Wide-format & Signage - March 2018

Sensational Signage • ISA Sign Expo 2018 Preview & Showstoppers

Top Products Awards

2018 ANNUAL

REVIEW

SIGN FRANCHISE

The Th he Premi Premier ier Source for the Visuall Communications Industry

Miami Trolleys | Armani Exchange at Art Basel PrintingNews.com/12385345

March 2018

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Table of Contents

March 2018

Annual Sign Franchise Review

14 10 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards

Total system-wide sales for sign franchises grew at nearly 11%, on average, for all companies, in 2017 versus 2016.

Check out why sign franchises are making multi-million dollar gains.

On the Cover: A positive factor of being with a franchise is the competitive advantages that come from being a brand with global recognition.

By Rebecca Flores

Departments

23 Big Graphics, Bigger Jobs

06 Printing Pulse 24 New Products

Big Visual Group Wins With NHL Playoff Graphics.

By Toni McQuilken

Our 2018 lineup of more than 20 winning products – as voted on by readers and print service providers around the world.

By Rebecca Flores

Columns 05 Editor’s Note

18 ISA Sign Expo Preview

An Industry Unseen

By Rebecca Flores

The ISA Sign Expo gets down to business. It’s the perfect time and place to make investments in your company.

By Rebecca Flores

26 Industry Insights The Rise of Digital Textile

By Duncan MacOwen

27 Sign Connection Sharing Best Practices

By Catherine Monson

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March 2018

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In the Know

PrintingNews.com Social Media

Featured Publication

wideformatsignage

Events: PIA | SGIA President’s Conference This year’s focus is “Innovations in Leadership”, leaving you to explore strategies and resources designed to help you better serve your customers while improving your operational and financial objectives.

March 4-6, San Antonio, TX

March 2018

The PPremier i SSource ource for the Visual Communications Industry

@wfi

2018 ANNUAL

SIGN FRANCHISE REVIEW

PrintingNews.com linkedin.com/ groups/1780044

ISA International Sign Expo The largest gathering of sign, graphics, print and visual communications professionals with programming and exhibits that offer serious solutions, real results, and powerful connections.

March 21-24, Orlando, FL DScoop: Unleashing Print In today’s world of digital technology overload, learn how HP digital print transforms marketing campaigns into success.

March 25-28, Dallas, TX

Published by SouthComm Business Media, Inc. PO Box 803 • 1233 Janesville Ave Fort Atkinson WI 53538 920-563-6388 • 800-547-7377 Vol. 26, No. 3

Top Products Awards Miami Trolleys | Armani Exchange at Art Basel PrintingNews.com/12385345

Sensational Signage • ISA Sign Expo 2018 Preview & Showstoppers

W

ide-Format & Signage is the business and technology resource for corporate and senior management focusing on issues across the wide-format and grandformat markets.

Sister Publications March 2018

The Resource Th R for f Commercial, C i l Sign Si & Digital Di i l Printing Pi i

Fabulous Flexo

• Achieving Workflow Nirvana • Die-Cutting: Digital vs. Traditonal

Group Publisher

• Executive Q & A

Kelley Holmes Kelley@PrintingNews.com | 800-616-2252 x8511

Editor Rebecca Marie Jo Rebecca@PrintingNews.com | 800-616-2252 x8506

Associate Editor Amanda Santiago Amanda@PrintingNews.com | 800-616-2252 x2739

PrintingNews.com

Contributing Writers Lori Anderson Neil Felton Toni McQuilken

PaperSpecs.com | Paper Inspiration #327: Alex Joseph Clothing PrintingNews.com/12383645

Catherine Monson Ted Redmer

Jeffrey Steele Joann Whitcher

Account Executive Paul Zimmerman Paul@PrintingNews.com | 800-616.2252 x8515

Production Manager

Since 1928, Printing News has focused on improving efficiency and increasing sales and profits in the print shop. Industry experts share their ideas and

Connie Wolf CWolf@SouthComm.com | 800-616-2252 x1679

technical knowledge on ways to

Art Director

improve operations.

Barbara Pineiro BPineiro@SouthComm.com | 800-547-7377 x6316

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Wide-Format & Signage, Volume 26, Number 3 is published monthly (7 print issues: February, March, June, August, September, October, and December.

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Wide-Format & Signage print edition is distributed as a supplement to Printing News magazine. Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. SouthComm Business Media, LLC does not assume and herby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.

The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant, either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions offered by the authors of said articles.

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March 2018

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Editor’s Note

All Things Wide-Format & Signage: An Industry

Unseen

O

ne of the most common questions I’m asked over and over is, “How did you get into this industry?” Many times, the veterans asking this question are male and generally, they qualify as a baby boomer. As a female professional in my mid-twenties, I tend to stick out on trade show floors. After all, print service providers and manufacturers are still trying to solve how to get millennials to remember the very industry exists, nonetheless get them into their talent pipelines. tirely digital or because print isn’t doing enough

When I applied for a position as Associate Editor, I could not have foreseen the world of

to market itself. The fact of the matter is when

learning that awaited me in the print and sig-

signage is done well, it is seamlessly integrated

nage industry. I didn’t think about print unless

and the only attention it demands is delight.

it was done poorly, like say, a typo on a sign or

As long as our world continues to share

a color scheme that was just a little off. What

ideas and innovate, our industry will continue

I’ve come to realize is that when signage is ex-

to permeate across society, from the textile

Rebecca Flores

ecuted successfully, your attention isn’t drawn

patterns we purchase in our favorite store to

Managing Editor

to the substrate or the integrity of the ink, it’s

whether a fan has a transformative experience

drawn to the product, campaign, or business

at a major sporting event. The challenge isn’t

the sign has been strategically created to pro-

making a case for our industry. Our impact is

mote. When signage is done well, the amalga-

everywhere. Instead, the challenge is culti-

mation between the graphic design element,

vating an appreciation for work well done. As

the concept, execution, and the fulfillment

we head into 2018 with a new team and fresh

of the print job produces a transformation of

perspective, our team is honored to bring you

our world. It’s a crescendo that determines the

the latest in innovation, technology, and news

billboards we see on our drive home, whether

for wide-format and signage, celebrating that

we notice signage promoting a new business in

work alongside you.

Rebecca Flores is an editorial professional with more than 7 years experience in content management, corporate communications, and leadership. With a demonstrated history of success in writing and editing, in addition to a keen insight for current trends, she brings an energized approach to coverage of the print and graphics industry.

Email Rebecca at rebecca@ printingnews.com.

town, and much more of our lived experiences.

When I share with my peers what I do, it becomes clear to me that the reason millennials don’t “think ink” is not because they’ve gone en-

What’s New in Soft Signage?

Textile trends in soft signage are taking off. Smithers Pira research estimates that the digital textile printing market volume will reach an annual rate of 17.5 percent from 2016 to 2021, reaching a market value of over $2 billion. Check out what’s next in signage on Page 22.

PrintingNews com

March 2018

Find this article at

PrintingNews.com/12398631

Wide-Format & Signage

5

Printing Pulse

Mimaki Joins Signtrade in Celebrating 30th Anniversary

SpeedPro Imaging Riding Wave of Franchise Development Momentum into 2018

Mimaki joined Signtrade International, its distributor in the Unit-

SpeedPro Imaging has made gains and advancements

ed Arab Emirates, last week to celebrate Signtrade’s 30th anniver-

made systemwide in 2017. Most notably, SpeedPro Imaging

sary. The celebration coincided with the Sign and Graphic Imaging

opened 11 new locations across the United States and intro-

(SGI) 2018 show held at the Dubai World Trade Center, from Janu-

duced Larry Oberly as its new CEO. All corporate executives

ary 14-16, where the complete line-up of Mimaki’s industry-lead-

and franchise partners are eager to expand upon this recent

ing products was shown at the Signtrade stand. At the ceremony,

success in 2018, further establishing SpeedPro Imaging as

the companies also celebrated their strategic partnership of more

the industry leader in wide-format graphics. The nation-

than 25 years. Taking place at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,

wide franchise experienced significant expansion over the

Dubai, the 30th anniversary celebration event saw attendance

course of the year. In 2017, SpeedPro generated a 10.6% in-

from both Mimaki Europe and Mimaki Engineering, with Mr Aki-

crease over 2016’s systemwide sales figures and introduced

ra Ikeda, the Executive Chairman of Mimaki Engineering, receiv-

13 new franchisees with diverse backgrounds. Among the

ing the Excellence Award from Signtrade.

most recent to open their SpeedPro Imaging studios: Ger-

“Our sincere congratulations go to Signtrade on its 30th an-

ald and Pam Stout in Akron, Ohio; Steve and Jean Jaszai in

niversary,” said Mr Sakae Sagane, Chairman of Mimaki Europe.

Northglenn, Colorado; Chavah Avraham in Pearland, Tex-

“Signtrade is the market leader and a valued Mimaki distribu-

as; Marc Bouchard in Townson, Maryland; Dave Poche in

tor in the region, and we have benefited from their deep knowl-

Durham, North Carolina. Beyond that, perhaps the biggest

edge and expertise and excellent customer service over the

headline from 2017 was the introduction of Larry Oberly as

past 25 years and look forward to continuing our relationship

the company’s new chief executive officer.

far into the future.”

PrintingNews.com/12393399

PrintingNews.com/12393884

New FESPA Digital Corrugated Experience to Feature at Global Print Expo 2018 in Berlin FESPA, the global federation of national associations for the speciality print industry, will introduce a new Digital Corrugated Experience at FESPA Global Print Expo 2018 (Messe, Berlin, May 15-18, 2018).

FESPA’s Digital Corrugated Experience is an educational and experiential area, which will showcase the commercial and production advantages of digital print for corrugated packaging and retail display applications, aiming to highlight to packaging converters and box-makers the benefits of integrating digital technology into their production mix. The Digital Corrugated Experience will address all elements involved in printing corrugated materials, including: substrates; workflow solutions; digital printing technologies; materials handling; primers, inks, coatings and varnishes; and cutting and folding. Digital print complements traditional analogue methods, enabling converters and display makers to expand their offering with prototyping, short-run, versioning or customisation of boxes and displays.

PrintingNews.com/12393601

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March 2018

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Printing Pulse

The Onset X1 and X2 Allow Brands to go Big at Minneapolis-Based Graphic Systems The Inca Onset X1 and X2 allow quicker

second to none. We are acquiring addition-

hour (126.8” x 63”) the Onset X2 is ideal

turns and increased revenue for sustained

al business because of the output quality.”

for companies such as Graphic Systems

growth at Minneapolis-based Graphic Sys-

The Onset X1, producing 4,304 square

producing fast-turnaround high quality

tems. For over 50 years, Graphic Systems

feet per hour (80 beds/hour) features

retail graphics. A choice of print modes

has been satisfying customers with their

eight active channels, with four channels

and settings can be selected depending

visionary spin on the retail landscape in

printing CMYK, and the remaining chan-

on the specific job requirements, allow-

marketing, POP buildouts, and graphics.

nels configured as needed using a com-

ing for the flexibility needed in today’s

“We made our decision to purchase two

bination of Light magenta, Light cyan,

competitive landscape.

Onset printers because of the quality,” said

White, and Orange (Lm, Lc, W, O). With

PrintingNews.com/12393099

Herm Kauls, chairman, Graphic Systems.

a maximum throughput of 6,889 square

“The capabilities they each have are really

feet per hour, equating to 128 beds per

PPS. Imaging Makes Renewed Investment in Xeikon

EFI Launches New VUTEk HS Presses for High-Volume Signage and Graphics Applications During the recent EFI Connect users’ conference in Las Vegas, Electronics For Imaging, Inc. announced the addition of the

German digital printer PPS. Imaging GmbH has invested in a

EFI VUTEk HS125 F4 and HS100 F4 inkjet presses for “Fast

Xeikon Wall Decoration Suite, including a Xeikon 8500 dig-

Graphics” out-of-home applications to its industry leading

ital printing system with an X-800 front end and two CMS/

lineup of hybrid flatbed/roll superwide-format products. The

WMF walldeco finishing units. The company took the deci-

new press models

sion towards the end of 2017 in order to service the growing

offer a significant

creative market for personalised wallpaper for hotels, cafés,

speed

offices, trade shows, events and homes. Installation is due to

printing up to 225

be completed by the end of March 2018.

boards per hour on

increase,

“We believe that there is further growth opportunity in

the HS125 F4 and

the interior design market,” said Axel Mausolf, Managing

up to 190 boards per

Director at PPS. Imaging GmbH. “Our recent takeover of kle-

hour on the HS100

befieber.de, an online shop for customised wall decoration

F4. The presses also include the proven, standard HS features

and home design ideas, has provided us with a strong addi-

and options customers have come to expect such as pin and

tional sales channel for products we can produce with the

cure, variable-drop grayscale imaging, and full- and semi-au-

Xeikon Wall Decoration Suite. We create products using the

tomated materials handling.

wide variety of materials the machine can work with, offer-

EFI’s new VUTEk HS presses for Fast Graphics out-of-home

ing an endless range of design possibilities that have a ‘wow’

production will be available this quarter from EFI. Also be-

factor, such as turning a conference room into a wine cellar,

ginning this quarter, customers who purchase VUTEk HS125

antiquity-themed wall designs for museums, or a lounge

Pro and HS100 Pro presses can convert them to the new F4

that appears to be in the middle of a forest.”

models through a modification completed in the field.

PrintingNews.com/12393878

PrintingNews.com/12397048

PrintingNews .com

March 2018

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Printing Pulse Roland DGA Doubles the Number of “Born to Wrap” Workshops in 2018 Roland DGA has announced its 2018 schedule of “Born to Wrap” workshops – highly interactive two-day and one-day classes designed to help vehicle wrap designers, installers and shop owners take their abilities and operations to the next level. The hands-on workshops, sponsored

by Avery Dennison, will be led by the vehicle wrap professionals from Louisville, Kentucky-based Digital EFX Wraps, renowned for their vehicle wrap installation and business management skills.

In addition to teaming up with Avery Dennison, a leading provider of vehicle wrap material, as well as Digital EFX Wraps, one of the top vehicle wrap shops in the country, Roland DGA will be partnering with several of its resellers to offer classes throughout the U.S. For more information on the Roland Academy Born-to-Wrap workshops or to register online, visit www.rolanddga.com/rolandacademy.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Named a 2018 Best-in-Category Franchise by Franchise Business Review

PrintingNews.com/12396672

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, announced it was named Best-in-Category in the business services sector on Franchise Business Review’s list of the top franchises for 2018. This is the 13th annual ranking of the top 200 award-winning franchise opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud to have been ranked num-

Epson Launches New Digital Fabric Printing Microsite for Fashion Designers

ber one for franchisee satisfaction in the Business

At its annual Digital Couture Project fashion and technology show-

Services category for the second consecutive year

case, Epson America introduced a new microsite – “Epson Brings

by our franchise owners,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of

Technology & Fashion Together” – dedicated to connecting digital

Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS In-

fabric printing technology and solutions to fashion designers and

ternational, Inc. “Our entire organization is designed

entrepreneurs. The new site provides fashion designers with an in-

and committed to provide each of our franchisees with

formative digital fabric printing destination, offering solution-based

the tools, resources, support and training they need to

guidance for a range of digital fabric printing applications including,

succeed in their local markets. This recognition is con-

dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, and direct-to-fabric printing on

firmation that our efforts have continued positively

a variety of fabrics. The “Epson Brings Technology & Fashion Togeth-

impact the lives of our franchise network and we look

er” microsite also connects fashion designers directly to digital fab-

forward to another successful year ahead.”

ric printers to help advance the integration of digital fabric printing

PrintingNews.com/12393736

technology in today’s design workflows.

PrintingNews.com/12396171

Reece Supply Extends its High-quality Digital Offering by Becoming an EFI Inkjet Distribution Partner Electronics For Imaging, Inc. reported that Reece Supply Company will become a distributor of EFI inkjet products. Reece’s offerings will include EFI Wide Format and EFI VUTEk digital inkjet printers for 3D thermoformed graphics, along with a range of EFI LED inkjet printers. “We have been extremely impressed with the quality and scope of inkjet solutions from EFI, and we look forward to introducing these outstanding products to our customers,” said Reece Supply Company President Richard Reece. “This broad range of high-quality wide-format and superwide-format printers will bring new value and enhanced profitability to our customer base.” EFI announced the new partnership with Reece Supply Company during EFI’s Connect users’ conference in Las Vegas.

PrintingNews.com/12393699

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Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

PrintingNews .com

Thank you!

3M would like to thank you for your votes to earn Wide-format & Signage’s 2018 Reader’s Choice Top Product Award for 3M™ Print Wrap Film IJ180mC-10UR.

Energize your wrap options.

Print wrap film options for every preference, style and application.

You have your own preference and style.

We get that. And not all wrap jobs are the same. So, whether you’re looking for a unique solution like film IJ180mC-10UR or an every-day wrap film, 3M offers a suite of options. Here are the three workhorse films for just about any application.

NEW

3M™ Print Wrap Film IJ175Cv3

3M™ Print Wrap Film IJ180mC-10

3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3

A wrap film with low initial tack, higher slideability and bubble-free graphics.

A wrap film with medium/low initial tack, higher slideability and the smoothest appearance.

The industry go-to film, with medium/high initial tack, slideability and bubble-free graphics.

Visit 3M.com/IJ180 for more details.

For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10003398

2018

Wide-Format & Signage

Readers’ Choice

TOP Product Awards

Our 2018 lineup of more than 20 winning products – as voted on by readers and print service providers around the world.

E

ach year, Wide-Format & Signage turns to the industry to help us name the winners of our Readers’ Choice Top Product Awards. More than 150 products were nominated across an array of categories by readers and print service providers worldwide, as well as the industry and our own editorial staff. The result: an exceptionally strong lineup of more than 20 winning products – as voted on by the members of the visual-communications industry. Our congratulations to the winners!

FINISHING:

INK & TONER:

Cutters / Routers Zünd LM 100W Laser by Zünd With the LM 100W, Zünd has introduced a laser module for sign & display applications. The purpose of this new laser-cutting system is to cut polyester fabrics and seal the edges at the same time.

Fabric Finishing Equipment Cronos Ultimate by Media One Digital Imaging Solutions The highest quality and most flexible solution for sewing textiles in the digital market to product Flags, Displays, Banners, Tents and Curtains. Easy to use and fast, the CRONOS sewing system allows users to achieve consistently high-quality flat seams, reduces production time and increases output.

Laminates, Coatings, & Equipment Easymount Air EM-A1600SH Wide Format Laminating System by Vivid Laminating

Aqueous / Durable Aqueous / Latex Ink/DyeSub & Output Devices: Engineering Printer imagePROGRAF TX-3000 MFP T36 by Canon USA Canon continues to innovate and build on its award-winning technology, year after year. These advances have allowed Canon to design solutions to help improve productivity, maximize use, and enhance security features in a seamless system that can put you at the forefront of the large-format printing industry.

MEDIA: Fabric/Textile Renew by Magic Printable, lightweight, durable, non-woven PET banner with a textured, matte surface.

RENEW can be hung from ceilings, fences, scaffolding, etc. It can also be used to create customizable pennants. It is the perfect alternative to vinyl (which is known for being environmentally harmful) and other banner materials.

The new Easymount Air laminates stunning wide-format graphics and board mounts, on one of the most advanced concepts ever seen in a wide format laminator.

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Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

PrintingNews com

Fine Art & Photography

Semi Rigid / Rigid

Deco-Structure 7582FLBS by Top Value Fabrics Top Value Fabrics Deco-Structure is constructed with a unique textured surface making it the perfect choice for ďŹ ne art printing and ďŹ ne art reproduction providing the classic look and feel of artist canvas displaying rich, brilliant colors when printed.

Floor Graphic Media SpotOn Floor 200 by Drytac The latest introduction to Drytac’s product line is 8mm (200Îź) embossed printable white matte monomeric PVC ďŹ lm for short-term, indoor oor graphics applications.

Thanks to a unique dot pattern printed pressure-sensitive polyacrylate adhesive, the new ďŹ lm can be applied to multiple ooring surfaces including oor or ceramic tiles, sealed wood or concrete, waxed vinyl, marble, terrazzo surfaces, and more.

Everyday Blockout Display Film by HP Inc. HP Everyday Blockout Display Film is an economical display ďŹ lm compatible with both HP DesignJet and HP Latex ink technologies. It has an innovative three-layer construction with polyester and polypropylene that produces rigid, durable displays with excellent lay-at properties.

Vehicle Wrap Media

3M Print Wrap Film IJ180mC-10UR by 3M

In a world where trends seem to change every day, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not. 3M is excited to introduce a new product that makes it nearly impossible to fall out of fashion.

The new 3M Print Wrap Film IJ180mC-10UR is an ultra-removable print wrap ďŹ lm that comes off quickly and cleanly. Truly the best of both worlds, this innovative ďŹ lm combines 3M’s trusted quality and durability with the ability to remove or replace graphics at a moment’s notice.

Y.V ]J%ct Y %JY VY.DcĐˆcJĐˆ hc tJY;%=Jt

MORE THAN JUST A RIP, A FULL FEATURED SOLUTION FOR PRINTING BUSINESSES! 2018 Top Product Wide-Format & Signage Readers’ choice awards:

RIP Software & Web-to-Print

Version 11 Highlights: • APPE4 : New APPE 4 includes smoother shades, extensive spot color handling and seamless gradient blend • PrintBleed : Pixel cloning and contour duplication to expand print area • Sync&Deploy : Synchronize RIP station and Print Â–Ă“ĂŒÄ”ÂŤĂ˛Ă˘Â‰Ă­ÂłĂ“ĂŒĂŚĎ&#x; CÂ‰ĂŒÂ‰ÂŤÂ Ă˛Ă&#x;ÂœÂ‰Ă­Â ĂŚ ÂłĂŒ Ă“ĂŒÂ Â–Ă…ÂłÂ–Ă‚ Â‰ĂŒÂœ œ Ă&#x;Ă…Ă“Ä„ them automatically through the entire company • OpenCL : Boosted computing for higher RIPPING speeds • Optimized for Print Clustering and Digital Presses

s.].c h] c ISA ORLANDO! BOOTH 4830 CALDERA Inc - 1850 East 121st Street, Suite108, Burnsville, MN 55337 Tel. 612-216-5212 - Fax 612-486-9485 - www.caldera.com - contact@caldera.com For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10004280

PrintingNews com

March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

11

up to 1,200 dpi, the 5-meter EFI VUTEk 5r printer maximizes performance, efficiency, and quality. Featuring high-resolution, 7-picoliter EFI UltraDrop Technology, the printer offers the fastest throughput in the market, superior image quality, and a lower total cost of ownership for premium graphics work.

Wall & Window Graphic Media MPI 1405 by Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions North America launched a new PVC-free film, MPI 1405. The new MPI 1405 is an ultra-conformable film with a long term removable (LTR) adhesive. Its reliable and superior print quality and instant adaptability make it suitable for a broad range of applications, from car wraps and outdoor graphic needs, to textured surfaces like brick walls or cinderblock.

OUTPUT DEVICES: Aqueous Printer / Durable Aqueous / Latex (24-95 inches) HP Latex 570 Printer

by HP Inc. The HP Latex 570 Printer provides cost-effective production and is easily integrated into your fleet.

Sustain high productivity, load rolls in one minute or less, print up to 248 ft 2/hour, print 328foot SAV rolls with heavy-roll support up to 121 pounds. Vivid color, consistent quality, highly-saturated prints, up to 50% more ink density allowing you to manage your fleet easily and cost effectively.

Flatbed Printer Nyala LED Printer by SwissQprint Nyala LED is the flagship model of the swissQprint product line. With its 126 x 79’’ flatbed it produces up to 2217 ft 2/h. The real flatbed printer offers a roll to roll option as well as a board option for oversized board printing. A loading and unloading robot is also available as an option and integrates seamlessly with the swissQprint output software. The Nyala LED is built individually to the customer’s needs.

Grand-Format Printer (96 inches+) VUTEk 3r and VUTEk 5r Printers by EFI

Output Devices: Hybrid Printer/Solvent Printer ValueJet 1638UH by Mutoh America, Inc. Mutoh America, Inc. ValueJet 1638UH 64-inch hybrid printer provides real production based UV-LED performance at an affordable price. Its staggered dual print head design provides high-print speeds and dual UV lamps on either side of the print heads.

Textile Printer SureColor F9370 by Epson Epson America introduced its latest wide-format textile printer designed to deliver high-speed, reliable productivity for digital dye-sublimation transfers for a range of polyester textile and apparel applications. The new 64-inch Epson SureColor F9370 delivers industrial-level production with speeds up to 1,169 square feet/hour and features an integrated new fabric wiping system coupled with a highly accurate roll-toroll media support system.

UV Printer (24-95 inches) Fujifilm Acuity LED 3200R

by Fujifilm The Fujifilm Acuity LED 3200R is a superwide format printer designed to produce high quality display and exhibition graphics in the most cost-effective way. Fujifilm technology in LED UV curing and ink chemistry work in conjunction to give a profitable solution.

PREPRESS: Color Management Hardware & Software CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2017 by Corel Introducing CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2017, the latest version of Corel’s flagship graphics software that offers designers a new, hands-on creative experience that’s unlike any other vector application.

Printing at speeds up to 4,896 sq.ft./hr. in resolutions

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Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

PrintingNews com

Web-to-Print

SOFTWARE:

Webshop 1st Edition by Caldera

MIS Software

Caldera Webshop is a robust e-commerce platform, providing a fully-featured solution which allows you to tailor your store to your individual set-up. This SaaS product integrates seamlessly with Caldera’s RIP software, creating a complete sales-to-production solution that saves you time

ONYX Hub by Onyx Graphics ONYX Hub software is designed to bring real-time, historic and trend data to business owners and production managers, enabling them to make better business decisions. ONYX Hub software is a business intelligence tool with a browser-based dashboard that provides easy-to-understand data across a print service provider’s entire site, enabling better business decisions.

RIP Software V11 RIP Software from Caldera Caldera invites users to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a landmark edition that introduces a variety of improvements for wide-format print houses. Leveraging Caldera’s partnership with Adobe, V11 incorporates the latest version of Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE 4), as well as practical advances in image and business control options.

and makes you money.

Workflow Software ONYX 12.2 by Onyx Onyx Graphics Inc. released ONYX 12.2 software, the latest version of the company’s wide-format print workflow and RIP products.

ONYX 12.2 software features improved RIP and data transfer processing speeds, new multi-roll functionality, job scaling and rotation, and cut workflow enhancements.

For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10006791

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March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

13

2018

Annual Sign Franchise Review

F

ranchises may count as a small business, but there’s nothing small about them.

exceeding that growth rate. In fact, total system-wide sales for sign franchises grew at nearly 11%, on average, for all companies, in 2017 versus 2016. And companies indicated According to the International Franchise Association’s that, on average, their number of shops grew approximately “Franchise Business Economic Outlook for 2018,” franchise 5% in 2017 versus the previous year (both in the US and businesses accounted for approximately $416 billion last internationally). year, amounting to a total GDP growth in 2018 forecast at Although franchise employment growth as reported by ADP 2.7% Sign franchises, it’s important to note, are typically has slowed somewhat in 2017, the franchise sector is projected to grow faster in 2018 than the overall economy. The International Franchise Franchise Business Growth, 2015-2018: January 2018 Forecast Association estimates the number of fran7% chise establishments increased 1.6% in 2017 and expect them to increase another 6% 1.9% in 2018 to 759 thousand. States in 5% the South and West lead the nation in franchise employment.

■ 2015 4% Franchises give entrepreneurs a com■ 2016 petitive advantage by providing a brand ■ 2017 3% with global recognition. Franchises also ■ 2018 have access to products and services that 2% the independent often does not, providing a key benefit for success. Corporate teams 1% at certain franchise brands also provide hands-on support to franchisees, helping 0% Establishments

14

Employment

Wide-Format & Signage

Output

GDP

March 2018

PrintingNews com

OPPORTUNITY

PARTNERSHIP

LOCATION

FRANCHISE

LEGAL DOCUMENT

INVESTING

MARKET RESEARCH

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

them improve profit and grow top line sales through a diverse range of programs.

How to Pick the Franchise Brand For You However, not all “franchises” are equal. There is a distinction between franchises like FASTSIGNS, Signarama, and SpeedPro Imaging and chains of independently-owned business networks like Sign Biz and Signworld Business Partners. The distinction between a franchise and networks of independently-owned businesses are that the latter are not subject to regulation in the way franchises are. This lack of regulation means limited data track-

ing, making it more difficult for external parties to validate their numbers, track their sales, report financials, or even determine how many locations were successfully established.

Alternatively, many franchise chains focus on uniformity while some may allow for a greater degree of customization. Philip F. Zeidman, Head of the Franchise and Distribution Law Practice at Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe LLP adds that legal action may befall franchisees that fail to comply to the appropriate standards, giving one all the more reason to choose a franchise designed to provide customized support for the individual needs of the business owner.

With a total revenue $479 Million, 2017 was another record year for FASTSIGNS, one of the most successful franchise companies leading the industry in offering a broad mix of products and services that resulted in comprehensive visual communications solutions for their customers.

In 2017, FASTSIGNS opened 43 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as

3 in the U.K. They are also developing 16 master franchise centers throughout Malta, Italy, and Greece. Their full service US centers that are one year or older have increased their average unit volume by 6% to $833,114 (per shop) in

For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/12149752

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March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

15

OPPORTUNITY

PARTNERSHIP

LOCATION

FRANCHISE

LEGAL DOCUMENT

INVESTING

MARKET RESEARCH

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

2017. FASTSIGNS also reports experiencing higher average invoice, higher profitability, and are selling more complex projects.

“Franchising in a global world provides more advertising dollars to reach new markets, more viewpoints and learning to share with others in the network, and more value to anyone eventually reselling their business,” said Catherine Monson, FASTSIGNS International, CEO. Technology has also helped franchises print and produce better and faster, and in some cases, it has allowed locations to

Total System-Wide Sales Franchise

2015 Sales

2016 Sales

2017 Sales

FASTSIGNS

$422 million

$454 million

$479 million

Alliance

$169 million

$174 million

$167 million

Signarama

$318 million

$405 million

Undisclosed

SpeedPro Imaging

$51 million

$58 million

$62 million

*Signworld Business Partners and Sign Biz were not included in the Annual Sign Franchise Review as they qualify as independently-owned business networks, not franchises.

$

Investment Requirements Minimum Startup Capital Required Franchise

2015

2016

2017

FASTSIGNS

$80,000

$80,000

$80,000

Alliance

$250,000

$75,000

$75,000

Signarama

$49,500

$60,000

$49,500

SpeedPro Imaging

$35,000

$55,000

$50,000

Average Total Investment Required

$

Franchise

2015

2016

2017

FASTSIGNS

$196,000

$225,000

$182,300$267,500

Alliance

$185,000

$35,000 $560,000

$225,000

Signarama

$94,366 $151,646

$94,366 -$151,646

$198,000

SpeedPro Imaging

$225,000

$225,000

$315,200 $377,700

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Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

reduce labor costs. Training and marketing support provided by connectivity in the technological era allow better support and immediate resolution of challenges experiences by franchisees.

Alliance credits their growth to emphasizing their experiential high end graphics and high profile organization branding.

SpeedPro Imaging reports that their biggest change in 2017 from 2016 was the introduction of Larry Oberly as the company’s new CEO. Oberly, a franchise leader with over 25 years of experience as a franchisor and franchisee (including 10 years as Vice President of Global Development at RE/MAX), joined the SpeedPro Imaging team on November 6, 2017.

SpeedPro Imaging’s CEO, Larry Oberly, said he’s excited to grow the SpeedPro Imaging franchise system while providing current franchisees with unprecedented support and guidance. “2018 will be a breakout year for SpeedPro Imaging,” says Oberly. “We are creating a lot of momentum coming into the new year and look forward to further establishing our company as the national leader in large-format printing. The key to accomplishing that is turning our full attention to our franchisees – helping them become more profitable and more efficient than ever before.

For prospective franchisees, we’ve made important changes to the franchise investment by cutting the initial consideration by nearly $100,000. Th is makes our model much more affordable for a future franchisee.”

Dan Werner, VP of Operations at Signworld Business Partners, recognizes the ability to grow business internationally, going after larger customers that use graphics on a global level. Their competitive marketing push seeks to boost sales to nearly a million dollars per shop in 2017 with a whopping average of $850,000. With over 332 shops across the world, Signworld Business Partners brought in a revenue of $270 million in 2017.

“Our independent business owners have unlimited sales fences, so each of them have the ability to focus on customers with a global footprint,” said Signworld’s Werner.

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OPPORTUNITY

01

PARTNERSHIP

LOCATION

02

03

Signarama credits their growth in 2017 to a move towards digital growth and they continue to promote complete

marketing and branding packages, in addition to their print services, as the economy makes gains. Meanwhile, FASTSIGNS plans to grow their business in 2018 with continued implementation of our brand strategy focused on “More Than” products and services, ongoing training programs and expanded marketing initiatives, including increasing on national television advertising spend by 15% to garner 300 million impressions on 10 networks

Top 10 States for Franchise Growth: 2018

FRANCHISE

04

in the US and Canada. As a part of our “More Than” strategy, they plan to have a bigger focus on interior décor products, architectural signage, and digital signage. They celebrated opening our 600th US location at the beginning of January, 2018 and have plans to open 45 new locations in the US and Canada, and 10 in other countries in 2018.

Several franchises and independently-owned business networks are looking to make news beyond the US and North America this coming year.

With a cumulative total of system-wide sales of 970 million, franchises are leading the way in small-business opportunities with multi-millions in gain.

Employyment

Growt wth

Nevada

5.1% %

Utah

5.00%

Arizona

4.9% 9%

Florida

4.7%

Colorado

4.7 4.7%

Oregon

4.5% 5%

South Carolina

4.4%

North Dakota

4.3%

North Carolina

4.3%

Tennessee

4.2%

Output

Growth

Nevada

7.8%

Utah

7.7%

Florida

7.5%

Oregon

7.5%

Arizona

7.4%

Texas

7.2%

Colorado

7.1%

North Dakota

6.9%

South Carolina

6.8%

North Carolina

6.8%

IHS Markit Economics January 2018 Outlook

NEW Laser Module LM 100W

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March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

17

ISA International Sign Expo 2018 PREVIEW

The ISA Sign Expo gets down to business. It’s the perfect time and place to make valuable investments in your company.

By Rebecca Flores

T

he ISA Sign Expo gets down to business. It’s the perfect time and place to make investments in your company. The largest gathering of sign, graphics, print and visual communications professionals is where you want to be and where you’ll get programming and exhibits that offer serious solutions, real results, and provide opportunities for attendees to make powerful connections.

Held annually, the event location alternates between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Orlando, Florida. ISA Sign Expo 2018 will be held March 22–24, 2018 (while education and events will take place March 21–24, 2018) at the Orange County Convention Center, South Hall in sunny Orlando, Florida.

As manufacturers and new showrunners in the industry make unprecedented advances in products and technology, how our world engages signage is ever-evolving and ISA Sign Expo connects you to it all.

• Dare to explore what’s new. Source all of the new cutting-edge products on display and find new revenue streams for your business.

• Dare to seek out new partnerships.

Connect with industry professionals from all facets of the industry from 100 countries around the world.

• Dare to try something new. Get new ideas, learn from the experts and bring back critical information to keep your

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Wide-Format & Signage

business competitive.

The ISA Sign Expo 2018 Innovation Awards The ISA Sign Expo 2018 Innovation Awards are designed to recognize and honor the leaders in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry for creating new and innovative products.

A panel of experts will determine a winner for each of the following categories: Print; Business Solutions/Software; Electronic and Traditional Signage.

You can join our team, as well as the industry leaders at ISA, at the Hot Product Preview where the winners will be showing off their products on Thursday, March 22, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in booth 5245.

Networking Events Receptions, happy hours, and coordinated activities are a key part of ISA Sign Expo 2018. In addition to an

March 2018

industry party hosted at BB Kings Orlando on Thursday, March 22 from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., attendees are ensured a multitude of opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

New! Ultimate Wrap Star 2018 Competition The ISA Sign Expo is also hosting a three-day car wrap competition for the first year. Anyone is invited to compete for the title of ISA Sign Expo 2018 wrap star and all participants take home a bag of products provided by sponsors with a value of approximate $1,000 and $8,500 in cash for the winner. Check out the competition on the trade show floor at Booth 253, Thursday through Saturday, and contact Dirk Moebes at dirk.moebes@mr-clipart.com if interested in participating in the competion.

Trade Show Floor Hours Thursday, March 22 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, March 23 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 24 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

ISA Sign Expo is the place to source new business, meet leading industry

PrintingNews com

professionals, and make local and national partnerships. Attendees are invited to provide their unique perspectives and insights as they experience new technology and products firsthand.

Education Sessions In addition to the trade show floor, ISA Sign Expo offers educational sessions over the span of the expo. Three Game Changer sessions for 2018 are designed to expand your thinking and inspire you to push the limits of innovation. On Thursday morning, March 22, 2018, Shannon Huffman Polson will lead a session on Leading From Any Seat: Stories from the Cockpit. With real-world stories and insights from in and out of the cockpit, she offers tangible leadership lessons for attendees to seek out their own targets of focus where passion and purpose intersect.

By examining everyday leadership and situational challenges, Shannon challenges others to effectively lead and thrive in any dynamic environment.

Later that same afternoon, Jeff Henderson will lead an educational session called If You Can See It, You Can Be It. With a program featuring 12 inspiring and pragmatic street-smart recipes for success, audiences will discover their hidden business aptitudes, make life-changing decisions, and secure personal and professional success.

On Friday, Kim Lear will share her expertise on the subject of Leveraging Generational Diversity. Organizations are feeling the pain of generational differences as they struggle to manage productivity and morale while maintaining high standards of quality and service in an unpredictable economy.

This session will give you the tools to convert generational diversity from an obstacle into an opportunity. Overall, there are 33 educational sessions spanning across Thursday and Friday, giving attendees a variety of options to learn from experts on growing their business and incorporating new skills at their company. Make sure to check the ISA Sign Expo website before you go to plan your attendance at the sessions in terms of priority.

A Preview of ISA Products on the Show Floor

some of the legwork, Wide-Format & Signage has listed a few products on the next few pages that include some of the newest and most interesting on the trade show floor. Use this preview as a guide to plan your stops on the exhibit floor before you go! We’ll see you there at Booth 6041!

As you walk the ISA International Sign Expo, nearly 600 exhibitors will have their latest products on display. But where do you start?

We can’t walk the whole trade show floor on your behalf, but to help with

• UV and Eco-solvent printable optically Clear PET • Clean room manufactured • Scratch resistant Films • Textured PET Films

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19

ISA International Sign Expo 2018 PREVIEW 3M Booth #3308

adhesive. Simply peel and stick KederTape onto textiles. Finish fabric SEG signs without the hassle of sewing.

Try a sample of KederTape at booth 3935.

MARABU Booth #4229

With 34 new shades, including Deep Sea Blue, Regal Red and Glacial Green, 3M’s selection of colored translucent films now features a total of 103 options. The expanded lineup bolsters 3M’s Illuminated Sign Solutions portfolio – which also includes inkjet printable films, light management films, overlaminates and flexible substrates. This comprehensive portfolio positions 3M as the go-to provider of backlit sign color and design options, which enable companies to achieve unparalleled global consistency and creative potential.

Marabu North America will be showcasing their latest line of UV-LED digital inks and their ClearShield liquid laminates. Designed for a wide range of applications, UltraJet inks are the newest products in Marabu’s line of digital inks, specifically tailored for high-resolution print heads in both traditional UV printing and UV-LED printing. The ClearShield line of liquid laminates offers protection and durability as well as the benefit of a Type II certified solution for commercial applications.

BANNER UPS Booth #3935

GMG AMERICAS Booth 4942

Make SEG Signs without sewing! Try Banner Ups KederTape. KederTape is a high-quality keder that is laminated with a premium pressure sensitive

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Wide-Format & Signage

PrintFactory, powered by GMG, is the most complete production workflow software suite for banner, sign and super wide format printing. The software

March 2018

offers all the professional job preparation and file correction tools needed to maximize productivity and profitability, with its pioneering automated workflows dramatically cutting media wastage and providing average ink savings of 20%. Centralized GMG color management and smart profiles deliver exceptional color control to guarantee consistent, high quality color reproduction across multiple devices.

ULTRAFLEX SYSTEMS, INC. Booth #5011 Ultraflex will feature several new products in our VorTex soft signage solutions line including MultiTex® S285. MultiTex ®S285 is a 8.4 oz. multi-purpose canvas made from 100% polyester spun yarn and looks the same as True Canvas. The synthetic canvas delivers exceptional value and versatility while being the economical choice for canvas materials. It can be stretched and framed and is easy to print and finish. Ideal for fine-art reproduction and indoor applications including wall murals.

ROLINX Booth #1019

The Kala Mistral 1650 Laminator is by far the best value for money in its class. Unique features include Kala’s patented “auto-calibration” system which assures even pressure for perfect tracking. The one-piece steel welded frame makes it very sturdy and compact. It comes with a built-in storage area for up to 4 rolls.

Waste-free roll to roll lamination requires no supervision.

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AGL Booth #2163

GRAPHTEC, INC. Booth #3045

CYRIOUS Booth #3142

AGL will showcase the very popular Patriot laminator. The Patriot is designed to specifically address the issues associated with finishing UV, Latex and Solvent based printing technologies.

AGL’s proprietary nip roll design and the industry’s best heating system solves the problems associated with poor laminate adhesion and silvering. Processes include roll to sheet lamination, roll to roll lamination, mounting, pre-masking and one sided thermal laminating. Fully pneumatic tension control, cantilevered material supply stations, heavy-duty construction and through put speeds of up to 30 fpm make the Patriot a true high production laminator.

Known around the world for its high precision cutting and build quality, the FC8600 cutting plotter is the ultimate finishing solution for the signage, apparel, and automotive markets. Included Graphtec Pro Studio and Cutting Master 4 software provide all of the tools needed to create stunning products. Utilizing the strength of the ARMS sensor and 600g of down force, even the most challenging medias such as high intensity reflective are cleanly cut.”

Cyrious Software is launching a Production CloudApp for Control at ISA. Accessible via phone and tablet browsers, users will be able to clock in and out of jobs and move orders through production via online job boards. Installers and staff can take pictures of a sign, print, or installation work and add it directly to the order along with customer signatures needed for approval. This Production App can be linked to Artwork Approval and Online Payments (additional fees may apply).

VIISSIT IT US N THE ISSA EAR HP AT BOO EXPO IINN

TH #443 8

Market Place March 2018 Ad Directory Advertiser ....................................................PG# 3M Commercial Solutions .................................................9 PrintingNews.com/10003398 www.3M.com/IJ180 4Over, Inc.................................................................................2 PrintingNews.com/10003405 www.4over.com AXYZ International............................................................. 15 PrintingNews.com/12149752 www.axyz.com; 800-527-9670 Caldera....................................................................................11 PrintingNews.com/10004280 www.caldera.com; 612-216-5212 Lintec ..................................................................................... 19 PrintingNews.com/10006436 www.digitalwindowgraphics.com; 800-806-8977 Mutoh America ................................................................... 13 PrintingNews.com/10006791 www.mutoh.com; 800-99.MUTOH Signs 365................................................................................28 PrintingNews.com/10449454 www.signs365.com; 800-265-8830

&ĞĂƚƵƌŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ŶĞǁ ,ŝŐŚͲ ĞĮŶŝƟŽŶ dĞdžƟůĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ G++O Friiedriich

Deco-SStructure 7582FLBS Durable in all environments, Deco-Structure’s textured surface provides excellent ƉƌŝŶƚ ĚĞĮŶŝƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ideally suited for portrait and micro visual renderings where clarity is priority. dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ĞĐŽͲ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĂƌĞ ĮŶĞ art, banners, POP, tradeshow exhibits, retractables and wall coverings. This premium fabric is REACH Compliant and OEKOTEX® ^d E Z ϭϬϬ ĞƌƟĮĞĚ͘ Thank you readers, for choosing Deco-Structure as the award winner for the 2018 Wide-Format and Signage Top Products Award for Fine Art and Photography media

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21

Sensational Signage –

Tapping One of Fabric’s Fast-Growing Niches Soft signage is in high demand – and more advanced printers, inks, and media are making it easier and more profitable to offer it.

By Laurie Weller

F

rom the stadium and convention hall, to the airport and that high-end retailer, soft signage is popping up across the consumer Mutoh’s ValueJet 1948WX is a 75” high-speed sublimation printer ideal for trade show graphics, flags, landscape. In fact, Smithers Pira research estimates that digital textile printing mar- interior décor, and more. Photo courtesy of Mutoh America. ket volume is increasing at an annual rate the trade show – for example, storing of 17.5 percent from 2016 to 2021, and that it will reach a market value of well over signage from the last show – lends itself $2 billion in this timeframe. According to Mike Wozny, Senior Product Manager for well to polyester fabrics which can be EFI, soft signage represents one of the market’s best growth opportunities for print wadded up, thrown in a box, unfolded, service providers (PSPs). “This time two years ago, industry estimates were around 6 and steamed to look like new,” he said. to 8 percent growth for the soft signage market,” he said. “Now we are experiencing “This is something you can’t do with double-digit growth. It has been a very good market, and it is even better today.” Mike vinyl,” he said.

Compton, Product Marketing Manager, Print Media for Top Value Fabrics Media, sais To make the most of the market ophis company is witnessing this trend as well. “The market is absolutely exploding portunity, Martin advises PSPs to conwith growth, and we continue to find new avenues for soft signage,” he shared. Acsider what types of soft signage might cording to Tommy Martin, Product Manager, Textiles & Apparel Business Developbest serve their existing clientele. ment and Marketing for Mimaki USA, soft signage dominated exhibit displays at the recent SGIA show. “The vast majority of overhead signage was fabric,” he said.

Fabric’s Unique Advantages

different – it looks better, and higher-end brands are aligned with this.”

“Plus, using fabric for signage simplifies logistics,” added Tom Wittenberg, Large-Format Segment Marketing Manager, Sign & Décor, the Americas for HP. “It is much lighter and less expensive to ship than materials that are bigger and bulkier,” he said. Randy Anderson, Product Marketing Manager for Mutoh Americas Inc., agreed. “The top application for soft signage is in the trade show arena, and the nature of

So, what is it about fabric that is making it today’s go-to media for signage? “A lot of it has to do with environmental regulations and sustainability,” said Lily Hunter, Product Manager, Textiles and Consumable Supplies for Roland DGA Corp. “A lot of brands want their stores and products to be sustainable.”

Wozny attributes fabric’s cache to its upscale look. “Vinyl has been around for 20 to 30 years,” he said. “Fabric looks

22

Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

Bigger, Faster, Better Printers

Compton advises PSPs to choose their vendors strategically. “You should only deal with companies that understand your whole environment and that can help you understand how your systems work together to get the best results for your graphics,” he said. “Fabric is the future, and the good news for PSPs is that they may be able to start printing fabric on their current printer – and then move into the business at their own pace,” concluded Hunter.

PrintingNews com

Nashville Predators Stanley Cup Playoffs graphics across Nashville, Tennessee.

Big Graphics,

BIGGER JOBS

Big Visual Group wins with NHL Playoff graphics.

By Toni McQuilken

W

hen Scott Snoyer, Owner and CEO of Big Visual Group, first opened his doors in 1994 as a FASTSIGNS franchisee, he likely didn’t know what kind of business he’d expect. But in 1998, when the NHL announced it was expanding with a new team in Nashville, he didn’t hesitate to go big.

“When the NHL announced that we were getting an expansion team, we contacted Craig Leipold and asked for their business. As the tickets sales process went along, we donated some motivational signage to the staff and the relationship just grew from there,” he noted. And that was just the beginning.

In 2017, the Nashville Predators fought their way into the prestigious Stanley Cup finals, meaning the team now needed to get the city ready for the playoff games. The Predators connected the NHL team with Big Visual Group, and they quickly went to work.

“Once the Predators reached that threshold where they were going to the

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period. “As far as production goes we accomplished all production within our local 40,000 production facility,” said Snoyer.

The goal, said Snoyer, was to “display their brand and celebrate the NHL Finals in Nashville, making sure they look professional and consistent in all applications around the city and within Bridgestone Arena.

And while it was a lot of work, Payne noted that there was no push-back from the staff at all, who were all proud to be working on a job that celebrated their city and their team. “It was really refreshing for the staff,” he said. “Most of us are Nashvillians, and we are all Predators fans, so it was this big exclamation point.”

The prestige of having their work seen not just by a local audience, but on national television, was a win for the shop as well. “It definitely inspired pride for the staff to be working on this.”

playoffs, they had conversations with the NHL about signage opportunities.

[The NHL asked] ‘who is your local source,’ and then it came to us at that point. The NHL reached out to see if we could take care of everything,” said Ryan Payne, Special Projects Manager.

Winning Signage Big Visual Group didn’t have much time to produce all of the work — just a few days time, in the end, to produce and install the bulk of the items, due to the nature of how the playoff schedule works. The graphics were installed for the entirety of the six-game series, which was roughly a two-week time

March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

23

New

Products Epson SureColor F2100 Printer Epson announced its next-generation direct-to-garment printer—the SureColor F2100. Designed exclusively for direct-to-garment printing, the SureColor F2100 offers an entirely purpose-built system for high-quality prints at production speeds. Leveraging the Epson PrecisionCore

EFI VUTEk HS125 Pro Inkjet Press

TFP printhead and UltraChrome DG garment ink technology, the SureColor F2100 achieves up to twice the speeds of the previous generation DTG printer. Successor to the renowned SureColor F2000, the new SureColor F2100 offers four color ink technology, plus White ink, to deliver improved image quality, speed, and efficiency. Additional improvements, including a quick-load platen and robust Epson Garment Creator Software, take productivity even further, while the all-new integrated self-cleaning system means less downtime.

The EFI VUTEk HS125 Pro inkjet press is a 3.2m, hybrid roll/flatbed product offering true analog replacement capabilities with quality approaching offset, production speeds up to 125 boards per hour, and a variety of automated material handling options including one for corrugated board.

With true production-level throughput for expanded capacity, the VUTEk HS125 Pro with UltraFX Technology is an ideal super high speed UV flatbed printer for high volume graphic producers looking to accelerate their digital business.

PrintingNews.com/12392313

PrintingNews.com/12152610

Kornit Avalanche HD6 The Avalanche HD6, the successor of the Avalanche Hexa, is equipped with Kornit’s HD print engine and NeoPigment Rapid ink, which leads to significant reductions in ink consumption (and therefore, cost per print) in comparison to the company’s existing Avalanche systems. The HD6 will reduce the ink consumption by

Top Value Fabrics High-Definition Textiles

up to 30% compared to the current “R-Series” version

Top Value Fabrics introduces its new line of High-Defi nition Textiles

versions of the Avalanche Hexa. In addition, Kornit is

by Georg+Otto Friedrich, engineered specifically for brilliant graph-

launching an HD version of the Avalanche 1000 which

ics displays.

will be called Avalanche HDK. The company also an-

and up to 46% compared to the previous Non R-Series

The new line relaunches fabrics that were previously offered by Pa-

nounced that existing Kornit customers now have an

cific Coast Fabrics, which TVF acquired last year. TVF has strengthened

upgrade path for their Avalanche Hexa and Avalanche

the partnership with G+O to stock the collection through expanded, na-

1000 systems. Kornit’s Avalanche platform represents

tionwide distribution. TVF’s newly introduced line of High-Definition

the high productivity segment of Kornit’s industrial

Textiles is comprised of a full range of styles, with options in backlit,

direct-to-garment printing product family, providing

blockout, mesh, flag and frontlit display fabrics.

customers with a multitude of system options for dif-

“One of G+O’s most popular fabrics worldwide is Microlux Soft

ferent application requirements. The Kornit Avalanche

8179WFLBS,” said Mike Compton, Product Marketing Manager of Print

HD6 includes six color channels (CMYK, Red, Green)

Media for Top Value Fabrics. Compton added, “This fabric offers out-

plus white, for a wider gamut and improved spot color

standing performance for upscale backlit displays. Another favorite is

matching. Users can easily reproduce the true colors of

Heavy Deko-Stretch 8488GFS, which is an award-winning solution for

licensed sports teams and accurately match corporate

event and retail applications where a stretch fit is required. Heavy De-

logos with fiery reds, warm yellows, deep blues and

ko-Stretch is engineered with equal 4-way stretch in width and length.

greens, vivid purples, and many more.

The resulting dimensional stability alleviates installation issues tradi-

PrintingNews.com/12391902

tionally associated with stretch fabrics since the fabric doesn’t wrinkle or skew after installation.”

PrintingNews.com/12395527

24

Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

PrintingNews .com

New

Products HP DesignJet T1700 Printer HP Inc. introduced HP DesignJet T1700 printers, next-generation 44-inch solutions for CAD and geographic information system (GIS) workgroups to produce highly accurate docu-

Epson Artisan 1430

ments and maps with powerful processing and a new level

The Artisan 1430 takes photo printing to the next level of performance,

of security.

delivering brilliant, Ultra Hi-Definition prints as large as 13” x 19”. And,

New added features on the HP DesignJet T1700 make it

with convenient wireless networking, it’s easy to share your Artisan

the most secure large-format workgroup printer available.

1430 with others. Now, anyone on your network can create large-size,

The improved security is designed to help enterprises print

gallery-worthy prints, or even design and print professional looking

CAD and GIS applications while protecting printers and data

CDs / DVDs. The Artisan 1430 includes advanced color and lighting

from unauthorized or malicious access in infrastructure

correction for amazing photos. Photos are smudge, scratch, water and

construction, urban planningas well as utilities industries

fade resistant thanks to Claria® Hi-Definition Ink1. And, prints last up

such as oil, water, gas, and electricity.“Security is a top con-

to four times longer than photo lab prints1. Take your creativity fur-

cern in enterprises today as connected devices and increas-

ther with the Artisan 1430 — from Epson, the brand of choice among

ingly open office spaces are pervasive.

“In the first half of 2017, the worldwide breach level index

professional photographers.

was up more than 160%,” said Guayente Sanmartin, General

PrintingNews.com/12397651

Manager and Global Head, HP Large Format Design Printing, HP Inc. “The HP DesignJet T1700 Printer Series includes unique advanced security technologies designed to keep corporate network printers, their documents and data protected.”

RICOH Ri 100

PrintingNews.com/12395307

Ricoh unveiled a compact, affordable Direct to Garment (DTG) printer that empowers users to quickly and easily produce high-quality applications on a variety of fabrics. The RICOH Ri 100 fits easily on desks and counters, combining for environments not traditionally dedi-

Paradigm Display Solutions Lido Retractable Stand

cated to print, such as souvenir shops and

Paradigm Display Solutions announced the new Lido Re-

small businesses. As many organizations

tractable Banner Stand.

with its ease-of-use to make it a perfect fit

and individuals seek ways to expand

The Lido retractable banner stand offers appealing

their portfolios or enhance brand loyalty,

style at an affordable price. Its adjustable telescopic sup-

the RICOH Ri 100 is a cost-effective way to

port pole offers banner height flexibility and its uniquely

achieve these goals.

designed broad base adds stability. It comes with a carry-

“As Ricoh continues to invest in the industrial print market, we do so with one

ing bag with a shoulder strap to make transport simple and a lifetime warranty.

goal in mind – to make it easier for our

“The Lido Retractable Banner Display is a step up in

customers to grow their businesses,” said

design and flexibility from the basic budget stand, yet it

John Fulena, vice president, Commercial

is still very price friendly.”, said Randy Geesman, presi-

and Industrial Printing Business Group,

dent of Paradigm Display Solutions.

Ricoh USA, Inc. “The RICOH Ri 100 fits

PrintingNews.com/12395303

perfectly into that mission: it’s affordable; it’s easy to use; it works fast to produce quality, unique applications.”

PrintingNews.com/12394775

PrintingNews .com

March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

25

Industry Insights:

The Rise of Digital Textile Printing According to FESPA’s Print Census, textile is currently the dominant growth application in the wide format market, with 21% of respondents believe textile printing equipment is a worthy investment.

A

ccording to FESPA’s Print Census, textile is currently the dominant growth application in the wide format market, with 21 percent of respondents stating that purchasing textile printing equipment is within their investment plans for the future. This represents an exciting highgrowth market opportunity for print service providers (PSPs).

By Duncan MacOwan

According to research from Smithers Pira, commissioned by FESPA, the value of digitally printed textile will nearly quadruple between 2012 and 2021, reaching $2.46 billion by the end of the nine year period.

Because of this substantial growth, global print brands are now entering this market, adding smaller specialist firms to their technology portfolios.

Conference and Events Manager, FESPA

New opportunities

Duncan joined FESPA in January 2010 as Conference and Events Manager, from William Reed Business Media. In early 2011, Duncan was promoted to his current position to reflect the expansion of his role in both events and online.

The increase in digital textile printing can be viewed as a response to demand from key segments: clothing, household textiles, displays, signage, and technical textiles. In 2016, clothing was the largest segment by volume (50.5 percent), followed by displays and signage, household, and technical textiles.

Soft signage continues to show promise as a segment where the creative freedom of digital production adds significant value, with a growth rate expected of 13.7 percent between 2016 and 2021, pushing the market value to $658 million.

Representing 70 million square meters of printed fabric and with a global value of $89 million in 2016, household textiles is a fast developing market segment, predicted to take market share from technical and display textiles in the coming years.

Technical textiles is the smallest and least dynamic segment, with a predicted year-on-year growth rate of 12 percent until 2021.

Printed Fashion – Dressed for Success Find this article at PrintingNews.com/12398080

26

Clothing remains the largest segment for digitally printed textile, with a global market worth $770 million and representing 440 million

Wide-Format & Signage

March 2018

square meters of fabric in 2016. Sportswear is the most lucrative sub-segment of the market, which can be accounted for by the popularity of polyester-based materials. Fashion and haute couture are also significant sub-segments.

Thanks to high-end digital printing technology, fashion cycles are accelerating, delivering photo realistic images and bespoke detailed garments.

Faster turnaround means shorter initial runs, allowing retailers to place swift re-orders on fast-selling stock, reducing waste and warehouse costs. Online retailers can extend the model further, with garments printed in very short runs as soon orders have been placed.

These developments align neatly with the changing nature of the fashion industry, which now launches collections throughout the year.

Ink & Tech One important limitation for digital textile printing is the reliance on synthetic polyester fabrics, which are necessary for the inks from dye sublimation printers to bind to. The most promising solution is to evolve pigment inks beyond technical and signage applications to open new markets in clothing sub-segments. Pigment is flexible and can be used to print on almost all fabrics so newer inks have the ability to adhere to a range of substrates (like cotton, silk, polyester, and lycra).

It will be interesting to see what innovations the textile market will bring in the next five year period and to see how this market segment fares in the findings of the next FESPA Print Census (announced at FESPA Global Print Expo, May 1518 2018, Berlin, Germany).

PrintingNews com

Sign Connection:

The Value of Sharing Best Practices and Learning from Others in Our Business The key to learning is listening, taking it all in, assimilating the information and then action.

L

earning should be a life-long practice, and there are so many ways to learn. One can glean insight from their own experiences, and also learn from the experiences of others by reading books, taking classes, watching videos, attending seminars, and engaging in conversations to discuss and ask questions. No single person has all of the answers or knows the best way of doing something, whether that “something” is how to motivate a team, build a skyscraper, or develop a new disease-curing drug.

By Catherine Monson CEO of FASTSIGNS Catherine was named CEO of FASTSIGNS in December 2008, bringing with her a strong background in franchising and digital printing.

In addition to her previous role as President of PIP Printing, she worked within Sir Speedy and MultiCopy Europe; serving in operations, franchise development, sales, training and marketing communications.

Find this article at PrintingNews.com/12394257

PrintingNews com

Learning is best if it is a two-way street where you learn from others and share what you know with them, so the group has more knowledge and more new ideas to draw upon as a collective.

I’ve found that I can always learn something if I listen and keep an open mind.

One of the greatest benefits of being part of an industry is there are others who share many of your same goals, obstacles, best practices and successes. Yes, some of the “others” are your competitors, however, we are part of an almost $50 billion sign and visual graphics industry (in the United States alone), and there is room for many to succeed. Think beyond competition and take advantage of learning from others in our field about topics including business planning, hiring, training, leading, managing, complying, marketing, selling, increasing profit margins and much more by: • Observing what successful people do (and equally important, what they don’t do). Some of the commonly regarded characteristics of successful people include that they set goals, have a positive mental attitude, are self-motivated, have the courage to take action, are focused, are curious and never stop learning.

• Having a written business plan that you modify as your situation or goals change • Reading industry publications and viewing relevant websites to learn about happenings and events in the sign and graphics industry, as well as what is impacting your local labor market, national tax legislation, marketing trends and so on.

• Following a variety of industry and business

leaders on social media sites including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to learn from their interactions with others.

• Attending conventions and trade shows, not only industry shows, but also those in the key vertical industries that you serve to learn more about your client’s needs • Seeking out industry metrics to compare yourself to others to see if your sales, costs, products sold, services provided and profits are better or worse than theirs, and then digging into your own Cost of Goods Sold, Sales Per Employee and other key numbers to learn how to improve them • Asking questions of those doing something well that you could learn from, and paying it back by offering advice to those doing it poorly, whether in person or online So what can you, as an independent sign and visual graphics business leader, do? Many of the same things! Determine the topics you need to learn more about and then proactively seek information.

Start by creating your own written business plan if you don’t already have one. Doing this will help you identify not only your goals, but areas where you need additional help. And don’t just create your business plan and file it away; look at it each month as you, your business and the industry changes. Let your business plan serve as your guide to what you know and need to learn.

Make 2018 your best year yet with a commitment to yourself to never stop learning and sharing to improve your business.

March 2018

Wide-Format & Signage

27

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