Industrial Print Magazine Apr-Jun 2019 issue

vol-03 Issue- 02 Apr - Jun 2019

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Vol.03 Issue 2, 2019

Europe’s 1st Landa S10.....................................16 drupa 2020: The countdown is on...............22 Hong Kong exhibition makes its mark......23 Asia Print: the view of large printing .........27

A Quarterly Publication from the house of Industrial Publishing Media Sdn Bhd

IPMEX Malaysia 2019........................................33 3D & ‘Women In Sport’.....................................41 9th UV Days...........................................................50

KDN No: PP19341/04/2018(034874)

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Organized by :

+603-6277 5108 info@kaizer.com.my

Member of :

PRINT. REDEFINED. RICOH ( MALAYSIA ) SDN BHD (10078-w)

Lock + Store, Level 1, No.5, Jalan Penyair U1/44, Off Jalan Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Tel:+603-5565 3888 Fax: +603-5569 7760 Customer Hotline : 1-300-88-8228

From the editor’s desk Dear Friends from the Printing Industry: Greetings | Selamat Pagi IPMEX 2019, the largest Print Industry Event of Malaysia is going to open its doors in just about a month at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 4-day show that will take place from 1st to 4th August 2019 will also comprise associated events – Asia Sign 2019, Malaysia 3D Tech EXPO, Industrial Print 2019 and Malaysia LED & Lighting Show 2019. Returning for its 13th instalment with renewed focus on the packaging, label, textile print, 3D printing, signage & LED sector, IPMEX Malaysia 2019 will present the entire value chain, bringing to the forefront the full spectrum of the related industries. With these exhibition combinations, IPMEX Malaysia will reach out to more players in the media, printing, signage, LED, textile and related industries. Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences, the organisers of IPMEX are known for its management and organisation of outstanding events. IPMEX Malaysia 2019 is all set to provide a totally new and enriching exhibition experience by being even more informative, interesting, diversified and rewarding. Find a preview of what’s in store for you at IPMEX along with showcase preview by some of the key industry players of the printing industry like, Ricoh, ACE COM, Hongjet Technology, Sansin Prima and Konica Minolta. Also find news about other key regional as well as international events in this issue which include – drupa 2020, Print China 2019, Labelexpo Europe 2019, SHIFT_019, The Hong Kong Printing and Packaging Exhibition, Brand Print Americas, Prokom Conference, SPPRING Project, Fespa 2019, ITMA 2019, The Print Show 2019, Heimtextil, 9th UV Days etc.

The ink used in Epson SurePress digital inkjet label presses and ColorWorks on-demand colour label printers have achieved Food Contact Materials regulatory compliance for food packaging printing inks. “Our customers can be assured that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations,” says, Jocelyn Tan, Epson Singapore. It is a major milestone for Epson commercial label printers in Food Contact Materials compliance. Talking further of Epson, a new textile solutions center called “TSC Asia” has been opened by the company at its Fujimi Plant in Nagano prefecture.

Designed to accelerate the global expansion of the digital textile printing business, TSC Asia is equipped to handle every step in the textile printing process, including textile pre- and post-treatment.

3D and additive manufacturing is going to be a key technology at upcoming drupa 2020. The event will once again dedicate a touchpoint 3D fab+print to this future technology. For the first time, the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Association will be responsible for the content design and implementation of the ten-day lecture programme. A total of 80 specialist lectures are planned, which will be spread over two two-hour blocks every day. A key global development in additive manufacturing field is HP’s new 150,000 square foot facility facilitating world-class R&D, engineering, co-development, and sustainable innovation for the next-generation technologies powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution. HP has recently opened its new 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Another interesting read about 3D technology is the story exploring how Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing can work together.

Find all this along with a lot more updates on the latest happenings from around the world of Printing.

Warm regards | Jacob George

Industrial Print is a quarterly magazine published by Industrial Publishing Media Sdn Bhd (1250474-A), No.42-2 Jalan 6/38D, Taman Sri Sinar,Segambut,51200 Kuala Lumpur.Malaysia Tel : 03-6277 5108 Director Belle Yam belyam@hotmail.com Editor-in-Chief Jacob George jacob.industrialprint@gmail.com Editor Jasvinder Singh Advertising and Sales Adelle Wong adelle.wong@industrialprintmag.com Graphic Designer/Prepress Anil Kumar Networking/Hardware Consultant Sukhdeep Singh USA Corerspondent Yadhu Morphine European Correspondent Monique Van Der Sman Printed by: Thunder Print Sdn Bhd (374290-X) No.6463,Lorong Ayam Didik 3, Taman Ria Jaya Light Industrial Park, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Tel: 04-4418 005 Industrial Print Apr-Jun 2019 Vol 03, Issue 02 Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied.

All material supplied is compiled from sources believed to be reliable or solely an opinion of the authors. Industrial Print is not responsible for any steps taken based on the information provided herewith.

Epson commercial label printers reach milestone in Food Contact Materials compliance “Our customers can be assured that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations.” - Jocelyn Tan, Epson Singapore The ink used in Epson SurePress digital inkjet label presses and ColorWorks on-demand colour label printers have achieved Food Contact Materials regulatory compliance for food packaging printing inks.

The regulations include EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006, Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and included in Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.

being used in printing for food packaging to ensure that there is no contamination of the product when they are used correctly, ensuring food safety.

Jocelyn Tan, Regional Senior Manager, Printers Solutions Division, Epson Singapore said, “Our customers can be assured that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations. Epson will continue to meet and exceed customers’ needs in the production of food and beverage labels and packaging.”

Food packaging is one of the most regulated segments of the print industry. The print value chain will need to take account of the new regulations – especially in Europe and Asia – and simultaneously adjust to priorities beyond safety.

Epson’s Investment in Ink

According to Smithers Pira, the worldwide authority on the packaging, print and paper supply chains, food-safe printing inks will grow faster than the food packaging market as pressure from brand owners and regulators are leveraging it for larger amounts of food packaging. The market for food grade inks is also growing at 6 per cent per year.

Epson’s facilities meet the internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards (EC) No. 2023/2006 EU Regulations and corresponding United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cGMP.

Special food-grade inks are also increasingly

Unique among digital inkjet press and printer manufacturers, Epson produces its own ink. Epson invests directly in systems and hygienic processes to produce ink for its SurePress and ColorWorks solutions.

In addition, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are manufactured with food grade hygiene management, implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

(HACCP) risk assessment at each stage of production.

Epson Ink materials and additional regulations Epson’s inks comply with Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (RS817.023.21) and their ingredients have been registered or submitted to the Swiss Positive Lists A and B, published by Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) approved for food labelling and packaging printing.

Epson is a member of EuPIA and adheres to the guidelines on printing inks applied to the food packaging materials and articles, according to GMP (EC) No. 2023/2006 under European Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.

Non-Food Contact Surface Printing In compliance with EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are not intended for direct food contact applications. When using Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks, it is recommended the non-food contact side of pressure-sensitive food labels is separated by aluminium, glass, plastic or other materials that acts as a functional barrier, as defined by local regulations, preventing migration of the ink components to the food.

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia and South Asia. Led by the regional headquarters Epson Singapore, Epson’s business in Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 11 countries with a comprehensive infrastructure of close to 500 service outlets, 7 Epson solution centres and 7 manufacturing facilities.

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The first Heidelberg Primefire in Japan Kyoshin Paper and Package chooses Heidelberg Primefire 106.

Kyoshin Paper and Package decided to choose Heidelberg Primefire 106 as their next digital press to expand their web-to-pack business on top of the traditional packaging business by signing a contract of the first Primefire 106 in Japan in April 2019.

Heidelberg will install the digital printing system in Kyoshin Paper and Package´s brand-new Kanto plant in summer this year.

Kyoshin Paper and Package was founded in Kobe, Japan in summer of 1948. Since then, their “challenging spirit” is their beating heat of the company as a successful packaging service provider and currently 290 employees are working with the company.

“The print quality such as green and orange were outstanding and we felt that the quality of print

by Primefire 106 was the most beautiful we have ever seen.” - Kazuhiro Kajikawa, upon testing the Primefire 106 with their challenging images.

In 2013 the company expanded their packaging business launching web-to-pack service called “Hacoplay” focusing on the demand of small size and small quantity with digital presses. They receive an order even from one box in three days as their shortest delivery time. Currently the maximum size they can print on their digital press is B2 as maximum, but in order to further expand their web-topack business, they were looking for B1 digital press that could meet their demanding customer needs.

The first time they saw Heidelberg’s Primefire 106 was at drupa 2016 and they were impressed enough to ask Heidelberg to do print test with their challenging images. According to Mr. Kazuhiro Kajikawa,

executive managing director of Hacoplay division, “The result of the print test was excellent. The print quality such as green and orange were outstanding and we felt that the quality of print by Primefire 106 was the most beautiful we have ever seen. The consistency of quality between first and 500th sheets was also amazingly stable that surprised even our offset press operator who was with me for the test.

Other interesting feature of Primefire 106 for us is to be able to cover 95 % of Pantone colour because we as packaging printer have to use a lot of special colours for package printing. By enlarging the size from A3 to B2, we were able to expand our business and we are expecting more by going for B1 size with Primefire 106.”

The Primefire 106 is the first available industrial digital printing press for packaging in B1 format. “Japan is for us a very important market as it is among the top countries for folding carton production and it has probably the highest standards of image quality in the world,” explains Montserrat Peidró-Insa, Head of Digital Print Business at Heidelberg. “The success of Primefire customers is what drives our entire team.

We are proud to have such a renowned company like Kyoshin Paper and Package selecting Primefire 106 to accelerate their company growth. With this new installation, Primefire is expanding its global presence even further and consolidating itself as a business growth enabler in packaging.”

Key Notes : > Japanese web-topack printer decision based on outstanding technologies of Primefire 106. > Expanding web-topack business to the next level. > Heidelberg Primefire 106 enables new business opportunities.

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The Primefire 106 is the first industrial digital printing press for packaging in B1 format.

industrial printing/general printing

Online Photo industry sees major reshuffle: Apollo acquires Shutterfly and Snapfish platforms Acquires Shutterfly in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.7 billion; separately enter into a definitive agreement to acquire Snapfish.

In a major Photo Industry overhaul, global alternative investment manager Apollo has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Shutterfly, one of the leading retailer and manufacturing platforms of printed photographic products.

The acquisition for $51.00 per share in cash, or enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion, the company announced.

Simultaneously, Apollo announced that the Apollo Funds entered into a definitive agreement to combine Snapfish, the internetbased retailer of photography products, with Shutterfly. Upon the closing of the Snapfish transaction, the Snapfish owners will become significant minority owners in the combined Shutterfly and Snapfish business.

The Shutterfly Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement with the Apollo Funds and recommends that Shutterfly stockholders vote in favour of the transaction. Upon completion of the Shutterfly transaction, Shutterfly will become a privately held company, and its shares will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

“We are extremely excited for our funds to acquire Shutterfly,” said David Sambur, Senior Partner at Apollo. “At a time when billions of photos are taken every day, Shutterfly has led the charge as a pioneer of personalized photo products and school photography, helping consumers capture, preserve and share life’s most important moments. We look forward to working with Shutterfly’s talented employees and supporting further investments in technology to drive the continued growth and success of the business.”

The Shutterfly transaction is expected to close by early fourth quarter 2019. The Snapfish transaction is expected to close simultaneously with the Shutterfly acquisition.

Neil Cohen, Chairman of Snapfish and CEO of District Photo, Inc., commented, “We look forward to working with the Apollo

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Funds. The Apollo Funds bring substantial financial resources as we continue to invest in innovation, as well as valuable strategic perspectives to drive growth over the coming years. We are committed to supporting the company and continuing our relationship as a fulfillment partner.”

“We are thrilled to partner with two pioneers of the photo personalization industry in these innovative transactions,” said David Sambur, Senior Partner at Apollo. “We are confident that this transaction will create an opportunity for innovation and continued growth in the photo and personalized photo products industry. We are excited to work with Neil and the Snapfish team in this transaction, and to benefit from their market expertise after three generations in the photo product business.

We believe that both companies will be better positioned to operate in a competitive marketplace through their enhanced ability to invest in product innovation to deliver the best consumer experience.”

The online Photo industry was waiting for something big like this for years with quite a few online vendors shutting down, being absorbed by other players and retailers scaling down in-store photo operations.

David Haueter, in his article points out, “The latest announcement is possibly the

most dramatic yet, as longtime competitors Shutterfly and Snapfish have both been acquired and will be combined into one company. This is kind of like Ford merging with Chevy, which ironically has also been predicted by some automotive analysts.”

Market reports show that Shutterfly has gained popularity over various categories like prints, photo books, cards, and wall décor, while Snapfish’s popularity has fell over the last few years. In InfoTrends 2018 US Photo Merchandise Survey, only 3% of consumers said they placed their last photo card order with Snapfish, which put them 11th on the list. Shutterfly was second with 18%. In photo books, Snapfish was 9th with 4%, while Shutterfly was first with nearly 34%.

David Haueter opines, “Short term, we may see Shutterfly positioned more as a premium provider of photo products and prints, with Snapfish positioned as a lowercost alternative for more budget-minded consumers.”

“Long term, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Shutterfly and Snapfish merge completely, with one company name (Shutterfly) and one website. It should be an interesting ride,” he adds.

industrial printing/general printing

Customer service 4.0 - reliability and value for the customer.

The world of customer service has taken a major breakthrough. The era of long waits and expensive trips is definitely giving way to rapid, specific and remote interventions, made possible by new technologies based on “virtual” presence and the Internet of Things. OMET has been following this path long since: diagnostics, increasingly precise, and production chain, now on the way of complete digitalization, are opening the door to an interactive, real-time customer service, with big time and money savings for customers.

The cornerstone of the OMET “Customer First” service is remote diagnostics.

Appropriate software allows OMET technicians to remotely monitor any OMET line, wherever is it installed in the world, through a secure Internet connection.

They can investigate any customer needs, interactively acting with local staff using chat, video or images. OMET customer service can remotely check real time parameters, trends and alerts, and perform remote tests, checkups as well as technical interventions.

“A new remote connection system has been activated since 2012 and installed by default on every OMET machine since 2016 - explains Antonio Muraca, OMET Technical Assistance & Spare Parts Department -. On demand, it can be installed on previous lines.

The software scans the machine, checking how devices and actuators are responding and producing diagrams and graphs that show the engines performances, allowing to identify immediately the cause of any alert.

Trouble-shooting at a software level can be solved directly online, and mechanical interventions can be managed by on-site staff, virtually driven by OMET’s specialists that knows the machine in detail. If spare parts are needed, the involved parts can be excluded from processes to allow continuing the production”.

OMET customer service goes beyond on-call interventions. Data detected by the software allow the customer service keeping track of stops or malfunctions. The analysis of these trends over time make it possible to verify critical issues and take actions to solve

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problems and to increase the efficiency of the line with targeted interventions.

Moreover, the analysis of deviations from the standard parameters allows to program maintenance, avoiding wear problems.

This allows customers to have scheduled downtimes, with significant time savings and loss limitations.

“Statistics show that remote assistance allows to avoid up to 400 on-site interventions per year, solving customers’ needs in a few hours - says Muraca -. Recent web surveys report great satisfaction among customers for this kind of assistance, which allows to reduce significantly the loss of time and money associated with production downtimes”.

“Reliability is a value that has always made OMET standing out on the market: one of

the cornerstones of our reputation,” explains Marco Calcagni, OMET Sales & Marketing Director. “We are investing in the customer service because market satisfaction is our priority: we work constantly to make our machines and services bring efficiency, productivity and profit to the customers.

Investment in 4.0 technologies is the key to the future that will see also our commitment in augmented reality.”

OMET provides 24x7 assistance through its service centers located in North America (USA), Europe (Italy), Asia (China).

The offer is divided in two packages designed to allow customers having the best economic and time saving: Active (active technical support, by call and remote) and ProActive (technical assistance and preventive maintenance).

industrial printing/general printing

Natgraph receives Royal Honour Queen’s Award for Natgraph, the known name in industrial print drying and curing technology.

Commenting on the announcement, Natgraph Sales Director, Douglas Gray, said: “Everyone at Natgraph is absolutely delighted. We will take great pride in displaying the internationally-recognised Queen’s Award emblem, alongside the Natgraph name, wherever the company travels, over the coming months and years.”

One of the leading global players in design and manufacture of industrial print drying and curing equipment - Nottingham-based Natgraph – has been recognised for outstanding performance in the export of their products around the world.

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has announced Natgraph as a 2019 winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – an honour that Her Majesty The Queen has personally approved.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK. As winners, Natgraph have demonstrated outstanding success in their field of international trade.

Royal reception for Queen’s Awards winners at Buckingham Palace Representatives from Natgraph will attend a royal reception for Queen’s Awards winners at Buckingham Palace in June. Later in the year an official presentation of the Award by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County – The Queen’s local representative - will be held at Natgraph’s Dabell Avenue headquarters in Nottingham.

“Our company boasts a talented team, featuring expertise, deep experience, limitless energy and high commitment to the business – for the benefit of our customers. It is hugely rewarding that this has resulted in significant sales growth leading to this Award.”

Natgraph was founded in 1980 and since has established itself as a key player in the Industrial Printing market globally. The company is based in Nottingham, UK from where it exports close to 90% of factory output to customers in Europe, The Americas and Asia.

“Today Natgraph answers the needs of the most demanding print applications in the world. We do that by respecting the clear promises made in our PEAK proposition and as such are the drying and curing supplier of choice for the leading companies within the Automotive, Medical, Electronics, Security Print, Glass, Label, Textile Transfer and Print Finishing markets,” adds Douglas.

“Our business is fortunate to have a longestablished network of distribution partners around the world. These companies are veterans of numerous projects so have excellent experience, product knowledge and the right relationships within our company to offer seamless customer experiences. The success of winning Queen’s Award 2019 this year for international trade is in no small part due to our partners and distributors around the world,” he continues.

“It’s been a proud association with Natgraph – we have been distributors for Natgraph for more than 8 years in India. It’s a proud moment for Natgraph and we congratulate Natgraph for winning the Queen’s Award for enterprise in International Trade 2019.

It’s been a great experience all these years

working with the Natgraph team. They produce the world’s best products. Their products are reliable and are serving our customers across the country 24x7 and 365 days. Their products are known for their environmentally friendliness as well as energy saving. Kunal Enterprise Team, India congratulates Natgraph for winning the Queen’s Award 2019.” – Ajay Gandhi, Kunal Enterprise, India.

Kunal Enterprise is India’s sole dealer & distributors for following companies’ products: Sakurai Graphic Systems, Kang Yuan industrial (Key Well), JM Coating + Inks, Demak s.r.l., Anatol Equipment Manufacturing Company, Weihai Hamada, Grapac Japan, Shikoku Kakoki, EPPAK and Bunshodo.

“We are pleased to have an association of over 20 years with Natgraph, the global leader in advanced drying technology and provide solutions for textiles, electronics and automotive in Thailand and Vietnam. It is a proud moment for us.” - T.A.O. Bangkok Corporation, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We have been the exclusive agent of Natgraph Dryer in China and Hong Kong since 2009. Natgraph is a high-end dryer brand in the world with 90% of its products exported around the world. Natgraph has successfully provided customers in different countries with the best printing application solutions. In the past 10 years, as an agent of Natgraph, Basch has successfully provided advanced drying equipment and high-quality localized services for many fields. We hope to extend our partnership in more emerging markets and industries in the future.” - Judy, Beijing Basch.

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Avery Dennison launches On-Metal RFID solution - to enable 100 percent tagging of inventory and reinforces its position with quality accreditation from ARC. A range of UHF RFID tags designed for tagging challenging materials containing metal, foil and liquid has brought innovation to the heart of the consumer goods industry.

Avery Dennison recently announced the launch of its latest range of On-Metal UHF RFID solutions, specifically designed for tagging products that traditional RFID technologies find challenging. The new tags have been optimized for performance when applied to objects containing metal, foil and liquids, reflecting retailers growing desire for RFID to play a larger role in enhancing and automating supply chains and retail, especially in the food and beauty segments.

Developed to address the need to tag 100 percent of inventory, On-Metal uses a unique inlay design and label construction to tackle performance limitations when applied to products that contain metal and liquid. Items such as foil cosmetic packaging, aluminium cans, metal tools or electronic goods can create interference between the tag and reader, making it challenging to achieve the performance read rates required in retail. The range features two inlay designs, which vary in size to accommodate required read rates typically beyond three meters.

On-Metal will further support RFID’s central role in enabling the next-generation of automated data-driven stores, optimizing stock levels, reducing waste and allowing for instant self-check-out, regardless of product type. Francisco Melo, vice president and general manager, Global RFID at Avery Dennison said, “The ability to tag 100 percent of inventory enables a truly smart retail supply chain. Increasing visibility helps companies reduce waste, improve efficiency and deliver an enhanced consumer experience — principles that apply across multiple sectors.”

Avery Dennison will be demonstrating its OnMetal Solution at RFID Journal LIVE!, from April 2-4, 2019.

Avery Dennison has also announced its recent certification from Auburn University’s ARC Program for the design and manufacturing of RFID inlays, gained after an extensive audit. This valuable independent mark of quality certifies the company’s products and solutions and reinforces its dedication to customers, partners and users across Avery Dennison facilities.

Siris Capital Group to acquire EFI

Corrigendum

Definitive agreement to acquired EFI in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $1.7 billion.

In our previous issue, the article titled ‘How Fastroll Labels stay competitive in the labelling market’ we had published “The company has about 20 HP Indigo Digital Printing machines that cater to the different processes of production of labels and stickers.” It was an error. In fact, the Fastroll Labels has about 20 printing and finishing machine that cater to different processes of production of labels and stickers. The error is regretted.

acquisition of all the outstanding common stock of EFI for $37.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents an approximately 45% premium over EFI’s 90-day volumeweighted average price ended on April 12, 2019.

Electronics For Imaging, a global player in customer focused digital printing innovation, has announced its entering into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Siris Capital Group, LLC in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.7 billion. Siris is a leading private equity firm focused on investing and driving value creation in technology companies that provide mission-critical solutions and are facing technology transitions. Approved by EFI’s Board of Directors, the terms include

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EFI will have the right to terminate the Agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement.

“We believe this transaction delivers superior and immediate value to our shareholders while providing us with a partner that can add strategic and operational expertise to our business,” said Bill Muir, Chief Executive Officer of EFI.

In the news story titled ‘QIPC-EAE appoints Pande Graphic Equipments new agent in China’, a line “In conversation with Mr. Lau Sei Kwong, President, PPPIM” got wrongly published. We regret the error.

industrial printing/general printing

OMET to present a new printing line at Labelexpo Europe 2019 To be present with a central stand in the Hall 6 (C49-C53) and live demos on 3 machines.

OMET will be one of the key players at Labelexpo Europe 2019 in Brussels (24-27 September 2019). OMET will be presenting a new machine of XFlex line.

Three machines will be on display at the OMET Labelexpo stand. Beyond the new line, there will be an iFLEX and XJet powered

by Durst, the hybrid digital + flexo machine.

XJet powered by Durst offers a wide range of in-line multi-process technologies for finishing requirements (cold foil, hot foil, embossing, varnishing, peel & seal, delamrelam…) as well as efficient converting solutions as OMET Monotwin-Cut variable size die-cut, OMET Twist easy-change die and OMET Rock’n’Roll matrix stripping.

Hybrid XJet is a great solution for short run with versioning and personalisation, variable data printing and fast set up. Featuring

high speed performances (78 m/min), the low ink laydown and the cost analysis and personalisation, it could be ideal also for medium runs. It prints in high quality with 1200x1200 dpi, offset-like quality and sharp precision in details and vignette, with addingvalue features, all-in-one production and combination printing.

For growth oriented printed enterpreneurs who are seeking for a high performance

flexo press at an affordable price, iFLEX is an ideal solution that provides high quality output with low cost of production. Besides, the iFlex comes with newly designed and highly sophisticated features which help printers in reducing set-up waste, production waste, changeover times and overall cost of maintenance.

Opening of SIC Melaka (BMMY) Konica Minolta Malaysia launches the 1st Smart Industry Centre.

Konica Minolta Business Technologies Malaysia SDN BHD, known as BMMY has launched the first Smart Industry Centre (SIC) in Malaysia. The new Smart Industry Centre (SIC) is located at Bukit Rambai Industrial Park, Melaka.

enhance our value in every manufacturing process and now our business partners understand our concept starting this new

manufacturing model,” he said in his welcoming speech.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, officiated the opening of the Melaka Smart Industry Centre (SIC).

During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister was accompanied by his spouse, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Other key personalities included Melaka Chief Minister, Adly Zahari and Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Makio Miyagawa.

BMMY Managing Director, Hideyuki Yoshida said, “Konica Minolta is incorporating the use of digital technology based on automation, information and communications technology and a lot of manufacturing experience using the digital manufacturing concept.”

“We always keep challenging ourselves to

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Europe’s 1st Landa S10 sets off commercial production at Edelmann Edelmann’s Heidenheim facility holds open house showcasing the 1st Landa S10 Nanographic Printing Press producing commercial jobs live.

60 leading converters and printers from around the world attended an open house at Edelmann’s Heidenheim facility, to see Europe’s first Landa S10 Nanographic Printing Press producing commercial jobs at 6,500 B1/41 in. sheets per hour.

Visitors heard how the Landa S10 perfectly complements Edelmann’s offset technology, and how its brand customers now request its new Nanographic Printing capability because of the freedom it offers – to order what they want, when they want it – all with high and consistent print quality.

and we now expect to be out of beta in a matter of weeks,” confirmed Bruns.

Specializing in packaging solutions for health care, beauty care and consumer brands, the Edelmann Group has operations in nine countries, spanning Europe, Asia, North and South America. Employing more than 3,000 people and with sales of over 300 million euros, Edelmann produces over 5.6 billion packages and leaflets per year. In meeting the environmental demands of some of the world’s most exacting blue-chip brands, sustainability initiatives are also a top priority for the company.

Edelmann OH19 Jochen Operator

“The Landa S10 is built to be a full production machine, 24/7. The colours are brilliant and vibrant - so intense and lively. I haven’t seen any other technology that comes close.”- Oliver Bruns, CEO, Edelmann Group

Key Notes : > 60 converters and printers attended the open house at Edelmann’s Heidenheim facility. > Europe’s 1st Landa S10 Nanographic Printing Press produced jobs at 6,500 sph live. > “Partnering with Landa was the best decision for their business,” says Oliver Bruns.

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“In the print and packaging world, everyone is clamoring to know if our Landa S10 is running as expected. We repeatedly get asked if print quality is good and if we’re running seven colors. They also ask if we’re achieving 6,500 B1/41 in. sheets per hour and if we’re able to produce commercial jobs,” comments Oliver Bruns, CEO, Edelmann Group. “The simple answer to all of that is, yes of course. The Landa S10 is built to be a full production machine, 24/7.

The colours are brilliant and vibrant - so intense and lively. I haven’t seen any other technology that comes close.”

“Before installing the Landa S10, we were limited in the solutions we could offer our customers. B1/41 in. digital printing with seven colours and at 6,500 sheets per hour has eliminated these previous constraints.

The S10 installation has been a great success,

Speaking at the open house, Oliver Bruns also confirmed that partnering with Landa was the best decision for their business. “This is not just a suppliercustomer relationship, it’s far more. I love the color from our S10, but crucially, the Landa technology allows us to get a good ROI and that’s just as essential. High speed and great efficiency enable us to earn money with the press.” said Bruns.

Yishai Amir, CEO, Landa Digital Printing, comments: “We are obviously thrilled with the success of the Landa S10 at Edelmann, and we are looking forward to moving them out of beta within weeks. This success echoes our own business progress, on all fronts. With a continued ramp-up of production and go-to-market operations, we will have presses installed and printing across three continents by the end of 2019.”

industrial printing/general printing

PercetakanNasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB) – Envisioning the future of print PercetakanNasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB) has a long history that dates back to its establishment as Government Printing office under the then Perak State Government over 130 years ago in 1888. The 130th anniversary was celebrated with a launch of a coffee table book that guides you back on the inspiring journey.

The company took its first step in Taiping, once capital of Perak and was in Tanah Malayu then. Taiping was a centre for tin mining, making it a place for the British to establish their offices. “The British wished to publish the official Gazette and so established ‘Government Printer’ (the name under which the company was formed). “We had been thriving as Government Printer from those days and only recently, in 2017 christened the company as a private entity,” says Mr.Hj Lotfi Amer Hj Abd Hamid, Director for Government Relations and Special Projects for PNMB whom our team met at Print China 2019 at Dongguan, China. In 1946 the company moved to their new office in Jalan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur.

“Change is the only constant in this ever changing world,correspondingly it became imperative that our company changes too as the situation demanded,” Hamid emphasizes. With the privatisation of the company came in a new set of problems like ‘electronic base process’, ‘technology’, ‘competition’ and ‘culture change’. Earlier, as they were a part of the government, they also had access to a treasure trove of government works. This ceased after privatisation.

Besides, the staff too was quite preset into government office culture and demanded a major overhaul. “With the new management taken place, there were many challenges in the process and today we are glad that we have been able to overcome most of them,” he added.

According to Mr.Hamid, today PNMB is a force to reckon with when it comes to infrastructure, implementation, manpower and market penetration. The company now, not only does general printing, but also Variable Data Printing, Security Printing, Digital Imaging & Archiving, wide format printing as well as packaging.

PNMB also has successfully penetrated into Financial Technology (FinTech) as a complete solution provider when it comes to ePayments and related services including but limited to e-Wallet and the likes. They also are active in E-business, Track and Trace Solutions, IoT solutions along with smart card solutions as well. Presently they have more than 10 offices and production sites spread across Malaysia. “With our network of offices all across Malaysia, we provide services unmatched by anyone else in the country,” asserts Hamid.

Changing times create a new opportunity for the discerning and PNMB is among the few that grab the opportunity. “We do a lot of bills for the government as well as for the private companies and now we are value adding the simple bills with a solution to make the payment as well through our very own FinTech solutions, known as PayFo” adds Hamid. As for packaging, PNMB combines its general printing and packaging capabilities with their track and trace solution especially for the Pharmaceutical and FMCG industry.

“We also have a card division which does not only print and process general plastic cards but also smart cards too,” continues Hamid.

As an industry player in secure ID and smart card system, they bring exceptional solutions to their customers across industries, including government agencies and banks – a scalable solution. “We offer full cycle of card issuance and management to enable their card programs to be highly effective and cost efficient,” puts in Hamid.

The who’s who of the Malaysian industry is being catered to by PNMB. With its strong foundations and visionary leaders at the helm, the company is poised to achieve even greater heights in the near future.

Custom Print Company opens world’s largest Sticker Store The world’s largest dedicated sticker store is set to open in Toronto soon. The brainchild of Toronto e-comm startup and customized die-cut sticker company StickerYou, the store will feature a unique 3-storey high stickerbomb design on the storefront created in collaboration with applied sciences giant 3M and feature sticker art sold from a variety of artists, including Toronto’s own Rodger Beck.

StickerYou: The Store will also host sticker art-related events, including a history of sticker art exhibition slated for September in collaboration with the editors of the seminal PEEL magazine, featuring sticker art from noted artists including Shepard Fairey, Matthew Hoffman, Milo, Robots Will Kill and more.

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Heidelberg at Print China 2019 – Heidelberg a driving force behind digitization; Chinese customers highly interested in digital solutions.

Heidelberg presented an impressive showcase on digitizing the printing industry at Print China from April 9 to 13 in Guangdong. The event was the largest in its field in the most important growth market for the printing industry. “The interest shown by customers in response to our digital solutions for optimizing the entire system and for developing new business models was very gratifying. It was highly evident at the trade fair that we are also actively driving forward the digitization of our sector with innovative approaches in China,” comments Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer.

Digital packaging printing and Smart Print Shop at the center of customers’ focus

“The Chinese printing industry shows a high level of enthusiasm and interest toward new, databased business models, digital platform solutions, and end-to-end digitized value creation chains.”

Key Notes : > Presentations addressing Smart Print Shop draw crowds. > Successful showcase of cloud-based “boxuni” web-to-pack platform. > Primefire 106 open house at Xianjunlong entices more than 1,000 visitors to explore integrated production lines for digital packaging printing

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Topics relating to digital packaging printing, particularly the new “boxuni” web-to-pack platform, proved the most appealing, addressing the interests of packaging designers, print buyers, and packaging manufacturers in a single ecosystem. Some 1,000 people were drawn to the simultaneous open house on this subject at Heidelberg customer Xianjunlong, where both companies jointly demonstrated an endto-end production line for digital packaging printing – starting with the web-to-pack platform, then printing on a Primefire 106 from Heidelberg, and finishing off with the postpress processing systems from Masterworks, a partner of Heidelberg.

Another popular highlight was the range of presentations by Heidelberg on the Smart Print Shop and its seamlessly digital workflow, and the opportunities presented by autonomous and navigated printing.

The company secured numerous sales contracts throughout the five days of the trade fair for the Speedmaster CX 102 , including the Performance Kit, the Versafire EV digital printing system, and the integrated finishing systems from Heidelberg and Polar. Visitors mainly from China and other Asian countries were also able to see the debut of the Speedmaster CD 102-8+L UV which is the longest sheetfed offset press assembled in Heidelbergs Chinese production site in Shanghai/Qingpu.

The take-up number for services was particularly

industrial printing/events

satisfying, considering that China is known to be traditionally more reticent in this regard.

Some ten percent of these contracts were sealed via the brand new WeChat online platform.

“The Chinese printing industry shows a high level of enthusiasm and interest toward new, databased business models, digital platform solutions, and end-to-end digitized value creation chains,” says Professor Ulrich Hermann, member of the Management Board responsible for Lifecycle Solutions and Chief Digital Officer at Heidelberg.

“Even more than anywhere else in the world, Heidelberg benefits in China from its image as the top brand in the industry.

This consequently makes it one of the first ports of call for the industry-focused Chinese customers with regard to these relatively new topics as well.”

Boston to be the place2be for the sustained future of packaging One City, two interrelated unique packaging events on two consecutive days (10-11 July 2019).

Boston MA USA is the place to go for all who care about the sustained future of packaging worldwide.

Future skills development for the packaging workforce July 10th, 2019 focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for the packagingrelated workforce in food, non-food, design, e-commerce and the manufacturing of packaging materials. This is elaborated intensively in the 5th international annual FBEP Conference on HRM and Skills Development in Packaging. Topics include the future skills needed for packaging designers in the pharma industry (by GSK Healthcare), novel ways to acquire knowledge through Live Online Learning worldwide without the need to travel but with full interaction (by NVC Education), how to recruit and retain packaging talent in today’s manufacturing (by PMMI/IoPP) and the future of packaging work in an automated world (by Omron Automation).

environmental issue worldwide by the next decade. The Workshop Packaging and Environment across the Atlantic shares the global status quo in packaging but also features a memorable ‘flash-back’ to the 1972 Limits to Growth report to the Club of Rome by Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows et.al. from MIT Boston. The film made in 1972, showing the basic research and the conclusions of the report, has been digitised this year and will be shown at the Boston event as a tribute to Donella

Meadows and her co-scientists. The workshop aims to draw lessons from the film as a source of inspiration for the decades to come. Thought-leaders in packaging will share their views and the key-issues to be solved will be debated in dedicated round table discussions for all participants to join.

Towards the end of packaging as an environmental issue worldwide July 11th, 2019 addresses the uniquely inspiring cross-industrial PUMA project that aims to make an end to packaging as an

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industrial printing/events

Asian Packaging Excellence Awards 2019 unveils winners The 17th Asian Packaging Conference, SHIFT_019, concludes with reveal of award winners.

The first Asian Packaging Conference to be held in India has wrapped up. From 8 to 9 May at Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, SHIFT_019 delivered a diverse range of speakers that covered the full spectrum of the labels and packaging industry.

The annual event ended on a high as 40 winners were recognised and awarded at the Asian Packaging Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.

Making their home ground proud, India were the big winners of the night with 15 awards.

Hot on their tracks were Thailand, taking home 13 awards in total. Other winners were from Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Though India won the most awards, Thailand took home the biggest prize of the night. Not only did Prime Packaging win Gold for their entry in Gravure Film Reverse Print, they also took home the ultimate ‘Best in Show’ award.

The competition recognises and honours packaging excellence for the Asian region.

The competition is open to companies involved in the production of packaging industry. There are 26 categories divided into four segments of Flexography, Rotogravure, Labels, and a new category of Mockup/ Sample Production.

In late March, an international, independent jury of industry experts deliberated and examined over hundreds of submissions from all over Asia to determine Gold, Silver and Bronze winners. Some categories were not awarded winners as entries were not able to meet the strict requirements and standards set by the judging panel.

The submissions were judged anonymously within a pre-established set of criteria.

Judges for Asian Packaging Excellence Awards this year are print veterans: Willem (Wim) Swiggers, Phee Boon Eow and Ben Kwok.

SHIFT_019 wraps up The first Asian Packaging Conference to be held in Delhi, India, concludes.

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The conference theme for this year was: “Investing for Sustainability & Financial Returns”. The theme aimed to address two of the most pressing issues faced by packaging printers today: sustainability and return on investments. The local and international speakers consisted of technical specialists, marketing experts, consultants, end-users and suppliers.

The conference attracted over 300 business owners and suppliers, packaging printers, converters, brand owners and designers.

According to organisers, 60% of the delegates were from India, while the rest arrived from around the region.

Next year’s event, which will also be the 18th edition, is expected to take place in Vietnam.

Winners Roll The full list of winners as follows:

FLEXO 1.

• 2.

• • • 3.

• • • 4.

• • • 5.

•

•

Narrow Web Flexibles Paper GOLD - ITEK Packz (India) Narrow Web Flexibles Film GOLD - J.D. Precision Printing (Taiwan) SILVER - Multiflex Polybags (India) BRONZE - Letra Graphix (India) Mid Web Flexibles Film GOLD - TPN Flexpak (Thailand) SILVER - Multiflex Polybags (India) BRONZE - Letra Graphix (India) Wide Web Flexibles Film GOLD - S.B. Packaging (India) GOLD - Scientex Great Wall (Ipoh) (Malaysia) SILVER - Multiflex Polybags (India) Post Print Corrugated GOLD - Diamond Biowood, printed

by GS Paperboard & Packaging (M) (Malaysia) SILVER - NPP Box Co. (Thailand)

GRAVURE 1.

• • 2.

• 3.

Paper & Metallised Paper GOLD - United Graphic Expression Corporation (Philippines) SILVER - Huhtamaki PPL (India) Films Surface Print GOLD - S.B. Packaging (India) Films Reverse Print

• GOLD - Prime Packaging (Thailand) • SILVER - Cyberprint Group (Thailand) • BRONZE - Flex-ible Plas (Thailand) • BRONZE - Print Master (Thailand) 4. Specialty • GOLD - Huhtamaki PPL (India)

LABELS 1. Flexo • GOLD - Letra Graphix (India) • SILVER - CCL Label (Thailand) • BRONZE - Anlac Labels (Vietnam) 2. Letterpress • GOLD - QLM Label Makers (Vietnam) • SILVER - Fastroll Labels (M) (Malaysia) 3. Offset • GOLD - United Graphic Expression Corporation (Philippines) • SILVER - Thung Hua Sinn Co. (Thailand) 4. Combination Printing • GOLD - CCL Label (Thailand) • SILVER - Letra Graphix (India) • BRONZE - Fastroll Labels (M) (Malaysia) 5. Non Pressure Sensitive Material • GOLD - CCL Label (Thailand) 6. Digital • GOLD - QLM Label Makers (Vietnam) • SILVER - Syscon Labels & Packaging Co. (Thailand) • BRONZE - Fastroll Labels (M) (Malaysia) 7. Digital Packaging • GOLD - Thai Container Group Co. (Thailand) • SILVER - Bell Printers (India) • BRONZE - QLM Label Makers (Vietnam)

MOCK-UP • • •

GOLD - ITC Packaging & Printing Business (India) SILVER - Bell Printers (India) BRONZE - Ploy Printing Part (Thailand)

industrial printing/events

BOBST and Mouvent at Labelexpo 2019 - to unveil a complete product portfolio - deliver productivity, connectivity and sustainability; a pioneering world premiere.

BOBST, along with its digital printing competence center Mouvent, is set to reveal a portfolio of innovations at the world’s largest label event, Labelexpo Europe.

Visitors at the event, which takes place 24 to 27 September 2019 in Brussels, will be able to see four complete digitalized production processes across a digital native press, equipped with water-based inks, a new world premiere UV/Flexo hybrid printing machine and a DigiFlexo press.

“We have recently revealed several truly ground-breaking innovations that will set new standards helping converters and brand owners improve time-to-market, guarantee colour consistency and food packaging safety,” said Federico D’Annunzio, BOBST Program Manager Hybrid Printing. “It’s really exciting to bring these latest innovations together in one place, so attendees will be able to see for themselves the difference these innovations make, and the impact they could have on their own businesses.”

The latest innovations include Ink-onDemand (IoD), Highly Automated Liquid (HAL) and DigiColor.

The IoD inking system replaces conventional inking reservoirs with a single rubber pipe that dispenses 30 grams of ink to the print unit. The system eliminates ink trays and chambered doctor blades and performs fully automated washing of the print unit in less than one minute.

a new hybrid Flexo with “Mouvent Digital Technology Inside”, which is the best combination of digital and DigiFlexo printing, and will be unveiled for the first time at Labelexpo. The hybrid is associated with total flexibility in high added value labels, with extremely short job setup and fast return on investment. It will be the most digitally automated press in the labels market, with the highest print quality and productivity. It opens a new era in the production of selfadhesive labels with totally new standards of productivity and profitability.

Other machines on display include: M5 IoD/ DigiColor, LB702-WB digital label printer from Mouvent (using only 100% water-based VOC-free Mouvent Inks) and M1X inline UV flexo press.

Meanwhile, the BOBST M6 press will be the star attraction at Bobst booth. M6 press is a combination of in-line UV Flexo, REVO Digital Flexo and the new revolutionary V-Flower print unit, allowing for job changeovers in one minute, “on-the-fly” without stopping the press, and with up to 95% press up-time. It is an extremely productive press for producing short to mid-size runs economically. The M6 will feature the DigiMount fully automated flexo plate mounting system, which features advanced electronics for improved speed and accuracy of plate mounting.

Visitors to Labelexpo can hear all about BOBST Services. The Helpline Plus service allows customers to connect with BOBST experts immediately as the need arises, meaning that around 80% of all technical issues are resolved remotely within two hours. Helpline Plus AR (Augmented Reality) and the Smart Headset take it to the next level, allowing customers to wear a special digital headset and the BOBST technician to virtually look through the eyes of the customer’s machine operators and provide them with precise instructions on what must be done.

“This really is the complete package,” said Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of BOBST. “The new solutions on display at Labelexpo set completely new standards to help converters and brand owners improve time-to-market, guarantee colour consistency and food packaging safety. At BOBST, we never stop innovating, and this year’s event will be a very clear reflection of that philosophy. We look forward to seeing everyone in Brussels!”

Visitors can see live demos and talk with experts at Booth 3A59+58 in Hall 3, and see the BOBST M6 press in action in the Flexible Packaging Arena, Booth 11A50 in Hall 11.

To complement the IoD system, HAL is an off-line ink mixing station for producing Pantone colours from 14 basic inks, and contains only one pump performing a pipette-style action to measure out the very small amounts of colour needed.

DigiColor is the first ever inline “closed loop” colour system that enables digital colour adjustment to the target Delta E values during printing, at any speed, on any substrate, with any operator. It is a major step towards full colour digitization.

These innovations have paved the way for

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drupa 2020: It’s time to embrace the future!

The countdown for drupe 2020 is on.

In about 12 month’s time from today, drupa 2020 will kick off at Dusseldorf. The no. 1 for printing technologies will once again prove its position as the world’s leading trade fair for the industry, as the current booking status already exceeds figures for the same period in 2016. With 1,800 exhibitors from more than 50 nations, drupa underscores that it is the most relevant and important platform for the global print industry in 2020. The top exhibitor nations are Germany, Italy, Japan, China, Great Britain and the Netherlands. At the 2020 edition, the organisers are expecting 33% of new exhibitors along the entire value chain and various cross-cutting technologies.

The motto for the 11-day event reads: embrace the future; a prime event focusing on education, engagement and entertainment in a fascinating and inspiring atmosphere.

The trade fair provides guidance, provides decisive impetus for sustainable and futureoriented business models and, offers a secondto-none setting for networking and making excellent new business contacts.

Key Notes : > 1,800 exhibitors from more than 50 nations. > 33% of new exhibitors expected along the entire value chain and various cross-cutting technologies. > In a time of continuous change and transformation, drupa 2020 is the industry’s must-attend event

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International key players confirm that they explicitly adapt their technological innovations to the drupa cycle. In a time of continuous change and transformation, drupa 2020 is the industry’s mustattend event: the trade fair provides guidance, provides decisive impetus for sustainable and futureoriented business models and, offers a second-tonone setting for networking and making excellent new business contacts. drupa 2020 will be accompanied by a high-calibre line-up of renowned, international speakers: special forums include drupa cube, drupa dna, touchpoint packaging and touchpoint 3D fab+print will provide high-quality knowledge transfer and inspiration.

Düsseldorf will again become drupacity – together with restaurateurs, hotels and retailers an impressive hospitality concept will be

implemented, guaranteed to strike a perfect balance between high-octane trade show days and downtown entertainment.

Commenting on this Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa & Global Head Print Technologies, said: “Messe Düsseldorf looks forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors, to the drupa Spirit, to innovative power and dynamics for the market, to the unique charisma that only drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies – offers. We look forward to a unique, successful and unforgettable experience.”

In addition to investing in the positioning of drupe, the organisers have also invested in an updated infrastructure and new services for customers: A new trade fair app, a new matchmaking tool, a new online order system for exhibitors compared to drupa 2016 will provide everyone the opportunity to optimise presence at drupa. For the first time a way-finding tool to improve navigation on the exhibition grounds will be available. This way both exhibitors and visitors can definitely plan their days at the trade fair more efficiently and comfortably.

Stay connected: at www.drupa.de daily updated information on exhibitors and their products, on side events and latest news will be posted. The Ticketshop for drupa 2020 will go online in September.

industrial printing/events

The Hong Kong Printing and Packaging Exhibition makes its mark sans machinery show The show creates a ‘perfect seller-buyer matching platform’ despite going without any machine on display.

Generally, we would measure the success of a printing exhibition by the number of live printing machines chugging down the crowded aisles of the exhibition corridors.

But, when we talk about the recent The Hong Kong Printing and Packaging Exhibition – held at the Asia World-Expo (next to the Hong Kong International Airport) from 27th to 30th April, 2019, the scene was quite different. Yes, you are guessing it right, there were hardly any machines (except for a few digital printing ones) running as such.

What can further intrigue you could be my irrefutably passing it as a highly successful show with over 500 exhibitors in attendance and an amazing visitor turnaround from around the world.

Since its inception in 2006, the show has entered its 14th edition in 2019. Since live machines were not the USP of the show, the stalls were almost all small, but stuffed with innovative, attractive and top-of-the-line printed products of international standards.

The ‘exchange reception’ Next, attraction was the ‘matching service’ provided by the organisers. This, I found, noticeably as the very focus of the organisers and rightly so. Unlike spending huge amounts on the exhibitors night, which is the trend at all exhibitions in ball rooms of hotels, the organisers had a small but effective networking evening. The organisers , wisely termed it as the ‘exchange reception’, which they held in the afternoon on the 28th of April with wine, beer, black tea, cakes, coffee, snacks and no seats but not for long for the invitees to mingle amongst themselves and network talk for business promotion.

International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (CIEC).

Channelling the power of presentation Surprisingly, the show didn’t even have an opening ceremony, which we press people are so very used to. Without a doubt, I can term this as the organisers’ efficiency and their putting in all their efforts into creating atmospheres that directly match buyers and sellers. After all, it’s business that matters for the exhibitors, isn’t it? Mr.Willian Li of Skyware Protech Ltd, an exhibitor at the show comments on the same line: “The end result of buyer-seller matching should essentially be to target my buyers. If that happens in a more efficient way at a small cocktail party than at a large dinner, it holds much higher value for me from business prospective.

As modern consumers become more sophisticated, smart businesses have realised that good presentation is more valuable now than ever before in gaining a competitive edge for catching eye-balls. With a wide array of extremely high-end packaging solutions by leading printers and packagers from the Chinese Mainland and also from many other parts the world, the exhibition could be seen satiating the needs of the packaging buyers from across the world.

In fact, the visitors I talked to (almost 80% of them repeat visitors), almost 30% were visitors from abroad and all of them seemed to be extremely happy about the exhibits

on display. Exhibitors included companies from Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam to mention a few. The fair, as I discovered, was a one-stop sourcing platform for forwardthinking enterprises to channel the power of presentation into a significant business strength.

Today’s industry exhibitions are not only about scale and subdivision, but about the integration of effective resources and the chain of brand value. And this show has essentially encapsulated this aspect rather cleverly and developed efficiently over the last more than 14 years. From around 300 exhibitors and 9000 visitors at the first exhibition, the 14th edition of 2019 has over 500 exhibitors with the number of visitors almost doubling. The exhibition area is also getting more sections, like separate spaces for luxury goods, high-end packaging area, green printing area, innovative retail display area, advertising sign area, clothing accessories area and some equipment areas as well.

During the exhibition, the organizers also held a series of open house activities like The Hong Kong Print Awards (Exhibiting the award winning entries); a seminar on The Innovation Retail Technology Achievement Advertising (New Channel), The Hong Kong Graphic Arts Industry Certification and Training Services in addition to many more.

Hong Kong is well-known as a high-end shoppers’ paradise, on the lines of which, certain progressive Middle Eastern cities are trying to build themselves. Hong Kong also holds a unique position as a foreign trade window connecting China and the international market. The Hong Kong International Printing and Packaging Exhibition, which was born in this context, is co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and China

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Tarsus and APTech announce strategic alliance and combined event - will combine efforts to launch Brand Print Americas; to take place in lieu of PRINT 2020 and will be colocated with the 2020 edition of Labelexpo Americas.

Tarsus Group (owner and organizer of the Labelexpo and Brand Print Global Series of trade shows) and the Association for PRINT Technologies (owner and organizer of the PRINT event) have announced that they will combine efforts to launch Brand Print Americas. This will take place in lieu of PRINT 2020 and will be co-located with the 2020 edition of Labelexpo Americas, happening at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, from September 15-17.

“We are thrilled to merge PRINT 2020 into this new event and partner with Tarsus and Labelexpo on Brand Print Americas.

This is a strategic response to the market as printers look to diversify their offerings and manufacturers want to maximize their marketing dollars by bringing audiences together under one roof.” Thayer Long, President, APTech

Key Notes : > Uniting decades of expertise of the print market by merging PRINT 2020 into Brand Print Americas. > The two events bring together the whole supply chain under one roof. > To provide greater synergies and opportunities for printers, converters, manufacturers, suppliers, and creatives.

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Tarsus Group and the Association for PRINT Technologies are uniting decades of expertise and knowledge of the whole print market by merging PRINT 2020 into Brand Print Americas and colocating it with Labelexpo Americas 2020. Brand Print Americas will offer printers, converters and brand owners access to solutions for their varied printing needs.

Research demonstrates that there is a growing diversification in the print industry. Brands that have labels and packaging requirements also need to source printed materials to meet their other marketing needs, including, point of purchase, collation packs, outdoor advertising, fleet graphics, direct mail and much more. These two events bring together the whole supply chain under one roof, and therefore provide greater synergies and opportunities for printers, converters, manufacturers, suppliers, and creatives.

Lisa Milburn, managing director for Labelexpo Global Series and Brand Print, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Association for PRINT Technologies on the first Brand Print Americas. By combining efforts where we see crossover among segments, we are strategically connecting the print supply chain. This will give printers and converters access to a huge platform for exploring all of their print needs and finding the right solutions at a single venue.”

Thayer Long, president of APTech, said: “We are thrilled to merge PRINT 2020 into this new event and partner with Tarsus and Labelexpo on Brand Print Americas. This is a strategic response to the market as printers look to diversify their offerings and manufacturers want to maximize their marketing dollars by bringing audiences together under one

roof. We are taking a collaborative approach to bring together two well-known brands, two unique audiences, and multiple market segments together.”

Milburn added: “Brand Print Americas joins our newest global portfolio of events for the branded printing sector, and is a natural extension of our hugely successful Labelexpo Global Series for the labels and package printing industry.”

Brand Print is organized by Tarsus Group, the international media company with a portfolio of exhibitions, conferences, publications and online media. The first Brand Print event will be Brand Print Thailand 2020, scheduled to take place over 7-9 May in Bangkok. This will also be co-located with Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2020.

Labelexpo Global Series is a portfolio of major international labels and package printing trade shows. It forms the largest community of label and package printers, brand owners, designers and suppliers in the world. Shows include the flagship biennial Labelexpo Europe, Labelexpo Southeast Asia, Labelexpo Asia, Labelexpo Americas and Labelexpo India.

industrial printing/events

Heimtextil presents 2nd edition of the New & Next University Contest Up-and-coming product and textile designers will be presenting refreshing inspirations and innovative textile developments at Heimtextil 2020.

At the upcoming Heimtextil (from 7-10 January 2020), Messe Frankfurt will put the spotlight on the textile designers of tomorrow. With the “New & Next University Contest”, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles is targeting European universities that specialise in textile design start-ups for many years now. Under this title, Heimtextil presents young labels that are new on the market. Recently, around 40 newcomers to the market presented fresh design ideas to the international trade fair audience. In the Textile Design product segment (hall 3.0) in particular, young studios inspire with exciting designs. In addition, New & Next participants also offer creative design concepts in other product segments. and other related courses of study. They are invited to submit three representative design drafts by their students via the online platform of the contest. The closing date for entries is 30 September 2019. The winners of the competition will be given a stand and therefore an opportunity to present themselves under the “New & Next” banner in the “Textile Design” product area in hall 3.0.

New: Job exchange platform for textile and fashion professionals Graduates, young professionals and established professionals can now access attractive job offers via the new Texpertise Network job exchange platform. The

job exchange platform thus also offers companies from the textile and apparel industry the opportunity to recruit new staff.

A win-win situation created by the Texpertise Network, the worldwide network by Messe Frankfurt for professionals in the textile and fashion industry.

New & Next: start-ups showcase young design At Heimtextil, “New & Next” has been a byword for the promotion of newcomers and

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industrial printing/events

Xaar at Print China 2019 Coaso Printers showcases the versatility of the Xaar 1003 printhead at the show.

At the recent Print China exhibition that took place from 9th – 13th April, the spotlight was on the Xaar 1003 printhead. At the Guandong show, COASO Technology (previously known as Kingstar) showcased three digital printers which used the Xaar 1003 on its booth.

Launched at Print China was the iCueJet 370 for cold foiling applications. This new printer joins COASO’s two other printers, the iCON C60 for colour printing bottle caps and Presto 370S for single pass printing of variable data. Integrated into three printers for quite different applications, the Xaar 1003 clearly demonstrates its versatility and is therefore enabling COASO to open up new business opportunities.

The Xaar 1003 printhead offers printer manufacturers and end users several unique technologies from Xaar which deliver the high-quality print and reliability demanded.

These include XaarGuard, which provides additional protection to the nozzle plate, thereby dramatically reducing the frequency of maintenance; also incorporated is Tuned Actuator Manufacturing which ensures that actuator performance in each printhead is optimised. This delivers uniform print quality across all printheads in a print bar, and at different greyscale levels.

Xaar’s unrivalled TF Technology ink recirculation, ensuring ink flows past the back of the nozzle during drop ejection at the highest flow rates in the industry, is also included within the Xaar 1003 printheads.

TF Technology keeps the ink in constant circulation, preventing sedimentation and subsequent blocking of the nozzles during jetting – and guaranteeing that the printhead operates reliably even in the harshest industrial environments.

Alongside this, High Laydown (HL) Technology helps the Xaar 1003 printhead to produce dimensional effects that deliver additional impact to a range of print applications.

“With the Xaar 1003, our printers produce excellent results. The unique TF Technology in the printhead has enabled us to develop

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different systems for a wide range of applications, ensuring high print speed while maintaining excellent print quality,” comments said Mr Xu Qun Bo, Deputy General Manager of COASO.

Covering over 140,000 m2 and with over 1,200 exhibitors, Print China – one of the most influential industrial printing shows in China – displayed the latest technologies in the printing industry to a global audience.

“Each printer incorporates the Xaar 1003 printhead and operates with the ink supply system developed by us. The printhead’s print quality and reliability make it the ideal choice for this range of industrial applications and we believe it will fast become the first choice in the market,” concludes Mr Xu Qun Bo.

“Our advanced TF Technology ensures the Xaar 1003 delivers exceptional print quality, unrivalled reliability and high production up-time,” says Gerard Winn, Senior Product Manager at Xaar. “The printhead has been adopted in many different industrial applications globally and we are very pleased to see COASO choose it for their first digital projects.”

industrial printing/events

Asia Print: The View Of Large Printing Uniting printing industry in Asian countries, promoting mutual support, coordination and cooperation, joint efforts for exhibitions and healthy development of printing industry of the member countries.

Mr. Fan Muhan (1917-1996), founder of PEIAC, put forward the “View of Large Printing”, which regards printing (book printing, newspaper printing, packaging printing, etc.), printing equipment (printing press, post-press processing equipment, printing auxiliary equipment, etc.), printing material (plate, ink, paper, etc.), printing exhibition and printing media as an organic whole. PEIAC is set up and carried out under the guidance of the concept of “View of Large Printing”. “PEIAC advocates that all aspects of printing industry should unite, communicate with each other, support each other, coordinate and cooperate, work together to promote the overall development of printing industry,” says Mr. Wang Demao.

“PEIAC also believes that printing exhibition is the best way and the best opportunity for all aspects of printing industry to gather together,” he adds.

international printing exhibitions organized by the member countries themselves, and promote the healthy development of printing industry of the member countries. They started contacting the relevant countries in Asia. After Ms. Belle Yam’s contact, seven countries of Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, India, Pakistan, China and Malaysia (altogether 11 members of Printing Federations, Printing Equipment Federations and Printing Exhibition Companies) were willing to establish Asia Print as initiative countries. Two preparatory meetings were held at Kuala Lumpur in 2007 and at Seoul in 2008 respectively. Asia Print was formally founded in Beijing in May 2009. According to its constitution, 11 members voted to elect Mr. Wang Demao as President and Ms. Belle Yam as Vice-President respectively. Wang has been elected President of the federation twice.

After many communications, exchanges and discussions, PEIAC signed a cooperation agreement with Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd, Malaysia in 2007, to support mutually and coordinate on the better organization of international printing exhibitions (Ipmex Malaysia & Print Technology, China Print and Print China).

Today, Asia Print has 13 member countries which include China, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Dubai and Nepal. 7 members (China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Korea, Pakistan & Philippines) initially founded the federation.

At that time, there was an international organization on printing industry in Europe, EUMAPRINT (PEIAC was invited to attend their several meetings). Inspired

by EUMAPRINT and considering that most Asian countries were developing countries and that the printing, printing equipment and material industries in Asia were relatively backward and needed to accelerate development, Mr. Wang Demao (the Executive Vice-Chairman of PEIAC at that time) and Ms. Belle Yam (Managing Director of Kaizer Exhibitions) decided to take the lead in setting up Asia Print by the name of PEIAC and Kaizer in order to unite all aspects of printing industry in Asian countries,(mainly printing federations, printing equipment federations and printing exhibition companies) to support each other, coordinate and cooperate with each other, make joint efforts for better organization of

The criteria for adding new members to the federation include: • a member of a Federation – which is an organizer or supporter of international printing exhibitions in their country • biggest and top exhibitions of the country • exhibitions organized or endorsed by the national printing federation

The Asia Print team at their last meeting at Dongguan, China

Mr. Wang Demao

Ms. Belle Yam

Ms. Belle Yam avers that the organisation has been able to achieve its objectives presently.

However, to further make the federation better achieve its objectives, she suggests, “We should disseminate updated information on significant exhibitions promptly. Also, awareness about Asia Print should be created and promotional efforts targeting other organizers and printing federations about Asia Print should be carried out.”

“Advice and consultation are fundamental services provided by federations. In a volunteer federation, advice should be collegially sought and given,” adds Bell Yam. She also points out that excellent communication is a must to be in touch with members and to accomplish organizational goals.

“Recruitment of new members and retention of current members must be kept as a high priority,” asserts Belle Yam as she concludes with the following words: “We will continue to learn about, analyze, share information about and shape important information issues in addition to tracking traditional way.”

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3rd global conference of Prokom - extends network into China and Australia.

Prokom, the Konica Minolta production print user community, has unveiled further expansion plans as its members attended the recent third global Prokom conference in Valencia, Spain on June 5-6, 2019.

More than 200 delegates from across the world convened at the Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort in Valencia to network and learnt from each other, as Konica Minolta continues to accelerate its growth path within the industrial and commercial print markets.

Latest trends that are shaping the global print industry, blueprints for the future, business diversification, growth and transformation, growth drivers and interactive Q and A sessions featured at Prokom Valencia 2019.

The keynote speaker, industry consultant Peter Muir of FranklinCovey, addressed “The importance of facts and learning in a changing world”. The conference rounded off with an evening celebration dinner and the Prokom Innovation Awards ceremony.

This year’s conference was booked to capacity, but Konica Minolta production users worldwide were invited to “attend by proxy” with videos, articles, conference highlights and key learning that were posted to the global Prokom website as the conference proceeded. Earlier, Prokom hosted a kick-off event and dinner for more than 500 delegates in China, launched at Gulf Print in Dubai, and is soon launching in Australia.

Membership of Prokom is open to any Konica Minolta user of production printing equipment and now includes over 1,300 member companies worldwide. New Konica Minolta production solution users can learn more at Prokom website, featuring e-learning

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courses, self-help videos and tools, forums, expert content, market research as well as webinars, newsletters and local events.

Toshitaka Uemura, General Manager, Konica Minolta Inc, is one of a team of Konica Minolta senior executives who are focused on ensuring their production print clients carry the keys to success through superior technology, world-class solutions and service, and the rewards of Prokom membership.

“Our commitment has always been to give shape to our customers’ ideas. We want to help them to transform their approaches and to capitalize on the many new market opportunities in a connected, online world, where print is very much a strong and valued part of the marketing mix. This annual conference has become an important part of the Prokom user group community as we continue to expand across the world.

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SPPRING project workshop Print and paper specialists develop solutions to skills and recruitment challenges.

70 delegates gathered in Graz, Austria, on 6 June for a workshop tackling the pressing skills and recruitment challenges in the paper value chain. In three breakout sessions, representatives of printing companies, schools and universities, trade associations and recruitment specialists shared their experiences and contributed ideas to the forthcoming skills and recruitment strategy for the sector.

Intergraf and CEPI, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, brought together key stakeholders in the print and paper industries to exchange views on current and future training and recruitment needs. The workshop in Graz was part of the SPPRING project (Skills for the Paper and Printing Industries’ Next Generations), which will develop a skills and recruitment strategy for the printing industry.

Georg Konetzky, Head of Department for National Market Strategies at the Austrian Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, opened the day by setting out some of the challenges which many industries in Europe face, such as an ageing population, the development of artificial intelligence, and a mismatch between the supply and demand of skills. He then gave an overview of how officials in Austria are trying to meet these challenges, such as through better targeted apprenticeship schemes.

European Commission representative Constanze Veeh then gave a presentation on how the changing reality of trade, climate change, and global power balances are impacting European job markets. She highlighted the specific challenge of needing to prepare young people for jobs that may not yet exist. Constanze Veeh quoted American writer and businessman Alvin Toffler “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn”.

Intergraf organised three sessions throughout the day for the 40 delegates representing the print industry: firstly on current skills and education, training and recruitment needs in the print sector; secondly on future skills, education, training and recruitment needs; and thirdly on ‘Making it happen’, with delegates setting out their priority action steps to address the problems identified.

Each breakout session for the print industry began with an opening presentation from a print specialist, and Mike Hopkins, Hilltop Consulting (UK), and Fiona Narburgh, 3F Consulting (UK), moderated the discussions.

In parallel, the paper delegates also had targeted discussions.

sector can find skilled workers – for the benefit and longevity of our sector”.

Bernard de Galembert, CEPI’s Innovation and Bioeconomy Director said: “Those working in our industries are the best ambassadors. We want to promote the reality that our industries are modern, green, and high tech. Today has proven that there is a wealth of initiatives already in existence by which to do this”.

Speakers •

• A number of issues were highlighted by the print delegates. It was raised that the industry suffers from a negative image of being perceived as old-fashioned; that there are not enough engineers applying for advertised jobs; and that training methods are not keeping up to date with the demands of modern students. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of ideas to address these problems, and the day concluded with delegates commenting on the positive, inspirational mood and renewed motivation to solve current and future problems.

Georg Konetzky, Head of Department for National Market Strategies, Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, Austria Constanze Veeh, European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

Print Industry Specialists: •

• •

Luc Bouters, International Circle of Educational Institutes for Graphic Arts, Technology and Management, Artevelde Hogeschool, Belgium Marcel Lemain, GOC advice and training centre, Netherlands Mike Hopkins, Hilltop Consulting, UK

Paper Industry Specialists: Intergraf Secretary General Beatrice Klose said that: “Following the crucial discussions at this workshop, SPPRING will continue to examine the current and future skills and recruitment challenges our sector faces in order to develop best practice guidance for printers.

This will ensure that employers in the print

• • •

Wolfgang Bauer, IPZ-Institute Graz, University of Technology, Austria Gerald Kreuzer, PRO.GE (Industriall), Austria Wolfgang Bliem, ibw Austria - Research & Development in VET, Austria.

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Ricoh at IPMEX 2019: PRINT REDEFINED - to demonstrate the spectrum of options presented by Ricoh’s versatile portfolio of systems and solutions.

Ricoh will demonstrate at IPMEX 2019 in PWTC this year its substrate and print materials versatility, new devices, and how commercial and industrial printers can use its devices and solutions to create new business opportunities.

This year Ricoh’s theme “PRINT REDEFINED” will present - “We are redefining what print can do. A wide range of samples will demonstrate the spectrum of options presented by our versatile portfolio of systems and solutions,” says, Mr. KL Loh, General Manager at Production Printing Business Group.

With the ability to print on anything from glass, wood and acrylic to carton board, Ricoh helps industrial printers and print service providers in their endeavour to deliver a greater range of high quality solutions.

Industrial Printing Besides the DTG Ri 1000, Ricoh to preview its latest large format latex printer Pro L5160 which gives the reliability and high print speeds (fastest speed of 46.7 m2/h) needed to meet modern demands for fast turns.

Key Notes : > To preview the new model Direct To Garment Ri 1000 at the show; a debut preview in Malaysia. > Ri 1000 –fast and flexible production solution for imaginative print providers. > Pro C7210X and Pro C7210SX – stay ahead of the competition with high-value five colour applications.

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Ricoh Industrial Printing product range includes from Direct to Garment Printers to Large Format Latex Printer and UV Flat Bed.

Ricoh to preview Ri 1000 at IPMEX Ricoh existing range for Direct to Garment printer consists of Ri 100, Ri 3000 and Ri 6000. Lately, Ricoh added a new model Ri 1000 into the DTG printer range. Ricoh will preview Ri 1000 in IPMEX, this is the very first public preview in Malaysia. Visitors to IPMEX 2019 will get a sneak introduction of another one of Ricoh’s innovation products and view a live demonstration on this latest product.

Ricoh Ri 1000 – exceptional image quality in less than 28 seconds Ri 1000 is a Direct to Garment (DTG) printer providing imaginative print providers with a fast and flexible production solution by delivering exceptional image quality in less than 28 seconds. Ri 1000 delivers greater print quality with enhanced resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi and supports CMYK ink plus white ink to ensure dazzling results on fabric of any colour.

Ri 1000’s application flexibility is supported by a new pre-treatment liquid suitable for 100% light polyester and polycotton blends. This opens up greater opportunities for garments and textile products in a number of sectors including sports.

Quick operation and production versatility are made

easy with the ability to smoothly switch between multiple styles of platens up to 406.4 mm x 508 mm.

The Ri 1000’s magnetic mechanism enables the platens to easily snap on and off without the need for additional tools. This flexibility supports continuous production and a wide range of print capabilities from children’s sizes to super wide designs.

Ricoh DTG printers are suitable for everyone who intended to expand their business range into garment decoration and this printer enables to print on applications like T-shirt, tote bag, hoodies or cotton material products.

Crisp and clear signage with Ricoh Pro L5160 Ricoh will also preview its latest large format latex printer Pro L5160. The new Pro L5160 gives the reliability and high print speeds (fastest speed of 46.7 m2/h) needed to meet modern demands for fast turns.

The Pro L5160 is capable of producing applications

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up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi enabled by its highly reliability industrial-grade Ricoh printheads.

With CMYK and CMYK plus white options available, high ink opacity and adhesion, the printer can produce crisp, clear prints for a variety of applications on substrates that range from wall coverings to window graphics to backlit day/night signage.

Featuring great substrate flexibility, the Pro L5160 series supports 2- and 3-inch roll cores up to 55kg and media up to 64 inches wide. In addition, the three-way intelligent heater ensures prints are ready for immediate finishing while intelligently taking care that thinner substrates don’t melt or warp. One-touch automated daily maintenance cleans and purges printheads to help keep the device in top working order.

Automated nozzle drop detection helps ensure consistent image quality, reliability and continuous production.

A 90-degree-tiltable, 4.3-inch touch screen provides a simple user interface for monitoring and management. Users can monitor the device and job status by remotely logging into the Web Image Monitor or checking the attention light on the device, further aiding uptime and responsiveness.

In addition, it helps customers to expand their business by printing variety of applications such as posters, banners, signs, decals, window graphics, vehicle graphics, POP displays, floor graphics, textiles/soft signage,

wall coverings, fine art prints, packaging proofs and more.

Enters industrial decoration market with Pro T7210 UV Moving forward, Ricoh brings printing to a new level and enters industrial decoration market with the introduction of Pro T7210 UV Flatbed Printer. The Pro T7210 offers both excellent high image quality and impressive high print speed up to 100sqm per hour in (high-speed mode) and 50sqm per hour (standard mode).

Incorporating new technology, the Pro T7210 is able to print high adhesion on to a versatile media. The broad application range focuses on the industrial sector such as interior decoration and building materials, especially rigid and heavy items. It can handle material and sizes up to 110mm media thickness and a maximum printing area of 2.1m x 3.2m. Ricoh will showcase samples of varied application capabilities (including glass, wood, and aluminum composite and metal) of the Pro T7210 at the exhibition.

The printer uses Ricoh’s proprietary image processing technology, as well as 12 robust Ricoh MH54 series industrial print heads that are made of stainless steel. The newly developed UV ink has high adhesion properties for performance on a wide range of rigid industrial materials. While the LED

Lamps not only save energy but have a longer life resulting in less downtime. Its multi-zone vacuum system is divided into 8 areas with each area having a variable vacuum switch to control suction thus eliminating the need for masking.

The Pro C9200 series Cut Sheet printer are among the fastest in its class In its Cut Sheet product line, Ricoh Pro C9200 series is a key solution in production printing area. The printers are available in both Mono and Colour in different models and print speeds. It is one of the fastest colour cut sheet machines in the market with the print speeds of 115 and 135 prints per minute. With Ricoh Pro C9200 series, Print Service Providers can expect enhanced revenue potential, reduced operational costs and empowered business growth opportunities.

Building on the highly successful Ricoh Pro C9100 technology platform, the Pro C9200 Series offers increased image quality with outstanding registration. With the all-new features such as Auto Colour Diagnosis technology, colour consistency and stability is assured through detecting and adjusting subtle toner fluctuations while printing.

In addition, the new printer offers enhanced media capabilities – long sheet up to 1,030mm auto duplex, 1,260mm simplex and

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and feature the 5th colour station models, bringing the best-in-class price performance and predictability to the most demanding production print environments.

The Ricoh Pro C7200X series prints at 2400 x 4800 dpi VCSEL image quality with a large colour gamut without sacrificing speed or versatility. The series offers 85 ppm and 95 ppm with auto-duplex capabilities. Each have the option to print on paper lengths up to 49.6 inches simplex or 27.5 inches duplex, empowering printers to introduce larger format colour printing to their portfolio.

up to 450gsm. Also features a new 17inch touch screen operational panel with added features such as the Media Management Tool and also LED guide for easier paper jam removal. The Pro C9200 series printing is controlled using an external Digital Front End (DFE). A range of DFE options are available, ranging from the EFI Fiery E-45 or E-85 to Ricoh’s high performance TotalFlow Print Server R-62 which offers excellent integration with various pre-press workflow solutions.

Pro 8300 Series – booklet finisher supports up to 30 sheets booklet and a new cover interposer supporting coated media up to 350gsm Ricoh Malaysia launched Pro 8300 mono series with three printing speed options (96,111 and 136 ppm) in May this year. With its new enhancement, the Pro 8300 series booklet finisher is able to support up to 30 sheets booklet and a new cover interposer with air assist feeding that supports coated media up to 350gsm. In addition, it also has

dual shift trays with a 4,500 sheets stack capacity as well as trimming and long sheet handling peripherals.

It is an ideal solution for those looking for expanding application capabilities especially in printing of books, brochures and manuals etc. The Pro 8300 series also incorporates a small finisher and a shift sort output tray ideally suited to production environments with limited space. The series comes with the VCSEL technology at 2400 x 4800 dpi to deliver high-quality print output. It has a 17inch touch screen colour panel with new joband workflow-management options and also offers seamless remote job management and monitoring.

Pro C7200X Series – 85 ppm and 95 ppm with auto-duplex The Ricoh Pro C7200X series will preview

The platform also empowers users to print white and CMYK inks in a single pass, turning around the widest array of eye-catching applications in its class even faster. In-line sensors automatically aid improved frontto-back registration and colour calibration, helping to create a consistent, professional look.

Introducing further flexibility to handle substrates such as synthetics, window clings and rich linens, a specially designed 17-inch Smart Operation Panel allows users to intuitively browse and manage the Paper Library directly from the device. The larger panel also brings new job- and workflowmanagement options directly to the device, while also offering seamless remote job management and monitoring.

In addition, the 5th color station Pro C7210X and Pro C7210SX empower shops to produce high-value five colour applications helping them to stay ahead of the competition. Built on the legacy of the Ricoh Pro C7100X, these presses print five colours faster and more accurately while offering even greater media flexibility. Additionally, the new Invisible Red toner introduces even more ways to innovate, by producing designs only visible under ultraviolet light, perfect for security features such as those found on tickets or coupons.

All this range of solutions and more will be available at Ricoh’s Booth No. 2220 at PWTC Hall 2 at IPMEX 2019 (1st to 4th August 2019). Ricoh experts will ‘Redefine Print’ to visitors who can also experience the live demonstration and the new creativity by Ricoh at the Malaysia show.

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Kaizer Exhibitions brings IPMEX Malaysia 2019 Co-located with four more trade exhibitions, IPMEX Malaysia 2019 is all set to provide a totally new and enriching exhibition experience.

Over the years, Kaizer Exhibitions had played an important role and providing business linage among the printers and exhibitors.

Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences SdnBhd, incorporated in 1996, has directly and indirectly assisted in promoting the growth and betterment for the printing industry. In year 1997, first IPMEX Malaysia took place, occupying a decent 2000 square meter area and today, it boasts over 14,000 square meters of exhibition space for the present 2019 edition.

while providing superior service to various industries. Advertising and printing trade leaders from all over the world gather in Kuala Lumpur for IPMEX Malaysia, creating endless opportunities, possibilities and excitement.

Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences has been principally engaged in organizing and managing events, exhibitions and conferences. The company with well qualified staff and experienced and dynamic key personnel, has now years of experience in the field of organizing and managing successful and highly professional exhibitions and conferences.

Returning for its 13th instalment with renewed focus on the packaging, label, textile print, 3D printing, signage & LED sector, IPMEX Malaysia 2019 will present the entire value chain, bringing to the forefront the full spectrum of the related industries. With these exhibition combinations, IPMEX Malaysia will reach out to more players in the media, printing, signage, LED, textile and related industries. By emphasizing in high quality services and products, IPMEX Malaysia had the support of various international printing partners taking opportunities to launch their latest solutions to showcase to the Malaysian market.

IPMEX Malaysia 2019 is going to take place from 1st to 4th August 2019 with the following concurrent events:• Asia Sign 2019 • Malaysia LED& Lighting Show 2019 • Industrial Print 2019 • Malaysia 3D Tech Expo

Kaizer Exhibitions is highly supported by various printing association, both local and international. As a founder member of Asia Print the Federation of Asia Print Exhibitions, IPMEX Malaysia has remained at the forefront of promoting and developing the printing industry in Asia Pacific.

With the aim to provide customers with unmatched value, service and innovation, Kaizer Exhibitions is known for its management and organisation of outstanding events. It strives to create events adapted to clients needs, to bring a perfect platform for the customers, comprehensive industry gathering comprising exhibitors and visitors and provide services that meet industry’s expectations.

With all these features, IPMEX Malaysia 2019 is all set to provide a totally new and enriching exhibition experience by being even more informative, interesting, diversified and rewarding.

Kaizer Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd has been recognized for its outstanding achievements and conferred the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers (MACEOS) Industry Excellence Award for IPMEX Malaysia. This trade show has played a vital role in raising industry standards, attracting latest print technologies, organising high-tech exhibitions and serving comprehensive industry gatherings apart from providing important business linkage among and between printers and exhibitors and thus promoting the growth and advancement of the printing industry.

The biennial IPMEX Malaysia serves as an ideal platform for the advertising and printing trade, achieving greater growth, encompassing wider markets and addressing ever bigger challenges

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ACE COM at IPMEX 2019 - To showcase entire digital printing range with live demo of displayed solutions.

ACE COM Business System SDN BHD will be showcasing its entire range of Digital Printing equipment at IPMEX 2019. The company deals in full range of digital finishing machines & materials.

The company will be having live demo of its all displayed machines at the show stand (Booth No.1138). This time ACE COM is exhibiting on a 108 sqmts stand focusing on 3D Spot UV machine. The machine with Varnish capabilities comes with full colour printing (CMYK, light cyan/magenta, white & vanish).

IPMEX is the most important annual event for ACE COM and it provides best offers to the customers at the event. “IPMEX is on top of our list of yearly events.

We will be giving the best price offer during the 4 days of the exhibition on all our machines on display,” says Simon Chin, MD, ACE COM.

Imax by ACE COM, today is a brand which needs no introduction to the Malaysian print industry and carry a very trusted supplier status in the industry.

“In addition, as there is global industry slowdown, we have co-operated with manufactures to transfer benefits like special discounts to end users. But, this is exclusively for the 4 IPMEX days,” he adds.

ACE COM has been a regular at IPMEX and a strong supporter of the event for the past 15 years says Simon Chin.

“We started off with a small booth (3sqmts). Every year we grew despite bad market. We have been exporting to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India & Maldives. We plan to add to the list soon,” informs Simon Chin.

Key Notes : > Exhibiting on a 108 sqmts stand focusing on 3D Spot UV machine. > Varnish capabilities and full colour printing (CMYK, light cyan/ magenta, white & varnish). > Best price offer during the 4 days of the exhibition on all machines on display.

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“IPMEX is the most important and best platform

showcasing the complete range of printing & finishing equipments locally eliminating the need to every time go to the overseas shows for the same. It is recognised by all major printing associations – not only locally but also overseas. We can exhibit our products effectively for both local customers as well as those from neighbouring countries,” continues Simon.

Notwithstanding the economic slowdown, year 2018 remained strong for ACE COM. It received a double digit growth, which Simon attributes to the new markets generated by them recently. The year 2019 has been slow for the first 5 months. “We are optimistic and hope to cover the earlier slower period in the final quarter. We hope to achieve our yearly targets with the upcoming IPMEX where we will be offering our new products to existing and future clients to secure more orders and growth,” asserts Simon Chin.

ACE COM solutions especially their finishing machines are preferred equally by government agencies, corporate clients and printers for their effectiveness, stability, accuracy, user friendliness and best after sales services. Imax by ACE COM, today is a brand which needs no introduction to the Malaysian print industry and carry a very trusted supplier status in the industry.

With best of solutions and service, ACE COM now wants to boost its promotional plan further. “We shall be promoting our solutions and brand in the international markets with international shows like IPMEX, collaborating with media, taking up digital platform and similar activities,” reveals Simon.

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Konica Minolta at IPMEX MALAYSIA 2019 Managing Director Mr. Koji Yoshida talks to us on their IPMEX 2019 plans and more.

Exhibiting in Hall 1 at Stall No. 1123 at IPMEX 2019, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (M) SDN BHD will be present at a huge 12mx15m stall consisting of 20 booths.

“In pursuing digital printing that offers greater speed, quality and consistency, Konica Minolta continues to expand the future of professional printing through a comprehensive and fully modular group of digital printing technologies and solutions under Accurio,” says Mr. Koji Yoshida, MD, Konica Minolta Malaysia.

The line includes digital press suites, stateof-the-art inkjet printers and the software and cloud-based tools for integrating, managing and executing seamless workflow.

Automating operations, expanding the possibilities of on-demand offerings, and providing connectivity to prepress and postpress systems, Accurio maximises use of resources, reduces labour and costs, and raises accuracy and productivity.

“Konica Minolta aims to deliver new value to the industrial printing industry and expand its digital printing business by leveraging its digital technologies to meet the need for high-mix small-lot production and shorter lead time, and also by offering solutions to enhance efficiency of printing operations by enhancing the efficiency of the postpress process of varnishing, laminating, foil stamping and die cutting,” adds Mr. Koji Yoshida.

AccurioPRESS C6100, AccurioPRESS C3070 and AccurioPRESS C83HC (AccurioPRESS Color Production Printer series); Accurio PRESS 6136 (Black & White Production Printer series); Accurio Label 230 (Industrial Printer series); and Accurio Pro Flux (Production Printer Applications).

(ELPP) – AccurioPrint C759; entry level mono production printer (ELPP) – bizhub Pro 958 and high chroma production printer – AccurioPress C83HC. All these models helped us target the largest group of customers and meet their requirements,” says Koji Yoshida.

Besides the machines on display will also have live demo at IPMEX 2019.

Konica Minolta has been participating in IPMEX for over last 5 years. Speaking about their past participations, Yoshida says, “The previous show was great! We were able to meet a lot of new customers and promote our latest products in the show. Besides that, it was an opportunity for us to meet and network with our loyal customers. We also took the opportunity to appreciate and award them for their continuous support to Konica Minolta.”

“We will be displaying the range of AccurioPRESS, digital press suites, label printers, the software and cloud-based tools for integrating, managing and executing seamless workflow in the show,” further reveals Koji Yoshida.

Konica Minolta will be offering great deals during the IPMEX exhibition. “Customers are invited to drop by our booth located at Hall 1, booth number 1123 to check out the special promotion,” recommends Koji Yoshida.

The year 2018-2019 has been good for Konica Minolta Malaysia. “Our innovation approach continued to drive the business achieve a positive growth in year 20182019. In the year, we brought in three new models of production printers including the entry level colour production printer

“IPMEX being the largest international tradeshow for printing in Malaysia, Konica Minolta is proud to associate with and participate in the show which not only attracts thousands of visitors during these 4 days but also provides an opportunity for us to showcase our latest print technology and products to the industry. Besides that, it also helps us to generate leads and meet new customers, professionals and industry experts,” declares Mr. Yoshida.

Products on display by Konica Minolta Malaysia at IPMEX 2019 include:

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Hongjet Technology: Live demo of BajuJET at IPMEX - live demonstrations on how the digital printing is effectively done using BajuJET LX. Hongjet Technology Sdn Bhd is lead by Andy Yew, MD and is a continuously growing company specialising in DTG (Direct-to-Garment) machinery.

Hongjet launched BajuJET LX earlier this year. A lot of R&D goes behind the state-of-the-art technology produced by Hongjet. It is around a decade old company that started in 2010.

“Other products include a simpler version of DTG printer BajuJET Lite, followed by the unveiling of a desktop eco-solvent printer SolvieJET in 2016,” says Andy Yew. “In addition to providing the complete process for digital printing, we also came out with a pre-treatment machine Pre-T-Cool which is designed to lower the investment cost and makes pre-treating affordable to virtually every DTG users,” continues Andy.

See Live Demonstrations of garment pre-treatment using Pre-T-Cool machine and what kind of heat press machine is needed in order to get the satisfying result.

Key Notes : > Launched BajuJET LX earlier this year. > Live demonstrations on how the digital printing is effectively done using BajuJET LX. > Also on display - PreT-Cool, SolvieJET, Epson F-Series, Desktop Heat Press Machine, Roller/ Calendar Heat Press as well as Large Format Heat Press.

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Hongjet will have on display at IPMEX 2019 (Hall1, Stall 1349) the BajuJET LX (DTG Printer), Pre-T-Cool (Pre-Treater Machine), SolvieJET (Desktop EcoSolvent Printer), Large Format Dye Sublimation Printer (Epson F-Series), Desktop Heat Press Machine, Roller/Calendar Heat Press as well as Large Format Heat Press.

“As what we have been doing every year at the exhibition, we will show some live demonstrations on how the digital printing is effectively done using BajuJET LX, together with other processes including the garment pre-treatment using Pre-T-Cool machine and what kind of heat press machine is needed in order to get the satisfying result,” informs Andy.

have been made to our products, specifically in the ink performance for BajuJET LX. Besides printer, we will also be focusing on Pre-T-Cool, a pre-treatment machine for fabric and T-shirts which can cover an area of 18x22 inch,” further discloses Andy.

For people who are interested in Hongjet products at IPMEX 2019, there is promotion package that comes with every purchase which includes free set of ink, electric spray gun, platens for DTG printers and other essentials needed to run the machines.

“There will also be limited discount units available

“Our main focus for conducting live demo is to educate potential clients about the future of DTG printing compared to the traditional method of screen-printing,” he adds.

They will also be demonstrating how Dye Sublimation Printing is being done using the Epson Large Format Printers and how it works on specific kinds of garments which are other than cotton.

The main focus at IPMEX by Hongjet will be the introduction of their latest version of BajuJET LX and Pre-T-Cool machines which, according to Andy “are the main essentials in our process of digital printing”.

“There are several technical advancements that

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specifically for our core products, BajuJET LX and Pre-T-Cool,” says Andy.

“For the past 10 years, we’ve been participating actively in IPMEX 2019 and it has definitely benefited us in a lot of ways every time we display our products during the event. As far as we are concerned, exhibitions like IPMEX have provided a strong platform specifically for the printing industry to create brand awareness to customers and expose every participant to a whole wide range of developments in many areas,” he commends.

Hongjet is continuously getting the right balance in manufacturing original equipments like BajuJET Lite&LX, Pre-T-Cool and Solvie JET. Events like IPMEX could help them a lot in finding solutions to their ever-growing business which offers such high levels of versatility, believes Andy. “The demand for multi-colour fine-detailed artwork printing is growing today and our products play an important role in catering to those demands,” he asserts.

Speaking about IPMEX, he says that with exhibitions like IPMEX, each player in the digital printing industry around the globe has the opportunity to come together and expose their products to a vast number of

potential buyers. “To date, the exhibition is by far one of the best exposures for local and international companies in the industry to learn and further improve their brands and at the same time, creating a network of connections with lots of people around the world.

Given that Malaysia is one of the growing countries in digital printing industry, we also have the opportunity to promote our heritage as the leading local brand DTG printer that has breached a number of success not only in the local scene, but also internationally.

IPMEX has also been proven to gather quality visitors all around the globe, varying from small start-up companies to giant professional entities,” explains Andy Yew. The year 2018-2019 has been great for Hongjet as as they registered a steady growth for BajuJET LX, especially after the machine went through some series of upgrade throughout the years. There is a growing demand for the technology in the country with installation numbers rising steadily. Throughout the last four years since the first BajuJET Lite got launched, Hongjet has installed almost 120 machines across Malaysia and another 30 units internationally.

in the DTG sector as its failure to make a profound impact on the Malaysian textile industry – partly because the country relies on garment imports from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, where textile labour costs are much lower. On the other hand, the emergence of Hongjet Technology in Malaysia is a sign of the industry’s future direction. “With start-ups like us expanding their share of developing markets, leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) could react accordingly. In order to maintain the ascendancy across the global DTG industry, well-established OEMs could make South-East Asia a focus, possibly resulting in speedier growth for the industry both in the region and globally,” argues Andy.

Revealing further on BajuJET LX, he says the company is presently working on an upcoming development for BajuJET LX which will bring advance technology to the DTG sector. “We will surprise this market even more with a never-seen-before practical features that help in making DTG the first choice of printing when dealing with garment or ready-made t-shirts over other digital methods such as heat transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl, dye sublimation and laser transfer paper,” he concludes.

However, Andy finds the major challenge

Sansin Prima at IPMEX 2019 - to highlight Automatic Ang Pow Packing Machine.

Displaying their wide range of packaging and finishing solutions at a huge 11.5mx18.5m stall (Stall No.2190), Sansin Prima (M) Sdn Bhd will also be having live demo at the upcoming IPMEX 2019.

Sansin has been a regular at IPMEX every year. The key focused product on their show

stall will be their Automatic Ang Pow Packing Machine.

Sansin Prima is going to showcase its range of latest products including: Auto Die Cutting, Automatic BOPP Laminating, Ang Pow Forming, Automatic Ang Pow Packing, Waste Water Filter, Automatic Spot UV and Stripping machines.

“We join every year. This is a great show,” says Qi Xiao Yun, President, Sansin Prima (SANSIN INTERNATIONAL GROUP).

The company achieved a 25 percent growth though Qi Xiao Yun calls it a challenging previous year.

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Boosting additive know-how for drupa 2020 The VDMA Additive Manufacturing Association organises conference programme for world’s leading trade fair in Düsseldorf.

For the first time, the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Association will be responsible for the content design and implementation of the ten-day lecture programme comprising 80 specialist lectures.

Key Notes : > drupa 2020 will once again dedicate a touchpoint 3D fab+print to this future technology. > drupa touchpoint AM with around 80 presentations on ten days. > Focus on applications for the print and media industry and additive process chains.

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From 16 to 26 June 2020, Düsseldorf will once again be the epicentre of the global printing, media and packaging industry. More than 250,000 visitors, 1,800 exhibitors and just as many journalists from over 180 countries will flock to drupa, the world’s leading trade

fair for the printing, media and packaging industry, to learn about the latest trends and technologies in the world of printing and packaging.

Since drupa 2016, 3D printing has been one of the

industrial printing/3dprinting

six highlights in the trade show program.

In addition to its own exhibition area, drupa 2020 will once again dedicate a touchpoint 3D fab+print to this future technology. For the first time, the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Association will be responsible for the content design and implementation of the ten-day lecture programme. A total of 80 specialist lectures are planned, which will be spread over two two-hour blocks every day.

Additive Manufacturing at the interface to printing and paper technology With a view to the trade fair’s target group, the focus will be on applications in printing and paper machine construction as well as applications for media and packaging.

The spectrum will range from additivemanufactured machine components to prototyping or on-demand spare parts supply for printing presses to the use of additive processes to manufacture individual advertising products and unusual packaging solutions.

“Since our trade fair appearance at drupa 2016 met with a very positive response, it made sense to expand our commitment at drupa 2020 and contribute our know-how,” explains Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Association and also the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association.

In the five years of its existence, the working group has grown to around 150 members.

These include leading suppliers of AM production technology for processing metals and plastics, suppliers of components, software, automation technology and materials as well as industrial users from various industries and leading research institutes. “Many of our members have been pioneers in industrial 3D printing for many years. They bring with them concentrated practical and theoretical know-how that we want to show visitors at touchpoint 3D fab+print,” says Heering.

he says. For this reason, both introductory lectures on technical processes within additive process chains and insights into current and future applications in the printing, packaging and media industries are planned.

“Additive design and manufacturing create scope for creativity in many industries. From this point of view, the technology also fits in perfectly with the drupa,” stresses Gebhardt.

Thanks to its broad membership spectrum, which includes traditional drupe exhibitors, users from many other industries and leading international researchers, the working group is able to offer the highest thematic diversity under its own steam.

that the journey to Düsseldorf is worthwhile both for experts and for all those who are just beginning to get an idea of the potential of 3D printing in the printing and media industry.

About 150 companies and research institutes collaborate under the roof of the VDMA in the Additive Manufacturing Association. System manufacturers, suppliers of components and materials, industrial users from the metals and plastics sectors, services providers for software, manufacturing, and finishing as well as researchers all have a common goal: the industrialization of additive manufacturing technologies.

Gebhardt is also inviting drupa exhibitors to address the working group with their own lecture topics. “We are open to suggestions and will find opportunities in the ten-day program to provide a forum for AM applications from the traditional print and packaging industry,” he emphasizes. A broad mix of topics is important to him so

Variety of applications from press construction to packaging Rainer Gebhardt is the project leader of the working group and will be responsible for the content planning of the conference. “It is important for us to pick up the drupa visitors where they are in additive manufacturing,”

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industrial printing/3dprinting

MÉTROPOLE creates life-size 3D cartoon characters using Massivit 3D MÉTROPOLE adorns French train station with 3D comics characters using Massivit 3D at International Cartoon Festival.

As part of the International Cartoon Festival of Angoulême, MÉTROPOLE, a Francebased specialist in event management, digital printing, and large-format 3D printing, has produced five life-size characters using its Massivit 3D printer – to the delight of commuters and festival-goers.

Thanks to its unrivaled printing speed of up to 35cm (14”) per hour and its two printheads, the Massivit 1800 3D printer has enabled MÉTROPOLE to meet the extremely tight deadlines set by the festival organizers.

Franck Bondoux, the festival’s President, explains: “Only the Massivit 3D printer, deployed by MÉTROPOLE, could have pulled off this feat in terms of turnaround time. Our life-size statues were ready onsite on the opening day of the festival, creating just the wow effect we had been aiming for.”

MÉTROPOLE testifies to the capability of Massivit 3D printers to produce large format

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3D objects at great speed. “It took less than four weeks’ work – eighty hours of printing plus 200 hours of assembly, sculpting and painting – to create the five comics characters displayed at Angoulême station” says Denise Zanet, Associate Director at METROPOLE, who is thrilled with the buzz and delight the statues have sparked at the station.

Comics characters brought to life as statues have always held great appeal. “Comic fans love getting up close and personal with their favorite characters. This creates a strong bond both for children and the young at heart, who reconnect with their childhood emotions. No doubt lots of selfies with our statues will show up on social media”, Franck Bondoux concludes.

Appeal and complicity across generations

Blake and Mortimer, Spirou and Seccotine, as well as ‘Le Fauve’ – the festival’s mascot and trophy for competing authors – will continue to wow travelers at Angoulême station for a long time to come.

It is no surprise that the statues were placed at Angoulême station –the world’s comic book capital, the destination of many festivalgoers and comic fans. “These life-size characters at the train station create a real sense of complicity for travelers. The statues have an ultra-realistic finish, totally bringing them to life. Comic fans find themselves immersed in a playful, joyous and comforting world”, Franck Bondoux adds, pleased with this decision.

Massivit 3D’s proprietary Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology leverages the company’s unique, instantly-curing printing gel, Dimengel, to quickly and cost-effectively produce lightweight, hollow 3D-printed models up to 1.8m (6ft) high.

industrial printing/3dprinting

Female Soccer Player 3D Printed Sartomer and Massivit 3d are leveraging their partnership to celebrate ‘Women In Sport’.

Since its inception in 2013, Massivit 3D has partnered with Sartomer, a business line of Arkema, benefitting from its market-leading portfolio of N3xtDimension UV-curable liquid resins, which are the advanced liquid resins that make up a significant portion of Massivit 3D’s unique, proprietary Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology. This technology enables the super-fast production of supersized, lightweight, hollow 3D-printed models up to 1.8 meters/6 feet high, giving Massivit’s customers the power of 3D advertising.

A recent demonstration of the advantages of

Massivit 3D. “Sartomer has been providing a tailored support to Massivit 3D through its unique, advanced N3xtDimension range of liquid resins, delivering exceptional freedom of performance design. We support the industry innovation at our UV curable 3D Printing Center of Excellence where experts create cutting-edge 3D printing resins of our N3xtDimension range through research and development,” said Sumeet Jain, Global Business Director for 3D Printing at Sartomer. the Massivit 3D GDP technology, enabled by the use of the advanced Sartomer solutions, is the first life-sized, 3D-printed model of a professional female soccer star. Arkema is sponsoring this famous player, a member of the French team, in the tournament. First, the soccer player was scanned to provide a high-resolution model. Then, the model was printed by Deko 3D by Sépia on Massivit 1800. The model is made with Massivit 3D’s unique Dimengel technology using Sartomer’s N3xtDimension performance UV curable liquid resins. The resulting image is 1.7 meters tall. Printing time reached a record of 11 hours.

industrial capabilities” said Guillaume de Crevoisier Global Business Director 3D Printing Solutions by Arkema. “Led by our flagship brands including N3xtDimension liquid resins, Rilsan bio-sourced polyamide 11, and ultra-high performance Kepstan PEKK polymer, 3D Printing Solutions by Arkema brings our partners and customers the best of our advanced and innovative materials as well as our proven expertise for all major 3D manufacturing technologies.”

3D Printing Solutions by Arkema opens an unlimited array of possibilities for additive manufacturing. “This partnership with Massivit 3D illustrates Arkema’s commitments of its commercial platform, 3D Printing solutions by Arkema: to develop close and strategic cooperation with global key players to unlock additive manufacturing

“We are excited about our evolving collaboration with Sartomer. We are adamant that, by leveraging Sartomer’s inherent capabilities and rich know-how, Massivit 3D will be able to further deliver new materials to the market with a significantly faster lead time, introduce fresh applications and enter new verticals,” said Amir Veresh, VP Business Development and Marketing,

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HP opens new 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence 150,000 square foot facility facilitates world-class R&D, engineering, co-development, and sustainable innovation for the next-generation technologies powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

On June 12, 2019, HP Inc. opened the doors to its new 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Barcelona, Spain, one of the world’s largest and most advanced research and development facilities for the next-generation technologies powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The new Center brings together hundreds of the world’s leading additive manufacturing experts in more than 150,000 square feet of cutting-edge innovation space – about the size of three football fields – to transform the way the world designs and manufactures.

The 3+ acre facility at HP’s Barcelona campus is dedicated to the development of HP’s industrial 3D printing portfolio and provides a large-scale factory environment to collaborate with customers and partners on the digital manufacturing technologies revolutionizing their industries.

“HP’s new 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence is one of the largest and most advanced 3D printing and digital manufacturing research and development centers on earth – it truly embodies our mission to transform the world’s biggest industries through sustainable technological innovation,” said Christoph Schell, President of 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing at HP Inc. “We are bringing HP’s substantial resources and peerless industrial 3D printing expertise together with our customers, partners, and community to drive the technologies and skills that will further unleash the benefits of digital manufacturing.”

The new Center of Excellence unites hundreds of experts in systems engineering, data intelligence, software, materials science, design, and 3D printing and digital manufacturing applications in what is believed to be the world’s largest population of additive manufacturing specialists in one location.

Specifically designed for active collaboration across HP engineering and R&D groups, customers, and partners, the new facility integrates flexible and interactive layouts,

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co-development environments, and fleets of the latest HP plastics and metals 3D production systems to drive more rapid and agile product development and end-to-end solutions for customers. Leaders such as BASF, GKN Metallurgy, Siemens, Volkswagen and others across the automotive, industrial, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors will continue collaborating with HP on new 3D printing and digital manufacturing innovations at the Center.

The 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Center of Excellence also reflects HP’s commitment to the environment by incorporating a photovoltaic canopy to provide 110kW of power, rain water reuse for irrigation and sanitary purposes, HVAC and natural light optimization, and ecofriendly construction materials with a goal of achieving a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. At

a company level, HP’s goal is to use 100% renewable energy in its global operations over time, with a target of 60% by 2025.

HP’s investment in the new Barcelona Center creates one of the largest 3D printing and digital manufacturing research and development facilities in the world. It significantly expands HP’s global 3D printing and digital manufacturing footprint and enhances existing innovation locations in Corvallis, Oregon; Palo Alto, California; San Diego, California; Vancouver, Washington; Barcelona, Spain; and Singapore, where HP recently launched a groundbreaking collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) to drive 3D printing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, materials and applications, and cybersecurity innovations.

industrial printing/3dprinting

It’s a Match!

- how Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing can work together.

Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing are technologies that are still developing and getting more important every day. Our article demonstrates how these two can work together.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t rocket science anymore, it’s already part of our daily life and as the technology is still growing, it’ll definitely be a bigger part of our future.

The same development can be witnessed with 3D printing which is becoming more important every day and it’s still growing fast. Just think of, for example, constructing medical implants made of biomaterial with an ability to self-heal and regenerate, or building bridges with a new synthetic material fabricated with a unique blend of protein molecules similar to the ones used to produce spider web silk. That’s where AI could help. Wouldn’t it be really great if you could bring both technologies together?

Defect Detection For instance, when it comes to defect detection, AI could be included in 3D modelling programs via CAD software. Using AI in 3D printing could further optimize the printing process and help avoiding errors: The joint force of these technology could develop tools that are able to find defects that could make the model non-printable in a 3D model. A real-time control by the AI could considerably reduce time and material waste.

Also, AI could be used after the printing process to detect problems directly, and to improve the quality control of the 3D printed models.

AI Build, a company based in London, already developed an automated AI-based 3D printing technology, with a smart extruder, allowing to detect problems: Their “AiMaker” is a high precision robotic end-effector that attaches to industrial robotic arms and is able to 3D print large objects at high speed with great accuracy. Combining advanced AI algorithms with real-time manufacturing data from its sensors and cameras, it detects any problems and makes autonomous decisions on the fly for achieving the best possible print quality.

Precision and Reproducibility AI could also be a solution for one of the biggest challenges in additive manufacturing: The need for greater precision and reproducibility in 3D-printed parts.

Supported by the National Science Foundation, a team from the College of Science in Purdue developed a new model-building algorithm and computer application for geometric accuracy control that could potentially improve part printing.

This technology quickly corrects computeraided design models and produces parts with improved geometric accuracy. It ensures that the printed parts conform more closely to the design and remain within necessary tolerances. This method also leads to improved consistency, assuring that the part will perform the same way even if it’s printed on a different machine. It’s also able to create complex designs that would not be possible with traditional manufacturing processes.

Designs and New Materials

are being used to accelerate the discovery of these new materials. Designers simply enter the desired properties into a program and algorithms predict which chemical building blocks can be combined at a micro level to create a structure with the desired functions and properties.

A Perfect Match? AI as a Part of 3D Modelling Programs 3D printing is a complex process, and AI could improve it considerably and make it even more efficient. The combination of Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing could lead to new applications of the additive manufacturing technology and more.

As you can see, the future of AI in advanced materials, design, and engineering seems quite promising. Experts agree it will serve as a cornerstone to future innovation in almost every industry. We’re pretty sure that AI and 3D printing have a great future together and are curious about what’s coming next. We might see it at drupa 2020!

On top of the designs, AI is playing a key role in the process of inventing new materials with superior functions. This new development in engineering is enabling scientists and engineers to design a new class of materials that are stronger, lighter, more flexible, and less expensive to manufacture and thereby addresses the key challenges the industry has to tackle. Machine learning, and predictive modelling, a powerful subset of AI,

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Durst at ITMA 2019 - showcases new fifth generation Alpha technology with SuperMultipass.

Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, showcased its top of the line Alpha comprehensive technology platform on Booth A210, Hall 3 at ITMA in Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, Spain, from 20-26 June.

Headlined were the fifth generation Alpha printing systems delivered with Durst’s new software to meet increased demands of textile digital printing. The new Alpha Series 5 190 and 330 printing systems unveiled at ITMA feature improvements in material handling, efficiency and material diversity. The technology platform offers a sustainable, flexible and scalable solution for a vast range of applications, even enabling waterless one-step production with the new Durst Advanced Digital Pigment ink.

For the Alpha Series 5, Durst offers environmentally friendly water-, acid- and reactivebased ink systems. Its Advanced Digital Pigment is the world’s first ink system that enables a one-step process with soft touch and brilliant colours.

Key Notes : > Unveils the new Alpha Series 5 190 and 330 printing systems. > The Alpha Series 5 printers are all equipped with the new Durst Workflow Print and Durst Analytics. > The new Alpha 190 / 330 Series 5 with SuperMultipass provides 30% better performance than comparable systems.

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The Alpha Series 5 printers, including dual roll, are all equipped with the new Durst Workflow Print and the monitoring tool Durst Analytics to become a production unit from day one. To integrate e-commerce businesses, Durst offers a scalable solution with Durst Smart Shop. Backed by consultancy and seamless integration provided through Durst Professional Services, the new workflow software gives users access to key functions in production such as colour management and RIP. Expansion modules are integrated with the printing system to create a production process “from pixel to output”.

The new Alpha 190 / 330 Series 5 with SuperMultipass provides 30% better performance than comparable systems. This next generation of high performance printing systems integrate new technologies in the printheads, inks, drying units, and in the interaction of software. The Alpha Series 5 can also have a patented SwiftJet Pretreatment System positioned upstream of the Alpha printer. Digital

pretreatment is particularly valuable for short-run and fast-turnaround jobs.

For the Alpha Series 5, Durst offers environmentally friendly water-, acid- and reactive-based ink systems.

Its Advanced Digital Pigment is the world’s first ink system that enables a one-step process with soft touch and brilliant colours. Universally used in textile applications, it also has excellent light fastness and wet rub fastness and can be used on all types of fabric. In addition, the ink family includes Durst Disperse HD, which is a first choice for polyester applications and also regularly used in home textiles, apparel, fashion, flags, banners, outdoor signage and other POP applications; and Durst Reactive HD where common applications are home textiles, apparel and fashion. All these inks are Oekotex 100 and GOTS 5.0 compliant.

Martin Winkler, Durst Group’s Segment Manager, Textile Printing, said: “ITMA is another important platform to demonstrate our proven Alpha technology and advanced software. The fabrics, soft signage and textile markets support fast turnaround short runs and sustainability using digital technology. Our growing number of customers makes savings in colouring inks and water consumption, as well as in production costs and delivery times. They are backed by worldclass support from skilled consultants and integrators provided through Durst Professional Services, as well as comprehensive training in our Customer Experience Center at our head office in Brixen.”

industrial printing/textile printing

Epson launches two top-of-the-range, high productivity signage printers at FESPA 2019 New SureColor SC-S signage printers, alongside a range of innovative applications, showcased at the Epson FESPA stand.

Epson launched two new SureColor SC-S signage printers, the SC-S60600L and the SC-S80600L. These 64-inch printers are an extension of the award-winning SureColor SC-S Series printer range and will offer high productivity customers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The SC-S Series printers continue to offer customers diverse applications with access to the Epson Edge Dashboard with over 250 EMX profile downloads for a wide range of media manufacturers and media types.

“At the heart of these new industrial printers is the introduction of high capacity 1.5 litre ink pouches,” says Chris Davies, product manager – production LFP. “This means a longer running period, resulting in less user intervention and reduced downtime. The pouches are complemented by Epson’s established UltraChrome GS3 ecosolvent inks which have key environmental certifications, including GreenGuard Gold and AgBB. As with all signage printers in the SureColor SC-S range, they are low maintenance, highly reliable and easy to set up.”

Both SureColor SC-S L version models can print on a wide range of media, from clear film and photographic paper to wallpaper, canvas and vinyl, so are suited to large scale signage and displays, point of purchase applications and billboards, back/front-lit signage and car wrapping.

“Users will be impressed by the print speeds, precision and performance of these new models and the compelling business case for adding this technology to their current portfolios. Their customers are going to be impressed by the quality and speed of turnaround.”

“We envisage a strong take up from print service providers and sign makers who cover a wide range of business sectors and applications, providing customers with signage, point of sale, textiles, interior design and fine art products,” says Chris Davies.

Other printers on display included the SureColor SC-S60600, SureColor SCP20000, SureColor SC-F9300, SureColor SC-F6200 and SureColor SC-F2100.

The SC-S60600L and SC-S80600L feature Epson PrecisionCore TFP printheads and will be supplied with Epson Edge RIP software and the LFP Accounting Tool (which will provide accurate job costing data).

Epson Edge Print software is powerful and feature-rich, easy-to-use and provides a simplified print-ready solution to get businesses up and running quickly. In addition, Epson is continuing to expand the range of available EMX files to optimise print quality on the most common, and speciality, media.

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Epson at The Print Show 2019 The digital print giant prepares for new technology showcase at the show.

Epson will use The Print Show 2019 to demonstrate new technology in the UK for the first time, with the digital print giant saying the event offers “huge opportunities” for visitors to find out how they can grow their print business.

Epson was one of the first brands to commit to The Print Show 2019, taking on its largest stand to date in order to showcase as many of its solutions as possible. It will be joined by the likes of HP, Xeretec (Xerox), RISO, Intec Printing Solutions, Xeikon, Premier Paper, Vivid Laminating Technologies and Renz.

Being showcased for the first time in the UK at the show this September will be the EcoTex synthetic leather print solution, utilising the SureColor S60600 printer.

The manufacturer will invite visitors to find out how Epson kit can help them to access profitable work in new markets. Among the technology on the Epson stand this year will be the new bulk ink system for the SureSolor S series eco-solvent printer, which Epson says will deliver significant productivity gains and enhanced profitability for volume users.

Also being showcased for the first time in the UK at the show this September will be the EcoTex synthetic leather print solution, utilising the SureColor S60600 printer. Visitors can also learn about the latest developments in the Epson dye sublimation offering and an expansion of its CAD printer range.

Alongside this new kit, Epson will be demonstrating a number of its established solutions, including its full portfolio of SureColor large-format printer models, as it seeks to appeal to visitors from a wide range of backgrounds.

Key Notes : > To demonstrate new kit in the UK for the first time.

Speaking about the event, Phil McMullin, sales manager for ProGraphics at Epson UK, says Epson and The Print Show will help visitors identify the solutions they need to grow their business in what is a highly competitive market.

> To showcase the bulk ink system for SureColor S-Series, EcoTex.

“In this challenging business climate of uncertainty and squeezed margins, we are aiming to show print service providers how, with relatively low investment, they can win more of the branding opportunities within their existing customer base,” McMullin said.

> Visitors will view all models in the SureColor largeformat print range.

“These new branding opportunities not only represent additional margin but help to protect existing business from competitors by offering a one stop

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shop service.”

“The Print Show is a shop window on a huge number of new opportunities that PSPs will not see just on the web or via a brochure.”

McMullin says he has great confidence in The Print Show, primarily due to the success Epson has experienced at previous editions of the event. Epson has had a presence at the show since its launch in 2015; first through its reseller partner Colourbyte and more recently on its own stand.

“From an Epson, perspective we know from past experience that our customers do not always grasp the full possibilities of our products until they have seen them in action,” McMullin says.

The exhibitor list for The Print Show 2019 continues to grow, with organisers confirming a number of new additions to the floorplan in recent weeks. Among the latest companies to commit are Tharstern, Xeikon, The Solution Shop, James Burn International, Rhino Cutting Mats and Equipment, Siltech, Amaya and Route1Print.

The Print Show 2019 will take place from September 17th to 19th at the NEC in Birmingham.

industrial printing/textile printing

Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkII scoops two EDP Awards at FESPA 2019 Mimaki’s Tiger-1800B MkII topped two award categories at the 13th EDP Awards at FESPA 2019.

System). MAPS prevents banding and colour-shifting during the printing process by spreading the edge of each pass to create a gradient. This feature, alongside NRS, which enables the printer to replace damaged nozzles with operating nozzles without stopping production, enhances the printer’s performance and boosts productivity and quality for the user.

Mimaki, manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, celebrated winning two awards at the European Digital Press Association (EDP) Annual Awards ceremony, held at FESPA 2019 last week. Mimaki’s Tiger-1800B MkII was the champion of the day, earning its first award in the category of ‘textile printer roll-to-roll more than 100 sqm/h’, and the second for its Rimslow TR Series complete solution, in the category of ‘pre- and postpress-treatment solutions’.

During the 13th EDP Awards contest, over 100 entries across five main categories were made, with 28 products announced as winners. Chosen based on numerous criteria including quality, value to user and environmental impact, the winners were selected by 20 leading trade publications within the digital printing industry, reaching

over half a million readers across 25 European countries.

As part of the Tiger Pro Series, the Tiger1800B MkII is a high-volume textile printer for direct printing or paper transfer with a print speed of up to 385m2/h. This versatility and speed paired with the printer’s ability to print at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, enables users to produce extremely high-quality products without the need to compromise on production and throughput. Capable of handling all kinds of fabrics and papers, the printer can be used for a wide range of applications including tapestries, interior decoration and fashion & apparel.

Other important features of the Mimaki Tiger1800B MkII include MAPS (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) and NRS (Nozzle Recovery

“We’re delighted that our Tiger-1800B MkII came first in two categories during such a prestigious awards ceremony,” says Bert Benckhuysen, Product Manager for Mimaki Europe. “To be recognised for the fact that we listen closely to the needs of the market and constantly work to improve our products for customers, affirms our position as a strong force within digital textile printing.”

Allowing textile printers to take full control of their workflow, the Tiger-1800B MkII and the TR Series is a complete solution for coating, printing, steaming and washing machines.

Rather than purchasing technology from different manufacturers to handle the four production processes, Mimaki ensures complete technology compatibility, for improved efficiencies and quality.

“The Mimaki TR Series is all about increasing productivity and cutting costs throughout the whole digital textile printing process.

Providing an entire workflow solution instead of a stand-alone product, enables us to offer a much more stable and reliable production line. This enables increased uptime and allows our customers to focus on designing products that make them stand out in the crowd,” Benckhuysen concludes.

Mimaki Europe showcased both the Tiger1800B MkII and the TR Series at ITMA 2019.

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Epson opens Textile Solutions Center (TSC) TSC Asia opens at Fujimi Plant in Japan – Accelerating global expansion of the digital textile printing business.

Epson has opened a new textile solutions center called “TSC Asia” at its Fujimi Plant in Nagano prefecture. Designed to accelerate the global expansion of the digital textile printing business, TSC Asia is equipped to handle every step in the textile printing process, including textile pre- and posttreatment.

Like the Epson Group’s Textile Solutions Center operating in Como, Italy, since 2014, TSC Asia supports digital textile printing by conducting research and development and by using actual textile printers to produce samples for customers in Japan and throughout Asia.

Epson was among the first inkjet printer manufacturers to put its inkjet technology to use in digital textile printing. And, joined by its Italian subsidiaries For.Tex S.r.l. and Fratelli Robustelli S.r.l., Epson has been researching and developing digital textile printing as well as producing the Monna Lisa series of inkjet digital textile printers.

Epson is currently strengthening its production and sales organizations to position it to provide products and services globally from both Japan and Italy.

Epson started producing some models in the Monna Lisa series in 2018 at its Hirooka Plant in Nagano prefecture, Japan. The company will be expanding its prototyping and volume production operations for large industrial printers, including the Monna Lisa series, with the completion of a new facility in Hirooka, Innovation Center Building B, at the end of March 2020. In 2019, Epson will begin selling these products through its global sales network, which will also offer enhanced customer proposals and broader support.

TSC Asia opened prior to the completion of Building Bin order to respond to growing demand from Asia.

“I am pleased that we can now fully support the introduction and use of digital textile printing by an even larger audience thanks to the establishment of TSC Asia,” said Koichi Kubota, Representative Director,

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Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Seiko Epson’s Printing Solutions Operations Division.

“We will contribute to the development of digitization in the textile field with Epson’s inkjet technology and will make Epson indispensable for the textile world.”

Commercial and industrial printing, including digital textile printing, are one of the strategic areas of focus cited in the company’s longterm corporate vision, Epson 25. Epson will

broaden the world of digital printing in these areas, further accelerating innovation with inkjet technology.

The TSC Asia opened with an investment of 300 mn Yen. It is a 100 sq.mtrs facility.

The Fujimi Plant features: Semiconductor operations, sensing devices operations, research & development and production technology development. It started operations in 1980.

industrial printing/textile printing

Kornit unveils Presto - a breakthrough single-step industrial solution for digital direct-to-fabric printing.

Kornit Digital has introduced the new Kornit Presto, which is claimed as the only industrial single-step solution for direct-to-fabric printing. The Kornit Presto solution eliminates the need for pre and post treatment of fabric and allows for high-quality printing on an extraordinarily broad variety of fabric types and applications. The Kornit Presto does not consume water in the printing process, making it an extremely environmentally friendly solution available for direct-to-fabric textile printing.

The new Kornit Presto comes with the ground-breaking NeoPigment Robusto Pigment-based ink. Implemented into the renowned Kornit NeoPigment process, the Robusto provides refined wash and rub results and remarkable colour fastness across a wide fabric and application range.

The Robusto features fast physical and chemical bonding characteristics, enabling a significantly shorter curing time, while providing great quality and a wide colour gamut. The NeoPigment Robusto ink was developed with sustainability priorities and is ECO PASSPORT and GOTS V5 approved.

The Kornit Presto solution suits a wide range of business and application needs in a variety of industry segments, including fast growing segments within the on-demand fashion and home décor markets. It is a highly productive solution, available in multiple configurations and able to print 450 square meters per hour.

Gart Davis, CEO at Spoonflower, the world’s first web-based service for custom, ondemand fabric and design creation and a long-time Kornit customer, commented, “We were thrilled to be able to test the new system and found the Presto to be in a class by itself; it prints beautifully on all kinds of fabrics, in a single-step, with an environmentally friendly dry process, and now at a multiple of productivity. Our partnership with Kornit continues to be fundamental to our mission to make custom fabric accessible to designers, creative individuals and small businesses all over the world. We can’t wait to get going.”

Spoonflower, added, “The unique integration of the pre-treatment step into the printing process enables a level of efficiency that’s key to our web-to-print business.”

Omer Kulka, Kornit’s VP of Marketing and Product Strategy, also commented, “Kornit is on a mission to reinvent the textile printing industry with game-changing sustainable technologies for growing market segments.

We continue to see demand growth for on-demand production in fashion and home décor. This revolutionary technology is further proof of Kornit’s commitment to address the textile industry’s most urgent needs.”

The Kornit Presto got commercially released at ITMA Barcelona (June 20-26, 2019) and initial orders for the system started pouring in even before the release.

Kornit Digital launches KornitKonnect A cloud software analytics connectivity platform that maximizes business results and productivity.

Kornit Digital, worldwide provider of digital textile printing technology, has announced Kornit Konnect, its new cloud-based, mobile workflow software platform that enables businesses to maximize productivity of their digital printing solutions.

In its first phase, the Kornit Konnect enables businesses to monitor production, analyse insights and manage their fleet, in order to eliminate blind spots. It includes a fleet management dashboard, data driven benchmarks, actual production costs, and cost structures per job, making it easy for businesses to learn more, react faster and perform better. Future phases and releases of the Kornit Konnect will enable deeper insights and actions as it comes to optimizing production management and enabling a seamless software workflow environment for businesses of all sizes.

“While businesses need to deliver highquality faster than ever to maintain customer loyalty, they are also challenged to maximize their efficiency and productivity,” said Omer Kulka, VP Marketing at Kornit Digital.

“Konnect empowers these businesses to make better-informed production decisions and act on them, with greater visibility and control over their operations. We have a revolutionary vision for this cloud-based platform and have plans to frequently add new modules and features that customers can leverage for long-term business success,” he added.

Kerry King, Senior Vice President of R&D at

Apr - Jun 2019

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9th UV Days The event is a resounding success for the PrintCity Alliance.

PrintCity is more than pleased with the results of its participation in the 9th UV Days event held by Alliance member IST Metz.

The seminars on the food safety aspects of premium finishing techniques were particularly well-attended.

PrintCity Alliance gave extremely positive reviews of the 9th UV Days event, especially of its appearance at the in-house trade fair.

In addition to the highly frequented booths, the seminars also attracted the interest of numerous visitors.

Food safety is becoming an increasingly critical issue, particularly in the wake of stricter legislation. The use of UV light is still often viewed critically, even though it is a widespread technology in the market. If the right materials and substrates are selected, and the packaging products used and handled properly, they fulfil all European and Swiss food safety regulations for indirect food contact.

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The PrintCity Alliance took advantage of the opportunity to address this subject, presenting numerous samples and case studies on the event’s main stage.

Participating companies included IST Metz (UV curing systems), KAMA (cutting, stamping and gluing machines), LEONHARD KURZ (hot stamping and coating technology, holograms), Metsä Board (folding cartonboard), WEILBURGER Graphics (varnishes, adhesives and water-based flexo inks).

industrial printing/events Calendar

Events Calendar IPMEX’2019

Labelexpo Europe

Print Technology 2020

Date: 01 Aug -19 to 04 Aug -19 Venue: PWTC, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Date: 24 Sep -19 to 27 Sep -19 Venue: Brussels Expo Belgium

Date: 13 Aug -20 to 16 Aug -20 Venue: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Asia Sign 2019

Isprint

Date: 01 Aug -19 to 04 Aug -19 Venue: PWTC, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Date: 05 Nov -19 to 07 Nov -19 Venue: Tel Aviv Israel

Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo 2019

Heimtextil

Date: 27 Aug -19 to 29 Aug -19 Venue: Austin Convention Center United States

Date: 07 Jan -20 to 10 Jan-20 Venue: Messe Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany

drupa 2020 The Print Show 2019 Date: 17 Sep -19 to 19 Sep -19 Venue: NEC, National Exhibition Centre United Kingdom

Date: 16 Jun -20 to 26 Jun-20 Venue: Dusseldorf Germany

Readers are required to confirm the dates of the exhibition from the organizers. This is a reader service provided by PRESSIdeas and the company cannot be held responsible for any error or omission.

If your event is not listed in the above list, kindly write to us at info@pressideas.com with subject as event and we shall gladly be including the same as above.

Perfect Fit For Full Colour Label Printing System