Hybrid Services will be attending the Trophex 2012 exhibition at the NEC in January to demonstrate Mimaki's range of digital personalisation printing solutions for the trophy, branded goods and promotional product markets.

The Mimaki CJV30-60 outdoor durable inkjet printer will be on the stand, featuring white and metallic ink suitable for creating decals, key fobs, trophy inserts, industrial labels, signs, graphics and more. Supplied with Mimaki’s RasterLink Pro RIP and FineCut cutting software, Hybrid says this ‘business in a box’ solution is ideal for small office spaces and shops. With a 610mm (2 foot) print width, it offers significantly greater opportunity than smaller format machines and has class leading print speeds and productivity.

Alongside the roll fed machine, Hybrid is also showing the multi-award winning flatbed UJF-3042FX. Trophex will actually host the UK debut for this new machine, which uses low energy LED UV cured ink to print to a multitude of products, making it perfect for imprinting phone covers, flame polished acrylic (for photo blocks), metal items, glass, plastics etc.

With an A3 printbed and a 50mm head gap, a combination of vibrant process colours, white ink, clear varnish and a revolutionary printable primer, the UJF-3042FX offers incredible production capabilities for companies constrained by the creative, run-length and setup issues of screen and pad printing.

Hybrid is sharing its stand space with authorised reseller, Lineker Machines, who as well as Mimaki printers and cutters, can supply embroidery and heat transfer solutions. Mimaki hardware will also be available to view on The Magic Touch’s stand where the Mimaki CJV30-100 will be demonstrating its garment marking credentials.

Hybrid’s national sales manager, John de la Roche, welcomes the opportunity that exhibiting at Trophex offers.  He comments, “Having a presence at Trophex is important for Hybrid as it allows us to meet with an important group of our customers and demonstrate Mimaki’s latest technologies. The current Mimaki product line-up includes a number of standout technologies ideal for this market, so it’s a great opportunity for all concerned.”

Further information on Mimaki’s complete product range can be found at www.hybridservices.co.uk.

Mimaki has announced a new 1.8m wide production dye sublimation printer  - the TS34-1800A - which has been designed specifically for the sublimation printing market with high speed and quality in mind.

Sublimation transfer printing is widely utilised for sportswear applications due to the elasticity and quick-drying capability of polyester material as well as in the growing market of soft signage applications, such as flags, retail point of sale and exhibition graphics.

Commenting on the launch, Hybrid’s marketing manager, Duncan Jefferies said, “The new Mimaki TS34-1800A delivers a competitively priced solution at a popular width and with powerful production capabilities. The response from our specialist textile resellers suggests they’re already confident the dye sub market will very quickly adopt this machine for volume output.”

Using aqueous ink to print to polyester ensures the Mimaki printing solution has excellent green credentials and the TS34-1800A, packaged with Mimaki’s RasterLink Pro RIP software, will be available from early 2012 through Hybrid’s authorised reseller network.

With a staggered array of two newly developed print heads, the Mimaki TS34-1800A is capable of printing up to 32m2/hr at 540 x 720 dpi. In addition to this significant production speed, the machine can achieve a printing speed of 17.7m2/hr in six colour mode at the same resolution, where customers have a requirement for superior quality prints, with smooth gradations of tone and colour. These features make the TS34-1800A suitable for both large-sized soft signs and apparel applications, which respectively require a quick response and fine image quality.

In addition to this increased print speed and quality, various practical functions also contribute to the improved productivity of the machine by enabling automated continuous operation. Mimaki’s UISS function enables the setting of two ink cartridges per colour in four colour mode. When an ink cartridge is depleted, the system switches automatically to the second cartridge of the same colour, preventing the printing process from stopping.

The optional Mimaki Bulk Ink System (MBIS) provides large volume continuous ink supply with two litre ink sacks. As a result, overall ink costs along with users’ environmental footprint are substantially reduced. Mimaki also offers an optional drying fan which increases the ink drying speed significantly, enabling continuous media take-up even during high speed printing.

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Signs Express (Birmingham SW) has recently invested in and installed a HP L25500 Latex printer and Easymount Laminator at its new purpose-built print and design studio.

This HP L25500 wide format printer uses environmentally-friendly, solvent-free durable Latex inks and helps Signs Express to meet the local council's ISO requirements. The printer is supported by the new Easymount Laminator, which covers prints with a protective layer providing a 5 year outdoor durability guarantee.

“Being a low energy use machine, the L25500 offers strong green credentials and it allows us to be at the forefront of digital technology,” said Joe Smith, Managing Director at Signs Express (Birmingham SW).  “We are delighted with the results from the new HP Latex and it has been extremely beneficial from an operational point of view, principally as there is no need to ventilate the printer.  As a result, positioning of it in our new design and print studio was far less problematic than other machinery and created a much nicer environment for our staff to work in without the solvent smells.”

Apart from the environmental benefits inherent in the printer’s capabilities, Signs Express (Birmingham SW) has been quick to appreciate the huge savings in production time that are possible with the L25500. Joe Smith added, “There is now no need for out-gassing of the printed materials before lamination and this is particularly helpful when production schedules are full or we have a rush job needing completion. Work can now be undertaken more quickly and easily with this printer.”

Signs Express plans to put the new printer through it paces, using it to print on a diverse range of materials including; vinyl, poster paper, canvas, wall paper, one-way vision film and banners.  The production centre based on Saxon Business Park, Bromsgrove provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all types of signage, anything from interior and exterior signs to vehicle graphics, banners, window graphics and exhibition display systems.

Contex has launched a new wide format scanner - the HD Ultra.  According to Contex, the HD Ultra is the market’s most advanced wide format scanner, featuring unmatched productivity and versatility. Built with Contex’s next generation xDTR2, its exclusive extended data transfer rate with Gigabit Ethernet and USB2, the HD Ultra is twice the speed of its predecessor, and more productive than any other scanner on the market. The HD Ultra delivers 6-inch per second scanning speeds and an unprecedented 901 monochrome and 597 colour scans per hour. This is a significant boost for reprographic shops or offices with high-volume scanning projects whose productivity is measured by more than just scans per inch, but how quick the scanned images can be accessed.

The HD Ultra delivers unsurpassed image quality with all-new precision camera technology, intelligent calibration, and the innovative AccuColor enhancement algorithm. Energy-Star compliant, the HD Ultra is available in 36- and 42-inches and is the most field-upgradeable wide format scanner in its class. Users can now upgrade the scanning resolution, speed, width, colour or Gigabit Ethernet without changing the hardware.

“Our R&D and dedication to customers have made us a leader in the wide format scanning industry, and we are pleased to offer the most advanced scanner on the market with the HD Ultra,” comments Niels Appel, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Contex A/S. “Every detail has been specifically designed with the goal of helping our customers win projects, boost productivity, and lower costs.”

“The HD Ultra delivers significant productivity gains, with faster overall scan speeds and fewer re-scans due to misfeeds. Our customers will appreciate the overall image quality, FlexFeed capability, and scalability of this new scanner,” comments Richard Gigl, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, National / Azon Equipment, a distributor of Contex scanners.

The HD Ultra will also be available as a multi-function product (MFP), which includes a space-saving high stand that allows users to combine the wide format scanner with most large format inkjet and LED printers.

Time-saving features that impact the bottom line

The HD Ultra comes with intuitive new features that make operation quick and easy, including one-touch control, fail-safe paper loading, and automatic size detection. Contex’s new FlexFeed technology provides the HD Ultra with innovative and intuitive media handling, allowing the scanner to insert any document, thanks to right-side loading and funnel-shaped feeding. This makes it easy to scan thick or thin documents, such as newspapers, regardless of condition. The scanner can also uncover important details in the creases and folds of worn originals.

SnapSize, Contex’s sophisticated optical sensor technology, lets users automatically switch between different size documents. SnapSize automatically recognises any standard-size document as it is fed into the scanner, and then optimises the scanner’s setup for that particular document. This feature saves time and ensures a clean, accurate scan.

SmartShare is another new feature that lets users connect to a LAN, so that any computer in the workgroup can access the scanner. This feature eliminates typical bottlenecks that happen when a scanner is restricted to a single computer.

Professional and Office Versions

The HD Ultra comes in two versions: Professional, for high-volume applications, and Office, for occasional use or walk-up scanning.

The HD Ultra Professional is designed for reprographic shops and businesses with in-house scanning projects. HD Ultra Professional out-scans the leading competition by 2 to 1, providing the fastest and most efficient way to scan, copy, file, and archive wide format images, drawings, fine art, postings, documents, and records. Regardless of the thickness or condition, documents are easy to scan, enabling businesses to maintain competitive pricing. The HD Ultra Professional’s scanning resolution is 1200x1200 dpi, and supports full RGB colour, with speeds up to 6-inches per second.

The HD Ultra Office offers ease of use for occasional or low-volume scanning, when image quality cannot be compromised. The HD Ultra Office is ideal for collaboration or workgroup sharing, making it easy for all employees to scan documents in various sizes and conditions, including complex photos and fine art. The HD Ultra Office eliminates the need to outsource large document scanning and features 600 dpi and 1-inch scanning per second in colour speed.

Highlights of New Features and Technologies

• AccuColor -To get the best image quality, scanner and software must work with full 48-bit data. Where other scanners ignore some of this data, the HD Ultra is the world’s only wide format scanner with true 48-bit color capture and processing.
• xDTR2 - The xDTR2 (extended data transfer rate) technology accelerates real-world performance. Multiple speed enhancement features work together to enable twice as many scanned documents per day than other scanners can deliver – regardless of “inch per second” performance.
• SnapSize - SnapSize makes it faster and easier to switch between different-size documents with precision optical paper sensors that register the document size and adjust the required settings automatically.
• SmartShare with Gigabit Ethernet - Delivering nearly three times the bandwidth of USB2, Contex’s unique Gigabit Ethernet is remarkably fast. SmartShare accelerates workflows even further via network sharing that allows users in a workgroup to operate the scanner from any computer
• FlexFeed - With removable, no-rewind paper return guides, right-side loading, funnel-shaped feeding, and a convenient new exit tray, FlexFeed takes the hassle out of scanning any document up to 44-inches wide.

Contex scanning solutions can be purchased from authorised resellers worldwide. Visit www.contex.com/details for more information about the HD Ultra.

An adaptation kit for the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 roll-fed inkjet printer is now available, enabling users to produce borderless prints; a first in the eco-solvent wide-format sector.

The kit, available both as an on-site upgrade for existing GS6000 customers and offered as an option on new purchases, allows users to take advantage of new business opportunities, in line with the growing demand for signage and POS applications for interior decoration such as customised wallpapers and window graphics.

The GS6000 offers the widest colour gamut to date in a 64-inch roll-fed eco-solvent printer. Designed for both outdoor and indoor applications, it is able to switch easily between a range of different coated and non-coated substrates including vinyl, making it an ideal flexible solution for multiple commercial applications.

The kit enhances the GS6000’s capabilities, enabling printing without borders at widths from 11.8 inches (300mm) up to 62.5 inches (1,590mm). The on-site upgrade can be performed in about an hour by an Epson service engineer, or comes pre-fitted on a new GS6000. Once upgraded the printer can still print with borders and retains the same high print speeds, print longevity and quality as before. Customers simply need to add on suitable RIP software from their reseller.

In addition to new business opportunities the kit also reduces finishing time, media wastage and the need for dedicated cutting or trimming equipment.

Martin Johns, business development manager – pro-graphics at Epson UK, said: “The adaptation involves fitting a new platen to the GS6000. This allows variable positioning of recessed porous pads to catch the overprinted ink on either side of the media roll. A set of spacers for these pads accommodates popular media widths, including standard wallpaper sizes. An adjustable pressure roller allows for the use of both textured and smooth media types without causing edge curling. In addition, the kit includes a user guide that explains how to set the spacers and pressure rollers and adjust image sizing and other print software parameters to use the borderless option correctly.”

The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 borderless kit is available immediately priced at £1799.

Key Features

• Allows borderless printing on the full range of Epson Stylus Pro GS6000-supported media at up to 62.5 inches (1,590mm ) width
• Enables new applications in wallpaper printing and other types of interior decoration production
• On-site upgrade takes only an hour to perform (by an Epson service engineer)
• Also available bundled with a new Stylus Pro GS6000
• No loss of original printer functionality or productivity
• No change to finished properties of print – water and UV resistant for up to 1.5 years without lamination
• Pressure roller adjustment facility avoids edge curling with textured media
• Reduces time and materials wastage through elimination of border trimming after printing
• Borderless printing can save the need for dedicated cutting equipment
• User guide explains mechanical and software settings to achieve borderless printing
• Bordered printing still possible after adaptation

See the new HP Designjet L26500 & L28500 in action on YouTube

HP yesterday launched two new additions to their HP Designjet latex printing family, the HP Designjet L26500 printer, and the HP Designjet L28500 printer.

The HP Designjet L28500 is a 104-inch-wide latex printer delivering speeds up to 70 percent faster than the HP Designjet L25500 Printer, while the 61-inch HP Designjet L26500 Printer is ideal for customers entering the growing soft-signage market.

Want to be among the first to see them in action? Don't worry, no travelling involved, you can see it all from the comfort of the chair you are currently sitting in - we've uploaded the HP videos onto our YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure.

Watch the new HP latex printers in action on YouTube...

Working with HP as a beta test site for the new HP Designjet L26500 printer, FASTSIGNS International is a multinational corporation with more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries.

“Our ability to test the HP Designjet L26500 Printer ahead of market allows our franchise partners to be more competitive by implementing new technology faster than their competitors,” FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson says.

NEW HP Designjet L26500 latex printer in action on YouTube: HP Designjet L26500 Video


Nivell Publicitari is a print service provider based in Barcelona in Spain. For over six months, Nivell has been beta-testing the latest addition to HP Latex Printing Technologies, a wider, 2.5-meter (104-inch) HP Designjet L28500 Printer for durable, high-quality indoor and outdoor applications.

NEW HP Designjet L28500 latex printer in action on YouTube: HP Designjet L28500 Video

Availability of the HP Designjet L26500 Printer will vary by region beginning November 3rd. The HP Designjet L28500 Printer is expected to be available towards the end of January 2012.