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local scene: Japan HP to split up new releases ink and substrates software
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COVER JAPAN - SUNRISE OR SUNSET Japan’s iconic print brands are the most recognised on the planet but what is the real story behind the logos. We present a must-
read special report from our consulting print intelligence expert Stewart Partridge of Qudos Digital
new products
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feature location: Japan
12 HP to split up
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CONT ENT S 19
awards and events
20 media software
21 22 ink
VISION asia magazine
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The publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine however technical specifications, information, performance data, corporate legal obligations, warranties and guarantees may vary from country to country and are subject to change without notice. The publisher accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, inconsistencies, technical or typographical errors. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. The publisher reserves the right to publish materialWWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA at its discretion.
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NEW PRODUCTS
MIMAKI CJV300-130/160 INKJET PRINTER/CUTTER
MIMAKI JV150-130/160
Mimaki has launched the JV150-130/160 for sign and graphics industries although the system will not be available in Japan. The JV150 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including indoor decorations, posters, shop or event decorations, and vehicle wraps with two ink types solvent and water-based sublimation inks depending on the chosen print applications. Mimaki used September’s Visual Impact show in Sydney to unveil its new CJV300130/160 inkjet printer/cutter saying that it will have a worldwide launch in October 2014. The wide format print and cut CJV300
is suitable for indoor and outdoor signage, stickers, labeling, and packaging and uses a newly developed SS21 silver ink that brings the company’s metallic ink collection up to 648 colours.
Key Features
Using Mimaki’s patented inkjet technologies, the JV150 reproduces images with high speed printing up to 56.2 m2/hr in Super draft mode and quick dry SS21 ink. Mimkai says that high speed printing alone cannot improve productivity, so the JV150 addresses ink and media shortages, clogged nozzles and other minor problems in order to maintain high speed printing productivity without interruption.
• New quick dry SS21 silver ink creates value-added printing, higher production speed and expands the metallic colour collection to 648 choices
• Print image quality control inkjet technology optimises waveform to achieve precise positioning of ink droplets from 4pl to 35pl in size
• Metallic colours are easily printed using RasterLink6 RIP software where operators select directly from the Illustrator swatches
• Precision placement of ink droplets onto media - allows printheads to jet each ink colour at the appropriate jetting angle without losing ink droplet circularity
• SS21 silver ink brightness is 1.67 times greater than that of conventional silver inks allowing mirror effect to be produced
• Three way intelligent heater system optimises ink droplet size and Mimaki’s MAPS3 reduces banding and uneven colour printing
Mimaki’s new SS21 orange and light black inks are compatible with the JV150 with orange ink providing a wider colour gamut when used as a process colour and light black ink producing smooth gradations. Together, these two inks create valueadded products by fully utilising each one’s performance qualities. In addition, waterbased SB53 sublimation ink is suitable for producing soft signage by using sublimation transfer printing.
• SS21 orange ink ensures accurate representation of items such as foods plus using the orange ink as a process colour, 94.8% of the Pantone colour chart can be emulated
• Print and cut functions uses continuous register mark detection facility to enable continuous cutting of a whole roll while simultaneously taking up unrolled media
The JV 150 is available in two configurations, the JV150-130 and the JV150- 160, both use an on-demand piezo print head to allow print resolutions of 360, 540 720, 1,080 or 1,440 dpi.
• SS21 light black ink reproduces accurate grayscale printing with no colour shifts and smooth graduations
• Over-cut and corner-cut functions ensure clearly cut edges with no residual material
• Maximum print speed 105.9 sqm/hr (super draft mode, banner material, 360×360 dpi, 1 pass, bidirectional)
• The segment correction function facilitates precision cutting over longer length prints
• Two new staggered printheads deliver wider print swath with each ink colour having its own specific gravity and viscosity
• The cut-and-print function avoids printing problems by cutting the media prior to printing
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JV 150 configurations JV150-130 Maximum print width - 1,361 mm Maximum media width - 1,371 mm JV150-160 Maximum print width - 1,610 mm Maximum media width - 1,621 mm
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COOLER ENGINES BOOST PROFITS
EFI’s “cool cure” technology lowers temperatures across our full line of roll-to-roll, hybrid and narrow web LED printers, enabling you to print on thinner and specialty substrates. Plus, you’ll lower energy and consumable parts costs. Pretty cool, right? Fuel your success at http://vutek.efi.com/LED2 ©2014 EFI. All rights reserved.
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MIMAKI CJV150-75/107/130/160 INKJET PRINTER/CUTTER THE CJV150 SERIES LINEUP
CJV150-75/CJV150-75BS Suitable for simple stickers and labels Max. Print / Cut Width - 800 (31.5”)mm Max. Media Width - 810 (31.9”)mm CJV150-107/CJV150-107BS Suitable for quick POPs and large-size posters Max. Print / Cut Width - 1,090 (42.9”)mm Max. Media Width - 1,100 (43.3”)mm CJV150-130/CJV150-130BS Suitable for variously sized signage and point-of-sale marketing materials Mimaki have announced it will launch the CJV150-75/107/130/160 inkjet printer/cutter in October 2014. The CJV150 features metallic colour printing with the recently developed S21 silver ink, developed in response to the demand from sticker, label, and packaging print industries. The SS21 ink value adds to print products and uses the company’s patented inkjet technologies to yield cost effective printand-cut solutions. Mimaki CJV150 series specifications:
of many colours including fresh foods and corporate colour palettes while the SS21 light black ink reproduces highly accurate smooth grayscale printing with no unexpected colour shifts or tone-jump. Inkjet technology optimises waveform to achieve precise placement of the ink droplets onto media and a three-way intelligent heater system optimises the ink droplets size. MAPS3 technology reduces banding and uneven colour printing.
New SS21 silver ink delivers brilliant print results with the metallic collection containing 648 colours.
The print and cut system uses a continuous register mark detection function that enables continuous cutting of a whole roll of media while simultaneously taking up unrolled media.
SS21 orange ink enhances the vibrancy
The over-cut and corner-cut functions
Max. Print / Cut Width - 1,361 (53.6”)mm Max. Media Width - 1,371 (54.0”)mm CJV150-160/CJV150-160BS
Max. Print / Cut Width - 1,610 (63.4”)mm Max. Media Width - 1,620 (63.8”)mm
ensure clearly cut edges with no residues and the segment correction function facilitates precision cutting over longerlength prints. The cut-and-print function averts printing problems by cutting the media prior to printing.
alliance between the two companies and was designed by MGI exclusively for the Konica Minolta sales network.
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The new coater, the third generation in the Jetvarnish Digital Spot UV Coating line, creates all the tactile effects and has all the advantages of the original Jetvarnish 3D but is only half the size. The 3DS, designed primarily for the digital print market, is also the first product resulting from the strategic
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Suitable for cost effective production of large, high-quality signage and vehicle wrapping films
KONICA MINOLTA JETVARNISH 3DS VARNISH COATER
Konica Minolta has announced the release of a new 3D varnish coater, the JETvarnish 3DS (digital spot), developed in collaboration with MGI Digital Graphic Technology was unveiled at Graph Expo 2014, held in Chicago from September 28th - October 1st.
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Konica Minolta said the coater will now make the 3D tactile varnish finish available to all digital printers in the market that print up to widths of 36 cm (14 inches) allowing PSPs to turn regular printed jobs into high margin spot UV jobs, or even higher margin 3D embossed jobs. The coater has speeds up to 4,800 A3 sheets per hour in flat mode (2D) and up to 1,500 A3 sheets per hour in 3D mode with the ability to varnish up to 100 µm for 3D raised effects and tactile finishes.
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NEW PRODUCTS
SCREEN TRUEPRESS JET 520HD DIGITAL WEB INKJET PRESS
Dainippon Screen has released its new high definition digital web inkjet press the Truepress Jet 520HD saying that, since its launch in 2006, over 700 units of the Truepress Jet 520 family have been manufactured but the 520HD specifications have been upgraded with many enhancements. New features include printheads that can deliver 1200 x 1200dpi with variable droplets at 50 metres per minute, new high density formulation inks for wide gamut colour definition – often considered a problem when running high speed inkjet web presses and new paper transport and drying system enabling papers from 40gsm to 250gsm to be handled. The 520HD workflow, based on Screen’s Equios software, is also new. The new version of Equios will be launched concurrently with the printer and has features to optimise the machine’s performance, such as In-RIP Smart Imposition, ICC Profile Editor and Spot Colour Editor. Using the latest Adobe core, Equios will be able to process all levels of variable data at the full engine speed with the company’s unique screening algorithms adding to the quality level. The first european installation of a truepress jet520HD will be in Holland in November 2014 and the second in Switzerland.
Truepress Jet520HD features: • Substrate flexibility allowing many offset stocks to be printed including heavier 250gsm board • Independently controlled printheads - when printing with one colour, all other printheads remain capped. • Built in modular stations that can accept additional print heads in the future • No time delay when switching from a single colour to multi colour job. • Optional Jetinspection - Screen’s inspection system that checks the whole page and compares the printed result to the RIP data for extra security • Jetinspection has been redesigned for the 520HD including complete integration with the machine’s GUI.
STRATASYS OBJET500 CONNEX1 AND CONNEX2 Objet500 Connex1 features • In a single production run, users can create assemblies with components formed from three different materials or from rigid and flexible material such as rubber like Tango and rigid Vero material. • Hot swapping during operation permits continuous part production • A large build envelope • Eight cartridge continuous material cabinet up to 490mm x 390mm x 200mm or a mixed tray of smaller parts The Connex1 multi material 3D printing achieves in a one automated build sequence, what conventional single material 3D printers would find difficult to achieve or would require complex hand assembly. Objet500 Connex2 features
Stratasys have introduced the Objet500 Connex1 and Objet500 Connex2 multi material 3D Printers featuring triplejetting technology which will allow users to build products with up to three different materials in a single run, or mix multiple material droplets to form new digital materials such as tough Digital ABS. With multi material prototyping, production tooling and moulding, functionality and realism, Objet500 Connex1 and Connex2 join the Objet500 Connex3 Color multimaterial 3D Printer announced earlier this year. WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
• All the capabilities of Connex 1 • Can combine droplets from two base materials to produce a new durable material • Can produce mould cores and cavities for short run injection moulding • Over 100 material options • Can produce a variety of Shore A values in the same part with rigid or clear components • Can combine Digital ABS with pure Tango for strong over moulded handles and grips. The Connex2 is suited to creating custom manufacturing tools such as jigs and fixtures.
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SCODIX ULTRA PRO PRESS
The system also enables a single operator to run the system, and maintenance can be carried out automatically and remotely. With set up requiring minimal time, design and implementation of various enhancements is both user and production friendly, while encouraging greater creativity. The Scodix Ultra Pro is based upon the company’s Scodix Sense technology, which includes:
Scodix have expanded their line of presses with the launch of the Scodix Ultra Pro at Graph Expo 2014 held in Chicago on 28 Sep01 Oct 2014.
traditional flat varnishes, without the setup time or mess. Additional User Benefits
Scodix RSP Technology: Ensures pin-point enhancement positioning and registration; Scodix High Impact: Touch and feel to make your print stand out; Scodix 99 GU: Delivers the highest level of gloss units attainable for printed materials; Scodix Variable Density: Allows for variable polymer thickness - all in a single pass
The company says that the Pro is engineered with the speed and quality of the Scodix Ultra (up to 1,250 B2+ sheets per hour), the new Scodix Ultra Pro system is additionally equipped with controls enabling operators to switch, rapidly and easily, between multiple polymers for varying applications and effects. Scodix Ultra Pro is also the first system to feature Scodix Spot, a polymer that produces a spot varnish for short runs. Scodix Spot digitally recreates the effect of
The Scodix Ultra Pro is engineered to maximize efficiency and includes the patent pending Scodix Ultra Twin-Tray media handling system that conveys sheets under the fixed array of inkjet UV inkheads in a single pass. With two trays operating simultaneously; with an independent motion system for each tray, and with 4 CCD cameras to provide pinpoint registration accuracy, the Scodix Ultra Pro reaches the ultimate ratio of performance and efficiency.
The addition of Scodix Spot and union of these technologies enable the Scodix presses to deliver results that meet and exceed the critical production requirements of even the most demanding commercial PSP’s or folding-cartons converters. The Scodix Ultra Pro supports countless applications for paper and flat media, including stationery, book covers, premium packaging, marketing and promotional tools, greeting cards, and photo albums.
HIGHCON EUCLID II DIGITAL STRIPPER SERIES
New features of the Euclid II series:
Israeli headquartered Highcon launched its Highcon Euclid II series of digital cutting and creasing machines at Graph Expo 14 in Chicago that ran from September 28 to October 1. This second generation of machines incorporates new features resulting from Euclid customer feedback from around the world and includes new optional add-ons which are included in the Euclid II+: Highcon Integrated Digital Stripping Unit: The built-in waste stripping mechanism automatically removes the waste from the smallest internal cutouts, eliminating the need to buy, setup or store a separate stripping tool. Optical registration: In addition to the WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
registration of the sheets mechanically on the machine, this new module adds the ability to align the creasing and cutting to the image. Fine cutting accelerator: This advanced software module takes laser cutting and marking to new heights of design flexibility and speed. Web-to-pack software: Highcon has collaborated with expert software developers to produce purpose built web-to-pack software, was shown at the booth. Combined with the digital cutting and creasing of the Highcon Euclid, this software will offer print service providers and packaging converters the ability to open customised online stores with all the advantages of a digital process.
A new substrate handling system: The Euclid II can handle a wide range of substrates: paper, folding carton, labels and microflute. Additional sensors ensure registration accuracy and a smooth, uninterrupted sheet flow, increasing productivity and reliability. Enhanced Creasing Quality: Highcon has enhanced the quality of the crease line by developing a new polymer formula and implementing optimised rule geometry that keeps a balance between strength and flexibility, allowing the production of sharp and accurate creases with a new ability to produce curved lines. Cutting: Optimised cutting algorithms heighten the accuracy and control over the laser power while allowing higher production speeds to be achieved. User-Friendly Interface: The latest version of the Euclid software offers user-friendly make-ready, new cutting and registration algorithms, efficient use of consumables, all of which contribute to provide improved productivity as well as enabling remote service.
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NEW PRODUCTS & NEWS
GANDY DIGITAL SOFTJET TEXTILE PRINT
Canadian company Gandy Digital will preview its new Softjet printer series at the SGIA Expo in Las Vegas from October 2224. Gandy say the digital Softjets are heavy duty, high resolution, dye sublimation textile machines developed to suit textile printers, large format print houses as well as new and existing suppliers. The Softjet suits applications such as indoor and outdoor soft signage, textile based graphics, wall coverings, flags and tradeshow displays. There are 4 models, the Softjet 4 - 3312 and 3308 plus the Softjet 5 - 3304 and 3306 units. Available in print widths of 1.88, 2.54 and 3.3 meters, Softjet can be equipped with Ricoh Gen 4 or 5 print heads and a synchronised roller system allowing higher speed where banding is minimised.
NASA used the test stand at its Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama to successfully test the most complex rocket engine parts ever designed by the agency and then 3D printed. Softjet 4 - 3312 4 colour printer with 12 x Ricoh Gen 4 heads with a speed up to 130sqm/hr using a 2 pass 600 dpi configuration Softjet 4 - 3308 4 colour printer with 8 x Ricoh Gen 4 heads with a speed up to 100sqm/hr using a 2 pass 600 dpi configuration Softjet 5 - 3304 4 colour printer with 4 x Ricoh Gen 5 heads with a speed up to 156sqm/hr using a 2 pass 600 dpi configuration Softjet 5 - 3306 6 colour (CMYK + 2 transparent colours) with 6 x Ricoh Gen 5 heads with a speed up to 105sqm/hr using a 2 pass 600 dpi configuration
Key features •
No extra process needed to sublimate colours, eliminating the need for transfer paper
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Optional built-in extraction unit is available allowing fumes to be removed during the fixation process
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Optional inline cutting knives
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Environmentally friendly - water based inks, improved noise reduction and low energy consumption
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Cost effective full colour print for fast turnaround on short or long run jobs
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Prints directly on coated or uncoated polyester and polyester blended fabrics
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Direct contact heating bonds and gives vibrancy to colours instantly without a second process.
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Colours are fade and wash resistant for outdoor use coupled with sharp text and resolution for indoor applications.
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NASA 3D print
By using an additive manufacturing 3D printing process, NASA engineers have pushed the limits of rocket engine injector design as each part was built by layering metal powder then fusing it with a laser. The additive manufacturing process allowed designers to create an injector with 40 individual spray elements, all printed as a single component rather than manufactured individually. The part was similar in size to injectors that power small rocket engines and similar in design to injectors for large engines, such as the RS-25 engine that will power NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the heavy-lift, exploration class rocket being developed to take humans beyond Earth orbit and Mars. “We wanted to go a step beyond just testing an injector and demonstrate how 3D printing could revolutionise rocket designs for increased system performance,” said Chris Singer, director of Marshall’s Engineering Directorate. “The parts performed exceptionally well during the tests.” Traditional manufacturing methods would require 163 individual manufactured parts and then assembled. With 3D printing technology, only two parts were required, permitting engineers enhanced engine performance, less risk of failure, as well as time and cost savings. Two rocket injectors were tested for five seconds each, producing 20,000 pounds of thrust. Designers created complex geometric flow patterns allowing oxygen and hydrogen to swirl together before combusting at 1,400 psi and temperatures up to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA engineers worked with two separate companies - Solid Concepts in Valencia, California, and Directed Manufacturing in Austin, Texas. Each company printed one injector.
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Did you know The last issue of Vision Asia online was read in Singapore, Thailand, China, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan,Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, India and Pakistan and twenty nine other countries around the world. But in Burkino Fasa Togo Turkmenistan Malawi Falkland Islands Bhutan not one person opened our magazine!
How can there be such bad taste!
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AT A GLANCE Country
J A PA N
Government Type Location
Constitutional monarchy Eastern Asia
Population
127 million people (est in October 2014)
Economic Indicators
GDP per capita USD$37,432 (as of 2013)
Currency Business Environment
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Japan
Yen (JPY) 27th in the world for ease of business (June 2013)
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A special report from our consulting print intelligence expert Stewart Partridge Qudos Digital
Is the Rising Sun Still Rising?
O
ver several post-war decades, Japan was described as an economic miracle. Despite its lack of basic raw materials, its growth in engineering and electronics and the ingenuity and drive of its people propelled it by 1978 to become the no. 2 global economy, a position it held until finally eclipsed by a fast-growing China in 2010. Japanese companies emerged as global leaders in automotive manufacturing, consumer electronics, computing, printing and imaging technologies, spawning worldfamous brands such as Brother, Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, Hitachi, Honda, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Ricoh, Seiko, Sony and Toyota. Japan owns 13.7% of the world’s private assets; 62 of the world’s Fortune 500 companies are based in Japan; and the country’s corporate governance is generally acknowledged as superior to the USA, partly because of its focus on longer-term strategic planning and building core competences and technological alliances. Despite these impressive achievements, the Japan of today has many structural and economic problems and challenges. The population of 127 million is rapidly ageing – already 22% are 65 or older – and if current trends continue is projected to decline to 87 million by 2060. It boasts the second largest public debt of any nation, at a record 227% of GDP and still growing. The economic rise first of South Korea and more recently China has provided economic challenges in industry sectors that Japan had come to own. And the increasing investment by China in its military budget – although modest for such a large country and economy and focused mostly on internal land forces – has created nervousness in Japan which has encouraged the government of Shinzo Abe to rewrite
its defence agreement with the USA, and increase defence expenditure – also from modest levels. The irony behind that policy is that it has created friction with China which has dribbled down to consumer awareness, and impacted some business opportunities for Japanese companies within China, the fastest-growing economy on Japan’s doorstep. Hence today, the overall economic assessment of Japan by many economists does not paint a rosy picture. But there is another side to Japan, and it tells a much brighter story. A popular myth that resonated in the West was that the Japanese people exercise tremendous attention to detail, but were not creative – an interesting perspective on a nation that has given us increased functionality in cars, the world’s first transistor radios and personal music systems, flat screen electronic displays, digital cameras, more exciting cuisine and many other innovations. More relevant to the readership of this magazine, I wish to relate the story behind the quiet emergence of Japanese corporations to achieve global leadership of the printing and imaging industries – in fact almost to dominate those industries. The dominance is not generally shown among manufacturers of conventional presses for offset litho, gravure or screen such as Komori, Miyakoshi, Hamada and Akiyama. In fact Hamada went bankrupt in 2011, and Akiyama was acquired some years ago by Shanghai Electric, who later bought Goss Graphics in the USA. Only Miyakoshi has developed an impressive digital hardware portfolio. But the surprising picture comes when you examine three important sectors within the printing industry outside of analogue hardware - inks and coatings, inkjet printhead technology and digital printing machinery.
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Table A Ink Companies - 2013 Sales (Inks & Coatings) USD billions 4
COLOUR CODES
3.5
Red Japan
3
Light Blue USA
2.5
Black Germany
2
Yellow China
1.5 1 0.5
Marabu
Zeller & Gmelin
Wende
Letong
Sky Dragon
Nazdar
Dong Yang
Sanchez
Van Son
Wikoff
Epple
Bauhinia
Dainichiseika
Altana
Fujifilm
SICPA
Tokyo
T&K Toka
Huber
Siegwerk
Sakata INX
Toyo
Flint
DIC
0
Inks & Coatings
Inkjet Printheads
The global market for inks and related coatings in 2013 was approximately US$ 21 billion. This figure includes all printing inks (offset litho, flexo, gravure, letterpress, screen and nonoffice inkjet inks) and related inline / offline coatings and varnishes, but excludes electrostatic toners and home/office inkjet ink OEM sales. If we plot a chart (see Table A) showing the ink + coatings revenue of the 25 leading ink corporations worldwide, we find that Japanese companies account for 7 of the top twelve, including nos. 1 – DIC (Dai Nippon Inks & Coatings), 3 – Toyo and 4 – Sakata INX. Toyo and Sakata also have substantial cross-shareholdings in each other, which imply a level of strategic co-operation.
Japan’s position in inkjet printhead technology is even more impressive. Of course, there is no question that in terms of total printheads manufactured, HP is the global market leader because of its dominant position in thermal inkjet technology. However, the no. 2 in thermal printheads is certainly Canon, and in 2013 Lexmark’s inkjet activities were acquired by Funai Electric of Japan. In the thermal inkjet arena, this leaves only the operations of MEMjet (USA), SICPA (who acquired much of Olivetti I-jet) and some small operations in Taiwan and China.
In fact, today Japanese companies control more than 45% of global printing ink and coatings manufacturing. Perhaps more important than this alone is their positioning in growth segments such as packaging printing inks and UV inkjet inks, and their strong presence and investment strategies in developing economies within Asia such as China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. With these focused strategies, Japanese market shares should be maintained or further improve. This positioning has been achieved by a mixture of organic R&D and investment in domestic and growth markets, combined in many cases with what can be viewed, retrospectively, as an aggressive and targeted acquisition strategy. Some of the biggest acquisitions include DIC’s purchase of USA company Sun Chemical – which itself had earlier acquired the Coates– Lorillieux Group; and Sakata’s acquisition of INX Corporation of the USA. The sequential acquisition by Fujifilm of British companies Avecia and later Sericol also turned out to have great strategic value, propelling the corporation to a strong technology position in aqueous and UV-curable inkjet. In fact, many of the market leading companies within UV inkjet – SunJet, Toyo, INX Digital – are Japanese owned.
KJ4B-Z When it was initially released in April, 2012 the Kyocera KJ4B-Z Series inkjet printhead for water-based ink could print in 1200×1200 dpi at 80 meters per minute, today the KJ4B-QA printhead can eject more than 100 million droplets per second.
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In piezo inkjet printheads, Japan’s dominance is unquestioned. The only significant designers and manufacturers of piezo printheads not under Japanese ownership or control are Xaar (UK) and HP, who had previously acquired Aprion of Israel. The list of Japanese manufacturers is legend – Epson, Fujifilm (including Dimatix), Konica Minolta, Seiko, Ricoh, Kyocera, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and several others. Because of its leading presence in the home and office markets which consume huge numbers of printheads, Epson is the largest manufacturer worldwide of piezo printheads. However, as home and small office inkjet usage plateaus or declines, and industrial inkjet applications gain increasing prominence, several of the other Japanese printhead manufacturers are strongly gaining ground. Whether the printer you buy is from Japan, China, USA, Europe or Israel – there is a very strong chance that the printheads inside are Made in Japan.
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Digital Printing Platforms
In the booming ceramic tile inkjet market Japan has lagged behind – the innovators from Spain and Italy have now been joined by several significant Chinese manufacturers. But there are three newer sectors of inkjet printing where the Japanese companies are becoming extremely well-positioned to exploit the substantial growth opportunities: • flatbed UV inkjet, which is now moving increasingly into a raft of industrial applications from glass decoration to wood laminates, partitioning, building cladding;
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Roland DG RT-640 Roland’s 64” RT-640 is the first in its new Texart series and is a dye sublimation transfer printer featuring the latest generation print head, print control technology and RIP software
In the area of wide and grand format inkjet printing, the most famous and best established brands from Japan thus far have been Roland, Mimaki, Mutoh, Seiko, Epson and Canon. In textile inkjet from Japan, Mimaki has been followed by Konica Minolta, Seiko, Roland and others. Whilst Japan has a strong presence in both these sectors, there are strong competitors like HP, EFi and European textile OEM’s, plus the rapidly growing number of Chinese competitors in all sectors, the best of which are now developing and manufacturing very reliable machines – although they still struggle with service and support issues on exported hardware.
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• high speed single pass narrow web (and sheetfed) presses for high-speed document printing, publications, labels and wallpaper; • specialist web inkjet lines for packaging applications.
But perhaps the ongoing success and growth of Japanese corporations in the printing and allied sectors ultimately depends upon a stereotype commonly associated by foreigners with the Japanese people – attention to detail.
It is impossible to provide a fully comprehensive list, but the Table B illustrates a selection of key Japanese digital hardware OEM’s and the digital machinery sectors where they are established or entering.
When you are investing in big budget items for new printing technology, you want the products to work – and the Japanese have become masters of integration.
The table serves to illustrate that Japanese hardware manufacturers are investing in new applications and high-speed toner and inkjet systems for narrow web and labels. In the future, many of these companies will also be capable of entering the digital packaging market, which is set to inflate over coming years.
Of course, it might just help that when you need to put a print system together - comprising inks / toners, printheads, hardware and software - absolute world class technology is readily available on your doorstep. In the printing industry, it looks like the Rising Sun will just keep on rising…
Table B
Japanese OEM
Former Acquisitions
Mature Sectors
Brother office, garment Canon Océ office, home, photo, wide format, UV flatbed DN Screen Inca Digital UV Flatbed Epson office, home, photo, textile Funai Electric Lexmark inkjet office Fujifilm Fuji Xerox, Avecia, Sericol, Dimatix UV flatbed Iwatsu Kanebo KIP wide format Komori Konica Minolta office, textile Kyocera office Mastermind wide format flatbed Mimaki wide format, textile Miyakoshi Mutoh wide format, CAD Ricoh Hitachi Koki / Dataproducts office, wide format Riso Kagaku office, garment / novelty Roland DG wide format, CAD Seiko Instruments office, textile, POS systems Shiki Shima Seiki TKS
Growth Sectors industrial UV flatbed High speed UV narrow web High speed narrow web / label high speed narrow web high speed narrow web high speed narrow web flatbed UV high speed S/F toner printers high speed textile industrial flatbed flatbed UV, high speed textile high speed narrow web high speed narrow web, S/F textile Single pass high speed narrow web textile high speed newspaper press WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
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HP will split into two new companies It will provide each new company with the independence, focus, financial resources, and flexibility they need to adapt quickly to market and customer dynamic
H
P has announced plans to separate into two new, publicly traded Fortune 500 companies - Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise will consist of HP’s enterprise technology infrastructure, software and services businesses while HP Inc will comprise of HP’s personal systems and printing businesses. Completion of the transaction is expected for the end of 2015 fiscal year subject to conditions that includes approval from the HP Board of Directors, receipt of a favourable opinion and/or rulings with respect to the tax-free nature of the transaction for federal income tax purposes. Current HP shareholders will own shares of both Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. Meg Whitman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of HP said “The decision to separate into two market-leading companies underscores our commitment to the 5 year turnaround plan. It will provide each new company with the independence, focus, financial resources, and flexibility they need to adapt quickly to market and customer dynamics, while generating long term value for shareholders.” HP says both companies will be well capitalised and expect to have investment grade credit ratings and capital structures optimised to reflect their distinct growth opportunities and cash flow profiles. The separation into independent publicly traded companies will provide each company with its own focused equity currency and investors will have an opportunity to invest in two companies. Industry commentators say that with this two company restructure, HP plans to shed a further 5,000 jobs in addition to the the 50,000 previously announced during its second quarter earnings call in 2014, these from the estimated 300,000 personnel the company has on its payroll WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
New Management Structure •
Meg Whitman to be President and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and non executive Chairman of HP Inc’s Board
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Cathie Lesjak to be CFO of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise
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Dion Weisler will lead HP Inc as President and CEO
•
Pat Russo to be Chairman of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Board
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
HP Inc
HP says Hewlett-Packard Enterprise is expected to define the next generation of technology infrastructure, software and services for the New Style of IT.
HP says HP Inc is expected to become a personal systems leader and printing company delivering innovations and technologies that will empower people to create and invest in growth markets such as 3D printing and new computing experiences.
“Over the past three years, we have reignited our innovation engine with breakthrough offerings for the enterprise like Apollo, Gen 9 and Moonshot servers, our 3PAR storage platform, our HP OneView management platform, our HP Helion Cloud and a host of software and services offerings in security, analytics and application transformation.” said Whitman.
“Since assuming responsibility for the Printing and Personal Systems Group, Dion and his leadership team have done an excellent job of building our relationships with customers and channel partners, segmenting the market and driving product innovation,” added Whitman. “The creation of HP Inc. will only accelerate the progress the team has made.”
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Fastsigns looks for SE Asian franchise partners
Zünd opens web shop for consumables in EU
Konica Minolta & Kodak showcase new bizhub FE
Fastsigns, the worldwide franchisor with more than 560 sign, graphic and visual communication centres in eight countries, say it is seeking master franchise partners and area developers to expand their global network into Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
Zünd, manufacturer of digital cutting systems and headquartered in Switzerland and with a world wide network of independent distribution partners, as well as it’s own sales and distribution centres in the USA, Netherlands, Italy, Hong Kong (China) and Bangalore (India) has opened a new 24 hour web shop for 48 hour EU delivery.
Kodak and Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. (Konica Minolta) showcased two new KODAK CREO Servers supporting bizhub digital presses at Graph Expo 2014 in Chicago in September.
The company is promoted its business model in Singapore in October and has urged prospective franchisees to attend the 2014 Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) exhibition at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Convention Centre, Singapore from October 16-18. Fastsigns Executive VP of Franchise Support & Development Mark Jameson and Troy Franklin COO of World Franchise Associates will be on hand at the convention to promote the concept and answer any questions that visitors may have.
Zünd says this web shop is a result of close cooperation with end users, who require quick access to quality consumables in their day to day operations.
“Expansion to Southeast Asia is a natural progression for the growth of our brand,” Fastsigns CEO Catherine Monson said. “There are great opportunities for Fastsigns in these markets due to their large business to business sectors and high demand for our products and services. Every business needs signage and marketing support to help inform, direct and sell more, and we’re looking to be the ones to fill this void.” The company says there are only a limited number of master franchise partner and area developer opportunities available throughout the region. Fastsigns franchisee benefits include a proven high standard business model, upto-date technology information, cost savings through relationships with national vendors and suppliers, comprehensive marketing and visual solutions, plus global network support
This new web shop storefront offers: • an intuitive, well organised storefront • numerous search functions • an interactive, product choice tool selector • allows the correct product choice.
Kevin Kern, SVP, Marketing, Konica Minolta said “With both colour and monochrome support, our customers will benefit from the feature set, architecture and productivity they’ve come to count on with Creo Servers, regardless of their production environment.”
The search results are based on Zund’s material specifications, latest digital cutting processing methods and cutting technologies. A few mouse clicks will take you straight to the correct blade, bit or other Zünd product. Zund also says it uses continual customer feedback to expand and fine tune third products.
The new IC-312m Creo server joins the IC309m Creo Server as the only Creo front end solution to drive monochrome devices. The common controller, workflow and interface for colour and monochrome of the bizhub digital presses, allow files to be moved between devices, rather than in separate production islands.
Zünd CEO Oliver Zünd explains: “Using original Zünd consumables offers measurable benefits to customers, including optimal cutting and finishing results with consistent and reproduceable cutting quality, and reduced waste from miscuts and rejects. The fact that Zünd consumables are designed specifically for use with Zünd cutting equipment means that the parts are a perfect fit with the machine, extending blade/bit life and guaranteeing highest performance levels from the equipment.“
The new IC-312m Creo server joins the IC309m Creo Server as the only Creo front end solution to drive monochrome devices.
Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or direct bank transfer. Orders over 400 are shipped free of charge.
HP & KBA collaborate on hi-volume inkjet solutions During Graph Expo 2014 held in Chicago between September 28 to October 01, HP and Koenig Bauer Group (KBA) announced a collaboration to develop new roll-to-roll thermal inkjet solutions for the high volume corrugated packaging market under the HP brand. The companies say that with an addressable market of USD $2.5 billion, the corrugated package printing industry is steadily increasing worldwide due to brand globalisation, population growth and a resurging economy.
They demonstrated the new Kodak Creo server IC-312 supporting KM’s bizhub C1100 and C1085 presses and the Creo server IC312m driving KM’s bizhub 2250P digital presses to highlight how this collaboration enables a common workflow process regardless of the device’s colour capabilities.
In parallel, trends such as stock keeping unit (SKU) proliferation, micro-segmentation and shorter product lifecycles are driving demand for the shorter run lengths enabled by digital print. They say their intent is to help corrugated converters and print service providers (PSPs) capitalise on these trends, by delivering quality products that provide cost savings and meet volume. HP and KBA say this alliance will utilise their combined ability to develop high-speed print technology for corrugated materials and folding carton applications and production.
The common controller, workflow and interface for colour and monochrome of the bizhub digital presses, allow files to be moved between devices, rather than in separate production islands and have been described as easy to learn and simple to operate and offers: • Full variable data print • Complex imposition capabilities • Job assembly support Furthermore, transactional and transpromo printing features fully bi-directional native IPDS and AFP support through the Creo Server optional TransPack. Kodak also demonstrated its recently updated and simplified prepress operations system Prinergy Workflow 6.1. Main features are: • Improved interface • Job management tools include a scenario builder • Job intent window • Part and section views • A separation list • 3 View job management – manage, plan and track tool WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
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NEWS
Fujifilm Vybrant F1600 now available
swissQprint Impala gets print head upgrade
Swiss company Swissqprint has announced that its compact, large format Impala flatbed has been reconfigured with the latest print head technology.
Fujifilm Europe has announced that, following its Fespa Digital preview earlier this year, its new Vybrant F1600 roll fed, large format inkjet printer is now commercially available. The F1600 is targeted at the indoor or outdoor print sector, such as the sign industry, by offering fast turn around utilising Fujifilm’s patented FUZE hybrid UV cured Ink and ecosolvent carrier technology. With guaranteed adhesion, the product was developed to print on an extensive range of substrates including any flexible material such as vinyl,
PVC, banner, backlit and canvas. The low ink build and smooth glossy print is durable and scratch resistant. Key features include • Available in 1.6m width • 4 colours CMYK • Variable drop printing • Production speeds up to 18sqm/hr • UV lamp life 6,000 hours • No de-gassing time required
Stratasys Firstbuild partnership for appliance printing
The Impala now has a maximum output of 180 sqm/hr in production mode, uprated from the earlier 130 sqm/hr and the system will handle multiple substrates including metal, glass, wood and stone. The board option (pictured) will produce print up to 2.5 × 4m - plus, when the job is complete, the extension tables will collapse for storage leaving a 2.5 × 1.6 metre flatbed. Another Impala option is the roll to roll module for stock up to 2.5 m wide with easy setup and an alert feature to report when the roll is complete, even to a mobile phone if required.
Stratasys buys GrabCAD Stratasys has announced that it expects to complete acquisition of privately held Talinn, Estonia based GrabCAD Inc in September for an undisclosed, all-cash payment. On finalisation of the acquisition GrabCAD will operate as a unit within Stratasys. Grabcad, once described as a social network for engineers, was co-founded by Mr Hardi Meybaum in 2010 who will remain in his Grabcad ceo role within the Stratasys Group.
Stratasys has announced its partnership with FirstBuild, a GE affiliate. The partnership combines co-creation and micro-manufacturing to build and commercialise the next evolution of various GE appliances and accessories by leveraging 3D printing, and other advanced manufacturing processes in an open innovation approach to engineering. GE Appliances, a subsidiary of General Electric Company in collaboration with Local Motors, established FirstBuild, a new model for the appliance industry aimed to allow concepts to rapidly reach the marketplace. Individuals design and submit ideas, and a community of home enthusiasts, designers, WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
engineers, and makers tests out the ideas and creates the products with the help of Stratasys 3D printing technology. FirstBuild will then manufacture and deliver the next generation of major home appliances to customers. Stratasys 3D Printers will go to work in the FirstBuild micro-factory located in Louisville, Kentucky, which is where ideas may come to grow into real products. 3D printing along with woodworking, welding, and other tools will be used to test and build the initial products. The micro-factory will produce products and sell them through FirstBuild’s website and retail store located at the micro-factory, and through traditional retail channels.
Stratasys says that with the acquisition they expect to gain:
Grabcad
• A software team who will develop solutions expertise directed towards designers and mechanical engineers • Workbench, GrabCAD’s cloud-based collaboration platform, will drive communication, enhance 3D printing tools, content, process and technology • Access to GrabCAD’s international community of mechanical engineers and designers, with 1.5 million users including an online community of M-CAD users and a public online repository of free CAD files, with more than 500,000 CAD designs available for download and nearly 50,000 file downloads per day.
AWARDS & EVENTS
Fespa China 2014 Global Forum speakers Company and Charlie Taublieb, international screen printing consultant. Day two’s focus will be on innovation and development of industrial printing.
Fespa China 2014, managed in partnership with China Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association (CSGIA), have announced the line-up of international speakers at its Global Forum conference being held in Guangzhou from 19 – 20 November 2014. The conference programme is designed to educate and inform with a focus on textile and garment print, industrial screen print and their digital production alternatives and applications as well as displaying new products and technology. Seminars on Day One will focus on the innovation and development of textile printing. Speakers include Rong Hua, of Shanghai HK Digital Tech Co., Ltd who will discuss the development of cut-part digital printing. Also speaking are Mark Gervais, Director of Screen Print at Ningbo Shenzhou Knitting
Fuji Xerox Versant 2100 wins Good Design Award
Speakers include Xin Guo Hua of Human Digital Tec Co., Ltd, who will discuss the role of industrial printing pertaining to ceramics. Robert Hsu, Consistent Electronic materials Inc, will be discuss photolithography and applications in the optoelectronic industry. Afternoon seminars will include glass printing inks presented by He Ping of Hangzhou Kewang Inks Co, and touch screen print from Denis Chen from Arma Co. Charlie’s Corner is being featured again this year and will be hosted by regular Fespa contributor Charle Taublieb. Throughout the event, he will conduct workshops with the opportunity for hands on experience with garment decoration such as rhinestones and textile printing and heat transfers. Last year’s Wrap workshop will be re-featured and wrap expert Ole Soleskin will expand on the medium’s possibilities, not just for the more usual car wrap but other items such as motor bikes, furniture and mannequins. This year’s event is being held at Poly World Trade Expo Center Pazhou, Guangzhou, China.
Sign China 2015 relocates to Shanghai Event organiser UBM Asia have announced that SIGN CHINA 2015 will be relocated from Guangzhou to Shanghai’s New International Expo Centre from 16-19 September 2015 where 130,000 sqm exhibition space across 12 halls of 1800 exhibitors & brands will be showcased.
Fuji Xerox, Tokyo have announced that their entry level, colour production system, the Versant 2100 Press has been awarded the Good Design Award 2014 by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Launched in May 2014, the Versant 2100 can print up to 100 ppm and received the award based on its small footprint, light weight, simple body lines and pleasing blue wave design. The Good Design Award, inaugurated in 1957, is Japan’s only comprehensive design evaluation and commendation system. The award is widely recognised by companies and designers both inside and outside Japan through its “G Mark”, the symbol of the award.
Since 2003 Sign China has combined indoor and outdoor signage, printers, printing materials and components, engravers, lightbox, POP, LED lighting, displays and illuminants, daylight, streetlight and solar lamps, multi media advertisers and other specialised sign products in the one show. In 2014 Sign China attracted 1583 exhibitors and over 88,500 visitors from 167 countries and regions. Sign China 2015 says the event is being held concurrently at the same venue with LED CHINA 2015 and LED LIGHTING CHINA 2015. They expect to host 90,000 trade professionals, buyers and sponsors to showcase the latest in all types of print, sign and lighting technology, trends and services.
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Stratasys worldwide 2015 Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge open for submissions Stratasys is now accepting submissions for its 11th annual Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge (see advertisement on page 9 of this issue) with the First place winner in the post-secondary category winning a trip to 3D printing conference up for grabs. Open to students worldwide, this annual 3D printing challenge invites students in engineering, design and art or architecture to create a new product that improves how a task is accomplished or to redesign an existing product. Entries should be mechanically sound, realistic and achievable, and are judged based on: • Sound mechanical design and part integrity • Compelling description (written and/or video) • Design creativity • Product usefulness • Aesthetics (art or architecture category) Individual students or two-person teams are required to create designs using 3D CAD software and to submit their design files in .STL format to Stratasys online, along with a written description and/or a 30-second video explaining the value and benefit of the Extreme Redesign model. The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 11, 2015. Categories include: • Engineering: Secondary Education (middle and high school) • Engineering: Post-Secondary (university, college or post-secondary) • Art or architecture (any grade level) New this year, the first-place student winner in the post-secondary category will win a trip to a 3D printing/additive manufacturing conference in 2015 (location to be determined). First-place winners in every category will receive $2,500 (US dollars) scholarships, and the instructor of the firstplace student will receive a demo 3D printer for a limited time to use in the classroom. Second and third place winners will receive $1,000 (US dollars) scholarships. The top10 entries in each category will receive a Stratasys apparel item (value up to $50) and regional semi-finalists will receive a 3D printed model of their design. Each person who enters will receive an official Extreme Redesign T-shirt. For more information about the Challenge and contest rules, visit the Extreme Redesign page on Stratasys’ website or follow the challenge on Facebook. WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
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MEDIA
3M adds 18 new colours to 1080 wrap film series
Stora Enso launches Re-Board White Core
Aslan WBL 995 and CB 90 white/clear board films Aslan, the German based media supplier, has released two new products - WB 995, a high quality, glossy whiteboard film and CB 90, a clearboard film for creating individual and writable whiteboards. Aslan WB 995
3M Commercial Solutions USA has added 18 new colours, including Fiery Orange, Fierce Fuchsia and Raspberry Fizz, to the 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 line. With the addition of new colours like Gloss Black Rose, Satin Canyon Copper and Sheer Luck Green, 3M says graphics installers can now choose from 75 of the most innovative colours and finishes in the industry. Series 1080 is a high performance film ready to use from the package with no need for printing or an overlaminate and is designed with the correct amount of rigidity allowing easy handling for users. With air release channels and a pressure-activated adhesive that helps prevent air bubbles, the film can easily be positioned and repositioned for installation. Available in 60” wide rolls, the film is also covered by the 3M MCS Warranty.
Swedish renewable packaging developer Stora Enso and manufacturer of Re-board, has launched a completely white, fluted core product Re-board White Core.
A self-adhesive whiteboard film which creates a memoboard that is writable with whiteboard markers. WB 995 is a white Dryapply semi permanent product with Aslan claiming it is the only whiteboard film on the market with fine air release channels to permit air bubbles to be smoothed out allowing fast, clean and efficient application without water.
This new member of their Re-board family retains all the strong, lightweight, planar flatness and thermal insulation characteristics of a their natural brown core, fluted rigid paperboard product (pictured).
The scratch resistant surface avoids shadows or ghosting, making it well suited for applications such as daily changing menus in restaurants, seminar rooms, offices, universities and schools.
Made from 100% renewable raw materials, White Core, suits all of the same applications including signage, store aisle displays, exhibition stands, furniture, window displays and store fixtures.
Aslan CB 90
Stratasys thermoplastic for FDM 3D printers
A clear laminating permanent film to cover prints, digitally printed or coloured films and can be used as a customised individually designed writable erase board. Both of these films are in 50 m x 1.37 m rolls permitting large surface applications and the high gloss finish allows any smooth surface to become writable. Features shared by both WB 995 and CB 90: • Scratch resistance • Can be written over again and again • Markers can be wiped clean with no ghostings • Permanent markers, can be removed without damage using a solvent • High dimension stability • No shrinkage
Stratasys has introduced a new thermoplastic material option for fused deposition modeling (FDM) production 3D printers: ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate). Available in black and ivory, ASA is an all purpose matte finish, UV stable, strong, durable material developed for use in the production of prototypes and tools, manufacturing and construction industries including the automotive, electronic, commercial sporting and finished goods industries. Applications include jigs and fixtures, electrical brackets and boxes, recreational vehicles and outdoor tools. WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
Compatible with the Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900mc 3D production systems, as well as ASA Stratasys SR-30 support material, the company says ASA thermoplastic is a similar price to ABS yet surpasses ABS capabilities. Stratasys Insight software is easy to use and will permit ASA users single click default setting production. Stratasys management said that as 3D printing becomes a mainstream production process, parts will used for a longer period of time and in more diverse environments making UV resistance a ‘must have’ feature. The company is confident that once ASA customers have tried ASA, they may never go back to ABS.
Coveris Magic PCW-Matte eco friendly paper Massachusetts USA based Coveris Advanced Coatings Digital Imaging, developer of high performance, wide format and digital imaging substrates, has announced the addition of PCW-Matte to its Magic range. Magic PCW-Matte, an inkjet printable, 100% recycled, 14 mil ultra-smooth matte paper, is cross platform compatible with water-based, solvent, eco-solvent and UV cure inks making it suitable for printing of photographic and indoor promotional graphics. PCW-Matte is available in 36” x 20’, 36” x 100’and 42” x 100’ sizes.
MEDIA
Essentra Duraco Red film tape
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Konica Minolta Relyco media for bizhub PRESS C1100/1085
US based Essentra Specialty Tapes has introduced a new double-sided clear film tape, Duraco Red. Duraco Red’s release liner and permanent tape are both transparent, allowing the user to accurately position the tape while applying it to a surface with graphics or text. Once the red liner is removed, the graphics will show clearly through the remaining tape. Essentra say this new family of premium tapes was developed as an solution for: • Permanent tape bonding, especially in hard-to-adhere applications, such as UV coated materials • Accurate positioning of a transparent tape over graphics or text • Revealing the graphics during and after application of the tape • Use in high temperatures • Applications where a thicker film tape is required Duraco Red’s adhesive will not yellow and minimises any hazy appearance maintaining the readability of the underlying graphics or text. A specially modified acrylic adhesive used in Duraco Red produces a strong bond with a wide variety of materials. Examples include difficult bonding surfaces, such as UV coated signs and other graphics, low surface energy plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene and some styrenes) and metals with powdercoated paint. Duraco Red is also suited for typical bonding applications, such as paper, corrugated cardboard, wood and glass.
Duraco Red can also be used for applications that require a thicker film tape. Its 8 mil thickness is nearly double the thickness of many other standard film tapes. The extra adhesive used in Duraco Red allows for greater wet-out or flow-out to achieve a stronger molecular bond. Duraco Red is available as pre-cut pieces on a roll, or on continuous rolls. Pre-cut pieces on a roll are available in widths ranging from 1/2” to 1”, with a 1” to 5” length. Essentra Specialty Tapes not only provides the industry standard roll length of 180 ft., but also features exclusive long rolls in a 750 ft. length. Standard rolls are available in widths of 3/8” to 3”. Long rolls are available in widths of 3/8” to 1”. The features and properties of the Duraco Red tape family are engineered to accommodate unique applications encountered among customers using other tapes. Duraco Red can be used in the development of POP and other retail displays, for box closures and vinyl banners,signs and containers.
US based paper product specialists Relyco have announced that the following products have been tested, approved and added to Konica Minolta’s Approved Media Guide for use on their new bizhub C1100 and C1085 models colour digital presses: • Reimage carbonless laser paper • Ultraseal Pressure Seal Self Mailer Forms – self-sealing direct mail • Duraseal Envelopes – a wide range of style and sized, high quality, professional business, security and custom envelopes For inclusion in the Konica Minolta Approved Media Guide, paper products and digital substrates are tested and assessed for their manufacture, press performance, reliability and image quality. This includes pick-up, feed, jamming, slipping, curling and scratching, registration, toner transfer and post production fusing and exiting.
Roland DG ‘Body of Work’ wins 17 awards for VersaUV 640 output established 65 years ago, are the industry’s premium international award attracting the best work from around the world and this year more than 2,890 entries were received from printing and graphic arts firms from across the globe.
Roland DG Sydney said The Printing Industries of America recently announced that Australian design house, Body of Work, headed by photographer Bob Armstrong, has been awarded a record 17 “Benny” awards in the 2014 competition. The
American
Premier
Awards,
Body of Work has now accumulated 31 Benny’s in the last three years including two successive awards for “Best of Show” from almost 4,000 international entries. The “Best of Show” award for 2014 will be decided at the formal presentation in Chicago in September. This year all 42 Body of Work entries won awards (17 First, 14 second, 11 third). Many of Armstrong’s Benny Award-winning works, including the 2013 Best in Show Calendar, the Art Prints, and Self-Promotion
Book Cover, were printed on a Roland VersaUV LEJ-640 UV-LED wide format printer. Precision, detail and colour are essential elements for each of Armstrong’s prints, which sell for $25,000 and up. Armstrong’s Body of Work is the product of collective talent combined with stateof-the-art technologies, including Roland’s LEJ-640 printer. Working closely with the team at Roland DG Australia, Armstrong points out that this collaborative effort has produced extraordinary results, setting a “new benchmark for the development and application of original creative directions in communication strategy, design and photography, as well the establishment of new frontiers in print.” WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
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INK
Xaar Xaar 001 piezoelectric ceramic printhead
Xaar had the global debut of its Xaar 001 piezoelectric, drop-on-demand ceramic printhead at the Tecnargilla ceramic show held in Rimini, Italy from the 22nd to the26th September, with the company saying the 001 head enables digital decorative effects, coloured glazes and functional coatings and extends the digitalisation of ceramic tile manufacturing processes. Featuring a selectable drop v olume of up to 200 nanolitres (nL) – 2,300 times larger than the Xaar 1002 GS12 – the Xaar 001 jets digital glazes and other fluids such as heavily-pigmented inks with particles up to 25 µm with consistent precision and accuracy – laying down up to 700 g/m2 on a tile, compared to 10 -20 g/m sq. for the decoration phase. The all-round capability of the Xaar 001 enables the application of decorative coloured glazes, structure and flood glazes to create new tile designs that benefit from leading edge tile production efficiency. The printhead can be used both before and after decoration and complements the Xaar 1002 family of printheads to build up layers of different materials, adding structure and
contrast to flat tiles. Since the traditional methods currently in use for adding structure are expensive and inflexible, adding structure digitally with the Xaar 001 now allows manufacturers to vary the relief pattern on every single tile. Because the Xaar 001 has the ability to lay down up to 700 g/m sq. of fluid it can also be used for other applications, such as applying engobe and glaze to the tile body. Digitalising this process reduces the amount of fluid used - potentially saving costs and allows further creativity such as mixing effects on a tile. Also possible is the addition of functional coatings to tiles – such as nonslip, antibacterial, water repellent or other layers. For reliability under production conditions the Xaar 001 features Xaar’s TF Technology which continuously recirculates the ink past the back of the nozzle during drop ejection. Combined with vacuum-cleaned nozzles, this ensures the printhead is continually primed and keeps large particles in suspension, minimising production interruptions that blocked nozzles can cause and ensuring fast start-up times and rapid recovery from mechanical shock.
Colorific Pro LA latex inks for HP printers
The company says the Pro LA latex inks are filled into original remanufactured OEM cartridges and have complete mix and match compatibility that allows users to switch inks with no need to flush the lines or change the colour profiles. The water based formulation is odourless, environmentally friendly, durable, media compatible and suits indoor and outdoor applications. UK based wide format ink supplier Colorific has launched its Pro LA water based latex inks designed for use in Hewlett Packard’s Designjet L25500 and L28500 printers.
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Colorific’s compatible inks for HP789 and HP792 are formulated for performance, with the company claiming their product delivers the same image quality, colour reproduction and print longevity.
Global Inkjet Systems develops new ink system components
Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), with headquarters in the UK and a support office in Shanghai, China, have announced a new product range of ink system components. GIS is a developer of software, drivers, firmware and electronics for industrial inkjet print heads and supports a wide range of brands including Fujifilm Dimatix, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Ricoh, Toshiba Tec and Xaar. The company provides enabling technologies to system integrators and machine builders for inkjet applications, allowing them to develop their own customised ink supply systems and solutions. Products include electronics and software for ink supply system control as well as optional additional support including a range of header tanks, pressure system controls, filtration and degassing. The company has invested and developed a new product range such as its ink control board which can support up to 6 fluids/ inks (multiple boards can be connected for systems with more than 6 inks) and can be used with print heads with different ink flow modes – no flow for end shooter print heads, low flow recirculating and controlled flow recirculating for heads with ink circulation capability. GIS management said that with the demand for recirculating ink systems increasing more print heads now offer this capability and, while recirculation may only be needed for inks prone to sedimentation such as white ink, all inks or fluids may benefit from recirculation. GIS also offers a range of header tank designs, pressure control, filtration, degassing and refilling systems that take space restrictions, ink capacity and differing printer sizes and applications into account.
INK
Bordeaux new printer-specific Plasma AC inks Bordeaux Digital Printink will introduce a new, printer-specific, original UV ink solution Plasma AC at the SGIA Expo in Las Vegas from October 22 - 24, 2014.
print workflow demonstration on two types of media - standard surfaces and more challenging substrates such as glass and polypropylene.
Bordeaux Plasma AC ink will be demonstrated on a Fujifilm Acuity Advance Select Flatbed printer - the company says that this is the only plug and print ink solution commercially available for the Acuity series. It was developed for adhesion, durability and chemical resistance on sign and display as well as specialty and industrial applications.
Substrates will be pre-treated with Bordeaux’s adhesion promoters (primers) followed by digital printing with Bordeaux’s newest environmental mix & match, UV ink. The final stage will include post treatment with reduced odour gloss and matte coatings on a Tec-Lighting M1650 coater.
For Oce’s Arizona, Plasma AR fast curing UV ink and Plasma AC are mix & match with OEM ink for easy installation and image quality on either flexible and rigid substrates. Bordeaux is also unveiling a full output
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Xeikon SuperBlack toner Xeikon used Labelexpo Americas 2014 to launch its SuperBlack toner. Normal black toner produces a density of 1.8, while the new SuperBlack provides a density of 2.22.4. SuperBlack is a spot colour that can be applied using the fifth colour station of a Xeikon digital press.
The latest version in Bordeaux’s environmentally friendly eco solvent ink Fuzeco PR4, will be demonstrated on a Roland Soljet Pro4 XR640 printer.
Xeikon says dry toner is already the preferred technology for wine and spirit labels, which often utilise structured label substrates. The toner particles follow the substrate’s surface, covering the peaks and troughs evenly to create excellent print quality. Xeikon has developed SuperBlack to provide a cost effective and easy solution for printing labels and packaging that incorporate full black tones or large areas of black.
The company says this mix & match ink is formulated to match the original ink, for colour, performance and cost advantage.
SuperBlack meets FDA label and packaging regulations for food contact and is available now.
EFI LED print-varnish-cut workflow unveiled at Labelexpo
Global Graphics creates Harlequin Partner Network Software developer Global Graphics has launched a formal partner program to recognise and integrate other software developers’ products that work in the same print workflow space as the company’s Harlequin RIP, into a Digital Front End (DFE).
EFI has used the Labelexpo Americas show to unveil what it says is the first fully inline LED inkjet digital printing system with flexo varnish, lamination, inline laser cutting and slitting for lean label production. Although the production line featured the 13” wide EFI Jetrion 4950LX LED narrow web press with new white ink module, EFI said that Jetrion customers has just surpassed the 200-press milestone for its installed base of Jetrion equipment. The company says it has seen its sales of advanced packaging MIS/ERP products double over the past two years, is continuing its momentum in software innovation with the launch of the latest version of the EFI Radius ERP system, which offers new scheduling, CRM and order-entry tools for streamlined, automated converting workflows. These solutions offer plant optimisation opportunities that are critical in today’s short-run, digital environment. The automated Jetrion 4950LX press with integrated finishing has 720 x 720 dpi
resolution and, at 60 metres per minute speed for the press, a higher level of throughput that can make digital inkjet label converting an even more useful option as a replacement for flexographic printing.
The partnership creates a framework for third-party vendors to develop and integrate their products more efficiently and give print shops access to a broader workflow of products from multiple vendors. Global Graphics said the Harlequin Partner Network will be a cooperative environment in which software developers are offered the opportunity to learn, share, innovate and enjoy increased success.
With the Jetrion 4950LX model, converters can reduce labour costs and make ready prep using a 1000 watt inline laser cutter. Plus, the new white ink for the press gives converters more flexibility in full colour imaging on clear, metallic and coloured substrates.
Initial members include Pageflex, ColorLogic, Ultimate TechnoGraphics, Hamillroad Software, Bodoni Systems, Dynagram and Alwan. Global Graphics expects the network to expand to include vendors of products used in newsprint and publishing, direct mail, packaging and wide format graphics.
The press’s LED platform offers a “cool cure” advantage, giving converters the opportunity to print on a broader range of substrates, including flexible packaging films, that cannot withstand the heat required with other curing or drying methods. “Cool cure” printing with the Jetrion 4950LX press also is a greener, more economical choice because it requires significantly less energy, and the press’s LED lamps are more consistent and last significantly longer than traditional UV lamps.
Network membership entitlements include copies of the Harlequin RIP for use in their test labs, extensive support documentation, alerts about upcoming releases and enhancements, some access to Global Graphics support teams and product management and an opportunity to influence and take part in co-marketing programs. As a part of their membership support, Global Graphics have introduced a dedicated section on their website listing member products and news.
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VISION
INK
Nazdar TX650 dye sub inks approved for Roland XF-640
Kiian Digital and J-Teck3 join forces Italian based ink technology specialists, Kiian Digital and J-Teck3, are joining forces in the digital printing sector to create a new group of two independent companies with extended capability and greater resources. Both management teams, including the former J-Teck3 owners, will continue to be fully involved in the ongoing development of the business.
Nazdar Ink Technologies, the UK based UV, water and solvent based ink supplier, have announced that their TX650 dye sublimation ink has added Roland’s SOLJET PRO4 XF640 to the list of validated printers. The company said that the TX650 water-based, high density, dye sublimation inks have been formulated specifically for use on a range of wide format printers from Mimaki, Mutoh and now Roland machines.
being heat-transferred onto polyester-based fabrics and coated rigid substrates, TX650 suits multiple transfer applications including:
Designed for printing onto paper prior to
• Technical, specialty and outdoor applications
• Sportswear • Fashion and apparel • Décor and interior design • Display and flags
INX Digital new UV curable inks for HP 7500/7600 systems
California based INX Digital has introduced the H76 high performance UV curable inks, which are designed specifically for the HP 7500 and HP 7600 printers when using the FB225 ink series. It is the latest Triangle brand superwide format application developed specifically to meet the needs of printers producing work for outdoor POP display, transit signage and packaging applications. Available in six basic colours plus white, light black and orange, H76 is colour and chemically compatible with the OEM inks but with improved performance. Besides offering superior adhesion in comparison to the OEM, it was designed to allow for a 20% reduction in lamp strength in accordance with company policy for greener, more sustainable products. H76 white ink has a much brighter white hue and is more stable compared to OEM inks, which appear to have an off-white shade and WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
tend to clog filters. H76 also sports a lower purge rate, exhibits low tack after the curing process is complete, and light colours are proving to cure better. It’s available in 5 litre bottles that can be installed directly into the printer, just like the OEM. INX said that in addition to the light colours generating better curing results, H76 creates very smooth transitions, produces better gradient colours for high end work with photographic images and flesh tones. H76 inks are supported by the company’s Outdoor Durability and Ink Train warranties. INX International Ink Co is a global supplier as part of Sakata INX worldwide operations and offers ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital print applications plus is a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, providing a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services.
J-Teck3, now in its tenth year, said that with their range of disperse sublimation and pigment printing inks for textile and graphic applications, they have a technologically driven business approach to develop new products. Kiian Digital are suppliers of sublimation transfer and direct, disperse, eco-solvent and pigment inks to suit the fashion, interior and other market applications.
INX Triangle ESC inkjet ink for Epson Stylus GS6000
California based INX Digital, have launched ESC inkjet inks - an alternative eco solvent ink for wide format applications. This is the latest in the Triangle brand, suite of products and works in conjunction with the Epson Stylus GS6000 commercial outdoor printer. ESC said that when teamed with the GS6000, pre-launch testing demonstrated the product to be cost effective, time efficient and durable, with vibrant colours for outdoor applications including banners, posters and tradeshow graphics as well as indoor applications. ESC inks, created to fall into line with INX Digital’s philosophy for developing green and sustainable products, offer improved Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) resistance. INX Digital says as a global manufacturer of inkjet inks with a full palette of digital ink systems, they offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital print applications and integrated services.
SOFTWARE
VISION
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Meadows Designmerge certified by Kodak for Nexpress Meadows DesignMerge Pro & AutoPrice for Adobe Creative Cloud Meadows Publishing Solutions have released DesignMerge Pro and AutoPrice for Adobe Creative Cloud 2014 with support for both Macintosh and Windows platforms. DesignMerge Pro is a software suite that provides users with variable data publishing and personalised printing features including variable text, picture, article, and even complete Adobe InDesign layouts and master pages. All of the features of Adobe InDesign are available when using DesignMerge software, so advanced features such as variable type-on-a-curve, runarounds, and specialty colours are supported. DesignMerge also outputs the most popular variable data printing formats including PostScript, PPML, Creo VPS and PDF/VT. The product is fully compatible with systems
Meadows Publishing Solutions and Kodak have confirmed that Meadows DesignMerge Pro Variable Data Software has been tested and approved for use with the Kodak NexPress Digital Production Color Press. offered by all of the major digital print manufacturers, including Canon, Fujifilm, Kodak, and Konica Minolta. AutoPrice is an easy to use tool for linking text and graphics in any type of database to Adobe InDesign documents. Meadows say that the software has been proven over 20 years by many of the largest catalog, retail, and financial publishers throughout the world setting the standard for plug-in based data connectivity software. AutoPrice is engineered to automate the process of inserting, updating and versioning prices for catalogs, retail flyers and similar publications. It is also ideal for updating timetables, phone lists or any other type of information that can be referenced from a database or spreadsheet file.
EFI buys EU MIS/ERP print/ pack developer DiMS!
KODAK Smartboard 7.0 Upgrade
EFI has acquired Netherlands based DiMS! organizing print, a developer of MIS/ERP systems for the print and pack environment saying that the 1986 founded, Lichtenvoorde headquartered company offers multilanguage, seamlessly integrated MIS/ERP workflow products.
Kodak has upgraded Smartboard it’s Document Mastering Software designed to support their Digimaster Digital Production System.
While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it is not expected to be material to EFI’s Q3 or full year 2014 results. DiMS! employees have joined EFI’s Productivity Software MIS/ERP group. EFI has assumed support operations for DiMS! customers. DiMS! technology will also be integrated into EFI Fiery digital front end technologies for automated digital print production. EFI showcased DiMS! products at the Graph Expo tradeshow fromSeptember 28 - October 1 in Chicago. An expanded range of MIS/ERP topics relevant to DiMS! users will be added to the Connect user conference’s calendar, which will take place at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, 20-23 January 2015.
DesignMerge is a professional Variable Data Printing (VDP) software package that works directly with Adobe InDesign and is suitable for data-driven VDP applications, from relatively simple, multi-up consecutive numbering and bar coding jobs, to sophisticated, personalised direct mail pieces. The software contains a suite of plug-in modules that allow users to create variable data output from any Adobe InDesign document and has been tested and approved for use on all Kodak NexPress Digital Production Color Presses. In addition, DesignMerge works well with the Kodak NexPress Fifth Imaging Station inks, which are ideal for specialty VDP applications.
Smartboard 7.0 is available now worldwide, and is a digital printing document control system that has been developed with automation features including a simple set up for complex jobs, easy to edit yet complete job ticketing with PDF format storage. Other Features will permit users to: • Create tabs • Select page-level features such as inserts • Paper substitutions • Move documents • Make ready functionality by using job templates • Timely re-prints • Impositioning • Graphic editing
Kodak says this newly updated version can be installed within a few minutes on Windows OS v7 or 8, works in conjunction
with latest Adobe Acrobat Software 10 and 11, yet has retained the easy to use interface Digimaster EX110 job submission system. Long term Kodak partner, Rochester Software Associates (RSA) offers two solutions that extend SMARTBOARD Software support to most production printers. Both TicketMe and QDirect (output manager) receive Smartboard Software files and produce ticketed print jobs for printers other than the Digimaster System. This enables customers to use the Smartboard Solution as the primary workflow for all printers in the print centre. WWW.VISIONMAGAZINE.ASIA
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