Sign and Digital uk returns back to the NEC
Special reports
fujifilm
swissqprint
colorbase
Case study - creative place
news round-up and more
Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21st to 23rd March 2023. Some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Roland DG, Epson UK, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies, swissQprint, and many more will be ready and waiting to welcome you to their stands.
This show remains the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the sign and digital display market. Event director, Jenny Matthew, says, “Last year, we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out
again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing.
I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait. And neither can we!”
As well as a broad and diverse range of exhibitors, SDUK is running a series of features designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. The ever-popular UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by HEXIS, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a rare chance to see the very best of the vehicle wrapping profession as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.
Whether you are a vinyl veteran or just setting out on your vinyl adventure, The Sign Studio is a must-see for visitors at the show this year.
It will run daily, with live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and more. “I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,” says Paul.
The International Sign Association UK (ISA-UK) is back to host the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature
The Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, “The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers.”
Building on its popularity last year, the Explains Lounge will host a full programme of presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there’s no need to book. Check the website at www.signanddigitaluk.com to see a full schedule and list of speakers.
Jenny Matthew, concludes. “We are so excited about the show this year. We want everyone who joins us to get real value from their time, so we are doing our best to ensure there is something for everyone, from industry newcomers to seasoned professionals. The schedule is jam-packed with fantastic exhibitors, exciting features and thousands of networking opportunities to ensure that visitors will be informed and inspired by everything they find at SDUK 2023.”
With some big announcements still yet to be made, stay connected to discover further exciting SDUK news being released in the run-up to this year’s show.
Sign & Digital UK will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from 21-23 March 2023.
Free to attend for visitors: Register here or signuk.com
To enquire about exhibiting please contact the show team on 07968 301 374, or email signanddigitaluk@fav-house.com.
– the Sign Surgery.
Under Mediterranean winter sun at the Circuit de Catalunya, European press and Roland DG dealers assembled for the big industry announcement of the year so far
Roland’s Paul Willems presenting the new TrueVIS range
The launch of the new TrueVIS range of printers from Roland DG was the biggest product announcement for the company to date. It means Roland now offers the largest range of ink technologies and applications for roll-to-roll printing in one product family.
The launch saw Roland add UV print and cut technology to the TrueVIS range with the high-productivity LG Series and the multi-functional MG Series. To top it all, Roland revealed its first water-based resin ink printer, the AP-640. Together with the four eco-solvent models launched in March 2022, the TrueVIS line-up expands to a total of 10 inkjet devices.
Paul Willems, Roland DG’s Director of Business Development and Product Management, had the honour of announcing the printers. He said, “The new MG Series is an evolution of the award-winning models we launched last
that makes the platform more affordable for our customers without sacrificing image quality.”
The video introducing the new TrueVIS AP-640 water-based resin printer was greeted with spontaneous and enthusiastic applause from the audience, something that clearly moved Paul, “The AP-640 is our first ever resin printer. It is packed with innovations, and the beautiful design makes it look instantly part of the family. Output from this printer is instantly dry, and because it is odourless, it can be used in any environment. We have also focused on minimising energy use, making it a true leader in sustainable wide format printing.” At the launch, we were shown the new printers in action and could see the great production quality of each of them. We were also treated to a vehicle wrapping demonstration on an F1 car by the BWT Alpine F1 team and a skateboarding display by pro-skaters Raisa Abal and Louisa Menke.
Roland said these printers provide a unique and unparalleled offering for the industry. The TrueVIS range delivers industry-leading image quality in each technology segment that is compatible with the widest range of applications, ensuring every application requirement and quality expectation is within reach for customers.
View from a reseller
Georgia Brown, Managing Director of UK Roland reseller, Your Print Specialists, said, “The new TrueVIS printers look incredible. It’s very exciting to see Roland release a water-based resin ink printer for the first time. I was very impressed with the demonstration of the AP-640. The quality and vibrancy of the prints are fantastic and will definitely turn heads.”
year. It has an optimised curing system
She continued, “Roland has created the ultimate triple threat by adding UV and resin to the TrueVIS range. The TrueVIS range already has an amazing reputation with the VG and SG models, and these new printers can only build upon this. They will definitely be an exciting addition to the print market. I can’t wait to see what can be produced with these impressive new machines.”
I recently visited the worldwide headquarters of Fujifilm’s Wide Format and
divisions and received a masterclass in running a modern and efficient manufacturing and distribution site, with advanced Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement processes and a visible commitment to improving sustainability across the entire operation.
Broadstairs in Kent seems an unlikely venue for such a prestigious global enterprise and one that certainly raises the eyebrows of overseas visitors as they enter the postcode into their sat nav. It was initially based there for sound business and economic reasons and is still at its original site because of the dedication, determination and commitment of the people working there.
During the 1940s, Alexander de Gelsey, a young man from Hungary, arrived in England for a new life. He wanted to be a chemist, first manufacturing ink in his bathtub. He soon identified the screenprinting market and created specialised inks for it. In the 50s, he teamed up with a manufacturer of screen-printing machinery to form Sericol and built the factory at its current site in 1961. After various acquisitions and accreditations, Sericol remained a market leader in screen printing ink manufacturing. But in the late 90s, one man within the company had a vision of where the market was heading that would shake the company to its core. That vision was digital printing –and he wasn’t wrong.
Kevin Jenner, Fujifilm Wide Format Systems’ European Marketing Manager, reveals the concerns this caused at the time, “This was a big deal for Sericol because screen printing had been a very successful and profitable business for many years. Also, there was a big difference in manufacturing ink that could go through a screen printer and ink that could pass through the tiny nozzles of a digital printhead. But it was the right thing to do and, in my view, showed how this company has remained successful over many decades by identifying and responding positively to the changing needs of the market and our customers.”
By 2005, UV inkjet ink manufacturing was very much in place, building a strong market and solid reputation. So much so that Sericol was acquired by the giant Fujifilm Corporation. It is a testament to the people of this company, many of whom have worked for the company since well before this acquisition, that despite the many pressures faced over the years, this manufacturing plant, situated somewhat out of the way on the East coast of Kent, is one of Fujifilm’s shining jewels.
Over the years, the Broadstairs site has won many awards, including Queen’s Awards for Environmental Achievement and Factory of the Year. Key to this success is their adoption of a programme called Continuous Improvement.
Also underpinning everything that happens at this site is a true commitment to meeting the company’s sustainability goals. Kevin is keen to talk about this, “I always feel we are in a difficult situation in terms of communicating what we are doing around sustainability. Companies are making grand claims, but when you look under the bonnet, many are not doing as much as they would like you to believe. We have never wanted to be tarred with that brush, but we also want to let people know about some of the amazing things we are doing. We have built sustainability into all of our processes, with experienced, knowledgeable team members who are constantly looking at ways to reduce waste and energy and minimise the amount of new raw materials we use.”
On my visit to the site, I saw much of this for myself. I’m not an expert on designing and delivering measurable practices for improving sustainability, but it was evident that much thought, effort and investment was going into implementing tangible, results-oriented processes. There are already solar panels in use, and with further plans to install vertical wind turbines, Fujifilm is aiming to generate 20% of the site’s electricity requirements using renewable energy by the end of 2023.
There were waste receptacles for everything and in all departments, including administration, R&D and the factory. I was assured that nothing has gone to landfill from this site for several years, and the Zero to Landfill formal accreditation is due to be awarded in 2023. Continuous Improvement
Another way to reduce waste is to get things right, so you don’t have to do them again. The factory has an outstanding 100% RFT – Right First Time in Digital Manufacturing and 97% in Analogue Manufacturing. “In 2005, when Fujifilm first took over, our score was just 45%,” says Gary Burgess, the site’s Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Manager. “To achieve this transformation in customer satisfaction, we have taken everyone who works here on a journey with us to improve every aspect of our operations. It’s great to see it being recognised and successful.”
Communication is possibly the most important element of achieving positive results through Continuous Improvement. “If employees don’t know what is happening, we can’t expect them to support or replicate it,” says Gary, adding, “For example, one of our most popular ideas is the operators’ issues board where any ideas, constraint, wishes or concerns can be highlighted. Employees will get feedback to anything raised the following morning at their 5-minute morning meeting. Instant feedback lets the team know that anything raised by them is important to the management team and will get dealt with, ensuring we have an engaged and empowered team.”
Fujifilm places a considerable emphasis on creating a positive culture within the business. Continuous Improvement requires everyone to be involved in shaping and delivering it. “We have introduced proven techniques for visual communications in the workplace, such as Kamishibai and Electronic
Process Control (Takt) Boards. “These are excellent tools for delivering great productivity and performance improvements. As a team, we have delivered them with consistency and determination. On top of that, we reenforce our commitment to best practice so that we can achieve outstanding operational excellence.” adds Gary.
The Kamishibai boards are a lean manufacturing tool used to visualise data in manufacturing facilities and track the status of various activities happening across a production process. “This has been adopted with enthusiasm by our team leaders, operators and office staff because it provides a simple, visual task reminder. The boards are easy to set up and install and they ensure repetitive tasks are completed. This simple technique has made huge improvements to our efficiency and productivity,” Gary says.
To ensure the team are encouraged and supported to be part of the CI strategy, Gary highlights other important factors. “We ensured some quick wins to help the programme gain some early momentum. We also tried not to make too much of a big thing about it. People can be put off by big launches and meaningless jargon. We wanted everyone to see we were serious through actions, not words. We wanted to ensure we captured EVERY problem in the organisation and saw each one as an opportunity to improve. This gives people more responsibility and is key to empowering them as part of the overall programme.”
Commitment to quality and improvement greatly extends to Fujifilm’s manufacturing and R&D work in the laboratories. Like in the factory and the offices, improvements have led to significant cost-savings and a more environmentally-friendly, sustainable workplace. The whole area is designed for efficiency and productivity, is spotlessly clean and organised and staffed by friendly, determined and clearly very hard-working people. Don’t forget the printers
It is quite easy to get carried away by seeing all the great things happening in the laboratories and factory floors. But I was also interested to hear more about Fujifilm’s printer manufacturing. In 2019, the company returned to the drawing board to define what it called a ‘new blueprint for UV inkjet print performance’. The result was a brand-new range of Acuity printers that have already captured
the market’s attention since their launch at FESPA earlier this year.
Seeing the testing and validation in action in Broadstairs, you can see the incredible attention to detail that goes into these machines. They are big, they are tough, they are fast, and they print some seriously good-looking output. They also manage to do this at a competitive price!
Kevin explains, “When it comes to printers, customers look at three key elements. Speed, quality and price. Raising or lowering the bar with any of these elements will always affect the others. Our challenge is to minimise any compromise to deliver printers with the highest possible speed and quality at the most competitive price. I believe Fujifilm has done that with the Acuity range, and many in the market agree.”
My visit to Fujifilm was eye-opening. This is a huge organisation that is demonstrably focused on looking after its staff, its customers and the wider planet. I will follow their progress with interest, particularly the commitments to zero landfill, increasing renewable energy and minimising the use of new raw materials. Many thanks to Kevin and the team at Fujifilm for welcoming me to the site and showing me around.
To find out more, visit their new website here.
Fujifilm’s Kevin Jenner and Shaun Holdom
Deciding to install a UV printer is always going to be a big decision for your business. Flatbed or roll-toroll, the investment will be significant, and it will impact your revenue and profitability for years to come.
As with all big purchases, you need to focus on what is most important to your company and what is most likely to make your investment successful.
Of one thing, there is no doubt. There are plenty of choices. And you need to make sure it’s a good one.
I had the pleasure of being invited to the UK office and showroom of swissQprint in Bracknell. From the moment I stepped into the building, there was a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, and as I got to know the team through the conversations and demonstrations, I could see why.
Pride of place in the showroom are two printers: the new Karibu roll-to-roll and a Nyala flatbed. I got a powerful sense, particularly from Simon, service manager, and Marcin, print solutions engineer, that these printers were like part of the team. They were valued and treated with respect, and this respect was reciprocated with reliable, high-quality printing.
It led me to think that this is how swissQprint’s many customers must feel about their printers. Indeed, when I
posted about my visit on social media, one customer was keen to say how much they love their Nyala.
And I can see why. The design of the printers is very, very clever. It’s as if they have thought of everything an operator could possibly want and built it into the machine. Easy-to-read light bars tell you that media is lined up properly, cleaning processes are simple and easy to perform with minimal ink wastage, a unique vacuum system is controlled by innovative ‘Tip Switches’, and safety measures are in place to make sure you cannot trap fingers in any part of the machine. And there are many more such features. These printers are built to be used comfortably and safely, efficiently and productively.
This isn’t marketing hype, either.
swissQprint’s focus is very much on innovation and R&D. Even the marketing materials they showed me are of the highest quality. Beautifully presented books and folders celebrating the achievements of their printers in the hands of imaginative and creative customers around the world. Generations of Quality
swissQprint’s product history is as solid as its printers. The company has stayed true to its roots of delivering high precision, reliability, performance and service. These are what the company calls its four pillars, and it has served them well. The swissQprint name is synonymous with high-quality and very reliable machines. With each new generation of printers they launch, they raise the bar a little higher, helping their customers stay ahead of the competition.
They have recently launched the 4th Generation of their flatbed printers, which delivers an increase in production speed and quality, as well as a host of operational innovations. I watched the new printhead working at more than 200sqm/h with perfectly acceptable quality. And with a click of a mouse, it shifted to 1350dpi image quality, ideal for highend photographic reproduction and other applications requiring the best possible detail. They even showed me 2pt text printed with white ink (I checked with a magnifying glass, and it was spot on!)
It is also worth noting that while all this innovation is available, not all of it is necessary for every business. But that’s OK because all swissQprint machines are individually built and configured for each customer. These are modular systems in every sense of the word, with a commonality of parts across the product ranges. You choose what you need, and as your needs change, your printer can be upgraded and adapted quickly and easily to change with them.
Another advantage to having your new machine built-to-order is that the swissQprint engineers will also put it through its paces and ensure it is fully calibrated for your requirements before leaving the factory floor. It arrives loaded with Caldera RIP on a Monday morning for installation and training, and you are ready to go full steam ahead before the week is out.
Sustainability is often a difficult subject for printing companies, but swissQprint has a practical and realistic message that is borne out by measurable facts. UK Managing Director, Erskine Stewart,
explained to me, “Giving value to our customers is important to us, and so is giving equal priority to the health of users and the protection of our environment. We aim to keep our ecological footprint small by using as many local suppliers as possible. 90% of machine parts are sourced in Switzerland, where every printer is made.”
He continues, “All of our printers are rated ISO2690:2018 for energy efficiency. The UV printing process requires neither heating nor ventilation, which keeps the energy requirement low. LED lamps consume little electricity and have low emissions. And perhaps most importantly of all, our printers have a service life of over 12 years, with low maintenance, few spare parts and minimal service visits. This all adds up to as green a printing solution as you will find anywhere.”
The importance of swissQprint’s ISO2690:2018 energy rating becomes apparent when you compare it with other items consuming similar energy. To produce 200m2 (the area of a tennis court) of printed output on a Nyala requires 3kWh. The same amount is required to drive a Tesla for 16 miles or run two electric kettles.
swissQprint customers range from one-man bands to huge multinational corporations. It is not the size of the company that drives the need for these printers; it is how much that company is dependent on them. If the printer stops running, what does that cost the company? In some cases, that could be everything. swissQprint installs printers that it knows won’t let its customers down.
That is its true value proposition.
Erskine adds, “Unscheduled call-outs are incredibly rare for our printers. The machines have an easy daily maintenance routine that keeps them working in top condition, and we regularly visit to service them and carry out routine checks and balances. Most support issues are easily resolvable over the phone, and in the rare situation that a part needs replacing, because of the commonality, we hold them here in stock and can get them onsite and installed very quickly.”
He continues, “We know our customers are heavily reliant on our printers to keep their businesses operating and profitable, and over the last 15 years, we have shown that this is a responsibility we deliver on. Our engineering and support team are excellent, and we have great relationships with all our customers. Also, as a company, we welcome and value our customers’ input. Understanding how they use our machines and what they would like to do to develop further helps us continually innovate and improve our solutions.”
If you are considering a UV printer, you are probably already at a stage where you are expecting to make a significant investment. It’s important and is likely to be the most crucial decision you will make for your business for some time. I can heartily recommend taking a close look at swissQprint to see what these printers can do, particularly if quality, reliability and versatility are what you are looking for.
www.swissqprint.com
In October 2022, The Creative Place added to its impressive portfolio of large format printing equipment with the installation of a brand new swissQprint Nyala 4 Flatbed UV printer, with additional roll-to-roll functionality
When I visited swissQprint in November, I was hugely impressed with the quality of the machines and was keen to talk to a customer to find out more about how the machines performed in the field. I remembered visiting The Creative Place many years ago and knew they were a company with a great pedigree, so when I heard they had recently installed one of the new 4th Generation swissQprint machines, I was keen to learn more.
Managing Director, James Hunt, explains, “In the past, we have used Agfa flatbed machines. We also have a Zund flatbed cutter, and we knew there was a connection between Zund and swissQprint, so we thought we would take a closer look. We were really impressed.”
He continues, “We loved that everything was built in-house, with no third-party elements. This gave us much confidence that, even though this would be a big investment, it would be something that was definitely going to last. The swissQprint team very proudly told us they were supporting a machine that was over 15 years old and still running well at a London-based print company. This was important to us. We wanted to know that the printer would be properly supported for as long as we were using it.”
James was also keen to talk about the performance of the Nyala 4. “This machine is second to none when it comes to printing. The quality is amazing. It is also a dream to use. We can switch between flat sheets and rolls very quickly and very easily. For a printer of this type, this is good – class-leading!”
With the new printer in place and working well, James and The Creative Place team are now keen to maximise the value of the investment by increasing business. “Like many others, we are dealing with the challenges of coming out of the pandemic. The market is very different from how it was before. We must be much more reactive to clients’ needs to win their business. The new printer is already helping us win more business because it
makes us faster, more versatile and more responsive. We are receiving phone calls and turning jobs around in a couple of hours – we simply couldn’t have done that before.”
The Creative Place also has a Mimaki UJV55-320 roll-toroll machine, and James has found the Nyala 4 to be a great backup to this machine, giving them a real competitive edge. “Of course, we purchased the Nyala as a flatbed primarily. However, the ability to easily change to roll-fed printing means that we can deliver more jobs more quickly without investing in another roll machine. We haven’t had this option before, and it makes a big difference. Jobs that took eight hours or more can now be delivered in little more than an hour. That is having a huge impact on our business.”
Another big advantage of the new machine is the ability to print white. “We are getting loads more jobs that require white printing now, and our previous machine simply couldn’t deliver this. We get lots of retail work, window graphics, static cling and the like, and they all need perfectly white whites. The Nyala delivers this time and again and at great speed. It’s revolutionised what we can offer customers regarding the range of solutions, the quality of the print and how quickly we can deliver.”
James also talks about the increased variety of media they can now work with. “Because the Nyala is an LED UV machine, it is a much cooler curing process than the mercury system we had previously. This means we can work with a much broader range of substrates and, in turn, means we can take on more different jobs.”
James concludes, “So far, we have nothing but positive things to say about this printer. The operators are delighted with it because it is a dream to use and very easy to maintain. It has already improved morale in the workshop because it prints at such a high quality that it never needs to be redone. In the first few weeks, I would say we won four or five major projects that we simply couldn’t have done without it.”
www.creativeplace.co.uk
Creative Place’s James HuntBrend Kouwenhoven, the new general manager of ColorBase, has joined the company to oversee the transformation and rebranding of the business into a fully digitised and democratised resource.
He and the company are on an exciting mission to reduce the massive cost of printed waste on the industry and our planet
It doesn’t matter where you look, printed products are everywhere. The industry is worth an incredible $900 billion. That’s a lot of print! Estimates also suggest that 10% of everything that is printed is waste. That means something went wrong. There are many reasons for this, but it was often simply that it didn’t look right, wasn’t the right colour, or was not the right material for the job. Of course, some mistakes are inevitable, but repeating the same mistake, or making them because of lack of accurate information beforehand, can and should be avoided for economic and ecological reasons.
However, is it really surprising? For any single item that needs printing, there are thousands of different media to print on, hundreds of different printers and dozens of different inks and configurations. This means there are millions of different possible outputs, depending on the workflow. The team at ColorBase see this as an opportunity to take out a lot of the guesswork and trial and error in printing to make inroads into that 10% wastage.
“The printing process is there to create applications, not simply produce output,” says Brend, adding, “It might be to create a traffic sign to last for many years, a tin can with the right colour or a vehicle
graphic to withstand tough conditions. Whatever the application, the colour usually needs to be 100% accurate, and the overall product needs to comply with any environmental or regulatory requirements that go with it, such as UV/fire/wind resistance, slip levels etc. Otherwise, that print will have to be redone, which is a waste we shouldn’t have to subject our planet to.”
To drive this forward, the company is going through a rebranding process that sees the formation of three distinct products and product teams under the core ColorBase identity; these are ColorBase Labs, ColorBase Exchange and the ColorBase Toolbox.
He continues, “We are a technical and scientific company by nature, which means we always look for the best and most efficient solutions. We believe we have created something revolutionary for our industry that will also greatly benefit the environment. Over many years, our labs have tested thousands of print combinations and developed great software and testing processes to do this. It amounts to over 1.2 million unique recipes for successfully matching the right media, print and ink and configuring them to deliver the right solution the first time.”
ColorBase is already known for working with manufacturers and printers and then making this data available through the ColorBase database. The new challenge for Brend and the ColorBase team is to take this to a new level. Through its rebrand, ColorBase will provide the software and process methodologies to enable the testing to be carried out locally by manufacturers or approved testing centres. The challenge is to ensure these tests are consistent, accurate and recordable so that the results can be digitised and made widely available through the ColorBase database.
Brend adds, “This is a natural evolution of the work we have already been doing. We have built a strong foundation for testing that allows us to develop and communicate a structured testing environment for others to follow. Why? Because we know this process reduces waste, and the more it can be done, the more waste we can take out. Our skills are in digitising and democratising the process and testing software. We then make the data readily and easily available to manufacturers, printers, brand owners, and specifiers.”
Waste is the biggest issue that the new ColorBase model aims to improve. 10% of a big number is also a big number, so anything that helps reduce it will be a huge benefit. However, ColorBase will further help the environment by allowing end users to make better decisions about the products and media they use.
“Having accurate information to hand is the real driver for change here. If people can see the options that will work for their application, they can make their selection based on price, quality and what is good for the planet in equal measure,” explains Brend.
A great example would be to consider a major international shoe manufacturer. For them, the brand image is critical. Shortly after a new product has been
designed and launched, hundreds of thousands of printed cardboard boxes will need to be printed with the same colour, including the potential for personalisation. They also want to use materials that meet their own sustainability requirements. The ColorBase database will be able to give them the information they need to select the best media/printer/ink configuration to achieve these goals quickly and accurately, ensuring a smooth rollout with minimal errors.
The journey starts now
2023 will be a big year for the company as the rebranding and new corporate strategy becomes reality. “We are initially focusing on the market’s large format printing sector mainly because colour accuracy is critical and the potential for reducing waste is high. We also have great partners in this sector that understand what we are doing and will
be invaluable in helping us achieve our objectives.”
Brend concludes, “Our core focus with ColorBase is to help the planet by reducing the huge amounts of waste generated by the printing industry. We are giving manufacturers, printers and brand owners the tools they need to be sure that what they are designing and printing will be right the first time. We have the knowhow to ensure tests are carried out well, and accurate research data is created and delivered in a format accessible to everyone who needs it. Printing it right the first time will naturally result in less waste, fewer resources and the ever-increasing potential for a better future for the planet.”
The roll-out begins early in 2023 and full details will be available on the website and through the company’s marketing team. Visit Colorbase.com to sign up for more information.
PRINT!
SIGNAGE PRINT DISPLAY DÉCOR DESIGN
21-23 MARCH 2023 NEC, BIRMINGHAM
Discover everything needed to grow your business at the longest-running trade show for the visual communications sector.
Free to attend and with a host of new demos and features designed to inspire creativity and future-proof your business – SDUK 23 will be unmissable. Register now:
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Innotech Digital and Clarity Software have announced that Innotech’s complete product catalogue will be available for seamless integration into the Clarity Management Information System (MIS). Customers can now access key information on Innotech’s wide-format print media and display hardware range, such as pricing and specifications, seamlessly and with virtually no setup. This makes planning project costs and workflow management quicker and more accurate for Clarity users.
Clarity is the leading MIS solution for sign-makers and print service providers. It manages all aspects of the business, from quotations, forecasts, operational workflow, invoicing and more. The Clarity MIS requires its users to enter pricing and product details from an array of suppliers. This is used to create the accurate and detailed cost management information the customers need to increase productivity, efficiency and profitability.
Kieran Dallow, Group Marketing Manager for Innotech Digital, says, “We approached Clarity in 2022 to discuss integrating our pricing structures in the software to make it easier for customers to use the pricing in their existing systems. We particularly wanted to work with Clarity because it is one of the main MIS systems for the sign and graphics display market. Clarity was very positive and keen to get involved, and we have found the whole process very straightforward.”
Sam Yarnall, Sales and Marketing Director for Clarity Software Group, says, “When Innotech approached us, we could see how this would benefit both our companies and our customers. There is a clear synergy between us because our core markets are sign-makers and printers, and their product information is exactly what our customers need to access from the system. As well as streamlining the process of uploading supplier information into the MIS, this relationship allows companies that are not currently using Innotech products to compare key information with their existing suppliers easily, without having to add more supplier information.”
Clarity users have secure access to their own area of the Clarity website and can download the Innotech product information
from there and directly import it into their MIS. This increases accuracy and saves customers a lot of time ensuring they have the latest information seamlessly integrated with their software systems. Clarity users that are not already Innotech customers will also be able to use this information to compare pricing and product specifications.
Sam continues, “Working closely with a credible brand like Innotech, which has a broad product range and a solid supply chain, was an attractive proposition for Clarity. They are very closely aligned to our customers’ day-to-day operations, and we saw that it would be a huge benefit in terms of speed, simplicity and accuracy to integrate the Innotech product range and pricelist into our MIS.”
Kieran concludes, “Innotech is widely recognised as a fast supplier, and that speed of delivery in every area helps our customers outpace their competition and win more business. Our accurate information integrated with Clarity means printers’ estimating and admin times are drastically reduced. Having access to the complete product range also means they can quickly identify the best roll widths for minimal wastage, which also saves money. This is an excellent collaboration that is of real benefit to us, Clarity and all of our customers.”
Innotech Digital Clarity SoftwareClick the image for full story...
ISA-UK announced the availability of two Best Practice Guides to help companies in the sign and display industry to reach and maintain high standards.
ISA UK member, Marlec’s recent collaboration with Sapphire required a solarpowered signage solution to be installed on a new retail park, to broadcast their commitment to protecting the environment
Josero, part of the Soyang Group, has announced an appointment as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner to supply the range to customers in the UK
Imageco transforms Greyhound Box’s on-site portacabin meeting room using the PONGS® Descor® track system
Make it Happen welcomes back a former team member to expand product sales
UK-based paper and material supplier, Premier, has announced the opening of a new stock-holding branch based in Wellingborough
Leading wide-format print, graphics, and branding specialist MacroArt is seeing a positive impact of its Sustainability Strategy with its latest independent report, confirming significant reductions in carbon emissions
Mimaki has announced its first direct to film inkjet printer, the TxF150-75, at its Global Innovation Days event.
Innotech Digital has announced the launch of its new and improved website and customer portal
Roland has also launched its first direct-to-film transfer desktop inkjet printer, the VersaSTUDIO BN-20D, targeting small to medium-sized print shops, apparel businesses and start-ups
On stand H14, printMAX will be bringing the latest in rollto-roll print and cut devices as well as hugely popular LEDUV flatbed solutions.
Soyang Europe and Josero will demonstrate hardware from manufacturing partners Fujifilm, Jetrix and Mimaki, as well as display a unique applications wall of its own products on Stand G10
Hollywood Monster has debuted its first commercial job using the PONGS® DESCOR® track system from Arkutex, the surface textiles division of CMYUKeverything that is printed is waste.
Diversified print service provider Minuteman Press Bath recently used Drytac Polar Cast to complete an unusual project that involved wrapping one of only six Citroen Ami cars in the entire UK.
Quality Print Services returns to SDUK 2023 with wide format showcase. Based on stand J20, QPS will highlight solutions from Colorjet, Roland, Mazdar, Dupont and more.
Hybrid Services, is to use its prime position at the entrance of Sign & Digital UK to show a broad selection of the latest solutions from the Mimaki
swissQprint is presenting its latest innovations in flatbed and roll to roll printers alongside some impressive applications in UV printing, on stand J10
WrapFest takes place from 26 – 27 April 2023 at the Silverstone racing circuit, Northamptonshire, will bring together wrap professionals and enthusiasts from across Europe
Signmakers from across the UK and Ireland are gearing up for a big reunion, as brand new industry event The Sign Awards begins the countdown to the inaugural gala dinner
London & Hampshire based Symbiosis has invested in a Kongsberg C60 from CMYUK. 3D lettering and fabric cutting now automated and in-house for increased efficiency and the potential to offer new value-added services
Lancashire based trade printer, Super-Wide Digital (SWD) has invested in its second Agfa print engine. They took delivery of a new Avinci CX3200 dye sublimation machine in December
Printed visual communications specialist blink has hailed the impact of its new HP Latex R1000 printer, revealing that the machine has already helped it to secure a contract with a global consumer brand, just weeks after installation.
FPL Signs recently invested in a new VeloBlade Nexus wide format digital die-cutting system from Vivid Laminating Technologies
Ainsley Signs has invested in a Canon Colorado 1650 UVgel roll printer from CMYUK
Along with our new digital magazine, we are also creating the go-to online directory for all your digital and signage needs. See below a sample of companies in the directory. To add your listing, please email me on jack@eyeondisplay.co.uk
A.R. Signs Ltd
Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom https://www.arsigns.co.uk/
ADAPT
Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom https://amaridigital.com/ AG/CAD Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom https://www.agcad.co.uk/
All Print Supplies Berkshire, United Kingdom https://allprint.co.uk/
Allen Signs Lincolnshire, United Kingdom http://www.allensigns.co.uk/
Antalis
Leicestershire, United Kingdom https://www.antalis.co.uk/home
Architextural County Durham, United Kingdom https://www.architextural.co.uk/
ASH SIGNS & ENGRAVING LTD
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom http://www.ashsigns.co.uk/
Astra Signs Ltd
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom http://www.astrasigns.com/
Aztec Group
Greater London, United Kingdom http://www.aztecgroup.net/
Beaver Paper Baden-Württemberg, Germany https://www.beaverpaper.com/
Blue Sky Signs Ltd. Gloucestershire, United Kingdom https://www.blueskysigns.co.uk
BPIF (British Print Industry Federation) West Midlands, United Kingdom https://www.britishprint.com
Butler Signs Hampshire, United Kingdom https://www.danbutler.co.uk/
CADlink Hertfordshire, United Kingdom https://www.cadlink.com/
Campbell Sign Services Renfrewshire, United Kingdom http://www.campbellsignservices.com/
Cim Signs and Graphics Norfolk, United Kingdom https://www.cimdisplay.co.uk
CMYUK Berkshire, United Kingdom https://www.cmyuk.com
ColorBase
South Holland, Netherlands https://www.colorbase.com/
Coral Signs Glasgow City, United Kingdom http://www.coralsigns.co.uk/
Drytac Bristol City, United Kingdom https://www.drytac.com
Durst
Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy https://www.durst-group.com/en/digital-printing-technologies
Epson Hertfordshire, United Kingdom https://www.epson.co.uk
FASTSIGNS UK
Staffordshire, United Kingdom https://www.fastsigns.co.uk
Fedrigoni Lombardia, Italy https://fedrigoni.com/en/
Flexa Veneto, Italy https://www.flexa.it/en
Fujifilm
Kent, United Kingdom https://www.fujifilm.com/uk/en/business/graphic/ wideformat
GEW UV
West Sussex, United Kingdom https://www.gewuv.com
HP Berkshire, United Kingdom https://www.hp.com/uk-en/printers/large-format. html
i-Sub Ltd
Northamptonshire, United Kingdom https://www.i-sub.co.uk/
Inktec Europe Oxfordshire, United Kingdom https://www.inktec-europe.com/ Intercoat
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany https://intercoat.de/the-company/?lang=en
ISA UK
Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom https://uksigns.org
Kala Bretagne, France https://www.kala.systems/en
Kongsberg Flanders, Belgium https://www.kongsbergsystems.com/en/cutting-systems
Liyu Lancashire, United Kingdom https://www.liyu-uk.com
M-TWO
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom https://www.m-two.uk
Mactac Northamptonshire, United Kingdom https://www.mactacgraphics.eu/en
Markzware
South Holland, Netherlands https://markzware.com/
Metamark
Surrey, United Kingdom https://www.metamark.co.uk
Moditech Varmland County, Sweden https://www.moditech-ab.se
Nazdar
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom https://www.nazdar.com
Papergraphics
West Sussex, United Kingdom https://paper-graphics.com/
Pongs
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany https://www.pongs.com/?lang=en
PressOn Medway, United Kingdom https://www.presson.co.uk
Printwear and Promotion
Kent, United Kingdom https://printwearandpromotionlive.co.uk/
RA Smart Cheshire East, United Kingdom https://www.rasmart.co.uk
Righton Blackburns West Midlands, United Kingdom https://www.rightonblackburns.co.uk/
Royal Sovereign New Jersey, United States https://www.royalsovereign.com/collections/ graphics-finishing
SAi international Utah, United States https://www.thinksai.com/en-eu/
SEDO Ltd
Essex, United Kingdom https://www.sedoltd.co.uk Signfab Leicester, United Kingdom https://www.signfab.co.uk
Solargard
Vlaams Gewest, Belgium https://www.solargard.com/uk/
Spandex
South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom https://shop.spandex.com/en_GB/
Super-Wide Digital Lancashire, United Kingdom https://super-wide.digital/
Target Transfers
Essex, United Kingdom https://www.targettransfers.com
The Online Print Coach South Ayrshire Council, United Kingdom https://www.theonlineprintcoach.com
The Sign Awards
West Midlands, United Kingdom https://www.thesignawards.com/
The UK Graphic Awards West Midlands, United Kingdom https://www.ukgraphicawards.com/
Trotec
Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom https://www.troteclaser.com/en-gb/ Vinyline Merseyside, United Kingdom https://www.vinyline.co.uk/
Vivid Laminating Leicestershire, United Kingdom https://www.vivid-online.com/
William Smith County Durham, United Kingdom https://www.williamsmith.co.uk/
Xaar Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom https://www.xaar.com/en/
XSYS
Baden-Württemberg, Germany https://xsysglobal.com
Zund
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom https://www.zund.com/en/about-zuend/subsidiaries/zuk
Eye on Display is a digital magazine and industry directory covering the colourful world of large-format printing, sign, and graphics and visual communications. Through our website, magazine and social media, we aim to cover the latest stories and key industry features and trends to keep you informed. Please add news@eyeondisplay.co.uk to your media list
Eye on Display is published by J Gocher Communications Ltd
Editor - Jack Gocher. jack@eyeondisplay.co.uk 07966 661196
Designer - Ollie Gocher
