I S S U E 1 2 0 2 2 | | T H E V O I C E O F T H E I N D U S T R Y | | W W W. I R I S H P R I N T E R . I E
THE DIGITAL DIFFERENCE
How digital finishing is meeting the needs of the packaging sector ULTRA HIGH QUALITY
Better-than-offset quality Wider colour gamut Produce higher value work
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ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
5,400 sheets per hour Lower cost per sheet Transfer more jobs from offset
Fujifilm Jet Press 750S High Speed Model
Re-board is
REBORN OFC IP_2022_issue1_Cover_FINAL.indd 1
Discover the flexibility and sustainability of Re-board
GO WITH THE (AUTOMATED)
FLOW
XEROX TECHNOLOGY TAKES ER MEDIA TO THE NEXT LEVEL
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• • •
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1 ISSUE 1 2022
04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry
06
Automation at Webprint ebprint is installing Q.I Press W Controls’ IDS-3D in Citywest
08 Talking about… Re-board amie Flett and Mark Needham of J Rostrum Design on the flexibility of Re-board
10 The beauty of inkjet ow do you get the best out H of inkjet by utilising process optimisation? Stuart Rising explains
12 Going with the (automated) flow ER Media’s online automated business has been strengthened by the addition of a Xerox Versant 3100 and a Xerox Iridesse
15
Two presses in one For print businesses looking to broaden their product offering and break into new markets, the Fujifilm Jet Press 750S High Speed Model offers the best of both worlds
18 Technology ide format printing is destined to W grow with ever more applications, writes Sabine Slaughter
21 The Digital Difference Digital finishing is becoming increasingly agile in the packaging sector, writes Simon Lewis
24 The Last Word Carlos Cavacas at Grafix Signs in Midleton has just taken delivery of a new Roland TrueVis VG2-640
ISSUE 1 2022 IRISH PRINTER
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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Ciara Murray Contact:
Welcome to issue 1 of Irish Printer for 2022.
Irish Printer,
In the first issue of Irish Printer for 2022, we take a look at Fujifilm’s Jet Press 750S High Speed Model. It’s a machine that can switch between High Performance and High Quality modes, meaning that in just a matter of minutes, users can switch from ultra-high quality work, to lower value, higher volume jobs. That flexibility is, says Fujifilm, crucial for any print business looking to survive and thrive in today’s challenging market. For more on the Jet Press 750S High Speed Model, turn to page 15. Also in this issue, we caught up with Glenn Sands at ER Media to talk about how automation has transformed his business. A few years ago, he developed an innovative software solution for ordering online. Today, he boasts over 245,000 customers across the two strands of his business. Much of that success is, he says, down to the Xerox technology he has invested in – a Xerox Versant 3100 and a Xerox Iridesse (CMYK). Customer service has been elevated and volume has gone up, while quality of output has proved a game changer for the company. For more on ER Media, turn to page 12. As the official distributor of Re-board in Ireland, Rostrum Design is on a mission to spread the word about the product’s sustainable credentials. Re-board is engineered with a patented core that gives a perfectly balanced weight to strength ratio. It’s a viable and ‘green’ alternative to the likes of MDF and only 20% the weight. For sectors like furniture, shop fit-outs, retail POS and expo, it’s a product that really comes into its own, says Rostrum Director Mark Needham. For more on Re-board’s many uses, turn to page 8.
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Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied by Antalis. All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2021. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are
As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!
run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026
IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2022
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U P D A T E S
NEWS
Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, is set to return to the Sign & Digital UK exhibition with a raft of new product launches from the Japanese manufacturer. New printers, including models from the Mimaki 100 Series, will be available to view on the Hybrid stand, alongside the launch of the Mimaki UJF MkII e Series flatbed LED UV printers. “Visitors will be able to see Mimaki’s latest roll-to-roll printers, cutting plotters, and small and large format flatbeds with Hybrid, along with the launch of Mimaki’s new, compact, full-colour 3D printer: the 3DUJ-2207,”
ANTALIS
NEW MIMAKI PRODUCTS TO LAUNCH AT SIGN & DIGITAL UK
said Duncan Jefferies, Hybrid’s head of marketing and
Box-making service from Antalis Packaging
business development. “This exciting product delivers
Antalis Packaging has launched a new service which guarantees
a hugely creative and unique solution – and we
customers time-crucial, tailor-made corrugated wrap or box orders
anticipate will give visitors to the show an insight into
delivered within three days. The company says the introduction of
the significant potential that full colour 3D printing
the box-making service comes in response to growing demand from
can offer businesses.”
Antalis’ Packaging customers, who have increasingly asked for smaller order quantities of boxes or wraps to ensure they can fulfil orders when, for example, demand spikes or to respond quickly to clientspecific requests. Businesses often hold only one or two standard carton sizes in stock that may not fit and this can create wastage. Customers can now order corrugate wraps and boxes from Antalis in styles and sizes specific to each job, as and when they are required. Right-sizing the packaging materials used also reduces waste and helps to increase efficiency in terms of reduced stockholding for the customer and decreases the use of void-fill. The company is looking to further develop packaging products and services, with additional box styles and options, including printing, planned for 2022.
VEGAN LABELS FROM AVERY DENNISON Avery Dennison has launched a new certified portfolio of vegan labels which contain no animal-derived components. The company says every item in the portfolio was created without animal testing or the use of GMOs of animal origin. Because of this, the collection has received approval from EVE VEGAN, an independent organisation created by Vegan France, which works to promote vegan alternatives in different industries, including food and medicine. The range includes six paper facestocks, three adhesives and two liners and they can be mixed and matched according to customer needs. Each item offers a similar level of performance to non-vegan alternatives in both converting and application. Based on converter and end user needs, there are plans to expand the range with new paper facestocks. Avery Dennison says the range is suitable for the beauty, wine and spirits and food and beverage sectors, serving as a unique selling point for brands.
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5
FUJIFILM Tricky job for Fujifilm Acuity B1 digital press
Luxury homeware brand Liberty and paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball have collaborated to launch a range of limited edition tin designs, which were printed using Fujifilm’s Acuity B1 digital press. Each tin design, comprising multiple colours, had to exactly match Farrow & Ball’s brand colours, as well as the shades and complex designs of textile fabrics manufactured by Liberty. Tin specialist William Say & Co Ltd manufactures the 57mm wide lever lid tins at its site in London, while Tinmasters printed the complex designs with its Acuity B1 press. Richard O’Neill, CEO at Tinmasters, said: “There are a number of factors that would have been very challenging from a lithographic point of view. The repeat runs on this project are likely to be 200 sheets with six different designs on each. The designs are not appropriate for composite printing where you buy a lithographic press and put different designs on one sheet to try and get the run lengths up. That was not what Liberty was doing here; they were randomising the designs, but with each design being very different with different colours. We composite printed complicated patterns, randomised on the sheets. It would have not only been expensive to print litho, but almost impossible to do what Liberty wanted because of the complexity of the patterns and the criticality of the colours.” Since October last year, all six designs of the paintfilled tins have been showcased in Liberty stores alongside its textile fabrics. The tins are also being sold in Farrow & Ball showrooms, as well as on its website.
Canon collaborates with Plockmatic Canon has announced that a close collaboration with Plockmatic, a global supplier of finishing solutions to print and mailing businesses, has resulted in the inline integration of the Canon varioPRINT iX-series digital inkjet sheet-fed press with the Plockmatic DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED paper coating machine. Canon says the combination of the two technologies means that varioPRINT iX-series customers in EMEA can now not only produce high-quality, UV-coated applications, but can do so at rated engine speed in a single automated workflow. Commercial print users of the varioPRINT iX-series that want to produce business cards, postcards, photo merchandise,
AGFA SCORES HAT-TRICK AT EDP AWARDS The European Digital Press Association, an industry forum comprised of publishers of leading European magazines devoted to digital printing and associated products, rewarded no less than three Agfa innovations introduced in 2021 – the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED hybrid large-format printing press, the InterioJet waterbased décor paper printing press for laminate surfaces
AGFA
and the Alussa leather printing system. The Jeti Tauro
H3300 UHS is the latest ‘ultra-high-speed’ version of Agfa’s flagship inkjet press. It’s a 3.3m heavy-duty workhorse for sign & display as well as corrugated printing applications, combining extreme quality with a production speed of up to 600 m2/h and cutting-edge automation. The InterioJet 3300 is a multi-pass inkjet system that uses Agfa’s eco-friendly, water-based inks for short to medium production runs of décor paper for laminate surfaces. Finally, the Alussa is cutting-edge inkjet printing technology for the creation of designs on leather for a variety of markets such as interior decoration, fashion, automotive and more. The EDP said the Alussa ink “makes it possible to print on leather on an industrial scale. Printing is done in full colour plus white, which gives a reliable result even on coloured leather. In combination with the coatings for leather developed together with TFL, this creates a hardwearing colourfast print that can be called unique.”
book and magazine covers and printed applications where coating adds value, can now maximise their productivity by connecting the DigiCoater Pro 400 HD LED inline. The integration removes both the need for manual intervention and the risk of a production bottleneck, allowing commercial printers to deliver applications of a glossy, higher value look and feel and to meet the shortest turnaround times. By opting to use a flood varnish in the production of such applications, not only are the results more eye-catching, but the coating also protects the printed materials against wear and tear, water, dirt and food. The company also said that with the two machines connected via an open SFD interface, the bi-directional communication between the varioPRINT iX-series and the Plockmatic Digicoater Pro 400 HD LED results in a highly efficient, end-to-end-workflow.
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Webprint is installing Q.I Press Controls’ IDS-3D in Citywest
AUTOMATION AT
WEBPRINT Webprint has become the first print company in Ireland to install Q.I. Press Controls’ (QIPC) closed loop control at its Dublin facility. The printer’s
Donagh O’Doherty, Managing Director, Webprint
manroland GEOMAN newspaper press is set to be equipped with a full automation package from Q.I. Press Controls, a company that develops and delivers optical measure and control systems. The investment was made from both a cost and quality perspective, while previous positive experiences with QIPC’s systems at a different facility also contributed to Webprint’s decision to go for QIPC
functionalities like damp and smart ink- and damp
again.
presetting. Cut-off and side-lay ribbon control will be
The Dublin facility is a relatively new printing
handled by the mRC-3D cameras. “We have been
location for Webprint. Just last March, it took over
using QIPC’s press automation in our Cork plant as
the former Independent News and Media (INM)
part of the KBA installation in 2006,” said Donagh
print plant at Citywest. In order to expand business
O’Doherty. “Given these experiences, we know that
as intended, the printing presses needed to be
with this kind of automation, we can fulfil the aim
upgraded. “Investing in press automation is mainly
that our newspaper printing and web offset printing
driven by costs, but quality is also a big factor,” said
techniques are the best in the market.
Donagh O’Doherty, Managing Director of Webprint.
“As said earlier, cost saving is more important than
“Given the significant rise in newsprint prices, the
ever. Supported by QIPC’s full automation package,
saving on start-up waste is more important than
we will be able to reduce waste to a minimum, see
ever. In addition, there should be more time for
reduction of ink and indeed, there may be manning-
printers to maintain the press with this automation
saving opportunities down the line. On the other
in place.”
hand, the quality will become more consistent, which
To control colour and register on all 8 printing units
will increase customer confidence and satisfaction
of the manroland GEOMAN press, QIPC’s IDS-3D
and generate more revenue. In short, we expect a lot
will be installed. IDS-3D will also control additional
of both the people of QIPC and its automation.”
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH
ENTRIES NOW OPEN for the 2021 Irish Print Awards in association with Realt Paper For all enquiries and to entry details go to www.irishprinter.ie/awards/ WHEN: Friday 6 May 2022
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Dublin 9 For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700
@PrintAwards
Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 8379246
@IrishPrinterMagazine
@IrishPrinterMagazine Irish Printing Federation
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8 P R O D U C T S
Talking about…
Re-board Jamie Flett and Mark Needham of Rostrum Design on the flexibility of Re-board
Rostrum Design, Ireland’s first independent structural design agency, recently announced that it’s the official distributor for Re-board in Ireland. Described by Director Mark Needham
official distributors we’ve been able to alleviate. Anyone we’ve
as one of the most environmentally sustainable materials in
spoken to in the industry is delighted that Re-board is back,
its class, Re-board is a paper core board, engineered with a
not only because it’s far superior from an environmental point
patented core (a high-density paper fiber structure tilted to
of view but also because it saves time from a print and
15 degrees) that gives the perfectly balanced weight/strength
production perspective,” said Co-Director Jamie Flett.
ratio to position paper as an alternative to other materials
Re-board is used extensively in retail, says Jamie. It’s 80% as
within VISCOM, retail and industrial applications. It’s also
strong as a comparable sheet of MDF yet only 20% the weight,
FSC certified and the only board in its class to be LCA
which translates to lower transport costs. “Re-board performs
(Lifecycle Assessment) certified.
like MDF, yet it’s much lighter. In sectors like shop fitouts,
Re-board is 100% recyclable up to seven times. As it uses
furniture, retail POS, signage and expo displays, Re-board
water-based glues for the adhesion of its outer liners, it doesn’t
really comes into its own. Material costs have also gone
contain chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons that are harmful
through the roof recently; Re-board is an excellent alternative
to life and the environment. In addition, paper pulp isn’t used
to the likes of timber and plastic.”
in the manufacture of the product. “Paper pulp uses a lot of
For brands that have never considered using Re-board, now
energy and has a high CO2 output. Instead, Re-board is
might be the time to give it a go. “It’s so versatile and can be
manufactured from reclaimed paper and virgin fibers sourced
used in so many different areas. We’re Re-board artists; we
from sustainably managed Nordic forests, meaning it has the
love designing with it and we’re here to help advise people
lowest SO2, NOx and CO2 outputs of any paper core board.
how to use it,” said Jamie. Rostrum Design is happy to align
That can help contribute greatly towards the Irish government’s
itself with Re-board. “The product’s green credentials match
commitment to a 51% reduction in CO2 by 2030,” said Mark.
our sustainability agenda very well. We recently won an award
With expo providers seeking more environmentally friendly
for the best Independent Structural Design Agency in Europe,
materials due to legislation challenges around reducing land-
an award that’s very much about environmental sustainability.
fill use, Re-Board is ticking all the boxes.
That award is partly due to the companies and brands that
Over the past couple of years, similar boards have entered
we align ourselves with and Re-Board is definitely one of
the Irish market. “Re-board is the original and the best, but
those brands,” said Mark.
I think it got somewhat lost in the mix. There were also difficulties around distribution and availability, which as
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10 I
N
K
How do you get the best out of inkjet by utilising process optimisation? Stuart Rising explains
THEBEAUTY OFINKJET To remain competitive in today’s print production
investment, more and more PSPs are adopting technology.
market, commercial printers need to be agile and
One such company is CB, the leading distributor of books in The
adapt to the ongoing changes being driven
Netherlands. The production manager, Dave Van’t Wout
predominantly by the impact of digital
comments on the value digital inkjet has provided. “Digital
transformation and accelerated by the pandemic.
brings enormous benefits. With offset, you produce separate
The increase in digitally driven on-demand printing,
sheets that then go through a production chain, from folding,
combined with the uptake in online ordering, has
gathering and sewing before a book is completely finished.
multiplied the number of print jobs at lower volumes
Digitally printed books are created so swiftly. With digital print
that a print service provider (PSP) must manage and
technology, you can have a finished book within five minutes –
produce. In fact, according to Keypoint Intelligence
that’s the beauty of it.”
research, the average number of monthly print
But a digital inkjet press in isolation is not a silver bullet and such
orders received by European PSPs in 2020 surpassed
an investment may necessitate a complete rethink and a
3,500 – that’s 117 per day.
re-engineering of a business’s production processes, especially if
Meeting customer demands for the progressively
your business has not previously embraced digital printing on
faster turnaround of these shorter run jobs requires
any level. There are lots of opportunities to achieve greater
the right print production processes and technology,
operational efficiencies, reduce costs and enter new markets with
which means some form of digital production
digital inkjet, but there are also a lot of variables to consider.
printer. And with the quality, flexibility, productivity
However, anyone with experience of running a manufacturing
and cost efficiency of high-speed inkjet presses now
operation understands the challenges of keeping an operation
recognised as being sufficiently mature to merit
running efficiently and maximising the efficiencies of production. To identify areas where processes could be improved,
Digitally printed books are created so swiftly. With digital print technology, you can have a finished book within five minutes – that’s the beauty of it Dave Van’t Wout, Production Manager at CB
manufacturing managers regularly carry out an analysis of the 4M’s – manpower, method, machine and materials – the most important factors involved in the production process. In taking this approach, it’s clear that being “lean” is not just about a single piece of equipment or software, but is really about looking at all variables within the operation, at how people are behaving as
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First and foremost, realise that an inkjet device alone won’t give you everything. It is part of the solution that drives efficiency, but all parts of the manufacturing process need to be considered
11
Mike Hughes, Managing Director at Latcham Direct much as how well equipment is performing.
and working backwords can be a more valuable approach. First
As most industrial manufacturing lines have already
look at what you’re trying to produce and then start to consider
done, print production lines are optimising more and
how that product can be best manufactured – not just in the
more of the processes involved by automating them
most cost-effective way, but delivered with all the necessary
with software or machinery that requires minimal or
parameters, which might include, for example, quality, a price
no human assistance or intervention. Take order
point and a certain finishing requirement. The key is to challenge
intake, for example – the workflow efficiency of many
previous assumptions and be prepared to be self-critical and this
business models (eg on-demand printing) strongly
process should be an ongoing one that is regularly monitored,
depends on the integration of web-based and
tested and reviewed.
standardised order management tools, whether
Mike Hughes is Managing Director at Latcham Direct, a UK
these are open platforms for B2C or closed platforms
commercial printer that has invested in inkjet. To PSPs
for B2B. But the key element of these type of
considering the same move, he offers the following advice. “First
e-commerce platforms is the seamless interaction
and foremost, realise that an inkjet device alone won’t give you
between the online storefront and the production
everything. It is part of the solution that drives efficiency, but all
workflows. Typically, if this integration is managed
parts of the manufacturing process need to be considered. For
well, the benefits of these automated order
example, we needed to consider the finishing capabilities to make
management solutions will follow – reduced order
sure these were aligned and could manage the workload and
errors, reduced time on order processing and issue
prevent bottlenecks. We needed to consider the flexibility
solving, visibility of order processes, faster
requirements in terms of the application types and our customer
processing cycle times and improved efficiency in
requirements in terms of quality, run lengths, personalisation,
order fulfilment.
finishing and turnaround times. We also needed to have a
That’s just one example, but it can be mirrored and
partner that fully understood the journey we wanted to take and
needs to be mirrored throughout the manufacturing
who could help work alongside us with the expertise and
journey as there’s no point in developing an online
knowledge to ensure we delivered the right success. We spent a
portal, for example, which would allow thousands of
lot of time not just understanding the Canon technology and
orders to be taken if there is no automation or technology to handle those jobs. In the same way, while inkjet technology itself can provide a significant boost in quality, speed,
how it would fit and what benefits we would get, but we analysed the service capability and support mechanisms in place also. I’m pleased to report that this has proved to be a really positive
flexibility and cost-
outcome where we enjoy a
effectiveness, unless
great level of service and
the workflow before
support from Canon. It is
and after the press
definitely about forming
has been optimised,
the right levels of trust
a PSP is not going to
and partnership.”
get the best return from their investment. We therefore recommend that PSPs take a holistic approach to process optimisation and from a Canon perspective, we
Stuart Rising is Head of Commercial Print, Production Printing Products at Canon UK & Ireland
often find that starting at the end
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12 TECHNOLOGY
ER Media’s online automated business has been strengthened by the addition of a Xerox Versant 3100 and a Xerox Iridesse
GOING Established in 1998 by Glenn Sands, ER Media is an innovative B2C/ B2B print, digital photo and gifting company that’s driven by a fully web-based automated workflow. The business has two arms – www. pixaprints.ie, a consumer-focused, photo-based prints and gifts
WITH THE
platform and www.needaprint.ie, a B2B/B2C print-focused platform
been eliminated and we’ve found that customers
with a trade offering. Before entering the print market, ER Media
are very happy with that. People don’t have time
was focused on supplying IT equipment to wholesalers and retailers.
to be picking up the phone with a query about an
About seven years ago, Glenn decided it was time to change tack.
order, or emailing to find out when they should
“With the growth of online sales in the IT space, I could see that the
expect delivery.” Despite claims that Ireland’s
links between the manufacturer and the end user were closing. We
print industry is very much credit-based, Glenn
started to look around to see what other businesses might be
was adamant from the start that credit would not
disrupted and that’s how we entered the print sector.” ER Media isn’t
be offered to customers. Instead, what they get is
a printing firm; it’s a technology firm that prints. “Essentially, we’re
total ease of operation and competitive pricing.
the technology provider. We just happen to print because when we
“We started off with a single photocopy-type
entered the market seven years ago, we couldn’t find a print
printer and within eight months, we had invested
company that was capable of providing the services we required.”
a million pounds in automation technology that
Glenn sidestepped the problem by creating a software solution with
would allow us to move the business forward. I
a three-step approach to ordering online. “It’s a simple process;
think we’ve created a pretty unique business
customers go to the website, select a product, upload their artwork
proposition; Ireland’s print industry is not a
and that’s it. The software communicates with the customer at every
particularly tech-savvy sector, but I think we’ve
step, whether it be a customer design issue or progress of work going
proved that technology is vital for print firms that
through the system. Interaction between us and the customer has
want to survive and thrive in an increasingly digitised world.”
Our web-based automation combined with Xerox technology is allowing our customers to personalise their products. People want to have it their way and Xerox is making that possible
Business is good, says Glenn. Right now, ER Media has 245,000 customers across the UK and Ireland, a figure that’s increasing by about 400 new customers a month. A Xerox Versant 3100, which Glenn purchased when the machine first
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AUTOMATED
FLOW
Glenn Sands, Sales Director, ER Media
operation to Ireland. “We will be continuing our relationship with Xerox by opening up new finishing lines. The flexibility of the Xerox Iridesse allows us to add finishing options like perfect binding and booklet making, all in line. We have that facility with the Xerox Versant so we’re now going to add it to the Iridesse.” That
hit the market, proved a game-changer in terms of customer
additional flexibility will allow for increased
offering. About seven months ago, the addition of a Xerox Iridesse
capacity expansion, without the need for more
(CMYK) took ER Media to another level. “First and foremost, the
staff. Just one operator is required to load the
quality we get from both machines is phenomenal. It has allowed us
paper; after that, the software takes over. “We
to broaden the offering on our products and increase volume. Now,
turn around print within 24 hours. I like to think
customers can be as specific as they like when it comes to colour
we’re the Amazon Prime of print. The more
gamuts and sizes. Our web-based automation combined with Xerox
technology we use, the leaner we are and we’re
technology is allowing our customers to personalise their products.
passing those savings onto the customer.”
People want to have it their way and Xerox is making that possible.”
Glenn believes automation is the only route that
You can have the best software in the world, but without the right
print firms should be taking if they want their
production and print machines you’re in trouble, says Glenn. “I
business to survive. “Printers need to get
think quality-wise, Xerox technology is on a par with our software,
automated or they need to connect with
so we’re well matched.”
companies that can provide them with that
Back-up service from Xerox is also second to none. “Without that
service. Regardless of what you use to interact
back-up support from the guys at Xerox Ireland, we wouldn’t be
with your customer, you must have the correct
where we are. Machines go down, even Xerox machines, that’s just
machine to match your print offering and with
the nature of production. If our Xerox printers were to go down in
that should come a high level of backup service.
the morning, we’d have an engineer standing in front of us within
Without Xerox, we wouldn’t be growing and
four hours. With that superior back-up service Xerox is looking after
advancing the company the way we are.”
its brand, not just the machine.” ER Media’s ambition to increase its presence in the print sector continues; the company is planning on bringing its photobook
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Lowest total cost of igniting growth.
How can inkjet drive growth for your business? The Xerox® Baltoro® inkjet platform can streamline, automate and accelerate work. Our platform’s seamless expandability, green-button simplicity and lowest total cost of ownership create more opportunity for you: We call that inkonomics.
Learn what inkonomics can do for your business at www.Xerox.ie/BaltoroTCO ©2021 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox® and Baltoro® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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For print businesses looking to broaden their product offering and break into new markets, the Fujifilm Jet Press 750S High Speed Model offers the best of both worlds
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The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model delivers all the benefits of the previous model, but also offers the hugely valuable option to switch between High Quality and High Performance modes
1
Fujifilm’s Jet Press 750S High Speed Model is the industry’s most productive, 4 colour, B2 sheet-fed digital press on the market. Its ability to switch between High Performance and High Quality modes means that in a matter of minutes, users can switch from ultra-high quality work, to lower value, higher volume jobs.
ULTRA HIGH QUALITY
This flexibility is vital for any print business looking to survive and thrive in a challenging market. Launched in 2021, this model retains all the features of the original Jet Press 750S for commercial and folding carton package printing applications. In addition, the High Speed Model is also able to transition between 3,600sph High Quality mode (at 1200 x1200 dpi) and 5,400sph
Better-than-offset quality Wider colour gamut Produce higher value work
High Performance mode (at 1200 x 600 dpi) incredibly quickly – in just three minutes – effectively making it two presses in one. For jobs where ultra-high quality is less essential and speed is of the essence, the High Speed Model can save users time, while also cutting costs. In High Performance mode, the Jet Press uses less ink and doesn’t require the use of the Rapid Coagulation Primer. The new High Performance mode also opens up a world of possibilities for longer print runs that would usually have been litho printed in the past, but crucially, users of the new model will retain the ability to deliver high margin, high quality short run work as well. It offers commercial printers unrivalled flexibility in a rapidly changing market.
Proven technology Fujifilm’s expertise in inkjet technology is unrivalled and in the commercial print sector, the Jet Press brand has been synonymous with quality and reliability since
already so good, Fujifilm looked beyond incremental improvements and
the first Jet Press – the Jet Press 720 – was launched in
turned its attention to the speed, finding a way to make it significantly
2011. The Jet Press 720S then followed in 2014 – and the
faster, while retaining the ability to print to the levels of quality users
Jet Press 750S in 2018 – with each model offering yet
have come to expect.
more improvements on its predecessor. With global sales of Jet Press presses now in excess of 250,
Environmental performance
customers around the world are using the Jet Press to
There are a number of significant environmental benefits with the Jet
unlock new business opportunities.
Press 750S High Speed Model. These include a reduction in raw
In setting out to make the Jet Press better still, with
materials, hazardous pressroom consumables and paper waste, along
both the quality and the up-time of the Jet Press 750S
with the complete elimination of the plate production process. All of
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2
ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE
5,400 sheets per hour Lower cost per sheet Transfer more jobs from offset
JET PRESS 750S HIGH SPEED MODEL SPECIFICATIONS 1
High image quality outperforming that of offset printing Utilising advanced ultra-highdensity and high-precision “SAMBA” printheads and aqueous pigment “VIVIDIA” ink, the Jet Press 750S High Speed Model is able to produce ultra-high quality print equal to or even better than offset.
2
High speed output of 5,400 sheets per hour The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model has the highest productivity available for a sheet-fed inkjet press, 1.5x faster than that of the current Jet Press 750S.
3
Flexible According to the type of job being run, high quality mode (3,600sph) and high performance mode (5,400sph) can be switched for maximum flexibility.
4
Improved total cost of ownership The High Speed Model makes it possible to transfer a wider range of offset jobs to digital to reduce the total cost of ownership.
5
Upgradeable Onsite upgrade is available for new and current Jet Press 750S owners.
these benefits mean that the Jet Press has a much lower carbon footprint than an equivalent offset press.
(Even more) perfect for packaging The packaging market is seeing a growing increase in the number of brand owners and specifiers who are looking to achieve greater shelf stand-out and differentiate their products from their competitors. At the same time, they are also looking to reduce stockholdings, optimise supply chains and find digital press solutions that will allow them to more profitably print offset quality, customised packaging in much shorter and more frequent runs. Delivering exceptionally consistent, high quality output ready for finishing on carton board or synthetic media, the Jet Press 750S High Speed Model already satisfies these requirements fully. In fact, around one third of all current European Jet Press customers already produce some form of packaging on the press. Capable of speeds up to 5,400 B2 sheets per hour and variable data printing at full speed, the new Jet Press is ideally suited to print versioned, short run packaging material to coincide with specific events, localities or store promotions. Commenting on the press, Taro Aoki, Head of Digital Press Solutions, said: “The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model delivers all the benefits of the previous model, but also offers the hugely valuable option to switch between High Quality and High Performance modes.”
To learn more about the Jet Press 750S High Speed Model, or to request a sample or a demo, visit FujifilmJetPress.com
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Wide format printing is destined to grow with ever more applications, writes Sabine Slaughter
TECHNOLOGY
DESTINED
FOR GROWTH
The wide and super wide format market has
possible, so that their branding efforts reach their full potential.
undergone a digital transition while certain
Another big growth-factor in this sector is of course the environmental
analogue printing technologies, such as
agenda, a global topic that extends far beyond drupa. As the world tries to
screenprinting, continue to complement the
reduce its negative climate impact, so printer manufacturers, PSPs and
overall mix offered by large format print service
moreover the client ordering print are all considering how they can
providers (PSPs). There’s clearly still so much to
contribute to the environmental imperative. The global pandemic has
be explored, compared and reviewed. Covid-19 has
accelerated these client-driven requirements. Inks and consumables for
changed a lot within the industry and many new
wide and super wide printing, as well as the printers themselves, will be
applications and even a new category – social
judged by visitors to drupa 2024 as to how well they fit into this context
distancing signage – have evolved. All the key
and into their own print shops. Many brands are willing to pay the extra
manufacturers are set to showcase a multitude of
dollar in order to obtain a more sustainable product, a trend that will
applications and their latest developments, all
continue into the future and which is likely to be reinforced by new
aimed at driving new business opportunities for
regulations.
PSPs, at drupa 2024.
Wide and super wide format printers have been mainly developed to cater
While long print runs are still more viable on
to the signage, advertising, marketing and communications industries.
analogue machinery overall, they are not being
However, they can also make an entrance or even a slight dent in other
ordered as often as in former times. The digital
markets thanks to their versatility, which enables certain (mainly short
transition means that more and more applications
run) jobs within the commercial, packaging and label industries, as well as
will become digital and this itself leads to highly
proofing jobs, to be carried out on analogue machinery. Some can even
specialized wide and super wide printers. Such
make forays into areas formerly covered by lithographic equipment such as
printers can deal with traditional applications but
solar, printed electronics, RFID and all kinds of conductive products.
more interestingly, they enable innovative PSPs to
For the digital printing community and those considering entering the
showcase their ability to cater for new and
large format market, it is important to understand that this is a market
unexpected market-niche jobs. They also allow
based on a myriad of unique applications requiring specialised know-how.
PSPs to viably produce short runs, personalised
The list is long and varied – be it vehicle wraps, posters, art, PoP and PoS,
and customised projects and even one-offs that
home furnishings, wallpapers, event and floor graphics and many others.
help brand owners to do things not previously
Digital printing enables cost-effective, fast turnaround of orders while at
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19
the same time, offering environmentally friendly
their clients, to advertising and marketing experts – so in turn comes the
solutions with no or next-to-no waste. In addition,
next wave in applications, all of which will be shown at drupa 2024.
it is starting to make inroads into the industrial
Substrate developments have moved on significantly, opening the door to
printing sector.
new applications as well. Not every substrate is suitable for a certain
As a new category within the wide format sector,
ink-type or a certain type of printers. So, visitors to drupa should also
social distancing signage developed rapidly during
watch out for the specific ink and media spectrum which is relevant to
the pandemic. In many cases, it meant and still
them, as presented by the respective manufacturers and vendors.
means that certain jobs had and have to be
Wide format printing doesn’t just encompass roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet
produced immediately at very short lead times,
applications, but also the market for rigid substrates. Be it for printing on
quite often with regional or individual
glass, plastics, PVC, PET, cardboard or any other kind of board or film,
customisation. Those kind of jobs will continue to
there are so many stunning effects that can be produced.
be in demand for some time to come as the world
The biggest advantage of a wide or super wide digital printer however lies
battles Covid-19.
in its application versatility – whether in terms of customisation,
In this way, drupa 2024 will see a host of new
personalisation, individualisation and its efficiency, all together delivering
applications being offered by printer
a final customer impact that conventional technologies cannot achieve.
manufacturers. In truth, the driving force behind
The market is ripe for innovation, new applications and new machinery
such new applications is not really the printer
with associated technology enhancements including speed, colours,
manufacturer; rather, it’s the marketing and
inks-types as well as substrates.
communications community as well as the PSPs that actually drive application innovation. In the
Sabine Slaughter is an international editor, consultant and journalist
end, the result is often quite astonishing as to
specialising in the print industry
what can be done with a wide or super wide format printer. As the manufacturers are listening – to
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Thank You To Our
SPONSORS For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700
@PrintAwards
Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com
@IrishPrinterMagazine
Phone: 086 8379246
@IrishPrinterMagazine
Irish Printing Federation
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21 Digital finishing is becoming increasingly agile in the packaging sector, writes Simon Lewis
PACKAGING
THEDIGITAL
DIFFERENCE Euclid 5C
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a huge rise in e-commerce and not just for consumers. Converters and brands are also coming to terms with new ways of doing business, not least through creating dedicated web-to-pack websites. These platforms offer packaging products that help companies, including small to medium businesses, to quickly obtain branded packaging materials that are uniquely customized to their needs. The benefits of digital finishing are clear and answer many of the challenges facing both folding carton and corrugated converters around the world today – rapid turnaround of jobs, shorter runs, design and production flexibility and immediate error correction and/ or changes according to designer or customer requirements. Web-to-pack, whether printed digitally or conventionally followed by highly automated digital finishing, is a perfect fit for operational flexibility and differentiation opportunities.
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22
Heuchemer Digital Flower Box
Customers want to be able to decide the shape, size, colour and quantity of the items they need – they do not want to be limited to what they are told they can have
Demand for the requirements afforded by
they need – they do not want to be limited to
digital were present even before the effects
what they are told they can have.”
of the pandemic, of course. However, they
Heuchemer Verpackungen in Germany is doing
seem to have become more important than
something similar with its Highcon Euclid IIIC
ever. There is more pressure to maximise
at LAMAXSO.com, a digital packaging platform
operational efficiency and to overcome
for small business owners, entrepreneurs and
supply chain shortages. Today, jobs need
local manufacturers. It offers customers
to be streamlined and production
packaging design templates and a portfolio of
optimised.
customised shipping boxes, bottle packaging,
In the age of print 4.0, the web-to-pack business model is surely
folding boxes, gift boxes, product trays, decorations and more.
a great fit for the future, with many businesses already reaping
The nature of these customised jobs ordered through web-to-
the benefits. We see successful converters selecting the right
pack sites are short run print runs that challenge the
tool(s) for the job, with many running conventional and digital
conventional manufacturing process. This is where digital
manufacturing approaches in parallel. A fully implemented
manufacturing shines, enabling cost-effective and timely
digital manufacturing strategy will dynamically gang jobs onto
production of such jobs, bringing all the advantages of digital
a single sheet, reducing the number of set-ups to ensure a
to the post-print part of the packaging manufacturing process.
healthy set-up-production time ratio. Jobs are then finished
Within this new online trend and digital paradigm, we have
digitally without mechanical dies, saving time and money.
been lucky to be the chosen partner for many looking to
In the USA, Digital Room has built its business around the
optimise and digitise their finishing process. At the heart of
concept of offering customers nearly endless product
our digital finishing technology is a laser cutting system that
customisation possibilities through a portfolio of e-commerce
utilises the Highcon proprietary DART technology – ideal for
websites including UPrinting, Packola and LogoSportswear.
digitally driven physical creasing via 3D printed rules. Creasing,
Digital Room is leveraging the latest manufacturing and
cutting and stripping are performed on one single platform,
e-commerce technologies to enable this, including Highcon
in one pass, at high speed, eliminating the need for the die
Euclid IIIC and Highcon Beam 2 digital cutting and creasing
cutting and stripping tools. Our portfolio includes two
machines. Chase Cairncross, COO, Digital Room, said: “With
innovative product families, each with specific models for
the constant increase in e-commerce, customers want to be
folding carton and corrugated board.
able to decide the shape, size, colour and quantity of the items
While the web-to-pack model was accelerated by businesses looking to meet the challenges of the pandemic, the many benefits of digital finishing within it are now starting to be more widely understood. Indeed, you don’t need to go far to see some stunning examples of print and packaging that leverage this technology, achieving stand-out products that wow consumers and increase sales across the value chain. As a result, demand for our solutions have skyrocketed and our order books are filling-up – we look forward to a successful 2022 and we wish you all a very Happy New Year! For more information on how digital finishing could transform your business, visit www.highcon.net
Simon Lewis is VP of Marketing at Highcon
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24 T H E L AS T WOR D
Carlos Cavacas at Grafix Signs in Midleton has just taken delivery of a new Roland TrueVis VG2-640
TRUECOLOURS Featuring 40 enhancements from the previous TrueVIS
been very reliable when it comes to training and
VG2 Series, the Roland TrueVIS VG2-640 is allowing
after-sales service. I’m confident that the new printer
Carlos and the team at Grafix Signs to not just meet
will help us improve our offering to customers and
customer expectations, but exceed them. “Apart from
expand into other areas. I’m really happy with the
the very first machine we had here, I’ve always worked
purchase.” Customer relationships are key at Quadient.
off a 54 inch press. With the new 64 inch Roland, I can
“We grow as our customers grow. I’m delighted to see
increase capacity and perhaps take a look at sectors I
the quality of work coming from Grafix on their new
wouldn’t have considered previously. The innovative inks
machine. The Roland TrueVIS is an exceptional printer
on the press also make for a really vibrant print
and shows how Roland has maintained its leading
reproduction. One of the areas that we specialise in is
position in the Irish market,” said Dave Rainsford,
vehicle wrapping; I wrapped my own car at the weekend
Graphics General Manager at Quadient.
and the results were amazing,” said Carlos. Ideal for signs, posters, banners, stickers, backlit displays and vehicle wraps, the Roland TrueVIS VG2-640 can produce finished jobs in as little as six hours. It also features new TrueVIS2 ink with orange along with new colour management presets for superior colour reproduction. Mark Howey in Quadient supplied Grafix Signs with the new press. “I’ve known Mark since I set up the company in 2010. We’ve got a good relationship and Quadient has
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Pre-Press Operator Required for Ireland’s leading digital printer. ➔ Come and work with the latest print technologies
in a fast paced, friendly environment.
➔ Experience essential. ➔ Please apply with CV to:
dave@mcgowansprint.com
mcgowansprint.com 3 IDA Industrial Estate, Poppintree, Dublin 11
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11/02/2022 11/02/2022 12:04 14:25
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