Hardware - Industrial Print

Houston, Texas-based visual communications and graphics manufacturer Foxmark Corporation has installed its third EFI VUTEk superwide format printer - a 3.2-metre VUTEk GS3250 Pro UV flatbed/roll printer installed with a new EFI Fiery proServer.

Almost immediately after completing the installation in mid July, the company hit the ground running for the printer's very first job: a 50x200-foot sign from the Houston Rockets to welcome the basketball team's newly signed superstar center, Dwight Howard.

"There is a lot of excitement about this signing in Houston and the installation is in a highly visible space along Interstate 59, so we were glad when we learned about the job," said Foxmark's president and founder, Richard Fox. "We knew we wanted the added capacity and speed we could get with the 3.2-metre, UV VUTEk printer, and installation went smoothly enough that we could meet a tight production deadline."

Foxmark started printing panels for the sign in Fast-4™ production mode on a Monday evening. The following morning, an installation crew began installing the panels using two 120-foot boom lifts. Foxmark continued printing while the installers worked.

The sign, which features an image of Howard and teammate James Harden, took approximately three days to print and install. It was completed just weeks after Howard signed with the team, and local basketball fans could not help but take notice. One basketball blogger joked that, "You'll find [the sign] adorning the side of Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center, but it also might be visible from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere if you look in the right direction."

In addition to being an official graphics provider for the Rockets, Foxmark produces out-of-home, point-of-purchase, in-store retail, architectural and fleet vehicle graphics for national consumer brands, as well as for leading firms in the oil and gas industry. The new VUTEk GS3250 Pro helps Foxmark meet growing demand from these clients for fast-turnaround, high-quality, UV curable inkjet graphics.

Foxmark has had an all-VUTEk production operation for nine years: In addition to the new printer, the company also operates a 2-metre EFI VUTEk QS2000 printer and an EFI VUTEk 3360 printer. The company used its VUTEk printers to complete several additional highly visible, tight-deadline installations featuring Dwight Howard this summer, including new graphics installations adorning the Rockets' home arena, Toyota Center.

Fox said he uses EFI VUTEk printers because of their proven reliability. Plus, he added, "EFI stays ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and support."

Foxmark has also used 3M products exclusively since it was founded 18 years ago and is one of 23 authorised 3M Scotchprint® graphics manufacturers in the country. The company completed 3M™ MCS™ Warranty certification and prints all of its graphics using 3M media and co-branded EFI VUTEk 3M ink, ensuring that its output is eligible for warranty coverage.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250 Pro UV printer, which prints in eight colours, plus white ink, extends users' capabilities by providing exceptional image quality in resolutions up to 1,000 dots per inch. The printer also offers a broad colour gamut and fast production speeds up to 2,400 ft2/hour. With the new printer, Foxmark is more competitive on a wider range of premium jobs, including exhibition graphics, banners, posters, fine art and point-of-purchase work.

A variable-drop greyscale feature on the printer helps extend users' reach into more lucrative, higher-volume jobs at a lower total cost of ownership. And, EFI's unique, three-layer white capabilities on the VUTEk GS3250 Pro offer the added benefit of superior imaging on high-impact, backlit displays.

Foxmark's new Fiery proServer includes a parallel-processing production RIP and comprehensive colour management tools, as well as default media profiles, pre-installed presets and other features that make it easy to create automated workflows. As a result of the Fiery proServer installation, "Our RIP speeds have increased dramatically," said Fox.

The proServer's seamless JDF integration with Foxmark's VUTEk printers also gives the company the power to accurately manage important printer and media-related settings like printing mode, carriage speed, curing and shutter modes while providing real-time printer status, job status and consumable usage updates.

"Richard Fox and his team will stop at nothing to deliver the very best to their customers, so it means a lot to us that Foxmark relies on EFI to produce high-quality, quick-turnaround work," said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and general manager of EFI's Inkjet Solutions. "The first job Foxmark created with its new VUTEk printer is a highly visible, buzz-worthy ad that exemplifies how printing companies use our technology to enhance and promote their clients' brands."

Fujifilm will showcase its new Graphium digital UV inkjet press - developed and manufactured by FFEI Ltd - on its stand at Label Expo.  The event is scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium, between 24th and 27th September 2013.

Graphium has been developed for converters and printers producing labels, packaging and speciality print who want to increase margins and revenue streams on their short to medium print runs. It is a modular digital UV inkjet press that puts choice, flexibility and productivity into the hands of printers and converters, enabling them to embrace complex projects requiring a wide gamut of colours on most commonly used substrates.

“It is becoming increasingly important for converters and printers to look at digital inkjet technologies for the production of labels, packaging and speciality print,” comments Jon Harper-Smith, marketing manager industrial and packaging, Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems. “There are growing opportunities for printers to differentiate and expand their product offerings through the use of these new technologies. Graphium, in particular, represents a new calibre of inkjet press designed for the narrow web market and, when combined with the new Fujifilm Uvijet Graphium ink developed specifically for label and packaging applications, breaks new ground in terms of the performance that can be achieved from a digital label press.”

Supporting up to five digital modules, and six flexo stations, Graphium offers the unique capability of being able to integrate optional flexo and finishing stations in-line for conversion in a single pass. This capability can significantly reduce production time and cost in comparison to traditional offline finishing.

Graphium utilises state of the art print heads combined with Fujifilm Uvijet ink to deliver unrivalled reliability for single-pass printing. This enables the production of a range of drop sizes from six to forty two picolitres, providing eight grey levels that allow fine details, smooth tones and readable text to be reproduced reliably and consistently.

The Uvijet Graphium UV curing inks developed by Fujifilm combine the functional performance, colour gamut and adhesion properties needed for label printing with reliable jetting performance required for consistent printing. The press supports cyan, magenta, yellow, black and high opacity white ink channels and, together with a low ‘cost-in-use’, represents the most productive, high opacity digital white press on the market.

Graphium combines a range of leading technologies, including innovative workflow, pre-press and colour management software, as well as inkjet head calibration technology, to ensure consistent quality and repeatable production. For printers, that means consistent proof-to-press match and alignment to colour standards; yielding high-quality, vibrant printing and excellent adhesion, light fastness, and durability.

“We are on a mission to transform the digital labels, packaging, and speciality print market, and Graphium represents a major step towards achieving this goal,” comments Andy Cook, FFEI managing director. “Graphium represents a new generation of digital inkjet press aimed at the narrow web market that is able to achieve high quality print at unparalleled productivity levels for the most versatile range of applications, all achievable at a low level of capital investment.”

Fujifilm will be distributing the Graphium digital press in selected territories in Europe. Further information relating to the distribution and commercial availability will be available at the show.

Reading, Berkshire-based Glendining Signs Ltd has installed a third HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printer to 'meet customer demand and leverage the advantage of direct-to-substrate digital printing'.

The company, which began selling safety services and equipment in 1979, has evolved into a full-service digital sign company offering flexible and rigid signs for a broad range of customers.

“We had several goals when we were looking for a new printer: print quality, production throughput and versatility,” said Chris Lake, operations director, Glendining Signs Ltd. “A key factor in choosing the HP Scitex FB500 was the continuous substrate feed using a moving belt rather than a fixed bed. This production method fits in with our fast-paced requirements perfectly.”

The HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printer uses piezoelectric printheads to print up to six colours (one of which can be an optional white). The variable drop size gives excellent print quality sharp lines, text and smooth tones. The press has the ability to print at speeds up to 29.6m2/hr (398ft2/hr) for outdoor signage, and up to 16.4m2/hr (177ft2/hr) for indoor applications, delivering high productivity and throughput.

“We purchased our first FB500 press from Paperlinx (then Robert Horne) at the beginning of 2012 for printing health and safety signs,” explained Lake. “We were so pleased with the speed, quality and versatility of the machine that we went back to Paperlinx and bought a second HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printer just three months later.”

Being able to print direct to substrate meant that sticking vinyl onto rigid substrates was no longer necessary which increased productivity while reducing production and factory space costs. About 80 per cent of the company’s production is on rigid substrates, so the savings had a significant impact on the business.

The most common rigid substrates used by Glendining Signs include 4 and 10mm Correx, foam board and Di-bond. Common flexible substrates printed include various types of vinyl, PVC banner and mesh banner materials.

To illustrate the benefits digital production, Lake explains how a customer request for acrylic door numbers opened a new market for digitally printed signs using the HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printer.

“The sample provided was clear acrylic, backed with frosted vinyl and on the other side was a black cut-out vinyl letter,” Lake said. “For us to produce the sign in the same way as the sample would have been very time-consuming and costly due to the amount of labour involved. Using one of our HP Scitex FB500 printers we were able to simulate the frosted effect by printing a light grey translucent background and at the same time, print the door number direct to the acrylic.”

The customer approved the sample and told Glendining Signs that it was better than the original. The company was able to fulfil the order at a competitive price and achieve a fast turnaround.

“Since then, we have had repeat business from this customer for more acrylic signs and we are now marketing these signs to others,” said Lake.

The decision to add the third HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printer required a major change to accommodate the new printer, having squeezed the second printer into existing space.  At the beginning of 2013, Glendining Signs decided to convert one of its warehouses into a new print room and move all three FB500 printers into it.

“With the third HP Scitex FB500 printer installed, we have increased our capacity again and are once more actively seeking new business,” said Lake. “Our future vision is to encourage the growth of the company at a steady controlled rate while maintaining the levels of service our customers are used to. We believe that the HP Scitex FB500 Industrial Printers are allowing us to do just that!”

Founded in 1996, Image Technique specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of signs. With 45 employees, this experienced supplier can support customers through the entire process from consultancy and drawing of signs to the delivery and mounting stage. Image Technique prides itself on having the capability to manufacture almost everything in-house; acrylic and aluminium sheets are cut, folded, welded, assembled and painted to be transformed into different forms of eye-catching and expertly crafted signs.

“Our objective is to generate iconic signs that improve the image of retailers from high street brands to nationwide superstores. Debenhams, B&Q, Halfords and Pets at Home are just some of the major companies we work for,” explains Des Kenehan, director at Image Technique. He continues: “We are one of the leading sign makers in the UK and we’ve been involved in the evolution of this sector over the years. Although sign making is still our core business, there’s an increasing demand for integration with graphics, window decoration, visuals and displays. As a consequence, being equipped with the necessary production tools to fulfil specific requirements is crucial if we are to remain competitive. Bringing print production in-house is a key element of this strategy.”

True to this ethos, two years ago Image Technique installed a Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS to manage all print related jobs in-house. Des talks us through this choice: “In the last few years we’ve realised that it’s more reliable and cost-effective to be in control of our own destiny and keep everything under our roof’. Taking charge of the print department has allowed us to guarantee perfect image quality and to ensure that delivery times always meet customers’ needs.”

The Acuity Advance HS was a significant addition to the Image Technique environment and has given them the opportunity to print directly onto rigid media with the added value of the white ink option. It soon became clear that the print side of the business wasbooming. Des explains: “The ROI with the Acuity Advance HS was almost instantaneous and demands for print jobs were constantly rising. We were facing many requests for roll-to-roll based volumes with quicker turnaround times, so it was essential to strengthen our print capabilities.”

Together with the other director, Gavin Smith, and the managing director, James Dawson, Des agreed to invest in a superwide format printer to fill the production gap. At the end of 2012 they were all in complete agreement to turn once more to Fujifilm, whose three metre version of the Uvistar Pro8 perfectly fit the company’s criteria.

“We were so pleased with the high quality we were achieving with the Acuity Advance HS that we didn’t want to lower expectations. For us, the Uvistar Pro8 was the ideal compromise between quality and productivity. The vivid colours and adhesion offered by Fujifilm’s inks, together with the perfect skin tone reproduction, are balanced with a significant throughput,”comments Des.

He is also keen to highlight additional benefits of Fujifilm‘s Uvistar Pro8: “This device can simultaneously handle two rolls of the same material which has significantly improved our efficiency. What’s more, we take advantage of the extensive range of euromedia substrates that Fujifilm offers. Vinyls, PVC and banners are just a few of the materials that the Uvistar Pro8 can print on.”

In terms of efficiency, he stresses: “A key point for us is the flexibility to allocate jobs to the Acuity Advance HS or the Uvistar Pro8, safe in the knowledge that we’re guaranteed consistent results. Fujifilm’s expertise in colour management and its technical knowledge has helped us to make the most of both the devices, calibrating them to achieve uniform quality.”

Des continues: “Uvistar Pro8 has dramatically improved our competitiveness as it has boosted our productivity and extended our range of services. We can now approach retail brands and provide them with a variety of creative and integrated projects including signs and indoor graphics, to name but two.”

A few months ago, Image Technique also embraced the digital signage market with the creation of a dedicated business unit called Vueinti. Des explains: “We believe in the integration of different methods to support brand owners in the growth and development of their corporate image. Sign making, wide format print and digital signage all go hand in hand to achieve this objective.” He concludes: “Thanks to our skills and technical knowledge, we’re able to make use of the most appropriate methods to provide clients with both print and digital tools to convey their marketing messages in the most effective way.”

Easypack POP Displays Group, part of the Fencor Group, has installed an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to enable its business growth plan and support its move into digital printing to keep more work in house.

Easypack, based in Suffolk, UK, primarily serves retailers direct as well as suppliers to retailers. The company had investigated digital printing for several years before investing in its press, wanting to be certain that the technology could meet its requirements. Following the installation of the HP Scitex FB7600, Easypack can now offer faster turnaround times for applications including POP displays.

“To remain competitive it is crucial to speed up the route to market,” said Chris Hall, group business development director, Fencor Group. “We wanted to offer quicker turnaround times while maintaining high quality and the HP Scitex FB7600 is ideal for this. We are hoping to expand our business by 50 per cent over the next three years and the installation of the HP Scitex FB7600 was essential to making this happen.”

The HP Scitex FB7600 has a printing speed of up to 500m2 per hour, a feature that helps the company to respond quicker to orders, and it has the ability to print on very thin substrates as well as those up to 25mm, giving the company the option to add further services in the future.

The optional multi-sheet loader on Easypack’s press, which enables the simultaneous printing of up to four sheets, helps the company to maximise productivity. Another big selling point of the press was the short run capability. With run lengths decreasing, the ability to offer shorter runs is critical to business growth.

“We see the market moving more and more towards shorter runs so we wanted to keep ahead of the game and be able to offer them in an efficient manner – in both cost and time,” said Hall. “At Easypack we also know that markets continuously change and chose the FB7600 accordingly – it is a platform that can be built upon and it can be updated as and when which is great for moving targets.”

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press has also opened new opportunities for Easypack to work with different substrates. Until its installation, Easypack worked primarily with paper, corrugated board and folding box board to produce applications such as POP/POS displays, dump bins and pre-filled displays, but it is now looking to utilise the capability to offer new substrates to customers including vinyl.

“We have done some sample work for customers on vinyl, but not yet completed a whole project. We hope that the new capability will entice new customers and open doors for more exciting applications in the future,” concluded Hall.

More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts

[Photo caption: With the HP Scitex FB7600, Easypack can now offer faster turnaround times for applications including POP displays]

Zoo Printing has installed its fifth and sixth EFI VUTEk superwide format printers - a VUTEk GS3250r UV roll-to-roll printer and a VUTEk GS3250LX Pro LED UV flatbed/roll hybrid printer - at its Commerce, California (USA), headquarters facility. The two new printers have helped Zoo continue its significant growth, giving the company the ability to provide very high-quality, quick-turnaround graphics on a wide range of substrates.

Zoo Printing serves print brokers, distributors, designers and commercial print shops. The fast-growing trade printing company offers national coverage using its strategically located plants in California; Louisville, Kentucky, and West Deptford, New Jersey, with plans currently underway to open additional plants in Florida and Texas. The company now has multiple VUTEk printers in each of its facilities and it uses VUTEk products exclusively for superwide format work because of the reliability and quality they offer.

"Since installing its first VUTEk printer in 2011, Zoo Printing has developed an innovative model for building a high-quality, high-volume inkjet graphics business," said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and general manager of EFI's Inkjet Solutions. "These two latest installations continue a valued relationship with a customer that is redefining the role superwide format graphics can play in the trade printing space."

"We conducted extensive research to determine that VUTEk machines from EFI are the best option for trade printers like us due to their exceptional quality, production speed, value and consistency," said Dan Doron, Zoo Printing's CEO. "We continue to be an all-VUTEk business in our large format departments because we need to deliver the same high quality across our product lines and our production locations."

Zoo Printing uses its new VUTEk GS3250r to fulfill orders for a wide range of superwide print products, including vinyl banners, static clings, magnets and adhesive-backed graphics. The new VUTEk GS3250LX Pro at Zoo primarily runs rigid substrate work to meet surging demand for yard signs and point-of-purchase displays.

"With our new VUTEk printers, we can continue growing our offerings while providing the best quality in the industry," said Doron. "Many of our customers recognise the opportunity in large format products, and Zoo Printing provides them an advantage over our competitors. As a result, our large format products are now among our top sellers."

Much of the work Zoo prints is delivered to its trade customers and then re-shipped to an end user. In that environment, short turnaround times are essential to meet very tight deadlines. Not only do Zoo's VUTEk printers offer fast speeds to meet productivity demands, with UV and LED UV curing, Zoo's superwide format jobs are ready for finishing and shipping immediately after printing.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250r UV roll-to-roll printer gives printing companies the ability to expand into high-margin, closely viewed applications across a wider range of substrates. It can be used to replace older wide or superwide format printers and offers true 1,000 dpi print capability, increased production speeds, and lower costs on a broad range of substrates. The printer also gives users some of the best return on investment and hourly breakeven benefits in the industry.

The 3.2-metre EFI VUTEk GS3250LX Pro uses EFI's "cool cure" LED UV curing technology, which has helped Zoo Printing expand the range of products it offers by printing on much thinner substrates that can't withstand the heat of standard UV curing lamps. The GS3250LX also uses less energy and fewer consumables, and offers excellent image quality and adhesion on traditional substrates as well as on recycled media.

For more information, please visit www.efi.com