Mark Latchford Screen and Digital Print says it has reduced its production times by at least 50% following the installation of a new Agfa Anapurna M2500i from i-Sub Digital.
Founded by Mark Latchford in Cheltenham 34 years ago, the business has moved from screen printing to mainly digital printing and now produces POS, graphic panels for exhibitions, die-cut labels and a full range of signage products. After investing in a CNC router and finding an increase in output speed on the finishing side, Mark Latchford Screen and Digital Print decided it also needed to upgrade its print room to keep up.
"We needed, specifically, a digital printer with a large enough bed to accommodate 3m x 2.5m sheets of Foamex and Dibond material and 2.5m-wide rolls for banners and so on," explains Founder and Director Mark Latchford. "We looked at similar machines on the market but they didn't compare for speed, quality or price."
The Agfa Anapurna M2500i is 2.5m-wide hybrid inkjet printer that can complete indoor or outdoor, colour or white prints on rigid or roll media at speeds of up to 115sqm/hr, making it ideal for a broad range of applications. It features a vacuum system and accurate dot positioning for sharp prints and runs fast-drying, versatile UV-curable inks.
The business has been a customer of i-Sub Digital's for around seven years and took up the invitation of Director Andy Spreag to attend one of Agfa's Red Carpet events in Antwerp, Belgium. Mark Latchford had already identified the Agfa Anapurna M2500i as potentially the best machine for the job, but after seeing it in action at Agfa's European demonstration centre he placed an order straight away.
"We were already running an Agfa Anapurna M2 UV flatbed and two roll-fed solvent large-format printers supplied by i-Sub Digital so we didn't hesitate in calling i-Sub Digital again for the new Agfa," says Mark Latchford. "The machines have been reliable and i-Sub has always provided excellent service – they have looked after us over the years and continue to do so.
"Since the installation of the Agfa Anapurna M2500i we have cut production times in half, at least. In fact it seems like we're not as busy as we used to be, despite completing much more work."
Andy Spreag, Director of i-Sub Digital, comments: "The Agfa Anapurna M2500i is an ideal large-format printer for a multi-faceted print business like Mark Latchford's. It is designed for productivity and automation on a huge variety of media and products and will certainly continue to make the working day feel easier for his print team.
"It was a pleasure to accompany Mark to Belgium for Agfa's Red Carpet event and, indeed, to have been working with him for so many years."
For more information on the full Agfa printing range, please email i-Sub Digital at info@i-subdigital.com or call +44 (0)1536 415511.
Nottingham-based specialist signage, graphics materials and hardware distributor, ArtSystems continues its policy of investing in staff training where it counts. Its 14-strong field engineering and support team have all recently been awarded the City and Guilds certificate in Electrical Maintenance Skills 2572-01.
This helps to ensure the team understands how to practice the safe and correct handling of electrical systems for both the support and installation of the distributor’s full catalogue of HP Latex printers, Summa Cutters, Colortrac scanners, Stratasys 3D printers and other peripherals.
Technical Services Manager, Armando Carvalho, said, “The four-day City and Guilds 2572-01 programme helps raise awareness about the hazards associated with electrical equipment and machinery. The team is now even more grounded in the principles of electrical safety and systems testing across both single and three-phase supply.
“Ensuring our team knows what they’re doing when they arrive on site − no matter what they get confronted with – fits in with our philosophy of providing the fullest support to our resellers and their customers.”
He concluded, “We believe our service is second to none and so is our engineering and support team, but we will never rest on our laurels. The City and Guilds certification course has allowed the team to shine a fresh light on our existing procedures and proved a valuable adjunct to the experience and insight we already enjoy.
“ArtSystems is also the official HP Warranty provider for all HP Latex printers in the UK and Ireland. We are proud to have earned such glowing industry recognition for our high standards – and we will never set our aim below becoming the best in all we do.”
Stanford Marsh Group, a leading independent solutions provider for the wide-format print sector which is currently celebrating its 50th year in business, has announced the appointment of Julian Mennell to the role of Business Development Manager for the Print for Profit sector.
In this role, he will be responsible for helping UK and Ireland-based print for profit reprographics businesses invest in new technology more efficiently. With more than 20 years’ experience in the printing industry – working with the likes of Colourgen, Xerox, Océ and more – and with the wide range of leading solutions from Stanford Marsh at his disposal, Julian is ideally positioned to offer unbiased advice to customers looking to upgrade their print technology.
Additionally, he will be focusing on working with customers looking to upgrade to HP’s ever-expanding PageWide XL Technology. With a compact footprint, HP PageWide Technology offers high quality at high printing speeds. It is scalable to meet a wide range of application and performance requirements and provides low cost of operation in both monochrome and colour.
On his appointment, Julian Mennell explains: “By sharing my in-depth understanding of the latest print technologies, I can help companies utilise their technology budgets more efficiently. I can advise how they can reduce costs, improve quality of output and maximise profits within an ever changing market.
“Thanks to Stanford Marsh’s broad portfolio of print solutions from the likes of Canon, HP, Mutoh and Stratasys to name but a few – we are able to recommend and supply customers with print solutions that exactly meet their requirements.”
Large format print specialist CWE Solutions took the message about the profit-making potential of the HP Latex 300 Series on the road in November, with a seminar and demonstrations for franchisees at the Signs Express annual convention in Nottingham.
The theme of the event was ‘Vision for Growth’ and the CWE team chose to highlight the new generation of HP Latex printers as a flexible, cost effective and reliable way to deliver a range of innovative applications including temporary textiles, wallpapers, window graphics and backlit displays.
Justin Pearce, Procurement Manager from Signs Express said: “This year’s Signs Express Convention was one of the best we have ever had and this was down to the amazing support of our key suppliers. As one of our headline sponsors CWE were invaluable to the organisation and overall success of the event. Working together on projects such as these, we are able to really cement our relationships for the future and this is another example of our vision to strengthen our supplier partnerships moving forward.”
CWE Solutions’ Commercial Director Graham de Kock, who ran the company’s seminars on the day, said: “We were delighted to support the event – it was fantastic to meet so many industry colleagues with such a passion for printing.
“We showcased the HP Latex 360 at the convention together with a Kala Arkane 1650 laminator and a Summa D120 cutter to demonstrate a complete workflow, and highlight the wide range of applications that people might not usually expect to get from a traditional sign company – and certainly not at the great price point that the HP allows.
“Customers have also come to expect quicker lead times, making the HP Latex 300 range ideal as it has a quick warm up time and instant dry for a super-quick turnaround time. There is also no need for drying or de-gassing before lamination.
“There’s no need for daily maintenance, unattended running reduces the demand on the operator’s time, and the machine’s design – with no need to access the back of the printer – means it can squeeze nicely against a wall or back-to-back in a typically busy environment.
“With its water-based and fire retardant inks and other environmental benefits such as recyclable printed materials, ink cartridges and printheads, it also meets the demands of potentially lucrative clients who are bound by specific procurement guidelines, such as government departments, hospitals and schools.
“We believe that the new generation of HP Latex printers with the right finishing offers an ideal way for sign companies to grow their businesses and stay ahead in the market.”
HEXIS UK Ltd. announces immediate availability of SUPTAC S5000 Series: a multipurpose, premium range of coloured sign vinyl.
HEXIS UK Ltd., the exclusive UK distributor of HEXIS S.A.’s full range of films and media for professional signage, vehicle marking, visual communication and surface protection applications, has announced the immediate UK availability of a new enhanced range of premium polymeric coloured sign vinyl. Named the SUPTAC S5000 Series, the expansive range of vinyl is available in more than 100 hues - including many top brand and transport-approved colours – and can be used for multiple signage purposes.
SUPTAC is a premium opaque European-grade 100% polymeric PVC vinyl with a very high gloss finish. It can be used for a wide gamut of signage applications including slightly complex, curved and flat surfaces for signage, shop windows and more.
The 65µm/2.55mil polymeric PVC cuts and weeds remarkably easily, making it ideal for very small lettering, fonts with fine serifs, and thin lines. It is available in a variety of widths – from 380mm right up to 1520mm – making it also an excellent solution for covering large hoardings and boards.
Courtesy of its outstanding conformability, SUPTAC is also very suited to the application of graphics on lorries, vans, cars, motorcycles, caravans and boats. Additionally, it can be used for reverse lettering applications onto glass and acrylic for shopfronts and interior decoration.
SUPTAC S5000 Series sign vinyl is backed with an industrial-grade, permanent, solvent acrylic adhesive (developed by HEXIS) which sticks to a wide variety of surfaces. It can be wet-applied and is able to resist both low and high temperature extremes, as well as high humidity conditions. It also has a premium silicone-coated Kraft liner which offers better grip – and greater accuracy – during the cutting process on friction-fed plotters.
On the introduction to the UK market of the new enhanced HEXIS vinyl, HEXIS UK Ltd.’s Managing Director Scott Wilkins comments: “The SUPTAC Series of coloured vinyl is an excellent addition to our range of coloured sign vinyl media. It is incredibly versatile and can be used for multiple signage applications – thereby making it the ideal ‘go-to’ solution for anyone needing a flexible high quality vinyl. It probably is the best sign vinyl in the market today!”
He continues: “With more than 100 colours of SUPTAC S5000 vinyl held in stock at our 1900m2 Lichfield warehouse and available for next-day delivery, customers can be assured of quick delivery to their premises. The product can be purchased in a variety of widths and from 1m to 30m lengths. We also have an excellent online ordering system which enables them to check stock and/or order whatever they want – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
SUPTAC S5000 series is durable for up to 10 years, depending on the colour and application. Colour swatches and colour cards are available with immediate effect from HEXIS UK.
The product data sheet can be found at: http://www.hexis.co.uk/downloads/s5000_Data_Sheet.pdf
The full application guide is available at: http://www.hexis.co.uk/downloads/s5000_Application_Guide.pdf
As part of its ongoing expansion plans and in response to increased demand for wide format print, Preston-based Lustalux has recently added a Mimaki CJV300-160 printer/cutter to its machine line-up. Coupled with the recent enlargement of its business premises, the window film and commercial graphics company has also taken on new staff to ensure its service offering remains high for clients new and old.
"The business has gone from strength to strength throughout 2015,” says Richard Lancaster, Director of Lustalux. “Due to an increase in client wins, we were struggling to keep up with the surge in demand for printed graphics, murals and wallpaper. By investing in the new Mimaki CJV300 wide format printer, we've excelled our service offering which means we can continue developing towards becoming a leading UK provider of graphics and signage."
Purchased through authorised Mimaki reseller Granthams, the CJV300 sits at the head of Mimaki’s integrated printer/cutter range and is capable of delivering high quality outdoor durable print at speeds of over 100sq metres / hour onto vinyl, banner, canvas, paper and other substrates. With a print width of 1.6m and running Mimaki’s SS21 low solvent inks, Lustalux is utilising the CJV300’s high quality of output to expand its portfolio. “The new Mimaki has replaced our previous eco-solvent printer/cutter and was chosen because it offered us a higher standard of quality and detail,” cites Lancaster. “It came highly recommended to us, although we already recognised Mimaki as the market leader.”
Doubling the company’s office space has afforded Lustalux the opportunity to deliver new products for its blue-chip client base, as it serves both trade print and direct accounts. “We work closely with the education sector, but also supply graphics to some household brand names,” Lancaster states. “We’re now perfectly placed to be able to offer not only our core window and wall graphics but also new products such as vehicle liveries and event branding.”
New appointments match Lustalux’s increase in premises and print capacity, with staff added in a number of hands-on roles in the studio and print room. Lancaster summarises his satisfaction about the company’s expansion: “It’s extremely rewarding to see how far the company has come since it was formed over 24 years ago and to have such a high calibre of skills in-house.”
Further information on the company’s products can be found by visiting www.lustalux.co.uk or calling +44 (0)1772 978979.
As part of its ongoing expansion plans and in response to increased demand for wide format print, Preston-based Lustalux has recently added a Mimaki CJV300-160 printer/cutter to its machine line-up. Coupled with the recent enlargement of its business premises, the window film and commercial graphics company has also taken on new staff to ensure its service offering remains high for clients new and old.
"The business has gone from strength to strength throughout 2015,” says Richard Lancaster, Director of Lustalux. “Due to an increase in client wins, we were struggling to keep up with the surge in demand for printed graphics, murals and wallpaper. By investing in the new Mimaki CJV300 wide format printer, we've excelled our service offering which means we can continue developing towards becoming a leading UK provider of graphics and signage."
Purchased through authorised Mimaki reseller Granthams, the CJV300 sits at the head of Mimaki’s integrated printer/cutter range and is capable of delivering high quality outdoor durable print at speeds of over 100sq metres / hour onto vinyl, banner, canvas, paper and other substrates. With a print width of 1.6m and running Mimaki’s SS21 low solvent inks, Lustalux is utilising the CJV300’s high quality of output to expand its portfolio. “The new Mimaki has replaced our previous eco-solvent printer/cutter and was chosen because it offered us a higher standard of quality and detail,” cites Lancaster. “It came highly recommended to us, although we already recognised Mimaki as the market leader.”
Doubling the company’s office space has afforded Lustalux the opportunity to deliver new products for its blue-chip client base, as it serves both trade print and direct accounts. “We work closely with the education sector, but also supply graphics to some household brand names,” Lancaster states. “We’re now perfectly placed to be able to offer not only our core window and wall graphics but also new products such as vehicle liveries and event branding.”
New appointments match Lustalux’s increase in premises and print capacity, with staff added in a number of hands-on roles in the studio and print room. Lancaster summarises his satisfaction about the company’s expansion: “It’s extremely rewarding to see how far the company has come since it was formed over 24 years ago and to have such a high calibre of skills in-house.”
Further information on the company’s products can be found by visiting www.lustalux.co.uk or calling +44 (0)1772 978979.
Quality Print Services (QPS) has agreed its largest ever stand for Sign and Digital UK, taking place from April 19th to 21st 2016.
"We've already booked our stand space for Sign UK 2016: an eye-watering 72sqm," says Chris Bailey, Managing Director of QPS. "We normally reserve a large space near to the show's main entrance but this time we wanted to make sure we had even more room to showcase the wealth of equipment we supply, in particular the Longier flatbed printer range."
QPS, in collaboration with Longier UK Ltd, distributes the Longier wide-format printer brand. It installed its first Longier Hunter FP3750 LED flatbed printer this July, at WAE Group's Leeds print room.
At Sign and Digital UK 2016, QPS will be demonstrating the Longier Hunter FR3750, another of Longier's energy-efficient and robust LED UV printers, capable of high-quality, low-energy printing at speeds of up to 70sqm/h. The 2x8 print-head configuration allows for printing with process colours, white and varnish while an oversized board printing option is also available. The Hunter FR3750 will be running Nazdar high-quality digital inks, of which QPS is the leading UK supplier and main distributor.
"Users running the combination of Longier Hunter printers and Nazdar inks have found excellent adhesion to the widest variety of commonly used sign and display substrates, long-lasting prints and outstanding performance. This is the reason Longier UK Ltd uses Nazdar ink as the OEM ink," says Chris Bailey.
"In addition, we'll be demonstrating a range of smaller wide-format printers running Nazdar products, with full details to be announced closer to the show."
As an Authorised Roland Dealer for dye-sublimation and UV applications, QPS's stand at the 2015 edition of Sign and Digital UK featured a Roland RF-640 with Nazdar TX650 dye-sub inks and a Roland VS-640i with Nazdar 202 inks, plus a preview of Nazdar's dedicated, low-odour inks for Mimaki JV300 and CJV300 series printers. Since then, QPS has also announced it will supply Nazdar's brand new UV-cured inkjet inks – Nazdar 702 Series and Nazdar 703 Series – for the Océ Arizona and Fujifilm Acuity printer platforms.
QPS will exhibit on stand L10 at Sign and Digital UK 2016. Full details will be announced in due course.
For more information about QPS's large-format print products and services, please email sales@qualityprintservices.com or call +44 (0)1704 897575.
Roland DG unveiled two brand-new printers at Viscom in Düsseldorf. The SOLJET EJ-640 eco-solvent large format printer (pictured above) and the Texart XT-640 sublimation printer (shown below) were presented for the first time at a European fair and visitor feedback was very positive. The new ink, ECO-SOL MAX 3, also received good reviews from the attending Roland customers.
Premières at the Viscom Dusseldorf fair
Viscom Düsseldorf was the first European trade fair to present the new Roland DG printers. These premières gathered an interested crowd to the Roland-stand.
The SOLJET EJ-640 was launched a few days before the start of the exhibition. The EJ-640 is developed for the production of large volumes of high-quality prints. For this purpose the printer is equipped with two staggered print heads and has a built-in triple heating system. The device is solidly built and uses the new EJ ink in 1 litre cartridges (available in configurations with four or seven colours). The EJ-640 guarantees low cost use and high productivity.
On the first day of Viscom Düsseldorf, Roland DG also announced the launch of the Texart XT-640 sublimation printer. The XT-640 was designed specifically to create colourful fashion and sports wear. The printer has two print heads and a workable print speed of 41 m2/u. The printer works with Texart ink that was developed especially for textile printing and has bright, lively colours and deep, rich hues of black. The orange and violet inks expand the colour spectrum and add exceptional red, orange, deep blue and purple hues. Light cyan and light magenta guarantee subtle nuances, wonderful skin tones and impressive details.
Advantages of the new ECO-SOL MAX 3 ink
At the show, Roland DG also spent a great deal of time on informing visitors of the advantages of the new ECO-SOL MAX 3 ink. The ink dries quicker, is available in larger cartridges, has a lower ink price per cc and offers overall better performance.
ECO-SOL MAX 3 is not only delivered with the new printers. People who are using older model Roland printers can use the ink as well. A simple conversion of the device is all that is needed, you will find the instructions at the Roland DG website*. The required conversion kit is currently free. In this way Roland DG also makes the newest developments available to its existing customers for which the company received a lot of positive reactions.
Roland DG trade-in campaign is a success
Just as last year, Roland DG is organising a trade-in campaign that was promoted extensively at the trade fair, both at the Roland DG stand as well as with the large contingent of dealers. It is possible to register for this trade-in offer up to 1 December via the Roland DG website. They can receive a cashback up to £5000 for their old device with the purchase of a new Roland printer.
Zünd UK is following up a host of prospective orders after a sixth successful appearance at the Composites Engineering Show, part of Advanced Engineering UK.
Appealing to designers and manufacturers working with composite materials across a multitude of sectors, the Zünd S3 L1200CVE12 compact digital cutting table on display attracted visitors throughout the two-day event in early November. The Zünd S3 can handle a wide range of materials up to 25mm in thickness easily, quickly and with maximum automation and, thanks to its modular construction, can be built and retrofitted to meet the exact needs of each user.
The cutting system was demonstrated by Zünd UK's team of experts with complementary software: Zünd Cut Centre digital cutting workflow automation, Capturez one-click digitising system for reverse engineering and an automatic nesting system.
"This was our sixth consecutive time exhibiting at Advanced Engineering UK and it continues to be a very worthwhile event for us," comments Peter Giddings, Sales Director, Zünd Plotting Systems (UK) Ltd.
"The event specialises in composites processing in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence and architecture so there was a great deal of innovative equipment on display and visitors with exciting ideas. We expect to return next year, but have plenty of business leads to follow up in the meantime."
The Composites Engineering Show took place as part of the annual Advanced Engineering UK event at the NEC in Birmingham on November 4th and 5th 2015. The successful 2015 show follows Zünd's participation in 2014 and 2013, which resulted in direct sales to visitors Gould Engineering and AIM Composites respectively, among others.
To find out more about Zünd digital cutting equipment or to arrange a visit to the Zünd UK demonstration centre in St Albans, please email sales@zund.co.uk or call +44 (0)1727 833003.
“Why we chose Lightbar” is the title of a new video documenting the real life experiences of a sign company using the latest UV Light ink technology with a Roland VersaEXPRESS RF-640 printer to respond to its customers’ requirements for a fast turnaround sign service.
The video features interviews with Bath-based signmakers, Frenzy Designs, and includes live action footage of the company wrapping vehicles in the colours of the Union Jack for the British Olympic Bobsleigh Team.
Frenzy Designs has been making signs for the past 30 years, everything from traditional hand signwriting to full colour digital printing, and the company’s creativity and technical expertise is clearly illustrated by the many examples shown in the video.
Lightbar is the Partner Solutions co-creation that combines the latest UV Light ink chemistry with the performance, quality and reliability of Roland print technology. The resulting output cures instantly and delivers an incredibly durable print finish that’s both colourfully eye-catching and immediately usable.
The first-hand account of the factors that influenced Frenzy Designs to invest in Lightbar ink technology, and the impact that this decision has had on the business, will be of particular interest to other companies seeking to offer their customers a fast turnaround service for digital print.
The ‘Why we chose Lightbar’ video is available on the Partner Solutions website, www.partner-solutions.co.uk, and on Youtube: https://youtu.be/neCU325tNBI
Colourgen has announced positive, profitable results for its financial year ending June 2015. Revenues increased overall by 20%, with all brands represented by Colourgen benefiting from the growth.
Jeff Biggs, Managing Director of Colourgen, comments: "Our results last year were very pleasing during what was for many a difficult trading year. We have adapted ourselves well to the market and we are using our resources efficiently and productively to ensure we maintain the high levels of customer service, satisfaction and loyalty that has always been our trademark."
Highlights from Colourgen's 2014/15 fiscal year include a growth in its Epson business which saw nearly a 50% increase in printer sales. "The growth in Epson business is particularly good news for us and is a result of the quality of our technical and logistics capabilities. We will continue to invest in this area to ensure further growth in Epson business," adds Biggs.
Mutoh sales remained steady with a slight increase in the number of printers sold compared to the previous year.
However, laminator sales have shown the most dramatic rise, with Colourgen increasing sales of Kala and Seal products by 124%. Biggs, "We believe this growth in laminator sales is a result of post-recession purchases with very outdated equipment finally being replaced. There is also a lot of confidence within the market for both the Kala and Seal brands."
Specialist products like the Windo Display range from FloorWindo also showed growth, up 31% on last year. Overall, consumables business grew by 15%.
Jeff Biggs concludes: "Our results reflect the fact that we are now seeing more movement as the market recovers, which is demonstrated in increased capital investments. The market remains difficult though and we will continue to add value, especially in logistics and technical. We are also focused on finding new opportunities and products to address emerging markets."
The Print Show 2015 visitor Emma Tomlinson from trade carton finishing company Carton Edge Ltd, was in for a pleasant surprise when she heard she had won the Golden Ticket Prize Draw. As she made her way over to the Epson/Colourbyte stand, she discovered her prize was a 36-inch Epson SureColor SC-T5200 large format printer worth £2,500!
“I’d spent a great day at the show and was in my car about to leave when I got the call to say my name had been announced over the tannoy, so I dashed back to find out what I’d won,” says Emma. “I was completely shocked when I saw that I’d won the Epson printer!”
Emma has just taken delivery of the SureColor SC-T5200 printer: “It’s just like receiving an early Christmas present. I can’t wait to start using it!”
Once installed, the printer will be used to print Carton Edge’s POS, marketing posters and collateral. Emma says: “Carton Edge is exhibiting at Packaging Innovations at the NEC in February, so it will be the ideal opportunity to design and print our own POS and graphics for the stand using the SureColor SC-T5200.”
With support from Colourbyte and Epson, Emma is hoping to get creative and find new ways to use the printer: “We want to get the most out of the printer so will be looking at how we can use it for printing onto a wide range of media - not just on paper. It’s very exciting! This could open up new opportunities and expand the business in a way we never imagined.”
For information on the Epson SureColor SC-T series printers contact Epson authorised reseller Colourbyte at www.colourbyte.co.uk or call on +44 (0)1442 26 26 26.