costs.”

Businesses looking to grow with digital industrial textile production for apparel and décor can advance their operations with the new EFI Fiery Textile Bundle – a set of design and production workflow innovations from Electronics For Imaging, Inc.

The bundle – used with EFI Reggiani digital inkjet printers – includes new Fiery DesignPro Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop plug-ins to create professional textile designs efficiently, and the newest Fiery proServer digital front end (DFE) for high quality textile production.

With the launch of Fiery DesignPro, EFI provides the ability to accurately match colours to the printed result, share colour palettes across the design team in real time, design professional repeat patterns and create multiple colourways from one design. The plug-ins work as part of designers’ familiar environment within Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, resulting in reduced learning curves and shorter design time.

The bundle also includes the new version 6.5 of the EFI Fiery proServer DFE, an advanced offering for wide- and superwide-format inkjet printers that brings superior EFI Fiery performance and colour technology to the EFI Reggiani family of industrial textile printers. Used by major textile brands for sampling, Fiery proServer provides colour consistency in the production workflow with colour profiles that can be used across the design and production process.

“The Fiery Textile Bundle brings valuable new tools to further automate and streamline the design and prep process for EFI Reggiani customers looking to stay on the leading edge of innovation,” said EFI Reggiani Vice President and General Manager Adele Genoni. “Now, with this bundle, including the newest Fiery proServer, Reggiani customers get the proven, high-end advantages Fiery technology offers so they can be more efficient, more productive and more profitable.”

Quality, productivity and usability

Version 6.5 of the Fiery proServer includes textile-specific capabilities such as support for multiple ink types and colour technology to ensure the highest print quality with saturated black, fine details and smooth gradients. Superior halftoning technology keeps pastels and light tones clean, and reduces graininess in highlights and large solid areas. The new version supports digital production operations in both direct-to-textile and transfer printing, plus it provides the production tools to handle step and repeat, changes in fabric dimensions during production, and brand colour accuracy.

The Fiery Textile Bundle was introduced at the recent ShanghaiTex tradeshow in China. The new products are part of a comprehensive EFI ecosystem that includes EFI Optitex 2D/3D design software, and EFI Reggiani digital printers such as the new Reggiani VOGUE direct-to-textile printer, which also made its debut at ShanghaiTex.

The team at Graphic Art Mart would like to welcome Jarrod Whyte who joined our Queensland location as an Account Manager servicing the Gold Coast and Northern NSW territories.

Jarrod brings with him 6 years’ experience in the print and signage industry previously working with MMT Print, a wholesale supplier to advertising agencies, sign companies and print brokers, where he started as an Account Manager and worked his way up to become National Sales Manager.

Jarrod looks forward to bringing his skills and knowledge to Graphic Art Mart!

Morgana has launched a new PUR binder, the DigiBook 300 XL Pro, which adds landscape A3 capabilities to the range. Morgana equipment is sold through Print & Pack in Australia.

Morgana says the DigiBook 300 XL Pro is suited to traditional and digital printers who require short runs of PUR perfect bound books to a professional standard. It only requires single phase power, rather than three phase.

The DigiBook 300 XL Pro binder has an increased input cover size of 450×1,000mm, compared with the 350x700mm maximum format of its predecessor, the DigiBook 300. It can now produce landscape A3 jobs, and produce up to 300 books per hour.

Ray Hillhouse, vice president offline business, Morgana, “We were getting requests for larger books in some markets. For example, in Asia where the photobook market is huge, they were pushing for a larger size.

“Perhaps the most significant change is the book format. Several machines of the previous specification were sold with special extended cover kits to allow for the production of books larger than A4 size. We also had a number of requests for landscape A3 or 11x17in finished size books.”

“These machines are equipped with a patented closed gluing system where the spine and side gluing is applied by a slot applicator for the utmost binding quality and accuracy.

“It is easy to use, even by non-specialised personnel, via a touch screen panel with icon graphics that allow the programming of all precision operations in just a few seconds, including startup and shutdown.

“There are a thousand alphanumeric memories available, which enable repeat jobs to be saved for later recall, thus providing totally automatic setup in a few seconds.”

“The DigiBook 300 XL Pro binding machine uses a new and innovative system which is covered by no less than seven international patents,” says the company.

Along with the base machine, the 300XLPro is available with two additional options – a gauze station for the production of book blocks ready for case binding, and a 78-litre capacity paper chip extractor that allows for longer, uninterrupted runs.

According to Hillhouse PUR provides a stronger bind than hotmelt glues, can be used on a wider range of substrates and is more resistant to the effects of temperature and humidity.

SA International (SAi), the leading provider of software solutions for the professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining industries, in collaboration with technology-giant, 3M has launched FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition, a design-to-output traffic signage software, powered by SAi’s acclaimed Flexi software.

The new solution is compatible with HP 300 and 500 Series Printers and combines Flexi’s feature-rich capabilities with six ASTM traffic signage colors**. Enabling the output of signage that complies with rigorous global regulations, FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition allows print businesses to increase revenues and enhance their competitive edge by adding traffic compliant signage to their application offering.

“Traffic signage must comply with stringent global color requirements, which can make production of these types of applications a daunting task,” says Steve Ball, Director of Strategic Business Development at SAi. “With pre-set 3M Traffic spot colors, FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition enables users to meet these specifications. Additionally, the comprehensive yet easy-to-use solution simplifies the overall production process by eliminating the guess-work and time-consuming bottleneck of manually programming CMYK into third-party software. This allows users to improve workflow efficiencies and accelerate their time-to-market.”

Time-saving and cost-reduction capabilities
FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition guarantees traffic color output on selected 3M substrates*** and HP Latex large format printers. With the ability to automate common job preparation processes, users can streamline production operations to enhance their overall workflow.

The software also includes Interactive Tiling and Automated and Manual Nesting, which enables businesses to reduce costs by optimizing material usage and minimizing waste. Other capabilities include the option to simultaneously drive two wide-format printers, ensuring maximum throughput.

With a minimal investment required compared to competing software, FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition makes traffic signage accessible to all print business regardless of their size.

Available now, FlexiPRINT Authorized 3M Traffic Edition installs on Windows Versions 7, 8 and 10 and can be purchased from SAi resellers worldwide.

Printing Impressions in the US has released its forecast for the future of printing for the coming year. It’s an interesting breakdown of key markets. Although it is US centric, it should provide some insight for Australian print professionals and business. Click on the link for the PDf and … enjoy the read.

Top-25-Hot-Markets-in-the-Printing-Industry-2018-19

Alfex CNC installed the Epilog Legend Elite Mini 18 Laser at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. Their very own Haydn Brown walked through the setup of the system with the teachers explaining various parts and how to maintain the system.

Jackie Child from St Aidan’s commented “We were so impressed and watched with eyes glued to the cutting table.” Watch the video of the first design cut with their new laser.

The Mini 18 is ideal for classroom environments as its compact size is suitable for smaller spaces. A Class 1 laser system, the Legend Elite Series has been designed to be safe under all conditions of normal use, making it suitable for students to use in a classroom environment.

Students at St Aidan’s will now be able to prototype ideas and inventions, expanding their skillset on this compact and safe laser.

Learn more about the Epilog Legend Elite Series here.

The representatives further describe, “We clad the area in 8mm marine plywood and then attached 3mm Dibond aluminum composite material to it. Using our HP LX 3000 we printed the over 16,000 square feet of Class O fire-rated vinyl to ensure the one hour fire rating required on the project.”

Interestingly, the team utilised a floor vinyl graphic system on the walls to further increase its potential shelf life and added an anti-scratch laminate to the graphics. The project took a total of eight weeks to complete with PressOn completing some artwork in-house like the project’s “crumpled wrapper” graphic.

With any large format program, PressOn did overcome some challenges explaining, “The installation is in an area of extremely heavy traffic, with both parents and children touching and interacting with the 4D Chocolate Adventure experience.”

Cadbury’s Advertising Operations Manager had a glowing review of PressOn stating, “On site we all breathed a sigh of relief when PressOn’s ‘blue and yellow’ vans arrived. We knew that the job would get done, the paper would be in order, and we would all hit our deadlines.”

With Cadbury’s signature purple and yellow color palette, the Park offers a captivating experience for the whole family. As the second largest confectionery brand in the world, Cadbury is a globally recognized brand. The Cadbury’s World Theme Park is a perfect representative of their slogan, “Taste Like This Feels,” offering more than a candy bar and instead creating an experience.

www.presson.co.uk

As the new year begins, so too does a new era for Océ, with the company’s Oceania operation going to market directly as of January 1, 2018.

Craig Nethercott, who was appointed Managing Director of Océ Oceania mid last year, says the newly carved-out entity is now fully operational with national team set to support the company’s customer base with a renewed passion and expertise, backed by deep industry experience and the stability that comes with being a Canon company.

“This change in our go-to-market strategy will allow us to engage more closely with our customers and place a greater focus on the specialised professional print market,” Nethercott said today.

“Oceania is a unique region which is strategically important for us. This change makes us more responsive and agile, and better able to help our customers become more efficient and prosperous, not only through investment in the right new technologies, but by providing enhanced service and support, and a direct channel back to Océ R&D through our consultative approach.”

Over the past 140 years, Océ has built a reputation for innovation, quality and engineering excellence which today is arguably without equal in the digital print and imaging space. In 2009, the company was acquired by Canon, in a move which Nethercott says has been enormously positive.

“By marrying the renowned Océ passion and ingenuity with Canon’s deeper resource base, we have been able to really push ahead with our innovation agenda and deliver a range of industry-leading products to the market,” he says.

Océ will be taking over the marketing, distribution and service for the Océ branded wide format and production inkjet range from Canon, including the ColorStream/ProStream continuous feed inkjet series, the ColorWave series high-speed wide-format family, the VarioPrint i300/i200 series sheet-fed inkjet systems, the Arizona 6100 flatbed series and the flagship Colorado 1640 64” roll-to-roll printer, the first to feature Océ’s revolutionary UVgel technology, launched in 2017.

“Australia and New Zealand have embraced these technologies, possibly because the smaller market size here means that businesses simply have to be more flexible and innovative,” Nethercott says. “We are constantly inspired by the way our customers push the boundaries of their Océ technology, and remain committed to supporting them with product evolution and revolution. Our ANZ clientele is now just one step removed from our R&D centre, so their questions, issues and feedback can and will have a direct impact on the future directions of Océ’s digital print solutions.”

Service, too, is a key, he says. “While the first sale may be due to the skill of the sales staff, subsequent sales unquestionably rest on the quality of service and support. That’s an adage we’ve really taken to heart, investing in our own team of factory-trained specialists, many of whom have more than 20 years’ experience with Océ equipment, rather than using contractors. That means our clients can rely on us for the advice, support and assistance they need to keep their businesses productive and profitable.”

Now, after a short break over Christmas, it’s down to work for the newly-badged Océ team, and Nethercott says they’re focused, revitalised and positive about the future.

“There’s a real passion and energy within Océ that I’ve rarely found replicated elsewhere, and it’s certainly evident in the team here,” he comments, “I think our customers will really notice that as they connect more closely to the company and its unique DNA.”

Océ Australia is headquartered at Unipark 195 on Wellington Road at Clayton in Melbourne, with offices around Australia and a network of dealers across New Zealand. The company can be contacted on +61 1300 363 440 or via the website www.oce.com.au

We’re delighted to announce that BOFA have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. This accolade is in recognition of the revolutionary Intelligent Operating (iQ) system which was first launched in 2012.

BOFA’s range of Advantage laser fume and filtration extraction systems are designed for applications that generate particulate and gaseous organic compounds within the laser marking, cutting, coding and engraving industries.

The Queen’s Awards are the UK’s most prestigious business awards to celebrate and encourage business excellence in the UK.

Managing Director Tony Lockwood commented:  “At BOFA, we are very proud of being a successful British manufacturer, and to receive this recognition in what is our 30th year is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of everyone at the company.”

iQ has introduced many performance enhancements, including independent filter monitoring and remote data analysis, to improve extraction efficiency, reduce the risk of production downtime and lower the lifetime cost of technology ownership.

Already acknowledged as number one in the industry, know that while you’re selecting which BOFA product to buy from Alfex CNC, any that feature ‘iQ’ in the name includes award-winning technology as standard.

Learn more about BOFA laser fume extraction systems here.

Alfex CNC Australia is proud to announce their partnership with American company, Kern Laser Systems. As the eminent manufacturer of laser cutting systems in North America for sign makers, plastic fabricators, visual graphic facilities, Kern Laser Systems has installed more than 1,000 laser systems worldwide. Alfex CNC’s broadened equipment distribution will give Australian companies the ability to use world-class laser systems that can be maintained locally.

Kern Laser Systems is a family owned and operated company that has been manufacturing laser cutting systems for the visual graphics industry since 1982. With a footprint across America, the United Kingdom, Middle East and now in Australia, Kern Laser Systems offers a range of work area solutions ranging from 600mm x 600mm right up to 3000mm x 2000mm and laser powers up to 400watts CO2 and soon to be released 1.5kW fiber machine.

Kern’s distribution partnership with Alfex CNC Australia is fitting given that both companies are established in the field and have extensive knowledge and expertise in laser equipment.
“The opportunity to work side by side with another family owned and operated business is especially appealing and fits solidly with our company values,” said Derek Kern, President, Kern Lasers.

Over the years Alfex CNC has extended its range on providing reliable products with exceptional customer service.

“Kern manufactures some of the best laser equipment in the world, and for Australian companies to have access to our extensive product range through Alfex CNC, is a perfect fit,” added Mr Kern.

The move broadens Alfex CNC’s reach in Australia by further establishing the credentials of being a distributor that offers only world class products backed by exceptional customer service in the Australian marketplace.

Alfex CNC’s team is welcoming the addition of Kern products to the company’s product range, along with the training and maintenance facilitation provided by Kern said Business Development Manager, Mr Christian Buhagiar.

For almost 40 years, Alfex CNC Australia has supplied the industry with the latest equipment and technologies from the world’s leading CNC machinery manufacturers. With a team of industry-leading service and technical support, Alfex CNC’s highly trained and dedicated staff have a proven track record for performance, reliability and exceptional after sale support.

“Our technicians are well trained and we anticipate the Australian market to welcome the Kern product range with open arms”, added Mr Buhagiar.

To learn more about Kern Laser Systems and other products offered by Alfex CNC Australia please click here 

Massivit 3D Printing Technologies, the leading provider of large format 3D printing solutions for visual communication applications, today announces the appointment of Isabelle Marelly as Worldwide Director of Marketing. Marelly assumes responsibility for leading the continued implementation of Massivit 3D’s marketing programme to expand the company’s brand profile and value proposition across the globe.

As well as driving Massivit 3D’s global marketing and public relations activities, Marelly’s remit will also see her work closely with the company’s extensive global dealer network to synergise opportunities and support local campaigns.

Marelly brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her new role and joins Massivit 3D’s growing team from 3D printing manufacturer, Stratasys, where she amassed over 10 years’ strategic marketing experience. Prior to that, she held marketing roles with software provider, Telelogic, and CAD/CAM pioneer, Computervision.

“Massivit 3D is unique in delivering the world’s first and only 3D printing solution specifically engineered for large format visual communication projects,” says Marelly. “I am thrilled to be joining such an exciting company and look forward to increasing the momentum that the Massivit 3D team continues to enjoy within the graphic arts community.”

Commenting on the appointment, Avner Israeli, CEO of Massivit 3D, says: “Together with her vast expertise as a marketing practitioner and many years’ experience in 3D printing, Isabelle will be vital to ensuring the effective communication of the tremendous opportunities print service providers can achieve from integrating our technology within their operations.”

It is a giant leap from historical times in ancient Egypt to the 21st century. Océ – A Canon Company, is bridging the two eras by recreating parts of the tomb of Seti I. Seti I was a pharaoh in the nineteenth Dynasty. Océ elevated printing technology was used to create exact reconstructions of the tomb’s high relief walls, pillars and sarcophagus.

Océ worked closely with the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Conservation. Together, they printed large molds to create the reconstructions and adapted Océ’s elevated printing technology to print reliefs up to 15 mm high. Another partner, Factum Arte, used the Océ prints to create the final panels and sarcophagus for the exhibition in the AntikenMuseum in Basel, Switzerland.

The high accuracy level offered by Océ’s elevated printing technology faithfully produced the surface of the painted walls from the tomb of Seti I. The technology transforms images in high-resolution 3D digital files into physical objects. It prints scanned data on a scale and at a resolution that exceeds any other currently existing elevated printing technology.

“It is great work,” says Enrique Esteban, team leader of Factum Arte. “This exhibition and Océ have been fundamental to making it all possible.”

Reconstruction of our cultural heritage is just one of the many applications made possible by Océ elevated printing technology. It is also applied to reproduce paintings of Dutch Masters, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer, to produce elevated maps and braille signage for the visually impaired, to produce elevated artwork and interior decorations for the home and office, and to create branded marketing items, such as printed emblems for football teams and sport clubs.

Elevated printing is just one example of how Océ is printing the world in whole new ways.

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