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I S S U E 3 2 0 2 1 | | 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

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1 ISSUE 3 2021 04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

08 Set for growth Colorman has increased its efficiencies in prepress with PACKZ

13 Taking the initiative Northside Graphics’ new Training Academy is providing apprentices with a career in print and safeguarding the future of the Belfast firm

16 Expand your horizons Canon continues to disrupt the market with the latest addition to its Colorado family, the new Colorado 1630 UVgel roll-to-roll printer

22 Reasons to Automate Your Print Production Workflow in 2021 Workflow automation improves efficiency, production throughput and even your company’s overall financial health. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons why automating your print production workflow can deliver big results

20 Talking to… Diarmuid Dawson The Irish Printing Federation President talks to Denise Maguire about the issues affecting the industry

24 The Last Word Floor graphics came into their own during the pandemic, allowing printers to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in this innovative sector writes Brad Haupt

ISSUE 3 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Anna Wesolowska Production: Ciara Murray Contact:

Welcome to issue 3 of Irish Printer for 2021.

Irish Printer,

For this issue of Irish Printer, we spoke with Canon’s Wouter Derichs about the new Colorado 1630. The UVgel roll-to-roll printer has been designed to allow large format companies expand their business by addressing lower volumes in the market, says Wouter, and because its design is based on UV gel technology, the latest addition to the Colorado family is also more sustainable. The modular element is what sets the new machine apart from similar products on the market, allowing customers to start with the base model and depending on business needs, choose from a range of additional modules. This printer is, says Wouter, a robust workhorse that’s been built for maximum uptime and quick turnarounds. With lower operating costs thanks to the efficiency of the printer and reduced waste, Canon believes it has come up with an innovative, smart investment choice. For more on the new machine, go to page 16.

Unit 55, Park West Road,

Ashville Media Group, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie Printed by:

McGowans Print

Also in this issue, we chat with Richard Campbell at Northside Graphics about the Belfast firm’s new Training Academy. At least five new apprentices will be kicking off their careers in print this September, thanks to Northside’s new initiative. Communicating the advantages of a career in print to a younger generation can be tricky, but the fact that so much of it is now online makes it an attractive proposition, says Richard. Turn to page 13 for more on Northside’s new Training Academy. On page 8, we take a look at Colorman’s partnership with HYBRID Software. Since introducing PDF editor PACKZ into its workflow, the company has seen substantial time and costs savings. Also in this issue, we caught up with IPF President Diarmuid Dawson to talk about material shortages, how Brexit is benefitting some print firms and why getting his Covid vaccine recently made him feel optimistic about the print industry.

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 run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

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!

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 3 2021

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29/06/2021 24/06/2021 11:08 08:59

U P D A T E S

NEWS

FUJI

New Acuity Prime flatbed printer from Fujifilm Fujifilm says its new flatbed is part of the company’s strategy to

predecessor. The new design eliminates stray UV light, removing

create ‘the new blueprint’ for wide format by resetting expectations

the need for a light curtain, while from a functional point of view

relating to price/performance, versatility, value and ease-of-use.

the machine is designed with both maintenance and ink supply

The new Acuity Prime features a high quality LED curing system

on the same side, giving operators easier access and more room

which is air-cooled, meaning there is no requirement for an

in which to work when performing routine tasks. An external

expensive water-cooling system. It also requires a single-phase

visual light also quickly alerts operators to low ink levels without

25-amp supply only, helping to keep running costs to a minimum.

the need to look inside the machine. The Acuity Ultra R2 also

A new ink system – Uvijet HM – has been formulated to provide

features larger ink tanks. This simple change ensures that all the

excellent adhesion to a broad range of substrates while also

ink from a standard can is used when refilling, eliminating the

producing a wide colour gamut. The new ink range is optimised

clutter and mess of opened, half-used ink cans that are often a

to produce high quality, vibrant images day in day out. A new

feature of print workplaces. The ink tanks have also been designed

jetting primer also improves adhesion still further for particularly

for easy access for refills.

challenging substrates, removing the need for offline pre-treatment of substrates before printing, saving time and money. The machine also features a printable area of 2.54m x 1.27m and can accommodate media up to a thickness of 51mm. Available in CMYK formats with white, with additional clear and jetting primer, the Acuity Prime offers the ultimate versatility and value by providing the flexibility for print businesses to customise it to their own needs, says Fujifilm. The company has also announced the launch of the new Acuity Ultra R2 superwide format printer, available in 5m or 3.2m versions and offering a number of improvements over its

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 3 2021

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5 Packaging printing is a growing market segment and the pandemic has reinforced this through an increase in online shopping” Andy Grant, Global Head of Software at Agfa News UK & Ireland to acquire Kells Smurfit Kappa plant News UK & Ireland Ltd has confirmed that subject to regulatory approval, an agreement has been reached with Smurfit Kappa to acquire full ownership of the Smurfit Kappa News Press (SKNP) print business based in Kells, Co Meath. News UK & Ireland already owns the Kells site, which is leased to SKNP as part of a long term printing agreement. A spokesperson for News UK & Ireland Ltd said: “We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Smurfit Kappa for over 20 years and with the current print contract entering its final phase, this agreement provides the opportunity for News UK & Ireland to secure its longer term printing arrangements and route to

Agfa introduces all in one workflow for offset packaging

market in Ireland.” A demonstration by concerned workers took place recently outside the Kells plant

Amfortis, Agfa’s new all in one offset packaging workflow, combines

following the announcement, with Sinn Féin TD for

multiple software tools into one powerful production workflow

Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, calling on News Corp

solution. It complements Agfa’s offering for offset packaging,

UK and Ireland to honour all existing agreements

which already included durable printing plates and high-performing

governing employment practices at the plant if the

CtP systems. Agfa says that from a single user interface, Amfortis

proposed bid is successful. He said: “Workers at

guarantees first-rate print quality and consistency while

Smurfit Kappa News Press in Kells are very

streamlining all typical prepress tasks such as design optimisation,

concerned that their terms and conditions of

stepping and repeating, ripping and job management. The software

employment, including redundancy entitlements, will

functions as an integrated command centre, not only outputting

be hollowed out as part of this proposed acquisition.

printing plates and creating proofs but also driving digital presses

This would be completely unacceptable. These

or wide-format printers and cutting devices for sampling and

terms and conditions have been arduously

short-run production. The new workflow will, says Agfa, allow

negotiated and agreed over recent years. They must

commercial printers to extend into packaging printing with very

be maintained”. He added that many of the workers

little effort. “Packaging printing is a growing market segment and

have decades of loyal service to Smurfit, which is a

the pandemic has reinforced this through an increase in online

successful and profitable company. “They are

shopping,” says Andy Grant, Global Head of Software at Agfa. “At

understandably concerned at the proposed

Agfa, we pursue an integrated solutions strategy for all markets

transaction. I relayed those concerns to the Tánaiste

we serve. Amfortis is the final piece in the jigsaw for offset

and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment,

packaging. It also fits in our ECO³ approach: we support the

Leo Varadkar, in the Dáil last month. The Minister

business growth of our customers by offering them cost-effective

should now seek these same commitments from

solutions that make their operations more sustainable, productive

News UK and Ireland as I have.”

and convenient.”

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The new Arizona 135 GT flatbed printer will, says Canon, offer sign makers, print service providers and investment to fulfil new business opportunities. Whether you’re starting out in the rigid applications, large format graphics industry or are looking to further

Green ambitions at Avery Dennison

diversify into new applications, the Arizona 135 GT

Avery Dennison has announced its ambition to

delivers the benefits of the award-winning Arizona

be net-zero on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

series – high image quality, impressive productivity

As part of these new targets, the Label and

and reliability, application versatility and excellent

Graphic Materials (LGM) business commits to

total cost of ownership – at a smart investment level.

100% of its core film and paper product categories

The easy-to-use Arizona 135 GT produces exceptional

globally containing recycled or renewable content.

image quality, says Canon, thanks to its VariaDot

All of its regions will also have labels that enable

greyscale printing technology which uses advanced

the circularity of plastics, ensuring that Avery

drop size selection techniques to deliver photo-realistic

Dennison is well-positioned to satisfy current or

images. With the ability to handle substrates of up to

future recycling, composting or reuse requirements

125 x 250 cm in size and up to 50.8 mm thick and to

for single-use consumer plastic packaging. The

print at speeds of up to 34.2 m²/hour, the Arizona 135

company is also expanding its portfolio to include

GT is a smart investment from just 2,000 m² per year.

more intelligent labelling to advance the

Productivity of the new machine is enhanced by its

communication of data, reduce costs and waste,

easy-to-use functionality, including nesting, batching

and create better recycling processes. The

of complex jobs, step and repeat, mirroring and re-

company has also pledged to reduce emissions

assignment of print modes. Accurate print registration

by 70% against its 2015 baseline and to work with

avoids errors and the ability to make last-minute

its supply chain to reduce Scope 3 emissions by

adjustments at the printer saves valuable time. The

30% against its 2018 baseline. The company’s

new machine also incorporates a number of service

overall ambition is to produce net-zero emissions

features to maximise availability – Automated

by 2050 and enable a future of regeneration. The

Maintenance System provides hands-free printhead

2030 goals also include targets for gender

maintenance and selectively restores nozzle function

diversity, employee engagement and inclusion,

in seconds, while On Remote Service allows the user

safety and more.

CANON

Canon launches Arizona 135 GT flatbed printer

offset and screen printers with a smart technology

to authorise remote assistance by experienced service technicians, ensuring the highest possible uptime.

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 3 2021

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7 Finat concludes European Label Forum 2021

FINAT

Organised by Finat, the recently-held 2021

challenges and opportunities facing the

The day was closed with a special workshop

online European Label Forum hosted 750

label industry through the lenses of M&A

hosted by Mind Gym, which looked at the

attendees from label printing companies,

and private equity. Sustainability dominated

cornerstones of inclusive company culture

suppliers and organisations from across

the third day of the event to discuss how

and the power of inclusiveness to create

Europe, providing a platform to analyse the

the label industry can serve its customers

real-world business success. ‘Diversity pays’

industry over the last year and the

while limiting its environmental impact.

was the message from the keynote speaker

opportunities for the future. On the first

Maja Desgrées-Du Lou told the forum about

Pellegrino Riccardi on the forum’s final day.

day of the forum, attendees heard from

her work as an EU policy officer revising

He explained the value of having colleagues

Finat’s Managing Director Jules Lejeune

the Packaging and Packaging Waste

from different countries with different life

and LPC’s Jennifer Dochstader, who talked

Directive. After that, Ophelie Gourdou

experiences and cultural backgrounds and

about some of the emerging trends and

presented an update on CELAB-Europe and

how to unlock their often-untapped value

developments in the label industry after a

how this initiative envisions a circular

in making organisations and businesses

tumultuous year. Day two was focused on

economy for label materials, followed by

stronger. The program then continued with

business strategy and began with a talk

An Vossen, who presented the digital

Philippe Voet’s speech, followed by the

from Prof Andrea Boltho, an Italian

watermarks project HolyGrail 2.0. The day

ceremony of the Finat awards, where 16

economist who lectures at Oxford

finished with a brand owner panel with

companies were recognised for excellence

University. He offered a zoomed-out view

packaging experts discussing sustainability.

in 25 different categories. “Though we were

of the present dynamics of the European

The fourth day was focused on the future

physically apart, it was great to see each

economy by looking at the post-Covid

of work and the workforce. Special guest

other virtually to celebrate the best our

recovery and the forces shaping the global

Markus Wörner of the einhorn company in

industry has to offer. We’re already excited

economy. Nick Mockett from Moorgate

Germany explained his business concept

about getting back together in person next

Capital and Norman Bremer from IK

of ‘fairstainability’, an approach to business

year,” said Niklas Olsson, ELF Program

Investment Partners also looked at the

that combines fair trade and sustainability.

chair.

New products from Bobst for flexible packaging Bobst has announced new products for

mono-materials as environmentally

trolleys make job preparation fast and

the flexible packaging industry, along

friendly alternatives to traditional

easy, says Bobst while the Total

with new features for its Vision RS 5003

multi-plastic and multi-material

Automatic Pre-register Setting (TAPS)

gravure press. The company is currently

packaging. The recently launched Vision

enables fast machine set-up and

developing oneBarrier, a family of new

RS 5003 is a highly productive gravure

minimum waste independent of the press

alternative and sustainable substrates,

press that prints at speeds up to 450m/

operator skills. Bobst has also partnered

one element of which is focused on

min on a wide range of flexible

with Siegwerk to develop successful

developing EVOH-free solutions for high

substrates. New features for the Vision

water-based applications on its gravure

barrier full mono material polyethylene

RS 5003 address specific customer

presses, utilising Siegwerk’s new

(PE). Future projects are focused on

needs and meet specific local market

formulation water-based inks. According

other mono material plastic products as

requirements; for example, in India and

to Bobst, the partnership with the ink

well as developing alternative fibre-

other regions, converters are looking to

manufacturer aims to provide ink

based paper packaging, which will be

improve their sustainability credentials

formulas for gravure printing that have

recyclable. Bobst claims that OneBarrier

while also looking for high-speed presses

much lower VOC content than many

has the potential to transform the

with automation features. The gravure

current alternative water-based offerings

industry, moving towards high barrier

press automation features and smart

on the market.

ISSUE 3 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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8 P R E P R E S S

Colorman has increased its efficiencies in prepress with PACKZ

SETFOR Colorman Ireland Ltd has partnered with HYBRID Software to speed

New solution for packaging prepress

up operations in its prepress department. The company has seen

Colorman was first established in 1959 as a silk screen printing

substantial time and costs savings since introducing PACKZ, the

company, specialising in point of sale and poster hoardings for the

native PDF editor, into its workflow. Located in Broombridge, Dublin,

advertising market. Over the years, it expanded into litho printing

Colorman’s printing campus covers 200,000 sq ft and employs over

and in the 1980s, began diversifying into supplying the multinational

160 staff. With a large portfolio of high-end clients, the company

IT sector. Today, it is one of Europe’s leading full-service print and

produces a wide range of print and packaging solutions. These include

packaging companies, servicing the leading global companies in the

litho, digital, secure print and gift card manufacturing, ranging from

technology, FMCG, corporate commercial, medical device and

healthcare fulfilment to print enhancements. After investing in two

pharmaceutical industries.

floating PACKZ licenses which are accessed across four Mac

In 2005, Colorman ventured into packaging and began supplying

workstations, the time spent preparing each file for print has been

folding cartons to pharmaceutical and medical device clients. Since

cut by up to 50% on average. David Noone, Prepress Manager at

then, that side of the business has continued to expand and today, makes

Colorman, said: “The jump up from our existing workflow and

up over 50%. With more and more packaging jobs coming through the

processes has been impressive and we are now able to run a much

prepress department, it was becoming clear that a dedicated, more

leaner operation. The transition to PACKZ has also been remarkably

effective prepress solution was needed to continue on this growth path.

simple and the software fits in well with our production workflow.”

The team at Colorman started investigating the next-level software

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trained remotely by Tony Lawrence, who joined HYBRID Software six months ago with extensive experience of using PACKZ from his time as a studio manager. The sessions were scheduled around the productions shifts at Colorman to ensure a smooth and quick transition. “The training was great and quite straightforward,” solutions that could replace the systems that were currently in place,

said David. “HYBRID was very accommodating and flexible

including PACKZ from HYBRID Software.

and the operators were very happy. Hats off to Tony too

As a native PDF editor, PACKZ has been developed specifically for

– his experience with using the product as a client really

labels and packaging with a number of features that eliminate

shone through. PACKZ is a big step up from what we had

repetitive tasks by introducing higher levels of automation. Version

in place before. There’s a lot more efficiency there and it

6 released late last year comes with a redesigned user interface that

was obvious from day one that we could get through file

contributes to an even better user experience.

preparation so much quicker.”

Proof of concept tested live

Future growth

During the evaluation process, HYBRID Software conducted a

The sale was facilitated through HYBRID Software’s agent

number of tests using job files from Colorman to show how the

in Ireland, Litho Supplies, whose Sales Director is Richard

software would benefit their production. David explained: “The

Styles. He said: “Colorman has been able to reduce the

HYBRID team asked me to let them run one of our client’s jobs

number of steps in its processes, greatly increase

through the software, so we could compare like for like and really

efficiencies and demonstrate real time savings thanks to

understand how many mouse clicks that could be saved. From there,

PACKZ. It is further proof that our decision to add HYBRID

we were able to quantify how quickly the investment would pay for

Software to our product offering in Ireland is truly paying

itself and base our decision on that data.”

dividends for our clients.”

The job file testing in PACKZ was done remotely by HYBRID’s

The investment in PACKZ came just at the right time

Solution Engineer Matt Dutch, who sent videos of the whole process

for Colorman and there is no doubt that it will be a vital

back to Colorman’s prepress team for analysis. “We can demonstrate

factor in supporting the company’s future growth. “PACKZ

something until we’re blue in the face,” said Paul Bates, HYBRID

has removed a bottleneck in our workflow and allowed us

Software’s UK, Ireland & Global Accounts Manager, “but Matt took

to free up significant amounts of time that we can now

David’s files and ran them as if he was one of their own production

use more productively,” David said. “Most importantly, it

guys, so they could see the real-life advantages, rather than looking

enables us to respond quickly to our customers’ needs,

at one of our pre-prepared demonstration files.”

especially in the packaging market, where we have seen a

Once the software was installed, the Mac operators were also

large increase in demand during the pandemic.”

ISSUE 3 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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13 T R A I N I N G

Richard Campbell, Operations Director at Northside Graphics with HP Indigo Operator Glenn Nelson, who completed his apprenticeship with the firm

This September, at least five new apprentices will be embarking on a new career in print at Northside Graphics. The Belfast-based firm, which is the oldest and biggest digital printing company in Northern Ireland, decided to establish an arm of the company specifically dedicated to employing apprentices after struggling to recruit this year. “There are a lot of people still on furlough in Northern Ireland, it’s estimated that numbers are about 80,000. That’s about a tenth of the workforce. We were lucky enough that we managed to employ a few people but we were struggling to

TAKING THE INITIATIVE

find enough. We’ve always provided a training ground for young people within the industry and for many years, we’ve supported apprentices in partnership with Belfast Met. The idea for the Training Academy grew from that,” said Richard Campbell, Operations Director at Northside Graphics. Plans to formalise the specialist Training Academy had to be put on hold last year due to Covid-19, with the intention of

Northside Graphics’ new Training Academy is providing apprentices with a career in print and safeguarding the future of the Belfast firm

revisiting the idea within the next two years. “Throughout the pandemic the company continued to perform steadily and with demand for our service quickly recovering in line with the easing

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15 “There’s bound to be lots of young people leaving school with less options than would normally be available. I remembered what I liked and didn’t like about being an apprentice years ago and we went from there.” of lockdown measures last year, we were able to recruit an additional six employees. Strong projections for the year ahead mean that we’ve been able to bring forward our plans and officially launch our Northside Graphics Training Academy.” Creating an apprenticeship programme that would appeal to a younger generation was key to getting people on board, says Richard. “We thought there might be interest as there’s bound to be lots of young people leaving school with less options than would normally be available. I remembered what I liked and didn’t like about being an apprentice years ago and we went from there.” As an ecommerce printing company with four websites selling digital print to the UK and Ireland, the work is a bit different to what it was like when Richard began his apprenticeship. “Our industry is definitely more exciting now than it was in the 90s, it’s all online now and a bit sexier.” Several potential apprentices have already gone through the interview process, says Richard. “I tell them that yes, we are a printing company but because 70% of what we do is online, we’re actually an internet business. Everyone can relate to that because they all buy online. I ask them, do you use Amazon and they all say yes. I tell them our website runs on the same model but rather than selling something in a warehouse and sending it to the customer, we’re actually a bespoke manufacturer.” When you buy online, you expect three things – a high quality product, a good price and fast delivery. “We’re exactly the same, everything we do online is next day dispatch. When it’s explained in that way, they all get it.” Apprenticeship places are open up to the end of June. “We’ve had great interest, I’ve already interviewed six people and I’m confident we’ll easily fill all places.” All positions will be full time, permanent positions starting on the 1st of September and will be in conjunction with Belfast Met, who will provide all training at Northside’s site. All successful candidates will gain GQA Qualifications at levels 2, 3 and 4 in printing over three years as part of the training scheme. This year, Northside took on a new hire that was brand new to the industry. “This person wasn’t apprentice age but slightly older. We’ve trained them up and they’re doing extremely well and contributing to the business in a big way. We’ve proved that it can work.” Business is good at the Belfast firm. “In particular, the online side of the business is flying. We’re pretty much back at the levels we were at in March 2020. The offline side is still down a bit but it’s still pretty good and it’s increasing all the time. We’re busy,

FUTURE-PROOFING THE INDUSTRY Northside Graphics isn’t the only NI firm to launch an apprenticeship scheme this year Newtownabbey-based Henderson Group has launched three new apprenticeship schemes that will help develop careers across a range of disciplines. The Henderson Group, which is made up of four independent entities including Henderson Print, has taken on 19 apprentices over the past three years. Henderson Print is offering apprentices the opportunity to learn about production, packaging, storage and the group’s large format print production, with the successful candidate working towards a GQA Level 2 in print. The Group’s talent acquisition specialist Glen Young says this is a crucial time for upskilling and reviving the local workforce. “We are proud to employ over 4,400 people across Northern Ireland and we are dedicated to providing growth through our workplace apprenticeships across our different companies. The Print and Kitchen apprenticeships are new for 2021 and are providing roles that are high in demand.” Governments and industry bodies in Northern Ireland and the UK are taking steps to ensure their print industries continue to attract new talent. In a bid to boost training and apprenticeships, the UK government has stated it will double the incentive payments it gives businesses to hire all new apprentices, of any age, to £3,000. It also announced new flexi-job apprenticeships, which are set to start in January 2022 and will allow apprentices to work for a number of different employers within the same sector. The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has stated it can support printers with all of the funded initiatives under the government’s plan including apprenticeships, traineeships and the Kickstart scheme, which enables employers to offer fully funded six-month work placements to 16-24-year-olds that are claiming Universal Credit. BPIF Managing Director of Training Karly Lattimore said the budget announcements “will go a long way” in supporting the sector to create more placements through the various initiatives.

we’re recruiting and we’re planning on investing in new technology this year, so things are looking good.”

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COVER STORY

EXPAN D YOUR

HOR

Canon continues to disrupt the market with the latest addition to its Colorado family, the new Colorado 1630 UVgel roll-to-roll printer Giving customers access to all the advantages of UVgel technology but at a lower investment, Canon’s recently launched Colorado 1630 has been developed to allow large format companies to expand their business by addressing lower volumes in the market. The machine has been engineered for durability, reliability and stability says Canon, and presents the market with an innovative, smart investment choice. It can be configured according to each user’s unique business needs by adding modular options such as FLXfinish, a second media roll and easy doublesided printing. “This new addition to the Colorado portfolio is all about connectivity. We’ve recognised that in today’s market, lead times are becoming shorter and shorter. Even a couple of years ago, the end user was quite patient but now they want their product yesterday. That means that productivity from design to print finishing is crucial and that’s what the new Colorado 1630 delivers,” said Wouter Derichs, Sales & Marketing Director Large Format Graphics EMEA at Canon.

Colorado 1630

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The new Colorado 1630 has been designed for sign makers, PSPs

Michele Tuscano

Donnan Cullen

and in-house printers. It delivers superior print quality of 1,800 dpi, says Wouter, along with durable, odourless and instantly dry prints on almost any media to address unlimited applications. In its fastest print mode, for applications such as outdoor banners and billboards, it can attain a maximum print speed of 111 m²/hour. Even in high quality mode, the device delivers a cruising speed of 29 m²/hour. “We are very proud to have produced this high quality, four colour machine based on UV gel technology, which in the end leads to low ink consumption and low operator intervention,” said Wouter. Versatility is the name of the game with the new Colorado 1630. It offers the same high productivity features, output quality and media versatility of its bigger brother, the Colorado 1650. Using Canon’s unique UVgel 460 inks that are used with the Colorado 1650, the 1630 produces razor-sharp prints with a wide colour gamut. “It’s a robust workhorse that’s been built for maximum uptime and quick turnarounds. Operating costs are also minimised thanks to the efficiency of the printer, combined with reduced waste and a 40% lower ink consumption compared to other technologies. That means that customers can maximise their bottom line and in turn, expand their business.” Users will also benefit from uninterrupted production with onthe-fly ink replenishment which, combined with automation features such as nozzle monitoring, printhead maintenance and media feed winding, allows users to avoid unnecessary downtime. “Canon’s Remote Control app is also available to monitor all Colorado printers, allowing users to check the printer status remotely which helps to use this device unattended 24/7. The Remote Control app sends alerts to the users’ mobile devices with printer status updates, warnings and errors, offering the reassurance that the printer is running smoothly to meet deadlines.” An extensive after-sales service programme also offers maximised uptime through access to spare parts, preventive maintenance and remote support for increased

Colorado 1630

productivity and minimal downtime.

MODULAR OPTIONS

but run lengths are increasing, a second media roll option can be

The modular element of the new Colorado 1630 sets it apart from

easily added. “The precise media handling of the Colorado 1630

similar products on the market. “With the 1630, we introduced this

ensures near perfect registration for double-sided printing. A ‘print

modular design because we realised that not all customers need to

side in’ option also allows customers to print on both the inside and

have everything from the beginning. They can simply add on particular

outside of the roll for maximum media versatility. All options can be

functions as and when they need them.” The modular architecture

enabled remotely and on demand, without the need for a service visit.”

of the new printer allows customers to start with the base model and

This modular approach has been tested extensively by Canon, says

depending on business needs, choose from a range of additional

Wouter. “It’s an approach that we believe in. It has been received very

modules. For example, if the printer is installed with one media roll

well, not only by customers but by our partners. Quite often, our

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19 Over the past three years, we have had a huge amount of interest in the Colorado’s UV-gel technology, especially since the introduction of the matte finish. A lot of this interest comes from printing companies who have low to mid print volume, meaning the Colorado 1640/50 was out of reach. With the Colorado 1630, we can now address these volume levels with a suitable investment level, whilst offering the very best the Colorado series has to offer” Donnán Cullen, Key Account Manager for High Speed Inkjet printing, Canon Ireland

Colorado 1630 – the advantages

partners represent multiple brands so the ideal situation for them would be to have a solution that can be adjusted at the last minute to suit the requirements of the market.”

Productivity

optional FLXfinish module uses a unique LED curing technique

excellent quality, high productivity and

designed to add visual impact to applications such as banners, wall

extensive versatility with low TCO in one

coverings and point of sale materials without the need to change inks

single printer. Unprecedented

or media. This technology also supports printing on porous substrates

productivity with fast output speed and

says Wouter, such as uncoated papers and soft signage materials,

short drying time that takes you straight

further expanding new market opportunities.

to ﬁnishing.

Sustainability was a major consideration when it came to the

Unattended printing

development of the new Colorado 1630, something that’s reflected

The Colorado series is developed with

in the UVgel technology which combines excellent quality, high

unattended printing and eﬀortless job

productivity and extensive versatility with low TCO in one single

switching in mind. Your operators will get

printer. Application diversity is also key, says Wouter. “There’s an old

more done in a day and be more satisﬁed

Dutch saying, ‘every customer is searching for the sheep with five

in their work.

legs’. With the new 1630, we’ve tried to cater for every possible

Low cost of operation

application. We’re also in close contact with media manufacturers

Save on running costs thanks to reduced

to develop and promote new apps all the time.”

ink and energy requirements plus inbuilt printhead reliability and low maintenance

THE EXTENDED COLORADO FAMILY

that ensure maximum uptime.

The introduction of the Colorado 1630 comes as an extension of the

Consistent quality

existing family of UVgel roll-to-roll printers. In addition to the 1630,

Consistently excellent colour quality with

the product portfolio includes the Colorado 1640/1650 for customers

precise, sharp dots, a wider colour gamut,

with higher volumes and the UVgel Wallpaper Factory which offers

strong saturation for dark colours and

an end-to-end automated high-volume wallpaper production solution.

accurate skin tones.

Wouter Derichs

Each print can be finished in either a matte or a gloss print. The

Unique UVgel technology combines

Michele Tuscano, Head of Global Partner Channel & Vice President

Flexibility

EMEA - Large Format Graphics at Canon Production Printing, said:

Handle multiple jobs and a huge range of

“Since launching the Colorado series in 2017, the technology has truly

media on one device, including thin and

disrupted the market and, with over 2,000 installations worldwide

heat sensitive up to 64 inches wide. Ideal

printing more than 25 million square metres to date, feedback has

for both indoor and outdoor applications.

been extremely positive. Enabling our customers and partners to

Fully modular

expand their application possibilities and grow their business is an

Choose your options – matte printing,

essential driver for us at Canon Production Printing and increasingly

double-sided printing and second media

we’ve seen a demand for a 1.6 m UVgel printer that can serve all PSPs.

roll. Upgrade your printer, when your

That’s why we’re introducing this new addition of the 1630 to the

business needs to evolve. Upgrade

Colorado printer family, so customers can benefit from a highly

remotely and on demand, without the

automated, robust and stable printer with a modular architecture

need for a service visit.

that offers a great deal of flexibility at an attractive investment level.”

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20 I N T E R V I E W

The Irish Printing Federation President talks to Denise Maguire about the issues affecting the industry

TALKING TO ...

DIARMIAD DAWSON

What feedback are you getting from print firms at the moment?

How so?

There are still a lot of companies trading on 70% or 80% of

sending work to Northern Ireland or oversees for fear that they

their business. With so much work moving online, the

won’t get their printed product back through customs in time.

industry may never get back up to where it was although we’ll

It’s a positive result for some printers, but it only really applies

know more when the hospitality industry fully reopens. A

to work that’s needed in a hurry. If a company has a bit of time,

major issue for print firms at the moment is material

they’ll still choose to go up North or outside the country. VAT is

availability; there are huge shortages and extremely long lead

still a major problem and that’s why we still need government

times. Pulp just isn’t available and I’ve heard from colleagues

supports.

Some customers are engaging with Irish print firms instead of

that the obstruction in the Suez Canal is still adding to delays. take months. Previously, it used to take four to six weeks for

Is there still a perception that print is bad for the environment?

delivery of special stock; that has now doubled. We’ve also had

Yes, I think there is and it’s a real bugbear of mine. One of the

a paper material cost increase and there’s another one on the

large high street banks is going all out at the moment to

way. We’re not even out of Covid yet so that’s a bitter pill to

emphasise how they’re reducing their carbon footprint around

swallow and will have a major effect on competitiveness. A

printing. They’re neglecting to mention anything about the

recent postage increase has also affected parts of the industry.

carbon footprint from their IT servers that are stored around

The packaging and label sectors seem to be holding their own

Europe using unsustainable energy. It’s a fact that 90% of the

and we’re seeing growth in that sector.

print that’s produced today is fully recyclable. The industry has

Packaging companies are being told that stock delivery will

made huge inroads when it comes to getting rid of the

Is Brexit causing any issues?

chemicals and starches that were once inherent in print

Brexit may be causing delays once items are shipped, but it

products. Print is miles away from where it was years ago and

has actually created some opportunities for Irish print firms.

yet this perception still exists.

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21 The last time I was talking to you, the IPF was trying to arrange a meeting with Minister Simon Harris to discuss the print apprenticeship issue. Has that happened yet? No, we’re still waiting. We attended an online event for schools focused on apprenticeships that the Minister was involved in, but printing wasn’t mentioned at all. That’s a big part of the problem. Education and Training Boards (ETBs) aren’t promoting the print industry and career guidance counsellors don’t know enough about it. I’m still getting calls from print firms that are interested in taking on an apprentice; over 50 companies have expressed an interest at this stage. We feel very let down by both Solas and TU Dublin but at this stage, we know they’re not interested. Viable solutions have been put forward which would get a fit for purpose apprenticeship programme back up and running; the Design Print and Packaging Skillnet (DPPS) could train new entrants on the more technologically advanced elements of the scheme and we have print firms that are more than willing to help out on the equipment side. A lack of skills is already impacting the industry and that’s only set to worsen.

Do you feel optimistic about the industry? You have to remain optimistic. I think a lot of companies are going to reinvent themselves and will emerge from this period of uncertainty stronger and I think there are others that will experience some difficulties. The numbers of people engaging with the DPPS are also up; people are upskilling and preparing for a diversified industry. I actually felt very positive about the industry when I was at the vaccine centre in Citywest recently. Looking around, the entire facility was covered in print, not just paper but wide format, plastic walls, signage, floor stickers, vaccine leaflets, cards etc. Multiply that centre with all the centres around the country and then around the world and you’re talking about a massive amount of print. On another note, with the recent HSE cyber attack, a lot of hospitals had to resort back to print and manual records which provided them with the

GET FUTURE READY Brian Colleran, Network Manager at Design Print and Packaging Skillnet (DPPS), on the value of upskilling “2020 was a very challenging year for companies and employees in our sector. As the impact of Covid and closures were felt, many print companies and their staff turned their attention to training and the development of new skills. In 2019, 30 print and packaging firms availed of the subsidised training and supports provided by DPP Skillnet. As Covid left many people with time, this figure doubled to 60 businesses. In all, over 110 staff members from print and packaging companies trained with DPP Skillnet on a range of technical and business programmes throughout 2020. “While 2020 was a wasted year for many companies economically, for some it was an opportunity to acquire new skills and work on the future of their business. This trend has continued into 2021. At the moment, we are accepting participants into our Masters in Professional Practice, a general business masters for those who want to develop strong strategic and management expertise. We’re also accepting participants for our Diploma in Packaging Technology, aimed at those requiring the technical abilities to play a significant role in all aspects relating to packaging.” For more information, go to www.dppskillnet.ie

means to continue operating. Print isn’t dead and it’s not a dying industry, it’s a changing industry.

TEE TIME TABS Golf Society has confirmed its Captain’s Day will take place on Friday the 16th of July in Malahide Golf Club. The Society’s special weekend away will take place from the 26th to the 28th of August in Dooley’s Hotel, Waterford. For all enquiries, contact Brendan McCabe on 0872558661 or email brendanmccabe10@gmail.com

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22 AUTOMATION

Workflow automation improves efficiency, production throughput and even your company’s overall financial health. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons why automating your print production workflow can deliver big results

REASONS TO

AUTOMATE WORKFLOW 2 1 Workflow automation raises the productivity and profitability of your company

YOUR PRINT PRODUCTION

An investment in the right software increases your output Of course, switching to an automated workflow requires

an advanced investment into automation software, maybe even an entirely new system for your printers. However, the investment is

Automation is sure to deliver productivity and

well worth it, if introduced at the right point. Automation software

profitability. You might not need to automate your entire

can manage and automate prepress workflow, handle shipping as

production line, even a modest degree of automation goes

well as billing, estimate and schedule print jobs, preflight work,

a long way in improving production speed and

support managing operations, submit jobs via online portals and

productivity. The key here is finding the right spot to

impose print work. Therefore, higher levels of automation enable

upgrade your processes in order to gain the biggest benefit

printers to accept and perform more jobs from customers via

possible with the least effort necessary. An important

online submission portals. Online print job submission is an

message from the research is that automation does work.

essential step in this and it has never been so easy to profitably

Broader adoption will improve printing companies’

integrate it into your operation. People who have invested in

profitability, competitive agility, and ability to serve

automation already report more jobs per day than respondents

customers and just a little tweak in the right place can do

with less stake in it. High throughput links directly to profitability

the trick.

because it minimises non-chargeable plant time.

DO YOUR RESEARCH These days, print providers have many software options to choose from for the restructuring of their workflow, from print management information systems (MIS) to web-to-print to workflow. But it is essential to find the right option for individual businesses because with workflow automation, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. When it comes to improving operational efficiency and future proofing your business, it is essential to find just the right approach for your company’s wants and needs. A few months ago, drupa took a closer look at industry 4.0 in industrial printing and the print 4.0 report “Scenarios for the Year 2025” by the bvdm and the Fraunhofer institute. Industry giant HP sponsored research looking to quantify workflow automation advantages which lead to the creation of

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Workflow automation enables the increase of volume of shorter run work The rise of on-demand printing production in small quantities is one of the changes that has been bothering printing companies for years, but is also recognised as a necessary “evil” to make the printing industry sustainably profitable in the digital age. In short: if we want to survive, we need to adapt.

It’s easier to avoid bottlenecks One issue that is always a little tougher to address: the elimination of human error. Sure, switching to a (more) automated workflow means

restructuring your overall printing processes, which may also lead to a reorganisation of your workforce, but it is still something to consider and not blindly shy away from.

And the faster we do it, the better. Right

Unfortunately, people are a key source of production line issues such as the creation of

now, smaller print shops tend to handle

bottlenecks in your workflow that obstructs the throughput of your job volume. Of

this change considerably better than

course, bottlenecks can also occur when equipment breaks down or an external event,

well-established industry giants that are

like a power outage, interrupts the production sequence. Most of the time though,

used to being sought after for their fast,

obstructions like these are the result of ongoing but subpar manufacturing routines.

high quality output. But producing and

This is where workflow automation comes into play – people agree that the most

managing a high number of small jobs is

potentially problematic area of their printing plants is relying on expensive labour or

unlikely to create bottlenecks with

high-touch processes. Reducing labour expenses and eliminating needless touches are

careful adjustments and automating key

what workflow automation is meant to accomplish. This means that adding more

points in the overall workflow. This also

automation wherever the need for it exists can be crucial for your overall success. Even

indicates that our industry is learning

if a bottleneck was to occur after the switch to such an approach, highly automated

how to manage the decline of long print

plants are most confident in their ability to deal with them. So, when we say find a key

runs and the switch to a higher amount

point to automate for maximum improvement, an identified bottleneck in your

of small on-demand commissions.

production is one of those points best suited for exponentially better results.

two recently published reports as well: “Strategies for Leveraging Automation to Enhance Performance” and “How Workflow Automation Optimizes Operational Productivity and Results“. For these two, NAPCO Research surveyed 245 commercial printers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to find out how print providers are pursuing automation. Next to the results they are delivering, a deeper dive into the key reasons to invest in tools to automate workflow is taken. So you should be able to at least find some inspiration for the switch to automated processes in your workflow with this solid starting point. For more, go to www.drupa.com

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Get creative and push the boundaries While Covid may have slowed and limited creativity in some sectors, this was certainly not the case for floor graphics, as retailers and brands took the

Floor graphics came into their own during the pandemic, allowing printers to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in this innovative sector, writes Brad Haupt

What’s the future for floor graphics?

INNOVATION

While floor graphics have been a staple part of the

opportunity to explore the many different ways they

industry for some time now, the pandemic and the

could use this media to promote their products while

need for social distancing signage has seen the

keeping people safe. Some excellent conceptual

popularity of these applications skyrocket. Simply put,

examples could include a proposed floor graphic

floor graphics have played a significant role in the battle

encouraging shoppers to remain at least six tubes of

against Covid-19, helping us keep a safe distance from

Pringles apart from each other, while a DIY brand

each other when out and about, as well as directing

might feature a giant tape measure on its social

people around one-way systems in a whole host of

distancing graphics.

environments including shops, schools and vaccination undeniable value during times of Covid, it is now time

Flexibility and adaptability are key with floor graphics

to look to the future to see what sort of a role these

What makes floor graphics so unique is that they can

applications might have as we begin to move out of the

be used in almost any environment that you can think

pandemic and towards a more “normal” world.

of and for all sorts of reasons. Be it promoting new

centres. With floor graphics having showcased their

Sitting up and taking notice

products in shops and supermarkets; serving as wayfinding directions in hospitals and event venues; or

If there is one thing that is unquestionable about floor

even educating pupils and students in schools, colleges

graphics, it is that consumers do take notice of these

and universities. Floor graphics come in such an array

applications – something that was very clear to see when

of forms they are sure to have a major role to play in

it came to social distancing markers and one-way systems.

the post-pandemic period and beyond. This flexibility

After all, customers are always looking down at their

is also true in terms of the surfaces that floor graphics

phone, so why not give them something else to look at

can be applied to, both indoor and outdoor. Films and

and showcase your products at the same time? Consumers’

vinyls, including those available from Drytac, are

new-found familiarisation with floor graphics also opens

suitable for use on floor tiles, wood laminate flooring

a host of opportunities for new forms of interaction. For

and short pile carpet indoors, as well as concrete,

example, retailers can print specific offers on the graphic

asphalt, tarmac and concrete tiles outside. When it

and direct the customer to where this can be found in

comes to floor graphics, there is no single product that

the store. A play on the one-way systems that we have

will work on all jobs; it is down to you to establish

become used to in Covid time, if you will. A study by the

which is the most effective and suitable solution for

Center for Advanced Retail and Technology reported

each individual project. Once equipped with the right

sales increased by 17% for products featured on floor

material, you can then get creative and continue to

graphics in their product aisles.

stretch the boundaries of what has become an incredibly innovative and imaginative sector that will only continue to grow. Brad Haupt is USA Midwest and Southwest Territory Manager at Drytac

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Flexo, forwards. Award-Winning KODAK FLEXCEL NX Systems and Plates KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution

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