In just weeks, one of the biggest trade shows for the printing industry will open its doors after a brief pandemic-induced hiatus. Printing United Expo will run from October 19 to 21, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
More than 500 exhibitors will occupy 1 million sf of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Printing United Expo.
More than 500 exhibitors will occupy 1 million sf of the convention centre. Leaders in the commercial, digital, apparel, digital textile, packaging, mailing and fulfillment, and graphics/wide-format spaces will run live demonstrations of their solutions. On pages 26-28, we are offering a sneak peek into some of the technologies that will be showcased at the expo.
HP
HP is the expo’s title sponsor. It plans to build an elaborate, 21,000-sf show hall. “The experience HP Inc. is planning for Printing United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas is truly something spectacular,” said Tom Wittenberg, HP Large Format Industry Relations and Events, North America. “The immense space we are developing offers attendees a hands-on look at the sustainable large format opportunities they can tap into to diversify and expand their business offerings.”
Educational program
Marketing guru Joe Pulizzi will present “6 Steps to Building a Loyal Customer Base (that Will Continually Buy from You)” at the expo. Pulizzi will highlight that innovative companies of tomorrow not only sell products and services, but also have learned how to market them so that customers care about them every single day. Pulizzi is expected to go into detail on how printers and manufacturers can build a loyal following.
James McCall, chief sustainability officer, HP, will speak on “Sustainability is Here to Stay: How to Use it as a Competitive Advantage and Exceed Customer Expectations.” This session will address the importance and impact of sustainability and what brands are now demanding – both in the short and long term. Learn how to make sustainability a competitive advantage and conduct smart business at the same time. Additionally, a panel of industry executives will be sharing their insights about
how to best find new team members and foster talent and development with existing staff. The discussion will be moderated by Adriane Harrison, VP of HR Consulting, Printing United Alliance.
Immersive apparel zone
The expo will also feature experiential areas dedicated to garment decorators. The Apparel Zone, presented by M&R, will offer a multitude of experiences for attendees, including hands-on education, a podcast corner featuring some of the most recognized personalities in the space, and a café for networking. Additionally, Printing United Alliance and Made Lab have partnered to develop the Future State Theater where suppliers will deliver content focused on the market’s outlook for the coming years. This year, Printing United Alliance is partnering with the U.S. Vets organization. All monies raised in the Apparel Zone will be donated to U.S. Vets at the end of the event. Additionally, overrun samples produced over the course of the expo will be donated to U.S. Vets.
Pinnacle InterTech Award
Attendees will also get to see the technologies that won the Pinnacle InterTech Awards this year in action. The seven award recipients are Barbieri Electronic for Barbieri Spectro LFP qb textile edition; Canon Production Printing for Canon FLXfinish+; Design ‘N’ Buy for DesignO; Kodak for Magnus Q4800 Platesetter; Vivid Laminating Technologies for VeloTaper;W+D North America for W+D BB1000; and X-Rite Pantone for Mantis Video Targeting Technology.
Koenig & Bauer
For the first time, Koenig & Bauer will be exhibiting at the expo. Visitors can learn about Koenig & Bauer’s sheetfed offset presses, post-press diecutting, folder gluers, inkjet systems, and flexographic, web, corrugated, and special presses for decorations.
I hope you have a fruitful and safe trip to the Printing United Expo.
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A recent study by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) found the market’s most pressing challenges forced packaging decision makers to shift priorities and rethink operations, with 90 per cent changing how their packaging is sourced. The Unpackaging Reality Report explores how converging disruptive issues like supply chain volatility, inflation, labour shortages, and increasing sustainability pressures have impacted the industry. These challenges forced organizations to reprioritize packaging materials (68 per cent), budget (52 per cent), packaging design and esthetics (49 per cent), and sustainability goals (45 per cent).
Rayacom Group, a Western Canadian commercial printing provider, acquires Horseshoe Press & 3S Printers, an industrial printing company in British Columbia. The acquisition adds innovative printing equipment, such as Konica Minolta’s Flagship MGI, Speedmaster XL 105 six and a 102 10-colour, Muller 8 pocket, wide format 44, folders, diecutters, gluers, and digital presses, to Rayacom’s toolkit as well as its printing capacity.
Global Imaging, the U.S. distributor for wide-format equipment and supplies headquartered in Louisville,
Colo., has become an authorized distributor of Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems’ digital finishing solutions for North America.
Contiweb, a specialist manufacturer of web-handling equipment and provider of integrated technical solutions for web offset printing, web inkjet printing and packaging production, has announced that Canon Solutions America’s Production Print Solutions division has signed a reseller agreement to supply the Contiweb Digital Fluid Applicator (DFA-560) to the U.S. market.
Wolfpack Packaging, a full-service packaging distributor, acquires Supreme Packaging. With this move, the Wolfpack team
expands significantly as they bring in new leadership, supply chain, purchasing, warehouse and sales talent.
Fiery, the digital front end and workflow business of Electronics For Imaging, acquires Ottawa-based CADlink Technology Corp., a software company delivering solutions for digital direct-to-garment and direct-to-film printing; digital cutting and engraving; digital wide-format print; and vehicle wraps.
AIIM Holdings, a provider of omnichannel marketing communications solutions, acquires Prime Data, a provider of sustainable marketing communication solutions. The Prime Data service offering will strengthen the integrated automated direct mail platform offered by AIIM. Steve Falk, the president of Prime Data, will join the AIIM leadership team as VP of partnership and sustainability.
Heidelberg USA – Gallus opens a new demonstration facility at its Ivyland, Pa., office dedicated exclusively to its line of Gallus Screeny products. The Screeny Demo Room will enable customers to see the new Gallus Screeny 600 automated wash-out unit and the Phoenix UV LED direct imaging unit without needing to travel to the Screeny headquarters in Switzerland. Additionally,
this facility has the capability to produce finished screens for narrow web customers who do not wish to invest in their own screen making equipment.
Esko acquires imposition A.I. software company Tilia Labs, in a deal that delivers on the need of brand owners and converters to connect and integrate the entire value chain through upstream digitalization. Tilia Labs’ range of intelligent algorithms for sheet layout, estimation, and planning complement Esko’s existing software suite and the two companies will work together to develop next generation integrated solutions.
Printing United Alliance launches iLearning+, an e-learning platform featuring industry courses and certifications; reports on industry trends, best business practices, and quality control devices; and environmental, health, and safety resources. Printing United Alliance members receive a 20 per cent discount on all iLearning+ products. New resources will be added to the platform on a regular schedule each spring and fall to cover a variety of topics, including colour management, customer service, design, estimating, prepress, press, postpress, occupational safety and health administration safety, and wide-format.
Nearly seven in 10 packaging decision makers were forced to reprioritize amid supply chain disruption, per a recent RRD survey.
Canon Solutions America will supply the Contiweb Digital Fluid Applicator to the U.S. market.
Heidelberg USA – Gallus opens a new demo room at its Ivyland, Pa., office for its Screeny products.
TI Group names Kevin Bowles as vice-president, business development. In this role, Bowles will lead the national sales development for TI Group, facilitating the growth of key accounts and new business acquisition. Bowles brings a range of experience to the position, having managed key accounts in various sectors of retail and commercial print. With an exceptional track record for developing strategic plans, service excellence and dynamic team building, Bowles will apply industry leading best practices through a consultative approach with clients.
Workflow automation and integration provider Significans Automatio n appoints Michel Beauchamp as North American customer growth manager. In this newly created role, Beauchamp will focus on promoting Significans Automation’s integration services, software and robotics, and the company’s proprietary Virtual InkBooks solution. Beauchamp is a seasoned senior sales professional who has focused his career on graphic arts software and hardware solution sales for notable companies such as Kodak, Konica-Minolta, Agfa, and most recently Esko, where he served as an account executive for Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Connecting
for
Results (CFR)
hires industry expert Ken Freek as business improvement specialist, a newly created role of. An industry veteran, Freek has experience in sales, marketing, operations, automation, change management, supply chain, and logistics. A print advocate, Freek actively helps to support emerging talent through his role as executive director at Canadian Print Scholarships and provides industry counsel as the associate director at the Ontario Printing and Imaging Association. In his role at CFR, Freek will be responsible for developing growth opportunities for the organization and its customers throughout North America. Freek is available to assist CFR clients with a variety of services including marketing, business development, operational efficiency, supply chain management, and e-commerce and workflow automation.
Maracle, Oshawa, Ont., appoints Alec Couckuyt as the company’s president. Couckuyt has almost three decades of senior management experience covering Canada, the United States and Europe. He has held key roles with major graphic arts sales organizations including Agfa, Canon and Fujifilm.
Based in Montreal, Paragraph recently acquired a new Canon Colorado UVgel 64-in. roll-to-roll printer, a suitable one for indoor and outdoor applications. Premier Packaging, West Henrietta, N.Y., recently installed a new hybrid Speedmaster XL 106-7+L (equipped for both UV and conventional production) in addition to a refurbished Speedmaster CD 102-5 – both from Heidelberg.
Ontario’s Lacasse Printing has installed a new Kongsberg X24 cutting table, complete with automated conveyor and roll-off unit, and a 3KW router.
October 19-21, 2022
Printing United Expo 2022
Las Vegas, Nev.
February 27-March 2, 2023
Hunkeler Innovationdays
Lucerne, Switzerland
April 26-27, 2023
Wrap Fest
Towcester, United Kingdom
May 4-10, 2023
Interpack 2023
Dusseldorf, Germany
Business lessons from an Inuit co-op
On a recent visit to Nunavut, the author learns of a unique printing technique
By Bob Dale
Lifelong learning is a necessary activity for all members of the printing industry to remain successful. I recently learned about a different printing technique that has been part of Canadian culture since the 1950’s. This summer, I had the honour of visiting the Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop in Kinngait, Nunavut, formerly known as Cape Dorset.
This technique creates an image for relief printing by hand cutting the stone surface. The stone is then inked by hand, with multiple colours at one time.
This technique creates an image for relief printing by hand cutting the stone surface. The stone is then inked by hand, with multiple colours at one time. The used art paper typically is 100 per cent cotton, acid-free, soft-sided, deckle edge, and well suited for these limited-edition art prints. The paper is then placed over the inked stone and paper is then burnished to transfer the ink to the paper.
This process is painstakingly continued to create 50 limited edition prints that match, in the judgement of the artist, plus five artist proof copies. The process may be modified from the days of inking wood block type and litho-stones, but it’s the core to a viable business model for the Inuit community in Nunavut.
Besides the use of technology, another interesting fact is the business model they em-
ploy. Most business models are based originally upon an entrepreneur who nurtures an idea into a business with hard work and personal sacrifice. The commercial art industry was started in the late 1950’s, thanks to the efforts of James Houston, who worked with the Inuit community to help them build their own business and create this industry.
The Inuit community has a culture that is based on helping one another out of necessity. When a hunter is successful, they would share the excess with other community members who were in need; nothing went to waste. That was for the benefit of the entire community. The current business model follows the same mode. The printing operation is part of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative Ltd. Over 25 per cent of the people in Kinngait earn primary income from the art co-operative, and the work includes prints, carvings, and
artwork. The co-operative maintains a Toronto marketing division called Dorset Fine Arts that is responsible for interfacing with galleries, museums, and cultural professionals.
The co-op founders made important decisions early in their existence. One was to involve community members directly with the art creation and manufacturing process, which created economic benefits for the co-op members and their community. The other was to build a sustainable business model that required educational programming and training for co-op membership, management, and executive.
While the commercial print industry goes through phases of specialization and diversification, the successful model used here takes ownership of all processes for creative, content creation, production, marketing, and distribution. There is a lot we can learn from the Inuit business model.
BOB DALE is co-founder of Connecting for Results, the premier management consulting company focused on the graphics communications industry. He can be reached at info@connectingforresults.com.
Over 25 per cent of the people in Kinngait earn income from the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative.
The stone surface is first hand cut.
Next, the stone is inked by hand.
The paper is then placed over the inked stone and burnished.
The finished artwork.
PHOTOS COURTESY
BOB DALE
Something new for 33
The pioneering design of Harris LSB
By Nick Howard
The rusty hulk was parked inside a glass foyer of what was once home to Toronto’s graphic arts training school. The days of company-supported union educational programs are a distant memory, and this Harris LSB had to make room for new tenants. The little press had lost whatever appeal it may have had and was just 4,750 lb of obsolete machinery. Our museum (Howard Iron Works) wanted to save and restore the famous press that was made by an enterprising company during the height of the Great Depression.
The museum LSB was built in 1935, but the first models appeared in 1933. With a maximum sheet size of 17.5 x 22.5 in., this would be Harris’s first attempt at entering the then rapidly growing small format offset business. As today, printers sought affordable methods of printing. Letterpress was the dominant technology then but offset offered better quality and colour, and faster speeds. Today, digital manifestations are doing the exact same thing to win over traditional offset users. Even during the Great Depression printers were game to try new things.
There were few challengers when
1933
the Harris LSB first came out. In England, Crabtree had built a small press. In America, Webendorfer with the Chief offered the only local competition. This shows that offset builders spent most of their resources on larger machines. In the end, Harris built just 646 LSBs between 1933 and 1943. In 1945, the model was superseded by the LTG.
Reviving an old press
Restoration was a slow and painstaking process of re-learning and demystifying an assemblage of crude mechanical levers, cams and, often laughable by today’s standards, mechanics. Our goal was to print a job on this press, which we achieved after months of work. A copy of a Harris 1935 advertisement was recreated and produced with a sheet size of 14 x 20 in. The normal problems and shortcomings faced by operators in the Thirties were clear to us, as we had to re-learn to “copperize” the steel oscillation rollers: a long-forgotten process, which if not carried out properly, would cause such bad ink stripping that printing was impossible. Then there was the sheet feeder. Unlike a modern centre separation, the old Harris-HTB feeder was clunky, used “combers” to crack the pile,
and offered few precise adjustments. For register, the LSB didn’t have the “feed roll” infeed but rather “tumbler grippers” and front stops, timed to a “push” side guide. To maintain any sense of register the feedtable wheels had to be set perfectly, and this was a big problem even in 1935.
The most important tool for a press operator was an oil can, not a quarter-inch spanner. The complete press was built without a single anti-friction (ball or roller) bearing. All moving parts were running in bronze or simple cast iron bearings. As typical of the times, the machine had to be oiled by hand and at daily regular intervals. To forget was a sin and a seized part would often manifest itself at an inopportune time. In short, operating an LSB was a frustratingly difficult task, and producing quality print was an even bigger undertaking.
When it was time to go home every roller had to be removed and cleaned by hand: there was no washup attachment for the little press. This meant that the next day rollers had to be replaced before inking up. The molleton (cloth) dampening tray had to be filled with a water bottle as Baldwin auto-feed jugs were only starting to be installed on larger models. Too much or too little
The first Harris LSB models appeared in 1933.
The Harris LSB after restoration by Howard Iron Works
A Harris LTE shown in 1944.
dampening solution was typical and letterpress printers had a hard time learning the mystery of water and ink balance. Our print job ran well considering we had spent plenty of hours cursing the little press!
On the battlefield
Besides being the innovator of small format offsets, the little LSB had another important role to play. In 1941, once America entered the Second World War, the LSB was used on battleships, destroyers, and Quonset hut ground installations around the world. The U.S. defence forces requested Harris, who had by that time stopped building printing machines in favour of gun-mounts, to produce a lightweight press in the 20 x 22.5 in. sheet size. The armed forces needed a press that could easily be moved, operated on the back of a truck or in the field, and possess a print quality sharp enough to reproduce reconnaissance photographs. While larger presses were utilising the offset process to print
A Harris LTE ca. 1940 in the Beijing China Museum.
646
Harris built just 646 LSBs between 1933 and 1943.
cartographic maps, the idea of mobile print shops close to the action was relatively new.
The British had already been doing this with Crabtree presses. Germans also built mobile units with Roland (now Manroland) presses. The Americans had tried using Webendorfers and Multiliths but neither press was ideal. Harris went to work and lobbed off over 1,000 lb while re-engineering the LSB into a special military press
known as the LTE.
We are unsure how many LTEs were made by Harris as those records are still classified, but we can safely say there were at least 100. Most of them were used in the Pacific area. Perhaps this explains why the only LTE known to exist is at the China Printing Museum in Beijing. The press, painted an ugly green, caught my eye when I visited the museum a few years ago. It stands 5-ft tall and gives a rare glimpse into the importance of print to the war effort. Meanwhile, our restored Harris LSB is in full bloom at Howard Iron Works awaiting those who missed its heyday over 87 years ago!
NICK HOWARD, a partner in Howard Graphic Equipment and Howard Iron Works, is a printing historian, consultant, and Certified Appraiser of capital equipment. He can be reached at nick@howardgraphic.com.
GETTING INTO THE MIX
The era of mixing various techniques to achieve unprecedented
By Treena Hein
results
Expertise in combining newish techniques is the new normal in the print finish sector that’s unfolding right now in Canada and beyond. Of course, new techniques and technologies are periodically introduced to every industry. And, of course, it takes time for expertise with these to grow, but when it does, a permanent shift has occurred. Whether it’s farming, house construction, print finishing or anything else, the ‘best of the best’ lead the way in becoming adept at not only using new techniques, but also in combining them in new ways
to achieve unprecedented results. In print finishing, these techniques include foil, spot UV, metallic inks and much more.
Among the best of the best in Canada at combining finishes and technologies is Print Panther Direct of Oakville, Ont.
“Having multiple enhancement options at our fingertips allows us to create a masterpiece with every project,” says president and co-owner Christine Yardley. “Combining finishes is the new normal and our Into The Bright brochure is a perfect example of this. It mixes fluorescent pink, metallic inks, white inks, spot varnish and foils to really make im-
Print Panther Direct, Oakville, Ont., won a Gold Lead Award from FSEA for the Extreme Digital Guide III
New high-end flatbed printer
3229 ft²/h output
10 colour channels
126” wide roll option
Meet us at Printing United, Las Vegas Booth C6415
ages stand out.”
The expert mixing of finishes is so good in the Into The Bright brochure that it won the ‘Best Use of Digital Foil (Varnish Adhesive)’ category at the 2022 29th Annual Gold Leaf Awards of the U.S.-based Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA).
To produce the brochure, Print Panther Direct printed on the Xerox Irridesse, and embellished on the Konica Minolta MGI Jetvarnish and iFoil. The company has had the first machine for about three years and the latter two machines for about five years.
Yardley and her team have experimented in particular with the fluorescent pink ink and it has opened up an entirely new world of print finish possibilities.
“It can run under everything as a brightener,” she says. “In the brochure, you can see we achieved this wonderful skin tone with a little fluorescent pink under it. You can make this amazing rose gold also by putting fluorescent pink underneath. It’s endless. You can literally make millions of new colours.”
Print Panther Direct printed the Extreme Digital Guide III on a Konica Minolta AccurioJet
KM-1e UV LED inkjet press.
The Into The Bright brochure was printed on the Xerox Irridesse, and embellished on the Konica Minolta MGI Jetvarnish and iFoil. PHOTO:
More pink, more awards
Besides winning for the Inside the Bright brochure, Print Panther
Direct also won the Gold Leaf Award’s ‘Best of Show’ for digitally embellished promotion with its Konica Minolta Print So RealYou Can Feel It – Extreme Digital III book and box. It’s another example of many techniques and consummate skill in combining them, with textured stock, metallics, gloss foils, holographic foil, spot varnish and fluorescents, especially pink.
The Extreme Digital Guide III was printed on a Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1e UV LED inkjet press. The AccurioPress also was used throughout the print process. Metallics and fluorescents were added from the Xerox Iridesse, and the foil and varnish effects were created on the MGI Jetvarnish 3DS and iFoils.
The book images were constructed on 130 lb Cougar “and then duplexed,” as described in FSEA’s PostPress Magazine, “with
The metallics and fluorescents in this image were added using the Xerox Iridesse.
the visual arts spanning both sides for an endless textured impression… The varnish reflects light and enhances the sharpness and saturation of the images. It gives the primary area of print an incredible look. The impact of the…foil and varnish leaves those who see it with a lasting impression.”
The outer box is aluminum that was printed and etched, with a belly band of 130 lb Cougar that was “delicately printed, laminated, embellished and scored.”
Upon opening the box, a number of striking imageboards are presented, and the picture of the elephant in particular stands out due to
The Into The Bright brochure won the ‘Best Use of Digital Foil (Varnish Adhesive)’ category at the 29th Annual Gold Leaf Awards.
the use of fluorescent pink (in combination with lamination, multiple foils, metallics and varnish.
“From the flysheet to the foil on foil and multiple pass techniques, each piece illustrates the sheer beauty that can be achieved,” says Yardley. “Truly a bespoke approach to the printed page.”
Digital expertise
Among all types of print finishes, digital embellishments have seen the most growth in recent years, notes Jeff Peterson, FSEA executive director. Since no tooling (dies, plates or screens) is involved with digital processes, it obviously provides the opportunity to apply embellishments for shorter runs that can include direct mail, invitations, stationery, labels and containers.
If you have only one machine and it’s down, you are stuck. But if you have multiple machines and one breaks, you can still get work done. So, there are pros and cons to each situation. I am sure more pros, though. It is an exciting time. – Christine Yardley
Stephen Longmire, national sales manager at Sydney Stone in Mississauga, Ont., notes the “tremendous increase in short-run boutique packaging and prototyping” that has overtaken the print industry has also been supported by the advent of the flatbed cutting system.
Specifically, Peterson explains the growing use of digital embellishment processes “has opened up further opportunities for foil and spot specialty coatings for a variety of applications.” However, at the same time, he says, “Digital embellishment technol-
This picture of an elephant stands out due to the use of fluorescent pink.
The Into The Bright brochure mixes fluorescent pink, metallic inks, white inks, spot varnish and foils to make images stand out.
ogy has also helped spark growth in more traditional print embellishment methods such as hot foil stamping cold foil, and UV spot screen coating processes.” Peterson says the limitations relating to the addition of specialty finishes, such as metallic foils or spot specialty coatings, have been removed over the last few years, and “the growth in digital foil and coating technologies along with new efficiencies with hot and cold foil processes has provided extended choices for designers and brand owners.”
Indeed, new finishing technolo-
gies have fuelled growth in FSEA’s Annual Gold Leaf Awards. This year, there were 39 categories (with a gold, silver, and bronze in each), up from 37 categories in 2021, with the two new categories addressing new technologies for digital as well as conventional methods of print embellishments, finishing and binding.
To help those in print finishing with using the different metallic finishing processes, FSEA has partnered with PaperSpecs to create the ‘Foil Cheat Sheet’ guide. PaperSpecs
Efficiency beyond the cut.
The 2022 Foil & Specialty Effects Association’s Annual Gold Leaf Awards had 39 categories. is a California-based company that offers videos, webinars and more to its members ‘to provide inspiration, insights and access to crucial, handson tools and resources to help designers create printed pieces that ‘wow’ their clients.’
Peterson explains the Foil Cheat Sheet “includes decorative samples and the advantages and disadvan-
m
Fluorescent pink ink can be used as a brightner.
tages of hot foil stamping, cold foil, digital foil (both polymer-based inkjet and toner-based adhesives) as well as foil board substrates.” The resource also includes guidance on which papers best suit these foiling methods, best options for short print runs and how to create different foil effects in the same print run. Both a pdf and an actual printed/embel-
The foil and varnish effects on this image were created on the MGI Jetvarnish 3DS and iFoils.
lished version of the Foil Cheat Sheet can be accessed on the PaperSpecs website or the FSEA website.
Looking forward
Yardley believes multipurpose machines is where the future of print finishing is heading. “I’m sure they are in the works,” she says. “One footprint, one operator.”
Indeed, Longmire reports Duplo is developing a machine that can do spot UV, metallic foiling and corona effect in one shot.
However,Yardley points out that reliability is a rather large concern
in all-in-one technology. “If you have only one machine and it’s down, you are stuck,” she says, “but if you have multiple machines and one breaks, you can still get work done. So, there are pros and cons to each situation. I am sure more pros, though. It is an exciting time.” Yardley also thinks we will see embellished, elevated print become the new expectation in print finishing, going forward. This trend will come into force for the same reason mixing print finishes has now become the norm. “Brands,” she says, “want more to be noticed.”
Transactional mail requires a touchless workflow that automates data auditing.
KEEN ON TRYING DIRECT MAILS?
Things to consider before moving into transactional mail
By Adam Armstrong
For the past decade, the separation between transactional mailers or billers and direct marketing mailers has been closing. As organizations work to deliver better offerings to customers who want fewer vendors, merging transactional and direct marketing mail into a single provider enables an organization to focus on delivering a better customer experience and enhancing their communication delivery. Hence, many direct marketing mailers have procured composition platforms, as well as the
printers and hardware needed to add transactional mail to their portfolio. They are implementing the same technology and workflow required for transactional mailings, including secure processing and piece-level tracking.
Taking on transactional work can be a daunting task for unprepared direct marketing mailers. There are many things to consider before making the transition. One of the biggest is defining the starting point, as there are so many areas of complexity with transactional mail. For one, the added security required to process transactional
Precision Printing System
Transactional mail is
designed to be a completely automated process, so workflow is one of the most important factors that can make or break profitability.
work can be a deterrent. Jumping straight into PCI and HIPAA work can be risky and intimidating for businesses with limited expertise in this area. However, many marketing mailers have made the transition by taking it slowly and committing to invest in training, people, and workflow software.
Top considerations before taking the leap
Transactional mail is designed to be a completely automated process, so workflow is one of the most important factors that can make or break profitability. For example, when the data files arrive, they are run through an auditing and validation process before becoming print files. In most organizations, this is a touchless workflow. If approvals are required, a good workflow solution will push this responsibility back to the client. This is a slightly different process than direct marketing mail as many marketing mail applications involve a one-off setup that is handled manually. To make a profit and reduce errors, transactional mail requires a touchless workflow that automates data auditing and provides visibility and graphical, real-time reporting to all key stakeholders.
Software is another area where marketing mailers can thrive or fail. Creating the mail piece, correspondence or piece of communication is relatively easy for a good marketing mailer. Direct marketing mailers are experts at personalization and many of them have superior graphics skills and understand one-to-one marketing better than transactional mailers. These skills, combined with a strong knowledge of colour and the manufacturing process, set them up very well to ensure success. However, most transactional data require CASS/PAVE postal data processing
that needs to be completed against pre-defined business rules with no human intervention. Many smaller marketing mailers are not set up with the correct software components to automate postal processing.
Another area of consideration is job feedback. Customers expect real-time updates to be delivered via email and most require a web portal where they can see the status of their files 24 hours a day. The software used for transactional mail needs to provide low-code workflow setup, email job alerts, web-based secure job approval and workflow dashboards and reporting.
Next, look at the management and culture changes needed to handle transactional work. This starts with the need for the sales team to have a comprehensive understanding of mail.Transactional mail contracts are often multi-year agreements with weeks or months of set up and testing, so it can be challenging for a customer to move to a new provider. Sales staff that usually sells direct marketing mail will have to be educated on the terms, processes and specific details required of transactional mailers. It is very important to fully understand what customers look for in a transactional mailer.
Inkjet-based production environment
Inkjet has removed many of the differences between transactional statement-style printing and marketing mail. Direct marketing mailers have always been amazing at personalization, but business rules and turnaround times of transactional mail created issues for those trying to make the transition in the past, as they did not have fast enough printers. Inkjet has solved this issue. Most inkjet systems are fast enough to meet even the tightest same-day mailing require-
ments for any size organization. For transactional mail, inkjet has simplified the paper stock requirements with the ability to replace pre-printed forms to enable many organizations to remove racks and racks of pre-printed paper and utilize technology, such as personalized layouts and one-to-one images, that marketing mailers have been using for years. Inkjet has not only made it easier to make the transition to transactional business, but it has also given marketing mailers a large advantage: Many of them are experts at dealing with large PDF print files and hundreds or thousands of high-resolution images, whereas transactional mailers traditionally managed rather small data files and all the resources were called from the printer controller as needed. Inkjet presses, combined with PDF-centric workflows, have been a catalyst for enabling the worlds of marketing mail and transactional billing to merge.
Making the move
CASS/ PAVE
Most transactional data require CASS/PAVE postal data processing that need to be completed against pre-defined business rules with no human intervention.
Direct marketing can be very lucrative. However, volumes and demands change during certain times of the year and can affect a company’s financial stability. When a recession hits, marketing budgets are the first to get cut. Conversely, transactional mail is necessary as part of many industries’ regulatory obligations, requiring an exceptional level of precision manufacturing that can bring risk. On the upside, it is repeatable and contracted and arises on a set schedule every day, week, or month. Traditionally, transactional mail enables mailers to forecast and schedule staff and is terrific for keeping steady volumes, which, for a marketing mailer, can allow them to weather extremely tough times.
Transactional mail contracts can be a challenge to secure and require a high level of accuracy, but if a direct marketing mailer is up to the challenge, it can offer a reliable cushion and enable a business to grow into a long-term, profitable revenue source.
ADAM ARMSTRONG is product manager at Crawford Technologies, a provider of document solutions that streamline, improve and manage customer communications. Visit www.crawfordtech.com.
Drupa’s eighth Global Trends Report reveals the industry is cautiously optimistic about the future.
DRUPA GLOBAL TRENDS REPORT
The print industry is showing signs of post-COVID recovery and resilience in the face of fresh challenges.
By PrintAction Staff
TThe eighth Drupa Global Trends Report was published late September. The first results from a survey conducted this spring were also made available.
One important conclusion: overall, confidence is on the rise and all regions and markets forecast higher investment in 2023.
The results from the survey show an industry that is on average across the globe a little more confident for the future than when last surveyed in 2019, before the pandemic. The packaging market is strongest, but commercial, publishing, and func-
tional markets all show signs of recovery in 2023. Regionally, confidence levels vary. For example, Asia and South America expect better trading in 2023 while Europe is downbeat given the Russia-Ukraine war and its consequences.
Investment fell inevitably during the last two years, but both printers and suppliers reported strong plans for capital expenditure. Sabine Geldermann, director of Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, commented, “Printers and suppliers know they must innovate to succeed in the longer term. The shocks of the last two years pegged back investment, but the survey
indicates that the industry expects recovery to start in 2023. All regions and markets forecast higher investment in the coming year.”
The findings come from the eighth Global Trends online survey, when over 500 senior decision-makers on the part of print service providers and machine manufacturers/ suppliers worldwide completed an extended survey in spring 2022. The survey was conducted by the commissioned partners Printfuture (UK) and Wissler & Partner (Switzerland) on behalf of Drupa.
Confidence depends on market and region
Globally, 18 per cent more printers described their company’s economic condition as ‘good’ compared with those that reported it as ‘poor’. For suppliers, the net positive balance was even stronger at 32 per cent. As always, confidence varies between regions and markets. The packaging market is thriving with publishing and commercial facing structural changes from digitisation but with signs of confidence returning. Regionally, the picture is mixed with Europe clearly concerned about the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war but others (e.g. Asia and South/ Central America) expect trade to pick up further in 2023 as economic momentum builds post pandemic.
Print volume and investment plans
Analysis of print volume in 2022 by press type shows continuing decline in sheetfed offset among commercial printers, which is matched by increases among packaging printers. Flexo volumes continue to accelerate for packaging printers, while all markets reported increased volumes using digital toner cutsheet colour, and all but publishing with digital
drupa Supplier Barometer economic confidence 2022 by market
Printers and suppliers know they must innovate to succeed in the longer term. The shocks of the last two years pegged back investment, but the survey indicates that the industry expects recovery to start in 2023.
– Sabine Geldermann
Sabine Geldermann
Top
two print technology
investment
plans by market 2022
web-to-print installations between 2014 and 2019, over the last two years the proportion won by that means has shot up for those with such installations.
Global economic market
Socio-economic pressures are having a major impact across the globe, although they vary in influence between regions. For example, 62 per cent of printers in Asia chose pandemics as the biggest threat, while in Europe this was chosen by 51 per cent. While 32 per cent of European printers chose physical wars, this was chosen by only six per cent of those in South/Central America. Instead, 58 per cent of them chose the threat of economic recession. Richard Gray, operations director at Printfuture, said, “Socio-economic pressures are increasingly important to printers and suppliers alike, so much so that 59 per cent thought these were now either as important or more important than print market pressures.”
Looking at emerging strategic challenges, both printers and suppliers have been struggling with supply chain difficulties and they expect these to continue into 2023. Fortyone per cent of printers and 33 per cent of suppliers reported labour shortages. Wage/salary rises have been and/or will be the result. Environmental, social and governance issues are increasingly important across the globe for printers, suppliers and their customers.
inkjet rollfed colour. Despite the active decline in the volume of sheetfed offset in commercial markets, this was the most popular press type for investment in 2023 across all markets except packaging, where flexo led, followed by sheetfed offset. For some it is to consolidate and reduce labour and waste, and for others it is to grow capacity. Digital toner cutsheet colour was the second most popular target for all other markets. Finishing equipment
is the second most popular target for investment after new presses. Strikingly when asked about long-term (five-year) investment plans, top came digital print at 62 per cent, then automation at 52 per cent. Conventional print was still listed as the third most important likely investment at 32 per cent.
Web-to-print
While there was virtually no increase in the proportion of turnover won by
The global economic market has experienced more shocks in the last two years than at any time since the Second World War. Yet, this survey shows print is still a central means of communication in all markets and regions. While there are challenging times ahead, the industry has the confidence and determination to succeed. Wise strategic investment will ensure printers and suppliers thrive. Drupa has been surveying international print service providers and suppliers since 2013 to shed light on industry and global megatrends, market potential and innovations in all key areas of the industry. For information on the Drupa Global Trends Report and previously published editions, please visit www.drupa.com/ en/Press/Global_Trends_Reports.
Printing United preview
The 2022 expo will take place October 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. More than 500 exhibitors from around the world will showcase their products at the three-day event.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg USA will exhibit in Booth N1643. It will feature an end-to-end modular smart print shop, which includes the new Speedmaster CX 104, Versafire EP digital press, Polar N 137 PRO cutter, and Stahlfolder 66 SSP – all connected via Prinect Production and Business Manager.
At the show, the Speedmaster CX 104 will be equipped with IST UV (Heidelberg’s partner in Booth N1643) and the patented, navigated Pushto-Stop technology. Heidelberg will also feature the Versafire EP with Prinect Digital Front End in its smart print shop in Las Vegas. Downstream in the smart print shop, print jobs will be finished on the Polar N 137 PRO cutter with image process visualization, and the Stahlfolder 66 SSP. The Stahlfolder SSP has three shafts for scoring, slitting, and perforating that’s combined with folding and feeding from a flatbed feeder.
Kodak
Kodak will be showcasing its portfolio of digital, software, and offset solutions at its booth N861.
The Kodak Ascend Digital Press will be presented in live demos. Ascend is the first sheetfed electrophotographic press designed to print heavy weight substrates at long lengths with CMYK plus cold foil embellishment – or any other of the various print enhancement options available –in one pass.
Kodak will run live demonstrations of Kodak Prinergy on Demand Workflow Solutions. Printing United visitors can learn about the Kodak Prosper Ultra 520 Digital Press, which
Expect to see live demonstrations of Kodak Prinergy on Demand Workflow solutions at the Printing United Expo.
is powered by the Kodak Ultrastream Inkjet Technology.
The new Kodak Prosper
7000 Turbo Press, the world’s fastest inkjet press, offering print speeds of up to 1,345 fpm
or 5,523 A4 pages/min, will be highlighted too. Visitors to the show will also
Heidelberg USA to showcase a smart print shop at Printing United Expo.
gain a deeper understanding of the advantages of Kodak Sonora Xtra Process Free Plates.
For the growing and highly dynamic market of digital textile printing, the Kodak team presents the Kodacolor RDTG and EDTG direct-to-garment (DTG) inks as well as a new film-to-fabric ink system which includes Kodacolor powder, Kodacolor film, and ink specially designed for use in filmto-fabric applications.
Kongsberg PCS
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) will showcase its MultiCam and Kongsberg digital solutions.
“We’ll have the flagship Kongsberg C64 with Motorized Roll Feeder and Take-up Unit at the heart of a huge 5,500-sf combined booth [with MultiCam],” he said. “We’ll also have the X24, the most versatile digital finishing device on the market,” said Matt Thackray,VP and general manager of Kongsberg PCS operations in America.
A Kongsberg X24 table will be at the heart of software manufacturer OneVision’s booth (#N2415), as the company showcases the integration of its end-to-end automation software, from file input to printing, embellishment and finishing.
Kongsberg PCS will be demonstrating its MultiCam Apex 1R and Apex 3R routers, alongside its new Celero 4 flatbed digital finishing cutter. Demos of the MultiCam machines will highlight the routing and knife cutting of a range of materials including acrylic, aluminum, sign foam/precision board, canvas, vinyl, foam core and PVC.
OneVision Software manufacturer
OneVision will showcase the latest innovations of its modular automation solutions at booth N2415. As a so-called middleware, OneVision’s automation software meets the need for a seamless connection be-
tween order entry, file preparation, print and finishing. The basis of the software is a flexible, easy-to-use workflow management system that can be connected easily to any other parts
of the system landscape. Incoming files pass automatically through classic file preparation steps. According to the specific requirements of the respective print segments ( e.g. book,
commercial, label, wide format printing) files get then optimally prepared for embellishment and finishing. Intelligent tools such as nesting/ganging, tiling and paneling, cut line management, bleed creation, impositioning, and much more ensure a substrate-saving and efficient downstream processing.
SwissQprint
SwissQprint will be present at booth C6415. The Swiss manufacturer is to exhibit new developments in UV flatbed and roll to roll printing. The company’s high-end flatbed printer, Kudu, is set to make its North American debut at Printing United. Launched in Europe in May 2022, Kudu is the first SwissQprint UV large format printer with ten colour channels. The 3.2 x 2 m (127.5 × 79.9 in) flatbed printer produces up to 300 m2/h. Also on show in Las Vegas will be SwissQprint’s dedicated roll to roll printer, Karibu.
Standard Finishing Systems
Standard Finishing Systems’ 4,000-sf of exhibit space at booth N1943 will play host to live demonstrations in diecutting, perfect binding and trimming, slitting and creasing, folding, saddlestitching, and roll-fed print solutions. The technology on display will highlight the role advanced
The Kongsberg C64 with Roll Feeder.
User interface of OneVision’s modular automation software.
automation has in driving production efficiency, such as the automatic preparation of book blocks for case binding on the Horizon BQ-500 Perfect Binder with the GF-500 Gauze Feeder and ESF-1000 End Sheet Feeder and the continuous, high-speed booklet production on the Hunkeler Generation 8 combination Roll-to-Stack/Roll-to-Booklet solution, featuring the Gen8 Roll to Cut/Stack solution inline with the new Horizon Ice StitchLiner Mark V Saddlestitcher. Hunkeler’s new, multifunctional DocuTrim sheet processing unit will also be on display, marking its North American debut.
Printing United attendees will see also a new robot arm, which will automatically feed book blocks from the HOF400 Sheet Feeder into the BQ-270V Perfect Binder. Other solutions on display will include the SmartSlitter, an all-in-one sheet processing system that can slit, gutter cut, edge trim, crosscut, perforate, and crease in a single pass, as well as the popular StitchLiner Mark III Saddlestitcher.
Catch the Hunkeler Roll-to-Cut/ Stack solution producing book blocks that will be perfect bound on the Horizon BQ-500 Perfect Binder and trimmed on the Horizon HT-300 Three-side Trimmer at Printing United Expo.
Standard Horizon and Hunkeler finishing solutions will also be showcased as integral parts of conventional offset and digital print production workflows. At Printing United Expo, HP will be showcasing the Hunkeler UW8 Unwinder and RW8 Rewinder on a HP PageWide Inkjet Web Press (booth C4246), and Screen will also be showing Hunkeler’s Generation 8 winders attached to the Truepress Jet520HD+ (booth N1625). Standard has also collaborated with Canon, HP, Ricoh, and Screen on a series of pre-printed, roll-fed, and cut-sheet applications that will be running live at the Standard booth to demonstrate interoperability and to highlight best practices in production efficiency.
Komori
Quadient’s DS-700 iQ folder inserter is designed to handle not only large jobs, but also wide varieties of smaller batches.
The Komori Lithrone GL840 advance with perfector.
In Booth #N135, Komori and MBO will demonstrate the synergies between the two companies and their singular focus on advancing print solutions for offset and digital technology. Komori will highlight the success of its new advance offset press series that is
suitable for commercial and packaging print production. Komori will have many testimonial videos from advance series customers showing an array of products. MBO will showcase its line of modular finishing systems that offer production environments greater automation, faster makeready, downtime reduction and a high level of flexibility.
Quadient
In Booth #N2643, Quadient will showcase the new DS-700 iQ flexible and scalable folder inserter. With more than 30 enhancements, the DS-700 iQ is designed to quickly handle not only large jobs, but also wide varieties of smaller batches, from letters and invoices to sensitive financial statements. The DS-700 iQ introduces a productivity point of 7,000 envelopes per hour and is a suitable solution for high-volume mailers in any print and mail environment. The DS-700 iQ features up to 14,000 sheets per hour accumulation, a modular design and is versatile, handling C4 envelopes, booklets, multiple folders and more.
Achieve game-changing print communications.
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Designed to help you build a reputation for creativity, quality and reliability – the RICOH Pro C7200X Series Graphic Arts Edition Digital Press delivers all the benefits of digital printing with game-changing range of colour applications and capabilities. The opportunities are endless.
Request print samples, explore real-world applications and watch videos to learn how you can create head-turning effects that command premium prices from print buyers. Explore the possibilities at 5thcolour.takealookatricohproduction.com
Rapida 106 X
Commercial, labels, packaging – ultra short to long runs
The Rapida 106 X maximizes your capacity for the highest productivity for every market segment. Industry-leading technology ensures the fastest throughput for more sellable sheets on your floor – day in and day out! Print at up to 20,000 sheets per hour - even in perfecting. The ultimate in color and quality control, simultaneous makeready processes and proactive digital services are among the benefits which help you always surpass your goals.
Rapida 106 X. The new performance benchmark in industrial printing.
rapida106x.koenig-bauer.com
THE
BUYERS GUIDE 2022/2023
Directory of services and technologies for Canada’s printing and imaging industries
Committed to formulating high performance products that have minimal impact on the environment , INX does so without sacrifi cing machine, processing, and end-use product performance.
• Natural-based High Renewable Content Inks
• Monolayer Systems for Lightweight Packaging
• Washable Packaging Inks that Enable Recycling
Leading the way with advanced inks to match virtually every OEM printer and print head type , with an unsurpassed Global Dealer Network offering full technical support.
• Eco Solvent
• Aqueous
• UV Curable
• Liquid Laminates
• Bulk Ink Delivery
• Low Migration Inks and Coatings www.triangleINX.com
EQUIPMENT
Blake Envelopes
48 Vienna Rd. Tillsonburg ON N4G 3C7
T: 866-474-0707
E: sales@blake-envelopes.com
W: www.blake-envelopes.com
Huge Paper Inc.
44 East Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 12 Richmond Hill ON L4B 1G8
T: 888-428-4218
E: jeff@hugepaper.com
W: www.hugepaper.com
Imaging Supplies Warehouse
5600 Anglum Ct Suite B
Hazelwood MO 63042
T: 314-641-1122
E: distributors@goisw.com
W: goisw.com
Neenah Coldenhove
5600 Anglum Ct., Suite B, Hazelwood MO 63042
T: 314-641-1122
E: distributors@goisw.com
W: www.goisw.com/neenahcoldenhove
Rocheux International
205 Bethridge Rd.
Etobicoke ON M9W 1N4
T: 732-885-3898
E: sales@rocheux.com
W: rocheux.com
SNZ Trading Inc.
61 Rayette Rd., Concord ON L4K 2E8
T: 905-370-1197
E: info@paperforbusiness.com
W: www.paperforbusiness.com
Spicers Canada
200 Galcat Dr. Vaughan ON L4L 0B9
T: 877-790-2335
E: info@spicers.ca
W: www.spicers.ca
See our ad on page 45
SupremeX Toronto
400 Humberline Dr
Toronto ON M9W 5T3
T: 416-675-9370
E: sales@supremex.com
W: www.supremex.com
PAPER CONVERTERS
AJ Schrafel Paper Corp
248-32 Jericho Tpke
Floral Park NY 11001
T: 516-437-1700
E: info@schrafelpaper.com
W: www.schrafelpaper.com
Plastic & Paper Sales Inc.
510 Applewood Cres. Unit 1 Concord ON L4K 4B4
T: 905-761-1230
E: info@plasticpaper.com
W: www.plasticpaper.com
SNZ Trading Inc.
61 Rayette Rd., Concord ON L4K 2E8
T: 905-370-1197
E: info@paperforbusiness.com
W: www.paperforbusiness.com
Spicers Canada
200 Galcat Dr. Vaughan ON L4L 0B9
T: 877-790-2335
E: info@spicers.ca
W: www.spicers.ca
See our ad on page 45
SupremeX Toronto
400 Humberline Dr Toronto ON M9W 5T3
T: 416-675-9370
E: sales@supremex.com
W: www.supremex.com
PAPER SUPPLIERS
AJ Schrafel Paper Corp
248-32 Jericho Tpke Floral Park NY 11001
T: 516-437-1700
E: info@schrafelpaper.com
W: www.schrafelpaper.com
Business, printing, and publishing papers. 100% carbon neutral options available.
Digital and wide format print media such as banner vinyl and economy pressure sensitive.
Industrial products and more.
All available from a single partner focused on your needs.
Asia Pulp & Paper Canada Ltd.
20 Hereford St., Unit 15 Brampton ON L6Y 0M1
T: 905-450-2100
E: sales@appcanada.com
W: www.asiapulppaper.com
Domtar
100 Kingsley Park Dr. Fort Mill SC 29715
T: 803-802-7500
W: www.domtar.com
Imaging Supplies Warehouse
5600 Anglum Ct Suite B Hazelwood MO 63042
T: 314-641-1122
E: distributors@goisw.com
W: goisw.com
Paper Plus
59 Howden Rd., #C & D, Toronto ON M1R 3C7
T: 416-751-8866
E: paperplus@sympatico.ca
W: www.paperpluscanada.com
Paper Solutions Inc.
425 Admiral Blvd., Unit 1 Mississauga ON L5T 2N1
T: 905-461-9788
E: peter@paper-solutions.com
W: www.paper-solutions.com
Plastic & Paper Sales Inc.
510 Applewood Cres. Unit 1 Concord ON L4K 4B4
T: 905-761-1230
E: info@plasticpaper.com
W: www.plasticpaper.com
Rocheux International
205 Bethridge Rd. Etobicoke ON M9W 1N4
T: 732-885-3898
E: sales@rocheux.com
W: rocheux.com
SNZ Trading Inc.
61 Rayette Rd., Concord ON L4K 2E8
T: 905-370-1197
E: info@paperforbusiness.com
W: www.paperforbusiness.com
Spicers Canada
200 Galcat Dr. Vaughan ON L4L 0B9
ariva.ca
Ariva
PA_Ariva_BuyersGuide20.indd 1
1330 Courtney Park Dr., Mississauga ON L5T 1K5
T: 905-670-6060
E: tamara.walsh@ariva.ca
W: www.ariva.ca
See our ad on page 40
T: 877-790-2335
E: info@spicers.ca
W: www.spicers.ca
See our ad on page 45
Veritiv Canada Inc
125 Madill Blvd. Mississauga ON L5W 0H1
T: 844-837-4848
W: www.veritivcorp.com
PLASTIC COVERS & SHEETS
Craftwell Canada Inc.
136 Watline Ave. Unit 1 Mississauga ON L4Z 2E2
T: 905-608-9139
E: ops@craftwell.com
W: www.craftwell.com
PDS - Print Digital Solutions 5230 Finch Ave. E., Unit 6, Toronto ON M1S 4Z9
T: 416-297-7996
E: sales@printdigitalsolutions.com
W: www.printdigitalsolutions.com
Printer’s Parts & Equipment 60 Howden Rd. Scarborough ON M1R 3E4
T: 416-752-4488
E: info@printersparts.com
W: www.printersparts.com
See our ad on page 37
Rocheux International
205 Bethridge Rd. Etobicoke ON M9W 1N4
T: 732-885-3898
E: sales@rocheux.com W: rocheux.com
PRESENTATION FOLDERS/ BINDERS
Canadian Printing Resources Inc.
230 Eddystone Ave. Toronto ON M3N 1H7
T: 416-740-3388
E: sales@canadianprintingresources.com
W: www.canadianprintingresources. com
Craftwell Canada Inc.
136 Watline Ave. Unit 1 Mississauga ON L4Z 2E2
T: 905-608-9139
E: ops@craftwell.com
W: www.craftwell.com
NOVIN Design & Print
180 West Beaver Creek Rd. Richmond Hill ON L4B 1B4
T: 647-429-2299
E: info@novin.ca
W: www.novin.ca
Trade Pocket Folders
230 Eddystone Ave. Toronto ON M3N 1H7
T: 416-231-4334
E: sales@canadianprintingresources.com
W: www.tradepocketfolders.com
PRESSURE SENSITIVE SUPPLIES
Express Sign Products
5 Industrial Rd.
St. Marys ON N4X 1A1
T: 800-461-1722
E: customerservice@expresssignproducts.com
W: www.expresssignproducts.com
Printer’s Parts & Equipment
60 Howden Rd.
Scarborough ON M1R 3E4
T: 416-752-4488
E: info@printersparts.com
W: www.printersparts.com
See our ad on page 37
Spicers Canada
200 Galcat Dr. Vaughan ON L4L 0B9
T: 877-790-2335
E: info@spicers.ca
W: www.spicers.ca
See our ad on page 45
WIDE FORMAT INKJET SUBSTRATES
3M Commercial Graphics
2751 Peddie Rd., Suite 100, Milton ON L9T 0K1
T: 800-265-1840
E: juzbalis@mmm.com
W: www.3mgraphics.ca
Frontline Systems
210 James A. Brennan Rd., Gananoque ON K7G 1N7
T: 877-409-1818
E: sales@frontline-na.com
W: www.frontline-na.com
Imaging Supplies Warehouse
5600 Anglum Ct Suite B Hazelwood MO 63042
T: 314-641-1122
E: distributors@goisw.com
W: goisw.com
Jelly Labels Inc.
225 The East Mall, Unit 1273 Toronto ON M9B 0A9
T: 647-236-1116
E: sales@jellylabels.com
W: www.jellylabels.com
PDS - Print Digital Solutions
5230 Finch Ave. E., Unit 6, Toronto ON M1S 4Z9
T: 416-297-7996
E: sales@printdigitalsolutions.com
W: www.printdigitalsolutions.com
Plastic & Paper Sales Inc.
510 Applewood Cres. Unit 1 Concord ON L4K 4B4
T: 905-761-1230
E: info@plasticpaper.com
W: www.plasticpaper.com
Printer’s Parts & Equipment
60 Howden Rd.
Scarborough ON M1R 3E4
T: 416-752-4488
E: info@printersparts.com
W: www.printersparts.com
See our ad on page 37
Spicers Canada
200 Galcat Dr. Vaughan ON L4L 0B9
T: 877-790-2335
E: info@spicers.ca
W: www.spicers.ca
See our ad on page 45
BINDERY EQUIPMENT
ADDRESSING & MAILING EQUIPMENT
Cheque Print Solutions
1215 Lake Sylvan Dr., SE, Unit 11, Calgary AB T2J 3Z5
T: 403-278-2503
E: john@chequeprint.ca
W: www.chequeprint.ca
PDS - Print Digital Solutions
5230 Finch Ave. E., Unit 6, Toronto ON M1S 4Z9
T: 416-297-7996
E: sales@printdigitalsolutions.com
W: www.printdigitalsolutions.com
Print Wow
1215 Lake Sylvan Drive SE., Unit 11 Calgary AB T2J 3Z5
HP unveils the new HP PageWide Advantage 2200 series press, which is designed to meet the needs of print service providers in publishing, direct mail, and commercial print.
The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 is capable of speeds up to 500 ft/min colour and 800 ft/min mono and printing high coverage jobs at up to 90 million US letter sized mono images per month or 214,000 personalized A3 colour duplex sheets per shift.
It has the ability to print using HP Brilliant Ink and 2400 native nozzle per inch printheads. The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 handles a wide range of media weights from 40 gsm (27 lb) up to 300gsm/14point stocks, giving printers the versatility they need.
Ricoh launches new Pro VC70000e
Ricoh USA, Inc., launches RICOH Pro VC70000e, the newest model within its continuous feed portfolio.
The Pro VC70000e is field-upgradeable and interchangeable with existing
VC70000 models. For offset printers, this model eases concerns of making the inkjet transition because of its undercoating technology, which enables printing on a broader range of substrates.
The Pro VC70000e is the latest generation of the Pro VC70000 portfolio that features multiple print quality and productivity enhancements including business intelligence capabilities via RICOH Supervisor along with artificial intelligence and machine learning benefits.
Xitron unveils Navigator Flexo Suite for Labels
Xitron debuts the new Navigator Flexo Suite: Label. “Navigator Flexo Suite: Label is uniquely positioned in terms of price and performance,” said Karen Crews, president of Xitron. “Whether you’re looking to replace an older system with high maintenance and upgrade costs or bringing platemaking in-house with one of the newer flexo CTP engines that are now widely available, Flexo Suite: Label has the ideal feature set for narrow web label production.”
Gallus launches new digital inkjet label press
Gallus unveils its first fully digital label press, the Gallus One. The press has been specifically designed to remove the total cost of ownership barrier for the adoption of reel-to-reel digital labels with some of the industry’s highest levels of automation and cloud-based technologies.
The Gallus One is built on the Gallus Labelmaster press platform. It is a 340-mm wide roll-to-roll UV inkjet digital inline labels press with print speeds of up to 70 mpm.
SwissQprint unveils new solution for glass
Individually printed glass elements are all the rage in interior design. For those providing such services, SwissQprint has put together a package comprising a mechanical solution for an efficient, clean process supplemented by an ink set for optimum adhesion.
A pivoting alignment edge with five steplessly adjustable horizontal stops ensures precise positioning of glass panels on the print bed. The latter is covered by an air-permeable pro-
tective paper, so the vacuum holds down the media, but the paper retains ink printed in the bleed margin. The print bed stays clean, and with the roll-toroll option the operator advances the paper at the touch of a button.The ink set optimized for glass printing includes process and light colours, as well as white and effect varnish. The glass option and inks are retrofittable to SwissQprint LED printers.
EFI launches new Fiery DFE for Canon
Electronics For Imaging (EFI) is introducing a new EFI Fiery digital front end (DFE), the ImagePress Server M20, for the Canon ImagePress Lite C270 Series. “EFI Fiery makes getting terrific looking colour prints easy and fast; and the new, Fierybased server reduces the time needed to accurately print documents, including complex files and colour-critical PDFs,” said John Henze, vice president of sales and marketing, EFI Fiery. “The server’s Fiery capabilities means users can have the ability to reduce outsourcing costs and make great impressions in print with high quality newsletters, sales flyers, booklets, corporate stationery, tradeshow promotions, personalized communications and more.”
Solimar releases new versions of its solutions
Solimar Systems releases version 9.2 of its PDF optimization
The new HP PageWide Advantage 2200 printer is capable of speeds up to 500 ft/min colour.
The Gallus One is a 340-mm wide roll-to-roll UV inkjet digital inline labels press.
The Ricoh Pro VC70000e is field-upgradeable and interchangeable with existing VC70000 models.
SwissQprint presents a new solution for UV flatbed printing on glass.
solution, ReadyPDF Prepress Server and its output management suite, Solimar Print Director Enterprise (SPDE).
ReadyPDF 9.2 offers many enhancements to its current features and new additions to boost functionality and improve user experience.These improvements include a streamlined configuration, additional discard object options, ReadyPDF job property variables, expanded optimization settings, pre-defined modes for various activities, greater optimization report functionality, and the addition of a new preflight mode.
SPDE version 9.2 features an intuitive operator interface for improved overall job control and enhanced IPP security for compliance. The new version introduces new job definition format compatibility to better control finishing elements of the print process. The Secure IPP Print Server within
SPDE 9.2 now features additional authentication support.
Xante releases UV transfer system
Xante Corporation introduces “UV Unlimited” that allows you to print directly on the UV transfer media and place a dishwasher-safe image to virtually any surface including glass, metal cups, rubber, wood, containers, plastics, sporting goods, and industrial equipment.
Xante’s X-Series UV Inkjet Flatbed printers apply ink to a layer of clear glue transfer
Xante’s Unlimited Transfer System allows you to print directly on the UV transfer media.
ReadyPDF 9.2 features new additions to improve user experience.
SPDE 9.2 has additional security features.
media. A second adhesive layer is then laminated to the printed sheet. Once the two sheets have bonded, the ink can then adhere to almost any surface.
The UV Unlimited Transfer System includes a laminator specifically calibrated to produce transfer images, a starter pack of 20 A3 transfer media sheets, and one transfer media laminate roll. Additional transfer sheets and laminate rolls can be purchased as needed.
Rosas Maschinenbau introduces new products
Rosas Maschinenbau, a German manufacturer of customized high-performance tabletop rewinder and inspection machines, launches two new products for the label converting market: the Infinity 4K line scan camera and its second-generation Gazelle high-speed bidirectional rewinder.
The Infinity 4K line scan camera is designed for tabletop
rewinders that handle web widths of up to 520 mm. It features AI-based print inspection technology providing label checking capabilities.
Rosas introduces the second-generation Gazelle high-speed bidirectional rewinder for imprinting a variety of label types. The company collaborated on the development with Graph-Tech USA, which incorporated their EZ 202 DOD colour inkjet head based on Epson S3200 technology. This inkjet head and
complementary UV LED curing system enables the machine to deliver real-time database serialization at 1200 dpi in full colour at production rates of up to 50m/min.
Lecta unveils new paperboard
Lecta creates a range of SBS graphic paperboard with a silk finish: Diva Art (one-side coated) and Diva Art Duo (two-side coated). This range is suitable for finishing processes such as screen printing, stamping, flocking and dry embossing.
Diva Art and Diva Art Duo have been developed for offset, flexo and digital printing. They are ideal for creative graphics, communications and packaging projects, including book covers, folders, labels, postcards and greeting cards, or packaging for cosmetics, perfumes, premium beverages or chocolates and sweets.
Lecta launches new range of SBS graphic paperboard with silk finish.
Xeikon launches new LED ink series
Xeikon launches a fully digital hybrid solution based on its digital press (Cheetah or Panther series), the recently developed Xeikon Label Converting Unit and Xeikon’s X-800 digital front-end. This solution can be configured to the need of the converter. Also, Xeikon announces its PantherCure LED series, a new family of inks for use with Panther technology. The PantherCure LED inks come with new waveforms, software and optimized
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The Infinity 4K line scan camera.
screening. They will be available on newly manufactured Xeikon PX3300 and Xeikon PX2200 from October 2022. In 2023, customers of prior models of the Panther Press will be eligible for field upgrades.
Kyocera launches new cloud-based solution
Kyocera Document Solutions Canada launches Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan, a solution utilizing cloud-based applications while offering the flexibility to print from anywhere and scan to the cloud. The new service enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation with increased document security while reducing printing costs, and ultimately eliminating the need to manage servers.
Kyocera’s latest offering is optimal for organizations of
any size, including hybrid and home office work environments, and integrates with Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and Box.com. As offices become decentralized, there is a demand for cost-effective printing and infrastructure. The solution meets this need and reduces operational costs using multi-tenant software hosted in the cloud with Amazon Web Services.
Hubergroup relaunches UV flexo portfolio
Hubergroup Print Solutions is relaunching its UV flexo portfolio. In the course of the relaunch under the Iray brand, Hubergroup adds primers, adhesives and low-migration printing inks as well as varnishes for food packaging to its portfolio. The Iray products are characterized by “high scratch resistance.”
Hubergroup adds new inks and varnishes to its UV flexo portfolio.
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Based out of Hemlock’s main facility in Burnaby, B.C., 34-year-old Stephanie Beveridge works as an account manager, helping clients primarily in the post-secondary, retail, real estate, and publishing sectors. As a commercial printer, Hemlock is best known for its sustainability values and outstanding quality. “I feel lucky to work for a company that delivers excellence day in and day out,” says Beveridge. “When I got hired, I think I could have started the Hemlock Fan Club by about week two, and over seven years later, I very much still feel the same.” Beveridge is currently pursuing an MBA in Sustainable Innovation at the University of Victoria.
What is the state of the print industry today, in your opinion?
SB: I really hate to say it, but the paper supply chain is such a constraint on opportunities right now. The industry is optimistic. There’s an energy to it. The business is there but we’re limited in terms of paper options and volume. I could try to spin the situation and say it’s a fun challenge, but, truly, it’s a bummer when we are so used to offering many textures, shades, colours, and weights to nail the vision of our buyers.
What attracted you to the print industry?
SB: I wish I could have been a graphic designer. I have loved desktop publishing applications since my family got their first Macintosh PowerPC in the mid-90s, but I never had any true artistic talent. The Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU’s) Graphic Communications Management program spoke directly to me. I realized I could work with creatives and help bring their visions into a tangible medium. At that time, I didn’t know I would specifically end up in sales and be the direct conduit between receiving PDFs from clients and delivering their publications weeks later.
How can the industry attract more young people?
SB: I love the idea of showing more of the manufacturing process. I had no concept how printed material was created until I went to school for it.
7Stephanie Beveridge has been working with Hemlock Printers for seven years now.
It blows my mind that with some aluminum, laser, oil, and water, you can create museumquality images with four ink colours, and that too at high speeds.
Offset printing technology still fascinates me. It blows my mind that with some aluminum, laser, oil, and water, you can create museum-quality images with four ink colours, and that too at high speeds. This is wild!
On the Food Network there are shows about the manufacturing of cheese and chocolate products. Young people may not watch 30 minutes of cable TV, but what about short clips on social media? Show the craftsmanship and talent, as well as the innovations including robotics in the industry. With the increase in automation, I think the industry needs to look beyond the traditional print-focused post-secondary programs and explore how they can be attractive to people learning and working in the tech sector.
In such a competitive landscape, how can printers win more sales?
SB: With so many businesses in our day-to-day lives becoming more and more transactional, I think customers are increasingly appreciating really good customer service and connec-
tion. This doesn’t necessarily mean weekly in-person sales calls. Ensuring they know you’re paying attention to their wants and needs and working your hardest to meet their deliverables is valuable. This builds long-term relationships and trust, and those people end up being your best customers.
What are some of the biggest opportunities in the print industry?
SB: Young people. Not only hiring them for entry-level jobs, but also giving them careers by training, empowering, and promoting them. Increase diversity at all levels and create companies that look like the communities where we do business. There is a lot of data showing this benefits morale, turnover, productivity, and profits, and I’m excited to see the next generation of leaders who emerge from this mindset.
Beveridge’s responses were edited for length. For more Q&A Spotlight interviews, please visit www.printaction.com/profile.
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