viscom paris - signpro

Transcription

Magazine for the European sign industry
www.signpro-europe.com
3
September 2013 - Year 11 - Number
EUROPEAN
CAPITAL OF
Marseilles: CULTURE 2013
Architectural Beauty
BUSSES IN
More hygienic DRAGUIGNAN
passenger environment
VISCOM
Shopping center
PARIS
in the spotlight
BIG IMAGE
SYSTEMS
Monster’s GERMANY
new home
EXHIBIT GROUP
new EFI VUTEk GS 5000r FRANCE
in creative solutions
FESPA
2013
More technology
means fewer employees
The Dutch approach of Hollanders Printing Systems
greater than the sum of all parts
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includes solutions for every step of the process. It’s a balanced set of hardware, software,
supplies and services. Every single stand-alone device offers a solution in itself. Combined
however, it offers a seamless system for the production of picture perfect output for indoor
and outdoor use.
lower your impact on the environment
produce textile print without compromise
yield higher margins and grow profitable business
[email protected] | +31(0)407110711 | www.hollanders-ps.nl
INTRO
NEWS
Copycat
situation
Looking at FESPA and the various Viscom Shows it looks as though we have a copycat situation.
I
n the introduction to issue number two of SPE I wrote:
and Madrid, is much more low key - perhaps a little too low key -
“As the opening date of FESPA London approaches, it is
but the message remains the same. So far we have only received
gradually turning into a mammoth show resembling an
one press release from Viscom Italia stating: “It is an explosive
octopus intent upon embracing anything even remo-
platform of ideas, energy, innovation and business. An interna-
tely connected to sign, screen, wide format, analogue and
tional event focused on dialogue and direct contact with visual
digital print.” Viscom Düsseldorf seems to be mimicking exactly
communication professionals in order to promote access to new
what FESPA does. Or is it the other way around? The Viscom
markets, create winning partnerships, respond to business chal-
shows started as an exhibition focused on visual communica-
lenges and generate new growth prospects. A unique concept
tion much earlier than FESPA, whilst the earlier FESPA shows
that gives you the opportunity to explore innovative products,
were centred only on screen printing and FESPA is originally an
materials, technology, applications and the latest updates on
organisation for screen printers.
trends in the industry and to learn about bespoke projects, to
Signage on Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) Paris.
Combination of digital and analogue signage on Duomo Milan.
promote your creative potential and become a future market
It is indeed a chicken and egg situation, but the fact remains
leader.”
that for quite a few years the focus, as far as Viscom was
concerned, was on customers of sign and wide format print
Obviously it is a way of attracting the attention of as many dif-
companies and later on digital signage, whilst FESPA introduced
ferent visitors (leads, prospects) as possible, but unfortunately
digital signage for the first time this year.
the message could also come across as too abstract and not
Jazzkeller in Frankfurt.
explain the actual benefits for visitors. There was a time when
Let history be the judge, but with its six themed worlds Viscom
we loved these mammoth shows. However, when we decided
Düsseldorf, due to be held from 7 to 9 November 2013, will
that they didn’t always have the right impact, we turned our
exhibit much more than just one innovation in visual communi-
attention to smaller, more focused shows. Although it now
cation. Viscom has developed from its origins as a meeting place
appears as if we are going back to these mammoth shows, their
for advertising technology and light advertising into Europe’s
purpose is clear: even if the final output is analogue, in a digital
largest trade fair for advertising communication and design.
world everything is interconnected and can be integrated.
Perhaps that’s why everyone tries to project a more comprehen-
Advance promotion for the other Viscom shows, in Paris, Milan
sive view of our business.
Ton Rombout, Editor-in-Chief
SignPro Europe
2013 • september
>3
COLOPHON
Year 11, issue 3
September 2013
SignPro Europe is published by:
Publimore Media B.V.
Torenallee 45, unit 7.031
NL-5617 BA Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Tel: +31(0)40-293 25 25
Fax: +31(0)40-292 84 20
E-mail: [email protected]
Publisher: John ter Meer
SignPro Europe Internet:
Editorial
Mr. Ton Rombout (The Netherlands), Editor-in-Chief
Mrs. Sonja Angerer (Germany)
Mr. Loet van Bergen (The Netherlands)
Mrs. Alicia Bernal (Spain)
Mrs. Ingrid Birtwistle (United Kingdom), translations
Mrs. Cristina Rossi (Italy)
Mrs. Andrea Edan (United Kingdom)
Mr. Koen Goederis (Belgium)
Mr. Herman Hartman (The Netherlands)
Mr. Rob Haak (The Netherlands)
Mr. Lars-Erik Hoiskar (Norway)
Mr. Szilárd Bévárdi (Hungary)
Mr. Stefan Svarrer (Sweden)
Mrs. Kaisa Salminen (Finland)
CONTENT
Copycat situation
3
Journal
6
Marseilles: Architectural Beauty
8
Parafe relies on HEXIS vinyl films
12
Trends and developments following FESPA 2013
14
Exhibit Group incorporates new EFI VUTEk GS 5000r in creative solutions
18
Spotlight on the Shopping Centre
22
2139 T-shirts in one hour
24
More hygienic passenger environment
26
Digital and analogue come together
28
Viscom Italia
30
Mimaki JV400SUV
32
Exposize moves to Amsterdam
35
Monster’s new home
38
Pride of the fleet
40
Magazine for the European sign industry
3
September 2013 - Year 11 - Number
EUROPEAN
CAPITAL OF
Marseilles: CULTURE 2013
Architectural Beauty
BUSSES IN
More hygienic DRAGUIGNAN
Shopping center
in the spotlight
Monster’s
new home
VISCOM
PARIS
BIG IMAGE
SYSTEMS
GERMANY
EXHIBIT GROUP
new EFI VUTEk GS 5000r FRANCE
in creative solutions
More technology
means fewer employees
FESPA 2013
Cover photo: trompe l’oeil: billboard on building in Marseilles (photo Ton Rombout)
Layout
Eric Rooijakkers (www.regelrecht.eu)
Advertising
John ter Meer
Tel: +31(0)40 293 25 25
Subscriptions
Annual subscription (four times a year)
Europe: e 54,50
Outside Europe: e 74,50
18
Printing
Valkenstadt
© 2013 Publimore Media B.V.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval
system without the express prior written consent of the publisher.
The publisher accepts no responsibility for any statements made in
signed contributions or those reproduced from any other source, nor for claims
made in any advertisement.
4<
september • 2013
38
28
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JOURNAL
NEWS
Roland DG receives EDP Award for
ECO-SOL MAX2 Swanline Print Invests in UK’s First
HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press
Roland DG’s efforts to develop a new generation of eco-
HP announced that Swanline Print Ltd, the Staffordshire-
solvent ink have been rewarded. The company’s ECO-SOL
based trade supplier of laminated packaging and point of sale
MAX2 has won the European Digital Press (EDP) Award in the
(POS) displays, has purchased the UK’s first HP Scitex FB10000
Best New Generation Solvent Ink Technology category at the
Industrial Press to pro-
EDP Association ceremony during FESPA London. ECO-SOL
vide in-house, high qua-
MAX2 is the latest generation of Roland DG’s eco-solvent ink.
lity short to medium
The Eco-Sol MAX2 is completely nickel-free.
run packaging and POS
Info: www.rolanddg.com
services.
Info: www.hp.com
Artwork Digital builds attractive displays
Inca Spyder 320
New Mimaki CG-SRIII Series of Cutting Plotters
Artwork Digital, Brazil created two eye-catching and decorative displays
newly developed CG-SRIII series, with speeds of 70 to 100 cm/s, are successor models to
for Centro Universitário Una. These exhibits, printed on heavy 5 and 10 mm
Mimaki’s best-selling CG-60SR and CG-100/130SRII cutting plotters,
acrylic using an Inca Spyder 320, also served
featuring best-in-class cutting pressure of 500g, significantly increa-
as containers to be used as recycling bins –
sing the range of materials that can be utilized. A doubled curve-cutting
one for magazines, books and newspapers,
speed offers greatly improved productivity and makes complicated
the other for expired prescription medicines.
cutting tasks much easier. Info: www.mimakieurope.com
Mutoh ValueJet 1638W wins EDP Award
At the Fespa 2013 show in London, Mutoh has won a prestigious EDP
New Zünd Cut Center Digital
Cutting Software
award – attributed by the European Digital Press Association(EDP) - for
With the S3 cutter series barely launched, Zund’s ZCC
Mimaki announced the availability in Europe of three new affordable cutting plotters. The
its 64” / 165 cm wide ValueJet VJ-1638W dye sublimation printer as winner
Digital Cutting Software is completely tailored to custo-
in the category “Best Wide-
mers needs a tool for pros by pros, the backbone of their
Format Textile Printer”.
digital cutting workflow. Zund cutting systems together
Ínfo: www.mutoh.eu
with ZCC as control center guarantee an optimal workflow
from original file to finished product. Info: www.zund.com
Mimaki Honored with EDP Award for
JFX500-2131 Printer
Lascelle Barrow assumes
Fifteenth FESPA Presidency
Mimaki reported that the Mimaki JFX500-2131 is recognized by the Technical
Lascelle Barrow is inaugurated as FESPA’s 15th President at the
Committee and the Jury of the EDP Association as a winning product in the
FESPA 2013 Gala Dinner on Thursday 27th June, assuming the
category “Best UV curable flatbed printer 200K”.
role from outgoing President Gyorgy Kovacs. Barrow will be
Info: www.mimakieurope.com
supported by Vice President Yasar Guvenen.
Info: www.fespa.com.
Enfocus announces Connect 11 family to
create and deliver perfect PDFs
KIIAN Digital will launch two new ink products
Enfocus, announced the new Connect
developed to serve a growing demand for KIIANs aqueous textile inks and are compati-
11 product family. Enfocus Connect 11
ble with the DX7 print head. DIGISTAR E-GOLD has
combines PDF creation and quality
been designed for both direct and transfer printing
control with hassle-free file delivery
and the DIGISTAR HI-PRO has been designed for the
for the graphic arts professional.
industrial printing market; it operates with light and
Connect 11 will be available in the 3rd
uncoated paper (50-60 gr/sqm) for transfer printing
quarter, 2013.
and is compatible with all generation DX print heads.
Info: www.enfocus.com
6<
september • 2013
The two new products represent significant additions to the KIIAN Digital product portfolio,
JOURNAL
PressOn is First Worldwide
Customer for New HP Latex 3000
Printer
Caldera brings the power of online to wide-format with
WebShop launch
HP announced that following a long history of HP Latex
announced a new web-to-print solution deve-
technology investments, digital large format print specia-
loped specifically to meet the needs of sign
lists, PressOn, of Rochester, Kent, UK, is the first customer
and display printers. WebShop will help large-
worldwide to invest in
format PSPs promote their products online,
the new HP Latex 3000
reduce the time spent on the sales process and
Printer.
increase the number of jobs coming in.
Info: www.hp.com
Info: www.caldera.com
Wide-format software specialist Caldera has
SETeMa: New high speed washing module
5 years after the introduction of the successful Porta-Wash lineSETeMa announces a complete new developed module: the E-Wash, a professional open width washing machine. Looking at customer’s requirements
SETeMa has seen a growing market demand for faster washing equipment consistent with the increasing
speed of the digital textile printers. The new developed E-Wash achieves a higher output and washes more
efficient than the already very economical Porta-Wash.
HP Collaborates with Mandela Poster Project
Collective to Print Unique Artwork
GMG announces the launch of GMG ProductionSuite 2.0
HP recently announced that the HP
tion solution for wide-format printing. Highlights include a very easy to use version of
Designjet
SmartProfiler to profile all combinations of printers, media, inks, etc; more powerful
Z6200
Photo
Printer
GMG announces the version 2 release of ProductionSuite, an update of their produc-
was used to create 95 inspiratio-
Layout tools; and a new interior decoration option — along with a
nal art posters designed by a wide
new, GMG ProductionSuite Focus edition. Info: www.gmg-color.com
variety of international artists for a
new exhibition, honouring Nelson
Mandela on
his
95th
birthday.
Info: www.hp.com
The First Durst Rho 1030 bought by
McGowan’s of Dublin
WIDE FORMAT IMAGING MAGAZINE READER’S
CHOICE BEST PRODUCT 2013
W
ID
E-F
O R M AT I M A
GI
N
G
Confirmed at FESPA 2013 in London at the end of June, the first Rho 1030 in Europe
RIP SOFTWARE FOR PRINT-TO-CUT WORKFLOW
is heading for Ireland. McGowans is of one of Ireland’s leading digital printers. Mal
McGowan, Managing Director of McGowans, said: “The choice of the Rho 1030 is
to help us remain ahead of the competition whilst being able to provide a better
service for our customers.”
RIP SOFTWARE
CALDERA VERSION
9.10
WORKFLOW SOFTWARE
CALDERA FLOW+
1.6
NEW OPTIONS AVAILABLE
VisualCUT+
EasyMedia OBC
Print Standard Verifier
Adobe PDF Print Engine 2.6
Textile Step & Repeat
Ink Saving Module
PrintBoard
[email protected] - www.caldera.com
NEWS
Marseilles:
Architectural
Beauty
Mirror roof installation at the
European Capital of Culture 2013
Vieux Port market.
Marseilles (French: Marseille) is the second largest city in France, after Paris. Located
By Ton Rombout
on the southeast coast, it is France’s largest city on the Mediterranean coast and
largest commercial port. Marseilles is the capital of both the Provence-Alpes-Côte
T
d’Azur region and the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
his year Marseilles is the European Capital
area of 240.62 km2 . The urban and metropolitan areas of
of Culture 2013. This covers not only the
Marseilles extend beyond the city limits with a population
city itself, but also an area stretching from
of around 1.6 million. To the east, starting in the small fishing
Martigues to La Ciotat and includes Arles,
village of Callelongue on the outskirts of Marseilles and stret-
Aix, Aubagne and other towns and villages
ching as far as Cassis, are the Calanques, a rugged coastal
in the area. We will focus mainly on what is
area interspersed with small fjord-like inlets. Further east still
going on in the city of Marseilles, particularly the arts and archi-
are the Sainte-Baume (a 1,147 m high mountain ridge rising
tectural splendour of the city.
from a forest of deciduous trees), the town of Toulon and
the French Riviera. To the north of Marseilles, beyond the
8<
september • 2013
Worth a visit
low Garlaban and Etoile mountain ranges, is the 1,011 m high
Marseilles is the second largest city and centre of the second
Mont Sainte Victoire. To the west of Marseilles is the former
largest metropolitan area in France after Paris. It has a popu-
artists’ colony of l’Estaque; further west are the Côte Bleue,
lation of 853,000 within its administrative limits on a land
the Gulf of Lion and the Camargue region in the Rhône delta.
NEWS
Billboard in the Panier, the historic centre near the Vieux Port.
Marseilles : Major multicultural port
The city’s main thoroughfare, the wide boulevard called the Canebière, stretches eastward from the Old Port
(Vieux Port) to the Réformés quarter. Two large forts flank the entrance to the Old Port — Fort Saint-Nicolas on
the south side and Fort Saint-Jean to the north. Further out in the Bay of Marseilles is the Frioul archipelago. It
comprises four islands - one of which, If, is the location of Château d’If, made famous by the Dumas novel The
Count of Monte Cristo. The main commercial centre of the city intersects with the Canebière at rue St
Ferréol and the Centre Bourse (the main shopping mall). The centre of Marseilles has several pedestrianised
zones, most notably rue St Ferréol, Cours Julien near the Music Conservatory, the Cours Honoré-d’Estienned’Orves off the Old Port and the area around the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). To the south east of central
Marseilles in the 6th arrondissement are the Prefecture and the monumental fountain of Place Castellane, an
important bus and metro interchange. To the south west are the hills of the 7th arrondissement, dominated
by the basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The railway station — the Gare de Marseilles Saint-Charles — is
north of the Centre Bourse in the 1st arrondissement; it is linked to the Canebière by the Boulevard d’Athènes.
The airport lies to the north west of the city at Marignane on the Étang de Berre. There are so many sites to see,
the list seems endless - the Vieux Port, le Panier, le Vieille Charité, Saint Victor, Notre Dame de la Garde, la Major,
Palais Longchamp, the Le Corbusier building, Château d’If, the Isles de Frioul.
Multifaceted and complex city
has a reputation for racial and religious tolerance. This is most
Marseilles is a large, diverse and complex city and trying to
clearly illustrated by the lack of problems in Marseilles in 2005,
produce a simple definition of its culture is not an easy task.
when riots erupted in 300 other cities across France. Marseilles
Marseilles defines itself by how it differs from other cities such
is, of course, also a melting pot with a direct ferry connection
as Paris or its near neighbour Aix-en-Provence. Marseilles and
to former satellite countries such as Tunisia and Morocco. As a
the Marseillais are certainly proud of their culture, city, football
seaport and crossroads between Europe and Africa, Marseilles
team and their individuality.
has always been subject to change. Marseilles’ main ‘raison
Like many other ports and major cities, Marseilles does have a
d’être’ is not tourism. It is a bustling city with a high volume
sub-culture of drugs and crime. Whether it deserves it or not,
of traffic. Like most cities it has very wealthy and very poor
for many Marseilles’ culture will always be defined by the events
residents. Its population is a mix of Europeans, North Africans
depicted in the film ‘The French Connection’. Nowadays what
and many more. Most people speak very little, if any, English
is referred to as the ‘cannabis war’ is mainly centred in several
but many are learning the language in order to be able to com-
poor suburbs where people are trying to eke out a living in an
municate with visitors in 2013.
area that provides little work or support. Similar to many other
large cities, the government is developing social programs in
Culture in Marseilles in 2013
order to improve the situation. Despite its reputation, we found
The Capital of Culture does not just cover the city of Marseilles.
Marseilles no more threatening than any other large cosmopo-
It comprises an area stretching from Martigues to La Ciotat and
litan city. The usual rules apply, be aware and keep an eye on
also includes Arles, Aix, Aubagne and other towns and villages
your belongings.
in the area.
In direct contrast to the drugs and crime image, Marseilles also
Read more -->>
2013 • september
>9
NEWS
The Hôtel de Ville in the Vieux
Port; in the background: Le Panier.
Pavilion M
To find out more about the city of Marseilles visit Pavilion M,
a building made of wood and glass in the Place Bargemon,
close to the Hôtel de Ville in the Vieux Port. It acts as a temporary information centre specifically for 2013 and provides
information on all the events in the region linked to the Capital
of Culture. It’s open every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Le Silo
Le Silo is a new concert arena in the docks. As the name suggests it is a converted silo. Much of the original building has
Front of the Villa Mediterranee.
been retained making it a very impressive edifice.
J1
A huge hangar situated in the old port of Marseilles. Ferries will
Villa Méditerranée
continue to operate at the quay. The building above comprises
The Villa Mediterranée, which was designed by the architect
a huge space housing three galleries, a performance area and a
Stefano Boeri, is located in the area known as J4, along the sea
bar/restaurant. It has fantastic views of the port. Open from 12
front between Fort Saint Jean and the La Major cathedral. It has
January to 18 May 2013 and 11 October 2013 to 12 January 2014,
two main public areas located in an underwater and a cantileve-
this is where many of the key events will take place. Entry to the
red floor. It will house a permanent exhibition, the Parcours des
building and some of the exhibitions is free. Entry to the main
Méditerranées (Mediterranean Trail), where visitors will be able
exhibition is 9 euro. J1 is open every day between noon and
to ‘see and experience’ the Mediterranean region.
6.00 pm.
J1 can be seen over on the left with Mucem in front.
10 <
september • 2013
NEWS
Mucem
Mucem
Mucem Palais du Pharo
Mucem is the new national museum of European and
Until 26 September the gardens of the Palais du Pharo will
Mediterranean civilizations, in and around Fort Saint Jean at the
display a number of sculptures of monumental proporti-
Vieux Port. This is a huge project. The building was designed by
ons. Disorder 2013 is a series of 12 steel sculptures 4 m high and
the architect Rudy Ricciotti to house a national collection dedi-
weighing 50 tonnes. The artist, Bernar Venet, uses the light and
cated to the culture(s) of the Mediterranean.
shadow of the sun and the views from the gardens overlooking
the Vieux Port and the sea to focus the viewer’s attention on the
Renovations and extensions
earth, sky and architecture. Entry is free of charge.
A number of existing buildings and streets in and
around Marseilles are being renovated and extended. They
Still in progress
include the Bastide in the Parc Borély, a large house that is set to
We were in Marseilles at the beginning of July and noticed
become a museum of decorative arts, the museum of fashion
that quite a few installations were not finished, or not even
(currently on the Canebière) and the ceramics museum (cur-
started, yet. They included Les Docks, a large building complex
rently in the Parc Pastré). There are also the Musée des Beaux
in the commercial port area due to be finished in 2015. We were
Arts, a very impressive building with an enormous fountain at
also not able to visit the exhibition on Le Corbusier, a French
the entrance located in the Palais Longchamp, and the Cité
architect (a native Swiss who changed nationality in 1930) who
des arts de la rue, a centre dedicated to street art located in an
built the Unité d’Habitation apartment building in Marseilles,
old olive oil producing area known as Les Aygalades in the 15
also known as the Cité radieuse (radiant city). However, the city
arrondissement. It is a vast training area for artists and acrobats.
itself offers so many other attractions that a visit later this year,
or even next year, will definitely be worthwhile.
Disorder 2013 at the Palais du Pharo.
Yet to be renovated and due for completion in 2015.
n
Poster for the Le Corbusier exhibition.
2013 • september
> 11
MEDIA
Parafe relies on
HEXIS vinyl films
Installations at Marseilles airport and railway stations
In 2012 the organizers of Marseilles-Provence 2013 European Capital of Culture launched
a project asking artists, designers and sign makers to create a new look for the ‘Gates to
the Capital’, i.e. Saint-Charles main railway station, Aix high speed railway station and
Marseilles-Provence airport.
Parafe
Parafe has been a full-service signage and
advertising business for 14 years, specializing
in large signs and light boxes and interior
decoration. Parafe operates a 1200m2 site in
Auriol near Marseilles (France). This facility
comprises an engineering department,
workshops and a specialist team in charge of
installation and maintenance. For further information visit www.parafe.fr
12 <
By Ton Rombout
P
Signposting at Aix high speed railway station.
arafe, a sign maker based in Auriol near
who welcomed us on behalf of the Managing Director, Joel
Marseilles (French: Marseille), set up a
Boyer (who was ‘on the road’ visiting customers), explained the
team of graphics artists and designers and
company’s relationship with Hexis. “For its sign making media
was awarded the contract for the technical
Parafe relied on HEXIS vinyl films for installations on substrates
design, fabrication and installation of the
as diverse as floors, glass partitions and concrete walls: C4232
signage and decoration at these sites.
Transparent Amber, HX5DP03 Sparkle Etched Glass and E5179B
Sunrise Red Gloss with GSOL floor laminate. In both the airport
Media
and railway stations we had to work with floors, walls and glass
Parafe’s technical and commercial engineer, Laurent Ventura,
features used by many passing travellers, so the materials we
september • 2013
MEDIA
Laurent Ventura.
Marseilles-Provence 2013 European Capital of Culture
Floor laminates at Marseilles Airport.
used had to be extremely human impact resistant.”
One particular project involved a helicopter – sponsored by Eurocopter – positioned at the
‘Lavandes’ roundabout at the entrance to the airport and acting as a strategic entrance point for
foreign visitors intent upon visiting Marseilles as the European Capital of Culture in 2013.
Cooperation
A team of professionals was set up and asked to design, develop, produce and install the signs.
Four companies were involved in the project: l’Agence Zélé, managed by Guillaume Parent, took
on the design, Caty Olive was the light artist, Frédéric Lemercier the graphic designer and Société
Parafe managed the technical implementation. The design, production and installation of all the
signage associated with the Eurocopter was also managed by this team of professionals.
Picasso project
When asked if Parafe was also involved in other projects related to Marseilles being the European
Capital of Culture in 2013, Laurent Ventura replied as follows: “Parafe was also involved in the
Picasso project, in which it provided support to primary schools throughout Marseilles, where
pupils were encouraged to gain inspiration from Picasso in order to create their own Picasso
objects. Parafe combined these sculptures into statues that now have pride of place in many
schools in Marseilles as a result of this project.
Installation at Marseilles Saint-Charles main railway station.
The final Eurocopter at the entrance to Marseilles-Provence airport.
One of the results of the Picasso project.
2013 • september
> 13
EXHIBITIONS
Trends and developments
following FESPA 2013
FESPA impression the way FESPA likes it.
More technology means fewer employees
By Herman Hartman
With 22,000 visitors FESPA 2013 again attracted slightly more visitors than FESPA
in München. The increase appears to originate mainly from a growing number of
visitors from countries outside Europe. At the exhibition visitors tended to focus
T
largely on digital print. It is clear that if you want to keep up you have to invest.
he triennial complete edition of FESPA attracted
lagged behind the prognoses. There are various reasons for this.
approximately 700 exhibitors, an almost tradi-
Obviously the economic downturn plays a part, but it is not the
tional number for FESPA. New developments in
only reason. The conversion of large format offset to digital
the field of industrial inkjet printing techniques
print, also for packaging, more or less failed and, looking at the
(e.g. glass, tile printing, printed electronics etc.),
figures of suppliers of offset printers such as Heidelberg and
label and 3D printing were almost non existent.
Man Roland in detail, it is clear that their turnover is increasingly
generated in the segment which large format digital is partially
High volume digital print
aimed at. The new generation of XXL offset printers can easily
In recent years the market for high volume large format inkjet
be converted and they can consequently be used efficiently
has not developed in line with earlier forecasts. About ten years
even on small runs. This leaves less volume for inkjet printers
ago more manufacturers became interested in the digital high
from brands such as HP, Inca, Durst and Agfa. Agfa has now
volume large format print market with the intention of taking
stopped selling the M-press. What makes life difficult for sup-
over not only the screen printing market but also part of the
pliers in this segment is that expensive machines such as these
XXL offset market. This resulted in quite optimistic prognoses,
require a longer service life, both from the client’s and manufac-
which resulted in the current number of printers printing bet-
turer’s point of view. Rapid technological developments are the
ween 400 and 800m2 per hour on large formats.
bugbear in this case.
However, the amount of work and number of installed printers
14 <
september • 2013
EXHIBITIONS
Middle segment
entire system can offer a solution. The new Inca Onset Q40i
Problems in the high volume segment, however, are promoting
equipped with new 10 picolitre heads and the Durst Rho 1012
a revival in the middle segment. Parties such as EFI VUTEk and
with 12 picolitre heads are the best examples of this. This also
SwissQprint are building printers, which are close to the high
ties in with the trend for increased usage of indoor print appli-
volume segment but offer a slightly lower starter price and the
cations, which require greater detailing.
necessary higher print quality. Afga and Durst are also represented in this segment, but at FESPA Afga had to demonstrate that
Rigid and flexible
the Jeti series has been updated enough to remain a realistic
In the starter segment for flatbed printers Canon is still the
contender. The new Screen flatbed printer is also positioned in
market leader with the Océ Arizona series, although the com-
the middle segment.
petition is becoming fiercer. This edition of FESPA definitely
Another boost is emanating specifically from the low volume
attracted more competitors. In addition to the ranges offered
segment. A huge number of flatbed and hybrid printers were
by Western producers the supply from Korean and Chinese
sold in recent years that produce between 20 and 40 m2 per
companies is also on the increase. The biggest surprise at FESPA
hour. Companies that successfully established a business are,
came from HP, which introduced a new flatbed printer, the HP
however, in need of more print capacity. This can be created
Scitex FB10000. This printer operates at a higher speed and
by adding extra printers to the existing ones or by switching
with smaller ink droplets, with a type of greyscale and a UV opti-
to a higher capacity printer. Pricing pressure in this segment is
mum bonding ink, a first for HP. The smart input and extensive
making efficiency increasingly important. Replacing a single
task automation features are noticeable details.
printer with a faster one doesn’t necessitate more personnel,
Whereas UV inkjet printers are sold in large numbers in the roll
but installing a second printer often does. We notice that both
to roll printer XXL high volume segment, the range on offer in
the quality and speed are improving in the middle and low volu-
the lower segments has until now been extremely limited. This
me segments as a result of new generations of inkjet heads and
is changing though, also as a result of product introductions
intelligent control electronics. A single inkjet head can process
from Mimaki and the EFI 3225 which was announced previously
and deliver large ink volumes more accurately and in a shorter
but is now actually available. The Fujifilm Acuity LED 1600 can
time. This technology innovation cycle is progressing more
also be added to the list of starter models.
rapidly than feasible in the high volume segment. Arranging
your print engine to the extent that you can switch more easily
Printers for sign companies
to a new generation of heads without having to redevelop the
Listening to comments made by various stand holders it
Read more -->>
The HP Latex 3000 attracted considerable attention.
2013 • september
> 15
EXHIBITIONS
Market data has shown that for the time being a large share of
the sign market continues to opt for (various types of) solvent.
Several new printers stand out because of the type of ink
they use and additional drying and hardening features they
offer, although the print engine is the same. Resin inks,
which latex ink is one example of, were introduced by several
manufacturers. In this respect there is one specific problem,
usually associated with the electronics industry, i.e. the patent
war. Patents are making it more difficult for manufacturers
to market their own products if they have properties in common with existing products. This problem affects not only
the inks, but also print algorithms, head configurations etc.
Companies such as Epson, HP, Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland and Seiko
also exhibited quite a range of roll to roll printers in the 1.6 m
segment, the type of printer mainly used by sign makers. A large
share of the foils on display at FESPA was specifically directed at
sign makers. The same applied to the range offered by suppliers
For the first three days FESPA was linked to the European Sign Expo (ESE), but
of finishing products.
few visitors took the opportunity to take a look at the digital displays.
appeared that only a small number of visitors were owners of bona fide sign companies. By far
the largest share of visitors mainly produces and sells print. Survey data supplied by FESPA also
point in that direction. Sign makers in Western Europe have bought fewer printers over the past
two years and have subcontracted more to print providers, which partly explains why fewer sign
makers attended FESPA. This is not a positive development, even though the intention to purchase
hardware is lower amongst sign makers. Yet sign makers are often the pioneers when it comes
to new applications. They not only produce themselves but frequently act as a client for one or
more print providers.
Epson, Mimaki, Mutoh, Seiko and Roland are typical examples of starter version printer suppliers
specifically to sign companies. Over the past year they have managed to improve the print quality
of their printers with a new generation of print heads. More than ever the basic print engine can
be used with different types of ink. In addition to the increasing assortment of eco and mild solvent inks there are now also latex and dye sub inks as well as hybrid versions such as UV solvent.
The HP Scitex FB10000 is HP’s response to the demand for better print quality in the high speed segment.
16 <
september • 2013
The print inspiration runway.
n
HP Latex.
The unfair
advantage.
Get a competitive edge with HP Latex Printing Technologies. With its unrivaled
versatility, outstanding quality, ease-of-use and high environmental standards,
you’ll deliver work that your customers will love. Your competitors won’t!!
Find out more at hp.com/uk/go/hplatex
© 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
NEWS
Exhibit Group
Exhibit, which commenced its activities
in a small atelier in 1991, soon started
implementing new technology based on
digital wide format print. The company is a
true early pioneer of EFI VUTEk technology
Jean-Bernard Rivaton, President of the Exhibit Group.
and Julien Rivaton stated that the focus
Julien Rivaton, in charge of the company’s technical management.
is always on delivering optimum quality
at the most favourable price. Even though
the company also employs other printers
and cutters involving techniques such as
dye sublimation, latex and flatbed UV, it
remains convinced of the superior quality
of VUTEk printers. It recently purchased the
EFI VUTEk GS 5000r roll to roll UV printer
to produce a wide range of materials for
various signage projects. Most of these
involve creative projects for major events
and signage in the Provence Alpes-Côte
d´Azur and Paris regions. The company
generated a turnover of 12.5 million euro in
2012 and is set for further growth in 2013.
In both regions the production sites cover
Julien Rivaton: “We talk about
solutions instead of problems.”
5800 m2 (Paris+Nice+Claerstyle/Pixeolab),
and the overall workforce now comprises 65
employees.
Exhibit Group incorporates new EFI
VUTEk GS 5000r in creative solutions
Multiple technologies to be applied by one of the largest sign companies in France
The Exhibit Group, which was founded by Jean Bernard Rivaton and comprises a group of companies throughout France, links together the PACA region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and two companies in the Paris
region, Felix & Co and Visions Grand Large, leaders in communication, decoration events, institutions and
sporting activities.
Text by Ton Rombout; photography by Evelyn Keyser
18 <
september • 2013
NEWS
The EFI VUTEk GS5000r at the Exhibit Group in
Carros.
T
he PACA region is home to Claerstyle (a major
stand builder) and Exhibit (SAS) (a specialist in
exterior signalization), both based in Nice, and
Exhibit Monaco, which has been established in
Monaco since October 2011. Back in July we met
Julien Rivaton, the company owner’s son, in Carros where the
Exhibit Group is based. He is in charge of the technical management of the entire holding.
Large, fast, top quality and last
minute
Julien Rivaton takes his business in wide format print and sign
projects extremely seriously. He commented: “We are still in a
kind of revolutionary phase, in which we have to be aware of
everything. We had to identify a specific market position to be
able to execute large projects very quickly, even last minute, and
to provide top quality, highly creative work. Our aim is to be a
‘one stop shop’ company and to manage creative ideas, design,
Amber lounge in Monaco 2013.
print production, finishing and installation. Moreover, we are
not afraid to tackle light installations such as neon and LED,
which are occasionally an integral part of a print project, as well
as video productions and digital signage. To this end we recently
established a subsidiary company, Pixeolab, here in Carros with
a view to creating moving images, video, etc. for use in special
sign projects.”
He continued: “Because we acquired different companies over
the years we can easily switch between analogue and digital
print technologies and integrate these different techniques into
a single multiple media, technology driven, creative solution.
We know that customers developing events, exhibitions in
museums, etc. favour this kind of approach. It is also a perfect
way out of the ongoing price war in the banner and bill board
production business, which is increasingly being fought at an
international level.”
Read more -->>
Dior fashion show in Moscow.
2013 • september
> 19
NEWS
He also commented that the environmental aspect is now
becoming a part of what he likes to call ‘quality’. “As part of
our corporate responsibility we must ensure that all materials,
ink, media and other components are sustainable, biologically
degradable or recyclable. We included a public declaration on
our website to explain to customers and other interested parties
which strategies and measurements we have adopted in order to
prevent damaging the environment whenever possible. We also
implemented a management system based on ISO 9001 (2008
version) and since September 2009 ISO 14001 has been introduced in stages (stages 2/3 were completed in 2012) to demonstrate
our commitment to sustainable environmental practices.”
Customisation and personalization
Creativity also involves the customisation or personaliPalissade in the Rue de la République in Marseilles during the renovation.
sation of a project with a ‘never seen before’ effect. The
Exhibit Group has already produced quite a few applications
in this area, including bespoke carpets for hotels, personali-
High volume signage in different shapes at airport
in Paris.
Crazy Horse at Cannes, printed on the EFI VUTEk
GS5000r.
Creativity is the key
sed ceilings, customised wallpaper etc. Sometimes not only
When asked about the most relevant driver affecting the
in print, but also involving special materials – for instance
Exhibit Group’s activities Julien Rivaton categorically points
in the architectural business – with spectacular results.
to creativity: “Even though we were involved in digital print
The Exhibit Group also focuses on commercial architecture
technology from the outset we learnt a lot and built up consi-
and provides creative solutions for interior and commercial
derable experience over the years. Accepting and implementing
architectural design. Customers favour the company because of
new technology is one of the key drivers of our business. It is an
its focus on their specific requirements with respect to imple-
ongoing process. We are currently dealing with digital signage
mentation, materials, technical possibilities, manufacturing,
and audio visual techniques and, more interestingly, the combi-
assembly and post production.
nation of analogue and digital signage. It is all part of our daily
Referring to the EFI equipment Julien Rivaton concluded: “The
routine. Creativity is the buzz word in our business. We operate
new roll to roll VUTEk GS5000r is an extremely flexible machine
in a market of creative customers, who want to develop creative
that will print on all the flexible media we are used to working
ideas and experiences specifically for their own purposes. They
with. Because we are not focusing on volume printing at low pri-
expect us to develop ideas, designs and applications on their
ces, but want to deliver individual projects for conference halls,
behalf and at their level of operation.”
airports, museums, architectural installations, festivals and
He added: “As a sign and wide format print company working at
other events, this highly flexible machine is the ideal solution.
the cutting edge of imaginative possibility and having extensive
Looking at it from an environmental point of view, the GS5000r
experience of printing, media and applications, we are able to
uses UV inks and consequently does not emit VOCs. Customers
provide them with a myriad of superior creative ideas. Because
are also amazed by the number of media we can print on and
they are constantly looking for applications that enable them
the level of customization we are able to provide.”
to stand out from their competitors, our customers are always
eager to adopt these ideas. It is the ‘life blood’ of their business
in a highly competitive market.”
The Exhibit Group has also been developing products in-house
since January 2009. This « Pôle Etudes et Projets » - pool of learning and projects – relates to products that serve as examples
and stand out because of their shape, material and/or other
aspects (such as light, etching, etc.) from other more common
products in the market.
Quality, speed and environment
Quality and environment are key issues throughout the entire
Group. Julien Rivaton added that nowadays quality and speed
are vital in a sign and wide format print company. “The implementation of the EFI VUTEk GS5000r enables us to deliver even
better quality, with 8 colours and a resolution of 1000 dpi. No
doubt about it – perfection and speed are crucial, otherwise
you’d be out of business.”
20 <
september • 2013
Tag Heuer event in Monaco May 2013.
n
EXHIBITIONS
Spotlight on the
Shopping Centre
Viscom Paris show
The 25th edition of Viscom Paris this
year will put the spotlight on the
shopping centre and Reed Expositions
France, the organiser of the exhibition, has awarded the project to the
design agency L’Air de Rien.
W
ith a layout designed to recreate a
lighting solutions and design objects for interior and exterior
large shopping mall, it will provide
layouts.
more than 1,000 m2 of exhibition
- Finally, the catering area, which will be decorated to resemble
space to represent the “Imag’in the
a stylish, slightly retro brasserie similar to a Parisian bistro,
Shopping Centre” at the heart of
will display large format textile printing examples (moulding,
the exhibition, where diverse technologies and visual com-
trompe-l’œil, etc.).
munication expertise will be presented and promoted in a
realistic environment built around an imaginative and entertai-
Endless creative possibilities
ning showroom.
“Our objective is two-fold,” stated the designers of L’Air de Rien.
By Ton Rombout
“In addition to providing a demonstration area, we would like to
“Imag’in the Shopping Centre”
add true creative flair to the event to encourage visitors to exa-
The “Imag’in the Shopping Centre” space at Viscom Paris 2013
mine the technologies with an unbiased approach. We wanted
offers two major advantages, i.e. it promotes technical know-
to create a space that highlights the possibilities with a view to
how and widens the scope for visitors. The commercial centre,
opening up new horizons for visual creators such as commu-
a hub of innovation and design in visual communication, will be
nication agencies, trend consultancies, interior decorators and
the focus of the next Viscom Paris 2013 exhibition.
interior designers. We conceived “Imag’in the Shopping Centre”
The furnishings and design will recreate the atmosphere of a
as a place of infinite creative possibilities”.
large shopping mall with boutiques, a supermarket, cinema and
restaurants. The design concept starts at the entrance to the
International meeting place
exhibition, where visitors will be able to register and collect their
“Viscom Paris 2013 is the main international meeting point for
badge at a counter similar to the ones used in hypermarkets.
all graphic arts and visual
communication professionals,” commented Annabelle Serres,
Six zones
director of the Reed Expositions France event. “This year our
The area covers 1,000 m2 divided into 6 large zones as follows:
aim is to attract the attention of creators and trend consul-
- The V.I.P Club, which will be open to members of the press and
tants, who are an important link in the accomplishment chain,
guests, will mimic the atmosphere and decor of an elegant bar
representing a key stage between exhibitors and end clients.
lounge with special light displays and demonstrations of LED
We wanted to put forward ideas and perceptions concerning
lighting systems and video projections.
the concept of a commercial centre within an entertaining
- The exhibition conference room will resemble a cinema - an
alternative space.”
important hub in a contemporary commercial centre.
The project has been created in partnership with Durst,
- A comprehensive showroom will be based on the look of a
Prismaflex, Tolerie Forezienne and Fotolia. Viscom Paris will be
supermarket, providing the opportunity for an entertaining
attended by approximately 12,000 professionals, 53% of whom
stroll past various shelves. Visitors will be able to peruse a range
are involved in graphic arts and the transformation of visual
of technical objects and design options and spot the potential in
communication, 24% are advertisers and 23% communication
digital print and digital innovation.
agencies. Website: www.viscom-paris.com
- A boutique focused on textile design with a T-shirt bar, fitting
room and digital printing applications for packaging.
- A second boutique dedicated to home decoration will display
22 <
september • 2013
Pictures taken during viscom Paris 2012.
fro m
€ 10,70
each
discover new
prospects.
7 to 9 November
The world of signmaking.
Including all the highlights –
from large format, light and LED
technology through to film
wrappings. Don‘t miss this
opportunity at the international
exhibition for visual
communication,
technology and design.
neue
perspektiven
erleben.
Exhibition Centre Düsseldorf
www.viscom-messe.com
7. bis 9. November
from
€ 7,90
ea ch
from
€ 9,70
ea ch
fr
from
om
€€179,9
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ea
ea ch
ch
TEXTILE PRINTING
2139 T-shirts
in one hour
The screen printing carrousel for textile printing
was present in many forms.
Textile printing at FESPA 2013
By Herman Hartman
The organisers of FESPA brought together all the different textile printing techniques under the heading of FESPA Fabric, which tied in quite successfully with
the fact that most (still present) screen printing equipment manufacturers were
T
mainly focusing on textile printing.
hat there is still room for improvement in
for promotional applications. Decorative and clothing textile
the traditional screen printing process is
printing should maintain growth in the digital textile market
demonstrated by M&R’s record achieve-
in the coming years although there are currently still some
ment by printing no less than 2139 T-shirts
restrictions. The number of textiles that can be printed with
in a single hour on their M&R high-per-
sublimation or dispersion inks is still limited. Moreover, for
formance Challenger III D J4 carrousel.
clothing (and bedding) textile the inks have to comply with
Suppliers of digital textile printing systems are nowhere near
additional safety requirements and wear resistance is subject
achieving these kinds of numbers yet.
to other conditions also.
The different applications need printers and inks specifically
24 <
Digital Textile
adapted to these purposes. Clothing textile, for example, is
‘Digital’ textile remains a key issue for digital print system
produced at a maximum width of 1.80 m, whereas a print width
manufacturers. Other textile applications are increasingly being
of 3 m is standard for interior design textiles. These measure-
considered rather than using digitally printed textile solely
ments are the result of practical application. Working with them
september • 2013
TEXTILE PRINTING
means that finishing can partly be done in the traditional chain,
Rhotex 322 is twice as fast as the previous model. At FESPA Agfa
as a result of which the digital approach also offers opportu-
announced the Ardeco, which will print up to 3.2 m wide textile
nities to bring this type of textile printing back to Europe and
and can be equipped with 8 or 12 Rico Gen 4 heads and a built-in
produce closer to the end user by employing (partially) digital
calendar.
finishing techniques.
A new arrival in our region is MTEX, which develops textile prin-
Kornit, which has established its leading position by building
ters based on a Mimaki print engine in Portugal. MTEX also uses
T-shirt printers, has extended the range on offer and is also look-
the new print engines with Ricoh G5 heads and has both 1.6 and
ing in a different direction. The first roll to roll textile printer of
3.2 m wide printers that will print directly onto textile.
this brand was on display at ITMA in Barcelona and is now ready
Epson previously announced a smaller version of the SC-F7000
for delivery. The seven colours cyan, magenta, yellow, black, red,
dye sub printer, but deliveries only started recently. The com-
green and grey equip the Allegro printer with a large enough
pany is servicing both the T-shirt and incentive printing markets
colour range for fashion textile and the system can now print at
with this SC-F6000. The SureColor SC-F6000, which has a 44
maximum 400m2 per hour.
inch print width and four colours, also sells at an interesting
price. There are hundreds of outdated, converted Epson 24 inch
Width wise
photo printers with third party dye sub inks scattered around
Agfa and Durst announced new 3.2 m wide printers for pro-
the market for which the SC-F6000 now offers a slightly faster
motional textile. With speeds up to 140m2 per hour the Durst
alternative. n
Heytex, which has recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, is focusing on
MTEX supplies several printer models that will print directly onto textile.
the digital market with an increasing range of digitally printable textiles.
The Allegro enables Kornit to offer
a roll to roll solution for digitally
printed clothing textile (apparel).
2013 • september
> 25
MEDIA
More hygienic
One of the 10 Draguignan ‘antimicrobial’ buses.
Busses in Draguignan fitted with antimicrobial film
By Ton Rombout
In an attempt to improve hygiene in buses the community of Draguignan joined forces with DS Publicité, a sign company based in Draguignan, and Hexis S.A., a media
developer, in order to equip its passenger transport vehicles with antimicrobial film.
Clarification during the introduction.
T
he technology for this innovative product
a short time, the Hexis antimicrobial film provides protection
was developed by Hexis. The product, which
from, and inhibits the proliferation of, bacteria 24/7. Traditional
has been certified by the renowned Pasteur
products loose their effectiveness almost immediately when a
Institute, neutralizes bacteria on handrails and
handrail is touched. This new product, however, continues to
panels inside buses, traditionally a source of con-
provide protection even from subsequent contamination.
tamination for various illnesses such as seasonal epidemics etc.
Perfect partnership
The ‘antimicrobial’ project team.
Hygienic handrail zone.
26 <
Deterrent
This project demanded a completely new application technique
Hygiene has always been a factor to deter people from using
for adhesive films. DS Publicité was happy to invest its time and
public transport. From now on though all urban buses in the
expertise to make the project a reality. The company, which was
community of Draguignan will be equipped with this special
established 15 years ago, has a production unit in Draguignan
material. The project, which aims to promote public transport
in the Var department and focuses on creating visual identi-
for regular journeys and school runs, will involve all vehicles
ties for its customers. It has worked in close cooperation with
used for these purposes being fitted with antimicrobial film
Hexis (a French supplier of technical and decorative films) in
from the autumn of 2013.
order to develop and install antimicrobial film in all the buses
of the Communauté d’Agglomération Dracénoise (CAD), the
Antimicrobial film
Community of Draguignan.
The Hexis antimicrobial film, an innovation developed over the
The DS Publicité team fitted antimicrobial film to all the han-
past five years, was initially patented worldwide and involved
drails in the 10 CAD (urban transport) buses. The initiative
a team of biochemists and engineers at the Hexis R&D labo-
was launched by Christophe Hanot (president of DS Publicité),
ratory in Frontignan (France). The antimicrobial film provides
Frédéric Decompte (Transport Services Director) and Jean Louis
protection from bacteria present on objects and is meant to
Férré (Transport Manager). As a result of the Dracénoise com-
be complementary to regular hygiene practices. It is applied to
munity’s commitment to a modern and innovative means of
all surfaces that are frequently touched or manipulated, and
transport, Hexis and DS Publicité managed to develop the first
to other objects that might attract bacteria and are difficult to
urban transport facility that offers its passengers protection
maintain. Contrary to products that disinfect and only work for
from bacterial contamination.
september • 2013
n
EXHIBITIONS
Digital and
analogue
come together
Viscom Düsseldorf 2013
By Ton Rombout
The Viscom Düsseldorf show, which will take place between 7 and 9 November
2013, will provide visitors with an overview of the latest trends in six different fields,
i.e. printing, processes and materials, advertising technology, signage and light
advertising, out of home media and working materials, processes and equipment.
Q
28 <
uite enough to experience in Düsseldorf we think,
The segment of working materials, workplace equipment &
ranging from traditional advertising technology to
services could perhaps do with a bit more explanation. It deals
digital wide format printing, digital advertising media
with all the components from start to finish and includes
and POS media. Moreover, the exhibition will also include the
tools, installation and transport options, workplace equipment,
Digital Signage World and Display POS Expo shows, acting as
consumable and carrier materials, other services, cutting and
‘fairs within a fair’.
finishing.
6 Viscom worlds
Display POS Expo
These sectors showcase the main topics of the exhibition
In 2013 Viscom’s Display POS Expo is once again the ‘fair within
industry and represent all sections of the visual communication
a fair’ for manufacturers and suppliers of display, POS and pac-
sector. Viscom is more than just a trade fair. It generates syner-
kaging solutions. From 7 to 9 November visitors will have access
gies that extend beyond the core business and provides new
to an overview of the latest trends in merchandise presentation
ideas for business success. Irrespective of whether it involves
and sales promotion. In this case the industry focuses on inno-
client management software, web-to-print or web-to-publish
vative materials, printing and finishing technologies, suitable
systems, management information and branch calculation
lighting and digital elements. Examples of all shapes, sizes and
systems, or integral ERP software including for example CRM
materials, analogue and digital, for short or long term use will
modules, the printing industry has constantly been rationalised
be on display. The most innovative solutions will again receive
for years and there is as yet no end in sight with respect to this
the SUPERSTAR award, which will be presented by Display
process.
Verlag and Viscom organiser Reed Exhibitions.
september • 2013
EXHIBITIONS
With their range of products and services the exhibitors at the
on T-shirts, and as a promotional product in the shape of a mug,
Display POS Expo aim to target marketing decision makers in
ballpoint pen and flip-flop. Participants deliver the appropriate
the retail and industry sectors, brand name companies, adver-
layout; practical application on the different media is managed
tising agencies, instore management, shop fitting and display,
by Viscom. This year’s theme - “make me smile” - gives creative
store design, interior decoration and visual merchandising.
experts ample scope for ideas.
Nearly a quarter of the visitors at Viscom 2012 were interested
in the Display POS exhibition segment.
The three best designs, which will be selected by a jury consisting of experts from partners, sponsors and the media, will be
SUPERSTAR award
presented at a special exhibition during the trade show. Viscom
A particular highlight of the show is the SUPERSTAR prize, which
will stage the award ceremony, which will be held on the first
is awarded to highly complex and elaborate display and POS
day of the trade fair, 7 November 2013. The winners will have
solutions. The focus is on state of the art product packaging
an opportunity to explain their designs to exhibitors, visitors
that reflects the trends, technologies and finishing possibilities
and the trade press. The best design will receive 3,000 euro in
currently available on the market. The search focuses on the
prize money, the second prize amounts to € 2,000 and the third
most original solutions in floor, counter, light and information
to € 1,000. Additional non-cash prizes will also be awarded by
displays, digital signage and metal systems. The prize will be
various sponsors. Designmaker is managed by Viscom organi-
awarded in seven categories, including wood, plastic, metal,
ser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH, in conjunction with
cardboard digital and small series displays and packaging.
Potter Werbeagentur, Karl Gröner GmbH and Creativ Collection
Special prizes will also be awarded for the best design, the best
Verlag GmbH. The competition is supported by platinum spon-
technical realization and the most innovative solutions. Each
sor Hewlett-Packard Deutschland GmbH and silver sponsor
category includes up to three prizes.
Complott Papier Union GmbH.
Digital Signage World
Visitors
At Digital Signage World, international providers of hardware,
Viscom visitors are expected to include retail and industry
software and complete solutions will present their innovations
marketing managers, property developers, sign makers, crea-
in this second ‘exhibition within an exhibition’. The extensive
tive artists, machinery and materials buyers, who will come to
range covers retail, information and guidance systems, interac-
Viscom Düsseldorf to explore the latest trends and innovations.
tion and true content design. Digital Signage World showcases
Viscom will also be the place to check out the latest visual com-
the full spectrum of the digital medium and is the only specialist
munication ideas for visitors from the marketing and media &
show in Europe to create a link to conventional communica-
creation segments. The exhibition will comprise the ‘Viscom
tion. Don’t miss out on all this potential and benefit from the
world of inspiration’, plus exhibitors providing specialist know-
synergies that are created when the worlds of conventional and
how in the fields of outdoor advertising, digital signage, etc.
digital signage come together!
during numerous presentations and workshops.
The fair is expected to attract approximately 350 exhibitors and
Designmaker 2013
12,000 trade visitors.
The Designmaker 2013 competition, a new feature this year,
More information: www.viscom-messe.com
focuses on the interaction between creative specialists, technicians and producers. For the third time in a row Designmaker
is looking for designs that can be applied to a wide variety of
materials and advertising media. The competition thus acts as a
link between the creative industries and advertising technology.
The award will be presented in November at Viscom Düsseldorf
which, with its exhibitors from all visual communication segments, is the perfect setting for this cross media competition.
In wide ranging campaigns creative work has to meet different
technical requirements, depending on the type of medium. Key
visuals and logos must have maximum impact on a variety of
advertising carriers. Designmaker replicates this challenge. Both
design quality and consistency of the overall concept on the full
range of media are crucial considerations. The design must work
in ten different ways, i.e. for each digital printing technology as
a full car wrap, in a light box, on glass and on a roll-down banner,
via print & cut systems as a silhouette film sticker and floor film,
as a textile transfer, direct textile print and all over transfer print
2013 • september
> 29
EXHIBITIONS
Viscom Italia
25th International visual communication exhibition and conference
By Ton Rombout
From 3 to 5 October visitors will be able to explore interesting challenges and business opportunities at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan. A new hall, new projects focused
on creativity and splendid ‘made in Italy’ brands: Viscom Italia is back to impress.
Invention, experimentation, growth, breaking the rules and
Collaboration and open design
boldness will be the key ingredients to explore new business
The October event will incorporate an influential new feature.
goals.
It will disseminate a sense of collaboration and open design, at
once innovative and collective, among all players in the industry,
Visual communication
in order to promote crossover projects and shed light on ideas,
Nowadays communication is predominantly visual, high impact
challenges and potential business developments for the future
and constantly on the move. Any tool capable of channelling
of visual communication.
and supporting the business image has become a vital element
New at Viscom Italia 2013 is that it will be hosted in the new Hall
in all modern business sectors. We live in a world in which ima-
9 at Fiera Milano Rho. It is adjacent to the South Gate where
ges constantly pervade our existence; they are the main vehicle
the service centre is located. The exhibition will premiere new
to convey value, meaning, various ideas and productive expe-
creative applications, technology, materials and production pro-
riences including advertising, design, fashion, brands as well as
cesses, i.e. the core business for the entire supply chain of large
culture, politics and social commitment.
format digital print - sign - sign making - screen printing - pad
‘Diamo luogo alla comunicazione visiva’ (giving space to visual
printing - textile promotion - embroidery - engraving - milling
communication) is the catchphrase of the 25th edition of Viscom
- laser - digital signage - labelling - packaging - P.O.P. and event
Italia, which is returning in style at Fiera Milano Quartiere Rho
services.
on October 3 – 5. It will be an enormous hub of knowledge, busi-
The aim is not merely to identify the latest market solutions, but
ness, culture, training, entertainment and, most importantly,
to offer a truly creative hub and provide access to new know-
a source of useful ideas in support of Milan as the undisputed
ledge in order to communicate innovations that will mark the
capital of this industry.
progress of visual languages, to influence previously unexplored
approaches.
30 <
september • 2013
EXHIBITIONS
Viscom Live: visual communication to
adorn future designs
Application diversification is one of the main opportunities specific to the visual communication market. The area, sponsored
by several prominent furniture brands such as Luceplan, Unifor
and Zanotta, will resemble an ‘open lab’ where the available
technology will be applied in different solutions to demonstrate
how easy it is to apply them to different surfaces such as walls,
items of furniture, fabric, metal, glass and timber. The ‘hybrid
space’ will promote the use of various communication techniques in different environments such as streets, homes, offices,
stores and settings that influence each other and interact in
remarkable ways.
Viscom Lab: customise the latest
trends
The fashion business is constantly looking for new materials
to enhance the value of and make single apparel items stand
out. Together with Assoprom, Viscom Italia is launching a
new Viscom Lab model - a live workshop which combines the
Viscom Italia has forged stronger links with the main industry
technical and application potential derived from visual com-
associations, including Aiap for graphic designers, Aifil for signs
munication solutions.
and sign making, ALA-Assoarchitetti for architecture, Asseprim
This live supply chain will showcase the various personalisation
for professional service providers and Assotemporary for tem-
and enhancement opportunities offered by silk screen, embroi-
porary shops, showrooms, business centres and event spaces.
dery, digital and pad printing; it will also demonstrate how this
combination of technologies will create a unique, high quality
Agenda
end product, starting from a simple T-shirt.
The exhibition agenda includes a large number of events, ranging from historical happenings revisited and updated with
DIVA – Display Italia Viscom Award
contemporary suggestions, to new initiatives concerning the
Stores are strategic places for commercial promotion in times
evolution of visual communication.
of crisis. Statistics appear to confirm that more than 70% of
purchase decisions made by customers occur instore. That is
Viscom Forum: Re-evaluating the business for a new future
why direct visual communication offers one of the best oppor-
Viscom Forum, which is coordinated by MIP Politecnico di
right position acts as a springboard and valuable alternative
Milano, is a forum for discussion involving a number of experts;
solution in order to instil brand loyalty in a prospective custo-
the aim is to bring people together in order to interact, reason
mer. The third edition of DIVA (Display Italia Viscom Award),
and re-think their business.
which is organised in conjunction with Display Italia, will show-
The event programme covers a number of topics, ranging from
case the finest store display solutions made by P.O.P. material
the role visual communication and digital solution and tech-
producers, design firms, creative agencies and clients in the fol-
nology play in stores, to the implications for temporary spaces,
lowing sectors: durable and non durable display solutions,
architecture in terms of visual communication solutions applied
digital signage devices, packaging, vending and shop fitting.
tunities for success. A carefully studied, well made display in the
to interior design and, finally, the meaning of architectural communication and photography.
More information: www.visualcommunication.it
2013 • september
> 31
TEST
When this article is published the first printers will already have
Mimaki reported that the solvent content in this ink is much
been delivered to the dealers. We went to take a look at the
lower than in solvent inks, and that it has a high water con-
Mimaki JV400SUV in the Mimaki-Europe showroom whilst it
tent. Mimaki claims that this makes it a more environmentally
was still undergoing extensive testing.
friendly solution than the use of pure solvent inks, comparable
to latex inks. The second benefit of the low solvent content is
Combined benefits
that the properties of the adhesive layer on self adhesive foils
In simple terms the new solvent UV ink (SUV) combines the
and the properties of the foil itself remain completely intact
advantages of solvent adhesion and ink/varnish penetration
during printing.
with UV drying, which means that the prints can be processed
directly from the printer. Because the ink permeates the print
Temperature
media the pigments are partly encapsulated and, following
In addition to UV drying the heating of print media also plays
curing with a UV light source, a much smoother surface than
a key part when using SUV inks. Preheating print bed heating
usual with UV inks is created. This not only improves the gloss
and post heating are crucial elements. The temperatures used
finish, SUV inks are more scratch resistant than mild solvent inks
in this case are 55 to 60 degrees higher than with pure solvent
and the prints are both water and alcohol resistant after drying.
inks. This is necessary, amongst other things, to ensure that the
The smooth surface also promotes better adhesion than with
solvent immediately penetrates the substrate surface. It also
latex or UV inks when using laminate.
has to ensure that the watery components yield to the actual
By Herman Hartman
When launching its first latex printer Mimaki also announced the imminent
arrival of a printer with new ink technology, the Mimaki JV400SUV, which combines solvent and UV drying. At that time the ink technology for this printer was
still being developed so that it took well over twelve months before the printer
became commercially available.
Solvent-UV printer a reality: highly promising print concept
SUV inks.
Mimaki JV400SUV
32 <
september • 2013
TEST
The Mimaki JV400SUV in the Mimaki Europe showroom.
UV drying and hardening. The printer has two 1800 Watt con-
print after it has passed the UV lamps to ensure that the next
nections and its energy consumption is comparable to that of
print lines up correctly.
other Mimaki latex printers.
The UV light unit uses special fluorescent UV tubes that are
The Mimaki showroom displays a 1.62 m wide version of the
switched on and off when printing. At approximately 6,000
JV400SUV. A 1.37 m version is also available but this width is
hours the service life of these tubes is much longer than that of
rarely used in Europe. The JV400SUV is based on the same print
the commonly used Mercury lamps. Moreover, there is no delay
engine used in the latex printer of the JV400LX series. There
when switching on or off.
are consequently many similarities in structure and equipment,
The maintenance station on the JV400SUV is arranged in the
although there are a few visible differences such as the UV
same way as the one on the JV400LX. When in parking mode
lighting unit. The 2 Ricoh and gen5 print heads can be used both
the heads are also moistened with a special liquid and wipers
binary with single droplet size and with variable droplet size.
ensure that no ink is left behind on the heads. The printer
With variable dots the smallest droplet is just 4 picolitre, enough
executes most maintenance operations independently. It also
for the smallest details, although you have to take into account
incorporates other extras such as the option to switch off and
that there is more outflow from this SUV ink before drying. The
replace faulty nozzles, which means that it is not necessary to
detail on the prints we made during our visit was excellent.
replace a complete head when just a few nozzles are failing.
Ink set
Adjustment
The JV400SUV is equipped with four colours and double slots
When putting the printer through its paces we noticed that cor-
for the 600 ml ink tanks. This means that 1.2 litres of ink is
rect adjustment of the heating elements is a significant factor
available per colour. The printer is equipped as standard with an
for the print quality and that the substrate also plays a part. We
input and output unit. To use the printer the substrate has to be
produced prints at different print speeds. The highest speed
stretched fully taut in order to prevent still wet ink from coming
amounted to 18.1 m2 per hour in 6 pass bi-directional mode.
into contact with the UV lamps. To prevent extra material spil-
The quality produced on banner canvas was surprisingly good,
lage between two print orders, the printer spools back the dry
better than that produced with solvent inks at a comparable
Role of the substrate in scratch resistance
During the examination of the JV400SUV we
focused specifically on the scratch resistance
of the prints. Although the ink plays a
significant part, it appears that the substrate
can also make a difference. Notwithstanding
the fact that this is not always made clear,
some print media in the sign market are precoated in order to make them easier to print.
The moderate adhesion of the coating can
have an impact on the scratch resistance. If
material can be scratched off easily or the
gloss finish deteriorates significantly during
a scratch test on unprinted material sections,
the coating is usually the problem. The
coating plays an important part with inks
that are partly or completely lying on top,
particularly when using pure UV inks that
lie completely on top of the coating. Similar
to solvent inks, the SUV inks we considered
here primarily penetrate the coating so that
they are not fully absorbed by the carrier.
Scratching off the coating will also result in
loss of colour.
Read more -->>
2013 • september
> 33
TEST
Print media have to be stretched taut in order to
prevent direct contact with the UV lamps.
Heating takes approximately 5 minutes.
print speed. The most commonly used print modes are probably
stretched taut means that the intermediate printing a few m2
between 12 and 14 m2 per hour, whereas for high quality indoor
of a different substrate will produce a relatively large amount
applications it will be 6.7 or 3.5 m2 per hour. Feasible print speeds
of waste material. The higher temperature required for the
are directly related to the question as to how successfully the
heaters will also take 5 minutes longer. A measure of discipline
substrate reacts with the ink. The interaction between the
is required to pre-plan orders. Similar to latex printers, these
various heating elements and UV lamps also defines the speed
printers also release a considerable amount of heat. During the
of this printer. The colour range of the four colour ink set is com-
summer months this can be problematic in enclosed areas if the
parable to that of the own Mimaki SS21 solvent inks.
heat cannot be discharged.
The recommended retail price for the 1.62 m wide printer is
The maintenance station executes most maintenance
19,500 euro including RIP. The ink retails at 135 euro per 600
Finally
ml eco cartridge (you only have to replace the plastic bag
At this point in time it is difficult to make a final judgment.
containing the ink and not the entire holder). Practical tests
What is certain is that the concept is highly promising and on
have shown that, depending upon the ink load, the ink cost is
paper delivers advantages in a number of situations. Obviously
somewhere between 1.50 and 1.80 euro per m2. This means that
we will have to monitor the differences between the use of
Mimaki can provide an alternative for both solvent and latex
latex inks and these SUV inks. With some applications the latex
inkjet printers in the 1.6 m segment.
inks do not perform as well because the pigments are lying on
top of the substrate and, vice versa, latex inks will suit some
operations without operator intervention.
34 <
Media list under development
applications better. Although the tests still have to demonstrate
At the time of writing this article efforts are still underway to
the flexibility of the ink, latex ink appears to score better in this
compose a list of SUV compatible substrates and to run prac-
area because of its specific properties. The Mimaki JV400SUV
tical tests on the various application. Another advantage of UV
attracted attention from both sign makers and a number of
inks is that their scratch resistance and gloss finish reduce the
screen printers at FESPA in London. The fact is that the scratch
need for lamination. Furthermore, the prints can be processed
and alcohol resistance etc. outstrip what is feasible with eco or
immediately after printing, similar to printing with latex inks.
mild solvent inks. We are, therefore, eagerly anticipating the
The fact that on the JV400SUV the substrate always has to be
media list. september • 2013
n
T
NEWS
he Eindhoven branch already moved to lar-
New premises
ger premises back in 2008, but the Hoofddorp
Eric Verkerk had been keen for some time to occupy more spaci-
branch was ready to relocate to newly built
ous premises, even closer to Amsterdam and with good access
premises at Melbournestraat 4 in Lijnden, a sto-
to the motorway network. The right opportunity presented
ne’s throw from Amsterdam and with excellent
itself last year in Lijnden, on the edge of Amsterdam Nieuw-
access via the Randstad motorway network. Time for a meeting
West. The option to build from scratch meant that Exposize was
with Director Eric Verkerk.
able to design the premises tailored to its own specific requireRead more -->>
More scope for interior and other design projects
Eric Verkerk in front of the new premises in
Amsterdam/Lijnden.
Exposize moves
to Amsterdam
Exposize, a specialist in full colour printing on a variety of different materials and
a leading large format print partner for companies involved in interior and other
design projects, has moved once again.
By Ton Rombout
Read more -->>
2013 • september
> 35
NEWS
Erwin Olaf at Moooi
The project completed on behalf of Moooi,
a prominent furniture designer known
throughout the world, at the ‘Salone del
Mobile 2012’ in Milan is a typical example of
stand building. Moooi, by designer Marcel
Wanders, managed to stand out by using
a presentation of 39 printed photographs
of Erwin Olaf in very large format, i.e. 8.5
m wide by 4.5 m high, as a wall feature.
Moooi had set up its own factory hall with
designer furniture in the Zona Tortona
area, as this exhibition consisted of several
exhibition areas spread across different
parts of the city. “The prints were produced
by Exposize”, Verkerk relates, “and printed
on a 5 m wide EFI VUTEk printer. The canvas
was made of one piece without any visible
seams. Studio Erwin Olaf joined us one day
to check the colour corrections and was
amazed by the razor sharp print quality
and subtle colour management. I greatly
appreciated their subsequent delivery of
flowers with a thank you message.”
He continues: “We suspended and inspected
the prints in our own workshop first before
transporting them to Milan, where we
spent three days assembling and making
sure that the end result was perfect. The
project, which received international
exposure and recognition from the public,
ultimately benefited Moooi, Erwin Olaf and
Exposize. It was the talk of the day.”
Verkerk then lists a number of other clients,
New Moooi collection at the Salone del Mobile 2013 (photograph: Valentina Zanobelli).
including Studio Job for the 2013 Viktor
ments. This is a significant aspect for a company that develops
central hall of the Tropenmuseum (Tropics Museum), and other
and Rolf Rebellious Sophistication show
projects for customers in stand building, the retail trade and
structures in the Anne Frank House and Van Abbe Museum in
in Paris and this spring– closer to home –
interior design. Because its customer base also includes inter-
Eindhoven. Exposize is brought in specifically to enhance the
for the Hermès designer Kiki van Eijk the
national clients, the flyer focuses on ‘interior design’. Rightly
visual aspect.
so, because it includes quite a few prominent brands. Exposize
Clients in all sectors value expertise in this specific branch.
manages projects from start to finish, including production and
They want to talk to experienced producers, receive appro-
on site connection and decoration, which also requires a succes-
priate advice and implement innovative ideas. After all, the
sful logistics system.
impact of the communication which Exposize helps to formu-
The first stone was laid on 15 October last year and on 15 March
late determines how effectively the message will eventually be
2013 the premises were ready and delivered fully compliant with
communicated to end users.
the company’s instructions. A space of 1000 m2 spread across
In his reception area Verkerk displays a range of approxima-
two office levels at the front, a production area at the centre and
tely 73 material types on which Exposize can print with perfect
room at the rear for storage prior to delivery. “With additional
results. This suits stand builders, for example, who want to be
space outside for further expansion if necessary”, Verkerk com-
able to offer a wide array of options to their customers. The
ments with pride.
same applies to retail and interior design. In the latter sector
five exceptional windows in the Bijenkorf
department store in Amsterdam.
New Moooi collection – large format print photographs Erwin Olaf
Exposize will also frequently offer advice on materials, such as
(photograph: Valentina Zanobelli).
36 <
Project based approach
curtains for example, which used to be difficult to print or could
In addition to the three sectors mentioned earlier, Exposize also
not be printed at all.
works on behalf of advertising agencies and, last but not least,
Exposize manages everything in-house in order to minimise
museums. Well known projects include the temple made of
lead times and guarantee accurate process control. Prints may
Re-board, which Exposize constructed a few years ago in the
well be produced quickly, but if they are unsatisfactory or not
september • 2013
NEWS
Retail: ANWB shops
ANWB (the Royal Dutch Touring Club)
wanted a different look and feel for its shops
and asked Exposize to work with a selected
retail team to design and create signage for
the new concept. The first 25 shops were
converted in May and June of this year; the
remainder will be completed later this year.
The shops have been equipped with new
Interior ANWB Hoofddorp.
floor and wall decorations and seasonal
textile frames that can easily be exchanged.
Shop exteriors have also been enhanced
with a lighting frame on the façade. In fact
it was a complete overhaul and introduction
of an entirely new image. After the opening
the turnover increased by 40% and it looks
as though this growth rate is stabilising.
Exposize was in charge of the overall image
and representation, installation and assembly
of the signage.
Interior ANWB The Hague.
entirely in accordance with the customer’s colour specifications,
precious time will be lost. “Our customers know they can rely on
guaranteed quality, punctual delivery and cooperation with a
reliable partner”, Verkerk adds. “Our own assembly service ensures that on-site inspections are carried out during construction.
We also attach great importance to our logistics and handling
system. In retail, for example, several different products may be
destined for a number of different locations. All this has to be
managed to perfection.”
Other news
Verkerk comments: “The new EFI VUTEk GSr 5000, which has
been in operation in Eindhoven since February, gives us greater
scope with respect to the materials we can print. In Amsterdam
we concentrate on flatbed work with, amongst others, the
two VUTEks at the site and we also work with latex-printers. In
Eindhoven we focus on dye sublimation, larger format latex and
roll based UV printing. This machine fleet enables us to obtain
perfect results for our entire range of orders.”
n
Many different materials offer an extensive range of choices.
2013 • september
> 37
NEWS
“
Obviously our Infinitus monster is not for sale,”
th machines from well-known manufacturers such as Durst, EFI
Manfred Müller smilingly comments “as we develo-
and Gandinnovations. Two large drums, typical of the Big Image
ped and built it ourselves in conjunction with the TU
System printers, are waiting in a far corner to be recycled into
Technical University in Berlin.” “We had to source the
yet another Infinitus.
right inks and even construct a special media roller and take-up
system to straighten out the uncoated textiles we print on. It
Focus on the entertainment industry
is the only way to ensure that printed banners do not lose their
However, their conversion into an ‘Inifinitus 2’ will probably not
shape when suspended, thus distorting the printed images.”
go ahead in the near future. In July 2013 the company moved
from Stahnsdorf (an industrial suburb of Berlin), where the
Three year project
German branch of Swedish Big Image Systems was founded
It took the developers the better part of three years – much
back in 1995, to Potsdam in order to be closer to one of its main
longer than initially intended - to finally develop what is now
customers, the Babelsberg Studios. Having been established
recognized as the world’s largest printer into a reliable machine.
and built up a reputation as early as the 1920s, it re-emerged
The timing was a bit of a disappointment to the company’s 60
after the wall came down in 1989 and once again became a busy
full-time employees, as the Infinitus is by no means the first
hub for the German and international film industry.
digital printer they constructed. At the company’s brand new
Big Image Systems focuses on backdrops, curtains, stage
production site, just around the corner from the well-known
designs and other graphics required in the entertainment indu-
Babelsberg Filmpark (a large studio complex a few kilometres
stry for film and TV productions. Prints made by the company
outside Berlin), two of its own ‘Bobcat’ printers for media rolls
have been appearing in international productions such as the
up to 5 m wide are quietly operating alongside industrial streng-
2011 Nanni Moretti movie ‘Habemus Papam’. For this production
By Sonja Angerer
„Our big monster,“ is what manager Manfred Müller sometimes affectionately
calls his company´s latest digital printer. It is the largest machine owned by Big
Image Systems Germany by far. The ‘Infinitus’, which is named after the Latin for
Infinite and looks a bit like a large gas tank, will print seamless pictures up to 12 x
The ‘Infinitus’ enables Big Image Systems to print seamless
pictures up to 12 x 50 m.
50 m – something no other printer in the world is capable of.
Monster’s new
home
Big Image Systems Germany
38 <
september • 2013
NEWS
Big Image Systems had to copy the Sistine Chapel in Rome onto
textile in order to rebuild it in a studio, as the Vatican authorities would not allow extensive filming at the original location.
However, local Telenovela productions such as Germany’s national broadcaster’s ‘Rote Rosen’ (Red Roses) rely on Big Image
Systems backdrops even more than the big screen. The company creates artificial horizons and views outside stage ‘windows’
that give studio scenes a more natural, realistic appearance on
screen and the actors and crew never have to leave the building
to film outdoor scenes. Big Image Systems developed a special,
would one day own a company such as this one. However,
when travelling to Australia in the early eighties, he came
across one of the very first oversized textile (airbrush) prints
in the world and was instantly taken by the technology.
Having operated as a European sales office for the Australian
company for the first few years, he eventually acquired his own
airbrush printer in the USA in 1987 and brought it to Täby (near
backdrops, combining day and night time scenes in one print
today. Not being entirely satisfied with the machine’s print
depending on the lightning. “With front lighting the view out of
quality, he asked two students at the local technical college to
the window resembles a daylight scene, whereas backlight cre-
help him build more appropriate machines for his company,
than any other,” explains Communications Manager Christine
Welack.
at that time still named Scannaprint AB. Having succeeded in
doing so the company dropped its initial plans to sell them on
the general market. Nevertheless, the family owned business in
which two of Schäfer’s daughters hold management positions
today went from strength to strength. “We have created a
niche market and are able to offer unique products,” Schäfer
Preferred partner
Having said that, even affluent customers such as the Swiss
National Theatre in Zürich like to work with Big Image Systems.
Its colourful, detailed motives are not easily matched by any
other production mode in sizes this large. Often the only viable
straightened out before printing.
architectural photography, probably never dreamt that he
Stockholm) where the company’s headquarters are still located
probably even more appreciated in the entertainment industry
res that the uncoated media is
Berlin based photographer who specialised in industrial and
double-sided production mode for its film and TV production
ates a night time feel. This saves time and money, an advantage
A dedicated roller system ensu-
Digital printing pioneers
When emigrating to Sweden in the sixties Werner Schäfer, a
comments. Obviously he could not have done it all on his own.
Big Image Systems has many dedicated long term employees,
including Manfred Müller and Christiane Welack, who have
both been at the German branch since it first opened. But
even for them a new chapter of the Big Image Systems story
alternative is to paint the pictures by hand, which not only takes
started on 18th July, when the company’s brand new spacious
a long time and is consequently very expensive, but also lacks
premises were officially opened during a celebration attended
the B1 certification all Big Image System prints carry by default.
by employees, customers and friends.
Being made of uncoated media and printed with water-based
inks, Big Image Systems prints do not crinkle and are not subject
www.bigimagesystems.com/de
to stress whitening. “A key asset in the entertainment industry,”
Müller explains “as our prints have to be forgiving and able to
withstand the ravages of stressful production environments.”
Providing it is only applied for a short time, even a little artificial
or genuine rain won’t damage them.
It is not surprising, therefore, that many German and international stage design professionals know and love to work
with Big Image Systems products. “Word of mouth is the only
advertising that works in this industry,” Christine Welack adds.
The company, which has 26 employees based at the Potsdam
site, enjoys an excellent reputation and has an impressive customer base. It is one of only a few service providers worldwide
that mainly serve the entertainment industry. “Quality and
reliability is key,” she explains and to document this the company was awarded ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management) and
14001:2004 (Environmental Management) certification.
From the left: Werner Schäfer, founder of Big Image,
and Manfred Müller, Manager at Big Image Postdam,
with a number of their customers.
Traditional graphic arts partners
Other than the entertainment industry, Big Image Systems has
recently also attracted an increasing number of customers from
the more ‘traditional’ graphic arts and advertising industry. At
the international IFA Berlin 2012 consumer electronics trade
show the company helped to create a huge washing machine
portal for Samsung. Even the billboards for the local Igepa Select
Open House at a Babelsberg event in June 2013 were printed by
Big Image Systems – proximity is always paramount. n
2013 • september
> 39
NEWS
Pride of the fleet
Pixart, Italy acquired three HP Latex 3000s on
the first day of the FESPA show.
Despite the apparent upturn in the marketplace, print service providers (PSPs) in
Flagship HP Latex 3000
the large format sector continue to face a number of age-old demands from their
Printer set to revolutionise
customers – namely faster turnarounds, higher image quality and a broader spec-
industrial printing
trum of applications. In addition, increasing requests for versioned or localised
content, and output that limits the impact on the environment, add to the daily
strain and pain points faced by PSPs in today’s large format sector.
T
digital printers has gone some way to meeting
Culmination of five-years of latex
heritage
part of these requirements, but as technology
However, the quest for even higher productivity levels and
evolves customers have been looking for a solu-
faster speeds is, according to many PSPs, an ever-present requi-
tion that matched varying end user production
rement as they seek to meet customer demands. This pursuit
he availability of low-solvent and UV-curable
volumes and quicker deadlines.
could be finally over following the recent unveiling of the HP
Latex 3000 Printer at FESPA 2013. Harnessing HP’s five-years
40 <
Following the launch of HP Latex Technology five years ago,
of experience with latex technology, the latest addition to the
many customers have become accustomed to the image qua-
company’s growing latex portfolio, meets head-on the afore-
lity, application versatility and environmental advantages
mentioned needs of PSPs.
delivered by HP Latex Printers and Inks. Since its launch, the
In particular, the 3.2m (126in) HP Latex 3000 delivers impressive
technology has been widely adopted with more than 15,000
speeds for both indoor and outdoor applications, while each of
printers installed worldwide(1). An estimated 100 million square
its six colours has 10,560 nozzles to deliver up to 1200dpi native
metres has been printed with HP Latex Inks - an area equivalent
resolution for outstanding print quality.
to about 14,000 international football pitches(2).
“The fact that we can now deliver high quality indoor applica-
september • 2013
NEWS
tions at 77m2 per hour as well as economical outdoor banners
“In addition to the extra industrial capacity and versatility the
at 120m2 per hour, means that we have an image quality and
new printer will give us, we also wanted to pay attention to
productivity level that will be a breakthrough in the market,”
environmental factors,” said Faber. “Our experience with our
explained Gerard Winn worldwide product manager, Large
first HP Latex printer was very positive, and the unique com-
Format, HP .
bination of more sustainable production, high-quality printing
“This has ensured an extremely positive reaction from custo-
and print speed made us choose the HP Latex 3000.”
mers, some of whom had a sneak preview earlier this year, while
Those sentiments were echoed by Sigurd Hammerstad, owner
many more saw it for the first time at FESPA 2013,” he added.
of Megaprint AS in Norway, whose company also decided to
strengthen its service capability by investing in the machine.
Rapturous reception at FESPA
Winn’s claims certainly stack up, with one major print business,
Pixart Printing, of Italy, signing a cheque for three new HP Latex
3000s on the first day of the show. This commitment set the
pace for HP at FESPA, who racked up a barrage of sales from
PSPs across EMEA. These customers included Faber Group, of
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, whose marketing and communications manager, Huib Faber, was full of praise for HP’s latest
latex incarnation.
Marcom Manager Huib Faber and Arzu Ilhan, General Manager, Largeformat Printing, Sign & Display, EMEA, HP shake hands.
Megaprint AS in Norway decided to strengthen its
service capability with the HP Latex 3000 Printer.
2013 • september
> 41
NEWS
“We chose the HP Latex 3000 Printer because we needed
the printed areas appear part of the substrate. Larger (5 litre) ink
an industrial printer to increase our capacity,” explained
cartridges facilitate overnight printing without operator inter-
Hammerstad. “The reduced ink consumption of the new prin-
vention and contribute to productivity and efficient ink use.
theads should also reduce costs providing a further competitive
Meanwhile, the increased throughput – a key USP of the prin-
edge. Furthermore, the new printer will also deliver improved
ter – is in part enabled by the new HP Latex Optimizer which is
print quality for applications like backlit displays and vehicle
applied during the printing process to deliver sharper, brighter
graphics, and with its substrate versatility we plan to use it for
images produced at higher speeds, as well as efficient curing
textile work, too,” he added.
at lower temperatures. These lower temperatures increase the
number of heat-sensitive substrates that can be printed, while
Technological changes to deliver
better print
the HP Latex Optimizer also increases ink adhesion enabling the
This improved quality that Hammerstad refers to is likely to be
in a wider range of media that can be printed and all with incre-
based in no small measure to the improved HP Latex Inks that
ased dot placement accuracy for sharp text and images at high
HP has developed for the printer. These new third-generation
production speeds.
use of substrates with formerly unsuitable surfaces. This results
water-based(4) HP881 Latex Inks offer scratch resistance comparable to hard-solvent inks when printed on self-adhesive
Green solutions
vinyl and PVC banner substrates(5). Prints from HP 881 Latex
Both the HP 881 Latex Inks and HP Latex Optmizer are UL
Inks are odourless(6) and ideal for applications from indoor
ECOLOGO and GREENGUARDSM Children & Schools Certified,
retail displays and outdoor advertising, to vehicle graphics and
meet AgBB criteria (8) and are rated A+ according to Émissions
interior décor.
dans l’Air Interieur. (9)
The new inks are also able to reproduce a 15-20 per cent wider
Naturally, such an impressive résumé, together with a positive
gamut than six-colour UV printers(7), and have a semi-gloss
reception within the marketplace, has led to some bullish com-
“satin” finish that provides a uniformity of finish between
ments from those that have been associated with product’s
printed and unprinted areas on many media types. This makes
development, among them Kyle Merrill, print system R&D
manager, HP.
“I’ve been managing part of the technical team which has been
1
Based on internal HP data.
2 Or enough to cover New York’s Central Park nearly 6 times; or Monaco nearly 9 technologies into this machine that make it faster, more reliable,
times, or London’s Hyde Park nearly 13 times.
higher quality than anything the industry has seen before from
3
Compared to previous HP Latex solutions.
latex,” he enthused.
4
Special ventilation is not required to meet US OSHA requirements on
occupational exposure to VOCs from HP Latex Inks. Special ventilation
However, for large format PSPs the most welcome claim from
equipment installation is at the discretion of the customer – no specific HP recommendation is intended. Customers should consult state and local
requirements and regulations. Contains no detected Hazardous Air Pollutants according to EPA Method 311.
5
Scratch-resistance comparison based on testing HP Latex Inks and representative hard-solvent inks. Estimates by HP Image Performance Lab on a range of media.
6 Some substrates may have inherent odour.
HP must surely come from Ruth Quindos, market development
manager, Sign and Display Production, EMEA, HP.
“Simply put, the HP Latex 3000 revolutionises industrial printing and gives PSPs an unfair advantage over their competitors,”
she said. “In conjunction with its fast speeds, the printer’s inks
produce prints that are immediately dry and ready to finish
or despatch instantly without the need for gassing off, which
accelerates throughput and response times.
In this respect, I look upon the HP Latex 3000 as a ‘time machi-
7
Based on HP internal testing.
8
ECOLOGO Certification to UL 2801 demonstrates that an ink meets a range of stringent criteria related to human health and environmental considerations be running a business in today’s pressure-sensitive large format
(see ul.com/EL). HP Latex Inks are GREENGUARD Children and Schools printing industry will be well aware that this is probably the one
CertifiedSM (see www.greenguard.org). HP PVC-free Wall Paper printed with
resource that is truly limited,” she concluded.
HP Latex Inks meets AgBB Criteria for health-related evaluation of VOC emissions of indoor building products (see www.umweltbundesamt.de
produckte-e/agbb.htm).
9 Émissions dans l’Air Intérieur provides a statement on the level of emission of 42 <
working on this product and we’ve put some amazing new
volatile substances in indoor air posing health risks if inhaled – on a scale from A+ (very low-emission) to C (high-emission).
september • 2013
ne’, as it effectively gives users time. And those that happen to
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Transcription

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