Consumables

 

INX International Ink Co. has announced a price increase effective April 1, 2011.  Company officials cite the unprecedented upward price pressure on raw materials, transportation and the continued instability in the raw material supply chain as the major contributing factors for this new price increase. 

“Raw material increases are outpacing our mitigation efforts to a point that we are unable to absorb the impact of the increases anymore,” said INX President and CEO Rick Clendenning.  “Some of the major increases have been with select pigments and all resins used for litho inks, solvent based inks, water based inks and coatings.  We will continue our efforts to analyze our processes and implement cost savings initiatives, while bringing new innovations and technologies to our customers and the market.” 

INX International Ink Co. sales representatives are available to discuss with customers any specific questions or concerns related to this announcement.

INX International Ink Co. and INX Digital International Co. aimed high and hit all of their targets at the recently concluded FESPA Americas show in Orlando.  With a double barrel display of digital products for traditional printers looking to make the transition, plus the launch of the new Prodigy brand, there was plenty of traffic to be found in the booth throughout the February 24-26 event.

"INX Digital supported FESPA Americas for a number of reasons and we're glad we did.  It was a very worthwhile show," said Ken Kisner, President of INX Digital International.  "We thought this event was well positioned to cater to all of the Latin American and North American markets we are involved with.  We were right and it was extremely beneficial to visit with current dealers, meet potential new dealers for regions where we can use some help, and most importantly, garner some new business.

"The Latin American market is a key strategic target for our TRIANGLE brand of alternative inks in 2011," continued Kisner.  "However, it was refreshing to learn from our many booth visitors who understand that INX Digital is not just a single focus company.  This show proved to be a great door opener for the Prodigy brand with major industry integrators and OEMs.  We hosted a well-versed audience that was interested in hearing our message and learning more about what we can do to help them with their business."

On display in the booth were EVOLVE Advanced Digital Solutions, including the CP100 UV cylindrical printer that produced many colourful and decorative stainless steel water bottles using UV LED digital inks.  The highly cost-effective CP100 offers best in class performance and image quality for short-run production.  The UV LED digital inks used in the process provide faster curing with short turnaround times, in addition to more colour options and consistent output with better adhesion on a large variety of substrates.

Also featured was the global launch of PDQ inks and a variety of traditional inks.  The TRIANGLE brand PDQ inks are multipurpose, high performance mild solvent pigmented inks that are ideal for super wide format colour printing systems. 

The Prodigy business division has a twofold plan that will contain its focus on supplying products for Graphic Arts and directly serve OEMs, integrators and print head companies within the digital market.  Willis Reese, INX Digital's Global Director of Business Development, sees plenty of potential based on the industrial side of the market.  He plans to target Textile, Tile, Glass, Metal and Wood grain markets, in addition to packaging and label segments, with UV, water, and solvent-based products in the next two years.

"We have verbally promoted Prodigy for several months and it was wonderful to have so many new faces as well as existing customers stop by our booth and fully understand the global business strategy for Prodigy," Reese said.  "We came away from the show with many new opportunities in markets that are on our target list."

Spandex, the one-stop supplier of complete offerings to the digital printing and signmaking industries, has launched a campaign to highlight how printers can maximise their existing inkjet print technology to deliver profitable Textile Display Solutions.

Designed to help printers discover the benefits of textile printing by using their current inkjet printer, Spandex’s new campaign will demonstrate how textile prints can be turned into complete, easy-to-assemble advertising solutions with the company’s stylish range of high quality aluminium Textile Display Systems and elegant finishing accessories.

Spandex offers a wide range of textile materials that can turn static graphics into attractive flexible print such as popular flags or banners in a wide range of finishes and applications. These are ideal for advertising banners, textile billboards, posters, textile walls as well as backgrounds for trade shows, showrooms, theatres and offices.

“Printers who have already invested in inkjet technology can start reaping the benefits of textile printing today,” explains country business manager. “Textile prints can add a new dimension to customer projects without too much additional expense or hassle. By simply selecting an appropriate textile material, display system and specialist finishing accessories, printers can extend their in-house, all-round service capability and offer stylish, complete soft signage solutions. By providing a full service, printers can widen their relationships with customers while accelerating time to market and benefiting from higher margins.”

Spandex’s wide product range comprises all the materials that printers and sign-makers need to print, finish and install Textile Display Solutions. As part of its campaign, Spandex has designed a new Textile Display Solutions brochure that explains how digital printers can offer complete soft signage solutions in three simple steps.

Textile Display Solutions – Overview

Textile Materials

As part of its comprehensive, cost-effective portfolio of carefully selected digital and signage media, Spandex offers a range of multiple textile materials for small format, lightweight or large format, heavy-duty applications. From textile banner flag material, polyester textile banners, roll-up media, cotton banner and artistic canvas, Spandex offers over 10 different products within its ImagePerfect™ textile range. Complying with the stringent industry fire rating systems, ImagePerfect™ textile materials are easy to handle as they convert without sewing, don’t fray when cut and don’t require edge welding.

Recently, Spandex added IP2314 to its ImagePerfect portfolio, which has been specifically designed for digital printing on large-format inkjets as it is suitable for printing with eco solvent and solvent inks as well as UV-cured inks. IP2314 uses specially treated polyester that has a very smooth surface, allowing for extremely high print quality. As it is highly resistant to creasing, it can be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications such as POS promotion, advertising banners, textile billboards/posters, and textile walls and backgrounds. To facilitate a professional finish, it produces stunning results when used in conjunction with IP Mounting Tape.

Textile Display Systems

Spandex offers a stylish range of high quality, versatile aluminium Textile Display Systems enabling printers to effortlessly turn textile prints into high impact advertising tools.

For example, the user-friendly mounting frame systems from Kunstdünger include the robust and durable Monsterframe suitable for large advertising and promotional displays – indoor and outdoor. Available in a stylish silver finish, the system includes aluminium supports, corner connections, banner buttons and eyelets, elastic cords as well as expanders. To attach the banner, users simply insert the buttons into the profile’s notches. Buttons can then be replaced or removed at anytime, even after mounting the frame to the wall.

Kunstdünger’s Bannerblock system is ideal for mounting digital prints to single or modular cable systems for a range of promotional, retail advertising and window displays. A silver anodised aluminium extrusion clamps the full length of the print to offer a simple and easy-to- use display system.

Banner-Fix is an easy-to-cut and quick-to-assemble method for producing hanging banner displays. The system uses a stylish, silver anodised aluminium clamp rail to deliver the sophisticated finishing touch to eye-catching and effective graphic displays. Digitally printed graphics are clamped top and bottom with the banner-fix rail and may be suspended from cable systems or simply fixed onto walls using supplied hooks.

The L&CO RAIL and Frame display system is a two channel aluminium extrusion available in a high quality silver anodised finish. Used in conjunction with specialised fixings the RAIL system creates a spectacular banner tensioning system which delivers high quality impact for both indoor and outdoor advertising. The system can be used for both wall mounted and suspended displays offering the flexibility of quick print changes for both. Depending on your customers’ needs, the system is available in different formats – flat and round frame – or –flat and round rail.

The Festival system is ideal for indoor use. It turns banners into a refined architectural feature that stands out in style, making it ideal for exhibition and promotion displays as well as retails signage.

Spandex also offers transportable Flag Display systems consisting of an aluminium pole with a silver anodised finish. Ideally suited for events, exhibitions or pavement advertising, the foldable base and handy carry bag allow for convenient transportation and storage.

Specialist Accessories

Spandex supplies the most suitable finishing tools to deliver complete Textile Display Solutions.

For seaming and splicing, Spandex offers a super strong adhesive Mounting Tape for paper, PET, Tyvek and most roll-up display media.

The Seam Tack Tape is a high-tech bonding tape for seaming and splicing PVC coated banners, guaranteeing plasticiser resistance for many years in outdoor applications.

The Elastic Cords offer a high quality, economic, multi-purpose 4mm tensioning solution with integrated hooks.

Spandex’s IP Tensioning Systems consisting of spiral hooks, pliers and tension clamps for 8 mm tensioning solutions is ideal for installing banners.

If you are thinking of visiting Sign UK 2011 this year, then make sure you stop by and take a look at what is happening on the Hexis UK Ltd stand no B10.

You will be amazed at what the Hexis Academy training team are doing with the Hexis Hex’Press films during the 3 days of the exhibition. Various different vehicles will be wrapped in the amazing new HX30000 and HX20000 series films. The special effect HX30000 series is an innovative multi-layered technology cast PVC film that is unique at Hexis. The HX30000 series is supplied with Hex’Press adhesive system which facilitates easy application without any air bubbles or creases. The HX30000 series consists of a true Carbon Fibre effect film available in White, Pearl White, Silver, Charcoal Grey, Black, Red, Blue, Mirror Silver and Mirror Gold, this film can be stretched and applied to wing mirrors and other hard to wrap items. The Alligator Skin effect is available in Silver, Gold and Black. The Sequin effect is available in Silver, Gold and Black. The Variochrome effect is available in Pearl White, Pearl Oyster, Pearl Rose, Beetle, Gold/Pink, Orange/Pink and Green/Blue. There is a Brushed Aluminium along with Satin White, Satin Black, Super Matt Black, Satin Military Green and Satin Frozen Grey Metallic.

As well as the special effect HX30000 series, Hexis also offer the HX20000 series which is an 80µm multi-layered cast PVC technology wrapping film in over 40 gloss and metallic colours. This product is especially manufactured for colour changing or wrapping applications and will be available soon at 1520mm wide (currently 1370mm). The HX20000 series is also supplied with Hex’Press adhesive system which facilitates easy application without any air bubbles or creases.

The HX100WG2 is the printable cast wrapping film from Hexis, which also incorporates the Hex’Press adhesive system. This product must be laminated before using as a wrapping product, it can be laminated with PC30G2 (gloss), PC30M2 (super matt) or PC30M3 (satin). This is being demonstrated with application onto a van during the exhibition.

The KG10000 series is a 50µm cast PVC film suitable for lettering and logos for indoor or long term outdoor applications. The KG10000 series is supplied with the Hexis solvent based premium grade adhesive system suitable for long term outdoor durability and is available in around 100 colours. A colour chart and colour card including HX30000, HX20000 and KG10000 will be available to collect on the stand.

Hexis UK Ltd has a varied and wide array of products for sign makers, digital printers, window tint and vehicle body work specialists. Please stop by stand no B10 to see how they can help you.

You can pre-register for free tickets to Sign and Digital 2011 by clicking here.

Smurfit Kappa has developed a new range of POS display boards in partnership with distributor Pyramid Display Materials. Compatible with KBA and Man Roland presses, the range includes a unique single sided board that offers significant cost savings over standard display board.

Pyramids Managing Director Dennis Morgan, explains the new range “When we researched the market it surprised us to find that over 80% of POS is printed single sided. With this in mind we developed a board in partnership with Smurfitt Kappa, specifically for single sided printing. We have engineered a solution by simply replacing the reverse of the board with a kraft liner effectively taking cost out of the product. Printline MC/White Kraft is made with a maximum calliper of 1200 micron keeping within KBA machinery recommendations for optimum print results. Completing the range is Displayline Print/Print with GD1 coated white chip liners to both sides and Printline MC/MC with bright white machine coated papers to both sides.

A new large format swatch has been produced to showcase the boards print, die cutting and spot varnishing capabilities and is available to order from your local Pyramid branch or via the web site www.pyramiddisplay.co.uk

Busy production environments need print solutions that guarantee quality and consistency at the lowest possible cost.

Better still if they provide a route to take the business into profitable new markets.

With the innovative range of products Innova Art is exhibiting at SIGN UK this year, this award-winning manufacturer is pointing the way.

Innova Art’s unique Decor Art ES paper: turning solvent printing into profit in the billion pound décor art market

The stunning image resolution and colour rendition of the new generation of low-cost, eco-solvent printers, combined with their eye-catching ‘green’ credentials, have made them a huge hit in the graphics and signage market.

Like inkjet a decade ago, solvent has the potential to become a highly profitable ‘crossover’ technology in the billion pound décor market, delivering high-grade artwork for hotels, restaurants and the corporate environment.

The key was the availability of the right media, which is why Innova Art’s recently launched 260gsm Decor Art ES paper has proved such a hit.

This is currently the only art paper that is compatible with all eco-solvent machines. So good that Epson used it throughout last year’s Photokina to show off its eco-solvent Stylus Pro GS6000 printer.

The Decor Art ES paper is acid and lignin free, meaning it complies with the most exacting archival standards. It is available in two grades – Décor Art ES 260gsm and Décor Art Velevt ES 300gsm in widths of 30, 54, and 60” and 100’ lengths on a 3” core .

“The potential for solvent to emulate inkjet as a highly profitable ‘crossover’ technology has been widely forecast and now we seem to be at a tipping point. The classic textured feel of the Decor Art ES paper, together with its outstanding image resolution and colour rendition, means that these new devices really are the print engines of tomorrow” – Mike Ramos-Gonzalez, Innova Art MD.

Innova Art is the award-winning producer of FibaPrint, the first digital alternative to traditional baryta papers, and a range of digital fine art media. The new Decor Art ES paper confirms the company’s expertise in developing exciting new solutions for emerging markets

More Highlights on the Innova stand:

JetMaster: you print it, you wrap it, you hang it – and everybody wants one!

The graphics and signage industry is always looking for stylish, innovative and low-cost ways to display graphics. With Innova Art’s new JetMaster system tough, lightweight gallery wraps – recently the biggest hit in the décor market – can be turned out in minutes. It’s the simple, cost effective way to make images really stand out.

The JetMaster base is a pre-cut, laminated self-adhesive board. Simply press the print on the board, trim and fold. No bubbles, no untidy corners, no staples and no hooks. A fully assembled JetMaster ‘gallery wrap’ is so light it can be hung from just one tack.

The JetMaster boards are supplied in a wide range of popular sizes: A4; A3+; US A4; 12x16” and 16x20”. New sizes just added include 5x5”, 5x5.7”, 8x8” and 8x12”– perfect for demo prints and promotional giveaways. Templates for all sizes can be downloaded at www.jetmaster-systems.com/downloads

Look out for the latest JetMaster development: direct to board printing. Details to follow!

The Intelligent Print Solution software program: expertise at the click of a mouse

The new “intelligent print system” software package: a production tool to suit every size of studio – easy to use, saving time and money. The Innova Art branded “intelligent print system” is suitable for Mac and PC users and is available from £200 to £800. This is a cost effective solution with sophisticated facilities eg nesting, within the software. It enables the user to access pre-installed Innova ICC profiles and profiles of major printer manufacturers such as Canon, Epson and HP. Also installed are the JetMaster Display templates with comprehensive image optimising tools.

Even better, it is available on a FREE 15-day trial to visitors to the Innova Art stand at Sign UK.

Innova Art: digital paper and canvas to suit every application

Innova Art is a specialist supplier of high quality media for giclée and inkjet printing, and for numerous innovative and niche applications within the ever increasing digital printing markets. Since it was founded in 2003, Innova Art has pioneered the development in the field, creating a range of products that span both the high-end, art and photo markets, and the low-cost décor and graphics markets.

Premium products include the Fibaprint photo papers, which have won countless international industry awards, including the TIPA Award for Best Independent Inkjet Paper and four DIMA Awards.

Innova Art’s canvas products have also been met with acclaim. In December last year, Professional Imagemaker magazine hailed Innova Art’s IFA 36 Photo Canvas Ultra Gloss 380gsm: “as the king of the gloss canvases. Nothing we have tested to date gets even close.”

A wide range of coated art papers, specified to the highest archival standards, provide artists and publishers with the consistent colour reproduction and gamut in combination with the look and feel of traditional papers.

Innova Art also offers a range of affordable papers and canvases suited to high volume production: superior image quality at the right price.  .

“Innova Art is a specialist supplier of bespoke substrates for every market,” adds Mike Ramos-Gonzalez, Innova Art MD. “We are innovators, specifying and developing many unique products, with the result that we have an exceptional range, delivering premium products whoever our customer is.”

Innova Art product range will be on display on the company’s stand D62 at SIGN UK 2011, NEC Birmingham, from 12-14 April 2011. www.signuk.com