With each passing edition, FESPA is emerging as an ecosystem where innovation undergoes continuous changes.
FESPA 2018, the leading European tradeshow, dedicated to the large format printing industry, opened its gates to a hub where technology mashed with creativity where the industry stakeholders, especially print service providers got the chance to see first-hand and the most recent developments and innovations in the industry. The Show, as usual, presented an exuberant growth of the digital printing and the technology that are yet to attain maturity stage. Thank to the rapidly surging digital market that has enabled access to the increasingly higher attention that operators are paying to this kind of solutions. Following are a few global technology majors letting the industry belief that true innovation is what makes adopting smarter and more effective production methods come true.
HP debuts breakthrough Latex Printer
HP Inc. unveiled the HP Latex R2000 Printer, the first hybrid solution for rigid and flexible sign and display printing in one device. The first printer in the R Series is the game-changing HP Latex R2000 Printer. The company has developed this breakthrough technology based on print service providers (PSPs) continued request for an HP Latex printer to print on both rigid and flexible materials using our water-based inks.
Coupled with the revolutionary HP Latex White Ink – delivering the glossiest white on transparent and colored media – The HP Latex R2000 Printer powers PSPs with ultimate versatility through a single ink set. Applications such as retail, outdoor signage, window graphics, events and exhibitions, decoration and car wrapping are now a possibility.
Features include high-speed quality up to 88 sqm/h (947 sqf/h) – continuous loading, high accuracy belt system and productive workflow with 14 automatic independent chambers, reliable flexible printing, leveraging assets from current portfolio, up to 100kg rolls, redesigned HP Latex Inks to achieve vibrant color gamut on rigid while preserving media gloss and feel, and prints with no smell, durable and flexible water-based ink for high adhesion and scratch resistance with a new HP Latex Overcoat, lower temperatures allowing wide media versatility, automatic maintenance, smart vacuum, and easy loading, productivity enhanced with HP Smart Services.
Earlier, HP had announced its new Rigid Technology at the ISA Sign Expo in March, highlighting how customers will now be able to expand their offering into new, high-value applications while also opening fresh creative ideas and concepts for sign and display.
Canon shows multiple paths to business improvement and growth
Canon showcased a broad spectrum of solutions for roll-to-roll and flatbed printing, cutting and workflow automation, while sharing inspiring examples of the diverse range of applications enabled by Canon technologies and media, ranging from traditional signage and graphics to printed décor and customised packaging.
A prominent highlight of the stand was the Océ Colorado 1640 roll-to-roll printer, built on Canon’s groundbreaking UVgel technology. Other Canon roll-to-roll solutions included the Océ ColorWave 910 single pass inkjet printer with inline folder producing AEC (architectural, engineering & construction) applications as well as posters, while the Océ ColorWave 700 showed its versatility to print on coated and uncoated media for everything from posters to banners and wallpapers. The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 and TX4000 printers were also demonstrated producing photo and fine art prints as well as POS and posters, including a demonstration of a new waterproof Canon media for outdoor use.
In the flatbed production zone of the Canon stand, Océ Arizona 6170XTS printer from the multi-award winning Océ Arizona series was put on the display in a streamlined print-and-cut workflow with the Océ ProCut G3 XL-3200 cutting table, producing short-run packaging. Canon’s new elevated printing solution for the Océ Arizona series enables customers to add textured effects to décor products, packaging prototypes and signage, maximising value and increasing their scope for competitive differentiation.
Visitors also learned how they can complement their wide format technology line-up with small format solutions such as the Canon imagePRESS C850 series for packaging applications including short-run folding cartons, as well as customer communications and sales collateral. The DreamLabo 5000 inkjet production photo printer in combination with the Canon FlatSpread FS-500 finishing solution showed graphics producers – many of whom were already active in printed photo merchandise – the commercial opportunity of diversification into premium quality photobooks.
Roland DG puts forth broadest range of advanced print & cut and UV-LED solutions
Roland DG demonstrated the largest range of advanced print & cut, UV-LED and dye-sublimation solutions at FESPA Global Print Expo 2018, where the Roland booth accommodated the widest range of solutions across six areas Print & Cut, demonstrating Roland’s latest generation TrueVIS eco-solvent wide-format printer/cutters; Print then Cut, highlighting Roland’s SOLJET and VersaEXPRESS eco-solvent wide-format printers and CAMM-1 GR series cutters; Personalisation & Retail, displaying the Roland VersaUV LEF desktop UV-LED series; Roland’s VersaUV industrial flatbed and hybrid devices; Dye-sublimation, featuring the Roland Texart XT-640; Small device zone with desktop printers and cutters, and engraving systems.
Recognising the need to continuously move the market forward, the company introduced the TrueVIS range. Roland TrueVIS VG-640/540 (1625 mm and 1371 mm) and SG-540/300 (1371 mm and 762 mm) printer/cutters are equipped with newly-developed Roland DG FlexFireprintheads, which allow better control of the ink chamber plate, for a higher firing frequency. The FlexFire printheads also deliver precision droplet placement in three sizes, and an approximately 25% wider print pass compared to previous Roland DG models. The combination of the FlexFire heads and TrueVIS INK delivers stunning fine details and vibrant colours at a production speed of 10.6 sqm/hr in High Quality mode on vinyl and up to 34.7 sqm/hr on banner in dual CMYK ink configuration.
Roland’s range of options for a separate print and cut solution included the award-winning Roland SOLJET EJ-640 eco-solvent printer. Advanced features include an integrated tri-heater system, excellent media compatibility, precise media transit, Roland VersaWorks Dual PDF-based RIP, and Roland OnSupport remote monitoring software which means unattended printing is easier than ever. Interestingly, Roland’s advanced yet affordable VersaEXPRESS RF-640 eco-solvent printer or EJ-640 can be configured either as stand-alone devices or paired with a cutter, such as a Roland GR series, as an integral part of an efficient print then cut workflow.
Roland demonstrated its VersaUV LEF-300 and LEF-12i, from the series of UV-LED flatbed inkjet printers. Exciting production-boosting features on the Roland LEF-300 include an enlarged printing area of 770mm wide by 330mm long. With the Roland LEF-300 it is possible to print on a wide variety of substrates including acrylic, wood, board, plastic, metal, glass plus fabrics and soft materials such as leather and eco-leather. A vacuum table makes it easy to hold thin and soft materials in place. The device directly prints onto a huge range of items including pens, mobile phone cases, customised corporate merchandise, signs, personalised awards, giftware, industrial goods, product prototypes and much more.
Mimaki puts forth gamut of printing solutions
Mimaki’s full line of products, showcased at the Berlin event, included innovative solutions for the Sign Graphics, Industrial, Textile, and the rapidly developing 3D markets. These apart, Mimaki was also a key participant in several of FESPA’s special exhibits, such as the World Wrap Masters competition, Printeriors, and the new textile feature Print Make Wear.
Mimaki’s flagship solvent and UV LED roll-to-roll machines were on display. The spotlight, however, was on the UCJV300 series. First introduced in September last year, the UCJV300-160 is a technologically superior printer/cutter featuring ultra-low running costs and instantly dry ink, which allows printing to a wide range of materials, including PET film, fabric and heat sensitive media. Following the success of the product, Mimaki announced three new smaller models: UCJV300-75, UCJV300-107, and UCJV300-130, with print widths of up to 80cm, 109cm, and 136cm respectively.
All three additional models feature Greenguard Gold certified LUS-170 inks, new ID Cut function for trouble-free automatic cutting of consecutive jobs via barcode, and unique 4-layer day and night printing, which allows designers to build layered, transformative graphics for backlit applications.
For industrial markets, Mimaki displayed its full range of UV LED flatbed printers, from the award-winning A3- and A2-format machines all the way up to the grand format JFX200-2531, which boasts a print area of 2.5 x 3.1m. Various possibilities were also demonstrated, including direct printing on 360-degree surfaces and print-and-cut workflow in combination with cutting machines. For the latter, Mimaki showcased its latest flatbed cutting machine, the CF22-1225, and featured a laser cutting machine in collaboration with Trotec.
Under the sublimation transfer and direct-to-textile printing, the highlight was Tiger-1800B, Mimaki’s robust textile printer for industrial level high volume production. Specifically engineered for the production of soft furnishing fabrics and fashion and apparel, the Tiger-1800B delivers high print speeds of up to 385m2/h, strong build quality, and stunning print output.
Mimaki’s well-received first foray into 3D market, the 3DUJ-553, was also put on the anvil. Dubbed as the world’s first 3D printer capable of producing more than 10 million colours, the machine jets and instantly UV-cures successive fine layers of liquid photopolymer to create one or several models or parts. It also features water-soluble support material to deal with overhangs or complex shapes.
Ricoh introduces Pro™ C7200X digital sheet fed colour series
The five colour Pro C7200X (Graphic Arts Edition) series has been designed and engineered for graphic arts applications while the four colour ProTM C7200 series has been developed to help enterprise print rooms to reduce their operational costs.
Enhancements compared to the highly successful Pro C7100X platform include improved colour stability thanks to auto calibration with inline sensors, and improved registration with an auto adjustment function. In addition, its fifth station offers wider scope for value added print applications with the new ability to print white plus CMYK in a single pass, enhancing impact, for example on coloured media. The Pro C7200X series introduces invisible red toner which is ideal for a range of entry level security applications. The recently launched neon pink toner, as well as white, clear and neon yellow toners complete a wide range of fifth colour options.
Productivity is increased with models printing at up to either 95ppm or 85ppm plus auto duplex long sheet production up to 700mm, and simplex up to 1260mm. Image quality is exceptional, with 2,400 x 4,800 dpi. So is productivity across a wide range of media which can now be printed at rated speed up to 360gsm. The new models deliver streamlined production with inline finishing, too. Options include the GBC eWire Binder, BDT Banner Sheet LCT and a Plockmatic banner sheet stacker. A new, intuitive 17 inch operator panel increases the usability.
A range of Digital Front End options were available with Fiery from EFI, and GWNX and the TotalFlow Print Server R62A from Ricoh. This is a high performance DFE that offers excellent integration with various workflow solutions.
Agfa Graphics launches hybrid flagship JetiTauro H3300 UV LED
Agfa Graphics has launched its latest UV LED inkjet hybrid wide-format “workhorse” – the JetiTauro H3300 LED. Building on the successes of the JetiTauro H2500 LED, Agfa Graphics launched the (even) bigger, sturdier and faster JetiTauro H3300 LED – an engine which guarantees both smooth, detailed results and rapid UV-LED curing. This hybrid UV inkjet workhorse produces visually stunning prints on media up to 3.3m-wide at speeds up to 453 m2/h, keeps going 24/7 and is convertible to enable different degrees of automation. In addition, it excels at combining award-winning image quality with low ink consumption.
Its extreme speed becomes even more apparent in the roll-to-roll version, which is capable of handling heavy master rolls in single or dual-roll mode for a wide variety of flexible media. JetiTauro H3300 LED is designed to offer the highest possible level of both quality and productivity, thanks to a new vacuum table and Agfa-patented vacuum belt design that keep print media perfectly flat under the print shuttle, guaranteeing precise dot positioning and accurate media transport. JetiTauro’s image vividness is created to last, even when subjected to harsh outdoor weather conditions. Due to the high pigment load of Agfa-made inks and Asanti’s ink-saving algorithms, ink consumption per square metre is the lowest on the market. The result is an ideal balance between quality, productivity and cost of ownership.
Among other benefits, LEDs are durable – they generate consistent light output throughout their lifespans of about 10,000 hours. Also, the Agfa-developed and manufactured UV-curable inks match perfectly with the spectral emission of Tauro’s LED lamps. This guarantees deep, instant curing and delivers dry output, outstanding adhesion on a broad media range, good scratch resistance, perfect colour stability, and so on. The fact that the JetiTauro H3300 LED relies fully on this technology is truly unique – it’s one of the engine’s many strong suits. Not only that, this hybrid UV inkjet workhorse is capable of producing visually stunning prints on media up to 3.3 metres wide at speeds up to 453 m2/h, can keep going 24/7, and is convertible to enable different degrees of automation.
EFI comes up with next generation hybrid among others
EFI made the global launch of a new high-volume roll-to-roll/flatbed hybrid platform that it says is all about “faster, better, cheaper”. The new Vutek h range consists of the h3, which has three rows of 7pl greyscale printheads and the h5, which has five. The h3 is field upgradable to the h5 configuration.
The 3.2m-wide series, which has been in development for 18 months, joins the established GS and LX3 series of hybrids, which were launched eight years ago and have notched up more than 1,200 installations worldwide. The h series is expected to become truly the next generation Vutek hybrid printer, it sits between the GS and (flagship) HS. The h series will not replace either series, but over time it would become its flagship hybrid.
The h3 has a top speed of 273 sqm/hr, while the h5 tops out at 390 sqm/hr. Both ten-channel machines can print five layers in a single pass and run either CMYK plus lc, lm, ly, lk and double white, or double CMYK for faster speeds. The operator selects either eight- or four-colour mode, with the light channels then automatically filled from the CMYK containers to optimise productivity. Running at 1,200dpi with Ricoh Gen 5 heads, the h series is the highest resolution hybrid in EFI’s range. It runs an established EFI inkset specially tuned for the h series.
The h series is a ground-up new build that affords end-users, higher productivity, higher quality, improved user experience and even greater reliability, meaning more uptime. It’s an industrial build printer that is all about faster, better, cheaper. Available with optional three-quarter or full automation, in and out, and multi-roll functionality, new features include newly developed motion belts, electronics, imaging and ink delivery systems. Other features include ImageEdge technology for fast printhead replacement, automated table and carriage alignment and camera-based subpixel alignment.
Another global debut, the EFI ReggianiInNova, is a new, industrial direct-to-textile “no sublimation” printer that offers in-line polymerisation through an on-board dryer to remove the need for a separate heat press/calendering process. Other highlights included the new EFI VutekFabriVU 340i dye-sub printer, which gets its European launch at Fespa. The company also demonstrated a Vutek 3r roll-to-roll printer and the EFI Nozomi C18000 and Vutek HS125 Pro inkjet presses.
Colorjet showcases its latest collections
Colorjet India, the country’s largest manufacturer of wide-format digital printers in India, hosted live demonstrations of the finest UV, soft signage and digital textile solutions at Fespa 2018. Among the highlights were its Vulcan 3.2m UV R2R, which all about enhanced technology and cutting edge features. It offers electro static absorber system (ESAS) that absorbs static electricity from the media, improves productivity and ensures easy trouble-free prints. Its water-cooled system keeps temperature low inside print room and the light intensity can also be adjusted.
Its CWC Option (Colour White Color) shows day and night effect without shift in colour hues and proprietary CIPO Technology (Colorjet Intelligent Pass Optimisation) ensures multiple print patterns as per the needs of the customer that depends on the kind of media being put to use.
Further, the TXF on pigment inks gives variable dot control for achieving smooth halftones. Fitted with sticky belt system machine delivers flawless printing of all kinds of fabrics; from bulky textured materials to elastic fabrics or light weight sheer fabrics. This digital printer is well suited for printing with pigment inks and can print practically on any type of fabric, whether knot or woven, polyester, cotton, silk, viscose, rayon, wool or blends. It also has one of the lowest carbon footprints in its class.
While the TXF is ideally suited for small design studio kind of businesses, the Metro with up to 16 Kyocera print heads by contrast, is a full-fledged production machine. It stands apart in terms of maximum printing speed of up to 362 m2/hour; linear motor technology for fast and precise ink jetting and water efficient cleaning of sticky belt.
Other high performance printers that Colorjet showcased were Aurajet with Xaar heads mainly for sublimation market and soft signage printer that can print directly on 3.2m fabric using aqueous-based disperse inks. Established in 2004, Colorjet has over 4,000 installations worldwide, including India, Middle East, Australia and Europe.
Fujifilm highlights its Acuity range; focuses on new high-end solutions
Fujifilm focused on two new high-end platforms. The first is the new Acuity B1 modular system, previewed at FESPA 2017, and the second a ground-breaking new platform that has been just announced. Additionally, it showcased the huge potential of the Onset X platform for the production of corrugated displays and packaging.
The Acuity Ultra is available in either 3.2 or 5m widths. With a 3.5pl drop size, the machine is ideal for the high-end, indoor display market. According to the company, with the ability to print at production speeds in excess of 200 sqm per hour at a 3.5pl drop size, the Acuity Ultra is set to revolutionize the large format, high-end interior graphics marketplace.
Fujifilm’s Acuity B1, a versatile, high-quality modular printer for short-run graphic display work, is built on the very latest UV technology and features new and exclusive Fujifilm Dimatix QFR printheads, delivering 7 picolitre drop sizes. Offering exceptional print quality and high productivity at an accessible price point, it appeals to a broad range of print businesses. The quality beats offset and you can print on a wide range of coated and uncoated materials including plastics up to 10 mm thick. This makes it perfect for creating point of sale and promotional items.
FESPA’s inaugural Digital Corrugated Experience feature provides the ideal opportunity for Fujifilm to showcase the corrugated capability of the Inca Digital Onset X platform. The Onset X features the best of Fujifilm inkjet technology and high quality Fujifilm UV ink, including Uvijet LM, a new low migration ink range specifically designed for printing to secondary food packaging and corrugated retail displays. The platform also now boasts a brand new Inca Digital robotics system. Fujifilm experts were busy explaining visitors through the endless creative potential of the Onset X to create high-quality corrugated displays and short-run packaging.
Fujifilm Acuity Ultra is the latest addition to the Fujifilm Acuity range that forms a key part of the company’s industrial strategy, offering increased size and quality to make the production of high-end interior graphics much more profitable. Built around Fujifilm’s UV cured inkjet technologies, it offers almost photographic levels of quality with tighter registration and higher production speeds, at a cost that is set to shake up the super-wide format marketplace. Available in 5 metre and 3.2 metre models, the Acuity Ultra is available with up to eight colour channels, using a new, high-quality, low film weight Uvijet GS Fujifilm ink. GREENGUARD approved, this ink has been especially designed to deliver the highest quality and is fully emission-compliant for interior graphic display work.
Elitron showcases the upgrades of its digital cutting solutions
Elitron showcased the upgrades of its digital cutting solutions designed, one for finishing on both large format media and roll materials for POP or sign & display, and the other for maximum finishing performances and top tier flexibility.
Elitron unveiled Kombo TH. Featured by a double independent beam, an established Elitron technology, it ensures a reduction in overall throughput thanks to Twin Cut software which automatically balances the workload of each cutting head, making possible to assign to each cutting head a specific job, even on different materials, thereby further enhancing the flexibility of the multi tool cutting heads.This new feature, on the one hand, simplifies and speeds up operations that require the use of more materials sequentially and, on the other makes short runs even more profitable and easy to be managed as the greater flexibility increases the just in time production capabilities of this digital cutting solution.
Elitron’s Kombo SDC+ 3.2, a digital cutting solution, which is characterized by a 3m wide conveyor working area designed for all those wide format operators that need a flexible solution for large format rigid media and roll materials for POP or signage. This cutting system represents a further expansion of the Kombo SD Series and combines its flexibility thanks to the multi-tool carriage that can be equipped up to 5 tools such as: vibrating blade, 1 and 3kw mill, creasing wheel, kiss cutting blade for vinyl and adhesive materials, V-Cut blade for 45 ° manufacturing, circular blade for fibrous materials and many more.
MS Printing Solutions launches JPK UV
MS Printing Solutions launched its JPK UV, a high capacity, multipass printer that uses UV LED curable inks. Based on the already successful JPK water-based ink model, the new printer aims to fill a growing need for high-volume UV LED roll-to-roll production, with primary customers expected to be traditional flexo or helio users who want to convert to digital printing. Using broadly similar technology to MS’s existing machine portfolio, the JPK has been developed to provide high capacity with low running costs, while jumbo rolls for unwinding and rewinding allow for 24/7 industrial operation.
According to the company, the new JPK UV has been designed as an alternative to existing analogue printing solutions, thus allowing traditional printing businesses to make the move to digital. Initially, we saw this phenomena with smaller production fields requiring high amounts of customization – when flexibility to produce on demand, rather than the cost of printing, was the key factor. Now, however, this minimal run length is changing. The break-even point is moving and nowadays customers are demanding digital printers that can produce higher outputs at lower costs. The JPK UV is the ideal printer to fulfill this growing demand.
The primary target market for the new printer is now large-scale industrial users of printing technology, for whom reductions in run lengths and collection lifetimes are now making digital printing a possibility. Examples in this field include interior decoration products such as flooring, furniture laminates and wall murals, and outdoor products such as building panels and door laminates.
POLI-TAPE unveils new generation of textile transfer films
POLI-TAPE, a producer of textile transfer films and digital printing media, kept its focus on solutions for avoiding dye-migration and press marks in the field of Textile Graphics. The products POLI-FLEX® TURBO, POLI-FLEX® BLOCKOUT SOFT and TURBO PRINT 4036 belong to a new generation of textile transfer films which are equipped with a new hotmelt adhesive and thereby can be transferred quickly and carefully. Due to a transfer temperature of only 130°C and a transfer time of 5 seconds these 3 products are revolutionizing the possibilities of textile design and are looking for likes of them.
At FESPA, the extended colour range of POLI-FLEX® TURBO with attractive and trendy new colours were presented for the first time. For instant, POLI-FLEX® BLOCKOUT SOFT is additionally supplied with a blockout interlayer and offers a yet higher certainty against dye-migration combined with a clearly improved feel compared to so far known blockout films. Another advantage of the new hotmelt adhesive is that it can be applied onto many impregnated surfaces.
The product range of quick transfer films is completed by the shortly available TURBO PRINT BLOCKOUT 4010, a printable textile film with the characteristics of a low melting adhesive and a highly effective barrier coat against dye-migration. POLI-TAPE also presented an attractive extended assortment in the field of digital printing media defining the future of Textile Graphics products and digital printing media.
Photo Electronics presents DROLED UV LED lamps
Photo Electronics designs and produces UV / UV LED oven and lamps for industrial curing and polymerization of inks, varnishes, resins and adhesives. UV LED technology is widely used in the industrial printing with remarkable benefits of efficiency, durability and energy saving.
R&D, design and production of DROLED UV LED lamps are completely done in Italy. In all these products there is a very high know-how of micro- electronics, optical and thermodynamic principles, which allows us to obtain technologically advanced results, high reliability and efficient heat dissipation.
The lamps are easy to integrate into machines and automations thanks to integrated air cooling system. Photo Electronics can also design and manufacture customized lamps according to specific needs.
YOTTA highlights YD-F2513R5-40 UV flatbed printer
YOTTA, a leading UV printing equipment brand, put on the anvil its heightening UV flatbed printer YD-F2513R5-40 with 0.4M unparalleled print height, small format UV flatbed printer YD-F9060R4 with 0.9M×0.6M print size, large format 3.2M roll to roll printer and 3.2M hybrid flatbed printer.