Issue 130 – April 2013

Transcription

April 2013 - No.130
IN THIS ISSUE
THE SHOW STARTS HERE SIGN & DIGITAL UK 2013 PREVIEW
UNSUNG HEROES THE HIDDEN GEMS!
www.signdirections.co.uk
www.graphicdisplaycommunity.com
www.bsga.co.uk
April 2013
signdirections
What’s in this issue…
p34 p38 p40
The accidental
signmaker Revolution Signs
Special Feature
- Unsung heroes
Sign & Digital UK Show preview
news
4
Setting the Scene - What’s in this issue of Sign Directions
6
News Briefing - Our regular news round-up
10
Projects - The latest application stories
12
Supplier News - News from around the industry
14
Equipment & Materials - Some of the newest product releases
features
28 Digital Directions
Digital News - The latest digital updates
30 My Way - Worthwhile investments
34 The accidental signmaker - Revolution Signs
36 Inspiration - Unusual and novel applications
38 Special Feature
Unsung heroes - Unacknowledged gems
46 Sign & Digital UK 2013 Preview
information
13 Tips & Tricks - Fujifilm’s Euromedia Q & A Column
20 The ink conundrum - Litho supplies introduces Streamline inks
22 Cutting, Routing & Engraving - Equipment and installations
26 Software - The new releases
63 Classified - The industry’s marketplace
64 Directory - The Who’s Who of the sign industry
66 Last Word - Mark Godden complains about his missing holes!
Publisher/Managing Editor
Val Hirst Tel: 01623 882398
e-mail: [email protected]
Head Office & Data Base Management
Trinity Creative Ltd.
Unit 1B Melrose Nurseries
Longland Lane, Farnsfield, Newark
Nottingham NG22 8HD
Tel: 01623 882398
e-mail: [email protected]
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No part of this publication may be reproduced without the
written consent of the publishers. Editorial photographs supplied
courtesy of the companies they feature. The publishers accept
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Sign Directions April 2013 | 3
April 2013
signdirections
Introduction
debateable, although most companies would surely acknowledge that
the extra expenditure associated with exhibiting in London can’t have
helped when trying to justify the total cost of their participation.
It’s more likely though, that when faced with a steadily increasing stream
of events, coupled with the pressing need for some companies to spread
their nets wider than the sign and digital printing communities, industry
manufacturers and suppliers are now more interested in precisely
targeting the audiences they want to reach and less bothered about
going to shows just because all of their competitors will be there. In fact,
a growing number of companies are now holding their own regular open
days, which they can tailor to appeal to their different categories of
customer and which enable them to conduct business in a more relaxed,
informal and most importantly, controllable fashion, for a fraction of the
cost of exhibiting just about anywhere.
setting the
scene
So much to fit in, so little space, which is why, for this month at
least, I’m making it short and snappy!
But back to the present and, not surprisingly, a large portion of this issue
is devoted to a show preview, which begins on page 46 and outlines
some of the new advances that will be unleashed at Sign & Digital UK. But
in the spirit of fairness, I’ve also felt honour bound to provide those
companies who aren’t participating at the show with a platform to
promote some of their immensely worthy, but more established products,
which haven’t perhaps, received quite the fanfare they deserve. Read all
about these unsung heroes on pages 38-45.
As with the warmer weather, the spring exhibition season is starting a
little late this year, with Sign & Digital UK 2013 taking place at the NEC on
30th April-2nd May, swiftly followed by North Print & Pack in Harrogate on
14th-16th May and FESPA 2013 on June 25th-29th at London’s ExCel
exhibition centre.
This month’s centrespread (pages 34/35) is devoted to Revolution Signs,
while on page 20, Litho Supplies explains why the Sun Chemical range of
Streamline inks could put the profit back into digital printing. On page 66,
Mark Godden complains about a distinct lack of holes and elsewhere,
you’ll find all of our regular news pages.
There has been much conjecture as to whether Sign & Digital UK would
be affected by its proximity to FESPA, particularly after it was announced
that the European Sign Federation (ESF) was launching its own show,
which will run concurrently with FESPA and that it had also acquired the
rights to Screenmedia Expo, which is the UK showcase for digital signage
networks. The answer to that is qualified no; although undoubtedly some
Sign & Digital UK regulars have migrated to the larger event, others are
participating in both and in addition, Sign & Digital UK is also welcoming
some brand new exhibitors this year.
Right now, I’m desperately thinking of ways to make our stand at Sign &
Digital UK (Stand P30, since you ask!) a more inviting proposition for
visitors than previously. However, since my imagination rarely extends to
anything more enterprising than a couple of pop-ups, some magazines
and a big dish of sweets (to be eaten mostly by me, naturally) don’t hold
your breath! I can promise though, a very warm welcome! See you there!
However, in these tougher times, there are signs that the whole exhibition
landscape is changing, as epitomised by the fact that IPEX, the giant four
yearly print exhibition that has previously filled copious halls at the NEC,
has suffered a continuous and depressing haemorrhage of exhibitors for
its 2014 event, which is due to take place at London’s ExCel next April.
Whether the move to a new venue has anything to do with this is
If this trend continues, exhibition organisers would be well advised to
take careful note and to consider what they can do to retain the interest
of regular show visitors, whilst also identifying and enticing the potential
customers that all companies are now eagerly seeking, even if that means
sometimes co-locating with competing shows serving adjacent or
peripheral areas. After all, this current economic crisis is making strange
bedfellows of us all!
Val Hirst – Editor
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Valthemaghag
Web: www.signdirections.co.uk and
www.graphicdisplaycommunity.com
news
news briefing
Cycling up a storm
Wood and Katie Fell, pedalled a total
of 141 miles from PrintMAX’s offices in
Selborne, Hampshire to Birmingham’s
NEC, the location of the annual Sign
and Digital UK exhibition, which is
also one of the undoubted highlights
of the company’s year.
On a cold Saturday in early March,
three members of the PrintMAX
team donned their cycling shorts
for Comic Relief.
Starting out from a local gym, the
team, which comprised Marketing
Manager
Vicky
Jarman
and
Consumables Consultants Caitriona
Following the four hour ride, a saddle
weary Vicky Jarman reported: “It’s
definitely the furthest any of us have
cycled in one go and, as our previous
cycling average was a maximum of 10
kilometres, it was a huge challenge!
Happily though, it enabled us to raise
over £700 for Comic Relief, which
aims to improve lives all over the
European Sign Expo
progressing nicely
world, so the ensuing exhaustion was
thoroughly worthwhile! ”
For anyone interested in increasing
Comic Relief’s coffers further,
PrintMAX is still welcoming
donations
at
https://my.
rednoseday.com/sponsor/printM
AX
For further information visit:
www.printmax.co.uk
Appointments
Icon
has
appointed David
Gurney to lead its
golf events team,
a role that will give
him the overall
responsibility for
the management, successful delivery
and development of ICON's golf event
business, with particular focus on
major events, such as the Open
Championship and the 2014 Ryder
Cup at Gleneagles.
Prior to joining Icon, David worked
both in London and the Middle East,
spearheading major accounts in rugby,
Formula 1, tennis and, most recently,
sailing. He has worked extensively in
golf with his experience ranging from
VIP hospitality management to
perimeter board design and
evaluation. During the London 2012
Olympics, he directed the delivery of
the Olympic sailing spectator facility in
Weymouth for LOCOG.
CCD Design and Ergonomics has
appointed Chris
Girling to drive its
wayfinding
division.
Chris,
who
is
reputedly one of the UK’s leading
wayfinding design experts, was
formerly the lead designer at LOCOG
(London Organising Committee for
the Olympic Games), where he was
responsible for designing a wayfinding
and signage strategy for all
competition and non-competition
venues. His work included the creation
of a comprehensive set of wayfinding
guidelines and the delivery of the
signage for a number of competition
venues such as the Velodrome, the
BMX track, the basketball courts and
Eton Manor.
Prior to joining LOCOG, Chris spent five
years at Transport Design Consultancy
(TDC), where he was primarily involved
in information graphic design for a
diverse range of projects, including St
Pancras International, Ebbsfleet
International, Stratford International
and the Dubai and Sydney Metros.
Zünd
Plotting
Systems (UK) has
appointed Nathan
Chapman to the
newly created role
of
Operations
Manager. Nathan, who previously
served as Esko Artwork’s Service and
Support Manager for UK and Ireland,
will be based at Zünd UK’s sales and
service centre in St Albans.
With a career spanning 25 years,
including a stint in the United States as
well as senior roles in the UK packaging
industry, Nathan brings valuable
experience in both hardware and
software. He will be responsible for
overseeing day-to-day operations and
for strengthening customer service
and support.
TheMagicTouch
has announced
that Mark Rossi
has recently joined
its existing UK
based sales and
support team. Mark, who is well
known in the digital print sector,
having previously worked for Xpres in
both a technical and sales role, will take
responsibility for developing new and
exciting products and innovations.
Hollanders
Printing Systems
has appointed Kees
van der Looij as its
Commercial
Director
with
responsibility for developing sales
throughout
Europe
and
internationally. Kees, who was
previously with Zünd, will drive the
increased presence of ColorBooster
textile solutions throughout the
display, sign-making and décor sectors.
His appointment follows the recent
restructuring of Hollanders, which will
help it to expand its production and
marketing facilities to meet the
increasing demand for wide-format
digital textile printing and to further
complement
the
company’s
ColorBooster XL printer with additional
products covering differing market
sectors.
According to the organisers,
FESPA and ESF, European Sign
Expo, the dedicated signage event
co-located with FESPA 2013,
which will take place at London’s
ExCeL exhibition centre on 25th27th June 2013, is progressing
nicely, with 50 percent of the
available floor space already
reserved.
The recent acquisition of Screenmedia
Expo is substantially adding to the
floorplan, with BroadSign, the leading
global provider of software-as-aservice for digital signage networks,
now having been confirmed as the
show’s Platinum Sponsor. Other key
exhibitors will include iBase, PC
Partner, Arch, Elbo Signs, Mid West
Displays, Aluvista, Mouse, and
Menden Buchstaben.
In addition, visitors will also be able to
take advantage of free, high quality
educational information. While the
Sign Forum will cover conventional
signage topics, the Screenmedia
Theatre will focus on digital signage
and DOOH.
www.europeansignexpo.com
A helping hand
Inca Digital has
appointed Dr John
Mills as CEO with
immediate effect.
Birmingham-based Bowden
and Dolphin Signs recently
held a charity raffle, which
helped it to raise an
impressive
£1,170
for
Diabetes UK.
John has extensive
experience of developing and
commercialising advanced industrial
technologies, specifically in the fields
of inkjet and plastic electronics.
Holding a PhD in Physics, his senior
roles have included Director of
Development with Domino Printing
Sciences, Vice President and COO at
Plastic Logic and, for the last four and a
half years, CEO of DataLase.
The raffle included some
tempting prizes, including two
match
tickets
for
any
Birmingham City league match
and an opportunity to be
Birmingham City’s mascot for a
day, plus two passes to
Wonderland in Telford and four
day passes to the West Midlands
Safari Park. In addition, the
company also set up a Just
Giving page inviting donations.
Jamie Bowden, the Bowden and
Dolphin’s Director and the main
fundraiser commented: "We are
so grateful to those who either
contributed prizes or bought
tickets. We never expected to
raise such an amount and I am
delighted that we are able to
pass such a substantial sum of
money Diabetes UK, which will
be used to help it to carry out its
lifesaving research and work."
www.bowdenanddolphinsig
ns.com
news
news briefing
Following its sale to Rob Kelly
and Peter Sheldrick last summer,
Displayways, the south Londonbased large format graphic
production company, which
provides display solutions for
the retail and interior sectors,
has recently undergone a
complete rebrand.
As well as investing in the creation of
a new website and IT systems and
acquiring the latest Zund G3 cutting
and routing machine, the company
has also developed a selection of
new products, including specialist
floor graphic treatments for
permanent use.
While
unveiling
these
developments, Managing Director
Rob Kelly said: “The business has
already earned itself a reputation for
delivering complicated graphics at
the bespoke end of the markets it
serves and for providing a
partnership service to designers and
their clients, but now we want to
further expand our reach into the
museum, visitor centre, events and
corporate interiors sectors. To this
end we have been lucky enough to
attract new senior staff who will help
us to deliver the high calibre
personal service that we believe will
serve to differentiate us from our
competition.”
DIARY DATES FOR 2013
A bright new future showtime
Sign & Digital UK 2013
30th April - 2nd May
NEC, Birmingham
Organiser: Faversham House Group
Tel: 01342 332103
E-mail: [email protected]
www.signuk.com
North Print & Pack 2013
14th - 16th May
Harrogate, Yorkshire
Organiser: Informa Exhibitions
Tel: +44 (0)20 7017 7000
Fax: +44 (0)20 7017 7818
www.printandpack.co.uk.
FESPA 2013
25th - 29th June
ExCel Exhibition Centre, London
Organiser: FESPA
Tel +44 (0)1737 240788 Fax +44 (0)1737 233734
E-mail [email protected]
www.fespa.com
Viscom Paris 2013
24th - 26th September
Paris Nord Villepinte – Hall 8
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions
Tel: +33 1 47 56 67 52
www.viscomshows.com
Cross Media 2013
23rd - 24th October 2013
Business Design Centre, Islington, London
Organiser: Informa Exhibitions
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7017 7020
www.informaexhibitions.com
If you would like your event to feature on this page,
please send full information via e-mail to Val Hirst at
[email protected]
www.displayways.co.uk
Go to Euroshop – get a grant!
The
Shop
and
Display
Equipment Association has
revealed that through its
negotiations with UK Trade &
Investment it has been able to
guarantee increased grants for
UK companies who want to
exhibit at EuroShop 2014 in
Düsseldorf.
Grants worth £35,000 will now be
available to SMEs taking on the
Government’s challenge to double
exports by 2020.
SDEA Director, Lawrence Cutler,
commented “It is generally
accepted that the UK is the
destination of choice for the
world’s leading retail brands. That
didn’t happen without the support
of an established industry of world
class retail display designers,
manufacturers and suppliers
whose mission is to create the
inspiring retail environments for
which we are well
known. EuroShop gives
us an ideal platform to
show off that talent and
the help from UKTI
makes it achievable.”
Details of the grants and
how to apply for them
are available from SDEA,
which is administering
the scheme on behalf of UK Trade
& Investment.
For further information e-mail:
[email protected].
new projects
FotoDoks | The Saatchi Gallery | SDP/SI | Nike
new
projects
The Saatchi Gallery has
launched a year-long initiative to
reach out to London’s business
community by transmitting a
selection of the art on show in the
Gallery into hundreds of offices
across the capital.
The City’s first digitised art
exhibition is a major initiative in
partnership with ECNlive, the UK’s
first corporate digital display
network, with screens in more
than 130 of London’s landmark
business buildings.
A preview of selected pieces from
‘Gaiety is the most outstanding
feature of the Soviet Union’
exhibition, which runs until 5th
May, will feature a collection of
contemporary Russian artwork,
which will be displayed across the
network to an audience of over
500,000 business executives.
A new kinetic gear sculpture
from SDP/SI, devised to
illustrate mechanical motion
principles at trade shows, was
designed and arranged by
Andrea Davide, a New Yorkbased artist who specialises in
the creation of unique metal
sculptures.
ECNlive is a digital display network
designed to communicate with
business executives, delivering a
mix of live content and digital fullmotion display advertising and the
Saatchi Gallery art initiative is one
of several content campaigns it is
running on its network this year.
Robert Lindemann, the recently
retired Vice President of SDP
designed the mechanical drive
system that enables the gears to
move properly, while the
motion is driven by an AC gear
motor inside a large rectangular
base, which rotates the smaller
circular base on top.
For further information view
Youtube videos at: www.sdpsi.com.
www.ecnlive.com
Wallpaper Persomural 170 to
replicate eight panoramic border
views, each measuring 210 x 70
cm, taken between the USA and
Mexico. This high quality paper
has an elegant and water fast
inkjet coating and, when printed
with water based pigment inks
the fine matt surface structure
finish achieves high colour
brilliance with a wide gamut
which does full justice to the
skillful panoramic photography.
The 2012 annual FotoDoks
festival and exhibition of
contemporary documentary
photography, which was held in
Munich’s City Museum, provided
an opportunity for some of the
world’s best photographers to
display their works of art under
the theme ‘Attention – Respect,
Control and Change’, which aims
to reflect the complex issues
that are facing contemporary
documentary photography. The
show features 15 stunning
photographic positions, by
seven British and eight German
photographers, all of which were
dedicated to a particular issue of
our time.
Renowned photographer Kai
Wiedenhöfe chose Sihl
Furthermore, Persomural 170,
which can be used in
conjunction with everyday
wallpaper paste, offers the high
opacity and tight structure
required to facilitate perfect
covering, even over small cracks
and uneven walls.
www.sihl-direct.co.uk
Kent-based corporate
signage specialist, Sign 2000 was
recently contracted to carry out
the re-branding of a number of
newly acquired stand-alone retail
stores on behalf of Nike following
the demise of previous owner JJB
Sports.
LED lettering and the now familiar
Nike ‘swoosh’.
www.sign2000.co.uk
Sign 2000 carried out a host of
external and internal signage,
point-of-sale display equipment
and associated wall and window
graphics at a number of prime
locations, including the one now
completed in Thurrock. The
finished works at this site included
large external ID brand signs
featuring internally illuminated
news
news briefing
Supplier News
Applelec celebrates 15th anniversary Spandex
created 16 new jobs during the last
year, the most recent appointment
being that of Colin Holmes, who has
recently taken up the role of Operations
Manager. As his first objective, Colin will
be implementing new production
procedures, including a job tracking
system.
In the past twelve months, the
company has grown rapidly, following
the opening of both its Leeds factory
and the self-financed expansion to its
Bradford head office complex, where its
award-winning LED Light Sheet
product is manufactured in purpose
built antistatic rooms.
To further commemorate its
benchmark year, Applelec recently
launched a new company logo and a
new website, which features product
information, case studies and a ‘meet
the team’ area. The design was 50
percent funded by the Bradford
Chamber of Commerce Rising Stars
scheme, which supports local
businesses that create jobs and
demonstrate a high potential for
business growth, following a successful
grant application by Applelec in late
2012.
In addition, and despite the current
difficult trading conditions, it has also
www.applelec.co.uk
As well as celebrating 15 years of
successful trading, Applelec has
also just announced that its 2012
turnover was 44 percent up on the
previous year.
series of advice columns, Nigel Briggs, Sales and Product Manager for Fujifilm’s Euromedia
Tips and Tricks Inrangethe oflatestmedia,in atakes
a look at what needs to be considered when choosing printable wallpapers.
The paper’s on the wall…
extends
materials
range
Spandex has now added
products from Arlon Graphics,
California-based
the
pressure
of
manufacturer
sensitive vinyls, to its portfolio of
leading material brands.
information
For further confirmation visit
www.spandex.co.uk/arlon
Arlon’s products include cast and
other premium quality films for use
in fleet, vehicle and wall wrap
applications, as well as high quality
polymeric vinyls for use in
conjunction with digital printing.
We have a customer
who is looking to
change the décor of its
showrooms every few weeks or
so, to coincide with seasonal
sales promotions. Accordingly,
we’re looking for short-term
use printable wallpapers that
can be easily applied and
cleanly removed, but with a
quality finish. This is an area
new to us, so can you tell us
what sort of products we should
we be looking for?
Q
A
ABC Signs, London
One solution is to use a paste-free
wallpaper, thus saving time, effort
and hassle. There are wallpapers on
Over the last few years, a
wide range of suitable
wallpaper products have
become available, but a problem
that often arises when using
traditional wallpapers for these
short-term applications, relates to
the soaking and pasting of the
media. Firstly, these two processes
take time, and secondly, there is the
environment in which you’re
operating – showrooms don’t often
have the space to use as a pasting
workshop
the market, such as Euromedia’s
Smooth Wall Sticky II, which adhere
without paste and can be removed
‘dry’ for up to four weeks without
leaving a residue. These solutions
combine the experience of
manufacturers of film materials and
manufacturers of wallpapers,
resulting in a repositionable,
removable, self-adhesive wallpaper
that is clean and quick to apply and
equally clean and quick to remove.
Not only is this an optimum solution
in terms of effective performance, its
green
credentials
are
also
impeccable, an important benefit in
these environmentally conscious
times.
So, for a no-fuss, no-paste, no-mess,
environmentally sound, reasonably
priced, short-term wall covering
solution, self-adhesive wallpapers
are very much the way to go.
If, however, you do have the time
and space to spare to soak and paste
wallpaper, there are other options
available too, such as Euromedia’s
Smooth Wall and Star Wall II, a
textured, dimensionally stable wall
paper, whose special coating
ensures very good printability and a
special finish for almost photorealistic image reproduction.
Happy wallpapering!
For further information on the
Euromedia range of products
visit: www.euromedia.eu.com
Riding the wide
format wave
Mimaki’s UK distributor for the
UK and Ireland, Hybrid Services,
recently played host to an
inaugural learning event for the
printing sector, alongside
Soyang, Solent Sewing &
Welding, Curvorama, CADLink
and keyringfab.co.uk.
The ‘Wide Format Wave’ provided a
free educational experience where
participants were given the
opportunity to try out different
applications, ranging from the
production of pull up banners and
coasters, to keyrings, T-shirts and
vehicle graphics, in addition to
enjoying one-to-one consultations
with various industry experts in an
informal environment.
The two-day event, which was the
first of its kind to be hosted at
Hybrid, proved to be a great
success, with companies travelling
from all over the country to have a
go at producing something
‘different’. Hybrid’s Marketing
Jefferies,
Duncan
Manager,
commented: “The aim of the event
was to offer participants an
enjoyable and hands on experience,
while also inspiring them to
generate new revenue streams
within their existing setup and the
feedback received so far has been
extremely positive.”
A video of the event is available
www.
at
view
to
wideformatwave.co.uk along
with complete contact details of
all the partner companies.
www.hybridservices.co.uk
Online expansion for UK POS
As part of its continued focus on
and
efficiency
increasing
improving the overall customer
experience, UK Point of Sale has
launched its brand new website,
which will help it to expand the
online side of its business.
Over the past five years web sales
have become a bigger
part of UK POS’
turnover, and the
development of the
new site aims to
manage online orders
quickly and effectively
for both UK and
international
customers.
Following the relaunch of its Display
Buyers’ Guide for 2013, the company
has reduced the price of 700 of its
products and also expanded its LED
range and now, all of these products
will be available to order online.
For further information on UK
POS visit www.ukpos.com
news
news briefing
Equipment & Material
Ringing the changes
Apply it dry
Doro Tape’s ‘Dry Apply’ glass
etch effect vinyl has now been
enhanced to include a redesigned
adhesive pattern and a thinner
release liner, which facilitates easier
repositioning without creating
stress lines in the vinyl, thus making
it the ideal choice when applying
large scale graphics.
Aslan features a special patterned
adhesive surface that enables air to
escape easily during application, thus
providing a perfect bubble-free finish.
Particularly effective when used on
glass, where its elegant silver etch
provides a realistic sandblasting effect
with a semi-gloss surface and medium
translucency, EL 300 ‘Dry Apply’ by
A digitally printable version, DFL 300, is
also available.
Spandex is now distributing four
new finishes within the Avery
Supreme Wrapping Film (SWF)
range, including Black Brushed
Metallic, Black and White Carbon
Fibre and Matt Black.
It has a minimum outdoor life of seven
years and is designed to be easily
removable for up to 12 months
following application.
details
further
For
www.dorotape.co.uk
Avery SWF films, which provide a
smooth, paint-like finish that’s both
durable and highly-conformable,
even in deep recesses, is available in
33 standard colours and finish
In partnership with Jessup
Manufacturing, it has introduced
Glo Brite 7535, a new product that is
based on the highly successful Glo
Brite 7500 polyester photoluminescent series and which now
adds a powerful fresh dimension to
product aesthetics and print quality.
Available in both Matt and Satin
finishes and using the latest
developments in HD print-receptive
surface technology, Glo Brite 7535
edge
razor-sharp
provides
definition and rich, consistent
colour density via a choice of
solvent, eco-solvent, UV, screen and
thermal transfer (THT) ink processes.
The high energy and receptive
nature of its surface, which ensures
outstanding ink adhesion to
provide a superior and more
durable finish that will resist even
the most hostile of environmental
conditions, is complemented by its
lay-flat
and
quick-drying
characteristics, plus its compliance
with all relevant international quality
and performance standards.
Incorporating the patented Avery
Easy Apply RS adhesive technology,
Avery Supreme Wrapping Films
decal
excellent
provide
repositionability during application,
saving valuable installation time.
It is available in an extra wide 1.52M
roll, to facilitate the application of
large decal panels in one piece,
seamlessly, to save time and deliver
an extra-smooth result.
www.spandex.com
Wrappers delight
visit:
A major advance in safety signage
Now commanding an increasing
share of the safety signage
and safety way guidance
market, Innova Solutions has
major
a
announced
photoin
advancement
luminescent technology.
options, 15 Limited Edition choices
plus the brand new texture finishes,
ensuring many exciting possibilities
for car personalisation.
www.innovasolutions.co.uk
For wrapping aficionados, William
Smith offers a whole host of
specialist materials including the
iSee2 Total Wrap range, a hybrid
and modified PVC film that comes
in a choice of bight and fruity
gloss, matt and carbon effect
hues, plus a selection of specialist
effects.
Total Wrap is easy to apply and offers a
five-year durability. It is suitable for use
as part and full vehicle wraps, as it is
designed to conform easily around
compound curves, rivets and
corrugations and can also be
successfully used for general graphics
and striping purposes. Total Wrap is
easy to apply and comes with a fiveyear durability.
Alternatively, wrappers can select
Arlon’s Ultimate PremiumPlus Series
2600LX, which now features a
repositionable air release adhesive
that makes this colour change
wrapping film easier than ever to
apply.
The unique Automotive-X airflow
adhesive technology facilitates perfect
adhesion and conformability for all full
and partial vehicle wraps, providing a
very smooth and even finish, even on
difficult surfaces. The 100-micron cast
films, which have a seven-year
lifespan, are suitable for applications
on flat, convex and concave surfaces,
in channels and around rivets.
Arlon Ultimate PremiumPlus Series
2600LX is available in a striking range
of metallic, sparkle-effect, matt, carbon
fibre effect and pearlescent colours.
www.vehiclewrapfilms.co.uk
news
news briefing
Equipment & Material
Chameleon colours
films
colour-change
With
increasingly being used to
produce more creative vehicle
wrapping, there are now many
dynamic and eye-catching new
colours and special finishes from
which to choose.
Six new matte and satin finish colours
have now been added to the
Scotchprint Car Wrap Film Series 1080
from 3M, which supplement an
already wide range of matte, satin,
gloss and carbon fibre- and metaleffect options. The six new colours
now available include satin white and
pearl white and matte bright yellow,
hotrod red, royal purple and apple
green.
Professionally wrapped vehicles can
offer a faster, smarter and more costefficient alternative to conventional
spray painting and the speed of
application inherent in the Scotchprint
Car Wrap Film Series 1080 further
reduces application and downtime
costs, thanks to the unique 3M
developed Controltac adhesive
technology that enables precise
positioning with an instant bond with
no curing time. The films also ensure
fast, easy and bubble-free installation.
In a recent world record attempt in car
wrapping, 10 Danish installers fully
wrapped an Audi A6 car with the
Scotchprint Car Wrap Film Series 1080
in just 34.40 minutes, three of which
were without light! The car was
wrapped using 60-inch sheets of
carbon fibre film, enabling sections of
the vehicle to be covered entirely
without seams. The challenge
demonstrates how quickly an entire
car can be transformed to create that
eye-catching wow factor.
www.wrapyourcurves.co.uk
Scan it!
Providing the ideal partner for
digital printers, the new CSX500
series of scanners from Graphtec
GB delivers remarkably fast
scanning speed in relation to its
relatively low cost.
Typically, high-resolution (up to
1200dpi) AO-size colour scanning
can be carried out in just 15 seconds,
thus making the CSX500 series four
times faster than a previous offering
to enable ‘fastest in class’ market
recognition and obviating the need
for investment in expensive largeformat machines.
Available in three models, each of
which provides a 36-inch scanning
area and all of which share common,
as well as different performance
characteristics, to accommodate
varying production requirements,
the CSX500 series of scanners use
Graphtec’s proprietary LUXios
scanning and Real Color colourmatching technologies to deliver
high-speed and high-precision
uniform colour reproduction, handle
media up to 1.6mm in depth and are
PC-compatible
with
supplied
software. This includes the Scanning
ARTS2 for WIN program that enables
users to easily build a
copy
large-format
system by combining
large-format
existing
printers and Graphtec
scanners to mimic a
photocopying machine.
The CSX500 series of
scanners comes with a
standard
of
range
accessories to further
their
enhance
production capabilities
and to enable Graphtec
GB to
higha
offer
performance and high-quality
product at a price that will readily
appeal to sign and print companies
who need to reproduce copies from
a full-size original.
For further
visit:
information
www.graphtecgb.co.uk
Maintaining texture
Landor UK has launched its
new Landor Wallpaper Matte
Protective Coating, which has
been specifically developed
for use with digital wall
coverings, including the very
popular self-adhesive fabric
Landor Phototex.
There is now a steady demand
for inkjet printed digital wall
coverings and although a large
majority of the inks used in the
process are UV robust, for users
who require improved abrasion
and water resistance, Landor
Wallpaper Matte Coating is the
perfect solution, as its application
further enhances the aesthetic
appeal of the product, without
compromising either its texture
or colour.
www.liquid-lamination.
co.uk.
information
They wrapped
and they won!
3M has announced the winners of its latest and
biggest ‘Wrap and Win with NASCAR’ campaign.
Robert Walker of Advanced Print
Solutions and his guest, Christopher
Hunt, joined Ian Rossall, Account
Manager at 3M stockist and
distributor William Smith, and his
partner Victoria Gardiner, for an allexpenses-paid ‘once-in-a-lifetime’
trip to Las Vegas to see the world’s
most spectacular motor sport event.
The winning deal involved use of
Controltac Graphic Film Series IJ180
from 3M, a high-performance vehicle
wrapping film widely specified
throughout the UK sign and graphics
sector, and coincidentally, the
material used to wrap the majority of
the race cars involved with the
NASCAR motor sport series.
NASCAR is the most viewed professional
sport in terms of television ratings in the
U.S. and NASCAR races are broadcast in
more than 150 countries.
The trip to Las Vegas for the winning
entrants included return flights from
London, five nights’ accommodation at
the Platinum Hotel, free car hire for the
duration,
spending
allowance,
promotional merchandise and of course,
VIP tickets to the NASCAR race. Trade
Marketing Manager at 3M Commercial
Graphics Division, Richard Davies
commented: “Building on previous
successes, we took the campaign to the
fun capital of the world and to one of the
most exciting races in the NASCAR
schedule. It was particularly gratifying
that the winning customer drawn on this
occasion was not one of the larger users
of 3M qualifying products, thus
emphasising the open nature of the
campaign and reinforcing 3M’s position
as a company that is always accessible to
any customer, regardless of size or status
or the quantity of materials purchased.
We also wanted to demonstrate our
commitment to the sign and graphics
action,
engaged
Winner Robert Walker of Advanced Print Solutions and Ian Rossall of William
Smith get ready to board their flight to Las Vegas
Rob, Chris, Ian and Victoria, get ready to
take their seats
sector by adding more qualifying
products than previously and by
promoting the ‘added value’ benefits of
dealing with a company offering
‘difficult-to-beat’ price points on highquality products.”
Post-NASCAR comments from the
campaign winners were unequivocal in
their appreciation of the customer
support demonstrated by 3M personnel
prior to, during and after the event.
Robert Walker of Advanced Print
Solutions commented: “This was truly a
‘trip of a lifetime’, with 3M personnel from
both the U.S. and the UK treating us like
VIP’s from start to finish. It was also a trip
with many memeorable highlights. As
well as visiting American landmark sites,
such as the Grand Canyon and the
Hoover Dam, we also had access we to
every part of the race track, including a
prime viewing spot within the pit area,
where we met the 3M Roush Fenway
motor sports team and driver Greg Biffle.”
These positive comments were echoed
by Robert’s guest Christopher Hunt, who
added: “We had the best view of the
Rob and Ian pose with the 3M Ford Fusion
with the interaction via headgear
between the pit crew and the 3M driver,
watched the incredible speed and
efficiency of the pit crew during wheel
changes and refuelling and mingled with
a number of well-known celebrities. The
3M hospitality was incredible, capped by
3M personnel taking us back to our hotel
by helicopter after the race.”
Representing William Smith, winning
Account Manager Ian Rossall was
similarly effusive, adding that the trip
“was a resounding success from start to
finish and 3M hospitality excellent in
every detail.”
The winning deal purchased by
Advanced Print Solutions of Controltac
Graphic Film Series IJ180 from 3M was
delivered by William Smith and used to
wrap a large fleet of commercial vehicles.
Robert Walker added: “We had previously
been using another graphic film but
were encouraged by Ian to trial the 3M
product. The advanced Controltac
adhesive technology made it possible to
complete the project two days ahead of
schedule and I would not hesitate in
recommending the use of this film for
any high-performance vehicle wrapping
application where durability and
conformability are paramount.”
In conclusion, Marketing Manager at
William Smith, Chris Bradley commented:
“As the largest stockist and distributor of
3M display and graphic films in the UK we
were obviously delighted to be part of
the winning deal. Adding value for
customers
through
marketing
programmes like the ‘Wrap and Win with
NASCAR’ campaign not only helps
strengthen our long and successful
relationship with 3M but also conveys to
our customers the long-term benefits of
using 3M products that have an
outstanding performance-to-cost ratio.”
For further information
www.3M.co.uk
visit:
supplier spotlight
The ink conundrum
The use of third party inks has always posed something of a conundrum for sign and print companies. For the sake of more cost
efficient printing, should they chance damaging their equipment or outputting substandard work? Well, now Litho Supplies is
offering the nearest thing to a risk-free solution. Val Hirst reports
The
news
that
Nottingham-based
Litho Supplies had
been appointed a
distributor for Sun
Chemical’s Streamline
HPQ series of solvent
inks, for use in wide
and super wide format
printers, might not, in
itself, have seemed to
be particularly ground breaking, but
according to Carine Hollister, Litho
Supplies’ Operations Director, the
ramifications for sign and digital
print companies could prove to be
highly significant.
Originally established in 1967 and now
an Agfa company, Litho Supplies is the
largest independent supplier of
consumables, equipment and services to
the UK printing industry, and although in
the past its primary focus has been the
litho and screen printing sectors, more
recently its scope has been extended to
encompass the sign and digital printing
sectors too.
It is entirely fitting then, that in line with
Sign Directions
April 2013
| 20 2013 | 20
Sign Directions
Feb/March
its philosophy of offering
a wide selection of
premium products, it is
now offering those sign
and print companies,
which use Mimaki and
Roland printers the
opportunity to purchase
premium quality inks
produced by the world’s
largest producer of
printing inks and pigments.
Commenting on the new distributorship,
Carine Hollister explains: “We’re delighted
to be associated with a highly reputable
company, such as Sun Chemical, which
as well as producing its own branded
range of products, also provides OEM
inks for many of the leading printing
manufacturers.”
She continues: “Sun Chemical has spent
three years and a substantial amount of
money developing and extensively
testing Streamline HPQ inks for use in
conjunction with Mimaki and Roland
solvent inkjet printers and it is now so
confident as to their efficacy, that it is
guaranteeing printheads against any
damage. In addition, the formulation of
the inks is such, that they so closely
match the originals, in terms of both
colour and strength, that they can be
used as a straight drop-in and with the
same printer settings as previously,
without any fear of mishap.”
Carine adds that many sign and print
companies are already enjoying the cost
benefits offered by the new range, with
an average of l0 companies a month
currently converting to Streamline. In
fact, so convinced is Litho Supplies that
the majority of sign and print companies
will be eager to give them a try, that they
have l0 sales people in the field, together
with a dedicated telesales team, whose
mission it is to convert as many
companies as possible and to provide all
of the necessary help, support and advice
they need to help them make the
change.
She says: “We are already hearing from
users that their ink costs have been cut
quite dramatically, with the obvious
knock on effect with regard to their
profitability, but in addition, they are also
reporting that Streamline offers a
consistently superior quality of
reproduction too, which certainly makes
them worth of a trial!”
Obviously, those who have previously
tried a third party ink and been left
bruised by the experience, might need a
little more reassurance before
succumbing to the lure of reduced
printing costs, which is why Litho
Supplies will be offering them a unique
opportunity to see Streamline inks in use.
Visitors to Sign & Digital UK 2013, where
Litho Supplies will be showing on the
Agfa stand, will be able to inspect freshly
printed output and to quiz the Litho
Supplies team on all aspects of
Streamline inks’ usage.
Streamline inks can be purchased direct
from Litho Supplies, either online or via
the telephone, together with a selection
of service contracts that include full head
warranties.
For further information, visit Litho
supplies on Stand J30 at Sign &
Digital UK 2013 at the NEC on 1st
April-2nd May or, alternatively, visit:
www.litho.co.uk
Sign Directions Feb/March 2013 | 21
special feature – cutting, routing and engraving
Providing a platform
for success
Having evolved from a company
that was originally set up to
produce linings for oil platform legs
to its current status as a leading
print service provider, Digital Sign
Services has come a long way since
it was first established in 1978.
The Guildford based print company,
which now employs 26 people, has
continuously invested in the latest
equipment during the last three
decades, a strategy that has enabled it
to progress from the production of
banners, lorry curtains and trailer covers,
right up to the provision of large scale
digital graphics for the outdoor
advertising market and indoor
promotional services for the retail and
exhibition sectors.
Because it had little experience of
cutting tables, Digital Sign Services
invited AG/CAD to review its needs in
greater detail last autumn and
following this assessment, it took
delivery of a DYSS X7-3220C machine
that was especially configured to meet
its exact requirements.
Digital Sign Services’ journey into digital
printing began with the acquisition of
3m and 5m solvent printers in the 2000s
and its most recent investments include
two 5m wide UV printers, plus a 3.2m
VUTEk QS3200 Flatbed UV printer and a
complementary DYSS X7-3220C cutting
machine, the latter of which was
purchased from AG/CAD.
Gerry Howell continues: "Previously, we
cut all of our boards by hand and
although, on occasion, we still manually
trim some one-off, straight edge jobs,
now we primarily use the DYSS cutting
table for almost all of our cutting tasks
and particularly when we are working
with more complex shapes. The
benefits have been remarkable."
Commenting on these purchases, Gerry
Howell, Director at Digital Sign Services
said; "We first acquired a flatbed printer
in 2008, but the downturn initially
halted further investment. However,
over the past two to three years the
increasing demand for large scale
printing onto rigid substrates made the
acquisition of a flatbed cutter
something of a necessity.
Using three cutting heads, which can
be automatically changed by its
KASEMAKE software, the DYSS
accommodates a powerful router for
thick board cutting, while the two
additional tool slots also offer a wide
selection of different possibilities.
Digital Sign Services has elected to use
the extra slots for drag knives, which it
uses for cutting Foamex up to 5mm
thick, together with display-boards and
self adhesive vinyl, and rotating knives,
for cutting polyester fabrics without
fraying, reciprocating knives for
processing foam cards, and even a pen
tool for job marking.
"Accordingly, we reviewed the
equipment on offer and also visited the
Sign & Digital UK 2012 exhibition to
further investigate the available
options. Upon visiting the AG/CAD
stand, we were impressed by the level
of interest and attention we were
shown and also by the fact that
AG/CAD was able to offer a bespoke
3.2m wide x 2m long cutter with a
conveyorised bed that was the perfect
partner for our VUTEk printer.”
However, despite the level of versatility
it displays when working on thinner
materials, the DYSS X7 also has the
requisite solidity and power required to
cut rigid materials too, such as PVC,
Dibond, and acrylic up to 25mm thick,
when its powerful vacuum table holds
everything securely in place.
Gerry Howell observes: "The DYSS
machine has made our products more
'saleable', as we have improved both
our accuracy and edge finishes. In
addition, we can also produce a variety
of different shapes and forms, thanks to
the easy-to-use KaseMake software that
links to the K-Cut Vision camera, which
locates the precise position of each job
to guarantee exceptional accuracy.
"In the short period since we acquired
the DYSS, we have dramatically
increased our capabilities, which has
directly lead to a far greater influx of
work from our existing customers, and
also attracted new customers who are
impressed by the fact that we can offer
a full board printing and cutting service.
In effect, it has helped us to occupy a
niche position.”
Gerry admits that when it comes to
productivity, Digital Sign values quality
over volume, but as he explains, the
DYSS has helped it to become more
efficient in its deployment of labour. He
says: “Previously, it took six people two
to three days to cut the 3000 selfadhesive stickers required for use inside
refrigerators – a job that we produce
three to four times a year - but that’s
now a thing of the past. Nowadays, the
DYSS enables us to complete the whole
job within just a few hours!”
He adds: "The DYSS X7 is proving to be
a fantastic investment as it will
undoubtedly increase both our
customer base and turnover. In fact, in
terms of productivity, it’s the equivalent
of employing an extra member of staff
but without the ongoing costs
involved. We are delighted!”
www.digitalsignservices.co.uk and
www.agcad.co.uk
special feature – cutting, routing and engraving
Enhancing quality
Tamworth-based display solutions
specialist Daytona Visual Marketing
has been able to greatly enhance the
quality of the work it produces on
behalf of a number of blue-chip
clients following installation of an
AXYZ 6010 router supplied by AXYZ
International.
The machine has been used to handle a
wide range of materials, including
Dibond, Forex, aluminium and acrylic, as
well as enabling the larger sheet
processing, more accurate cutting and
faster turnaround on finished products
that the company’s rapid business
growth has demanded.
Formed in 1979, Daytona Visual
Marketing is a well-known and much
respected provider of high-quality
display solutions founded on a full
design, print (both screen and digital)
and fabrication facility for the graphics
industry. It operates from a purpose-built
17,000 square feet production site,
manned by a team of highly skilled and
trained display professionals. A key factor
to the company’s continuing success has
been investment in a wide range of
technically advanced production
equipment. This includes flatbed and roll-
to-roll digital presses, large format
screenprinting systems and CNC
finishing solutions to which the AXYZ
6010 router has made a major and
ongoing contribution.
The 6010 router installed at Daytona is
part of the AXYZ 6000 family of largeformat machines that are renowned for
their robust construction and the speed
and accuracy with which they can handle
large sheets of material under
continuous operation. The router has an
impressive 3,048 x 2,095mm processing
area that can be configured to include a
host of additional machining options,
such as the automatic tool change (ATC)
facility and the new helical rack and
pinion drive system that feature on the
router installed at Daytona. This latter
production enhancement greatly
reduces machine wear by comparison
with conventional rack and pinion drive
systems, due to the presence of multiple
gear teeth that spread the workload
more evenly, leading to much faster feed
rates and smoother, quieter and more
precise cutting under all operating
conditions.
Managing Director of Daytona Visual
Marketing, Andy Wassall commented:
“We chose AXYZ International as a
working partner and not simply as a
machine supplier. Routing and cutting is
only a part of what we do but it is
everything in which AXYZ specialises. We
have been impressed not only by the
reliability and quality of the machine but
also by the way in which AXYZ engineers
work closely with us to achieve our
clients’ requirements and, in particular,
those which are more difficult or
challenging and which demand a high
level of ingenuity, versatility and
adaptability. Having access to AXYZ
International’s considerable knowledge
base has enabled us to complete some
very complex and high quality projects
for a number of well-known companies
like Virgin Media for which we recently
produced bespoke LED-illuminated instore displays.’
www.daytonavisual.com
www.axyz.co.uk
visit
and
Trotec offers remote control
Trotec has
introduced
its
latest
innovation
in the form
of
the
Trotec Laser Remote App, which
enables users of the company’s
flatbed laser systems to monitor
the machines’ production output
via an iPhone or iPad.
Available from the AppStore, Trotec’s
Laser Remote App is the first iOS App
to control a laser plotter and enables
users to overview current jobs and to
see at a glance the remaining laser
engraving and cutting time available
for the operator. Further, thanks to the
virtual working area, positioning of the
laser is only a tap away, while status
messages on completed or pending
jobs help to support an efficient
workflow and reduce downtimes and
rejection rates, thus saving both time
and material wastage.
The App, which can be connected to
a single machine or even several
Speedys, is available free of charge
from the AppStore. It is compatible
with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad from
iOS 6.0 and can be used in
conjunction with Laser software, Job
Control X and a compatible Trotec
laser system, using Wi-Fi. A demo
mode is also available, which enables
users to test the App without using a
machine.
www.troteclaser.co.uk
Sign Directions Dec/Jan 2012 | 25
software
Customer Service really counts…
In acknowledgement of the fact that customers want a great service at a competitive price, Paul
Deane, Joint Managing Director at Shuttleworth Business Systems, discusses the importance of
providing customer service excellence and advises how an MIS can help to achieve this.
How MIS can help?
CRM for Prospects?
Many sign and digital
print companies use
their MIS as an
estimating, costing and
production tool, but
MIS is more than that.
Most MIS systems now
include an intergrated
Customer Relationship
Management (CRM)
module and it is an
important part of the
system that is often under
utilised.
All prospect activity can be closely
monitored, such as the number of
visits and calls made by the sales
team. This, in turn, facilitates a report
on sales conversion ratios by day,
week, month or year, which can be
analysed by representative, CSR,
geographical area or market etc.
What is CRM, and how can
it help?
• Non-Conformance – nonconformance issues can be
logged onto the MIS and
monitored so that any problems
can be quickly dealt with and
plans put in place to avoid future
occurrences.
A good CRM system facilitates
tracking of both customer and
prospect activity on one
centralised database.
The advantage of this is
that there is clear visability
on all activities that can then
be monitored and analysed.
CRM for Customers?
Key customer activity can also be
logged and monitored for the
following:
it’s all logged onto an intergrated
CRM, the extra charges can be set
to be automatically included on
the invoice, thus increasing
efficiency and profitability.
• Customer Service Calls\Visit –
If all activity is logged against the
customer, everyone involved will
be able to view details of all
historic and current activities,
which can also be monitored and
anlaysed.
• Proof Control – Proofs can also
be recorded through the CRM
module, thus providing a central
location where proof statuses are
monitored and updated. This is
another key area that is often
overlooked and should be
incorporated as part of a MIS
workflow.
facilitates the targetting of a range of
customers or prospects based on
certain criteria.
The result is
improved communications with
both customers and prospects, who
can receive details of special
promotions, new products and
newsletters.
Summary
In today’s climate, customers are
more demanding than ever and it is
important that accurate information
is available in order to analyse key
activities. This should be constantly
measured and monitored so that Key
Performance goals can be set and
constantly challenged in order to
achieve customer service excellence.
For further information on
Shuttleworth Business Systems,
visit:
Marketing Activity
• Extra Charges – It’s surprising
how many extra charges don’t get
included in the final invoice, but If
www.shuttleworth-uk.co.uk
Most integrated CRM modules also
include a marketing capability, which
Groundbreaking innovation
Clarity Software
will unveil its
groundbreaking
new Web to MIS
innovation,
which offers a
fully joined up
system for the
sign and graphics sector, at the
forthcoming Sign & Digital UK 2013
exhibition.
Web to MIS makes it easy for users to
merge their day-to-day processes
together through simple data
movement, while joined up technology
enables staff to fully focus on all of the
important jobs that make a real
difference to the growth of a business.
Commenting on this new release,
Emerson Welch of Clarity Software said:
“This innovation has been driven by the
desire of sign and graphic companies to
use the power of the web and mobile
systems, and follows a customer survey
that we undertook earlier this year
which revealed that 94 percent of
respondents wanted to use their
websites to gain more business, whilst
72 percent wanted system access from
outside the office.”
With Web to MIS simplifying operations,
users can build and integrate an ecommerce website with their MIS,
initiate e-mail and web marketing
campaigns, use remote CRM software
for sales activity and capture proof of
delivery processes from a mobile app,
all in one unified working environment.
Further, all of these operations can
easily be achieved via tablets, smart
phones and other portable hardware.
Emerson Welch summarises: “The end
game of Web to MIS is to help users to
get fully integrated and to sell more,
which in turn boosts business and
delivers greater profits, while also
improving both the quality and
efficiency of the time spent at work.”
For further information visit Clarity
Software on Stand J60 at Sign &
Digital UK 2013 or visit:
www.clarity-software.com
digital news
Media selection
made easy
It’s big, it’s new, it’s InPrint!
Media suppliers whose media is
approved through the Mimaki Media
Certification Program will be able to use
MMCP logos that demonstrate a solid
relationship with the Mimaki brand and
will also be able to have their profiles
available for download on a dedicated,
shortly to be launched website.
Mimaki Engineering has partnered
with Color Concepts, the leading
independent creator of media
profiles, to make available
independent,
third-party
certification of media for use with
Mimaki’s JV400LX printer and latex
inks.
The Mimaki Media Certification Program
(MMCP) is currently available to providers
of media in Europe, the Middle East and
Africa (EMEA) that are appropriate for use
on the JV400LX printer and Mimaki
anticipates expanding this program to
other Mimaki printers and ink
technologies in the future.
Mimaki will offer end users information
about new available profiles or updates
of their current profiles that have been
downloaded via the MMCP system and in
addition, Color Concepts will produce
special MMCP Media Swatch books
printed to Mimaki’s quality standards.
These will be distributed free of charge to
Mimaki dealers and distributors, latex
customers, and at Mimaki tradeshow
stands for a broad distribution
throughout the EMEA region.
visit:
The InPrint Show, which will take
place at the Hannover Messe on
8th-10th April 2014, has already
sold 40 percent of the available
exhibitor space, as companies
rush to take advantage of the
special founder booking rates
that expire this month.
According to research consultancy,
IT Strategies, industrial print has a
market valuation of €80 Billion and
with a CAGR for industrial inkjet of 11
percent, it is not surprising there is
high interest for an event that
connects
innovative
print
technology with the manufacturing
sector, especially since industrial
print is widely regarded as the next
big
opportunity
for
print
technologies, as traditional print
markets either level off, or further
contract.
Frazer Chesterman, Director, FM
Brooks, the organiser of the event,
commented: “There is no doubt that
there is a high demand and
enthusiasm for InPrint, a trade show
that is focused upon showcasing
innovation in industrial print
technologies
within
the
manufacturing process.”
InPrint is uniquely co-located with
the Hannover Messe, which attracts
a large attendance of manufacturing
decision makers from across Europe,
Asia and South America, thus InPrint
is perfectly placed to succeed in
bridging the gap between the print
technology sector and the industrial,
manufacturing decision makers from
around the globe.
Exhibitors will use the show to
demonstrate
how
printing
technologies can be effectively used
on packaging, ceramics, glass,
textiles, interior design and décor, as
well as more functional applications,
such as printed electronics, medical
and instrumentation production,
together with proofing, prototyping
and 3D Print innovation.
Putting it on packaging
Roland DG has declared its
participation in the Packaging
Innovations 2013 exhibition a great
success, with a number of strong
sales leads secured and considerable
interest shown in its prototyping and
proofing solutions from businesses
right across the packaging sector.
Agencies and designers who visited the
stand were especially interested in CGS’s
new ORIS Flex Pack// Web contract
proofing solution, which includes ORIS
software and Roland’s VersaCAMM VSseries of printer/cutters, and has been
developed as an on-demand alternative
to slow and expensive legacy systems for
packaging proofing.
Meanwhile, packaging, box and carton
printers took particular interest in the LEC
printer/cutter solution, which enables
users to create realistic mock-ups using
virtually any material, including final
production stock. There is also the option
to print prototypes with white and gloss
ink, and embossed effects on-demand,
thus offering the packaging designer and
printer total versatility without additional
cost.
www.rolanddg.co.uk/lec
www.flex-pack.co.uk.
visit
and
www.inprintlive.com
Mimaki’s FESPA Fun
Mimaki has unveiled its plans for
FESPA 2013, which takes place on
25th-29th June at London’s Excel
exhibition centre, with the launch of a
fun,
customer-based
website
MyMimaki.com and a photo
competition.
To celebrate the unveiling of the
MyMimaki.com website, its customers are
being asked to get creative for a photo
competition by uploading fun images of
their Mimaki systems. Dubbed as the “Me
& My Mimaki Photo Contest”, the
EFI returns
to North
Print
competition offers a prize package worth
more than €5,000.
“We wanted to use the platform of FESPA
to highlight the very exciting results
achievable on our portfolio of systems and
help customers celebrate the capabilities
possible, which is why we have launched
MyMimaki.com,” explained Mike Horsten,
Marketing Manager of Mimaki EMEA. “Our
solutions help customers be as responsive
and proactive as possible, but it is their
energy and creativity that are vital to
ensuring their long-term success."
EFI has confirmed its
attendance at North Print
& Pack 2013, which will
take place at the
Harrogate International
Centre on 14th - 16th May.
The emphasis on the fun is continued with
the Mimaki-sponsored FESPA Wrap Cup
Masters Series and the photo
competition’s winner being flown to
London with two sought-after VIP tickets
to FESPA, paid on-site transportation, as
well as FESPA gala invites.
On display at FESPA 2013 will be the
JFX500-2131 grand format UV flatbed
printer, which will make its first
appearance on the stand of Hybrid
Services, Mimaki’s UK and Irish distributor
at Sign & Digital UK 2013. Other Mimaki
The company, who previous exhibited at
the Northprint show in 2011, will be
doubling its floorspace to 36m2 and will
be showing its end-to-end workflows
such as Digital StoreFront W2P and the
Fiery digital front-end that drives more
delights on display will include the TS5001800, the world’s fastest printer for transfer
paper and the UJF-6042 A2-format flatbed
printer, plus a latex/eco corner, innovative
UV printing solutions, creative samples,
and an aquarium where creative young
students will show every aspect of their
work from concept/design through to
realisation.
For further information on Mimaki
products, visit: www.hybridservi
ces.co.uk. For the new fun website,
visit: www.mymimaki.com.
digital printing than any other RIP.
For further information about North
Print & Pack 2013, visit www.print
andpack.co.uk and for information
on EFI, visit www.efi.com
Complete control
EFI has now launched its PrintMe
Mobile server-based enterprise
software, which enables printing
from any mobile device to any
networked printer regardless of
brand, into Europe.
PrintMe Mobile enables sign and
print companies to transform
existing printers into Wi-Fi printers,
thus mitigating the costs of
purchasing new Wi-Fi or AirPrintenabled MFPs (multi functional
printers). Scalable up to thousands
of users across multiple wireless
subnets, the software enables secure
enterprise level Wi-Fi printing for
Android devices, Apple iPads and
iPhones, as well as e-mail-to-print
capability for Symbian, BlackBerry
and Windows mobile devices. IT
departments can also install PrintMe
Mobile and deliver mobile printing
on any printer connected to the
network in as little as 30 minutes.
The full version of PrintMe Mobile
software is available from resellers
throughout Europe and can be
downloaded for a free 45-day trial.
www.efi.com
my way
Worthwhile Investments
Companies explain why they chose the equipment they use
Since its inception in 2006, Essexbased
visual
communications
specialist, Group 101, has steadily
grown into a large visual
communications business, providing
a vast array of signs and graphics to
customers throughout the southeast. Now, the company’s founder
and director, James Sahota, who
credits the Roland SolJet Pro XC540 printer with the long-running
success and growth of his business. is
the latest participant of Roland’s ‘I’m a
Roland User’ campaign, which
illustrates both the diversity of
Roland’s customers and the positive
When, in December 2009, Gill
Brown became the youngest
franchisee in Fastsigns’ network,
she knew exactly what she needed
to do to steal a march on her
competitors. She explained “Our
business is not simply about
selling signs – rather it’s about
providing a truly positive overall
experience for our customers!”
Previously a bid manager in the IT
industry, Gill has brought solid
project management and sales
skills to her new venture and,
together with her young team of
five, now runs the Derby branch of
Fastsigns, where she takes quiet
pride in putting her philosophy
into practice.
Gill continued: “We really listen to
customers and aim to fully
understand their requirements so
that we can recommend the best
possible solution from a broad
range of options, while also
providing a level of service that
ensures we retain their loyalty and,
most importantly, their future
business. This is central to how we
work." And she provides, as an
example, the case of a local
impact purchasing a Roland machine
has had on their businesses.
Group 101 has had its XC-540 for over
six years and it is the oldest printer in
the company’s arsenal, but according
to James it is still the most reliable
performer. He confirmed “Its a dream
to use and its ability to print onto just
about any substrate has opened up
so many new markets and enabled us
to offer a much broader range of
products to our customers. We’ve put
many different substrates through
the machine and it’s always coped
brilliantly – it just re-calibrates to print
at the optimum mode, which gives us
the confidence to get even more
creative!”
James from Group101 and other
Roland users will be joining Roland
DG on stand G30 at Sign and Digital
UK 2013, where he will be available to
give first hand testimony on how his
Roland machine truly performs day in
day out.
www.rolanddg.co.uk
and
www.group101.co.uk
hairdresser, whose initial very
loose brief was successfully
realised with a little help from
Fastsigns’ in-house design service,
following lot of listening and some
intricate manufacturing. Gill
reported: “The customer is
delighted with her brushed
stainless steel signage and
although it wasn’t the cheapest
option, it was exactly what she
wanted and she was thrilled with
the result."
When it first launched, Fastsigns
Derby invested in a Mimaki JV33
outdoor durable printer, Mimaki
CG-FX cutting plotter and
Hybrid Titan laminator from
reseller
Graphic
Printing
Technologies
(GPT).
Gill
observed: "The Mimaki has been a
great asset to the business and
GPT has been a very supportive
and knowledgeable supplier."
This equipment has been used to
fulfil a large contract for the
Derbyshire Fire Service, which
involved the production and
application of vehicle graphics to a
fleet of 30 appliances, plus half
wraps to additional ancillary
The University of Huddersfield has recently
taken delivery of four new Epson large-format
aqueous inkjet printers, which will enable it to keep
up with the increasing demand for high quality
colour and mono digital print work within the
School of Art, Design and Architecture.
vehicles, in order to promote the
organisation's current 'Think
Sprinkler' campaign. A series of
hard-hitting
visuals
were
produced on the Mimaki JV33
printer before being laminated to
protect them from the elements
and abrasion.
Gill Brown concludes, "The big
contracts, such as the one we
completed for the fire brigade,
and recent work for the National
Trust and a large care home group,
pay well and bring in good
business, with the prospect of
further work in the future, but
equally, we really enjoy the work
we do for local businesses just
starting up. It’s the diversity that
helps to make this job so
rewarding, interesting and, most
of all, successful!”
www.fastsigns.co.uk/886
www.hybridservices.co.uk and
www.g-p-t.co.uk.
George Stewart, an IT Technician, working for the
School’s Print Bureau, explained: “We were already
using Epson printers, including a 64-inch wideformat Epson Stylus Pro 11880, to print students’
course and degree show work and, although they
were performing well, with demand increasing, we
needed greater capacity. Although we looked at
other machines, we decided to stick with Epson, as
it’s a brand we trust and also because we have been
very impressed with the printers’ reliability and
cost-effectiveness.”
PDF, JPEG or TIFF files, which are then run through
Adobe Photoshop, InDesign or Mirage Print
software, before being output on one of the Epson
printers.
Using Epson’s UltraChrome nine and 11-colour
inksets, the printers achieve one of the widest
colour gamuts available, with consistently smooth
gradations and photo-realistic image quality. Also,
with three densities of black, standard photo or
matte black (selected automatically depending on
the media), plus light black and light light black,
users can create striking mono output with a high
contrast ratio, perfect tonal range and improved
grey tones. Thanks to the combination of the
Ultrachrome inks and the Epson TFP printhead,
which features 360 micro-fine nozzles per colour,
the printers deliver incredibly sharp, grain-free
images at high speed, thus making them ideal for
art, photographic and CAD applications.
Following guidance from large-format suppliers
Digital Photo Solutions, the School invested in two
Epson Stylus Pro 7890 24-inch printers, one
Epson Stylus Pro 7900 24-inch and an Epson
Stylus Pro 9890 44-inch printer, all of which
combine accurate colour reproduction with high
productivity and are compatible with a wide range
of media up to 1.5mm thick, including glossy and
matt papers, matte board and fine art and plain
paper.
Stewart concludes: “The print quality for graphics,
drawings and photography is of high importance to
our students, and the Epson machines enable us to
print on an extensive array of media. From fine
drawings, through posters and banners to
wallpaper, we can print it all here and in so doing,
positively influence the outcome for our students’
creations.”
Students supply their work to the Print Bureau on
For further information visit: www.epson.eu
Sign Directions Dec/Jan 2012 | 31
my way
Founded in Stoke on Trent 27 years
ago, QPS has since established a
solid reputation as a reliable and
experienced
screenprinting
company. Specialising in the retail
sector, where it produces a wide
range of point of sale applications for
leading high street brands, the
company first embraced digital
printing technology in 2002, when it
purchased a couple of roll-to-roll
solvent-based printers, which were
complemented in 2008 by the
acquisition of Fujifilm’s Acuity HD
2504, a UV Flatbed printer.
Directors Jamie Copeland and
Russell Fairweather, explained: “We
initially decided to add a digital
printing facility to help us with the
production of short run prints that
require a quick turnaround, but in
fact, it has really helped us to both
diversify and streamline our
production too.”
Commenting on the installation of
the Acuity printer, Jamie went on to
clarify: “Although the roll-fed
machines enabled us to print onto
flexible materials, which were then
laminated and mounted onto rigid
substrates, increasing customer
demand persuaded us that we
would need to invest in a flatbed
printer to print directly onto rigid
media and, after investigating the
various options, we decided that the
Acuity was the perfect device to
deliver cost-effective and high
quality jobs in the most efficient
way.”
In the last few years, QPS’ digital
business has boomed and nowadays
the company needs to fulfil an
increasing number of time sensitive
projects. Russell observed: “We work
with advertising agencies and blue
chip brands that often run short,
reactive campaigns, meaning they
call on our services at the very last
minute and expect a quick delivery,
at a particular price, with no
compromise on quality. It’s a
challenge to meet all of these
requirements and stay competitive,
which is why we invested in a
second digital flatbed printer in
2011”
This time, Jamie and Russ chose a
Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS. which
they believe has been pivotal to their
continuing success. Russ said: “Not
only can we now manage higher
volumes
and
guarantee
photographic like quality, we can
also save on running costs and
provide customers with more
competitive prices.”
Fujifilm’s Acuity Advance HS flatbed
printer outputs near-photographic
quality images at a typical
production speed of 30m2/hr and
also employs a zoned vacuum
system to hold all types of media,
including substrates with uneven
surfaces, as well as an optional roll
media unit that facilitates printing
onto a broad range of flexible
materials. Further, the Acuity
Advance HS also extends the array of
possible applications, thanks to a
white ink option that complements
the standard four colour CMYK ink
set.
Jamie and Russ are extremely
pleased with the features offered,
with Jamie reporting:
“The
unparalleled quality and the
extended series of substrates we can
print on, including corrugated and
fluted board, Dibond and Foamex,
together with acrylic, glass and
much more, make this printer a
valuable addition to our production
environment. What’s more, the inks
guarantee strong adhesion, vibrant
colours and a more competitive cost
per m2, while the white ink is a great
addition when printing onto clear
materials.”
www.fujifilm.co.uk/gs
special feature
The accidental signmaker
This method has proved successful
enough to help Revolution Signs to
step up a gear, which is why, after
consulting with Agfa, it recently traded
in one of its :Anapurna M2s for an Agfa
Jeti 1224HDC. “If you want to play with
the big boys, you have to have the
right toys,” Ryan opines by way of
explanation.
Revolution recently completed this
prestigious project for the new
Borough Market regeneration
scheme
As is the case with many sign
companies, Ryan finally made the
decision to establish a digital facility inhouse when he won a new contract.
He muses: “I’d won the work on the
basis of having an in-house resource
and that forced my hand somewhat; it
was a bit of a struggle raising the
finance and installing the machine all in
the space of a week or two, but we
managed it!”
Based in Braintree, Essex, Revolution Signs is
anticipating that 2013 will be the year that its
turnover breaks through the £1million barrier, but
despite its continued success, the company’s original
formation was all down to chance. Val Hirst reports
Photos courtesy of Access 360
committed biker, both then and
now, Ryan’s artistry was much
admired by the local race paddock
community, so much so, that it
encouraged him to make and sell
extra stickers at local bike shows,
an enterprising little side line that
eventually lead to him jettisoning
his career in financial services and
switching to fulltime signmaking
instead. It’s a decision he has never
regretted.
When Ryan Fairweather, the
likeable founder and Managing
Director of Revolution Signs,
acquired his first Summa vinyl
cutter in 2002, it was bought for a
very specific purpose – to create his
own sponsor stickers for his race
motorbike! An enthusiastic and
Now operating from well-equipped
premises in Braintree, Revolution Signs
epitomises the new breed of young
and dynamic sign companies, which
despite having minimal staff – five
people in Revolution’s case – still
produce a high volume of quality work
for a host of prestigious applications,
thanks to a significant investment in all
of the latest hardware.
Ryan remembers the origins of his
company with some nostalgia.
Explaining his rationale for what has
proved to be a life changing decision
he says: “While I had grown
disenchanted with my job in banking, I
found that I really enjoyed being able
to express my creative side in a
practical way and, once I started
making stickers to sell, I realised that I
had the beginnings of a business and
so it seemed worthwhile to try to
develop it a bit further.”
So began Ryan’s first step along the
well-worn signmaking route from back
bedroom to a small industrial unit,
where he underwent what he now
refers to as a year-long ‘apprenticeship’,
during which time he began to learn all
about basic signmaking. “Our clients in
those days were other small companies
operating within the local area,” he
remembers, adding that all of those
companies remain regular customers,
although nowadays, Revolution
complements fascia signs and vehicle
liveries with the production of large
scale, digitally and UV printed graphics
for major high street brands and
household names.
Revolution Signs first entered the
digital arena in 2003(?), initially subcontracting its printed output, a
solution that Ryan confesses he was
never a hundred percent comfortable
with. He says: “Although outsourcing
offers a reasonable option in the short
term, you can quickly find yourself
facing a catch 22; if the quality is good,
the delivery times are too slow, get a
quick turnaround and the output
suffers. In either case, you’re the one
having to explain to the client why the
job isn’t up to the standard you’ve
promised, even though the outcome
isn’t entirely within your control.”
The company’s first acquisition was a
Roland XE540, followed by a Roland
VersaCAMM 640 and, more recently, a
Mimaki JV3400, all machines that have
provided good and reliable service and
which are still very much in evidence at
the company’s premises. However,
when Revolution Signs acquired its first
flatbed printer, in order to cope with an
increasing volume of large scale
printing it wasn’t such plain sailing. “It
gave us a lot of headaches,” observes
Ryan, who in mitigation admits that it
helped him to realise the value of
having a skilled operator on board.
“Luckily, we have one member of staff,
who is now head of production in our
UV department, who seemed to
instinctively know how to coax a good
performance out the machine,” he says,
“and he was able to make the minute
adjustments needed to deliver good
quality output, but in anyone else’s
hands it was a case of pot luck, which
lead to a lot of material wastage and
endless frustration.”
Determined that his next investment
would be with a manufacturer that he
could trust and also one with whom he
could forge a long-term relationship,
Ryan turned to Agfa, primarily because
it offered a variety of production level
machines, but also because he felt it
was a solid company with a reputation
he could trust. Accordingly he replaced
the original troublesome flatbed with
an Agfa :Anapurna M2 three years ago
and happily, this acquisition helped
Revolution to generate enough new
business to fund the purchase of a
second machine shortly afterwards.
“I won’t say that we didn’t have any
teething troubles with the Anapurnas,
because we did have one or two,” says
Ryan, but he goes on to add that
whenever there was a problem, Agfa
was on hand to solve it as painlessly as
possible. He reflects: “Agfa appreciate
that when you’ve invested a great deal
of money in equipment you need it in
full working order all of the time, so
they are quick to respond if and when
any issues arise.”
Building long-term relationships is
something that Ryan obviously excels
at as much of Revolution Sign’s work
has come by way of personal
recommendation, assisted by a process
that Ryan refers to as soft networking.
He says: “It’s less about the hard sell and
more about identifying opportunities
and ensuring that we are in the right
place at the right time. For example,
when contacts we have dealt with
move on to other companies, our aim
is to retain the original work and also
gain their new business too. It all
comes down to getting to know what
your customer wants and providing it
in a way that causes him or her as few
problems as possible. Not only do we
provide the print – we also take the
strain!”
The Jeti 1224 HDC, is a UV flatbed
machine that delivers a throughput of
up to to 110sq.m in express mode, 54
sq.m in production mode and 36sq.m
in quality mode and which can be used
in conjunction with a wide range of
different media up to 50mm thick,
including substrates such as wood and
ceramic tiles.
Ryan comments: “We knew that the
printer was the right choice, but what I
quickly realised was that in order to
maximise its potential, we would also
need to buy an appropriate finishing
cutter too, making a total outlay of
around £400,000!” Faced with another
of those ‘should I or shouldn’t I?’
moments, Ryan took a deep breath and
installed a Zund flatbed cutter. Once
again, and much to his great relief, it
proved to be the right decision, since as
well as enabling the company to
control every aspect of its production
and thus offer an even higher level of
customer service, it has also opened up
a further revenue stream. Mindful of its
own
outsourcing
experience,
Revolution Signs is now providing a
confidential trade service for other
signmakers operating within the local
vicinity, a resource that Ryan is keen to
further expand for companies trading
further afield. He says: “Since we have
been in the same position ourselves,
we can properly empathise with other
sign and print companies and fulfill
their need for quality goods and
services that also meet their
timescales.”
He continues: “As well as adding
another facet to our repertoire, the
addition of the Zund now completes
the puzzle, as it enables us to provide a
finish that complements the print,
rather than compromising it. It has also
prompted a re-evaluation of our
production process. What we have
recognised is that your workflow is only
as fast as the slowest item of
equipment and so even though the
printer can churn out a large quantity of
output, there’s no point in printing at
such a rate if it regularly outstrips the
capacity of the cutter. In fact, we’ve
found, that often, it pays to print at
lower speed and provide top-notch
quality, even when, strictly speaking, it
isn’t a hundred percent necessary for
the application. The cost in terms of
extra ink usage is negligible and
customers are always unfailing
appreciative when you exceed their
expectations.”
And exceeding expectations is what
Revolution Signs is all about, with Ryan
explaining: “I always tell everyone here
that if they have to ask me whether the
quality of a job is acceptable, they
already know the answer – it isn’t!”
Having grown the business significantly
over the last few years, Ryan is now in
the process of taking stock. He reveals
that a move to larger premises is on the
cards, but remains anxious to maintain
a good work life balance and to spend
a little more time indulging his passion
for the bike track, as well as clocking up
enough flying hours to gain a private
pilot’s license and training to compete
in the ‘Tough Mudder’ event in June.
Accordingly, he plans to consolidate
what he has achieved so far, before
moving on to the next stage.
He admits: “At the moment, I feel that
we are just where we want to be,
which is being able to guarantee the
turnaround of really good quality work
within a five day lead period. I always
look forward to coming into work and I
know that the rest of the team do too
and I think that enthusiasm transmits
itself to our clients and reassures them
that we are there to do the best that
we can for them.”
However, despite what he says, I think
that given the speed and scope of his
journey from absolute novice to
seasoned signmaker, it’s much more
likely that Revolution Signs will
continue to grow and grow and grow!
revolutionsignslimited.com and
wwww.agfa.com
inspiration
Opportunity knocks!
A fresh approach
revolutionary alternative.
This new regular feature highlights some of the unusual and novel and, most importantly,
lucrative applications that can be achieved using everyday signmaking equipment and materials
Since the early 1990s, Managing
Director Miles Harris has sought to
create a modular display system that
offers a vast expanse of image, without
the need for intrusive frames. He
explained: “We’ve always tried to design
products for customers that do more
and to this end, a seamless picture has
always been my goal.”
Daring to
diversify
From a standing start, Custom Coats’
Managing Director, Anthony Hall,
has so successfully developed the
new vehicle-wrapping arm of his
business that, in less than 12
months, he is already expanding his
premises to accommodate the extra
work that his company is now
generating.
Custom Coats was originally formed to
offer a spray-painting and panel beating
service,
so
when
considering
diversification it seemed to Anthony that
vehicle wrapping would make an ideal
addition to the company’s product
portfolio. Accordingly, he began to
investigate the available vehicle
wrapping courses and after considering
all of the options, he selected William
Smith’s course as the one that that
offered the best value.
He explained: “ I was starting as a
complete novice and the William Smith
course certainly provided me with
everything I needed to get going. I
gained some really valuable insights, plus
the confidence I needed to tackle my first
real life customer! Since then, I have
gradually been building up my level of
skill and expertise and I think it’s fair to say
that there’s no stopping me now!”
In fact so enthusiastic a wrapper has
Anthony become, that he is now
planning to qualify as a 3M accredited
vehicle wrapper in order to take his
business up to the next level.
He continued: “We earned the distinction
of completing the first matt pink wrap in
the North East – appropriately enough it
The Curvorama concept twins Soyang’s
anti-curl SoFlat pull up banner media,
with flexible header and base units with
magnetic ends, to enable a standard
roller banner display, to excitingly
morph into a multi-drop, curvy and
gapless graphics backdrop. In addition,
since the display can be regularly
refreshed, simply by replacing the
graphic element, it also offers
environmental benefits too. Miles Harris
commented: “Recycling is good, but
reusing is far, far better!”
was on a Nissan Micra – and the client, a
car dealership, was delighted with it.
Furthermore, the pink Micra was such a
showstopper that it attracted the
attention of everyone who saw it in the
car dealership’s showroom, which lead to
lots more work! We now do work for
other car dealerships and a motorcycle
dealership too, as well as undertaking
wrapping jobs for other signmakers.”
Anthony is now directing the business
towards the prestige/executive car
sector, an area where quality is key.
Recent commissions have included
wraps for an Aston Martin in
sophisticated matt black and a Bentley
Flying Spur in stunning black gloss, which
makes a welcome change from the more
traditional silver.
Anthony’s wrapping media of choice is
3M’s 1080. He reported: “It offers a great
choice of colours and even more
importantly, it’s very easy to use. Before
we wrapped the Aston Martin, I showed
the owner the different samples and he
selected the matt black vinyl for the main
body and contrasting black carbon effect
vinyl for the bumper, bonnet and diffuser.
As a finishing touch, we applied a black
gloss to the car roof, to complement the
vehicle’s dark tinted windows.”
3M’s 1080 Series is a long term,
Originally known throughout the
sign and display sector for its
Picture Wall product, Halifax based
Fresco has now turned the pop-up
display on its head with the recent
introduction of Curvarama, a
removable dual cast film that has been
designed with sufficient rigidity to
facilitate easy handling, without the need
for application tape. Featuring 3M’s
Controltac Comply pressure-activated
adhesive, 1080 Series is easy to reposition
and ready to use straight from the box.
With up to six years durability, the films
offer excellent opacity and are highly
weather resistant. The series is suitable
for use on flat surfaces and simple curves
and is available in a choice of 39 matt,
gloss and carbon colours.
Commenting on the support and service
available from William Smith, Anthony
concluded: “I can talk to people as and
when I need to and they respond quickly
to any queries or problems. For example,
when I experienced a problem with a
wrap, a member of William Smith’s staff
immediately came with a replacement
roll of film to help me get the job done
on time.”
3M’s 1080 Series is available from William
Smith as full, part or custom slit rolls and
same day despatch is provided on all full
or part roll orders received before
6.00pm, Monday to Friday
For further information on Custom
Coats visit: www.customcoats.co.uk
Williams Smith’s wrapping courses
and
3M
media
visit:
www.williamsmith.co.uk
Best
practice
Good design practice involves the
juxtaposition of contrasts as a
foundation and an attractive
vehicle livery from Allspeed Signs
and Graphics really proves the
point.
Allspeed Signs was commissioned to
produce a good-looking livery for
Magic Car Body Repair, who, having
seen previous examples of Farehambased Allspeed’s work felt that it
would be the ideal partner. Magic’s
business revolves around making
vehicles look good. Whether it’s
He continued: “We specialise in the
creation of products that are useful,
reusable and ‘re-purposeable’. For
example, Curvorama came about after
we re-evaluated the efficacy of
traditional pop-up displays and tried to
think of ways to make them better.”
wiping away a scuff on a bumper, or
dealing with kerb-scarred alloys,
Magic takes care of it and thus its goes
without saying, that the livery
promoting its vehicle care business
had to look nothing less than panel
and pixel perfect itself.
Thanks to Allspeed Signs it does.
The Magic vehicle livery combines
light and dark areas, balanced with
pictorial elements and crisply defined
text to create head-turning impact
and leaves potential customers in no
doubt as to what Magic’s business
does.
Allspeed selected Metamark materials
for the job, using a trusted
With its lightweight and compact size,
Curvorama is easier to manoeuvre than
traditional pup-ups and can even be
carried as hand baggage on some
aircraft. In fact, so innovative is the
product, that it currently has three
patents, but Miles admitted that it took
a lot of experimentation before Fresco
got it just right.
He said: “We tried many ways of joining
multiple drops – using low tack
adhesives, electrostatics and Velcro
amongst other things, but they just
didn’t do the job. However, we firmly
believe that if we can get customers to
bring us their problems, we can
eventually rise to the challenge and
Curvorama is the proof of that!”
A key element to the system’s success is
the Soyang SoFlat media that Fresco
prints on its Mimaki JV33, thus ensuring
perfect registration and panel matching
tolerance.
Fresco’s innovative thread runs
throughout the business; the company
has also created such products as the
highly innovative Street Feet road safety
training kit, which it developed in
conjunction with Road Safety GB and
which is endorsed by the road safety
combination of Metamark MD7, in
tandem with the wrapping film’s
matching MG900 laminate, which
according to Allspeed’s John Knight ‘is
a joy to print and use!’ In addition,
Metamark ‘ClearVision’ window
materials help to advertise the
business to those following the
vehicle, whilst also providing a clear
view out for those inside it.
Taken as a whole, it’s a masterful piece
of work by Allspeed, for a very
demanding client who required a
livery that has to remain at its pristine
best.
“At the end of the day,” says John
Knight, “this was a livery that simply
had to be spot on and we trusted
charity, Brake. The kits feature non-slip,
solvent printed, heavyweight textile
‘roads’ and ‘pavements’, together with
vibrant dye-sublimation printed hi-vis
tabards, felt/rubber waffle floor prints
and rigid signage and street furniture,
all of which come in a very neat carry
case.
The product, which is designed for use
by primary schools, has received
numerous plaudits and delivers a
valuable revenue stream for Fresco,
alongside its traditional digitally printed
range of products for the indoor,
outdoor, exhibition, display and
signage markets.
Miles Harris concludes: “In today’s
tough climate it pays to use our
resources as imaginatively as possible in
order to generate as many profitable
business opportunities as we can and
hopefully, we’ll be able to come up with
a whole series of further innovations in
the future.”
Curvorama visit: www.wideformat
wave.co.uk.
For further information on Fresco
visit: www.fresco.co.uk.
Metamark media to help us bring the
design to life, secure in the knowledge
that once completed, the customer
would be entirely satisfied with our
work.”
The end result is another happy
customer and another business now
truly raising its profile.
www.allspeed-signs.co.uk and
www.metmark.co.uk
special feature
Unsung Heroes
Blocking it out
A 180-micron double-sided white
monomeric vinyl self-adhesive
film, which can be used in
conjunction with solvent, eco
solvent, latex and UV inks,
Euromedia BlockOut Vinyl, is, as
its name suggests, designed to
block out glass surfaces.
Sign & Digital UK has long been acknowledged
as the industry’s premier launchpad for new
products. However, most industry suppliers
already have the odd gem or two already
lurking within their portfolio, which, although
newer and showier items may overshadow
them, are still deserving of far wider
recognition. So, in the spirit of redressing the
balance we are pleased to present our first
collection of Unsung Heroes.
Due to its blockout layer, it is totally
opaque, thus preventing the
unprofessional show-through that is
all too common with other ‘block
out’ products, while its glossy
surface, which is further enhanced by
the blockout layer beneath, delivers
highly vibrant and saturated printed
output. BlockOut vinyl also features a
polyacrylic adhesive that can be
applied both wet and dry, and its
high dimensional stability facilitates
its distortion-free application onto
any smooth, even surface, such as
glass, veneers, logos, doors and
fascia signs, both indoors and
outside.
www.euromedia.eu
A groundbreaking banner
Eco and aesthetic
appeal
Up until now, the POLYLINEPro range
has predominantly been the media
choice for in-store POS applications,
largely due to the fact that its grey
backing and recyclable eyelets facilitate
total recycling. However, whilst initially
designed for use in conjunction with
UV flatbed printers, Pyramid is now
Amari Plastics has extended its
range of Green Cast acrylic
products manufactured by the
Italian company, Madreperla Spa of
Milan.
A popular choice amongst retailers
who require a more sustainable instore display solution, Green Cast is
manufactured from 100 percent
recycled acrylic materials at the
Madreperla plant in Italy, where scrap
acrylic is first collected from Northern
Italy and Southern Germany by
licensed recycling companies, before
being efficiently and economically
transported in 20 Tonne loads to the
Madreperla plant. Once there, it is
cleaned and sorted and put through a
unique and patented process for
breaking the product back down into
its constituent components, before
being used to make fresh acrylic sheets.
When Pyramid Display Materials
first conceived the idea for its
POLYLINEPro
range
of
polypropylene print products,
little did it realise that it would be
embarking on a 12 month journey
to develop a product that could
help to change the promotional
banner market for ever.
trialling a new version of the media that
features a unique solvent receptive
coating, which Pyramid believes, will
help to make it a banner material of
choice for all categories of signmaker.
Initial results have been excellent and
the product will be launched in roll
form at FESPA, together with the full
range of PLASTGrommet automatic
and manual eyeleting machines.
To register interest and request
samples of the POLYLINEPro
Banner and information on
PLASTGrommet machinery visit:
www.polylinepro.co.uk
The natural alternative
Unlike competitive products that are
generally made with no more than 40
percent recycled material, which
compromises their aesthetic appeal,
Green Cast is as crystal clear as any
standard acrylic sheet and can be
processed in precisely the same way.
Further, at the end of its life, it can
successfully be recycled again, thus
making it a true closed loop product.
Originally manufactured in a clear
option, in 3mm to 25mm thick sheets,
the range has recently been extended
to include Opal and White opaque
sheets, plus a full range of more than
50 colours, some of which are subject
to minimum order quantities and
availability, in both opaque and
translucent variations.
However, perhaps the most exciting
development is the expansion of the
Green Cast range to mirror the
Madreperla Satinglas range of frosted
acrylic sheets, which feature a frosted
finish on either one or both sides. POP
Displays made from Satinglas are less
likely to show dirt, greasy fingerprints
or scratches and are thus a more
appealing option for many retailers.
Nu Stone, stocked by Antalis UK, is
a
natural,
environmentally
friendly alternative to plastic that
is suitable for use in a wide range
of point of sale applications.
In the same way, Green Cast now
boasts its own Frosted range, thus
combining the benefits of Satinglas
with the sustainability benefits of the
Green Cast sheet.
Made from a combination of 80
percent chalk and 20 percent HDPE,
Nu Stone is a non-toxic substrate that
offers significant printing and finishing
advances. Fully waterproof, oil and
greaseproof, as well as tear resistant, it
is ideal for use in both interior and
exterior POS products, such as posters,
www.amariplastics.com.
banners, charts, food tags, shelf-talkers
and two-way decals.
The high opacity and luxurious, yet
robust feel, of Nu Stone delivers a high
print quality, comparable to that
achieved with a coated stock, yet
without the price premium often
associated with greener alternatives.
in two options: White Opaque 210
microns and Nu Stone Eco 350
microns. There are also two sizes to
choose from: 1067 x 1575mm and
1200 x 1850mm.
Nu Stone is available from Antalis UK
Fully
recyclable,
reusable
biodegradable, Nu Stone can be used
in conjunction with both UV inkjet and
screen printing technologies.
www.antalis.co.uk
and
special feature
Classically chrome
APA’s WrapFilm is a new range of
vinyls, for use in wrapping and
decorative applications, which
offer an attractively futuristic
chrome effect.
Especially designed to cover flat,
curved and shaped surfaces,
WrapFilm provides an abrasion
resistant protective finish, whilst also
enhancing any object that it covers
and can be easily removed when
required. Featuring APA’s ‘Air Free
FTX System’ technology, which
facilitates flawless application,
WrapFilm can also be used in
conjunction with solvent, ecosolvent and UV digital printing
technologies.
The range includes three different
variations to perfectly depict the
desired chrome-finish effect.
www.apaspa.com
Huge choice,
fast turnaround
Having supplied LED point of sale
products to key accounts over the
past two years, UK POS has
recently introduced its full range as
highlighted in its 2013 brochure,
for purchase either online or via
phone, for 24-hour delivery.
The poster kit, which uses energy
efficient LED illumination, features a
contemporary design that combines
stylish good looks with high quality
components to create a striking visual
impact, while also remaining easy to
assemble and update.
The LED illuminated wall mounted
poster kit is an essential part of the
‘point of sale kit’ and offers a wide
range of uses across a variety of
different sectors, such as function
rooms, hotels and general reception
areas, where it can be used to display
information.
The kit comprises two acrylic panels,
the front of which has a silver boarder
that effectively ‘frames’ the image
fixings and power source.
www.ukpos.com.
special feature
Versatile and flexible
Suspended cables are now widely
used for display signs and
graphics, but rod systems have
remained something of a poor
relation, despite the fact that an
elegant three, six or 10mm rod can
be used to create a strong design
statement.
For example, half metre rods, which
come complete with a rounded end,
make extremely attractive hanging
signs and, when used in conjunction
with the large range of fittings offered
by Fairfield Displays, it is easy to create
really impactful hanging signs that
also provide signmakers with a huge
degree of flexibility.
The 3mm rod system offers many
unique features, including the top
fixing, which has a small ball bearing
that enables the sign to be hinged.
This feature proves extremely useful
when fixing in a window, as the unit
can easily be moved when cleaning
the glass, without the need to
disconnect any fixings, thus ensuring
that the display always looks crisp and
attractive. The ends of the rods can be
neatly finished with either a black
rubber or a satin chrome end cap.
Horizontal 6mm rods mounted to the
wall are a highly practical way to
display an integrated information and
signage system, while acrylic hooks on
pockets of A4 up to A2 leaflet
dispensers can simply be hooked onto
the rod to further enhance any
promotional message. Colourful sign
panels can then be fitted between the
rods for added impact.
www.fairfielddisplays.co.uk
The perfect fast fix
Novahood from Nova Aluminium
is a simple, economical and
effective overhead lighting
system, which is the ideal partner
for all signtrays, frames and
wayfinding systems.
Featuring a continuous fixing ledge
that facilitates ease of installation, it
enables installers to place the unit at
the top of the tray and fix down,
while remaining in a fixed position
that can comfortably illuminate areas
up to 650mm in depth.
Alternatively, a hood bracket is also
available, thus providing the five
definite tilt positions that are
synonymous with Novahood’s sister
systems, Novabeam and Novatube.
Available off the shelf, with either
tube or LED lighting, users can chose
from white or black colourways, as
well as the option for powder
coating to any standard RAL colour.
www.nova-aluminium.com
special feature
High quality, sensible price
The versatile H652 is EFI’s entrylevel hybrid printer, which is
sensibly priced to provide
signmakers and display producers
with the opportunity to produce
high quality UV-curable output,
without the need for a major
capital investment.
This wide-format platform, which is
designed for the production of near
photographic quality output and
handles gradients and solid colours
efficiently for optimum versatility,
benefits from greyscale printheads,
and comes with CMYK and white ink,
with support for spot colours and
under- and over-printing. Saturated
colours and smooth gradations are
achieved through its variable droplet
sizes that range from six to 42
picolitres.
Designed to work with both rigid and
flexible materials, the H652 has a
maximum resolution of 1200 x 600
dpi and handles widths up to 1.65m
wide and 4.57cm in thickness. Other
notable features include a vacuum
belt system to facilitate accurate
handling, and two shuttered mercury
arc UV curing lamps with high and low
power settings.
Typical applications include quality
printing direct to most signmaking
materials and it can also be used to
produce specialist applications, such
as membrane switch panels, and can
print directly to glass and aluminium
composites.
www.efi.com
The lean, mean textile machine
For
Hollanders
Printing
Systems, this promises to be the
year that its digital textile
solutions come to the fore,
following a new investment
strategy that focuses on the
production and marketing of its
machines.
The
Eindhoven
company’s
ColorBooster XL is a 3.2m dedicated
system that is ideal for the
production of soft signs, flags and
banners, plus many other
applications, including front- and
back-lit displays, where the use of
fabric offers significant benefits over
more
conventional
display
materials.
Unlike many digital textile printing
machines, the ColorBooster XL has
been designed and engineered
from the ground up as a versatile
and
cost-effective
textile
production unit, and is part of a
turnkey solution that includes
fixation and finishing. The system
uses aqueous-based disperse inks
for direct printing onto polyesterbased fabrics, resulting in rich, vivid
and accurate colours and excellent
durability.
Greener production is also
guaranteed, with a lean workflow,
less waste and minimal water usage,
plus low power consumption. The
ColorBooster XL also features a
controlled
environment
for
unattended printing, climate
control, optimised media transport
and tension controls, plus
proprietary workflow and colour
control software.
Manufactured in The Netherlands, it
is a robust, ergonomic and versatile
digital textile production solution
that is proving itself as a valuable
production system for display
producers seeking an industrial
strength, wide-format platform that
optimises all the advantages of
printing directly onto polyesterbased fabrics.
www.hollanders-ps.nl
sign & digital uk preview
The show starts here!
Although this year’s Sign & Digital UK exhibition is competing for
both exhibitors and attendees with FESPA, the international digital
and screenprinting exhibition that takes place at the end of June,
there are still many powerful incentives for UK sign and digital print
companies to visit the NEC at the end of this month.
And while, understandably, some of
the manufacturers and suppliers of
larger digital equipment have
decided that FESPA will provide a
more fitting launchpad for their
latest products, Epson, Hybrid
Services, Mimaki’s UK and Ireland
distributor and Roland DG have all
chosen to unveil their latest printer
innovations at Sign & Digital UK,
while on the Agfa stand, Litho
Supplies will be introducing Sun
Chemicals exciting new range of
Streamline Inks.
Other returning exhibitors who will be
using the show to debut new products,
include Applelec, Clarity, Colourgen, DPI,
Grafityp, GPT and Océ, who will be
joined by a host of new names showing
a wide variety of niche and ancillary
items.
As always, the show will offer a wide
selection of special features, including
the perennially popular Adobe Theatre,
Corel Seminar Programme and the
Signmakers’ Workshop, while those who
are more ecologically minded will
welcome the return of the Green Trail,
which was first introduced last year and
is designed to highlight some of the
‘greener’ alternatives to traditional
signmaking and printing materials and
processes.
In addition, there will be a brand new
feature, the New Business Tour, which
will highlight all of those exhibitors using
the show to offer new business
opportunities, ideas and inspiration. This
will be complemented by the New
Business Theatre, a series of thought
provoking seminar sessions that will
detail how sign and digital companies
can more profitably exploit niche
industry areas, for example, direct to
garment printing and digital signage,
and how they can effectively harness the
power of social media to enhance their
marketing efforts.
Finally, the New Business Zone will
provide the perfect place for visitors to
relax and network over a coffee, as well
as serving as a useful information point.
Over the next 16 pages you’ll find a
tantalising sneak preview of what some
of the leading exhibitors will be showing,
together with their web addresses, to
enable you to easily access any further
information you need to plan your visit
most efficiently and effectively.
Alternatively, if you are too busy to
attend the show this year, it will enable
you to sample some of the good things
on offer from the comfort of your own
armchair!
For
more
comprehensive
information,
including
full
programme details for all of the
features, plus free registration, visit
the
exhibition
website
at
www.signuk.com
Printers
Hybrid to host three
Mimaki debuts
the new, top of the range, flatbed LED UV
Mimaki JFX500 printer and the high end,
A2 format flatbed LED UV Mimaki UJF6042 will all take place on Hybrid's stand
at the exhibition in Birmingham.
UK & Irish Mimaki distributor, Hybrid
Services will host three exclusive
product launches for the Japanese
equipment manufacturer on Stand
D10.
The debuts of the production dye
sublimation Mimaki TS500 inkjet printer,
Alongside a host of Mimaki's awardwinning outdoor durable eco solvent,
solvent and latex print solutions, Hybrid
will also be showing the two '500 Series'
production machines and the small
format UV printer for the first time in the
UK, thus enabling visitors to get an
exclusive preview during the exhibition.
They will also be able to take advantage
of special offers from Hybrid’s resellers
relating to Mimaki's popular CJV30 and
JV33 products.
In addition, other machines on Hybrid's
stand will include the Mimaki JV400 latex
printer, which will be shown in both 2x4
colour and four colour versions, plus
Mimaki's unique white configurations,
with prints being produced using
Mimaki's exciting new RasterLink 6 RIP
software. Further highlights will be the
multi-award winning UJF-3042FX and
UJF-3042HG A3 flatbed LED UV printers,
plus the Mimaki Learning Zone situated
right in the centre of the stand, where
visitors can discuss how they can achieve
the most from their existing setup and
fully exploit the potential for new
revenue streams.
The Mimaki Learning Zone will also be
the place where visitors can seek advice
on Mimaki software, maintenance and
support solutions with Hybrid's Technical
Services Manager, Andy Lewis.
visit:
Roland-inspired PrintMAX
On Stand F30, PrintMAX will show
the latest large-format printers
from Roland DG, while also
celebrating its third year as that
company’s most successful
authorised dealer.
Roland SolJet Pro 4 XR-640, LEJ-640
and the LEJ-640 and LEF-12, along
with printers from the Roland
VersaCAMM print & cut series.
www.printmax.co.uk
Printers on show will include the
Business proposition
from Colourgen
On Stand H50, Colourgen will be
making a ‘Building Blocks for
Business’ proposition to the sign
and digital printing sectors, which
will include the latest wide-format
printing and finishing solutions
from Mutoh, Seiko, Epson, Kala,
Seal, Caldera and EFI and
consumables from 15 of the
leading industry brands, including
Epson, Ilford, Kodak, Intelicoat
and Kernow.
Colourgen’s own brand of ‘value’
media is also included. The
initiative will enable visitors to the
stand to evaluate and compare a
wide range of solutions and choose
those that are best suited to their
individual business plans.
Making their UK debut will be the new
2.6m Mutoh ValueJet 2638 printer and
the water-based dye sublimation
ValueJet 1628W platform for textile
and soft signage applications.
Colourgen will also announce the
imminent launch of a new range of
cutters from Mutoh. New or recently
launched printers from Seiko and
Epson will also be shown, together
with laminators from Kala and Seal. All
of the printers on display will be
powered by either VisualRIP from
Caldera or ColorProof eXpress from EFI
software.
www.colourgen.com
Printers
A surprise announcement from
Roland DG
Lots of highlights from Agfa
One of the outstanding features of
the Agfa stand will be the popular
:Anapurna M2050, a fully loaded
2m UV roll-to-roll and flatbed
printer.
Industrially engineered for sustained
higher workloads, this machine
has eight printheads using :Anapurna
UV curable inks (CMYK Lc Lm, 2 x white)
to provide a wide colour gamut. The
white ink creates new possibilities for
printing onto transparent or dark
material, as well as applying white as a
spot colour.
Another must see application on the
stand will be :Apogee StoreFront, a
cloud-based web-to-print solution that
enables print service providers to create
and manage online stores for offset as
well as digital print.
In addition, Litho Supplies, an
Agfa company, will share the stand
to demonstrate the compatibility
of Sun Chemicals’ high quality
Streamline wide-format solvent inks.
www.agfa.com
First dye sub printers from Epson
On Stand N10, Epson will show
the SC-F7000 and SC-F6000 dye
sublimation printers, which are
part of the Epson SureColor SC-F
series and the first dye
sublimation printers to be
developed by the company.
The respective 64- and 44-inch
printers offer medium-to-high and
low-to-medium volumes, with the 44inch model particularly suitable for
soft signage applications. The printers
use Epson’s new aqueous-based
UltraChrome DS inks held in a highcapacity 1.5 litre ink system.
visit:
On Stand
G 3 0 ,
Roland DG
will unveil
its
new
flagship
product,
details of
which will
not be made public until the
opening day of the show, with
special events and features
supporting the launch.
The company will also demonstrate
the recently launched SolJet Pro 4 XR640 64-inch printer as well as the
VersaCAMM VS-640 printer/cutter. The
SolJet Pro 4 XR-640 combines
accelerated
print speeds
with Roland’s
integrated
print/cut
technology, a
new print head
design, sevenand
eightcolour printing
and the new
Eco-Sol Max 2
inks in nine colours, including a new
light black formulation.
Other highlights of the Roland DG
stand will be the Roland Care warranty
scheme and the Roland Academy
range of product training courses,
both of which will have dedicated
Roland personnel in attendance to
answer questions. Roland’s now
legendary hospitality will also be much
in evidence, enabling visitors to
discuss issues in a more relaxed
environment, while customers from
the company’s ‘I’m a Roland User’ user
campaign will be on hand to offer
advice on how Roland technology has
helped their businesses grow.
www.rolanddg.co.uk
Other printers to be shown include
the new SureColor SC-S wide-format
64-inch roll-fed, the eight- and 10colour SC-S70600 (the first Epson
printer for white and metallic inks),
the SC-S50600 four- and five-colour
plus white and the SC-S30600.
www.epson.co.uk
GPT to show super-fast printer
Taking centre stage on the Graphic
Printing Technology (GPT) stand
(D30) will be the new GPT190s 1.9
metre-wide super-fast solvent printer
based on the Mimaki JV34 260 model.
Adapted by GPT, it can print high-quality
SA vinyl at 24 square metres/hour and
high-quality banner media at 38 square
metres/hour, with faster modes in
development.
Also on show will be the latest Mimaki
JV400 160LX 1.6 metre-wide latex, the
Mimaki IJF6042 and A2 LED UV flatbed
printers (a larger version of the current
IJF3042HG but offering a higher 1800 dpi
resolution), together with the smaller
IJF3042FX. GPT will also have information
on the new Mimaki JFX500 2131 UV
flatbed printer that has a print capacity of
65 square metres/hour as well as the new
Mimaki JV400 SUV.
Epson and Canon printers and RIP
software from Shiraz and Wasatch will also
feature on the stand
For further information visit:www.gp-t.co.uk
Printers
Cutting, Routing and Engraving
Printers and finance from Stanford Marsh
DPI to reflect
growth in
textile printing
As an indication of the
predicted growth in digital
textile printing, Digital Print
Innovations (DPI) will launch
the new 1.8m MTEX1800, a
smaller version of the 3.2m
MTEX3200, direct-to-textile
printer, as well as Mutoh
1639W and Unifklexer 65
printers, on Stand H60.
Stanford Marsh Group Graphics
(SMGG), the commercial graphics
division of Stanford Marsh Group,
will be exhibiting on Stand C24,
where it will be showcasing a wide
range of printing solutions from
leading vendors, together with a
cutting-edge 3D printer from Objet.
In addition, it will also be showing a preproduction prototype of what will be the
new Xerox high-speed wide format
production printer for the sign and
graphics sector.
Stanford Marsh has an extremely broad
solutions portfolio and is the only UK
company to provide in-house
manufacturer-led service support,
hardware and software sales of leading
market brands including Canon, Epson,
HP, Océ, Ricoh and Xerox.
Visitors will also be able to learn more
about the company’s compelling finance
deals, which are arranged through its
own in-house finance company and cash
reserves, including the popular nil
percent finance deal it is currently
offering on an extensive line of print
equipment.
www.smgg.co.uk
visit:
Other machines on display will
include the new 3.2m Hybrid
Synergia printer from Novus
Imaging and the Jetrix range,
including the 2513FRQ and
1212 models, and the Winjet
Colour range that uses Memjet
Technology.
www.dpi-uk.com
On Stand F10, the DYSS X7-2616C
digital die cutter from AG/CAD will
be demonstrated working alongside
the newly launched Gen4 DYSS
Apollo GH2200 Hybrid UV printer.
The DYSS X7 cutter range, which has
made a huge impact since its
introduction to the UK market, offers
multiple configurations to suit a wide
range of different applications, both in
the sign and display/packaging
industries.
Bigger picture with Océ
Part of the Canon Group, Océ will
demonstrate a range of printing
solutions from both companies on
Stand E10, including the latest
developments in the Océ UV flatbed
series (the 460 and 480 GT), the
CS9360
and
the
Canon
imagePROGRAF iP8400 12-colour
44-inch printer.
Other key stand attractions will include
the Océ ColorWave 650 poster printer
incorporating CrystalPoint technology,
which uses toner pearls and the ONYX
Thrive workflow software.
www.canon.co.uk
visit:
It can be used to process a vast range
of materials, from flexible media such as
PVC, paper, mesh, display, corrugated,
box and foamed-core boards, to rigid
high-density sheet materials including
acrylic and plastics, composites, nonferrous metals and even wood. A choice
of tool slots accommodate a host of
different cutting and profiling
requirements, with the DYSS cutter able
to process rolls of material of unlimited
length. Further options include a choice
of router/cutting heads and sheet
feeders and the K-Cut Vision System that
ensures precise cutting of printed
materials.
Zund to showcase
new cutting module
Zund will introduce the new
SonicZ cutting module for its
award-winning G3 cutter on
Stand L14.
This offers greatly improved
cutting speeds and enables existing
owners of the G3 to engage with
new market opportunities, such as
those involving the thicker
corrugated and fluted core boards
used in the packaging industry in
addition to the reflective, prismatic
and composite sheets used in the
Leopold shows
Fotoba and
colex solutions
Powerful print & cut
solution from AG/CAD
The DYSS Apollo GH2200
Hybrid UV printer that will be
shown is configured with 16
high-resolution print heads,
arranged on two banks of six
colours, plus two high-density white
and two varnish formats. The printer
provides a resolution of up to 1270 x
1220dpi and will handle any media, from
outdoor- to photographic-quality, up to
65mm thick
AG/CAD will also demonstrate Version
10 of the KASEMAKE CAD software
package. This includes a vast library of
built-in re-sizeable design templates for
display and packaging applications,
coupled with clever 3D-rendering
software and a new IN3D store
visualising feature.
www.agcad.co.uk
visit:
Leopold Professional Imaging ,
the exclusive UK and Ireland
distributor of Fotoba roll-to-roll
X-Y cutters and Colex SharpCut
flatbed CNC finishing products,
will demonstrate the recently
introduced XLD170WP 1700mmwide Wallpaper model of the
cutter on Stand L51.
Used for the cutting of roll-to-roll
bespoke wallpaper, it provides
accuracy down to 0.15mm for
flawless seams and butting between
individual drops.
The COLEX 1600 x 3000mm
SharpCut flatbed cutter can be used
for a wide range of signmaking
substrates and includes a triple
interchangeable tool head station to
enable tool change without manual
intervention.
www.leopold.co.uk
Coherent shows
powerful laser
machine
sign and graphics sector.
On Stand M10, the powerful
METABEAM 400 laser machine will
be demonstrated by Coherent.
Zund will also show the S3 flatbed
cutter launched last year but now
available with a new V-cut tool. The
capabilities of the cutter have also
been extended with the inclusion of
creasing tools and a new 300W
router insert. The Cut Center designto-cut software suite will complete
this company’s offerings.
Features include a 400W Co2 laser, CNC
controller, beam delivery function, drive
system and laser cutting head as part of
an integrated solution within a four feet
square table size. The machine will cut
metals such as stainless and mild steel,
aluminium and titanium in a thickness of
up to three millimetres as well as wood,
plastics, composites, vinyl and rubber.
www.zund.co.uk
www.coherent,com
visit:
Cutting, Routing and Engraving
Keep vertical with Zapkut
Something different
from AXYZ
As the supplier of high-performance
routing, engraving and cutting
solutions under its AXYZ, Pacer and
CAMTECH power brands, AXYZ
International (Stand L8) will
demonstrate one of its largerformat AXYZ 8010 machines.
This has an impressive 2635mm
processing width that is capable of
handling two oversize (up to10 x four
feet) sheets of material simultaneously, a
feature that is considered somewhat
unique and likely to differentiate the
8010 from any other machining
solution..
The 8010 router has a surprisingly
compact footprint and features twin
routing heads and an enlarged multistation ATC (Automatic Tool Change)
system, together with the latest AVS
(AXYZ Vision System) for optimum
material alignment and more precise
cutting. It will handle a wide range of
both traditional sign making materials
such as aluminium, acrylic and
composite boards as well as more
ITC to cut a dash
As a market-leading supplier of
high-quality cutting tool solutions,
Industrial Tooling Corporation
(ITC) will be launching a number of
new product innovations on Stand
K60.
The company
will
also
demonstrate a
range of cutting
tools that will
help solve the
problem of low
tool life and
poor surface
finish attributed
to
the
importation by
s m a l l e r
signmakers of
specialist materials including marble,
stone, wood, wood composites, brass,
stainless steel and copper.
AXYZ International will also be
promoting its recently expanded
CNCRoutershop division. This now
provides next-day delivery on a vast
range of internationally sourced routing,
engraving and cutting tools, not only for
owners of AXYZ machines but also for
companies using other brands,
regardless of their design and source of
supply. The facility also offers a range of
quality second-hand routers for
companies not wishing to invest in new
machinery.
www.axyz.co.uk
What is described as a new breed of
vertical panel saw will be
demonstrated on Stand H70 by
Zapkut. The Zapkut ZKB is
reputedly the world’s only genuine
vertical panel saw range available
in a choice of sizes and capable of
processing sheet sizes ranging from
2.44 x 1.22 up to 3.25 x 1.625m.
visit:
Esko to cut waste
Also on show will be the economically
priced Zapkut ZM12 steel framed and
moving column vertical panel saw
range, with models capable of
processing sheet sizes from 2.5 x 1.25
up to 3.1 x 2.1m. The new ZK Cleankut
attachment, designed specifically for
the dust-free processing of softer
materials, such as foamed PVC, in
conjunction with the ZM router head
attachment, which is perfect for
v-grooving materials like DIBOND, will
also be on display.
www.zapkut.co.uk
visit:
cheap aluminium composite materials
from Asia.
New product innovations to be shown
will include a new coating for the
established 3061 series of cutting tools
for machining stainless steel and
similar quality materials and an
extension of the 180 and 4071 series of
cutters used for more traditional
materials, such as foamed board,
acrylic, wood and MDF. Other new
products include the 2041 series that
improves material residue clearance
and surface finish, the addition of three
flute cutters to the 2091 series and the
2121 extra-long series for machining
‘difficult to reach’ surfaces.
www.itc.co.uk
On Stand H12, Esko will
demonstrate a range of
software solutions designed to
cut waste and improve
profitability, including Suite 12,
which focuses on added
value by introducing new
productivity and efficiency
benefits
through
close
integration of all flagship tools
and engines.
Also on display will be Web Center,
a key production tool that delivers
end-to-end manufacturing process
management, while finishing
efficiency can be enhanced with Icut Automate, the latest addition to
the company’s I-cut suite of preproduction
software
that
automates the entire production
cycle.
Visitors will also be able to see the
popular Kongsberg I-XP 24 cutting
table, equipped with the I-cut
Vision Pro control system.
www.esko.com
Sign and Display Sytems
Best sellers and a new
innovation
Ultimate
portable
display
solutions
On Stand E60, trade-only
supplier Ultima Displays will
show examples of its
recently launched portable
display products, including
pad holders, wide-format
banners, pop-ups and the
best-selling Essential range
of products that includes
banners,
flags
and
accessories.
Applelec will be using the occasion
of the show to launch a new product
range entitled I-Sign on Stand P26.
be challenging visitors to open the
frames as part of the show’s New
Business Tour!
I-Sign is an off the shelf display, branding
and way-finding system featuring
coordinated wall mounted frames,
projecting signs and hanging signs.
Constructed in silver aluminium, each ISign product has an anti-reflective acrylic
cover, which can be removed to replace
graphics and which is operated with an
ingenious, patented spring mechanism
that’s so well hidden that Applelec will
In addition, Applelec will be presenting a
selection of its best selling products,
including flat light panel LED Light Sheet,
which is used for projecting, totem and
fascia signage illumination.
When used in fascia signage
applications, LED Light Sheet eliminates
the need for the built-up metal back
trays which house fluorescent tubes,
thus reducing both material cost and
bulkiness. Mounted directly behind an
acrylic backing-sheet, then fixed to the
wall with top and bottom aluminium
angle fixing rails, LED Light Sheet
reduces tray depth from 100mm to
30mm.
Finally, Applelec will invite visitors to talk
through their individual project
challenges with its industry experts.
www.applelec.co.uk
Stay healthy
and safe with
Stocksigns
Spaced
out
Trade-only supplier Space
Display UK (Stand F70) will
show a full range of
products.
As one of the UK’s leading tradeonly suppliers of health and safety
signs, Stocksigns (Stand F64) will
show examples from its vast range
of products, which can be used for
a wide variety of sign and display
applications.
The range includes over 30,000
Stocksigns health and safety and
general signs, First Call temporary
signs for the construction and events
sectors, Garnier and Burnham vintagestyle and quality vitreous enamel signs,
Messagemaker Display LED signs for
They include roller banners,
LITE tensioned banner graphic
walls, the NEO magnetic and
Satellite curved tensioned popup and the LINK roller banner
wall systems. The company will
also show the MESA pop-upstyle counters.
programmable moving messages and
Projectsigns for specialist programme
management services.
www.stocksigns.co.uk
visit:
www.spacedisplay
.co.uk
The company will also promote
both its 3D design facility for
exhibition stand construction
and the full printing service it
provides to customers. A new
addition to its marketing will be
the Augmented Reality app
that facilittes 3D viewing of the
range of products by visitors
who come to the stand.
For further information,
visit www.ultimadisplays
.co.uk
visit:
Rope trick by Gripple
Wire rope suspension products are
now available to the sign and
graphics industry from specialist
manufacturer Gripple (Stand D41).
The company specialises in the
manufacture of wire joining and
tensioning devices and can now offer a
range of innovative signage
suspension systems that are simple to
use and save time and money by
comparison with traditional methods
of suspending signs.
The standard Gripple Hanger range has
five load bearing ratings up to 325kg,
with the XP1 model featuring an
ergonomic button release function
and the sleek and stylish Squeeezelock
locking facility.
www.gripple.com
Materials
Direct graphics route with Sihl
It’s a wrap with
Arlon
On Stand E70, Arlon Graphics will
be demonstrating its new Series
2300X and Series 2600LX for
vehicle wrapping.
The most popular products it stocks
and distributes will be used by Sihl
Direct to transform its stand (K32)
into a modern apartment.
has a special solvent- and latexcompatible coating to enable the
printed side to be displayed on glass
and other substrates.
The products include Persomural 170
Wallpaper and a range of canvas and
backlit media, the new ClearSOL and
DuraCURE printable media and
WetCling 125, a glossy clear film that
www.sihl-direct.co.uk
colour palette to any currently on the
market, with special new colours to
be added shortly. The film features
the
Automotive-X
Adhesive
Technology.
Series 2600LX Ultimate Premium Plus
claims a more vibrant and deeper
www.arlon.com
As part of Sign & Digital UK’s ‘Green Trail’
initiative, the company will also show
examples from its range of eco-friendly
digital media. In addition, visitors to the
stand will be given the opportunity to
test new materials in the demonstration
area and gain helpful information and
advice rleating to the company’s
The importance of the highest
quality of colour output in the
wide-format printing sector will be
emphasised by All Print Supplies
through the ‘making colour easy’
theme of its stand (K10).
This will be divided into five distinct
sections and will feature a full range of
materials, colourmatching tools
and accessories
appropriate to
each.
A soft touch from
Doro Tape
Taking
centre
stage will be the
first
section
demonstrating
the Rapid Tac
range of window
and glass panel
films and the
RapidRemover
solution. Section two will focus on car
wrapping, with APS technicians
wrapping a car using the MACtac Car
Tuning Film range and offering the
new Car Wrapping Tool Box off the
stand at a special show price.
Appropriately titled ‘The Thick Stuff
Area’, section three will feature the
application of customised graphics to
a motor sports bike, while section four
will be dedicated to the growing range
of APS colour-matching tools and
accessories. Section five will feature
demonstrations of MACtac’s wall wrap
product.
Additional special show offers on
selected products complete the APS
presence.
www.allprint.co.uk
extensive range of self-adhesive vinyl,
films and associated products.
www.dorotape.co.uk
visit:
Digital
expressions
from Soyang
A host of options from Grafityp
Arguably the longest standing
supporter of Sign & Digital UK,
Grafityp UK (Stand G10) will again
have a powerful and diverse
presence, with a full range of
hardware and consumables on show.
A wide range of digital media will
be shown by Soyang on Stand F4,
including SoFlex Banner (frontlit, back-lit, block-out and mesh),
SoMagic wall covering, SoFlat
anti-curling PVC/PET bannergrade + textile, SoStick SA and
Sotex for soft signage media
options.
Making its debut will be the new RX Series
of vinyl cutters from GCC, which now
joins other machines from GCC, as well
those from Roland DG. There will also be a
selection of print & cut machines from
Roland as well as the ValueJet range of
printers from Mutoh, heat transfer presses
from Siser and SEFA and a collection of
LaserPro laser engravers and cutters.
visit:
On Stand C60, Doro Tape will
introduce its new Dry Apply etch
vinyl and print stencil films for soft
signage and textile printing
applications.
Series 2300X is the company’s
speciality textured car wrap film that
is available in carbon fibre and
brushed metal finishes and a wide
choice of colours. It incorporates the
X-Scape Adhesive Technology to
enable fast and accurate application.
On the materials front, Grafityp will again
show a wide selection of options from its
Grafitack, Graficast (including AutoFX
Making colour easy
Other products from Soyang’s
partnet Endulex will also be shown,
together with the Curvorama display
system for freestanding graphics and
shell scheme exhibition stand lining.
special effect materials) and Grafiprint
vinyl ranges.
www.grafityp.co.uk
visit:
For further information, visit
www.soyang.co.uk
Software
Miscellaneous
A RIP ‘first’ from
Caldera
BTC gets active
Reputedly the UK’s
biggest
multi-brand
clothing distributor, BTC
Activewear (Stand C62)
will
be
showing
examples from over 40
of the market-leading
brands with over 220
new additions to its
2013 collection.
PrintBoard, reputedly the first
display solution of its kind to
interact directly with a RIP engine,
will be demonstrated on Stand H50
by Caldera.
The new plug-in product will enable
users of Caldera RIP software to gain an
overview of their production activity
on-screen with information, including
which files have recently been added to
the spooler and the number of square
metres processed daily by the RIP, to
enable the efficient monitoring of
throughput via an ‘at a glance’ overview
of the workflow.
www.caldera.com
visit:
A leading provider of MIS software
solutions, Clarity Software (Stand
J60) will launch its Web to MIS
innovation, which makes it easier
for companies to integrate ecommerce and website enquiries, email marketing, remote sales
activity and mobile proof of
delivery tracking processes as part
of one integrated MIS package.
The company will present the
latest innovations in terms of
ecological print production in
the form of latex printing, which
offers the same level of
durability as solvent printing but
in a more environmentally
friendly way.
It will also be promoting its dyesublimation printing facility,
which combines vivid colours
with high durability.
www.laboprint.eu
www.btcactivewear.co.uk
Service support
with Veritek Global
White toner magic
A leader in technical service,
support and maintenance of
complex and operationally
critical equipment for worldleading brands in a range of
high-tech industries, Veritek
Global (Stand L9) will be
available to discuss the ‘added
value’ service propositions it
could add to companies in the
sign and digital printing
sectors.
stock handling costs.
www.clarity-software.com
On Stand L62, TheMagicTouch will
introduce a new innovation for the
production of full-colour transfers
used to decorate signs, graphics
and garments, as well as a vast
range of non-textile applications.
visit:
Lighting
See the
light with
Bright
Green
Digital Printing House Labo
Print will be inviting visitors
to Stand K34, to learn more
about its range of digital
printing services.
The company will also
present its new updated
website
and
demonstrate many of
the web facilities on
offer, as well as the
popular BTC mobile
app for 2013.
In
addition visitors will
be invited to browse
the suite of four
product catalogues
on offer.
Clarity with MIS software
The company will also introduce a new
MIS module to help manage roll stock
more efficiently by nesting jobs to rolls,
tracking stock levels and allocating
work to off-cuts, in order to reduce
Outline for
success
Specialist in LED systems, Bright
Green Technology (Stand M5) will
focus primarily on its LED Light
Panel system, which can be
produced in virtually any size to
accommodate both traditional
and the more unusual sign lighting
requirements.
Other products to be shown will
include: Bright Green Matrix, a generalpurpose modular backlighting LED
system, Bright Green Flexi, a multipurpose flexible LED tape, Bright
Green Beam, a modular system for
illuminating display cases and poster
boxes and Bright Green Control, a
range of low-voltage dimmer units
used to control the brightness of the
company’s LED product range.
The TMT/OKI LED desktop digital
printers feature full-colour capability
together with a white toner option. In
conjunction with the company’s wellknown transfer papers, these offer the
ultimate solution to dark garment and
product decoration. The printers use
the bespoke Space Control software
that provides outstanding colour
control and transfer management.
www.brightgreentechnology.
com
The company will also introduce both
Neon and Sensation reflective
products for embroidery and plotter-
based garment transfers, the Planx
range of wooden sign components,
plotters, heat presses and some special
printable products.
This service proposition can include
everything from installation and a
remote support facility, through to
field breakdown support and
equipment moves, including CTP,
large-format inkjet digital presses,
finishing equipment and digital
signage.
www.themagictouch.co.uk
www.veritekglobal.com
The Sign Directions Market Place
classified
Miscellaneous
Mega profits
from sub printing
With sublimation dye printing
opening up vital new revenue
streams for signmakers, Mega
Electronics (Stand P10) will show a
full range of equipment and
consumables, including Sawgrass
sublimation inks for which it is one
of the largest distributors.
The company will also show its RotaSpray Etch machines and FAPC
processors for metal etching, which
can provide a similar route to new
The company specialises in the
OPERATION / PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
3D DESIGNER
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
The BE300 has a compact 420 x
300mm print area and loading height
up to 300mm, with ionisation for
reduced static and extra sensors for
improved efficiency. The BE-TS/HS-1
is a tray/pallet system where the
printer uses a conveyor to move the
components under the print head.
Both printers can be customised to
meet individual user requirements
SOUTHWEST
SIGNAGE
NATIONAL
CORPORATE SIGNAGE
MIDLANDS
PACKAGE: BASIC: £30,000 – 35,000 + CAR/CAR ALLOWANCE.
Printed
banners galore!
The standard Gripple Hanger range
has five load bearing ratings up to
325kg, with the XP1 model featuring
an ergonomic button release function
and the sleek and stylish
Squeeezelock locking facility.
www.gripple.com
digitally controlled tungsten carbide
steel knife blades, which means that
users never have to buy a die or wait for
it to be made and delivered, thus
facilitating faster turnaround and
reduced costs.
www.ktecgroup.co.uk
visit:
and configured to provide one- to
four-colour
printing
options,
including a white undercoat, as
required.
www.kayedee.co.uk
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
SIGNAGE
MIDLANDS
PACKAGE: BASIC £35,000 - £40,000, COMMISSION + CAR/CAR ALLOWANCE
SALES EXECUTIVE
SIGNAGE
NORTHWEST
PACKAGE: BASIC £30,000 + GENEROUS BONUSES
On Stand M52, BannerSHOP will
show examples from its wide range
of printed banners. They include
fully printed roller (including stand
and bag) and outdoor PVC banners,
together with printed wind flags
(including pole).
FOR INDUSTRY NEWS, OUR VACANCIES, CANDIDATE PROFILES & PROMOTIONS,
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BannerSHOP also prints posters, vinyl
stickers, bespoke fabrics and exhibition
display material, to name but a few.
www.bannershop.co.uk
New UV printers to
be shown by Kaye-Dee
Developed for industrial-type
applications, the BE330 flatbed
and high-speed BE-TS/HS-1
printers will be shown by KayDee on Stand M8.
BESPOKE & MODULAR EXHIBITIONS
PACKAGE: BASIC £30,000 - £40,000, BONUS, CAR/CAR ALLOWANCE + BENEFITS.
www.megauk.com
The FX120e will laminate, die-cut, slit,
rewind and remove the waste matrix in
a single process. Finishing speeds of up
to 6.1 metres/minute can be achieved
using Primera’s (patent pending)
QuadraCut
technology,
which
dramatically increases throughput by
comparison with systems that operate
with just a single blade. The FX120e uses
SOUTHWEST
PACKAGE: BASIC £30,000 - £35,000
In at the finish with KTEC
UK distributor for Primera
Technology Europe, KTEC (Stand
P74) will be showing the FX1200e
digital finishing system, primarily
for the finishing of printed labels.
Combined with the CX1200e Color
Label Press, it provides an
integrated digital label production
solution.
EXHIBITIONS D&B / DIGITAL PRINT
PACKAGE: SALARY, NEGOTIABLE DEPENDANT ON EXPERIENCE – BASIC UP TO £60,000 + BONUS
Mega Electronics will also demonstrate
a range of Ricoh printers that can be
used with SubliJet-R ink cartridges,
heat presses and various shears and
guillotines.
manufacture of wire joining and
tensioning devices and can now offer
a range of innovative signage
suspension systems that are simple to
use and save time and money by
comparison with traditional methods
of suspending signs.
NATIONAL
PACKAGE: BASIC: £80,000 - £120,000, BONUS, EXECUTIVE PACKAGE
revenue streams as a cost-effective
alternative to traditional methods of
etching brass and stainless steel.
Rope trick by Gripple
Wire rope suspension products
are now available to the sign and
graphics industry from specialist
manufacturer Gripple (Stand
D41).
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (BOARD) RETAIL / SHOPPER INSIGHT
visit:
3M support
for Viking Tapes
On Stand P116, 3M Tapes &
Adhesives specialist Viking Tapes
will be showing examples from the
3M ‘Right Price’ range of very high
bond double-sided tapes as well as
introducing eight new costeffective solutions for bonding
metals and plastics.
To advertise in Sign Directions
classified call…
Val Hirst on
01623 882398 or
email: [email protected]
The company will also be promoting
the range of Thorflex two-part epoxy
bonding tapes and a new highperformance tape for use with banners.
www.vikingtapes.co.uk
visit:
signdirectory
sign directory
The Sign Industry's Who's Who
ADVERTISING,
DESIGN & MARKETING
LED SPECIALISTS
MATERIAL SUPPLIERS
MOULDED/FLAT-CUT
LETTERS
Looking for a
cost-effective way to put
your company on the map?
SCREEN PRINTING
HUMPHREYS SIGNS LTD.
Unit 6, Spencer Trading Estate
Denbigh, N. Wales LL16 5TQ
Tel: 01745 814066
Fax: 01745 815374
Web: www.humphreys-signs.co.uk
Advertise Here!
For further information contact Val Hirst
on 01623 882398 or e-mail
[email protected]
MANUFACTURERS OF
MAGNETIC MATERIALS
Trade Printers for over 30 years.
Estate Agents board specialists.
Printing on Correx, PVC Vinyl,
Magnetics, as well as digital
printing.
Large or small runs.
CNC ROUTERS & CUTTERS
SIGNMAKERS
PROLICHT UK LIMITED
14, Spire Green Centre
Flex Meadow, Pinnacles West
Harlow, Essex CM19 5TR
Marketing solutions
tailored to client needs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Design for print
Corporate identity & branding
Design for web
Editorial services
Digital marketing
Exhibitions and display
BUTTERFIELD SIGNS LTD.
174 Sunbridge Road, Bradford
West Yorkshire BD1 2RZ
Tel: 01274 722244
Fax: 01274 848998
Web: www.butterfieldsigns.co.uk
General signmaker offering Project
Management and Sign Design.
Specialist in Neon, Illuminated
Signs and Maintenance.
...plus lots more
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the last word
This month, Mark Godden ponders on the vagaries of the materials supply chain and explains why he's
Waiting for some holes!
I hate it when things turn up on the doorstep that I haven’t actually ordered. A good and timely example of
this would be the foot plus, and ever-deepening, snow that has its shoulder up against the front door in a very
determined-get-in-or-get-under fashion. I don’t know why it’s bothering. It’ll soon be everywhere anyway,
thanks to the dogs dragging it all through the house.Thankfully, we have stone floors throughout.
But although things turning up
unbidden is irritating, things not
turning up at all, is by far the more
serious matter. We’re all of us
critically dependent on our supply
chain, as the knock-on effect when
it goes wrong can be pretty costly
and serious.
That thing sat in the corner of your
workshop and whose name is
written just above the place where
you’ve signed its lease in your own
blood is, to all intent and purposes,
a wide format printer. But, when is a
printer, not a printer? When the
delivery of the media it feeds upon
doesn’t turn up!
A printer with no media to consume
will, in its turn, consume you. It’s a
monster that you must continue to
feed at all costs, even at times when
it’s unable to obligingly spit out
metre after metre of saleable
output. The 'R' in ROI simply doesn’t
figure and the 'I' is less of an
investment and more of an
extortion you’ve no chance of
getting back.
It’s a way of life in a modern, well run
business, that you keep as little cash
invested in stock that you can get at
the touch of a button as you
possibly can. Why tie up your hardearned in acres of media when you
can use your loot for other gainful
purposes and order said media
when needed? Why indeed.
This all hangs together well. Until it
doesn’t.
A media no-show has many
consequences and, being the writer
I am, I can distil it as far as orphaned
kids crying in their cold damp cribs
and even further than that, if you
pay me enough. Even focusing on
the less theatrical elements though,
makes the point well enough. How
about a missed deadline for
starters? That’d be your customers’
deadlines, by the way, not yours. As
we all know, if you can’t crank out
the goods, you can’t send out the
invoices. And where does that lead
us?
Will someone please shut those
orphans up!
Thankfully, those of us with enough
snow on the roof to know better
(figurative snow that is, not the stuff
I’m under) and enough summers
under our wheels to put the
learning into practice, leave wriggle
room in our planning to cater for
the .01percent or whatever, of the
time we’re the victims. That’s the
headline percentage the better
media suppliers would probably
concede is a reasonable letdown
target though, to a man, they
obviously work towards getting it
right 100 percent of the time.
Material
manufacturers
and
suppliers have lots and lots of cash
tied up in order to put the markets
they serve into a position where the
markets’ cash can be used
elsewhere. Cash’s alter-ego in this
case is unfathomable amounts of
raw materials and work-in-progress,
lots of huge rolls of product that are
no use to anyone ’til carved up, and
great big out-of-town shed-loads of
finished product sat there keeping
the shelves warm in case you should
want a roll - which you do from time
to time. Nobody is complaining.
That’s what they’ve chosen to do.
That’s their lot in life. It’s a far from
simple one though.
Raw materials are typically on
allocation and big lead times drag
the supply chain rattling behind
them. The very thing that would
make life a bit easier, a forecast of
demand, is absent and has to be
made up from previous results. It’s
not a situation that most in business
would tolerate without complaint
and yet our manufacturers and
suppliers get on with the job and
deliver most of the time.
In a supply chain where any number
of things could go wrong, but rarely
seem to, we become conditioned to
be both accepting and expecting,
without sparing much thought for
how it all happens. Exceptions,
when they occur, come as such a
complete and utter surprise that
we’re left in amazement that we’ve
been let down.
Even being let down isn't such a
bad experience sometimes. I've
known suppliers, who have been
put into situations where they can't
keep up their end of the bargain, to
actually call customers in advance of
letting them down to deliver the
bad news. How cool is that? It does
feel better to know that something
isn't going to happen rather than
have the realisation dawn and then
have to confirm it at your own
expense. It also illuminates a better
understanding of service-led
business ethics and that in turn
distinguishes a great supplier from
one that evidently doesn't care as
much.
I write with such conviction and
knowledge on this subject not so
much as a consequence of my
having been in a position on the
supply side of the industry, or,
thanks to my association with
people generally acknowledged as
being among the best at it. No.
What you're hearing is the bleating
of a victim.
I ordered. My supplier didn't deliver.
Sure a big brown box showed up.
Sure it had a desk in it. Sure all the
component parts were there, but
what about the holes that said
components were supposed to fit
into? That's right. No holes to
accommodate the screws and such
like.
I can easily imagine someone more
intent on noshing meatballs than
drilling holes. I can't imagine my
forgiving such a stupid oversight
anytime soon and why should I?
This isn't the only desk in France. It's
just the only desk that can't be
assembled, although I expect they’ll
send the holes if I complain long
and loudly enough!
Mark Godden
[email protected]

Issue 130 – April 2013

Transcription

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