How to Succeed in the Vehicle Graphics Business • A Look at Today's Solvent Printers
FASTSIGNS Franchisee Karrie Brock Surpasses Limitations with City Egg
The Premier Source for the Visual Communications Industry
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April 2018
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Table of Contents
14 10
18
April 2018
In 2017, FASTSIGNS franchisee Karrie Brock captured the attention of Wide-Format & Signage magazine when she won our Project of the Year award. Brock won the award for her team’s superb execution of an original interior, exterior, and architectural branding package created for the fast-casual restaurant City Egg. By Amanda Luz Henning Santiago
Wrap Like a Rock Star: How to Succeed in the Vehicle Graphics Business
20
Outdoor Durable: A Look at Today’s Solvent Printers Solvent printers may be a mature tech-
Why vehicle graphics might be an
nology, but that doesn’t mean innova-
opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
tion has halted.
By Laurie Weller
By Jeff Steele
Viral ‘Bachelor’ Billboards Prove the Power of Signage
22
Departments 06 26
Printing Pulse New Products
Columns 05
Finding the Flatbed Technology That Works For You
At 8 a.m., March 6, Outfront Media
Are flatbed technologies shaping
got an email from “The Bachelor”
tomorrow’s market?
fans looking to make a big splash. By
By Toni McQuilken
Editor’s Note Signage isn’t Slowing Down
By Rebecca Flores
24
The Return of the Billboard By Sal Sheikh
12 p.m. billboards were up. By Amanda Luz Henning Santiago
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PIA Continuous Improvement Conference The 2018 Continuous Improvement Conference is an industry event focused on helping printing and converting companies achieve operational excellence by using the concepts of lean manufacturing and other management and quality systems. April 8-11, Chicago, IL
April 2018
The Premier Source for the Visual Communications Industry
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FASTSIGNS Project of the Year Award FASTSIGNS Franchisee Karrie Brock Surpasses Limitations with City Egg
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Pure Digital Pure Digital provides a focal point for print companies to improve and ignite their true potential, while educating the creative industry to demand higher value digital print production with new applications. April 17-19, Amsterdam, Netherlands InPrint Conference The InPrint Industrial Inkjet Conference provides insight into the full spectrum of production possibilities being realized with industrial inkjet technology within the manufacturing sector. May 1-2, Chicago, IL
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How to Succeed in the Vehicle Graphics Business • A Look at Today's Solvent Printers
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ide-Format & Signage is the business and technology resource for corporate and senior management focusing on issues across the wide-format and grandformat markets.
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Editor’s Note
Signage isn’t Slowing Down
We are more excited than ever to show you what’s new in the area of print and signage, and bring you breaking coverage on the trends to look out for in the coming year.
I
t’s only April and it’s already been a huge year for print and signage. As Sal Sheikh, Canon’s Vice President of Marketing for Wide Format Printing Systems, illuminates on page 24, one of the most talked about movies of the year has the word “billboard” in its very name. Three Billboards Outside
Ebbing, Missouri nabbed two Oscars for Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an
Actress. It was also nominated for 5 other categories, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The 2017 drama presents the story of a mom who challenges authorities to solve her daughter’s murder. She uses the power of signage to communicate and make sure her message can’t be ignored. Where are the boundaries between work and
Rebecca Flores Managing Editor 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.
At the time of writing this, ISA Expo is sched-
leisure when signage makes its way to enter-
uled to begin tomorrow. We are more excited
tainment? Even when indulging in the comfort
than ever to see what’s new in the area of print
of reality tv with a glass of pinot on a Monday
and signage and bring you breaking coverage
night, you can’t get away from it. As our new
on what trends to look out for in the coming
Associate Editor, Amanda Santiago presents on
year. Between ever-emerging innovations in
page 18, signage made impressions across the
vehicle wrapping (which you can read all about
country (760 million to be exact) as Bachelor
on page 10) and our Project of the Year winner
fans made their disappointment towards Arie
FASTSIGNS franchisee Karrie Brock (featured
Luyendyk Jr. known after he unceremoniously
on page 14), it’s clear print and signage is not
dumped his fiancé of 6 weeks on ABC’s The
slowing down. We’re ready to keep up. Are you?
Bachelor. The digital signs didn’t mince words and read “Arie...not okay, just leave. - Everyone.” Even last night when I was playing pool with friends at a local bar, I noticed the felt on the table advertised Jägermeister and found myself wondering, “What printer was used for this? Who’s responsible for the vibrancy of the color? How did they make sure it’d last on a surface that’s seen a ton of use?”
Solvent Printer Innovation Progresses Contributor Jeff Steele looks at the evolving technology surrounding solvent printing and reports that a number of newer features and benefits are enabling print service providers to become more efficient, while turning out higher-quality work in faster times. The result is the ability to
Find this article at
tap new markets and new profits. Read more on page 20.
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April 2018
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Printing Pulse Allegra Expands Services Into Advanced Signage and Large Graphics Allegra Marketing Print Signs has recently added new technologies to build its roster of business printing services. From life-size cutouts and murals, to application on virtually any surface, the company’s investment in two large format printers opens new opportunities for local business marketers. “Interior designers, retailers, restaurants, hospitals and anyone who has a need for oversized graphics are virtually unlimited by materials,” said Allegra Co-Owner, Kyle Kurz. “Acrylic, glass, metal, wood, decorative panels, and backlit displays for indoor or outdoor use are all within easy reach.”
Three Finalists Selected to Represent Roland DGA in Roland DG Corporation’s Third Worldwide Competition for Service Engineers Roland DGA Corporation has announced the three finalists that will represent the Americas in the third Roland DG Global SE Awards competition – an event that showcases the knowledge and skills of service engineers from around the world engaged in the repair, and main-
PrintingNews.com/12398685
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Featured in “12 Amazing Franchise Opportunities – Second Edition” by Dr. John Hayes FASTSIGNS International announced it has been named an “Amazing
tenance of Roland products. The Roland DGA finalists
Franchise Opportunity” by internationally recognized franchise speak-
who have earned the right to participate in the global
er and author Dr. John Hayes in his new e-book: “12 Amazing Franchise
competition, April 23-25 in Hamamatsu, Japan, include:
Opportunities – Second Edition.”
Joe House with Denver, Colorado-based Denco Sales (rep-
In his latest book, Dr. Hayes explores the secrets of creating a
resenting the inkjet product line), Jason Bergeron with
one-of-a-kind franchise success story and then looks at 12 franchise
Stoneham, Massachusetts-based Custom Automated
brands, including FASTSIGNS, that Dr. Hayes considers to be “amaz-
Prosthetics (representing the dental product line), and
ing opportunities.”
Kevin Rosen with Irvine, California-based Roland DGA
PrintingNews.com/12401557
(representing the 3D product line). House, Bergeron and Rosen will compete against 25 other SEs – regional winners from Roland business units in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia – in the global finals, which will include a series of written exams, and hands-on activities designed to test their product knowledge and technical abilities. The finalists will be tested in two categories: inkjet printers, and 3D devices. SEs were selected to represent each region based on their performance in these local contests which, in addition to testing their knowledge and skill level, also measured the quality of their daily activities and how proactive they were in sharing their know-how with peers. PrintingNews.com/12398274
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April 2018
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Printing Pulse LogoJET Donates Direct-toSubstrate Printer to SGIA LogoJET donated a UV2400 UV-LED Direct-to-Substrate model printer to SGIA for testing and usage. SGIA will use the versatile printer to learn more about UV ink adhesion by printing on unique substrates using a variety of printing techniques. SGIA will share that information with the printing industry through a comprehensive instructional program.
Successful SGI Dubai Boosts Drytac Sales in Middle East
drive the industry forward through education,” said Ray
Drytac recently exhibited at Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East,
preciative of LogoJET for their generous gift.”
“This is an incredible acquisition which we will use to Weiss, Digital Imaging Specialist at SGIA. “We are very ap-
which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In conjunction
The UV2400 produces vibrant full-color imprints on
with the company’s UAE distributor Wellcare Infotech, Drytac
virtually any substrate, including most materials, colors
showcased a wide gamut of its high-quality, self-adhesive vinyls
and flat and dimensional products. It also allows operators
for multiple graphics applications - with great success. Drytac’s
to print a white underbase, build texture and utilize other
Polar cast air gloss vinyl was also used in the popular car wrap-
unique printing techniques with clear and primer inks.
ping demonstrations on the Wellcare Infotech stand. On a daily
PrintingNews.com/12401686
basis, vehicle graphics were printed on Drytac film by an Epson SureColor SC-S Series machine and applied to a BMW Z-Series car, creating a stunning colour-changing effect. Steve Broad, Europe and Asia Sales Director at Drytac, commented: “We’ve been attending this event for the past three years and our high quality, cost-effective products are very well received in the Middle East. Following the event, Wellcare Infotech has seen a spike in both interest and sales of our easy to apply Drytac products. An excellent partnership and an excellent show.” PrintingNews.com/12401552
Fuji Xerox Launches Wide-Format Monochrome Multifunction Device Lineup Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific will begin its regional launch of five models of the DocuWide 6057/3037 series, A0 monochrome multifunction devices, with enhanced print speeds, and resolution. The new
New Latex and UV Optimized Fabrics Up to 16 Feet Wide from Fisher Textiles
series aims to help enhance workflows, and output for industries, such as architecture, engineering and construction, which require fast, high quality and multi-site printing operations.
Fisher Textiles introduced six new fabric medias that are optimized
The new series features a secondary Ethernet port that enables
for Latex and UV printing. These fabrics are available up to 16 feet
shared usage between two different networks, such as an intra
wide, and are also stocked in smaller widths to accommodate a
company network and a separate network for guest users. Users
range of Latex and UV printers. New styles include: GF 7100 Bannyl
can securely access the DocuWide 6057/3037 series from their mo-
Lite, GF 7200 Bannyl, GF 7300 DS Bannyl, DD 4141 Paradise B.O.B.,
bile PCs with the option of specifying a device in a different physi-
DD 7170 Diverse and DD 7180 Banner Lust.
cal location. By enabling secure printing and scanning at external
The three Bannyl fabrics are named for their cross between a fab-
premises, the new wide-format series brings forth a more flexible
ric banner and a vinyl; they have the durability of vinyl but are PVC
and efficient manner of working.
free and more environmentally friendly than vinyl. All deliver high
PrintingNews.com/12401208
print quality with Latex and UV inks. PrintingNews.com/12400963
PrintingNews .com
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Wide-Format & Signage
7
Printing Pulse GPA Announced Plans for Dscoop Dallas GPA announced their plans for Dscoop Dallas, Texas. GPA’s focus will be on introducing new items that open up profitable opportunities for print service providers, graphic designers, and brand owners alike. Touch Class Specialty Fine Papers are distinctive papers that offer a rich tactile feel and
SignCenter Launches New Educational Website
resistance to fingerprints, water,
SignCenter launched an all new public
through GPA, Touch Class pa-
website to complement their reseller por-
pers are excellent for restaurant
tal which was designed last year. The site
menus, museum maps, wedding
and oils. Exclusively available in the North American market
is fully responsive for mobile and desktop,
save-the-dates,
family
photo
boasts new content, fresh images, and an
cards, birth announcements, and more. Their surface treatment makes them the first
improved easy-to-follow navigation. With
uncoated papers in the world that perform beautifully with post-press embellish-
the new website, SignCenter is emphasiz-
ments produced by Scodix and MGI technologies.
ing education about application, media
Another North American GPA exclusive making its Dscoop debut is Folex Platinum
and process.
and Gold Pressure Sensitive Polyester for HP Indigo Presses. As stunning as they
“We wanted this website to go back to
are hardworking, these substrates are perfect for creating luxury product labels and
our roots and be a source of knowledge,”
premium point-of-purchase displays. GPA will also introduce Ultra Digital Gold and
explained Michael Oliveras, Owner of
Silver Rigid Vinyl, substrates with an opulent metallic luster that adds an air of indul-
SignCenter. “Our willingness to share
gence while delivering the rugged performance expected from a synthetic. For wide
our expertise in print production com-
format presses, they will feature GPA Metalized Styrene, which have the appearance
bined with our helpful customer service
of thick metal sheets without the added weight. Their thick styrene base and thin met-
team have historically been significant
al top layer make these sheets lightweight and durable, which is ideal for high-end
contributors to our growth. We needed
signage and point of purchase displays. Rounding out GPA’s featured lineup is Alu-
our website to follow suit. The previous
miGraphics GLOW, a glow-in-the-dark aluminum foil media. With its slip-resistant
site was not serving our potential re-
surface and striking luminescence, AlumiGraphics GLOW make it easy to create floor
sellers the way we wanted.”
graphics that command attention even in pitch-black conditions.
PrintingNews.com/12398183
PrintingNews.com/12401237
Mutoh America Officially Starts Shipping Rotary Attachment for Their ValueJet 626UF UV/LED Flatbed Printer Mutoh America announced they will officially be shipping orders on their new rotary attachment for their ValueJet 626UF UV/LED Flatbed Printer. “The specialty print market is one of the fastest growing markets for the print industry,” shared Mark Rugen, Mutoh’s Director of Product Marketing. “While the ValueJet 626UF printer can print on many flat substrates for awards, photographs and more, adding the Mutoh Rotary unit will give you the ability to print on cylindrical pieces such as glasses, bottles, candles, cups and more.” The Rotary unit is an optional device for the Mutoh ValueJet 626UF UV Printer. Using the included RIP supplied with the VJ626UF, varnish and white inks can be applied to the surface of the cylindrical objects for a custom effect, even glossy or textured finishes. Print to metal, glass and many other surfaces. PrintingNews.com/12403227
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April 2018
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Printing Pulse InnerWorkings Announces Select Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results InnerWorkings, the global marketing execution firm, announced select preliminary and unaudited fourth quarter and full-year
M&R’s Brings Novus Imaging to ISA Sign Expo 2018 M&R’s Novus Imaging Division brought three digital printers to Booth 1006 at the International Sign Expo in Orlando, Florida. The Ultra 3200 Roll-to-Roll printer, the Ultra Flatbed Printer, and the Textura 1800 Dye Sublimation Printer.M&R’s Novus Ultra large-format flatbed printer is available with 1, 2, or 3 printheads, and features auto-masking, and outstanding greyscale print quality to deliver extraordinary prints at an exceptional price. Advanced UV LED curing and ink technology deliver low-temperature curing, and reliability without sacrificing print speed, color gamut, ink adhesion, or media versatility. Textura 1800 is designed for unattended roll-to-roll highspeed transfer dye-sublimation printing in four-color CYMK and true grayscale at resolutions up to 1200 dpi. It’s capable of printing substrates 1.8 meters (70”) wide at high-productivity
2017 results, and provided guidance for 2018. The Company also announced that it has rescheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2017 earnings release and conference call to allow additional time to complete the Company’s 2017 financial close and audit. The extended timeframe for closing 2017 is due to resource demands associated with implementing new revenue recognition standards effective January 1, 2018. The Company expects 2018 annual gross revenue to range between $1,195 million and $1,230 million. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $74 million and $77 million in 2018. The Company forecasts 2018 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to be $0.56 to $0.59. Rich Stoddart, incoming Chief Executive Officer, added, “With the strength of our current backlog and pipeline of opportunities for growth in the future, now is an exciting time to be joining InnerWorkings. We have a compelling value proposition for customers, and I’m looking forward to a successful 2018 and beyond.” PrintingNews.com/12400511
speeds up to 140 square meters (1500 square feet) per hour and at sustained production speeds up to 120 square meters (1300 square feet) per hour. Batch-queueing allows the system to be loaded with files for unattended non-stop printing of unrelated jobs. Synergia is a patent-pending 3.2 meter (126”) grand-format combination flatbed and roll-to-roll printer. It boasts speeds of up to 1475 square feet of high-quality images per hour. That’s not a meaningless draft speed; it’s everyday production speed. And with the addition of the new patented RW Warp Engine, production speeds have doubled to up to 2950 square feet per hour. Synergia delivers brighter, more vibrant colors and has a wider color gamut than other UV solutions on the market. It provides full greyscale imaging for exceptional photorealistic quality and flawless continuous tone printing with its 10-30pl variable-drop technology. And because it utilizes full greyscale technology, Synergia can use up to 30-50% less ink than competitive systems for the same file, making it the first grand-format digital printer to approach screen printing costs per square foot. PrintingNews.com/12402752
PrintingNews .com
FESPA Announces Dover Digital Printing as Corporate Partner For FESPA Global Print Expo 2018 Dover Digital Printing is the newly formed operating company within Dover that brings together complimentary digital textile, graphics and signage solutions from Caldera, MS Printing Solutions and JK Group. This new entity covers printing equipment, inks and software to create a specific digital printing subsidiary to address the growing digital printing industry, especially in the textile market. FESPA Global Print Expo is also supported by eight additional partners, including: Efi and Hexis as Platinum Partners, Aleph, Brother, HP, Mimaki and OKI as Gold Partners, and Dgen as Digital Textile Partner. PrintingNews.com/12402263
April 2018
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9
Wrap Like a Rock Star:
A close up of the Bullseye truck wrap.
How to Succeed in the
VEHICLE GRAPHICS BUSINESS
If you aren’t already in the business of wrapping as a print service provider, you’ve probably considered taking the leap. Here’s why vehicle graphics might be an opportunity you can’t afford to miss. By Laurie Weller
W
hen it comes to brand marketing, there is no substitute for a great vehicle wrap.
A single vehicle wrap can generate between 30,000 and 70,000 impressions a day, according to the Outdoor Advertis-
Co-owner of Digital EFX Wraps, Matt Richart demonstrates vehicle wrapping during one of Roland DGA’s Born to Wrap workshops.
10
Wide-Format & Signage
April 2018
ing Association of America. Fleet vehicle advertising boosts name recognition 15 times more than any other form of advertising. And 30% of mobile outdoor viewers indicated that they would make a buying decision based on the ads they see. A whopping 96% of Americans travel in a vehicle as either a driver or a passenger each week. If you aren’t already in the business of wrapping as a print service provider, you’ve probably considered taking the leap. While the field is competitive, it continues to grow, and experts agree there are opportunities for those with the right equipment, skills, business acumen, and drive. “The hottest areas are still going to be the specialty wraps— race cars and off-road trucks are really good industries,” said Eric Goodwin, President and CEO of Garage Graphics, located in Orange, California. “There are also a lot of cars being wrapped for companies.” Matt Richart, Co-Owner of Digital EFX Wraps based in Louisville, Kentucky, and an instructor for Roland DGA’s “Born to Wrap” workshops, sees demand growing on the commercial side of the market as well. “It used to be that wraps were additions to a company’s marketing program,” he said. “Now firms are taking money
PrintingNews com
they had used for advertising and investing in vehicle wraps instead. A lot of the trade organizations for plumbers, electricians, and other small businesses are telling these companies that they need vehicle graphics.”
Setting Up for Success So, what does it take to get started and —more importantly—to succeed in this business? “If you’re thinking about getting into the business of wrapping vehicles, learn as much as you can, take it very seriously, and reach out to manufacturers,” said Kris Harris, Vice President and Co-Owner of Road Rage Designs, which operates out of locations in Spring Grove, Illinois and Union Grove, Wisconsin. Goodwin recommends PSPs take advantage of classes. “There are many available, and when you are there you are able to ask all your questions on the spot,” he said.
Road Rage Designs created a “Finding Dory” wrap for this small Coppertone van.
“You can use the software, start designing, and get tips in these areas. The Internet has a lot of valuable information, too.” According to Harris, getting certified by 3M or another industry organization is a must, especially if a shop is looking to do business with larger clients. “National accounts go to the certification websites and look for these busi-
nesses,” she said, adding that 3M, PDAA, and UASG all offer certifications. Brian Howland, Account Executive for Bluemedia of Tempe, Arizona, advises PSPs to invest in a quality 64-inch wide-format printer and laminator. “People are turning to latex printers,” he said. “They print beautifully, are much easier on the environment, and you don’t have outgassing. The speed
For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/12149752
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April 2018
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11
“A graphic is only as good as it’s design,” Howland added. “That’s the bottom line. You can have the best media and inks, the best guys installing, and if it is not designed well, the wrap is useless. Speaking with your client is critically important. Know their brand, and do not deviate from their brand standards.”
A Seamless Install
A purple-heart, military-themed wrap was crafted for this truck by Road Rage Designs.
and quality are really nice.” However, media choice matters, too. “The best films used today allow you to reposition the graphic during the installation,” he said. “We love eco-solvent inks, but people also use latex. The durability of the inks should be five to seven years outdoors if you laminate correctly. Use cast film with a laminate for best results.” Goodwin reminds PSPs to have a sizable table on hand to lay out the graphics—and to have patience. “Go slowly and take your time with projects,” he said. “The vinyl will talk to you and tell you what it needs to do. If you are rushing it, you will have problems right off the bat. Take care of your equipment, too. Maintenance is really important. You want to clean your print heads and avoid head strikes if possible.” While many wrap services can be outsourced, Richart emphasized the benefits of building an in-house business model. “There are companies that have printers, and then subcontract the installation,” he said. “Some subcontract the printing and do installation only. We’ve always said, as in any business, the more of your workflow you can keep in house, the more successful you can be. Operating that way allows you to keep control over the quality, costs, and timeline. Even though you will have a little more overhead, that control gives you a leg up on the competition.”
12
Wide-Format & Signage
Wrap Design 101: Keep It Simple When it comes to wrap design, understand the medium—and remember the old adage, “less is more,” said Harris. “Wrap design is different than a sign or banner because there are lots of curves on a vehicle,” she continued. “On vehicle wraps, for example, where the hood meets the fender you need a nice flow. The most important objective for any business investing in a wrap is to communicate who they are, what they do, and how to get in touch with them. Some people want a to put a laundry list on the vehicle, but if the audience can’t read the copy in three seconds, the wrap doesn’t do the company any good.”
Once you have your design printed, the hard work begins. “Working with vinyl is one of the biggest challenges,” he said. “It is so important to place it on the vehicle before you install it. You have to make sure you can get it on there straight. And, try not to have any seams—or hide the seams. We will place them as low as possible on the vehicle. That way, the wrap looks more like a paint job than a sticker.” Cleaning the surface of the vehicle is also vitally important. “Get into every little crack and crevice,” she said. “And, you will save yourself a lot of aggravation if you can take door handles and mirrors off.”
Side-Stepping the Print A beautifully printed wrap can elevate a brand and its products, but an emerging trend in wraps is skipping the print altogether. “What is up and coming—and has been big on the Coast—is color changing,” said Harris. “People may have
A vehicle wrap for “Cars 3” was applied onto a Coppertone van by Road Rage Designs.
April 2018
PrintingNews com
spent on a high-end car, and they want it to be flat black or metallic—or pink—a color the car company doesn’t offer,” said Harris. Businesses are wrapping to change colors as well. “For companies, it is easiest to find vehicles out there that are white,” he added. “So, for example, we do work for a reclamation company Bluemedia applied the bold Ping wrap whose brand color is to this small van. yellow. What they do is lease the least expensive Ford truck, which is white, and then we ered, Richart emphasized that servwrap it yellow, and put lettering on it. ing a wrap client takes more than They can get the exact color they want skill and artistry. and do it economically. And, they can “Our clients want to deal with a change it out easily.” company and people who treat them Regardless of the product delivfairly, do what they say they are going
to do, and answer the phone,” Richart said. Howland agreed. “Success always comes down to serving the client well,” he said. “You have to take the extra initiative to make the client happy, and sometimes it’s the little things that count. And, no one is above a job. I’ve seen our owners grab a squeegee to finish a wrap. When it is ‘all hands on deck,’ it is all hands on deck.” “Never stop learning,” concluded Richart. “The day you think you know everything is the day you go out of business.”
For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10006791
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April 2018
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Application Spotlight:
City Egg’s storefront in Columbus, Ohio.
FASTSIGNS Franchisee Karrie Brock Surpasses Limitations with City Egg 2017’s Wide-Format & Signage Project of the Year award-winner Karrie Brock shows just how much a FASTSIGNS franchise can do. By Amanda Luz Henning Santiago City Egg’s logo, chock-full of egg imagery.
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n 2017, FASTSIGNS franchisee Karrie Brock captured the attention of Wide-Format & Signage magazine when she won our Project of the Year award. Brock won for her team’s superb execution of an original interior, exterior, and architectural branding package created for the fast-casual restaurant City Egg. The concepts Brock and her team made for the restaurant proved that FASTSIGNS is much more than a sign execution company. Brock spoke to Wide-Format & Signage about how she and her team formulated City Egg from the ground up, giving life to a new brand. Ten Star Enterprises has been working with Brock for over 15 years, and their franchise Scramblers—a sit-down breakfast and lunch restaurant geared towards baby boomers—is one of Brock’s biggest accounts at her Toledo, Ohio FASTSIGNS. The owners of Scramblers approached Brock with the desire to create a fast-casual restaurant for customers on the move.
of consumers (ages 18-33) is a force to be reckoned with. According to a report by Morgan Stanley Research, millennials account for 51% of fast casual restaurant custom-
City Egg’s custom made ordering kiosks.
“Scramblers is one of our largest accounts. When the owner approached me with this new project, it was a career win and dream job.” said Brock. When they found the right space for the project, Brock was charged with the task of generating a name, proposing a brand concept, and creatively driving the entire project. Scramblers made it known that they wanted this new fast-casual restaurant to be geared towards millennials, but that didn’t phase Brock when working on execution. “We already knew that fast-casual is geared towards millennials, so it was a no brainer,” Brock said. Millennials make up 25% of the U.S. population. This generation
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April 2018
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pitched to Scramblers. In each pitch, logos, taglines, interior design concepts, menu, and ordering ideas were shared to illuminate the brands Brock originally ideated. A millennial-geared lunch and breakfast stop designed to have a cheery, modern industrial feel won out.
Creating the Interior and Exterior Design Concepts Brock and the architect on her team leaned heavily on the incorporation of yellow and orange hues, and playful egg imagery to avoid the unwelcoming environment other industrial restaurants tend to have. To create the warm, modern industrial vibe, Brock and her team hung boards from steel piping, and used a palette of black, white, yellow, and light brown. Brock also made sure that the interior and exterior of City Egg showcased a pivotal aspect of the brand: the city.
Vinyl logo inlaid on brick wall, City Egg interior.
The gains Brock’s team made by going the distance are impossible to ignore.
City Egg’s kiosks in Columbus, Ohio.
ers. There are between 80-90 million millennials in the U.S. — giving them immense buying power ($200 billion, Forbes reports) and influence over fast casual dining trends. When considering other competitors in the fast-casual segment, Brock looked at Panera, Chipotle, Mac N’ Melts, Corner Bakery Cafe, Noodles Company, and Moe’s, but it wasn’t for inspiration. “Our focus wasn’t taking from competitors, we had to make it our own,” Brock explained. “Panera does breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we only do breakfast and lunch, so we knew we were going to be stand
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alone in that respect. The only thing we really took from these franchises like Moe’s, and Macs N’ Melts, was ordering, and how simple they made their meal choices” Brock added that she and her team looked at competitors to get a sense of price points, which enabled her to provide Scramblers with approriate price matching. “We brought the prices to our clients to give them a dose of reality, we told them the average cost of a sandwich was around $4, but they were looking for an $8 meal ticket,” Karrie said. After researching the market and creating various ideas, two were
April 2018
A large cityscape with grayback vinyl was placed on the exterior of the building, as well as the wall above the kitchen area. Printed and contour cut grayback vinyl mixed with black PVC also created a 3D cityscape “word wall” in the hallway leading to the restroom. And in the dining area, a sidewalk is depicted with vinyl on a brick wall. “We knew they [City Egg restaurants] wouldn’t all be in a city, but we wanted it to feel like a city environment, but not so far away that customers couldn’t relate to it,” said Brock. “We wanted it to be a place to escape for millennials. They love the city, and hustle and bustle, and branding.” Brock’s instincts are not wrong. City Lab reported that 25-34-year-olds, especially those with a four-year college degree, are more likely to live in urban neighborhoods.
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Self-service kiosks—that have the ability to remember customers’ previous orders— were also installed for customers who are in a rush. The kiosk counters were custom made to look like cracked eggs with orange acrylic, and laser cut white acrylic inlaid on top.
FASTSIGNS Rises to the Challenge When reflecting back on the work she put into this project Brock says she’s not sure if anyone else would do as much as she did, but wishes that wasn’t the case. The gains Brock’s team made by going the distance are impossible to ignore. The first City Egg opened in Columbus, Ohio, and a second location is expected to open in Toledo, Ohio this Spring. More are planned to follow. Brock’s team proved that the FASTSIGNS brand surpasses limitations with the ability to execute conceptual,
City Egg’s interior.
heavily-involved projects that are both highly modern and original. As a result of City Egg’s success, new customers are seeking Brock’s
help in revamping their brands, and redo their interiors. As always, Brock and her team rise to the occasion.
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Viral ‘Bachelor’ Billboards Prove the
Power of Signage On March 6, Outfront Media got an email from “Bachelor” fans looking to make a big splash. By 12 p.m. billboards were up.
“The Bachelor” billboards in Times Square, courtesy of Outfront Media.
By Amanda Luz Henning Santiago
O
n Tuesday, March 6, billboards aimed at The Bachelor’s Arie Luyendyk Jr. circulated throughout social media. They appeared to be a direct response to Luyendyk Jr. publicly breaking up with his new fiance Becca Kufrin during the show’s season finale that aired the night before, for runner up Lauren Burnham. Sixteen billboards across the country read: “Arie...not okay, just leave. - Everyone.”
At around 8 a.m. that Tuesday morning, Carly Zipp, Senior Director of Communications, Sponsorships, and Events at Outfront Media checked her inbox and saw she had received an email from fans of The Bachelor. Upset by the show’s finale
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the night before, they wanted to make a big statement before its second part (that would be taping that evening), and they wanted to enlist Outfront Media to help them do it. By Noon, billboards conveying the fans’ “disgust” went up in New York,
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California, and Minnesota. And within 72 hours the billboards reached over 760 million press, social, and TV impressions, according to Outfront Media. Wide-Format & Signage spoke to Zipp to learn how this passion project came to be within the span of four hours, and what makes billboard advertising so consistently affecting.
Creating the Viral Bachelor Billboards Zipp said that almost immediately after receiving The Bachelor fans’ email, Outfront Media’s National Creative Director, Eddy Herty mocked up a concept and design, and sent it back to the fans for approval. Upon approval, Outfront Media checked to see what spaces were available for the billboard, and because of the tight turnaround they resorted to digital. “We could only do it on digital, obviously because it’s the push of a button, opposed to putting up a vinyl, or painting a wall,” said Zipp. Around 11:30 a.m., Outfront learned what areas they were targeting. They focused on New York, California, and Minnesota. “We put up one in Times Square for the wow factor, one in Minnesota because that’s where Becca’s [Kufrin] from, and one in Los Angeles because that’s where it’s [The Bachelor] filmed, and that’s where they were going to be filming the second part finale,” said Zipp. “It was all going to be live, and we had a certain amount of availability around there, so that’s where we were able to get the boards up, and they were up by noon.”
The now-famous “Bachelor” billboard in Los Angeles, courtesy of Outfront Media.
It didn’t take long for fans and entertainment reporters alike to notice the billboards. They quickly became a trending topic on Twitter, and every major entertainment, and celebrity outlet had picked up the story—even former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted about the billboards. Zipp received a call from The Bachelor producers—something Zipp guessed might happen— asking if they could include the billboards on the show, to which she obliged. Outfront Media also created a second billboard for The Bachelor fans that went up the next day, after Kufrin was named the new bachelorette on the second part of the series’ finale. The new billboard read: “Strong, Beautiful Woman, Seeking Man with Back Bone.” But this isn’t the first time that one of Outfront Media’s projects has gained major nationwide attention. A couple of months ago, Giants fans asked Outfront to create a billboard to show how upset
they were by former Giants Coach Ben McAdoo’s decision to bench Eli Manning. The billboard read, “Big Blue Shame On You,” in Giants colors, near Giants stadium. The billboard went viral, made it on the cover of The Daily News, and landed in Sports Illustrated. Shortly after the billboards went up McAdoo was fired. Something that seemed a little more than coincidental.
Billboards Remain a Powerful Medium When asked why Zipp thinks Billboards continue to remain such a powerful medium, she said it boils down to their acceptability, accessibility, and affordability. Smaller brands with smaller budgets can really benefit from putting themselves out there and making a splash with a billboard according to Zipp. “People are driving by, and they’re seeing it, and whether they like it, or not, it’s kinda stuck in their heads,” said Zipp. “A lot of times we’ll have clients come to us and say, ‘I only have so much budget, and I really want to make a big impact, and you know what I love about your medium is it’s a huge open canvas for me to tell my story, and develop my brand,’” she continued. People are also becoming more and more savvy, according to Zipp, when it comes to avoiding online advertising. Consumers are closing tabs, and downloading ad-blocking software—but billboards are impossible to turn off.
The Giants billboard, courtesy of Outfront Media.
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A Photo printed by one of Roland ’s TrueVIS series printers.
Outdoor Durable:
A Look at Today’s Solvent Printers
Solvent printers may be a mature technology, but that doesn’t mean innovation has halted. Manufacturers in this category continue making strides to improve efficiencies. By Jeffrey Steele
T
hey say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But when it comes to the very mature technology of solvent printing, a number of newer features and benefits are enabling print service providers to become more efficient, while turning out higher-quality work in faster times. The result is the ability to tap new markets and new profits. According to David Conrad, Director of Sales and Marketing for Mutoh America in Phoenix, Arizona, solvent printer sales have been steady in recent years. “With the advent of UV-LED and the migration of dye sublimation and textile printing applications, we’ve seen eco-solvent printing trends remain strong in their traditional sign, display, and wrap spaces,” he said.
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Top trends include the steadily growing demands by PSPs for reliable, easyto-use printers with excellent image quality and productivity, at affordable prices. Working to meet that demand is Irvine, California-based Roland DGA, whose TrueVIS series of eco-solvent large-format printer/cutters meets this criteria, said Daniel Valade, the company’s Product Manager for color products and cutters.
April 2018
“Customers are also looking for printers that are more efficient so they can achieve maximum productivity,” he added. “Features like faster print speeds, integrated contour cutting and automatic ink switching systems allow for uninterrupted and unattended printing, taking productivity and convenience to a whole new level.” As he views solvent printers as a category, Michael Maxwell, Senior Manager of Sales, Promotions, Events, and Applications for Suwanee, Georgia-based Mimaki USA, sees a highly mature product that continues to evolve for the better. Maxwell continued: “They’re a widely-used technology, with a lot of cross compatibility with media. Commercial print service providers are
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looking to expand with solvent printing to do more exterior printing, but without losing their interior printing jobs. On the solvent side, we’re seeing expansion of the colors available in the solvent spaces.”
formulations to allow our inks to cure more quickly so PSPs who use our equipment can turn around jobs more quickly. It’s reduced the window of time from production to delivery.” Mimaki USA is essentially giving users options, he added.
Features and Benefits Solvent printers may be a mature technology, but that doesn’t mean innovation has been halted. Manufacturers in this category continue making strides to improve efficiencies. “In addition to delivering a wide color gamut and improved output, innovative inkjets such as Roland DGA’s TrueVIS series models meet ever-stricter environmental standards,” Maxwell explained. That satisfies customer demand for “greener” technologies. An example is the specialty-formulated GREENGUARD Gold Certified TrueVIS Ink used by these printers. The ink comes in cost-efficient 500 ml. pouches that fit into reusable cartridges for clean usage and less waste, and require no special ventilation or environmental equipment. Roland DGA responded to the increased user convenience trend by ensuring the TrueVIS series printer-cutters are not just simple to use and maintain, but feature a Bluetooth-enabled
A lemur-themed vehicle wrap, image courtesy of Roland.
Roland DG Mobile Panel. This allows the user to operate the printer remotely from a smartphone or tablet. “We are seeing software improvements as well,” Valade said. “[These are] advancements that also contribute to greater efficiency, productivity and ease of use. Roland’s VersaWorks Dual RIP features a new core engine for better file processing, including files with transparencies, plus a predictive ink calculator, built-in Pantone and spot-color libraries, variable data printing, useful cropping, tiling and nesting options and more. These tools and resources make using Roland printers and maximizing output quality and productivity easier than ever before.” At Mimaki USA, it is clearly understood customers want faster turnarounds. “The Internet has been both the best and worst thing that’s happened to our society,” Maxwell opined. “Customers believe they’re more educated and don’t have as much patience to have things produced. With solvents, you have to take time for ink to cure. We’ve improved our ink
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Roland’s TrueVIS series printers.
If the majority of their work is exterior, solvent’s the better choice. But the company is narrowing the window of time required to bring solvent closer to other printing technologies’ curing times.
Building profits As for the perennial desire to add sales, revenue and profits, several avenues are wide open to PSPs, Conrad said. One comes through expanding existing customer bases by adding applications such as vehicle and building wraps or building graphics. Most of the market views solvent printing output as appropriate for exterior use only. But Mimaki offers GREENGUARD Gold certification on its solvent ink SS21, as well as GREENGUARD Gold certification on is latex and UV curable inks. “That says once the job is produced, they can put up [output] in some of these facilities without any harm,” he noted. “Solvent has more versatility than just run-of-the-mill vehicle graphic work. This allows [PSPs] to tap into other printing markets they may not have looked at, giving them the opportunity to bid on jobs they might otherwise not have thought about.” For his part, Valade reports PSPs can make the most of sales and profit potential by selecting printers or printer/cutters that maximize efficiency and productivity while keeping operating costs to a minimum. It’s important, he adds, to select an inkjet, like a Roland TrueVIS VG series printer/cutter, that allows for a smooth, uninterrupted work flow as well as trouble-free unattended printing and low operating expenses. “Wide-format eco-solvent models like those in the TrueVIS series can also help any operation accept different types of jobs to increase its customer base and overall revenue. [And] the environmentally-friendly aspects of GREENGUARD Gold-certified TrueVIS Ink will help attract those customers looking for more environmentally-friendly output,” said Valade. “And the fast print speed, advanced features and unsurpassed production capabilities will help any shop deliver customer-pleasing work on time or even ahead of schedule.”
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Finding the FLATBED TECHNOLOGYthat Works for Your Business Are flatbed technologies shaping tomorrow’s market? For shops that are looking to invest in flatbed trends, size and long-term return opportunities are worth careful consideration. By Toni McQuilken
“
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here are two big trends associated with a maturing market,” said Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Marketing at EFI. “People are trying to drive costs out of their business and run leaner, smoother, more productive, hyper efficient operations. But they are also looking to capture more wallet share and new revenue streams for their business.” graphics.” This growth is expected to continue as more and more end users are discovering that new applications and personalization options can be extended into their home, office or retail environments. “Look for scalability on machines to help make it easy to get into flatbed printing and to grow with the business as production requirements increase,” said David Conrad, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mutoh America, Inc. The ability to add more print heads for more production capacity will keep the entry price down, allowing shops to invest in their production capacity as their revenue stream grows with the business. “The past few years have seen an increase in the variety of applications and range of new specialty rigid substrates that can simulate brushed aluminum, chalkboard, canvas, and more,” noted Randy Paar, Manager of Display Graphics at Canon Solutions America.
Roland DGA Stone Blocks Flowers VersaUV LEJ 640FT
“We see the ability to do more with existing equipment as a trend in flatbed printing, driven by a variety of ink colors and ink types,” noted Josh Hope, Senior Manager of Mimaki USA. “At Mimaki, all our flatbed printers use UV ink and a UV-LED curing technology. New advances in UV curable technologies have increased their demand recently, and new applications where UV has become more popular are driving interest. UV printing continues to be an expanding market in all levels of industrial printing as well as sign and
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Increased print capability, in terms of thickness of objects able to be printed on and production speeds improving with newer machine introductions, will allow this technology to reach new markets for expanded application opportunities in the next year. “As we move into 2018, some of the biggest trends we’re seeing related to wide-format flatbed printers are changes in size and height, speed enhancements, and new developments in ink,” said Jay Roberts, Product Manager of UV Printers at Roland DGA. “Use of these inkjets are expanding into new industries, and each of these trends will play equal and important roles in the development of new and improved wide-format flatbeds. Printer manufacturers, including Roland, will be seeking to fill their existing market niches, and potentially carve out new niches as well. Whether the changes being made involve redesigning an inkjet’s printbed area to ‘fit’ a new application, or developing an ink set that enhances printing capabilities, the resulting advancements will help end users maximize success within their respective target markets.” “Wide-format adoption, both flatbed and hybrid, will grow as the financial and ease-of-use barriers continue to lower,” noted Dan Johansen, Marketing Manager of Wide Format Solutions and Commercial & Industrial Printing at Ricoh. “With brands and end users demanding great quality and faster turnaround,
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in the next 12-18 months, I think we’ll see ink drop sizes continue to get smaller and create better quality, and I think we’ll see that inkjet technology continues to expand and allow for faster printing with those smaller drops,” added Becky McConnell, Product Marketing Manager at FUJIFILM North America’s Graphic Systems Division.
When Size Truly Matters For shops that are taking these flatbed trends to heart and looking to invest, the first thing to consider is what size will work best for the shop. Flatbeds come in a range of sizes, and not every shop will want—or need—the biggest one out there. Experts note that an estimated 80-90% of the work printed on flatbeds in the US tends to fall into a narrow range of sizes. “Size does matter for greater versatility, but it’s primarily a 4’ x 8’ world and that is the most common size of substrate used and subsequently the most
Mutoh VJ1638UH
common printer size,” said Paar. “There are larger size printers available that can support 5 foot by 10 foot substrates and even printers that support an 8’ x 10’ print area. Don’t limit your capabilities by getting too small a printer just to try and save a few dollars. Being able to take on jobs larger than 4’ x 8’ can provide a competitive edge that in some cases can quickly compensate for the increased investment.” That said, shops with a focus on volume may want to consider larger flatbeds that allow them to produce more applications simultaneously.” “The larger 4x8 flatbeds allow shops to incorporate new applications where they would not be able to accommodate with a smaller desktop unit,” agreed Conrad. “Shop
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space can also dictate the type or size of printer that can be utilized. Sometimes, if the opportunity warrants, shops will want to expand into a larger space or replace existing printer technology with the flatbed to accommodate new applications or to satisfy multiple applications with a single device making the shop more efficient.”
Mimaki UV Keg Zeppelin Mirror
Investing Wisely Size alone won’t determine whether a flatbed printer will be a good investment for any given shop in the coming months. Our experts noted that there are a number of other things to take into consideration. “The best tip for success is to test early and often,” stressed Hope. “PSPs should make sure the ink matches the application, and that the adhesion is good. PSPs should be very careful in selecting the target materials. A small savings in the raw product can cost you more if the cheaper product does not hold ink as well as a name brand item might. Keep a range of adhesion promoters on hand and use them if needed to test challenging materials.” “Before investing in a flatbed, users should first consider what they want to specialize in, or if they want to specialize at all,” advised Roberts. “We have seen many successful end users that do not actually specialize in a particular type of printing. On the other hand, some of our most successful customers do specialize in specific printing applications. Either way, wide-format flatbeds give you the option of printing directly on a vast array of substrates and objects. Whether you’ll be specializing, or not, it’s important to understand the requirements for successful UV printing before making an investment.” Issues that arise for customers are more often media-related than printer-related. Since a UV flatbed lets you print on just about anything, it’s important to know the challenges printing on certain types of media or objects can
April 2018
pose. In some cases, this may require a little extra research and experience. Be aware of the possibilities and challenges, as well as the expectations of your customers, and understand how to deliver the end products they expect. It’s also about finding a printer that will work within the existing systems. Hanulec said: “In a mature market there are good alternatives and PSPs should look for a partner that develops the printer, ink, and RIP tech together as a system. There are several manufacturers who build a printer, then source and ink and a RIP, then they put them together to make them work. But truth is they are different components from different companies. And then, always partner with someone who has a solid support and services network so you can get up quickly and stay that way — when printer is running you’re making money.”
Should Your Shop Go Flat in 2018? The question of whether your shop should invest in flatbed technology that will garner a different response among each individual case. But there is no denying that the flatbed market is booming—with new technologies, substrates, and inks that allow a much wider range of creative applications. As the commercial print market continues to consolidate, and more shops begin to offer a broader range of services under the same roof the importance of having this equipment on hand will most likely increase. A flatbed printer could just be the tool you need to stand out among the competition.
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“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” film screenshot.
The Return of the Billboard:
Tips to Inspire Action through Print Billboards present an opportunity for everyone’s message of action to stand out from the crowd. Here are some key trends and tips to consider for maximum impact using print and signage. By Sal Sheikh
I
n one of the most critically acclaimed films of this year, the 2017 drama film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, a creative use of billboards brings
awareness to an important issue within a rural community. Similarly—in real life—billboards have sprung up around the globe to deliver messages to internationally renowned athletes, poke fun at reality TV stars, and drive global change around important social issues. What does this all mean to us? Print remains one of the most effective mediums with which to communicate.
Various sectors including wide-format and graphic arts are experiencing growth. According to Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends’ Global Wide Format Forecast, latex and eco-solvent wide-format printer placements are projected to demonstrate a compound
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annual growth of 6% from 2016 through 2021. InfoTrends estimates that the majority of wide format print volumes are attributable to signs, posters, point-of-purchase displays, and banners. Additionally, a 2017 study by Borrell Associates found that billboards
April 2018
were one of the only traditional medias projected to show growth in 2018 as measured by local ad expenditures— highlighting the breakthrough power of print in what can be perceived as a digital age. This rise in print could be explained by a 2016 survey by MarketingSherpa in which 82 percent of internet users reported that they trust print ads when making a purchasing decision, more than any other medium. When it comes to the likelihood of a purchase, print ranks as one of the top most influential mediums according to a December 2017 study by Clutch. The combination of these insights
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presents an opportunity for everyone’s message of action to stand out from the crowd and make an impact through the power of print. Here are some key print trends and tips to consider for maximum impact.
Shape the Message Every word counts when persuading for action in print, so it is essential to choose a message that is simple and meaningful to be memorable. In many cases, billboards are very effective in
“Going the extra mile to show that you are paying attention to the target audience is an effort worth the investment.” message retention because the message is distilled into a single line with supporting visuals to reinforce the message. We also see this in graphic arts applications such as posters, magazines and other types of print as well. Additionally, adding a personalized touch can help a message break through to your target audience. From incorporating relevant cultural trends, local geographical references or individual names, going the extra mile to
designed to produce high quality, high-coverage print on a variety of media types. The Océ Arizona, specifically, can print on virtually anything—from stone to acrylic or fabric. It is critical to research where your audience spends their time and where they might be receptive to information. This will help you land on whether a wall, window display, poster, billboard or more non-traditional printed medium is best. Consider how billboards are received in a rural space like Ebbing, Missouri compared to the bright lights and flash of Times Square.
Canon Océ Arizona 2200 Series printer, image courtesy of Canon.
show that you are paying attention to the target audience is an effort worth the investment.
Choose the Right Vehicle
While renting a billboard may not always be financially or strategically feasible, print technology allows us to print on other mediums without sacrificing the quality of the image. At Canon, we offer a portfolio of printers that can help achieve almost any print creation you choose, regardless of indoor or outdoor appliimage PROGRAF PRO-6000 large format 60-inch printer, cation. The Canon Océ image courtesy of Canon. Colorado 1640 printer, Océ Arizona 2200 Series large format UV flatbed printer and While more people see a message in imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 large forthe heart of New York City on a billmat 60-inch printer are a few examples board, it competes with so many other of products in our portfolio specifically messages around it, so it can be diluted. In some cases, printing on a park bench or umbrella may stand out more.
Consider Marketing Variety While many believe that they compete, print and digital can be excellent complements of each other, especially when attempting to persuade action and reach the entirety of your target audience. In fact, the furthest-reaching prints may have a social or online component to them. From a simple hashtag to innovative augmented reality or artificial intelligence features, digital can be integrated with your print projects to invite consumers to learn more online or via social media.
“Greatest Mom of All Time” billboard commissioned by Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, in honor of her return to tennis after giving birth to her daughter.
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New
Products Paradigm Display Solutions Mesa Retractable Stand The Mesa retractable banner stand is an economical version of the popular Silverado retractable banner stand. It has the same appealing base design as the Silverado plus an adjustable
HP Everyday Blockout Display Film
pole that allows you to select banner height from 69” to 92”. Its broad base
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ries a lifetime warranty.
excellent lay-flat properties. HP Everyday Blockout Display Film
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is designed with the environment in mind and is REACH compliant—a regulation of the European Union adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment. HP Everyday Blockout Display Film is a 9.8- mil composite polymeric film with a light-blocking opaque layer that prevents show-through so viewers see clean, crisp images. The coating enables durable prints that dry quickly and produce beautiful, opaque display graphics. This economical display film is offered at a lower price than 100% polyester film. PrintingNews.com/12386552
Fujifilm Acuity LED 1600R Fujifilm announced the release of a new machine in its Acuity series, the Acuity LED 1600R. This accessible, dedicated roll-to-roll printer is optimized for four-color CYMK printing, but otherwise shares all the benefits in quality and performance of the highly successful Acuity LED 1600 II hybrid model. The new Acuity LED 1600R has not yet been released in North America, but is expect-
OvernightPrints.com Personalized Jumbo Greeting Cards Jumbo greeting cards are oversized for larger than life moments like marriage proposals, milestone birthdays and new baby. The unforgettable keepsake is also perfectly sized as a romantic Val-
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entine’s Day gift, for personal messages from large groups or for
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corporate celebrations. Custom jumbo greeting cards are sized at 14” by 19” and include a white envelope. PrintingNews.com/12402472
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New
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Epson FX-2190II Series Printer
Banova Balsa Wood Substrates
Just like the recently announced FX-890II, the FX-2190II series impact
The Banova line includes Banova Print, Banova
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These reliable 9-pin, wide-format impact printers boast a long life cycle,
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per page. Engineered for seamless integration into virtually any system,
PrintingNews.com/12402710
they include Epson ESC/P, IBM, PPDS, and MICROLINE printer languages. Ideal for harsh environments, these workhorses race through cut-sheet, continuous or multipart forms up to 7 pages thick, and feature an intuitive control panel for easy setup and operation. PrintingNews.com/12402665
Market Place April 2018 Ad Directory Advertiser ................................................................... PG# 4Over, Inc. ....................................................................... 2 PrintingNews.com/10003405 www.Trade.4over.com
AXYZ International................................................. 11 PrintingNews.com/12149752 www.axyz.com; 800-527-9670
Lintec ........................................................................15 PrintingNews.com/10006436 www.digitalwindowgraphics.com; 800-806-8977
Agfa Graphics Anapurna H1650i LED Agfa Graphics is expanding its wide-format hybrid Anapurna LED se-
Mutoh America........................................................13
ries for sign and display professionals with a new 1.65 m-wide hybrid
PrintingNews.com/10006791 www.mutoh.com; 800-99.MUTOH
printer—the Anapurna H1650i LED. Th is smaller hybrid printer was de-
Signs 365 .................................................................. 28
signed as an accessible and cost-effective production tool that combines
PrintingNews.com/10449454 www.signs365.com 800.265.8830
the latest LED technology with Agfa Graphics’ signature high-quality output. The Anapurna H1650i LED was revealed to the public at C!Print
Zund America ..........................................................17
Lyon, France in February.
PrintingNews.com/10008759 www.zund.com; 414-433-0700
PrintingNews.com/12402720
PrintingNews .com
April 2018
Wide-Format & Signage
27
FINISHING OPTIONS: Welding, Grommets, Rope, Pole Pockets, Wind Slits
PROUD TO SAY...
VISIT www.signs365.com | CALL 1.800.265.8830 | TEXT (SIGNS) 74467
16' max
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width [ XQVHDPHG
DURABILITY: :LWKVWDQGVRXWGRRU ZHDWKHU 89DQG ZDWHUUHVLVWDQW
PRINTED ON
For more information, visit PrintingNews.com/10449454
