Business - Events

 

 

In the city unrivaled for its eye-catching signs and displays, HP today announced new solutions and services for improving large-format printing workflows and helping customers grow market share, including a new 3M and HP-branded latex ink backed by the 3MT MCST Warranty for finished graphics.

At SGIA 2010, a leading industry conference for the sign and display industry, HP also announced new partner solutions certified by HP for JDF interoperability and the HP Edition of gold partner Mediawide's Brandmark, a web-to-print offering designed exclusively for HP large-format customers.

"With more than 20 high-quality, productive large-format printer models, HP is driving the transformation from solvent-ink printing to latex and UV," said Jan Riecher, vice president and general manager, Graphics Solutions Business - Americas, HP. "Our customers, in turn, can transform their businesses by using our top-quality print solutions and taking advantage of HP's aggressive steps to take time and cost out of the production workflow."

New solutions in the HP booth No. 2339 include the HP Scitex LX800 and LX600 printers - part of a complete selection of HP Latex Printing Technologies at the show - plus the high-volume HP Scitex TJ8600 Printer, the HP Scitex FB700 and FB500 UV-curable flatbed printers and the HP Designjet Z6200 Photo Printer. Also on display at SGIA, the HP Scitex FB7500 Printer now offers HP Print Care services to help customers maintain uptime and smooth operations with enhanced diagnostics and guidance tools, remote assistance and production information.

HP Latex innovation with 3M comprehensive warranty

New HP 3M Specialty Latex Inks allow print service providers (PSPs) to produce finished graphics backed by the 3MT MCST Warranty, one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. When used with approved HP Latex Printing Technologies and 3M media, HP 3M Specialty Latex Inks offer high image quality and a wide colour gamut with prints that are covered with credit or replacement of 3M materials for the life of the warranted graphics installation. This warranty complements existing warranties for the HP Scitex LX Printer series from HP and from Avery Graphics.

HP Latex Printing Technologies deliver quality and durability comparable to solvent and eco-solvent technologies, while reducing the impact of printing on the environment. As a result, HP Latex inks have gained tremendous market acceptance. To date, HP has shipped more than 3,000 latex ink printing systems, which customers have used to produce more than 100 million square feet of materials. Additionally, HP's booth at SGIA includes the HP Scitex LX800 Printer, which received a Must See 'Ems award from the Graphic Arts Show Company on Oct. 2, recognising the 126-inch-wide printer's status as one of the most compelling large-format technologies shown at the recent Graph Expo show.

Leading industry workflow solutions 'HP Certified for JDF'

HP is also providing updates at the show since being selected to help define open JDF standards for the large-format market as chair of The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press, and Postpress (CIP4) Organisation's Wide Format Workgroup. The initiative is designed to resolve interoperability shortfalls between web-to-print tools, production devices, raster image processors (RIPs) and digital front ends so that they work together to streamline wide-format printing workflows for increased productivity.

In support of its activities with CIP4, HP has created a new "HP Certified for Wide Format Printing JDF Exchange" programme for third-party workflow solutions. HP certification assures that workflow solutions exchanging JDF will interoperate properly with each other. This enables PSPs to easily build an e-storefront to market their services, take advantage of production automation tools to reduce costs and differentiate their service offerings through automated customer relationship management tools.

HP is announcing the first alliance partners and solutions to achieve certification through the programme, including:

 

• Caldera CopyRIP, an easy-to-use RIP featuring fast preflight and preview features and advanced spooling control; Caldera VisualRIP+, a RIP solution for large-format print and cut, which includes unique features for higher productivity and options for cost and price management, contour or XY cutting and colour calibration; and Caldera GrandRIP+, a flexible and powerful production workflow software dedicated to wide and extra-wide format print and print-to-cut professionals
• ColorGATE Productionserver 6, the universal production RIP for digital large-format printing with easy, stable, fast and cost-effective production in high-end quality; and ColorGATE Web To Print, a powerful e-commerce system designed to operate professional online shops for digital large-format printing
• Cyrious Software, an estimation and business management software designed to dramatically improve productivity and profitability with tools for pricing and costing, order entry, credit card processing, invoicing, production management and order tracking, shipping, inventory, accounting, customer relationship management and scheduling, marketing and sales management
• Four Pees PrintFactory software, version 4, a complete production suite for banner, sign and super wide format printing that provides all professional job preparation and file correction tools needed to produce customer jobs faster, with minimum waste and with guaranteed results
• GMG ColorServer, which reduces the time needed to normalise PDF files by providing automated colour conversions from various colour spaces; and GMG SmartProfiler to reduce the complexity of calibrating and profiling different output devices, such as digital presses or large format systems
• ONYX ProductionHouse, version X10, which provides automated, print-only and print-and-cut workflows, 32-bit integrated colour management, job preparation and archiving
• Printable Marcom Central, a vendor-hosted (SaaS) web-to-print system that provides an automated solution for creating, printing and managing the delivery of static, versioned and variable data pieces using predefined, press-ready PDF templates

 

Customised collateral in an innovative web-to-print workflow The custom version of MediaWide's Brandmark is a web-based collaborative workflow that allows PSPs to customise marketing collateral according to a client's brand identity. PSPs can use Brandmark to localise brand content and adapt it to different collateral types, sizes and languages across a wide range of outlets. Brandmark's comprehensive campaign-scheduling and process management workflows simplify approvals, ordering and delivery, allowing PSPs to reduce time to market.

In addition to developing this version of its Brandmark solution, available only to HP customers, Mediawide is one of the newest members of the HP Graphics Solutions Partner Program.

 

 

 

On Wednesday 17th November William Smith is inviting signmakers to take part in a special Open for Business event at its Barnard Castle site – a day designed to help them identify new opportunities and new business directions.

“There’s nothing like getting first hand experience of a product or piece of equipment, so we’re throwing open our doors to enable signmakers to do just that,” says William Smith’s Marketing Manager, Chris Bradley. “They will have the opportunity to learn more about new materials and a whole range of hardware products, as well as gaining a more in-depth understanding of the product ranges and services that William Smith can supply.”

The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm, will include –

Interactive demonstration areas – a chance to get up close and personal, including:

 

• new vehicle wrapping products
• textured wall surface film
• new clear view graphic window films
• Latex Printer demo
• RollsRoller Applicator demo
• weeding demonstrations of new opaque films
• Di-Noc laminates natural effect demos
• Tensioning displays of back-lit box systems

 

Special Discounts – exclusive discounts on selected materials and hardware products.  All those attending this event will receive a book of vouchers.

‘Hot Tips & Tactics’ Workshops – to help generate more sales, keep customers coming back, and develop new business

“With all that’s on offer throughout the day, attendees are certain to come away with some great new ideas for their businesses,” adds Chris Bradley.

To register for the FREE Open for Business – Opening New Opportunities event or for more information call Amanda Armstrong or Lindsay Gamble.  Tel. 01833 690305, email aarmstrong@williamsmith.co.uk / lgamble@williamsmith.co.uk or visit www.williamsmith.co.uk/events

 

 

 

Northprint 2011 [www.northprintexpo.com], which takes place in Harrogate from 10th to 12th May next year, will see a significant change in its agenda which will transform the show into one of the UK’s premier industry events. Following on from the success of Ipex 2010, the IIR Print Group has committed considerable investment to create new innovations and attractions that go beyond the traditional trade show format. Visitors and exhibitors alike will have an opportunity to explore new areas of the show geared to delivering an industry-wide experience to network, view new technologies, explore innovative applications, participate in customer case study demonstrations, as well as benefit from a range of informative workshops and seminars offering advice to boost business and maximise the potential of print.

The event will also be backed by a proactive integrated marketing campaign to drive visitor registration using IIR’s valuable Ipex 2010 visitor database. IIR will also host a special VIP visitor programme to attract printers who are in a position to invest in new technology. This database of UK printers with an intent to invest, is qualified by post-Ipex 2010 visitor analysis statistics, which indentified 38% were looking to invest in digital, wide format and inkjet, 19% in post press and finishing equipment, and 16% in offset technology.

Commenting on the show, Trevor Crawford, Director of the IIR Print Group says, “There is without doubt a fresh sense of optimism in the market, and now is the time to move forward and embrace this change. With this in mind, the IIR Print Group has invested heavily in developing the long respected Northprint brand and transform it to new heights in terms of its position in the UK events calendar. With the backing of the IIR Print Group, and all these exciting new attractions geared to increasing the visitor’s experience, Northprint 2011 is set to be the best ever and re-establish itself once again as one of the highlights in the UK print industry calendar.”

New to Northprint 2011 will be the Printers Profit Zone, which will provide a series of free business growth seminars throughout the three days of the show. The Zone will replicate the format that proved to be such a huge success amongst visitors at Ipex 2010. Master class sessions tackling the critical sales, profit and marketing issues facing print service providers today will be delivered by industry expert Nick Devine, who will offer practical advice on how to win new business and maximise profitability.

The BPIF’s Financial Alliance team of experts will also be hosting a Finance Clinic where printers can ‘drop in’ for impartial advice on finance and funding, tax issues, M&A (mergers & acquisitions), debt recovery as well as other related issues, and benefit from a range of short informative presentations. Other trade associations such as the BAPC will also be on hand to offer advice and support to members.

The event will also feature a theatre-style ‘Litho Technology Centre’ where offset manufacturers and distributors, accompanied by their customers will run videos, demonstrations and case study-style presentations. In addition, in recognition of the growth in the digital wide format market, Northprint 2011 will present a dedicated Wide Format Applications Lounge, which will showcase the capabilities of this technology and demonstrate the range of innovative applications to printers that are thinking of diversifying and investing into wide format technology.

Adding to the attraction of the event, Northprint will also witness an influx of potential young talent on the last day of the show, as the finalists of PrintIT! gather to attend the initiative’s sixth Annual Awards Ceremony. Proskills award-winning ‘Schools into Industry’ programme, PrintIT! celebrates the best of Britain’s young talent, honours all the finalist students and their teachers, and presents category winners with individual awards as well as prizes for their schools in the form of print-related equipment. Prior to the ceremony, the students, teachers and their twinning printers will all have the opportunity to visit the exhibits and industry attractions, providing them with an insight into the various career opportunities that the UK print industry offers.

Throughout the three days, the event’s highlights will be captured in the Northprint Show Daily, which will be printed onsite on the Ricoh stand.

"The diversity of Northprint 2011 is going to be a real win-win for everyone,” adds Crawford. “Exhibitors will be guaranteed exposure amongst the largest audience of UK commercial printers and print buyers while visitors have a host of additional value-added attractions to boost their experience, with a quality mix of technology, interactive demonstrations and educational workshops and seminars."

 

As graphic arts continues to be challenging, integrated solutions are increasingly important as a means of making packaging, sign and display, and print more efficient. At Graph Expo 2010, booth 217 - shared with its business unit, Enfocus - EskoArtwork will demonstrate how its Suite 10 portfolio of packaging and print pre-production software can cut costs by integrating not only with products within the suite but also with software products from numerous partners. In addition, EskoArtwork will demonstrate i-cut Suite, a collection of pre-production solutions that streamline the workflow for the large-format digital printing and finishing throughout the entire production process, from prepress to the finished product. EskoArtwork Kongsberg finishing tables and complementary software will be on display at a number of partner booths.

"EskoArtwork has received a terrific response from our customers to both Suite 10 and i-cut Suite. They are both easy to use and provide complete production solutions for virtually any print organisation," explains Mark Quinlan, President, EskoArtwork North America. "Meanwhile, we are also fortunate that many of our partners are also demonstrating EskoArtwork solutions at Graph Expo. For example, visitors can stop at the Pitman or Fujifilm booths and see a fully functioning Kongsberg i-XL24 dieless cutting table, visit the HP booth to learn how EskoArtwork Digital Front End tools help drive the HP Indigo, or stop by the Xerox booth to see how the Kongsberg i-XE Auto finishing table completes a digital workflow. Whether a company needs software or finishing tables, there are a number of places where they can EskoArtwork's outstanding products at Graph Expo."

Suite 10: Complete prepress solution

Two principal industry drivers have inspired EskoArtwork's Suite 10. First, packaging converters and commercial printers are in need for "best-in-class" tools to service their customers better. Brand Owners demand top-quality workflow solutions that encourage innovation and provide high throughput and rock-solid quality. In today's highly pressurised market, quality must be a given and errors are unacceptable. Reducing the risk of human errors is built into every aspect of Suite 10 – in the first instance by automating the workflow as much as possible, and secondly by introducing 3D capabilities as QC tools to the workflow.

The second driver is related to the increased globalisation and consolidation in the packaging and print industry, leading to larger manufacturing groups. This trend spurred EskoArtwork to adopt a more enterprise-like model for its software.

EskoArtwork's Suite 10 is a major, step-change release of its software solutions for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation, and colour management. Visitors can follow demonstrations of the new Automation Engine 10 and new version 10 releases of all editor applications: ArtPro 10, PackEdge 10, DeskPack 10, ArtiosCAD 10 and Studio 10. The workstation software is more integrated than ever, with Automation Engine 10, adding capabilities to the automation of repetitive tasks, and taking more human interaction out of the prepress production process. This avoids mistakes and saves considerable time and money.

New i-cut Suite production software for large format digital printing and finishing

i-cut Suite is a collection of pre-production software targeted specifically at users of large format digital printers and/or digital finishing systems. The different modules of i-cut Suite provide sign and display companies extraordinary efficiency and productivity, regardless of the type, source and variety of incoming job information. i-cut Suite tackles all bottlenecks in a workflow, from preflighting PDF files, preparing graphics, creating layouts, to printing, and finishing in perfect registration.

"Shops producing large format displays often receive files that have not been properly prepared, often containing errors or missing information," explains Bill Hartman, EskoArtwork vice president of marketing for sign and display solutions. "Without the proper workflow tools, such deficiencies lead to costly losses of time and materials. By using i-cut software, potential issues are caught and resolved at the beginning of the workflow, resulting in a smooth and cost-effective manufacturing process. It's comprised of different modules: i-cut Preflight for efficient PDF preflighting and editing, i-cut Automate for data workflow and i-cut Layout for interactive layout and nesting. For precise and accurate die-less cutting, the i-cut Vision Pro control system is essential."

Committed development based on customer input

A number of influential printing industry partners will be participating with EskoArtwork, showing hardware and software solutions for a diverse range of print applications:

 

• Agfa/Pitman, booth 844: Pitman, a long time partner and reseller of EskoArtwork hardware and software, will also be demonstrating the Kongsberg i-XL24 dieless cutting table - along with the complete EskoArtwork Suite 10. The Esko Kongsberg i-XL digital finishing system delivers record-breaking productivity and versatility. The table is easy to operate, comes with excellent tools for any application and has an unsurpassed track record for durability. The Kongsberg i-XL comes with tooling specifically for the sign and display market, and offers perfect registration. Visitors can discuss commercial print, packaging, and wide format solutions with EskoArtwork and Agfa/Pitman representatives.
• Fujifilm, booths 627 and 1469: Fujifilm, an EskoArtwork partner particularly for wide format applications, will be showing the Kongsberg i-XL24 dieless cutting table, primarily routing rigid materials. They will also offer information about the i-cut suite.
• Hewlett-Packard Co., booth 1200: EskoArtwork collaborates with HP to support HP Indigo digital label and packaging presses with EskoArtwork Digital Front End tools. This combination has been well received by converters who are making the transition to digital production in a highly competitive market. HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging workflow solutions are powered by EskoArtwork to bring advanced RIP, workflow and color management tools to HP Indigo users.
• Xerox, booths 400/600: Xerox customers use EskoArtwork packaging design and pre-production solutions-particularly ArtiosCAD, DeskPack and Plato-to drive the Xerox iGen3 and Esko Kongsberg dieless cutting table as an end to end printing finishing solution for short-run folding carton packaging applications. On display will be the Kongsberg i-XE Auto finishing table, cutting folding cartons. The Kongsberg i-XE10 Automated works along any small-format to medium-size digital press and to profitably finish a wide range of digitally printed applications up to print-runs of several thousands, depending on design complexity.

 

"We look forward to seeing the print community at Graph Expo - whether it's at our booth or at one of our partners' locations. EskoArtwork account and support executives are available throughout the hall to answer any questions regarding printing companies' future business and production directions," concludes Quinlan.

 

 

In just one week, the 2010 SGIA Expo (Las Vegas, October 13-15) will showcase the most diverse range of new technology, market trends and business strategies for the specialty imaging community.

"The SGIA Expo is the North American gateway to the global imaging marketplace," said Michael Robertson, SGIA's President and CEO. "Attendees and exhibitors alike have the opportunity to experience the broadest range of advancing, creative applications and total imaging solutions that are driving the specialty imaging industry."

Pre-registration for the 2010 Expo has blown away registration numbers from last year. As of today, more than 17,000 participants plan to come from around the world to experience one-of-a-kind booth demonstrations, hard-hitting educational sessions and unique networking opportunities.

This year, SGIA also will present its first-ever Pre-Expo Business Development Conference on October 12, the day before the Expo floor opens. This exclusive programme, featuring nationally-recognised business authors and speakers, will show attendees how to immediately implement unconventional business tactics to boost their bottom line.

 

 

 

FESPA Americas (February 24-26 2011, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando) is shaping up to offer printers a multi-dimensional visitor program to set them up for success in 2011 and beyond.

FESPA Americas will run alongside the established regional print show Graphics of the Americas, as well as ISS Orlando, the recognised event for decorative apparel printing, covering embroidery, screen printing, sublimation and direct-to-garment. Visitors to any one show will automatically gain access to the other two events free of charge.

Suppliers are enthusiastically backing this innovative event format, with exhibitors including Arlon, Color Dec, EFI, Esko Graphics, HP, Inx Digital and Mutoh lining up to demonstrate their wide format innovations to the FESPA Americas visitor audience. EFI, a regular star attraction at FESPA events in Europe, has also confirmed its role as FESPA Americas Platinum Sponsor.

FESPA Exhibitions Director Frazer Chesterman comments: “This unique three-way combination of events adds up to a fascinating festival of print, offering one-stop access to more than 500 exhibitors. By coming together side by side on one site, in an appealing and accessible location such as Orlando, we can promise printers from North America, central and south America and the Caribbean the most interesting, rewarding and enjoyable experience.”

A brand new FESPA event feature launching at FESPA Americas is Screen Masters, a hands-on screen print ‘boot camp’, run by FESPA regulars Michel Caza, Bhargav Mistry, Charlie Taublieb, Scott Fresener and Ad Versteeg. These screen gurus will offer expert close-up tutorials on all aspects of the process, with an individual focus on sign and graphics, garment printing and fine art, appealing to everyone from apprentices to screen print pros and all stages in between.

Production personnel will want to set aside plenty of time for Print Shop Live, a multi-vendor touch-and-try zone with a live end-to-end workflow. For the first time at a FESPA event, Print Shop Live sets out to allow printers to get their hands on an array of print output engines using different technologies and inks, working with real job files to see for themselves the different qualities of output that can be achieved on a range of substrates.

Print Shop Live will be moderated by independent wide format industry consultant Sophie Matthews-Paul, who works with print businesses the world over to optimise production efficiency and quality, and to devise workflows to handle innovative substrates and applications.

A Global Business Forum on site at FESPA Americas will help visiting print shop owners and general managers to explore the trends affecting their business and devise strategies to build their businesses in the wake of the global financial crisis which continues to impact many PSPs. The forum will be chaired by print entrepreneur JR Kraft, CEO of BuildASign.com, with input from FESPA research partner InfoTrends.

Printers with a specific interest in digital textile applications will make a beeline for the FESPA Digital Textile Conference running alongside FESPA Americas, organised by John Scrimshaw, textile expert and editor of Digital Textile (inkjet printing), International Dyer and IMPACT (environmental and ethical concerns in textiles). The conference has been a sell-out in Europe over two consecutive FESPA Digital events, and as the trend to textile gains traction, American wide-format printers will find this the ideal place to learn more about the technologies, tips and tricks that can make them a success in textile print, whether for flags and banners and soft signage or decor and home textiles.

Some of the event features that wowed the crowds at the flagship FESPA 2010 in Munich will also be brought to life for printers visiting FESPA Americas, including the pulse-racing FESPA Wrap Cup, a competitive high-speed vehicle wrapping event organised with the support of a range of media vendors.

Frazer Chesterman concludes, “2011 looks set to be an important year for printers worldwide, who recognise the need to invest in their businesses again after the challenging trading conditions that dominated the last three years. Technological innovation is racing ahead, and with no other wide-format events on the east coast of the US until Spring 2012, FESPA Americas will be a springboard event for digital wide format and screen-plus-digital printers, as well as offset or small-format digital printers looking to broaden their horizons, and anyone looking to boost their capabilities in textile and apparel printing.”