Printers Post - News

Splendid paper plus splendid people equal international recognition

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

An Australian design agency has won big in the digital category of the internationally-renowned Fedrigoni Top Applications Awards in Italy. Studio Brave in Melbourne has taken out the HP Indigo category, which was specifically dedicated to projects printed with HP Indigo digital printers.

Globally recognised Italian paper manufacturer Fedrigoni opened their awards to international entrants for the first time last year. The awards cover five categories – the HP Indigo Category, Book Publishing – Hardback, Book Publishing – Paperback, Corporate Publishing and Packaging. Designers, along with printers and the customers that commission the works, are rewarded.

The competition is always fierce with brands such as Armani, Prada and Ferrari all known for using Fedrigoni speciality papers.

Studio Brave’s piece evidently shone through. Printed on Splendorgel, by Melbourne’s Bambra Press, the self-promotional print piece entitled ‘Being Brave Four’ is an eclectic mix of spectacular photography and brilliant examples of their recent works. The studio even manages to incorporate a quirky poem about Courage into their creation.

“It was fantastic to receive such an award,” says Tim Sutherland, creative director at Studio Brave. “We create these pieces to show our passion for design to potential customers, but you never think you’re going to win. We were surprised and obviously thrilled with the outcome.”

A man that wasn’t as surprised was Edward Stephenson, marketing manager at Spicers. “It just goes to show the exceptional design talent and print production facilities we have here in Australia,” comments Edward. “It truly is an amazing achievement, that out of all of the global entries, an Australian design studio won. Hopefully, Studio Brave’s win will inspire other Australian designers to enter the 2012 competition.”

To further encourage local designers and as a call for entries to enter into the next Top Application Awards, Spicers is bringing all of this year’s award winners and finalists for an exhibition of great design and print in early May. Those attending will indeed bear witness to just what can be achieved with some splendid paper by some very splendid people.

The final recto page in Studio Brave’s book bares the words: ‘Be Brave’. As Edward Stephenson comments, “If a free trip to Italy and an international award are the fruits of that attitude, then we’d be inclined to take note. On some Splendorgel, perhaps?”

Schobertechnologies introduce high-capacity die cutting modules

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Schobertechnologies GmbH, a subsidiary of Schober GmbH Holding, specialises in the development, design and manufacturing of rotary tools, modules and specialty machines widely used in film, foil, packaging, nonwovens and paper converting industries. This technically superior equipment is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

These type of die cutting modules with working width up to 1000mm and designed for production speeds of up to 300 m/min stand out, especially, for the modular line shaft driven machines as well as hybrid machine concept with individual drive technology. The innovative drive concept of the Schobertechnologies die cutting module offers higher precision and flexibility due to a precise electronically synchronous run and digital servo-drives.

The high-capacity die cutting modules feature a preset and calibrated pressure adjustment, high-precision bearing assemblies and housings for low temperature running, vibration-free design, micrometric die wear compensation adjustment (GCS) as well as central quick magnetic/anvil disengagement (without loss of registration) in order to ease web threading and consequently shorten the set-up.

Know-how and superior production technology combined with the high-tech features ensure that most materials available in roll format can be die cut at the highest efficiency and productivity, even with liners (for self-adhesive materials) as thin as 30 micron.

Experience and expertise provide Schobertechnologies with the ability to meet challenging customer demands. By steadily enhancing and improving the converting technology, Schobertechnologies is able to meet ever changing market requirements such as run length, different product shapes, sizes and material.

ContiTech and HELL eye collaboration in flexographic printing

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ContiTech Elastomer Coatings and HELL Gravure Systems, two strong companies in the printing industry, plan to cooperate in the areas of development and application engineering. The cooperation aims to further boost the advantages of direct-engravable flexographic printing plates and establish a sustained foothold in the growing flexographic printing market.

In the past months, these printing plates have enabled ContiTech to successfully expand its business overall in the graphics industry. In doing so, the company was able to draw on its wide-ranging experience with elastomer materials.

"The flexographic printing market has responded very enthusiastically to our products. We intend to cash in on the response so as to make inroads into this segment," says Dr. Thomas Perkovic, head of the printing blanket segment at ContiTech Elastomer Coatings. "Technical solutions emerge when systems and material manufacturers join forces. Despite our respective experience, these solutions are not open to either of us when going it alone."

HELL's areas of competence are in systems solutions for printing plate production. In just a decade, HELL made a name for itself in the flexographic market as a technological trendsetter in the direct engraving of elastomer printing plates. Its PremiumFlexo products for laser direct engraving and PremiumLine range for the automatic production line exemplify this.

The goal in harnessing together the know-how of the two companies is to further actively expand the strengths of this forward-looking technology and offer the flexographic market competitive alternatives to today's manufacturing processes. "Harmonising material and machine further raises the level of economic efficiency and quality," declares Dr. Jörg Pohé, general manager of HELL Gravure Systems.

The cooperation can already point to tangible successes. "In terms of material composition and reduced plate wear, the newly developed Conti Laserline CSX/CSC printing plates are perfectly geared to high resolution direct engraving technology," notes Armin Senne, flexographic printing business manager at ContiTech Elastomer Coatings. Optimised for the respective requirements of laser direct engraving, the printing plates are supplied in rolls with widths of up to 2100mm, lengths up to 30m and a range of thicknesses.

Langley Group takes over manroland AG sheet fed division

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

An investor solution has been found for the sheetfed business of manroland AG in insolvency proceedings. The privately owned British engineering group, Langley Holdings plc, has emerged as the investor behind the takeover of the sheetfed printing equipment division, its production facilities (including all real estate in Offenbach), together with the international marketing organisation in more than 40 countries.

“I am very pleased with the solution which will provide a long-term perspective to the Offenbach location and the sheet fed printing business", said Werner Schneider, insolvency administrator. “Roughly 840 future employees in Offenbach will be taken over according to the present staff planning. In addition, Langley takes over the international marketing organisation.

“Tony Langley, sole shareholder of the Langley Group, is well known as a long-term investor who acts strategically. We are convinced that a lasting perspective has been found for manroland's sheet fed printing business", Schneider continues.

“We foresee very good economic prospects for manroland sheetfed following the recent re-structuring..." said Tony Langley."This is a world-class business with an excellent reputation and its production and research & development facilities are superb; everything one expects of the very best of German engineering."

Langley already operates two successful technology divisions in Germany in the field of capital equipment; the Piller Group in Osterode / Hanover and the Claudius Peters Group in Buxtehude / Hamburg. In 2011, Langley Holdings achieved revenues of approximately €500 million, with a profit before tax of some €76 million.

All contracts have been signed , with execution of the transaction subject to approval of the German cartel office which is expected within the next weeks.

Anitech launches the wide format toner-based KIP C7800

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Anitech Sydney has confirmed the KIP C7800 wide format printer has begun shipping and the first demonstration model will be in Australia in early February.

“This will cause a real upset in the market for five really important reasons,” says Barry Grant, marketing director at Anitech. “Firstly the production cost of print is less than one quarter of the cost of inkjet; secondly it’s a toner-based wide format system; thirdly the quality is so good it has to be seen to be believed; fourthly it can print on a huge range of substrates for indoor and outdoor use and lastly it has finishing built right into the production chain.”

The KIP C7800 wide format printer uses a solid particle based toner system for colour and mono printing that produces outstanding quality at a cost per copy rate that is a quarter of the price for a comparable size in inkjet. Built for flexibility, the machine will print media from 300mm to 910mm wide, making it ideal for indoor, outdoor or backlit graphics and the CMYK dry toner based print produces a lightfast, odourless, waterproof and ready to finish product.

Media handling capabilities include standard bond, translucent bond, double matte, clear film, weatherproof banner film, waterproof bond, white opaque adhesive back and clear adhesive back substrates. The operating system includes print controls for the production of a range of print applications, cloud printing, scan and copy, variable data printing and fully integrated stacking and folding.

The KIP C7800 is designed to save serious time and money and the solid particle toner results in astonishing quality at an unbelievable price. KIP’s versatility means any operator in the display, business graphics or technical document production line will derive an immediate benefit from deploying the system.

“KIP reliability will keep you up and running and kip quality will keep your customers coming back for more. Printing is faster, operation is simpler and finishing is automatic,” concludes Grant “To see how brilliant.”

For further information on the KIP C7800 or to arrange a demonstration contact Barry Grant, Anitech on (02) 8845 0222 or freecall 1300 133 029

Soccer fanatic to challenge Queensland signage market

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DES Pty Ltd has appointed Jamie Lockhart to the position of sales executive, sign and display products, in the company’s Brisbane office. The avowed Manchester United fan settled in Australia from his native Ireland last year and is now a staunch supporter of the Brisbane Roar A-League team.

His key focus at DES will be its recently expanded sign and display portfolio resulting from the acquisition of the MACtac range of computer cut, digital print and laminate products, as well as a new range of flexible banner and roll up display products.

Lockhart transferred to DES from the previous MACtac distributor, DSS Supply One, which went into receivership earlier this year.

His 17-year career has spanned several Irish trade suppliers to the sign making, digital print and visual graphics industry. In his last position as Northern Ireland account manager for Dublin’s Sign & Digital Ltd, he grew his territory sales by 300 per cent.

DES Brisbane manager, Matt Hall, said, “With Jamie’s extensive experience in the sign and display industry, he is well positioned to provide our customers with a high level of support. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Dscoop to focus on brand strategy for customers

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative) has announced that the 2012 Dscoop annual conference will focus on educating members on brand strategy for customers.

Print service providers (PSPs) are in a unique position to speak to the creative or marketing directors at a company and meet their spectrum of marketing needs – everything from direct mail to e-commerce to signage to packaging. Dscoop7, taking place March 22-24, 2012, at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington, D.C., will focus on helping printers understand the range of services they can provide by either partnering or growing their business.

“As print becomes commoditised, today’s economy demands that PSPs evolve and add more value,” said Eric Hawkinson, executive director of Dscoop. “Whereas our members might have focused on one channel in the past, Dscoop7 will enable them to see the bigger picture as well as give tools and share the latest trends to take back to their customers. Featured speakers Chad Dick and Josh Linkner will share how, in today’s economic environment, branding can differentiate your customer and be the edge they need.”

Chad Dick is a partner at eatbigfish, a specialised consultancy with a unique focus and expertise in challenger brands, and he will lead a session about “How Challenger Brands Succeed.” He joined eatbigfish in 2007 after a 15-year career in marketing, innovation and general management working with PepsiCo, Campbell’s Soup, Nestle and General Mills. Dick holds an MBA in marketing from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Josh Linkner is the best-selling author of Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity. Using his background as an entrepreneur and musician, he is on a mission to make the world more creative. He will speak about “Unleashing Creativity: The New Currency of Brand Success.” Linkner is the founder and chairman of ePrize, the largest interactive promotion agency in the world.

More conference information is available at www.dscoop7.org

Epson Artisan 1430 adds wireless mobility to wide format prints

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Epson Australia has released the Artisan 1430 wide format printer for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs who want to print gallery quality images up to A3+, and graphic designers and CAD users who need finely detailed large format prints.

With Ultra High Definition prints, superior media handling capabilities including borderless print sizes from 4x6 to A3+, CD/DVD printing, convenient wireless networking and easy to use mobile printing apps, the Artisan 1430 is designed for a wide range of creative and professional projects including photo books, scrapbooking, brochures and posters, graphic illustrations and design rendering.

Epson Claria photographic ink in six high capacity individual cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Cyan and Light Magenta) is matched with Epson’s exclusive Advanced MicroPiezo print head and Variable Sized Droplet technology in the Artisan 1430 to deliver highly accurate placement of ink droplets in as many as five sizes down to a tiny 1.5 picolitres, while optimising print speed on the selected print mode. The result is gallery quality prints with super smooth colour and tone gradations and vital skin tones.

Epson Claria Photographic ink supports a wider colour gamut than traditional photo printing technologies and is far more resistant to fading than earlier dye-based inks, having been strengthened at a molecular level to resist fading caused by light and oxidised gases such as ozone. Claria ink photo prints retain their vibrant beauty longer under a wide range of conditions and have a potential album storage life estimated at up to 200 years.

Built-in Wi-Fi Certified (802.11n) wireless networking ensures multiple users can easily share the Artisan 1430, and Epson Connect including Epson iPrint allows printing of web pages, documents, and photos on-the-go from a smartphone, iPhone, iPad, or other mobile device, with remote printing also possible via email print. See www.epson.com/mobileprinting for a list of supported/compatible devices and apps.

The Artisan 1430 is also PictBridge compatible allowing direct printing via cable from enabled cameras and other storage devices. With a range of up to 60 different recommended Epson media types and finishes the Artisan 1430 is versatile, supporting diverse image printing needs with speed and ease.

Included image enhancement tools automatically evaluate and correct digital images for colour and lighting, while the advanced face detection software adjusts the colour to ensure beautiful natural skin tones and removes red-eye.

The Epson Artisan 1430 (RRP $399) is available through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and at www.shoponline.epson.com.au .

Ricoh’s run in "Global 100" goes for eighth straight year

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For the eighth year in a row Ricoh has been listed as one of the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World," known as the "Global 100".

The company was one of 12 from the information technology sector listed, and the only office automation specialist named, through its continued efforts in product innovation and stewardship and deep commitment to the environment.

“The Global 100 continues to be a testament for sustainable management by international corporations – showing that corporate responsibility is integral to continued success,” commented Ricoh Australia’s managing director Les Richardson.

“It is part of our ethos to continuously look within, and with our customers, to find better ways to reduce cost, waste, complexity and CO2. I believe this is what helps us meet the tough benchmark set out by the Global 100 List,” he added.

Since 2005 Corporate Knights Inc. of Canada has selected the top 100 corporations in the world every year by highlighting global corporations which have been the most proactive in managing environmental, social and governance issues (ESG) integrated with financial data.

Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights, says, “In a year in which Wall Street was occupied and capitalism became a bad word, the Global 100 companies serve as ambassadors for a better, cleaner kind of capitalism which, it also turns out, is more profitable.”

The Global 100 was recently recognised for its industry-leading standard of transparency and objectivity by a meta-study of corporate sustainability rankings (Rate the Raters by the consultancy SustainAbility).

Bookings now open for Heidelberg Women in Print 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As ‘Heidelberg Women in Print’ enters its sixth year expectations are high for another sell-out season. In 2011 nearly 500 women walked through the venue doors to participate in an initiative that recognises women in the print media industry. This year's keynote speaker is Judith Fordham, an inspirational speaker and successful criminal barrister, who is sure to make the evening one to remember.

These popular networking events are held at exceptional venues where guests will enjoy a sit down dinner. It is a great opportunity to network with peers and colleagues while enjoying great food and drink.

Event and Venue Details:

Melbourne, Thursday 22 March 7pm

Leonda by the Yarra

2 Wallen Road, Hawthorn

Sit Down Dinner, $99 per head

Adelaide, Friday 23 March 7pm

Ayers House - Ballroom

288 North Terrace, Adelaide

Sit Down Dinner, $99 per head

Sydney, Tueday 27 March 6pm

Establishment Hotel

Room II & III, 320 – 330

George Street, Sydney

Sit Down Dinner, $99 per head

Brisbane, Wednesday 28 March 6pm

Emporium Hotel

1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Sit Down Dinner, $90 per head

Perth, Friday 30 March 6.30pm

The Aviary

140 William Street, Perth

Sit Down Dinner, $99 per head

For more information contact diandra.gavillucci@heidelberg.com

Visit www.heidelbergwomeninprint.com.au to book and pay online. Registrations close Friday, February 24.

‘Like’ Heidelberg Women in Print Australia on Facebook to keep up-to-date with the dinners and other events.

Industry energy survey ends on February 8

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Printing Industries has launched a national survey to help identify industry power consumption levels as part of its strategy to reduce energy costs for its members. The move is related to the Association’s establishment of a member’s Buying Group to reduce operating cost in key areas of business expense. The survey will take only a few minutes to complete and closes on Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey said that while full details of the Buying Group would be progressively released, its initial focus was on the major business expense area of electricity. “There is not a single company in our industry that would not benefit from being able to lower their energy costs, so we have made the achievement this goal the number one priority for our Member Buying Group,” he said. “Since power costs will continue to escalate, it is important that we explore all options including electricity purchasing and efficient energy use to help our members keep these operating costs to a minimum.

Preliminary research had identified savings in the vicinity of 11 per cent could be made off the electricity bill for a mid-sized printing company. Healey said the survey would be invaluable in identifying industry energy consumption and costs, current providers and access to sustainability and energy management processes.

Healey said that the response to-date had been “excellent”, demonstrating strong recognition of the need to minimise energy costs and support for Printing Industries work to help achieve this goal. “I also want to make the point that the survey is open to printing companies everywhere of every size, particularly in regional and country areas. The greater the participation pool is, the better and more accurate our data will be,” he added.

Click here to access the survey

Coleman’s Printing scores a 2012 first

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Coleman’s Printing has set itself the goal of becoming the most environmentally friendly printer in the Northern Territory – and is using Printing Industries Sustainable Green Print (SGP) program to get them there. The Darwin-based printing company became the first company in Australia to achieve SGP certification for 2012 after successfully completing its Level 2 audit in early January.

Coleman's printing manager, Tony Coleman, said the company began tracking its environmental practices four years ago and then undertook SGP to formalise the process and achieve its Level 2 certification. "This is a significant result as it shows we are punching above our weight in terms of environmental management,” he said.

Coleman said the company had recycled enough paper in the past 18 months to save more than 4000 trees. Over the past four years, Coleman's Printing has also reduced its landfill waste by 50 per cent.

"By recycling paper, we are also reducing the amount of oil used in the paper manufacturing process, and as a result of our initiatives we have saved enough fuel to travel around the world 14 times," he

Printing Industries South Australia and Northern Territory general manager Peter Mansfield said he believed Coleman’s Printing was the first printing company in the Northern Territory to achieve any formal environmental certification.

“This is a wonderful achievement for Coleman’s Printing which becomes the 31st printer in Australia to achieve SGP Level 2 Certification,” he said. "Becoming certified is important as it lets your community and customers know you have been independently audited as environmentally responsible.”

Mansfield said the company intended to progress from Level 2 to become "internationally accredited for sound environmental management".

Companies interested in undertaking Sustainable Green Print in South Australia or the Northern Territory can contact Peter Mansfield on (08) 8373 0622 or e-mail peterm@printnet.com.au

Konica Minolta earns BLI’s Pick for A3 MFP “Line of the Year”

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For the second consecutive year, Konica Minolta Business Solutions has won Buyers Laboratory LLC’s (BLI’s) most coveted award – A3 MFP Line of the Year.

Once each year, Buyers Lab, the leading global provider of information and testing services to the digital imaging industry, acknowledges the vendors whose product lines are determined to be the best overall in their respective categories based on the cumulative results of models tested in BLI’s rigorous two-month laboratory evaluation.

By assessing reliability, image quality, ease of use, productivity and a range of other criteria, the tests reveal the products that deliver customers the best value and most trouble-free performance. Also considered are the breadth of the vendor’s line and the vendor’s ability to provide quality products suitable to a broad spectrum of customer needs, from low-volume to high-volume.

“The Konica Minolta line continues to impress, currently including 14 A3 “Pick” winners – more than any other MFP vendor,” said George Mikolay, senior product editor, A3/Copier MFPs.

“It’s a remarkable achievement that among all 14 ‘Pick’ winners, not a single malfunction occurred,” said BLI managing editor Daria Hoffman, pointing out that the only service required was for routine scheduled preventive maintenance. “When all currently available tested A3 models are considered, Konica Minolta has the best reliability record of all eligible vendors, proving that it offers the quality buyers consider more important than any other.”

Konica Minolta currently has six individual “Picks” for its business colour products, ranging in speed from 22 to 65 ppm. “Colour print quality is also a differentiator for Konica Minolta, said Pete Emory, BLI’s manager of laboratory testing. “Unlike the majority of business colour models we test, Konica Minolta’s products maintain very good and consistent output from start to finish over the course of our high-volume tests.”

In addition, all of Konica Minolta’s colour “Pick” winners received high marks for both business graphics and photographic images – something that can’t be said of most competitors. Even so, for more graphics-intensive environments, an EFI Fiery controller is also available for all the models from 28 ppm and above.

Equally strong on the monochrome side, Konica Minolta’s line currently has eight monochrome “Pick” winners ranging in speed from 22 ppm to 75 ppm. Common to the majority of these “Pick” winners are fast scan speeds and exceptional paper-handling capabilities, including modular finishing options that allow users to upgrade easily as their needs evolve. Above average performances by most in BLI’s real-world job stream test means there won’t be unproductive wait times in environments in which multiple users send jobs to the device at once during busy times of the day.

A leader among document imaging companies in offering security features such as hard drive overwrite as standard rather than optional, Konica Minolta provides a comprehensive offering of standard security measures for its A3 products, as well as a biometric access control option that recognises vein patterns in users’ fingertips to enable quick, hassle-free authentication. And the company’s excellent print drivers feature the award-winning My Tab, which allows the first tab of Konica Minolta’s print drivers to be customised for each user.

“Comparably equipped, most of the models BLI tested also offer suggested retail prices that are competitive to lower than average for their respective groups and typically offer strong features sets to boot, making them exceptional values for buyers,” said Mikolay.

Konica Minolta’s A3 business colour winners include the bizhub C220, bizhub C280, bizhub C360, bizhub C452, bizhub C552/C552DS and bizhub C652/C652DS. Konica Minolta’s current A3 monochrome winners include the bizhub 652, bizhub 552, bizhub 423, bizhub 363, bizhub 283, bizhub 223, bizhub 601and bizhub 751.

“We are honoured to have received BLI’s highly coveted ‘MFP Line of the Year’ award," said Stevan Caldwell, national marketing manager, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia. “This recognition from BLI is testimony to Konica Minolta’s ongoing innovation and market-leading technologies which provides exceptional colour print quality and reliability across our entire MFP product range.”

New systems cleaner speeds up press turnrounds

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The introduction by Böttcher Australia of its ProSlimex system cleaner has signalled a new era of efficiencies in press cleaning procedures. According to the company’s Australian MD Mitch Mulligan, the use of ProSlimex which has no foaming properties and is totally neutral when it comes to changing of the pH value, is contributing to major strides in productivity.

“Your standard system cleaners need to be removed entirely from the press fount, which of course impacts negatively on a press room’s efficiency”, he said. “They then require the pumps to run for up to 4 hours and filled with fresh water, drained and then run for a further four hours.

The new system requires pumps only to run for an hour, having had 10% of ProSlimex added to the old fount. It then only needs the bio film to be removed from the filter, the tank drained and cleaned by hand and filled with fresh fountain solution.”

Recent tests in several Australian press rooms have demonstrated total cleaning time requirements between two and three hours compared to the usual six hours needed by standard system cleaners.

According to Mulligan the waste components and cleaning effect achieved result in dramatically higher machine efficiencies. “The waste in the dirty founts is reduced by 65% and cleaning time is halved,” he pointed out, adding that tests had shown that standard system cleaners tended to remove some dirt on the surface of the piping system without any deep cleaning effect, whereas the ProSlimex-treated units showed all bio films and dirt in the piping systems removed.

Marcus Scheuffele, co-owner of Bendigo-based Express Printers noted that a considerable increase in press turnaround time had been achieved since the introduction of the new cleaning system. The company, which has grown from a solitary Heidelberg Platen some 30 years ago, is today a total offset shop with a regular two-shift output from an eight-colour Komori S29 and a Heidelberg two-colour GTO.

Scheuffele said: “The results we achieved were almost unbelievable at first, with our
damping process cut in half to 8-10 weeks between dumps where before we used to have to do it at least every month. Nowadays our damping lines are like new and of course our downtime is dramatically decreased.”

Melbourne’s Printgraphics’ Jason King said “We hang our hat on being a green company” as he confirmed a 50 per cent saving of water in each press cleaning process since switching to the Slimex routine. We were looking for a cleaning system which would avoid the usual interruption to production. This is now a major cost and time saving bonus for us”, he stated.

Running six-colour and ten-colour Komoris, Printgraphics now saves up to half ten-colour press, water tends to stay more stagnant. The ProSlimex formulation gives us a nice, strong flush.”

Theo Pettaras to head 2012 GASAA executive

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GASAA has announced its 2012 president and executive committee members, which once again represent a diverse group of leaders within the graphic communications industry, led by long-term executive committee member Theo Pettaras as its president for the coming year.

The committee comprises Richard Baker, Kwik Kopy Australia; Richard Daniell, RDA Creative; Stephen Edwards, Snap Franchising; Brenda Esterhazy, Access Print; Luke Everingham, Shepson Printing; Libby Hams, BMF Advertising; Bruce Jacobs, Jagar Sprinting; Michael Jones, CDM Print; David Leach, Look Print; Michael Milan, Minuteman Melbourne; and Paul Yates, Lyndsay Yates & Partners.

Pettaras is founder and director of Digitalpress, an award winning, creative and digital print firm based in Surry Hills, Sydney. As an active and experienced member of the governing body of GASAA, Pettaras has been instrumental in the establishment of the growing GASAA Printovation awards programme that has greatly assisted in raising the organisation’s profile in recognising not only quality but also exciting and innovation in print production.

In commenting on the appointment, Pettaras says, “I am both honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity to represent GASAA members as their new president. Our previous president David Leach guided so many lasting GASAA initiatives during his two year term and maintained strong and open relations with the many associations in our industry. These indeed will be big shoes to fill. I intend to continue David’s legacy and together with the board will reach out to both printing and creative communities to promote this very relevant and resourceful organisation.

“I am looking forward to highlighting the benefits that GASAA membership can offer. I am equally excited to be able to share my experience and knowledge over the past 25 years in both offset and digital printing.”

Countdown to Pride In Print Awards begins

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The $60.00 entry fee for the 2012 Pride In Print Awards closes on Tuesday, February 7. After this all entries will cost $80.00 up until the final cut-off date of February 29.

Let’s get the best work into the 2012 Awards to enable Pride In Print to promote the best print that New Zealand has to offer.

Category Information: refer to www.prideinprintawards.co.nz

For those printers specialising in Personal Stationery – wedding stationery, greeting cards and invitations (Category 7D) or Business Stationery – letterheads, business cards, envelopes and compliment slips (Category 2A) – you do not have to mount your work on display boards – judges need to see both sides of the product so should you choose to mount work loose samples need to also be supplied.

In the past this category has not had many entries yet we know there is some excellent work being done out there - so let’s see it this year!

Large Format and Grand Format Billboard work Large Packaging and Promotional Items: Large pieces of work – please refer to the website for information regarding what is required for entry if you are submitting this type of work. You do NOT need to send this to us in Wellington if you are based in Auckland – please call the office regarding this and we will make arrangements to have this directly sent to the judging. If you have any questions just call us – we are here to assist.

If you need an entry form contact Aimee on (04) 237 0482 or email aimee@promoteltd.co.nz. Alternatively you can enter online at www.prideinprintawards.co.nz

Entries should be sent to

Pride In Print Awards

Unit G, 47 Kenepuru Drive

Porirua

Remember to mark the ‘Awards Night’ on your calendar. This year the Awards will be held in Auckland at the Langham Hotel on Friday, June 29, 2012.

Industry training synchronised across borders

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The industry training calendar for 2012 is off to a strong start with the first group of Printing Industries programs synchronised across NSW and Victoria. Sustainable Green Print (SGP) Levels one and two training programs will be held in Melbourne during February and Sydney during March. Dynamic Leadership Skills begins in Melbourne in February and Sydney in May, while Effective Sales in Print and Communication debuts in both Sydney and Melbourne during March.

Sustainable Green Print is based on the ISO14001 framework and is the printing industries own certification program designed to help printing companies meet their environmental responsibilities using a step by step process. Melbourne will host the introductory Level 1 program on 22 February and the Level 2 next step on 29 February. Sydney will follow with its Level 1 course on 13 March and Level 2 on 14 March.

Effective Sales in Print and Communication has been revamped as part of its continuing improvement program and will be delivered in both Sydney and Melbourne by Shane Maher to ensure consistency in content for companies that may want staff trained in both states. The course will be held first in Sydney as an intensive three-day course over 6-8 March and in Melbourne as a four day course over 13-14 and 20-21 March.

Dynamic Leadership Skills is aimed at new managers and current managers wanting to refresh their skills and techniques. The three-day course will run in Melbourne from 14-16 February and in Sydney from 8-10 May.

Recent participants have been quick to praise the course.

“Outstanding, engaging, insightful & challenging – a liberating experience” – Tim Scott – manager, Polytech Plastics

“A cracker of a course. I thoroughly recommend it – both on a professional and personal level” – Rhonda Osborne – manager, Bambra Press

“I was tested but not forced, coached but not told. In short I was inspired” – Robert Petz – print manager, Apex Films.

“One of the best leadership courses around” – Darren Hall – managing director, Prominent Press

For information on the Victorian schedule and courses please contact Bruce Lowery on (03) 8541 7304 E-mail: bruce@printnet.com.au For NSW courses contact Ian Walz on (02) 8789 7362 or E-mail ian@printnet.com.au

3DAP updates paper specs for magazine publishers

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

3DAP (Digital Data Delivery for Australian Publications) has announced a detailed update to its current 3DAPv3 standards. The committee believes that this update will provide further benefits to the pre-press, publishing and printing industry and will more accurately reflect the requirements of these industries in today’s market.

Although there will be no change to the Papertype 1 standard, 3DAP have introduced an improved Papertype 3 standard more in keeping with the LWC papers being commonly used today. The committee has also incorporated a new standard for Papertype 4, which should be compatible with the majority of uncoated stocks used in the magazine publishing today.

The update to the 3DAPv3 standard will be available immediately, so contact your proofing vendor and arrange the installation of the updated standards. New separation profiles for Papertype 3 and Papertype 4 are also available. The download are available from the 3DAP website at http://www.3dap.com.au/seperation.html

As the improved Papertype 3 standard is a replacement, the committee has agreed to a three month cross-over period where both the old and new Papertype 3 proofs will be accepted, however please be guided by the requirements of your publisher. After April 2012 only Papertype-3 (F45) proofs will be accredited by 3DAP and accepted by participating magazine publishers in Australia.

3DAP is an industry group committee formed to ensure that advertising material prepared by different sources for use in publication printing can be faithfully reproduced together on the same press sheet. It is also important for the same material inserted in multiple publications to be consistent. The secretariat for 3DAP is provided by the Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia (GASAA). Please email enquiries to info@3dap.com.au

GASAA nationwide Spotlight Sessions ready to kick off

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia (GASAA), supported by the Federal Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education and Enterprise Connect, kicks off the free series of educational spotlight sessions on Wednesday February 8 in Adelaide followed by Perth on February 9. Sessions will run in Qld, NSW, Vic, ACT and Tasmania in late February and early March.

45 expert panellists in 13 locations have been locked in to the national program modelled the popular ABC Q & A show to share advice and knowledge on continuity and contingency planning for all business.

The event is supported by the two key print and graphic communications industry associations, GASAA and Printing Industries Association, bringing with them industry expertise and knowhow. Specialists on the subject from the Business Continuity Institute, experienced in strategic business planning will offer proven advice and direction to those attending. A representative of the Federal Government’s Enterprise Connect will attend the workshops to provide information on Government support, including the accessibility of available government funding to support your firm moving forward.

Executive officer of GASAA, Garry Knespal, says, “These workshops are a rare and strong combination of experts from the industry, external consultants and government business advisers. Each set of panellists has been made up of influential leaders from the local area, allowing us to tailor each event to the attendees in individual locations. I urge people to register for this free, one off opportunity to find out the how and why of planning for the unexpected.”

Click here for full details

Canon platform now supports mobile devices

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Canon Australia has extended the industry’s first single platform to manage print, scanning and copying processes to now also include mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and netbooks.

Developed in partnership with customers in response to specific business requirements, uniFLOW version 5.1 supports all internet-enabled mobile devices and enables jobs to be printed across a full range of devices from desktop 7680 Printers through to Multi-Function Devices (MFDs).

“Recent research found that over half of workers using smartphones can’t print from their device, but want to. There have been concerns with managing a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) strategy, particularly around security and integration. With uniFLOW version 5.1, organisations can now offer their employees flexible ways of working, including mobile printing and printing from their devices on the go,” said Luke Maddison, Canon Australia group manager, business marketing.

uniFLOW version 5.1 is unique in the market as not only does it bring together the ability to scan, print and copy from one single integrated platform but it now also extends the same security, cost control safe guards and multi-vendor device finishing options to mobile devices.

“Australia has the second highest market penetration of smartphones in the world. uniFLOW v5.1 helps businesses work more flexibly without compromising corporate security or opening themselves up to unmanaged costs. It provides an effective solution to optimise an organisation’s MFDs, remote printing for visitors or for their employees,” concluded Maddison.