Wide format: A guide for the commercial printer

Wide format: A guide for
the commercial printer
Produced by
Sponsored by
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In partnership with
Co-sponsor
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Contents
Foreword
Welcome to Wide format:
A guide for the commercial printer
1
Contents
2
S&DUK forward
4
Sponsor’s forward – Superwide Digital
6
Co-sponsor profile – Repropoint
8
Feature – Adding breadth with wide format
– Diversification
12
Company profile – Inktec
14
Feature – Wide format applications
However, it is not an easy market to enter. Wide format
encompasses a huge range of applications and
customers and uses an equally wide range of materials,
many of which will be unfamiliar to most printers. So
despite an often attractively low entry price for the
equipment needed, it is not necessarily quite as simple
as just buying the kit and getting going.
18
Company profile – Roland DG
20
Feature – A material world – A guide to wide
format substrates
22
Company profile – Blackman & White
In this guide are a series of features that mix general
overviews of the main applications, substrates and
finishing processes employed, alongside business
features sharing the experiences of commercial printers
who have already made the move.
26
Company profile – Superwide Digital
28
Feature – Wide format finishing
30
Company profile – Antalis
32
Feature – Commercial Considerations –
selling wide format
34
Company profile – Tradeprint
Wide format is one of the print markets that has
enjoyed a boom in recent years, largely led by
digital technologies making it possible to meet
the needs for customised and low volume work
cost-effectively.
Wide format is increasingly becoming part of the
general printers offering. Printers’ traditional strengths in
pre-press, colour management and production provide
a strong base of transferable skills that can be applied
to this market.
There are also company profiles (paid for content) from
some of the leading vendors in the sector, who may be
useful sources of further advice.
Lastly, there is a guide to Sign & Digital UK 2016, the
leading UK show for wide format, a must-see for anyone
who is in wide format, or just considering it to keep
up to date with the latest technology and business
developments.
Barney Cox
digitalprinter
36
S&DUK show features – Seminars, trails
and demonstrations
38
Company profile – Perspex
43
Exhibitor list
44
Floorplan
Visit us on
stand A6
2
S&DUK Forward
Foreword
We are very pleased to be partnering with Digital Printer to bring you
the Wide format: A guide for commercial printers supplement.
S
ign & Digital UK, the annual UK exhibition for the sign making,
display solutions and digital printing industries, has been
serving the industry for nearly 30 years, and delivers a wealth
of creativity, innovation and choice for attendees.
The exhibition is a business event in the true sense where visitors can find
real opportunities, new revenue streams and the best advice to grow their
businesses. The show also has a well-earned reputation as the show to research,
discover and purchase your next wide format print or finishing solution.
There are over 200 suppliers at the event, showing a wide range of products and
services for this dynamic market sector. Wide format print and finishing will be
strongly represented alongside software, inks, materials, fabrics & substrates,
colour management, sublimation, soft signage and textile printing. Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson, Roland
DG, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, Agfa Graphics, Colourgen/Mutoh, KIP, Papergraphics, Perfect Colours, PrintMax,
Antalis, CMYUK, i-sub, Graphic Printing Technologies, Esko, Jetrix, Grafityp, Your Print Specialists, Signmaster
Systems, Graphtec, Vivid Laminating Technologies, Quality Print Services and many more will be showcasing
their latest products at Sign & Digital UK 2016
We have seen a significant increase in commercial printing companies visiting the show in recent times to
fully understand the benefits of adding new revenue streams to their businesses. As an example, commercial
printers are perfectly placed to take advantage of the opportunity that wide format offers, as they understand
print and can easily add this service to their existing businesses to gain impressive returns. Entry into wide
format print can be surprisingly cost effective and suppliers at the show are geared up to guide you through
the process of adding wide format printing to your business, as well as offer advice on how to get up and
running, understanding the impressive array of applications, and selling the benefits.
This guide will help to realise the opportunities that a visit to Sign & Digital UK can bring to your business.
Rudi Blackett
event director
Sign & Digital UK 2016
www.signanddigitaluk.com
digitalprinter
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Hybrid Services Customer Case Study 5
Print On expands into
wide format with Mimaki
Close customer relationships revealed an opportunity to add wide
format for Print On, which has led to a boost in business and a
new factory.
The move to impressive new 6,000
driven by a growing
Cheshire-based printer, Print On
ever-changing needs
for a business that started out as
Alex Oldfield says:
Through a combination of hard
our retail customers
first class customer service, the
of sale (POS), display
roster of blue-chip clients and now
print requirements were
commercial print services including
specialist providers.
brochures and numerous items of
equip ourselves to meet
impressive on-line ordering system.
growing demand in the
Walking through the front door past
sector. Investment in a
a well-appointed boardroom and cus-
Mimaki JFX200 flatbed
tomer meeting room, towards a large
and a brace of Mimaki JV300 produc-
modern reception area, beyond which
tion solvent printers seemed like a
lies an impressive open-plan print hall,
natural development for the business
the company’s future ambitions are
and enabled us to create a real point
clearly evident.
of difference when compared to other
square foot premises, for Cheadle,
awareness of the
heralded a significant development
of existing clients. As
a humble high street copy shop.
‘Close relationships with
work, effective networking and
revealed that their point
business has built up an impressive
and other wide format
offers a comprehensive range of
being met by other
business stationery, promotional
We really needed to
marketing collateral, available via an
what appeared to be a
Keep it in the family
This is clearly a tight-knit and efficient
family business, as managing director,
Print On’s Matt Peters with the Mimaki JFX200
flatbed printer
similar print businesses in the area,
by having the capability to produce a
much wider range of products.’
production mode the quality is really
quite exceptional. I’m regularly printing eight foot by four foot rigid boards
with full ink coverage in around 20
minutes, at a highly acceptable print
quality, so we hardly ever need to use
the highest quality setting.’
The significant upturn in business
has clearly been both the catalyst for
the move to new premises in January
marketing director and financial direc-
Impressive quality and
throughput
tor my father and mother are still very
The company’s wide format specialist
There’s a genuine sense of enthusi-
hands-on, we take real pride in what
Matt Peters is full of praise for the new
asm and optimism in the air at Print
we do and get involved on a daily
Mimakis, enthusiastically describ-
On, with a real focus on maximising
basis in every aspect of the operation.’
ing the JV300’s as ‘ultra-reliable,
the benefits of an impressive kit list
workhorses’, before going on to further
and a comfortable and spacious work-
had traditionally based much of its
explain how the JFX200 has enhanced
ing environment. Customers seem
production capability around its im-
their production capability; ‘I have pre-
equally impressed, with increased
pressive arsenal of four Xerox Versant
viously worked with other wide format
levels of business coming from both
digital printers, with the strategic
flatbeds, but none as impressive as
longstanding clients, including many
decision to diversify its operations
the Mimaki JFX200 with its amazing
major multi store retailers, as well as a
into the wide format sector being
print quality and speed. Even in fast
number of new high-profile clients.
Alex Oldfield explains, ‘In their roles of
As a commercial printer, Print On
digitalprinter
of this year and also the vindication of
their investment in new print hardware.
6
Company profile
Dedicated Account Manager
repropoint
R
Delivery Tracking
epropoint was founded in 1975 to supply large
format printers to the architectural, engineering and
graphics sector. Today we are a production special-
ist partners for Hewlett Packard large format equipment
supplying the Latex and Sitex range as well as a number
Free delivery on all orders over £50
of complimentary products. We have our own “manufacturer trained” team of service engineers and our 5000sq
ft warehouse enables us to stock a wide range of media
and inks.
We pride ourselves on maintaining good stock levels of
Expertise & Technical Knowledge
our ink and media, so that orders are delivered within 24
hours. Our consultative approach coupled with the fact that
we are not tied to any one manufacturer or brand for media,
means we are able to find you the best solution to meet your
Discounted media profiling
needs and add value to your business.
At Repropoint we are committed to being the most helpful
large format solutions company in the UK which is why we
have developed a customer reward programme called
ADVANTAGE to thank and support customers. With ADVAN-
SOS Bureau support
TAGE our customers can enjoy unrivalled support from their
own dedicated account manager who will look after all their
needs. ADVANTAGE premium customers can enjoy services
such as: free training for their team; free delivery on all items;
Preferential rates on service contracts
preferential rates on service contracts, product stock holding
out of hours SOS support. It’s the level of care you deserve
‘The drive in our business is to offer extra
Large stock holding
value to our customers to help their businesses grow, the advantage programme
focuses on the specifics to deliver this.’
Technical support
Divisional Director- Oliver Gosden
and why so many customers trust us to look after all their
needs. For more information go to www.repropoint.com
or call one of the team on 0845 2340701
Online ordering template
Flying High
on the South Coast ...
Strong customer growth underpinned by continued
investment in the business.
B
CP has been
trading for over
23 years on
the south coast
continuing a high quality
service across its broad
portfolio of products and
services. Their continued
success has been reliant
on their commitment to
investment. To cut to the
chase, the technology
and plant list at their
facility in Poole, Dorset, is state
of the art. The company is also
proud of a long standing team that
specialize in key areas continuing
to drive the business through this
period of growth, whilst maintaining
its dedication to client satisfaction.
Adam Booth of Repropoint
identified the opportunity for this
fast growing company to add to it’s
already strong fleet of large format
equipment which includes the
JV Mimaki, Anapurna, and
Kongsberg Cutter. Repropoint
have now installed the Latex 360,
laminator and the Onyx rip solution.
The solution from Repropoint
will sit nicely alongside the existing
kit. The continued investment in
large format at BCP has brought
further opportunities for the
business. This includes Premier
football club AFC Bournemouth,
Vitality and other high profile
companies to create stunning new
bespoke interiors, custom outdoor
and indoor signage
Repropoint offer the full solution
from consultation and training on
new products, through to sending
the engineer to profile the
machine to get the best
out of materials.
The consumables
specialists at
Repropoint will
also supply
materials, media
and Inks, as well
as stockholding
for ‘urgent’ items
and weekend/out
of hours support,
consultation and
support on any
new applications
that BCP may encounter.
Repropoint and BCP will
continue to work in
partnership to push
the boundaries of
print.
8
Adding breadth with wide format
It is all very well suppliers saying wide format is an opportunity for
commercial printers but what is the real story? Here companies that
have made the move share their experiences with Barney Cox.
W
e are constantly bombarded by companies trying
normal print jobs when it came to wide format they were either
promise to make us happier and more attractive,
would be unaffordable.
to sell us something. In our personal lives they
while in business they promise increased sales and profits. Wide format printing is the latter and has been touted
paying a fortune, or not bothering at all as they thought it
‘They assumed that window graphics or even a sign with their
as the next, ahem, big thing for a while.
opening hours would be prohibitively expensive or difficult,’
There’s no doubt that there is a market for wide format print
format and found out in general it was huge amounts. So we
but for any commercial printer looking for a pot of gold at the
realised we could save them a fortune and still make
end of the rainbow it’s not a given that they will be able to tap
decent money.’
said Mr Devlin. ‘We asked what they were paying for wide
into that success. Having said that, there are many printers
who have successfully diversified and
whose experiences hold valuable lessons
for anyone considering making the move.
So read on to find out why they did it, how
they did it and what the results were.
Why go wide?
Crewe-based commercial printer The Printing House was an early adopter of wide
format; the £2.25m turnover 26-staff firm,
which runs B2 litho and cut sheet digital
colour first invested back in 2009.
‘The recession had hit and we were looking
to diversify and to increase our margins,’
said joint managing director Peter Harrison.
‘We had a little bit of wide format work from
customers, which we were outsourcing,
but it was not a focus. It was low volume,
and sending out meant the margins were
The Printing House was an early adopter of wide format print
not good. So we decided to just take the
plunge and invest in the equipment to do it ourselves.’
At the other end of the country in Cramlington, Northumberland, is Potts Print, which has a background in general
Southampton-based Cubic is a small local digital printer that
commercial litho printing but has been diversifying as part of
specialises in serving small businesses including other local
a long-term development strategy. Having added cut sheet
high street shops. A decade ago the firm switched from farm-
digital to complement its litho print four years ago the firm
ing out litho to offering its clients digital printing.‘We try to be
began looking at its next development.
a point of convenience supplying everything print-related our
customers could need,’ said managing director Stuart Devlin.
‘The move was driven by our customers,’ said business
‘People like to speak to people, they like to come and talk and
development director John Conway. ‘Our aim is to be a one-
to see their job, even though we have a pretty slick website.’
stop shop and we found that the last piece of the jigsaw was
Mr Devlin found that while clients quibbled over pennies for
wide format.’
digitalprinter
9
Rapidity’s showroom includes a window into the production facility
revenue stream. It started with an HP Latex roll fed printer and
What do you need to do?
then, having proven to itself that the market was viable, went
The Printing House invested in an eco-solvent machine, a
Mimaki JV33 130, a relatively modest investment, but one that
proved to be very reliable.
shopping at Fespa 2015, investing £300,000 in a Canon Océ
Arizona and an Esko Kongsberg cutting table, which were
installed last summer.
‘It is bullet-proof, until this year it never needed an engineer
and that has included it being left to run unattended
overnight,’ said Mr Harrison. ‘When we looked for a
new machine it was natural to look at another Mimaki,
this time we went for the JV300 160.’
Mr Harrison said that the difference between wide
format and other print is that it is more labour intensive
but the capital expenditure is much lower. There was
also a learning curve to understand the particulars
‘Wide format has opened my eyes to
the fact that there is work out there. We
are doing a lot of work for start-ups and
they all have requirements for exhibition
graphics and signage.’
Potts Print business development director John Conway
of wide format. It was also necessary to staff the new
department. The firm opted to use two existing members of staff, who came from its design department, which Mr
Harrison says works well as they need to understand artwork
‘We were doing boards before on the HP by mounting them,
but it was a right faff,’ said managing director Paul Manning.
and the RIP as well as the printer.
Who considers a cutting table essential to take full advantage
‘At first we found it was a challenge as we were so used to
Potts Print took a different approach to getting into wide
dealing with sheets rather than rolls and there is such a wide
range of substrates in wide format,’ he said. ‘It was surprising
just how little finishing was needed compared to cut sheet
digital and litho. There was definitely a fear factor but once
of the benefits of printing direct to board on a flatbed.
format; with sales of £15.3m and 200 staff, it is a significantly
larger operation than the other businesses here. The firm
began by outsourcing its wide format work to local specialist
Digital XL Services. At the end of 2014 Potts did what Conway
you get stuck in you realise it’s all do-able.’
called ‘a Viktor Kiam’ (they liked what they were getting so
With its ethos of providing a one-stop shop, adding wide
XL Services.
format was a natural step for Cubic. It needed a compact
and versatile machine, so opted for an integrated print & cut
much, they bought the company), and acquired Digital
‘We did consider doing it ourselves by buying the equipment
machine, investing in a Roland DG VS540.
and employing staff but it would have been a very steep learn-
Central London-based Rapidity, added wide format to its digi-
Conway. ‘So instead we decided to buy in the expertise; it felt
tal print offerings at the end of 2014 to provide an additional
digitalprinter
ing curve and been a long haul to get established,’ said Mr
more sensible.’
Visit us on
stand A6
10
To retain that expertise the previous owners of Digital XL
Services, Iain McDougal and Keith McHugh, remained to head
Case study: Johnsons Printers
Johnsons Printers,
up the new division.
which is believed to be
Having bought the business to fuel growth Potts then looked
Nantwich, Cheshire,
at what was needed to take it to the next level.‘We knew that
once we had the capability and started more heavily promoting it, there would be an influx of wide format work from our
existing client base,’ said Mr Conway.To meet that need it
invested in an additional flatbed, a Fujifilm Acuity F, and an
Acuity LED 1600 II roll-fed machine. It also looked at operations and staffing, taking on two apprentices and moving from
the oldest business in
complemented its litho
and digital printing
services by setting up
a wide format division in 2015.
The firm provides graphic design, litho and digital printing to direct mail serving design agencies and national
a single shift to two shift operation to increase capacity.
brands. An increasing number of customers expect a
What results might you get?
been outsourcing this but image quality and colour
‘Initially the wide format side of the market really took off
before reaching a plateau a few years ago,’ said Mr Harrison.
‘Our wide format sales this January were double those the
year before. I put that down to a marketing campaign we did
to try and revive quiet customers.’
Since adding wide format it has come to represent 20% of Cubic’s sales, although the work is sporadic rather than steady.
‘Sometimes it’s our main business and it’s running non-stop all
week, others it is dead,’ said Mr Devlin.
‘Wide format has opened my eyes to the fact that there is work
out there,’ said Mr Conway. ‘We are doing a lot of work for
start-ups and they all have requirements for exhibition graphics and signage.’
So in conclusion, it is clear that if your clients have wide format
print needs there is an opportunity to supply them and various
options to do so. •
complete print service, including wide format. It had
matching were recurring problems.
‘The ability to print consistently accurate colour is crucial
to our customers’ brand identities,’ explained managing
director John McMillan. ‘The challenge was to provide
the same quality of service in wide format.’
Mr McMillan turned to his pre-press supplier Agfa,
investing in a complete package of Asanti wide format
workflow, Anapurna M2500i hybrid inkjet printer and an
Acorta flatbed cutter.
‘The missing element was colour management. We
knew the advantages of Agfa’s Apogee, so Asanti was a
priority. Agfa offered the complete solution including the
Acorta cutter so we invested in the whole package.‘
The investment has had a positive impact on the business; the four staff in the wide format division has been
busy from day one and it has had encouraging feedback
from customers.
The Printing House operator Anthony Matthews hard at work in the wide format department
digitalprinter
Advertorial 11
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If you are thinking about taking the plunge and investing
in a flatbed printer, why opt
for a system that only prints
graphics? Printing technology
has moved on, imagine a multi
purpose flatbed printer that in
addition to printing vibrant colour graphics can also produce
texture, small objects and even
components.
The ability to produce objects
and components is a process
known as 3D printing or ‘additive
manufacturing’, which describe
the process of building threedimensional objects up by adding
layer-upon-layer of material using
a print-like deposition process.
2. Textured printing
business. Product launch at Sign &
printers from Axzyra does just that
– make your printing jump out, with
Digital UK 2016, 19-21 April at the
using its unique UV cure resin ink,
the ability to add a three dimensional
NEC with live demonstrations every
varnish and primer technology. There
texture to prints and enhance selected
day on booth K46.
is nothing that within reason cannot be
features. Supported applications
printed onto or out. Let your creativity
include:
run wild and move your business into
• Braille Printing
new markets. Why limit yourself to the
• Security printing
technology of today when you can
• Textured features
have the technology of tomorrow?
• Embossed book covers
Three in one
Using the Axzyra Apache range of
3. Additive Manufacturing/3D
printing
About the Apache range:
printers it is possible to address three
Design, create and produce objects
Printable area: 600 x 450 mm
new markets using one machine.
and components. Supported applica-
Depth of object/relief printed: 150 mm
tions include:
Number of ink channels: Eight
• Badges
Ink types supported: Colour, white &
Print graphics in photo resolution at
• Labels
resins
high speed onto flat or profiled objects
• Board game pieces
Model: 6090
and thin flexible materials. Supported
• Small components
Printable area: 600 x 900 mm
materials include:
• Product prototyping
Depth of object/relief printed: 150 mm
The innovative Apache range of
1. Graphics
• Canvas
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Model: 6045
Number of ink channels: Eight
• Promotional goods
See what AXZYRA and the versatile
Ink types supported: Colour, white
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& resins
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digitalprinter
Company profile
12
If you are considering wide format
printing, consider InkTec
South Korean printer manufacturer JETRIX and its UK distributor InkTec
believe they have a compelling offering for printers looking to diversify.
A
ny commercial printer
4. Innovation
looking at wide format
InkTec is committed to investment
printing should consider
in the development of innovative
InkTec as a potential supplier. As a
manufacturing processes; including
leading manufacturer of inkjet ink,
a series of closely guarded unique
media and JETRIX printers, InkTec
Europe have long been focused on
the wide format printing sector.
production techniques.
JETRIX LX5 with LED UV curing: lower
power consumption
Five reasons to choose InkTec:
1. JETRIX printer range
The wide JETRIX printer range means there will always be one
to suit, whatever the budget, business objectives and physical space available. From the compact JETRIX KX3 flatbed
through to the superwide roll to roll RX5000. Making its debut
at Sign & Digital UK 2016 will be the first JETRIX LED UV
printer – the LX5, this printer offers a realistic and affordable
option including up to 35% lower energy consumption. Also
being showcased is the RX320G – an entry level 3.2m wide
roll to roll machine.
2. Technology, knowledge and expertise
Over 25% of InkTec’s employees are dedicated to research
& development. The company’s South Korean factory is self
developed and is dedicated to creating the very best products
by employing stringent quality controls to ensure every one
meets strict standards.
3. Quality and productivity on a variety of media
5. Technical support
Proud of our technical support, JETRIX engineers are committed to customer success. Providing unparalleled support,
including complete involvement throughout installation, training and in-depth technical consulting. We offer advice over
the phone, online diagnostics and prompt on site support if
required.
Taking advantage of the opportunity
While the investment may be significant, there are a variety of
finance options for JETRIX printers and most of the printers
come with a two year warranty for added peace of mind. So, if
you are considering entering wide format, get in contact and
we can discuss what you are looking to achieve and what your
options could be. •
Tel: 01993 862770
www.inktec-europe.com
[email protected]
Don’t just take it from us
New Ink, based in Caterham Surrey, prides itself on its ability
InkTec’s JETRIX range produce razor sharp edge-to-edge
to print high quality, short-run jobs to budget using small and
‘high definition’ (HD) prints. Equipped with renowned Konica
large format digital equipment. When it wanted to extend its
Minolta print heads, the JETRIX range delivers the perfect
wide format capabilities it chose to adding a flatbed printer,
combination of high productivity with superb print quality. The
opting for a 2.5 x 3m JETRIX KX7-S.
fastest printer, the RX5000, delivers production speeds of
‘Although our latex printer is great, we needed a flatbed too,’
up to 255 square metres per hour, while the KX5 produces a
said New Ink large format manager Andy Kordowski. ‘We
respectable 60 square metres per hour. They are able to print
explored a few options, but the JETRIX just kept coming up
on a vast range of materials including PVC, PET and textiles,
as our preferred option. The key things for us were; they are
through to more unusual ones such as glass, wood and metal.
clearly built to last, you have the ability to pause the machine
The latest printer, the LX5 can even print on more challeng-
mid job and you can print on media up to 100mm deep. This
ing substrates thanks to the use of LED UV curing, which
combined with the warranty and that the primer is already in
produces less heat.
the inks meant it was the perfect choice.’
digitalprinter
INKT0000 InkTec Ad Resize_210x297mm.pdf
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14
Large format applications
Wide format printing, especially with inkjet, is an amazingly versatile
process and allows shorter runs and personalisation/localisation.
S
ee the key for the range and scope of wide format
high resolution is still needed. Fast dry toner printers are one
a whole range of sizes and ink types.
pass inkjets up to 44 inches are available from Canon/Océ,
printers is enormous, many manufacturers produce
We’ve also given a rough indicator of the ink types that may
be suitable for each application (often there’s more than one),
and whether roll-fed or flatbed printers are required. A lot of
option - KIP specialises in these. Fast Memjet-based singleXerox and RTI. HP is also after this market with its single-pass
PageWide XL printers.
wide format printers are convertible, so they can feed rolls
Exhibition/retail stands & panels
or sheets.
Ink: S, L, SS, UV, SUV
Billboards
Process: RF, FB
Rigid panels of foam board or aluminium sandwich (Dibond)
Ink: A, ES, L, SS, UV, SUV. RF, FB
can be used with slot-together frames to form easily erected
Process: RF
and dismantled stands, or partitions and rooms within retail
Large multi-sheet ads are a natural for large format digital, as
spaces. They can be flatbed printed, or roll fed paper or vinyl
they can be printed economically in short runs, or even tai-
can be laminated into place.
lored to specific sites. Superwide UV printers of 3 or 5 metres
such as the EFI VUTEk range are often used here, as they can
go very wide if needed, but can also print two or three smaller
rolls simultaneously to boost throughput.
Events banners (and longer term exterior banners)
Ink: ES, L, SS, SUV, UV,
Process: RF
Thick plastic-coated textiles can be laced to supporting
frames for anything from temporary fences and displays, to
semi-permanent but changeable displays and signage.
Exterior banners
Exterior/interior signage
Ink: SS, L, ES, UV. RF
Process: FB
Solvent, eco-solvent, Latex and UV printers can be used to
print permanent outdoor signage onto plastic media, with
weather and daylight resistance measured in years.
Flags
Ink: DS, ES, SS,
Interior banners
CAD and GIS
Ink: A, dry toner
Process: RF
Textiles that can create an eye-catching effect by moving with
the breeze. Used for event branding and promotional
purposes.
Process: RF
Floor graphics
tecture. Speed tends to be favoured here, but reasonably
Process: FB
Maps, plans and charts for building, engineering and archi-
Ink: SS, ES, L, UV. RF
digitalprinter
15
Tough clear plastics that are reverse-printed with promotional
Posters are used
or information graphics and then glued into place on floors.
for consumer
Inks can be strong solvent, eco-solvent, Latex or UV.
and fine art, and
Garments and soft furnishings
also for interior
and exterior ads
Inks: A, ES, DS,
and signage,
Process: RF, specialist FB
for example bus
Mass-produced garments and soft furnishings tend to be
shelter Adshels.
printed by specialists as part of the whole manufacturing
Lamination may
process. UV is to be avoided if it contacts skin.
be needed
There are a handful of specialist direct-to-garment printers
for outdoor
(Epson has a low-cost one with special ink for short-run t-shirts
protection.
and sportswear). However short-run t-shirts, sports wear, work
Backlit graphics
wear and the like can be printed onto coated paper transfers
for light boxes
by low-cost eco solvent or even aqueous printers and applied
are printed on
by heat press.
transparent film
Dye sublimation gives bright permanent colours but only
or sheet plastic.
on textiles with a high polyester content. It’s possible to
UV is popular,
convert printers with third party dye sub ink such as Nazdar
especially if a
or Sawgrass.
white layer is
Building wraps
Backlit display
needed for further creative effects.
Ink: SS, ES L, UV.
Print-on-object
A lightweight plastic mesh needs to be used for building
Process: FB
Process: RF
Ink: UV, DS
wraps and similar applications to allow wind to flow. Often
Decorating already-made products.
printed on the widest inkjets available, of 3 and 5 metres.
Completely or nearly flat objects such
Unless the printer has a dedicated catch gutter, mesh needs a
as phone and tablet cases, plaques,
paper backing during printing.
even pens, golf balls and bottles,
Photographic and fine art (‘giclée’) prints
can be put into jigs and printed directly by flatbed UV inkjets. Mimaki,
Ink: A, SS, ES, UV, SUV
Process: RF
High quality and fidelity printing of photographs and fine art
onto a wide range of papers is a major application. Dedicated
photo-quality models are available with lots of colours and
grey - many commercial printers will already have an Epson,
Canon or HP model for proofing.
Canvas stretched onto frames is a major application across
the board of consumer, retail and hospitality. Aqueous works
well, but eco-sol or latex may be needed for durability.
Pop-up banners
Ink: ES, L, UV
Process: RF
A selection of printed objects
Big for retail and exhibition use, pop-ups are made of thin ban-
Mutoh and Roland all make small format high-resolution inkjets
ner material that’s attached to a collapsible frame and base for
with a large adjustable height range for this sort of work.
easy assembly, disassembly and transport.
Posters and backlit
Ink: A, ES, L, SS, UV, SUV, RF, FB
Process: RF
digitalprinter
An alternative for near-flat items is dye sublimation printing,
which prints onto a paper medium and is transferred to the
final object by a heat press. Here the object has to be made of
polyester or have a polyester coating. More complex shapes
can be decorated by water-slide transfers.
Visit us on
stand A6
16
PoS/PoP displays
Vehicle graphics and wraps
Ink: A, ES, L, UV.
Ink: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
A wide range of materials that range from flat signs, to small
Printed self-
Process: FB
Process: RF
signs with integral folding stands, to 3D shapes such as dump
adhesive vinyl
bins. Generally they’ll be made from corrugated, foam board
that is manually
or thick art board card.
stretched and
These generally form the majority of work for flatbed
UV printers.
shrunk into place
on vehicle panels.
Self-adhesive labels and lettering
Strong solvent
printers were
Ink: ES, L, SS, UV, SUV,
originally used
Process: RF
for durability, but
Self-adhesive
stretchable UV
vinyl printing is a
inks are also be-
major applica-
ing adopted. Eco
tion for wide
solvents and latex
format inkjets.
work, though with
Dedicated
less durability. Truck curtain sides use thick reinforced plastics
print-and-cut
and are typically printed by strong solvents on superwide
eco-solvent
printers, but UV and latex inks will work.
models for complex cutouts are
Wallpapers
available from
Ink: ES, L
Mimaki, Mutoh
Process: RF
and Roland DG,
There’s an increasing choice of wallpapers with inkjet coatings
with prices ranging roughly from
£7,000 to £20,000
Applying wallpaper
- some are self-adhesive and can be removed and reapplied
Soft signage
or so. Standalone
without damaging the walls with applications including consumer and hospitality interiors.
contour cutters such as Kana, Mimaki or Summa can be used
Window graphics
if you don’t have print-and-cut.
Ink: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
Process: RF
Soft signage
Printed clear films that are applied inside windows, typically of
vehicles and shop fronts. Some are self-adhesive, others are
Ink: DS, SS, ES, L, UV
static cling without adhesive. •
Process: RF
Printed textiles that are usually stretched over frames to form
large, lightweight signage or panels for other uses. These are
easy to transport and erect without creasing, and can easily
be removed, rolled up,
Ink key
A = Aqueous
DS = Dye sublimation
washed and re-used.
ES = Eco (or light) solvent
L = Latex
Theatre and film
sets
SS = Strong solvent
UV = UV-cured
Ink: DS, SS, L, ES, UV
SUV = Solvent-UV
Process: RF, FB
Solid panels, banners or
fabrics may be used as
Process key
backdrops. Large format
RF = Roll fed
inkjets can create photo-
FB = Flatbed
realistic set elements,
if needed.
Car wrap
digitalprinter
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25/11/2015 09:17
Company Profile
18
High volume, high quality and high
savings with the SOLJET EJ-640
Roland DG’s latest large format digital printer is designed to deliver
impressive, high quality print for up to 50% lower running costs.
A
s the UK’s leading manufacturer of wide format
novative wiper system in place to significantly reduce build-up
DG is renowned for creating its machines with the
lifespan and save costs.
digital inkjet printers for durable graphics, Roland
end-user in mind; and the SOLJET EJ-640 is no different.
around the edges of the print head to prolong the machine
Roland DG Intelligent Pass Control system, which controls
Combining reliability, productivity and quality, the SOLJET
dot placement between passes, produces produce excep-
digital printer available on the market offering savings of
as a consistent high quality output every time, variable dot
EJ-640 is the most productive and profitable large format
tional solid colours and faultless photographic images. As well
up to 50% on running costs.
control achieves smooth gradations and deep saturation on a
The machine has been designed to maximise productivity
to service the needs of busy, high-volume businesses that
broad range of materials.
The SOLJET EJ-640’s tri-heater system is an advanced
require a high output at low operating costs, without compro-
drying system, which dries prints quickly even during high-
mising on quality. Engineered with dual staggered print heads,
speed modes, allowing fast turnaround times.
an advanced media feed and stable new industrial design,
High volume and low maintenance
With a focus on high-volume businesses, the
EJ-640 is equipped with the Roland DG Ink
Switching System, which allows for reliable
continuous printing and ensures maximum
productivity. Unattended operation is further
facilitated by Roland OnSupport, which
notifies the machine operator when a job
is finished or ink is running low, enabling a
high-volume and low-maintenance print solution. The EJ range boasts lower running costs
of up to 50% compared to its competitors,
which will further increase profit margins, and
is the perfect solution for highly productive
businesses.
Roland DG’s proprietary inks have been
specifically formulated to ensure maximum
performance and efficiency. The EJ inks pro-
the machine produces premium products at high speeds.
duce a wide spectrum of vibrant colours to ensure premium
From wraps to posters, indoor & outdoor signs, vehicle wraps
results and higher profit margins. The quick-drying inks boast
and banners; the SOLJET EJ-640 is the perfect solution for
unrivalled long-term outdoor durability, as well as scratch and
businesses that require a high volume printing solution.
chemical resistance to ensure long lasting quality in even the
Long life and large margins
most challenging of environments.
The Roland DG SOLJET EJ-640 combines a high volume
The SOLJET EJ-640 comes equipped with a number of ad-
and low cost output to produce the most efficient wide-format
vanced cost-effective features such as an integrated tri-heater
digital inkjet printer to date, with the flawless quality and
system, flexible media handling and a sturdy chassis that
robust reliability that Roland DG’s loyal customers have
enables businesses to spend less time operating the machine
come to expect. •
and more time increasing profit margins. There is also an in-
www.rolanddg.co.uk
digitalprinter
SEE ME AT
SIGN &
DIGITAL UK
Stand H30
2016
20
A material world
A notable feature of wide format print is the huge range of media that
can be used. Simon Eccles takes a tour of the major classes of materials
available and what applications they can be used for.
A
nyone making their first steps into wide format
durable signage, exhibition and retail stands and panels, and
if they come from a commercial print background
UV flatbed inkjets permit direct printing, or pre-printed self-
can find the range of materials baffling, especially
even fencing. A variety of colours and finishes are available.
where sheet paper predominates and the choice is limited
adhesive rolls can be printed using roll fed printers.
and board, wide format print also encompasses plastic,
Banner
wood and even stone. Not all printers can print on all me-
A catch-all term for the application rather than the material.
to coated or uncoated and weight. In addition to paper
textiles and composite materials along with metal, glass,
Ink types: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
dia, as their abilities are also dependent on ink types.
Banners may be part of a pop-up roll-up display stand, or they
In addition some materials are supplied in sheets and some
banner to be fixed to a support.
in rolls, some are rigid and some flexible. A further complica-
Banner material is typically strengthened to increase strength
tion in wide format is the range of printing technologies, both
and resist tearing.
may be large panels that have grommet holes to allow the
machine architecture – roll fed, flatbed
or hybrid – and ink technology. Many
media will be coated to optimise their
use with a particular ink type, while
some inks, notably UV-cured, can print
onto almost anything.
Here is a run-down of the most common media types used in wide format,
the applications they are used for and
which inks they work with.
Acrylic, polycarbonate
Ink types: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
Acrylic plastic materials are used as
clear sheets (eg for exhibition stands
and POS holders), or in blocks for
trophies. Trade names include Perspex
and Plexiglass (acrylic). Polycarbonate
is strong, shatterproof and printable,
but relatively expensive.
Aluminium composite materials
Aluminium composite material (ACM)
Canvas
Ink types: UV, (plus L, SS, ES, SUV by lamination)
Ink types: A, ES, L, SS, UV, SUV
to generically as Dibond, a trade name for one product
biggest print application for canvas is to be stretched over
produced by 3A Composites. ACM comprises a sandwich of
frames, either for consumer photo and art products, or for
aluminium/polyethylene/aluminium. This makes it very strong
retail displays. It is usually coated to accept one or more
and rigid but quite lightweight. It’s widely used for outdoor-
ink type.
Aluminium composite material (ACM) is frequently referred
A woven heavyweight textile with a distinctive texture, the
digitalprinter
21
some outdoor signage,
POS etc. Also popular for
arts and crafts. Various
thicknesses are available.
Thin foamboard can often
be fed through a special
straight-feed slot in roll
feed printers, but thicker
types need a flatbed
or lamination.
Honeycomb board
Ink types: A, ES, L, SS,
UV, SUV
A similar idea to corrugated, but the central
layer is thicker and made
from board glued together
in a honeycombed structure that runs perpendicular to the faces, which
provides great strength
Wallpaper
and increased bulk for
little weight. The board
Card or cartonboard
tends is thicker than corrugated and can be contour cut using
Ink types: A, ES, L, SS, UV, SUV
Essentially a thicker paper often with a printable white liner
on one or both outer surfaces. Used for anything that requires
strength or rigidity, such as smaller POS holders, and folding
cartons. Some roll fed printers have a straight-through feed
slot for single sheets, thicker sheets may need a
flatbed printer.
a flatbed cutter to provide interesting shaped displays. Brands
include Reboard and Hexacomb.
Lenticular lens
Ink types: UV
An optically clear plastic sheet extruded to form parallel
lenses on one side. The print is aligned to the lenses, giving
optical effects such as 3D stereoscopy, animations, flips,
Corrugated board
morphs, etc. Typically they will be used in eye-catching backlit
Ink types: UV
displays using UV flatbeds.
A mainstay of short-term point of sale
u
(POS) corrugated board is sandwich
of card with a core of paper or
card that is rippled, or fluted to add
strength and bulk without weight and
cost. The outer face is often brown
but may have a white liner paper for
brighter colour print. Rigid board
needs a flatbed printer.
Foamboard
Ink types: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
A very lightweight but comparatively rigid plastic sheet material with
smooth white or black outer PVC
surfaces and a foamed plastic core.
Widely used for light duty interior
panelling or cladding, indoor and
digitalprinter
Self-adhesive vinyl
Visit us on
stand A6
Company profile
22
Blackman & White showcases best of
British at Sign&Digital 2016
Specialist UK manufacturer Blackman & White has been building specialist cutting machines for businesses across the world for over 50 years.
T
he family-owned company based in Maldon, Essex
is proud of its heritage and is the only UK manufacturer of large format cutters for the sign and
display industry.
Managing Director Alex White says that the ability to in-
novate and ‘stay ahead of the (well cut) curve’ is key to its
success – but always balanced with a focus on the basics
of excellent customer service and ongoing support.
Meeting the emerging needs of the sign and
display market
‘Continual innovation in both media and print technology
means that the sign and display market moves at a furious
pace, and our customers rely on the ability to diversify and
capitalise on the opportunities that brings,’ says Mr White.
‘It’s important that we anticipate and design solutions for
those emerging needs. For example, the textile print market is
continuing to grow at a faster pace than any other media in the
sign and display market, and that is where our laser cutting
option really comes into its own.
Alex White: Innovation is key to success
‘The modular design of our cutters allows companies to
invest in different tools as and when they need them, and to
textile printing and soft signage, by allowing them to keep their
finish a vast range of different printed media using just the
finishing in-house, with greater control over their costs.
one footprint.’
Modular solution to seize new opportunities
The Blackman & White range also includes the renowned
MasterCut, Genesis and Orion models.
Blackman & White’s Versa-Tech model, being shown at Sign &
Support ‘on your doorstep’
Digital 2016, offers the ultimate in tool versatility and accuracy,
British and European companies in particular see the benefit
and is the result of a decade of product development. Crease,
of getting service and support direct from the manufacturer,
kiss cut, router, drag knife, oscillating knife, driven rotary knife
who is – in global terms – right next door.
and laser are all available on a single conveyorised or flatbed
heavy-duty table.
Customers can purchase one tool initially, then add others
over time to meet increasingly varied production needs and
The company’s sister website www.cuttingresources.com
also offers speedy delivery on spare parts, additional modules
and consumables for B&W’s own machines and those of all
other major manufacturers.
spread the cost. The dual driven tooling with interchangeable
Mr White concluded: ‘As a UK manufacturer we are ‘on the
‘drop-in’ tools, both oscillating head and driven wheel, allows
doorstep’ for our European customers and able to offer a swift
for easy and quick change of cutting technique.
and truly responsive, manufacturer-direct service from delivery
This means that the Versa-Tech offers high-precision, top
right through the lifetime of our machines.’
quality output coupled with a fast return on investment.
The addition of the laser cutting module also reduces the
investment needed for companies taking their first step into
www.blackmanandwhite.com
www.cuttingresources.com
digitalprinter
Blackman & White VersaTech 168x245 Advert.pdf
1
26/02/2016
11:39
WWW.BLACKMANANDWHITE.COM
We will be demonstrating the multi-tooled VersaTech cutting
system with interchangeable Laser, Router and Knife tooling.
The system has a complete range of cutting tools for
processing materials used in the sign and graphic industry.
Equipped with a laser for the dye-sub and digital textiles
market, with VersaTech you are planning for the future!
At Blackman and White we take a more personal approach
with our customers, listening to their requests and requirements
and tailoring a system to meet their production demands.
Visit our stand and see the revolution in digital cutting.
Sign & Digital Uk Stand G10
And for your blades and consumables visit
SPARES AND CONSUMABLES WITH THE CLICK OF A MOUSE
for all makes of cutting machines
WWW.CUTTINGRESOURCES.COM
Blackman and White manufacturer of digital cutting systems
will be exhibiting at Sign & Digital UK 2016 - come and visit us!
24
Mesh
Ink types: SS, ES,
L, UV
A perforated PVC material that’s lightweight
and wind-permeable,
so suited to very large
outdoor display work
such as building
wraps.
Paper
Ink types: A, ES, L, SS,
UV, SUV
The original and still
the most versatile printing media. There is a
huge choice of inkjet
papers with different
structures and finishes.
It produces excellent
results with aqueous
inks, but requires special coatings. Uncoated
Mesh
papers can be used with
solvent, latex, UV and other inks. Paper may be supplied as
cut sheets or on rolls.
Textiles
Rigid sheets: wood, glass, metal
A catch-all term for woven materials whether made from natu-
Ink types: DS, L, SS, ES, UV, specialist
Ink types: UV
ral fibres or man-made fibres. Common printed applications
rectly on UV flatbeds. They may require a primer or pre-coat-
coverings. If the drape or ‘handle’ of the textile isn’t an impor-
Flat, thick and heavy solid sheet materials can be printed diing treatment (such as corona) to accept ink. An alternative is
include garments, flags, furnishings, soft signage and wall
tant consideration for the application then UV-cured ink works
to print onto roll media and then mount onto the rigid sheet.
with practically any textile, but can’t be used for garments
Self-adhesive vinyl
non-hazardous alternative. Dye sublimation works for textiles
because of the risk of uncured ink touching skin. Latex is a
Ink types: L, SS, UV, SUV
with a high polyester content. It can either be printed directly
used for labels (called decals in some sectors), with stretch-
using a calander. •
Sticky-backed plastic, on a paper release material. Widely
(referred to as disperse) or printed onto paper and transferred
able varieties used for vehicle wrapping. It may be laminated
post-print, for greater durability. Printed vinyl may itself be
laminated onto rigid surfaces such as wood, metal, glass
and ACM.
Static cling film
Ink types: SS, ES, L, UV, SUV
A clear printable film used for window displays, mirrors and
sometimes smooth painted metal. Works well with a white ink
printer, which can provide a white backing or diffusion layer.
It’s applied to smooth surfaces without needing and adhesive
Ink key
A = Aqueous
DS = Dye sublimation
ES = Eco (or light) solvent
L = Latex
SS = Strong solvent
UV = UV-cured
SUV = Solvent-UV
and squeegeed flat. The film clings permanently but can easily be peeled off.
digitalprinter
ESS
SOARING TO SUCC
For over a quarter of a century, Whitmar Publications
has been delivering specialist industry intelligence to the
printing and packaging sectors. Our respected magazines
lead their markets, and each has its own dedicated
website delivering the latest news and features.
In addition, our awards are always keenly contested,
and our digital newsletters are recognised as trusted
sources of industry news.
We’re focused on your future,
and always have been.
The digitalprinter awards
+44 (0)1892 779 597
[email protected]
www.paperandprint.com
26
Company profile
Best of both worlds SuperWide Digital
aims to provide the flexibility of trade
printing with the service and quality
of an in house division.
Continuous investment in the latest equipment to meet customer
demands for faster turnaround and higher volumes are key to the
specialist wide format trade printer.
I
n the digital print industry, few things are more impor-
tant these days than turnaround times and print quality.
Every company you deal with needs shorter and shorter
deadlines, but their expectation of quality does not diminish, which is perfectly understandable. These demands
and expectations can put serious strain on a production
schedule as time is of the essence but quality remains
tantamount to the project. The likelihood is that if you
need a fast turnaround, the quality will be compromised,
and vice-versa.
At SuperWide Digital, we’re focused on offering both
aforementioned necessities simultaneously and at the right
cost. Our mission is to ensure a consistently reliable and
dependable service, with an output that you would d be proud
to call your own and if this isn’t enough, a profit margin that
makes you even happier!
For 15 years we have dedicated our endeavours to trade
work, and with the trade firmly in our mind, we have regularly
invested in the latest, cutting edge technology to provide the
best printed output available on the market. This year is no
different. We have invested in new print technology as we look
to assist our customer base with their higher volume project
requirements. We have added the incredible Vutek HS100 Pro
to our armoury; along with two of the latest Mtex 5032 HS dye
sublimation printers.
digitalprinter
Company profile
27
Despite already running two Vutek
GS3250LX hybrid LED printers,
we recently looked to EFI again
for the HS100 Pro to increase our
capacity and ensure we could
handle even more, rigid sheet
printing projects for our clients in
shorter lead-times. The decision to
invest in this technology has been
worthwhile, allowing us to handle
in excess of 70 sheets per hour,
up to a width of 3.2m, reducing
turnaround times and associated
costs for our customers.
Combining the high-resolution print
from our new high-speed print
technology with our Bürkle coating
equipment provides an unrivalled
finished product. Whether our lacquered panels are used externally
or internally, the additional coating
provides increased protection and
improves the overall appearance
of the printed panels.
At the same time as our HS100
installation, we upgraded two of
our Mtex dye sub printers to the
new high-speed machines and
added three high volume sewing
machines to our existing finishing
equipment, again with lead-times
in mind. The new machines offer us twice the print capacity
and mean we are able to finish even more fabric work in tight
deadlines. The sewing machines become particularly useful
when we are sewing silicone beading to the perimeter of
fabric graphics to suit slimline tension frames and LED
ment in the latest technology, giving our clients the tools to sell
the best output available on the market. We are always on the
lookout for new and exciting products from across the globe,
and when we find them, our clients are always the first to hear
about them.
textile lightboxes.
Whether you need a building wrap, bus wrap, one-piece wall-
We offer a full turnkey solution when it comes to fabrics. If
graphics, site hoarding
you’re undertaking a new project that requires the framing
or lightboxes, we can manufacture in-house, ensuring you
receive everything you need on time and on budget. Our
frame systems, 3D cube solution and LED lightboxes will all
be on our Sign & Digital UK stand for you to inspect; and we’ll
be delighted to answer any questions you may have about
paper graphic, window
or high traffic graphic
flooring, SuperWide
will be on hand to work
through the project
with you. With the
most extensive range
these products.
of print equipment in
At SuperWide, our plan for the future is simple. We want to
find the right product
continue to build strong working relationships with our clients,
to the point where we could even be seen as their internal
‘superwide format division’. We intend to continue our invest-
digitalprinter
the industry, you will
for your requirements
with us. •
www.superwide.com
Key markets
• Exhibitiongraphics
• Buildingwraps
• Sitehoardings
• Flexfaces
• G-floorgraphicflooring
• Fabricdisplaysystems
• LEDlightboxsystems
• Windowgraphics
• POSdisplayboards
• One-piecewallpaper
28
Wide format finishing
If your experience of finishing has been for commercial printing so far,
the requirements of wide format finishing will seem very simple at first,
finds Simon Eccles.
M
any of the post-print processes are vari-
ations of cutting. There’s also a frequent
requirement to either laminate a clear film
over the print, or to mount the print onto another
surface. Flags and banners have special requirements, including hem sewing/welding and
eyelet insertion.
Contour cutters
If you don’t have a printer-cutter, there are standalone
contour cutters intended for wide format sheets or rolls
that have been re-reeled. If you intend to work with
printed vinyl you’ll need a machine that can align itself
to registration marks.
The knife pressure, and so cutting depth, can be
Contour cutter
varied so that self-adhesive vinyl shapes can be
kiss-cut, without cutting through the backing paper.
However Roland DG also makes UV-cure printer-cutters, while
A manual ‘weeding’ operation removes waste vinyl.
Mimaki has a small dye sublimation model that can cut out
shapes for garment transfers.
Prices start below £2,000, though you can buy a sophisticated
1.6 metre model for about £14,000.
Printer-cutters
Cutting tables
For thicker rigid sheets, foam board, cartons etc, you need a
flatbed cutting table, which holds the sheet by vacuum while
Some wide format roll fed inkjet printers incorporate contour-
the cutting head travels across it on a gantry that moves along
cutting knives in the same moving carriage as the print heads.
its length and across its width. Registration is generally opti-
Naturally enough, these machines are usually called printer-
cal, to marks on the printed material.
cutters (or less elegantly, sometimes ‘print and cut’).
Often these cutters have an automatic turret head that holds
several tools at once.
The contour cutting is usually done with self-adhesive vinyl.
The machine will first print onto the roll, then rewind it and cut
There’s a range of sizes and capabilities. At the low priced
out the shapes.
end are manually fed tables with simple tool heads. More
expensive machines may exert greater force from the heads
If a job needs to be laminated, the printed sheet is first cut
(which matters more for creasing and scoring than cutting),
from the roll (using a separate travelling knife) and taken to the
with more tools and options such as moving belt transports
laminator, then returned to the printer and fed in for a separate
and automatic loading and unloading features.
cutting operation. The printer’s RIP generates alignment marks
in non-image areas, which are detected by an optical sensor
Closely related to cutting tables are routers, which have rotary
to align the cuts precisely.
tools to carve and shape thick solids such as wood or acrylic.
Laser cutters are falling in price at the same time as more and
Printer-cutters make very versatile all-round workhorses,
more powerful lasers become available. The fastest models
especially for anyone venturing into wide format for the first
are belt fed with options for automatic loading and unloading/
time. Typically they will be eco solvent models in the 80 cm to
stacking. Lasers can’t form true creases, but they can score
1.6 metre width range, priced from about £7,000 to £20,000.
by part-cutting the sheet.
digitalprinter
29
Ink considerations
ranging from simple and low cost
The need to laminate or carry out other
hand fed models through to heavy
post-print finishing may affect your
duty units for volume production.
choice of printer type. Solvent and
Some can laminate both sides of a
eco-solvent inks are very versatile and
sheet in the same pass.
convenient, but although they emerge
touch-dry from the printer, they con-
The major differences in lamination
tinue to cure for anything up to a cou-
are between thermal and cold films.
ple of days afterwards. This releases
Cold lamination film is pressure-
solvent vapours, called ‘outgassing.’ If
sensitive and self-adhesive. Hand-fed
you laminate immediately after printing,
the outgassing can form bubbles under
Laminator
wide format laminators are often the
cold type for simplicity.
the surface. It’s necessary to leave the print for a day or two
before lamination.
These laminators can also put application tape on top of
finished and cut vinyl shapes. This is needed in the final ap-
In a world that increasingly demands last-minute and just-in-
plication stage, to hold the shapes together when the silicone
time ordering, this wait is a considerable limitation. It explains
paper backing is peeled off.
the appeal of other ink types even for applications that may
seem better suited to low cost eco-solvent models. Aqueous,
Thermal lamination uses heated rollers to melt the glue as the
UV-cure, Latex and UV-solvent hybrid inks do not outgas,
film is pressed onto the substrate. The film is fairly low cost but
so are suited for immediate lamination or other post-
the heat and glue may not be compatible with some inks and
print finishing.
some plastic media.
A variation is encapsulation, where the print is placed into a
double-sided pouch and sent through heated rollers to activate the adhesive. A clear border remains around the print.
Liquid lamination is more commonly known as coating in
the commercial print sector. Here a liquid is applied to the
surface, these can be thermal or UV cured.
Applicators
If you are applying printed rolls or cut vinyl letters to rigid
sheets the process can be eased by the use of a flatbed
applicator. These hold the target material flat on the bed with
Cutting table
Lamination
the printed or cut sheet above it, while a roller runs down its
length, pressing the self-adhesive into place and peeling off
the release tape as it goes.
Lamination is the application of an additional layer over an-
A more labour intensive alternative is a vertical sheet holder,
other substrate. Commonly a clear film is applied onto printed
where the operator works at a comfortable height and applies,
paper or vinyl, to protect against abrasion or to increase dura-
squeegees the vinyl into place and peels off the application
bility. Also common is the use of double-sided adhesive film to
tape by hand. Vehicles, shop windows and so on have to be
mount, for example, paper prints onto wood or Perspex.
applied in situ, obviously.
There’s a wide choice of film types, with gloss, matt, pearl,
Banner finishing
frosted and textured finishes, in different thicknesses depend-
Depending on the banner type, it may be necessary to either
ing on the end use. These can achieve affects that print alone
create hems on all edges to prevent fraying, or to create pock-
can’t manage, such as ‘soft-touch.’ Metallic and holographic
ets that take a mounting pole (for pop-ups and similar). Hems
foils can also be laminated and overprinted, especially on
and pockets can be sewn, or welded with heat or ultrasonics.
printers that can lay down a white undercoat.
Eyelets can be punched in to take mounting cord, cable or
ties: usually the eyelets are metal, but recyclable plastic is
There’s a huge choice of lamination systems on the market,
digitalprinter
also available. •
Visit us on
stand A6
30
Company Profile
On the up with Antalis
Responding to the demands for innovation, Antalis is constantly bringing
new sign and display materials that deliver maximum visual impact.
W
hile many traditional print markets
continue to experience a decline, other
applications are on the up, with the sign
and display sector in particular showing healthy
signs of growth. In fact, you only have to visit
your local high street or shopping centre and be
bombarded by the plethora of signage, billboards,
displays and promotional point of sale merchandise to see this for yourself. This is positive
news indeed for printers looking to diversify by
capitalising on these emerging markets in wide
format applications.
However, with an increasing number of printers
looking to take advantage of this growing sector,
competition is becoming more fierce. As a result,
printers need to ensure they stay one step ahead of
range. Made from 100% recyclable paper, DISPA is an excel-
their competitors by offering ever more diverse and value
lent alternative to plastic products; with a unique embossed
added services.
core that makes it strong and rigid yet lightweight, and offers a
Responding to this demand for creativity and innovation,
smooth white surface, ideal for displaying stand-out graphics.
Antalis is constantly looking to bring new and engaging com-
Also on display will be the Dibond, Forex, Smart-X and
munication support materials to market to feed this ongoing
KAPA ranges.
thirst for sign and display solutions that will deliver maximum
visual impact, audience interaction and brand presence.
Coala has it covered
Demonstrating its commitment to serving this growing sector,
Antalis UK is presenting a host of inspirational products and
The Orafol range of plotter vinyls, digital vinyl and laminates
offer another option for printers looking to service vehicle
wrapping, glass décor and illuminated and reflective installations, while the digital vinyl range includes soft PVC, special
PVC, polymeric and cast materials.
In addition, Drytac’s portfolio of Digital printable films and
solutions on its stand (L20) at Sign & Digital UK 2016. Themed
overlaminates for the graphic display market will be available
as a retail ‘coffee shop’ environment, the Antalis stand is
to view; including Protac Scuffguard Floor Graphic Laminate
showcasing a range of solutions from its core sign and display
and Hi-Grab, Viziprint and Retac easy to apply print films. Also
offering. These include over 74 substrates from its Coala
on display will be the new Drytac Polar Range of digital
range suitable for outdoor and indoor applications. These
print vinyls.
comprise exhibition and display materials, window and floor
graphics, wall coverings as well as a broad range of papers,
Focus on innovation, service and value
self-adhesives, banners, textiles and speciality media suitable
At Antalis, our focus continues to be on innovation, customer
for solvent, UV, latex and water-based inks.
service and added value where the support of our custom-
Antalis now has an extensive portfolio of digital wall cover-
ers is of paramount importance. With a highly experienced
ings with its Coala and Graham and Brown ranges. These new
team of specialist advisors, we pride ourselves in keeping our
products enable printers to expand their customer offerings
customers informed of the very latest products and solutions,
through the creation and delivery of high impact, visually
as well as supporting them with advice, industry insight,
stimulating wall installations. Compatible with inkjet printing,
knowledge and expertise to guide them in to new markets.
these substrates are both easy to apply and remove.
By ensuring our customers are equipped with the best
Other speciality substrates include DISPA® Display Board,
solutions, we can play our part in helping them to push the
a unique internally embossed multiple layer board ideal for
boundaries and reap the benefits of the exciting opportunities
short-term indoor sales displays from the 3A Composites
of the growing sign and display market. •
digitalprinter
For more information contact
your local sales team
01925 868 650
[email protected]
antalis.co.uk
32
Commercial Considerations
Before investing in wide format print equipment it is important to be sure
that you have got customers for your wares and a sales and marketing
strategy in place to keep them coming back for more.
I
t can be tempting to get carried away when
considering a new opportunity such as
wide format printing. As can be seen from
the other articles in this supplement the
applications and the addressable market for
wide format print is huge and, so potentially,
are the rewards. However, the key to suc-
cessfully entering a market is not to bite off
more than you can chew. If you try to do too
much at once the risk is that you and your
team are spread too thinly to be really effec-
tive and successful. One common approach
for commercial printers who have added
wide format print to their portfolio is to
target current clients with products that they
know those customers require and which
the printers are capable of producing; rather
than attempting to go cold calling strangers
Potts Print John Conway (L): 90% of existing clients have wide
format needs
and promising the world on a giant
building wrap.
Better the devil
you know
London-based Rapidity
took this approach rather
than chasing new clients
with its existing sales
needed,’ said managing director Paul Manning. ‘Our wide
format account manager has skills that we did not previously
have such as carrying out site surveys, installation and fitting
and an understanding of the huge range of wide format substrates available.’
Identifying opportunities for wide format sales from your
existing customers is easy; you just have make sure the
sales team remember to ask the question.
team taking on wide
format too. However, to
‘Our sales team are taking on wide format sales,’ said
support the sales team,
Northumberland-based Potts Print business development
it did take on an account
director John Conway. ‘Initially they are asking customers if
manager with wide
they also have any wide format requirements; and we’ve found
format experience. ‘You
that 90% of them do.’
can’t underestimate the
difference in the skills
Even once you’ve identified prospects from existing customers, or beyond, selling the capabilities of wide format is a still
‘The way we sell wide format is
different. We operate from a price
list rather than estimating… which
helps simplify it..’
The Printing House joint managing director
Peter Harrison
a big challenge, according to Southampton-based Cubic
managing director Stuart Devlin, and one he is yet to fully
crack: ‘One of the biggest problems is letting people know
what you can do for them, and then getting them to recognise
the value. For example we do a lot of frosted window films,
mostly just cut out. In our own window we combine that with
printed graphics too, but in the end customers tend to be
price focused and choose the basic option.’
digitalprinter
33
Potts Print’s Mr Conway agrees that it is important to go out
‘The way we sell wide format is different,’ says Mr Harrison.
and spread the word. ‘We need to get out to the market and
‘We operate from a price list rather than estimating. In wide
tell them there is a new wide format player and to come
format people seem much more confident ordering off a price
and talk to us,’ he said. ‘As with the rest of the business our
list, which helps simplify it.’
approach is based on our reputation for quality and service
rather than being price-driven.’
Test the waters before jumping in
Defending yourself
There’s another reason to consider moving into wide format
that is not about attacking a new market but is instead about
If you are unsure of the viability of the market for wide format it
protecting your business and counteracting declining sales of
is possible to test the water by using a trade print partner for
other printed products.
production while you focus on business development. There
are a number of specialist wide format trade print services
‘A lot of customers have turned away from more traditional
including Superwide Digital, Tradeprint and Venture Banners.
forms of print in favour of online campaigns,’ said Mr Conway.
Taking this approach means that you haven’t tied up capital
‘By adding wide format we can support online with a different
or lines of finance and provides a great deal of flexibility. If
form of print.‘ •
appropriate, once the wide format business is established,
you can invest in your own production equipment in the
knowledge you have work to fill it, or if it is less viable than
you thought, those funds are more readily available for other
diversification strategies.
Tools to support
sales
Telling customers you
offer wide format and
getting them to buy it
‘You can’t underestimate the
difference in the skill our wide format
account manager has skills that we
did not previously have such as site
surveys, installation and an understanding wide format substrates.’
Rapidity managing director Paul Manning.
from you is only half the
battle. The old adage
that sales are vanity and
profits sanity still holds,
and that means being
able to price your work
appropriately, and that
means having an MIS
‘One of the biggest problems is
letting people know what you can do
for them, and then getting them to
recognise the value.’
Cubic managing director Stuart Devlin
Strategies for wide format sales success
Questions to consider
1. Do you already outsource wide format work for
customers?
2. Do your customers currently buy wide format?
3. What do they buy, who do they buy it from, how
much do they buy, how often and how much do
they pay?
4. What are the challenges they face with their
existing suppliers and can you offer a better
solution?
5. Would they consider buying from you?
6. What type of clients do you want to focus on?
that is up to it. Many of the standard packages also support
wide format, but if your system doesn’t it is another area that
needs to be considered.
‘Our Tharstern MIS was easy to configure for wide format
print,’ comments Crewe-based The Printing House joint managing director Peter Harrison. However, he also found difference
in ways that people buy wide format that make the process of
pricing, estimating and quoting easier.
digitalprinter
7. What products and services do you plan to
offer?
8. What additional sales, marketing and account
management will you need?
9. Can you train existing staff to sell wide format
or do you need to employ wide format sales or
account specialists?
10. How are you planning to promote your wide
format capabilities?
Visit us on
stand A6
34
Company Profile
Pleased to meet you
Tradeprint.co.uk’s rapid growth and impressive business performance
are based on customer service and a personal touch, so as the firm takes
it to the next level it is keen to get even closer to customers.
I
t has been a bumper couple of years for Tradeprint.
co.uk. We are constantly adding new products and
expanding our range of services. Established as the
leading print reseller solution in the UK last year the firm
became a part of Cimpress, an international
phenomenon, which allows us to offer even
better value to our customers, along with our
legendary service and unbeatable quality.
A great problem to have
Growth in the business has been so rapid that
sometimes we worry we are growing too fast. We
know that is a great problem to have, but we felt
we needed to get back to our roots. We began
as a company back in 1997 giving our customers a
dedicated service that supported our mass customisation.
We still maintain that high touch care with personal account
managers and knowledgeable customer service agents. Customers have an account manager who personally visits every
one of their clients, and we hope becomes a valuable part of
their business.
Getting out and about
We spend far too much time cooped up in our office, so this
year, for the first time, we have decided to get out and about
and meet more of our customers. We are going on the road
and will be coming to a show near you. Our first stop is at Sign
& Digital UK 2016 at the NEC from April 19th - 21.
We cannot wait to meet you, so please come along and meet
the team. •
digitalprinter
visit us
on stand
K24
36
Seminars, trails & demos
Planning your visit
V
isitors to Sign & Digital UK 2016 can benefit
from a wide range of on-site content to help
them make the most of their time at the show.
These include an extensive range of seminars
and workshops covering business, application
and technology issues, as well as additional tools
to help identify and contact relevant exhibitors.
Details of the seminar and workshop programmes
can be found on the following pages including the
schedule for the Adobe, Business, Corel and SignLab Theatres and the Sign Maker’s Workshops.
See below for details of the Show Trails and the new demonstration schedule and online meeting booking service.
Show Trails
RR
Retail Route
TheRetailRoutehighlightsexhibitorsand
showfeaturesforthoseworkingintheretail
sector–fromtheproductionofdisplayinnovationsthroughtothelatestsolutionsfor
POPandPOSaswellasthegrowingdemandforPopupretail
unitsandinteriordécor.
MW
Materials World
TheMaterialsWorldtrailwillfeaturesomeof
thelatestinnovationsinmaterials,mediaand
substrates.Itwilloffervisitorsthechanceto
learnaboutthewiderangeofapplications
andoutputnowavailableandtodiscoverhowtheycanbe
usedtogeneratenewrevenuestreamsforyourbusiness.
ourshowtrailswillguideyouaroundtheshowfloor,highlight-
Online Meeting Booking and Demonstrations
Schedule
ingproductsandservicesofparticularinterest–offering
Thisyear’sshowwillseethelaunchoftwonewfeatures,both
youtheopportunitytomeetexhibitors,haveyourquestions
ofwhichwillenablevisitorstocreateatailoredandpersonal
answeredandseelivedemonstrationsofthelatestequipment.
showexperience.
TohelpyoumakethemostofyourtimeatSign&DigitalUK,
Thetrailswillalsopointyoutotherelevantfreeseminarsand
workshopsthattakeplaceintheshowfloortheatres.
TT
Textile Trail
Ascheduleoflivedemonstrationswillbeavailabletopreregisteredvisitorsduringtherunuptotheshow,allowing
visitorstoseeequipmentinactionandputtheirquestionsto
Returningforthethirdyear,theTextileTrail
theexperts.Alsonewfor2016,anonlinemeetingbooking
willhighlightallyouneedtogetyoustarted
facilitywillhelpvisitorstoscheduleappointmentswithexhibi-
ortodevelopyourexistingbusinessfurther
torsthroughoutthedurationoftheshow.Twoweeksbeforethe
withtextileprint,softwareandfinishing,soft
showopens,eachpre-registeredvisitorwillhaveaccesstoa
signage,garmentdécor,interiordisplayandmore.
personalisedonlineportalinwhichtodiarisetheexhibitors,
seminarsanddemonstrationstheywanttoseeduringtheir
timeattheshow.
Signmakers’ Workshop Timetable
Please note that these sessions will only run Tuesday 19 and
Wednesday 20 April.
10:30 - 10:50
Basic Application of Vinyls
•
Vinyl–what,whenandhow
10:50 - 11:15
Moving on from the Basics
•
Applyingmultilayersofvinyl
•
Weedingandapplyingapplicationtapes
•
Floodcoatingofsubstratewithvinyl
•
Preparingsurfacesforapplicationofvinyl
•
Workingonglass–etchedfilms
•
Useofwater/applicationfluids
•
Applyingbasictext
digitalprinter
Seminars, trails & demos
11:15 - 11:30
Q & A session
15:35 - 15:55
Moving on from the Basics
12:00 - 12:15
Vehicle Livery
•
Paintedwalls
•
Texturedsurfaces
•
Brickwork
•
Generaladviceonlayout–easyandhardareastofit
•
Floors
graphicsto
•
Carpets
•
Cleaningandpreparationofthevehicle
•
Basicapplicationofvinyltovehicle
12:15 - 12:35
Moving on from the Basics
•
Applyinggraphicstothefrontofvehicle–makingitlook
straight
•
Floodcoatingrecessedpanels
12:35 - 13:00
Starting vehicle wrapping
•
Applyingvinyloverrecessesandbasiccurves
•
Trimmingvinylonavehicle–dealingwithdoor/panel
seams
•
Usingheatandpostheating
13:00 - 13:15
Q & A Session
13:45 - 14:05
The Basics of making a signboard
37
15:55 - 16:10
Q & A Session
16:10 - 16:45
Anything goes
Gotasignmakingrelatedproblemorquestion?Comealong
tothisQ&Asessionandseeifwecansolveit.
Signlab Theatre Seminar Programme
10:30 - 11:15
Introduction to SignLab
Vinylcuttingfeatures,contourcut,instantreplay,fluidmaskfor
SignLab,serialisationandvectorisation.
11:45 - 12:30
Large Format Printing from SignLab
Not all RIP software is created equal
Multiplequeuesetup,printandcutsetups,templates,easy
•
Substrates–what,whenandhow
accessproductiontoolsincludinggrommetplacement,dupli-
•
Cuttingandfinishingdifferentsubstratestoinclude
catesandtiling.ICCprofilingandadvancedcolourmanage-
finishingofbanners
mentsettings.
•
Fixingsforsigns–what,when&how
14:05 - 14:20
Moving on from the Basics
•
Stepbystepguidetomakingyourownsigntrays
•
Frames–what,whenandhow
•
Makingandfittingyourownflatcutletters
14:20 - 14:35
Q & A Session
15:15 – 15:35
First Steps in wall and floor graphics
•
Materials–what,whenandhow
•
Whatsurfacescanweapplygraphicsto
•
Preparingsurfacesforapplicationofgraphics
13:15 - 14:00
SignLab v10: Faster. Easier. More Powerful
Newdesign/specialeffectstools,enhancedproductionworkflowfeaturesandmore.
14:30 - 15:00
SignLab for Versaworks
TakeadvantageofRolandDGtechnology
Contourcut-lines,halfcutcut-lines,workingwithVersaWorks
colourpalette,usingRolandcolourprofiles,workingwith
Rolandmetallicandwhiteinksets.
15:30 - 16:00
SignLab for Mimaki
DesignandproductionworkflowswithMimakiprinters
SeamlessinterfacewithRasterLink,printandcutset-up,utilizingtimesavingtoolssuchasvariabledatasupport,supersize
image,andeasytousespecialeffectsfeatures.
digitalprinter
Company Profile
38
Materials made in the UK
Innovative and unique materials from a local branded producer are a
guarantee for flatbed printing success, says Perspex Distribution
P
erspex Distribution will be demonstrating its UK produced wide format
print materials on stand C12 at Sign
& Digital UK 2016. The firm has been the go
to company for print substrates for over 10
years. As the UK manufacturer and supplier
of Perspex cast acrylic, it offers unrivalled
access to the UK’s largest range of cast
acrylic offering over 150 colours and effects.
Diversification is a key consideration
for commercial printers looking to take
advantage of the recent boom in wide format
flatbed printing.
Opening up a world of rigid substrate material such as Perspex, aluminium composite
and PVC foam, wide format printing enables
commercial printers to start selling into new
markets such as point-of-sale, exhibition or
signage.
Perspex Distribution prides itself on supplying the widest selection of UK produced
Alupanel A-Lite Digital: cleaner cutting
rigid materials. We are experts in our field
Also new from Perspex Distribution is Alupanel A-Lite
and we welcome commercial printers to get in touch and
Digital, an aluminium composite that uses a new A5005 alloy
explore what can be done.
for the 0.2mm skin and an ink receptive coating on both sides.
When it comes to substrates, it is possible to print an image
A5005 is a softer aluminium enabling a cleaner cut. Rigidity
on any rigid material, so long as it is flat and its dimensions
is added to through a harder LDPE core. It also features a
fit the printing tolerances. Wide format flatbed printers can
fast removal, easy peel film on both sides that won’t tear
print on materials from Perspex acrylic to PVC Foam board, so
on removal.
whether increasing your product range to existing customers
or opening opportunities into new markets, direct substrate
Made in the UK
printing really is key.
After investing in machinery, it is important that commercial
Unique products
printers choose the right material supplier to ensure high product quality and service. Few people would buy their machinery
Perspex Distribution is at the cutting edge of new product
from a supplier they had never heard of, so why risk feeding
development for printers. The company strives to keep ahead
your machines with substrates from unknown sources?
of the market with products that offer long-term performance.
Static build up, the bane of digital print, is something Perspex Distribution has got around with its Palfoam Anti-Static
Digital PVC Foam, which is available in three, five and 10 mm
Buying branded products made here in the UK ensures the
best quality controls and product guarantees resulting in the
optimum finished products.
This local supply chain ensures fast availability for special
thicknesses. The lightweight PVC foam board with a bright
requirements – key in today’s fast moving market – and
white surface is completely anti-static. Bright green, easy peel
supports the need for reliable stock availability from
film provides pre-print surface protection and notably when
distribution partners. •
printed, the material stays cleaner longer.
www.perspex.co.uk
digitalprinter
FLYING THE FLAG FOR
UK MADE MATERIALS
an PO
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We believe in sourcing the best
materials for our customers. We
have built up an enviable range of
UK sourced substrates delivering quality,
consistency and availability for your projects.
uf
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Visit us on stand C12
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Choose from our unrivalled range of UK manufactured
sheets for your sign and print projects - available today!
LATEST NEWS : Alupanel Aluminium Composite
is now produced in Kent – the only product of its
kind to be produced in the UK.
Available to purchase from your local Perspex Distribution branch:
Blackburn 01254 272800 [email protected] |
Tamworth 01827 263900 [email protected] |
Chelmsford 01245 232800 [email protected]
Weybridge 01932 356900 [email protected]
Visit www.perspex.co.uk to view our full product range
40
Seminars, trails & demos
Adobe Theatre Timetable
Hosted by Terry Steeley, the Adobe Theatre offers daily sessions on using
the latest editions of Adobe software. Please note that these sessions will
only run Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 April.
10:30 - 11:15
Getting started with Adobe Bridge CC (2015)
nowavailable.WithCreativeCloudsmonthlyupdates,
allofyourcreativeprojects.Whetheryouneedtobrowsefiles,
time-savingtechniquesandindustrybestpractices.
BridgeCCisaninvaluablemediamanagerandcentralhubfor
batchprocessoreditimages,addwatermarksorcorrectly
setColourManagementsettingsfortheentireCreativeSuite,
Bridgesimplifiesyourworkflowandkeepsyouincontrol.
thissessionisguaranteedtobepackedfullofcountless
14:45 - 15:45
Knowledge is power — Adobe InDesign CC (2015)
Lookingtocreateandpreflightsophisticatedpagelayoutsfor
11:30 - 12:15
Stop wasting time and take control of colour with
Adobe Creative Suite
printordigitaldistribution?Withbuilt-increativetools,unparal-
anddiscoverthefundamentalsofcorrectlysetting-upyour
readyforthenextgenerationpublishing?
Managingcolourdoesn’tneedtobechallenging!Comealong
AdobeCreativeSuitecoloursettings.We’llshareessential
knowledgeformonitorcalibration,accuratelysoft-proofing
on-screenandexplainhowtoreliablyproducecolour
perfectprints.
leledprecisiontypography,nativefilesupportandcomprehensivepreflightandproductiontools;AdobeInDesignCC
cancreate,editandpublishfasterthaneverbefore.Areyou
16:00 - 16:45
Bigger. Bolder. Better — Adobe Illustrator CC
(2015)
Boastingbullet-proofstability,IllustratorCChasbeenrebuilt
13:30 - 14:30
Create anything you can imagine — Adobe
Photoshop CC (2015)
tobefasterandmoreintuitivethaneverbefore.Poweredby
magic.Strap-inaswesharetheexcitingnewcreativetools
designer’sbestfriendhasjustbecomefriendlier.
PhotoshopCCcontinuestodeliverstate-of-the-artimaging
theAdobeMercuryPerformanceengine,theapplication
accessesalloftheavailableRAMtospeedilyopen,save,
exportandpreviewthemostdemandingofdesigns.The
Sign & Digital UK 2016 Business Theatre
Tuesday 19 April
10:30 - 12:00
Exploring interior wall décor
Exploring interior wall décor through case studies
EdwardCurrer,creativedirector,VinylImpression
12:15 - 12:45
Sign Maintenance & Planning Regulations
PresentedbyDavidCatanach,director,BSGA
13:00 - 13:30
Do’s and Don’ts of Colour Management
The Mailbox
AntaliscolourmanagementexpertsJanEdgecombeand
Monster
inglyimportanttopic.
OliBarton,businessdevelopmentmanager,Hollywood
Chubb Insurance, Head Office
MarkBartlett,managingdirector,Signbox
Q&A
ChairedbyEdwardCurrer,creativedirector,VinylImpression
GilesBristowwillexplainthedosanddon’tsofthisincreas-
13:45 - 14:15
Capitalising on a changing digital market
Advancesinprinttechnologiesandsubstratesandthe
opportunitiestheycreate.Focuswillbegiventowideformat
digitalprinter
Seminars, trails & demos
41
Sign & Digital UK 2016 Business Theatre
flatbedandthediversificationthatcanbeachievedbyselling
intonewmarkets.
PresentedbyNickKirby,managingdirector,SwanlinePrint
14:30 - 15:00
Looking after your wide format eco-solvent machine
MikeKryvoblocki,RolandDGRolandCareSupervisor&
TechnicalTrainer,willhostaseminarwhichwillfocusonthe
importanceofusermaintenanceforwideformateco-solvent
machines.
15:15 - 15:45
Hewlett Packard Wall Art Suite
HPWallArtSuiteisacloud-basedsolutiondesignedtohelp
drivenewgrowthindecorativeapplications.
PresentedbyRanaRaychoudhury,Hewlett-Packard
Wednesday 20 April
10:30 - 11:00
Hewlett Packard Wall Art Suite
HPWallArtSuiteisacloud-basedsolutiondesignedtohelp
drivenewgrowthindecorativeapplications.
PresentedbyRanaRaychoudhury,Hewlett-Packard
11:30 - 12:00
Exposing the myths of illuminating signs
with LEDs
PresentedbyDaveWilliamson,salesgeneralmanager,
EMEA-LEDSpeciality,GELighting
12:15 - 12:45
A skilled workforce for the signmaking industry
Thebenefitsofinvestinginapprenticeshiptrainingandthe
newapprenticeshipstandardsforEngland.
PresentedonbehalfoftheBSGAbyIanLockhartofCogent
Skills,theSectorSkillCouncilforthesignindustry.
13:00 - 13:30
Do’s and Don’ts of Colour Management
AntaliscolourmanagementexpertsJanEdgecombeand
GilesBristowwillexplainthedoanddon’tsofthisincreasingly
importanttopic.
14:30 - 15:00
Looking after your wide format eco-solvent machine
MikeKryvoblocki,RolandDGRolandCareSupervisor&
TechnicalTrainer,willhostaseminarwhichwillfocusonthe
importanceofusermaintenanceforwideformateco-solvent
machines.
digitalprinter
14:30 - 15:00
Understanding Franchising
Hearabouthowthefranchisemodelworks,whattheopportunitiesareforthesignindustryandthecostsandbenefits
ofrunningafranchisedbusiness.
PresentedbyCraigJohnston,recruitmentmanager,
SignsExpress
Thursday 21 April
10:30 - 12:00
Innovation in wayfinding and directional signage
The science and psychology of wayfinding
DavidWatts,managingdirector,CCDDesignandErgonomics
Architectural wayfinding signage at Exchange Quay,
Salford
HayleeBenton,operationsdirectorandDanOliver,executive,
TradeSigns
Creating a cohesive wayfinding scheme for Kent &
Medway NHS Trust
MichaelGietzen,managingdirector,IdentitySignage&
Printing
Developing a wayfinding and digital communication
strategy for the Grand Central Shopping Centre,
Birmingham
FranRaybould,director,FRA
ChairedbyDavidWatts,managingdirector,CCDDesign
andErgonomics
12:15 - 12:45
Introduction to new and existing standards for sign
design & construction
Europeanstandards(Eurocodes)explainedandhowthey
affecttheUKsignindustry.
13:00 - 13:30
Do’s and Don’ts of Colour Management
AntaliscolourmanagementexpertsJanEdgecombeand
GilesBristowwillexplainthedoanddon’tsofthisincreasingly
importanttopic.
14:30 - 15:00
Looking after your wide format eco-solvent machine
MikeKryvoblocki,RolandDGRolandCareSupervisor&
TechnicalTrainer,willhostaseminarwhichwillfocusonthe
importanceofusermaintenanceforwideformateco-solvent
machines.
42
Seminars, trails & demos
Corel Theatre Seminar Timetable
10:30 - 11:15
CorelDraw Graphics Suite – An overview of new
features
CorelDrawGraphicsSuiteisatrustedgraphicdesignsoftware
solution.Professionalgraphicdesign,photoeditingandwebsitedesignsoftwarewithendlesspossibilities.Quicklyfeelat
homewithbuilt-inhelp,trainingvideosandtemplates.Create
withconfidenceeverythingfromlogosandsignstowebsites,
webgraphics,billboards,carwrapsandflyers.
andpromotionalitemsindustries,thisnewsuitemakesiteasy
tovisualiseanddesigngarmentprinting,embroideryand
appliqué.
13:45 - 14:30
CorelDraw Graphics Suite – An overview of
new features
CorelDrawGraphicsSuiteisatrustedgraphicdesignsoftware
solution.Professionalgraphicdesign,photoeditingandweb-
Lookoutfornewtips,techniquesandtoolsnotseenbefore.
sitedesignsoftwarewithendlesspossibilities.Quicklyfeelat
11:30 - 12:15
CorelDraw Graphics Suite – Working with fonts
made easy
withconfidenceeverythingfromlogosandsignstowebsites,
makesiteasytocontrolyourtypographyworkflowwiththe
14:45 - 15:15
CorelDraw Surgery
Managingfontsiscrucial.LetusshowyouhowCorelDraw
toolsneededtohandle,organise,andexploretypefaceand
homewithbuilt-inhelp,trainingvideosandtemplates.Create
webgraphics,billboards,carwrapsandflyers.
Lookoutfornewtips,techniquesandtoolsnotseenbefore.
fontcollections.
Needsomeadviceonaparticularprojectyouareworkingon?
12:15 - 13:00
Using DecoNetwork to sell personalised
goods online
questionsandyourfilesonmemorysticktothisdropinses-
SeehowDecoNetwork–afully-hostedwebtechnologyforthe
customdecorationindustry–andCorelcanbeusedtocreate
andcustomiseawebstoreandpopulateitwithproductsand
services.Findouthowuserscancustomiseproductsandbuy
onlinegoodsmadeusingDTG,screenprint,sublimationand
embroiderytodecorateblanksusingCorelDrawtemplatesto
personalisetheirartwork.Exploretheworkflowfromuploading
artworkthroughtoproductionreadyfiles.
13:15 - 13:45
Wilcom DecoStudio e3 with CorelDraw Graphics
Suite
Whateverthemedium,beitscreenprint,digitalprintorembroidery,WilcomDecoStudioe3combinesthesuperiorstitch
qualityofWilcomembroiderysoftwarewiththecreativepower
ofCorelDrawGraphicsSuite.Idealforusersintheapparel
Gotafilethatisdrivingyoutodistraction?Bringalongyour
sionandgethelpandsupportfromtheexperts.
15:15 - 16:00
Corel Photo-Paint – Get the perfect photo for your
design project, fast.
InthistutorialwewilllookatsomeofthetoolswithinCorel
Photo-Paint,partofCorelDrawGraphicsSuite.Learnabout
adjustmenttools,includingthoseusedtoretouch,enhance
andapplyspecialeffects.
16:15 - 17:00
CorelDraw Surgery
Needsomeadviceonaparticularprojectyouareworkingon?
Gotafilethatisdrivingyoutodistraction?Bringalongyour
questionsandyourfilesonmemorysticktothisdropinsessionandgethelpandsupportfromtheexperts.
(pleasenotethissessionwillonlyrunTuesday19and
Wednesday20April)
digitalprinter
Exhibitor list
8
D64
E64
D60
D56
E60
D58
D50
Signmakers' Workshop
E62
E56
E58
E50
E52
E42
Corel Theatre
E40
L52
J44
J40
D40
D36
E30
D26
D24
E20
D20
D10
E10
ENTRANCE
digitalprinter
Vehicle Wrap Demo Zone
SignLab Theatre
E2
Digital Signage Theatre
D30
Photo USA Electronic Graphic Inc H50
PrintMax
K10
Printvision (UK) Ltd
G52
M60
M64 Print Services
R60
Quality
L10
Radecal
M62 Machine
Sales and Service
H40
Resolute
DTG
K20
M56
M54
Roland DG
H30
M50
Rollsroller
AB
E62
Rotatrim Ltd
H64
Route 1 Print
L50
Business Theatre
Sagetech
Ltd R41
R38
R40
Sam
C4
M40 Ink
Shenzhen Cosun Sign
Engineering
Co.,Ltd.
R42
M36
M39
R38
Shenzhen SunsignLED OptoM38
Electronics
Technology Co., Ltd. D58
ShimmerDisc Sequin Displays K12
M32
shopVOX
G62
M30 + Digital Materials Ltd
Sign
M14
R34
Sign Comp Europe Ltd
E52
R30
Sign Directions
E68
Sign Elite (Real
Insurance
R24
Group
Ltd)
A24
Café
R20
Sign Link
A32
Sign Update
L2
Signgeer
K16
Signmaster
Systems Ltd
C40
M14
R20
Signs 2 Signs Ltd
Signwaves R14
L60
M10
R10
SMGG
F22
Solent Sewing &
Welding Machines
G2
Soyang Europe Ltd
A10
M2
M6
Spectron
LED Ltd
R30
Standing Stone D.O.S Ltd
J42
Substance Europe Ltd
F34
Super-Wide Digital Ltd
A6
Swanline Paper & Board
H54
Tecna UK Ltd
J2
The Imaging Warehouse
R34
The Magic Touch
F60
The Sign Group
L40
Thinklaser Ltd
L52
Trade Etching Direct
J46
Tradeprint
K24
Trotec Laser Ltd
G50
Ultima Displays
G20
Ultraflex Europe Ltd
K4
Universal Image Systems
F12
Universal Sign Systems Ltd
C22
Vista System Ltd
L38
Vivid Lamination Technologies Ltd G42
William Smith
C52
Xpres
G36
Your Print Specialists
E2
Sales & Press Office
D42
E68
Hall
17
Accura MIS
K22
Friedheim International
K50
Admiral Tapes Ltd
F24
FTC (UK) Ltd
F40
AG/CAD Ltd
D24
Global Erecting Sign
H66
H64
J66Ltd K60
J62
L60
Agfa Graphics G60 G68
F30
Services
A40
AIT
C2
Grafityp
UK Ltd
J30
G62
J60
J64
H60
F60
Alan
Godrich Sewing
Graham Sweet Studios
D42
Machines Ltd
M39
Granthams Ltd
A20
K50
H54
L56
F52
F54
G52
H55
K54
L54
G50
J54
Alniz Reklam Malz.San.
Graphic Dealers Ltd (GDL)
G30
J52
J50
K52
L50
F50
H50
H52
VE.TIC.A.S.
M36
Graphic Printing
Amaya Sales UK Ltd
D2
Technologies (GPT)
E20
H40
F46
K44
L42
G42
J46
K46
F44
Antalis
L20
GraphicInstallers.co.uk
E58
F40
Adobe
Theatre
Artworktool
J44
Graphtec
GB
Ltd
D50
G40
K40
Atech Ltd
F14
Hanolex
M40
J42 Ltd
L40
Automatic Letter Bender
E56
Hewlett-Packard
E30
Award
Crafters Ltd
A34
Hexis
UK Ltd
G60L38
G36
K30
F34
L36
H30
J30
AwlTech Pfe Ltd
E60
Hongyuan Corporation
F46
F30
AXYZ
International
F20
HPC Laser Ltd
C34
L30
AXZYRA
K46
Hybrid Services
E10
G30
Bambi Air Compressors Ltd
K54
Image Reports
F52
BannerSHOP Ltd
D26
Impression Technology Europe D40
Biesse Group UK Ltd
C30
in2grate Business Solutions C11
Bisbell Magnetic Products Ltd J62
Ingram ImageG20
K24
F22
L20
J20
J24
K22
H20
Blackburns Metals
R10
SIGNELEMENTS.COM
J40
F20
Blackman & White Ltd
G10
InkTec/Jetrix
H20
K20
J22
BoxlightsF24Ltd
L56
Innova Art Ltd
H60
Bright Green Technology Ltd J22
Installation Squad
H52
BSGA
E68
F14
L12
G12
K16
F12
H10
J10
Instant
Promotion (UK)
Ltd
L14L14
CADlink Technology
i-Spi Trade Supply
G68
L10
Corporation
R16
I-Sub Digital Ltd
F10
K14 K15
K12
Canon
UK
Ltd
H10
ITC
Ltd
E50
F10
K10
G10
Caslon Ltd
C38
Johnson Window Films
L12
Changzhou Quality Flag
Josero Ltd
F40
Industry Co., Ltd
R14
Kingstal Ltd
J66
Cherwell
L4
KIP
L30
G2
J2
K2
K4
L2
Clarity Software
F50
Large Format
Review
M6 L4
CMYUK
J10
Led Sign Company
J60
ENTRANCE
Colour Mill Ltd
E64
Leopold
G40
Colourbyte Europe Ltd
K40
Link Digital Media
A30
Colourgen
E40
Lion Picture Framing Supplies Ltd R60
Complete CNC Solutions Ltd D30
Listawood Promotional Products M60
Complete Sign Illumination Ltd K52
Maxicam Ltd
C20
CSI Manufacturing Ltd
K60
Merlin Tools Ltd
D56
CWE Solutions
D36
Mid West Displays
E42
D&K Europe Ltd
C14
Mida Sign Services
C36
Daltons Wadkin
D20
Modul UK Ltd
M50
Digidelta Internacional S.A.
A50
Mounters Mate
C24
Digital Blanks
K2
Multipanel UK Ltd
C12
Doro Tape
C60
Neschen Supplies
R41
DPI UK Ltd
L36
No-Minimum.co.uk
M2
DublinSign.ie
K44
Nova Chrome UK Ltd
J54 & J64
Emo Neon
F54
Nth Degree
J20
Engravamet
C50
Oshino LED Lighting
H55
EPSON (UK) Ltd
K30
Papergraphics
L42
ESKO
G12
Papergraphics
D60
Fairfield Displays
A36
Papergraphics
J24
FH-Union UK Ltd
L54
Perfect Colours Ltd
D10
FPLUK-Chevron Warehouse
R40
Perspex Distribution Ltd
C12
43
Hall 18
C60
A50
C64
C62
D64
D60
D56
C54
C50
C52
E64
E60
D58
D50
D42
C40
A40
E68
G60
Signmakers' Workshop
E62
G62
E56
E58
E50
E52
F52
F54
G50
F50
G52
H54
H50
F46
F44
G42
H66
H55
H52
H40
J66
J64
J54
J5
J50
J46
F40
E40
J62
J60
H60
F60
E42
Corel Theatre
H64
G68
J44
G40
Adobe Thea
J40
D40
A36
C36
C38
J42
D36
G36
F34
E30
H30
J30
H20
J20
C34
F30
A34
C30
D30
G30
A32
A30
C24
C22
D26
D24
G20
F22
E20
J24
F20
A24
D20
C20
J22
A20
F24
C12
A10
C14
D10
E10
F12
F14
G12
H10
J10
C11
C10
F10
G10
A6
C2
C4
E2
D2
ENTRANCE
G2
J2
ENTRANCE
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