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| To get the best gray shades from a digital press use tints of black, but stay away from 10% black tints unless you want a very light shade of gray. Start with 20% and work your way up to about 80% gray. Avoid large areas of a single tint of gray. |
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If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
- J.R.R. Tolkien - |
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We now spend more time in front of computer or video game screens than TV .
Half of girls and a third of boys born since 2000 in the developed world will live to be 100 .
Half of the jobs available in 15 years time do not exist today.
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| This week at Printers Post: |
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The HP Scitex FB7500 printer provides the market with a true digital alternative to analogue flatbed screenprinting.
Large-format printing solutions bolster sign and display market
HP unveiled the latest additions to its portfolio of large-format digital printing solutions at SGIA ’08, bolstering the company’s efforts to target the estimated $53 billion page-value opportunity for the global sign and display market projected for 2010. These additions strengthen HP’s position as the leading provider of large-format technologies and solutions, and include:
* The HP Scitex FB7500 Printer, which delivers industry-leading productivity along with high print speeds and standard three-quarter automation.
* The HP Scitex FB950 Printer, which provides consistent high-quality point-of purchase/point-of-sale (POP/POS), tradeshow and event signage on virtually any rigid or flexible media.
* The HP Scitex TJ8550 Printer, which delivers higher print speeds and quality at lower costs than its predecessor.
“The release of these new printers further enhances our range of end-to-end solutions and provides our customers with even greater opportunities to maximise growth potential in digital print across a wide range of applications,” said Shane Lucas, director HP Graphic Arts South Pacific. “We anticipate there will be considerable excitement in the signage print sector with the release of the HP Scitex FB7500 printer which demonstrates our commitment to provide the market with a true digital alternative to analogue flatbed screenprinting. It is also the first printer in the HP Scitex range to feature the new HP Scitex X2 Printhead technology that was unveiled at drupa this year.”
“The release of the HP Scitex FB950 with its advanced features such as the spectrophotometer and onboard camera delivers an even greater opportunity to produce high quality, visually engaging signage. This printer will allow PSPs to offer their customers an expanded range of products and to broaden their market reach,” Lucas concluded.
With speeds of up to 500 m²/hr, a resolution of up to 500 dpi and three-quarter automated loading to reduce idle time between sheets by up to 85 percent, the HP Scitex FB7500 Printer delivers the highest productivity of digital flatbed printers in its price class. It is an ideal solution for close-view POP/POS applications, exhibition graphics, signage, backlit displays and posters.
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Innovative printer/cutter takes out a 2008 DPI Product of the Year
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Roland’s new VersaUV LEC-300 30” UV inkjet printer/cutter has been named 2008 DPI Product of the Year for the Output Device Poster Category in SGIA’s annual competition. Roland’s VersaWorks 3.0 RIP software earned a DPI Partner Award for the Output Device Poster Category for its role in producing the winning print.
“Each year, the DPI Product of the Year award recognises products that deliver the highest levels of print quality,” said John Wall, Roland's sales
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 | and marketing manager. “We are proud of this prestigious award. The VersaUV LEC-300 is a groundbreaking new UV inkjet device, combining a new generation of LED-curable inks with renowned Roland print/cut technology for unmatched image quality and versatility.”
The revolutionary new VersaUV LEC-300 is the industry’s first wide-format UV inkjet printer/cutter and uses safe, low-heat LED lamps. The LEC-300 prints CMYK + White + Clear on a wide range of substrates including foils, metallic and synthetic papers, BOPP, PE, and PET film for unmatched colour, texture and dimension. It uses the new Roland ECO-UV inks to produce graphics that are easy to handle and can be stretched across both curved surfaces and sharp edges without cracking.
At 30” wide, the LEC-300 is a highly versatile production tool that can be used for both short production runs and pre-press applications such as label proofs, packaging comps and prototypes. Clear coat adds remarkably rich special effects ranging from high-gloss finishes for area highlights to custom-textured effects such as faux leather and crocodile embossing. The product is supported by Roland’s Three Year Trouble-Free Warranty.
The VersaUV comes with VersaWorks 3.0 RIP software which includes proven productivity tools such as the Roland Color System for easy, precise spot colour matching, the Max Impact Preset for richer colour contrast, and Variable Data Printing. Based on the latest Abobe CPSI engine (3018), VersaWorks 3.0 is more robust and precise than ever before and features advanced print server functions allowing users to manage up to four Roland devices simultaneously.
VersaWorks 3.0 also offers support for Roland’s GX series cutters which allows professionals to manage stand-alone cutting operations or pair a Roland cutter with a Roland VersaArt printer for print/cut applications. A new PerfCut function enables users to produce precision perforated cut lines.
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The superwide format DS Series flatbed printer combines breakthrough speed with digital economics and the advantages of UV technology.
DS Series set to revolutionise the screen printing industry
Attendees at the SGIA Exposition and Conference held in Atlanta in October had the opportunity to see a number of award-winning EF-VUTEk solutions for the superwide format market including the new VUTEk DS Series digital screen printer , scheduled to be commercially available in 2009. This high speed superwide format flatbed printer provides a digital solution for the production of POP-quality graphics at breakthrough speed with digital economics and the advantages of UV technology.
The DS Series defines a new category of high-speed digital flatbed printers representing a tipping point in productivity, image quality and flexibility. Its new digital economics and capabilities will be attractive to both analogue screen printers and leading-edge digital printers. The innovative DS Series design and architecture enables the cost-effective production of higher volume jobs than ever before possible using a digital press.
“The incredible speed and resolution made possible by the DS Series’ innovative full width print array sets this VUTEk printer apart from all other competitive offerings available in the market today,” said Chuck Dourlet, vice president of marketing. The DS Series offers breakthrough speed, producing sellable output at up to 557 square metres per hour and uses a unique high productivity UV curing system, newly engineered from the ground up, to provide full curing at the fastest speeds. Digital economics removes costly and time-consuming screen manufacturing, screen removal and reclamation. This quick turnaround makes it possible to go straight to high volume production for same day, order-to-delivery capability.
UV Advantages, eight ink channels, up to 1200 dpi quality and fast makeready times.further enhance the new printer The DS Series prints to a wide range of substrates while minimising the health and safety issues normally associated with analog workflows and extends the digital crossover point with traditional screen print by a factor of 4 to 5.
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Cactus Imaging takes the next step in strategic development
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Cactus Imaging Australia continues to build momentum, recently announcing two promotions within its ranks. Nigel Spicer (pictured right), who has been with Cactus Imaging for over ten years and previously headed up the Sales and Marketing Division in Australia, South East Asia and New Zealand, has been appointed general manager, while Keith Ferrel will spearhead strategic accounts.
Ferrel, who founded Cactus Imaging with Warwick Spicer, has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is widely recognised as an industry authority on Out of Home Printing. He will work at a strategic level with key accounts so that the business continues to provide exceptional
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The forward-thinking Sydney company which is part of the OPUS Print Group has also purchased a state-of-the-art HP 2700. The innovative printer delivers superior image quality, perfect for internal displays, backlits, hanging banners and posters. The HP2700 also uses environmentally favoured UV ink, which is in line with the company’s strong philosophy on using sustainable alternatives within its production.
Commenting on these announcements, Cliff Brigstocke, OPUS Print Group CEO, said: “In what can only be described as a true win win, Cactus Imaging will take the next step in strategic development. It is a win for the key Cactus customers who will now have dedicated support and strategic development from Keith Ferrel – one of the most dedicated and experienced Out of Home specialists in the country.
“Customers also benefit from the purchase of the HP 2700 as it provides Cactus Imaging with the ability to produce every part of the print campaign from large billboards and building wraps right through to in-store posters and retail displays. Importantly, it is also a win for the team at Cactus who are celebrating Nigel’s appointment and the extension of the family association within this very proud business.”
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New addition to Inca Digital's Onset range boosts the series’ versatility
Inca Digital Printers’ Inca Onset S20 has been designed to deliver the high-volume production needs of specialist display print companies. The new printer, which will be available from global distributor Fujifilm Sericol, builds on the technology of the Inca Onset digital UV flatbed printer. This latest product introduction will allow Inca and Fujifilm Sericol to provide the industry with a choice of UV flatbed digital printers to suit all production requirements.
The Inca Onset S20 features Inca configured printheads on a full print width colour bar with a 28 picolitre drop size. This, combined with Inca's own print module technology and motion systems, delivers precise ink drop placement, producing excellent print quality. The capability to control pulse width and voltage on each individual printhead enables highly accurate control. There is the ability to replace individual printheads easily, which further reduces maintenance costs.
The Onset S20 prints edge to edge over a 3.12 x 1.6m area on a moving bed on substrates as thick as 50mm. The vacuum table with accurate pin positioning allows users to print single and double sided on a variety of sheet sizes. To provide users with an extra level of performance, a semi-automated material-handling system is available as an option.
While the standard colour set of the Inca Onset S20 is Fujifilm Sericol's Uvijet four colour CMYK, Ultratone inks (lights, orange, violet) and white versions are also available. This, as well as a choice of satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes, delivers enormous versatility in the range of products that can be printed, for example, display POS, exhibition graphics, backlit/frontlit displays, outdoor signage printing and so on. As with the faster Onset, an integrated scanner automatically checks and ensures accurate print density, and allows printhead nozzle mapping and alignment to assure that quality is not compromised.
With the addition of the Inca Onset S20, Inca offers a range of ten digital UV inkjet flatbed printers in a choice of formats, speeds and colours. The product range enables companies to select the Inca machine that is most suited to their specific requirements.
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FESPA’s 360m² jigsaw with the image of Bangkok Exhibition City will break the current world record of 340m².
World record jigsaw shows off power of wide-format printing and cutting
FESPA will create the world’s largest ever digitally produced jigsaw puzzle at FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008 at BITEC, Bangkok, 28-30 November 2008, in collaboration with the Thailand Exhibition and Convention Bureau (TCEB) and digital wide format specialists Fujifilm Sericol, Industrial Cutting Services Co. Ltd (ICS) with Zünd and Halifax Vogel, all of which are sponsoring the jigsaw initiative.
FESPA’s 18 metres by 20 metres or 360m² jigsaw with the image of Bangkok Exhibition City will break the current world record of 340m². It will be created using Fujifilm Sericol’s Acuity HD 2504 printer. Once printed, ICS with Zünd will complete the final stage of the project by cutting the giant puzzle pieces with the digital Zünd CNC knife cutting machine. Because the jigsaw will be displayed outside the exhibition hall during FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008, Fujifilm Sericol will digitally print the image onto special substrate Imageboard an all-purpose, UV stabilised, waterproof, acid-free, all-weather graphic arts board suitable for screen- and digital printing, supplied by Halifax Vogel.
Wide-format printing is all about creating impact, and what better way to showcase this than by breaking a world record for the biggest, digitally produced puzzle. Innovation in digital wide format printing technologies, substrates and cutting have now made it possible to produce highly creative output never previously thought possible. The jigsaw is a great example of the flexibility of digital, the creativity and collaborative commitment of our partners to show the power of large format digital printing that other technology cannot perform.
With over 150 exhibitors, an interesting and diverse Inspire Conference programme and numerous show highlights, both printing and marketing professionals will be inspired and find real value at FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008.
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The Anapurna Mv brings photo-quality UV technology to graphic screen printing and sign making shops at an affordable investment cost..
Wide spectrum of UV printers offers outstanding printing potential
Arousing interest at Visual Impact Image Expo was the new Agfa Graphics Anapurna Mv which was having its Australian debut at the show. Based on the original 63-inch wide Anapurna Mthe flatbed/rollfed Mv is a six-colour printer (CMYKcm) that also adds two extra printheads dedicated to jetting varnish, providing the capability to add gloss effects to enhance the cosmetic appearance of printed materials and add customer appeal. Varnish can be added in spot areas as well as overall varnish.
Using state-of-the-art 14 picoliter printheads and Agfa-made UV-curable Anapurna ink, the Anapurna Mv brings photo-quality UV technology to graphic screen printing and sign making shops at an affordable investment cost. The robustly engineered wide format industrial inkjet printer has been designed for indoor and outdoor signs and displays. With a print resolution of 720 x 1440 dpi, it prints up to 158 cm wide on a wide variety of roll media or uncoated rigids. Applications include posters, billboards, banners, fleet displays, POS and POP displays, exhibition panels, stage graphics, construction announcements, ad panels and more.
Agfa has one of the world's widest ranges of wide-format UV printing engines in the professional inkjet marketplace today covering the spectrum of printing capabilities from smaller entry-level to larger, more advanced systems, each offering best-in-class quality and results. This year the release of the entry-level Anapurna M4F and the Anapurna XLS, Agfa's newest high-speed and high quality wide format UV inkjet system, have enabled Agfa customers to further diversify their businesses and expand their capabilities with Agfa inkjet solutions.
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The latest wide format models sell fast at Sydney debut
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Océ Australia Limited had a stunning start to the Visual Impact Image Expo in Sydney, selling all three of its wide format display models off the stand within hours. The systems on display were the Arizona 350 GT flatbed, the Océ ColorWave 600, the first wide format printer to use Océ CrystalPoint technology (pictured right), and the Océ CS9290 high speed, low solvent wide format digital printer. All three printers were making their Australian debut at the expo. Two of printers were sold to Melbourne customers who were visiting Sydney for the expo and the third to a Sydney customer.
According to Adrian Morris, product
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 | manager Display Graphics / Imaging Supplies, for Océ-Australia Limited the expo was a great success for Océ. “We have been very pleased by the quality of the visitors to the expo and the genuine interest that they have displayed in Océ products. It’s a wonderful result for us, given that these three models were being seen for the first time and they were previewing quite new technology. In the case of the ColorWave 600, it uses the exciting Océ CrystalPoint system, which employs the best of inkjet and toner technology, and has never been seen in Australia.”
“We were not surprised at the interest in the Océ Arizona 350 GT, given the wide success we have had with the Océ Arizona 250 GT. The new model comes to market with higher production speeds and support for white ink technology. The third model sold, the Océ CS9290, 224cm digital wide format system produces outdoor signage, banners, vehicle graphics, exhibition displays, window graphics and similar signage with a durability of up to three years. Visitors were impressed by its versatility in printing for both indoor and outdoor applications. This is a wonderful start and we are expecting even better results by the time the expo ends.”
The Océ ColorWave 600 large format colour toner printer was honoured with a ’Must See 'Ems’ Award at the recent Graph Expo conference in Chicago. In addition, numerous other Océ hardware and software solutions received prestigious ‘Worth a Look’ and ‘Encore Worth a Look’ recognition.
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Affordability and efficiency of soft signage comes to the market
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At the recent Visual Impact Image Expo in Sydney ADI Displays launched its Integrated Soft Signage Solution to supply a range of soft signage display products as well as a Direct Digital Textile Printing System that produces high quality textile graphics extremely affordably.
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 | William Qian, CEO of ADI Display, said that he and his team had recognised the huge growth in the Soft Signage market as well as the problems that exist for companies to capitalise on this growth. Integrated Soft Signage Solution will bring in ready made product as well as a printing device which will simplify the entry for the large number of sign companies that want to take advantage of the opportunities that this market represents. “We will offer more products for more applications, which means that our distributors and resellers can offer more to their customers” said Qian.
The most important part of the Integrated Soft Signage Solution is the Digital Textile Printing System, which is the vehicle to deliver an increase in the affordability and efficiency of soft signage to the market. ADI Displays is offering a Digital Textile Printing System with direct sublimation printing technology. The system consists of a modified Japanese-made inkjet printer and a built-in, inline heating unit.
“We also offer a world-leading RIP software, the ONYX RIPCentre for the printer which allows support for accurate ICC profiling.” said Qian. “We have a factory-trained technician who will provide initial training and on-going support and service for every system we sell.”
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The Truepress Jet2500UV grand-format inkjet printer affords companies a wider product portfolio to offer their clients.
Wide format UV inkjet printer wins Product of Year award
Screen's Truepress Jet2500UV wide-format UV inkjet printer was named as Product of the Year by the Digital Printing and Imaging Association at this year’s SGIA show. In the output device category, the Truepress Jet2500UV received the award for rigid substrate UV ink output. The inkjet printing system impressed the DPI judges with the kind of outstanding print results that consistently wowed booth visitors at this year's SGIA and Graph Expo shows.
Screen is committed to creating a future in inkjet printing for sign/display printers, banner shops and specialty firms, as well as commercial printing companies seeking differentiation in unique production capabilities. The Truepress Jet2500UV grand-format inkjet printer affords companies a wider product portfolio to offer their clients. Brian Forsdike, the president of Screen Europe, said: "The Truepress Jet2500UV is one of the digital imaging products that is helping the printing industry and enabling printers to succeed. Truepress printing systems represent our deep commitment to the digital imaging community."
Several features combine to deliver the high quality, high precision printing required for posters, backlit signs, point-of-purchase displays and other applications demanding superior image reproduction. The Truepress Jet2500UV supports a maximum output resolution of 1500 dpi. The eight-level grayscale printhead ensures consistent colour printing on diverse substrates while Screen's screening technology enables smooth gradations.
Roll and rigid media transport systems are standard features of the Truepress Jet2500UV. An optional media extension and delivery tables increase the length of media that can be imaged. A significant benefit is that users can attract higher margin projects using vinyl, canvas and synthetic fabrics, in addition to such rigid media as metal, wood and plastic.
The Truepress Jet2500UV prints with Screen's original flexible UV inks. Unlike standard UV printing inks, these inks do not crack when the printed piece is bent, so the Truepress Jet2500UV can be used to print on media that will be bent or stretched after being printed. The vivid colour reproduction with UV inks ensures eye-catching graphics. UV-curable inks also allow for greater durability, without lamination, of printed images. Furthermore, UV inks provide rapid, high quality printing on poster board, wallpaper, textiles and many other types of coated and uncoated media.
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