Features

HP has announced new solutions in its large-format portfolio alongside news of ten additional digital printing systems, including a 75cm (29in) HP Indigo press. The large-format developments include a HP FB225 White Scitex Ink and a HP Scitex FB7500/FB7600 White Ink Kit. Also new is HP SmartStream Production Analyzer for HP Scitex users, providing data analysis and operations monitoring; and solutions designed to improve workflow efficiency and media versatility, including the Hostert Automatic Loader and support of 130gsm thin media for the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press.

If you are you planning to attend Sign and Digital UK at the end of March, here’s what you can expect from the show in its 25th year.

Sandwiched between Fespa Digital and Drupa, Sign and Digital UK may see fewer product launches this year than it has tended to in the past. But as a UK-based show dedicated to the sign making and digital print sector it still promises to draw a crowd, especially those who don’t fancy hot-footing it to Barcelona or Dusseldorf this side of the summer.

When it comes to investment there’s a temptation to think mainly in terms of hardware, but it's the software that can really make the difference.

Software is often seen as a bolt-on extra like a printer driver or a Rip, or else as a solution to a particular problem, such as colour management or adding cutting lines to a design. But if we look at some recent announcements we can see a number of new trends emerging that suggest a different approach to organising a wide-format business.

Encouraging youngsters to take up careers in the print industry is vital for its long-term health, so are you doing your bit? Terry Watts, chief executive of Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector (which covers the print industry), explains why we must pull together.

UV inkjet technology is migrating to narrow-format label production, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to produce labels on wide-format kit as Melony Rocque-Hewitt finds out.

Labelexpo Europ e, which took place in Brussels at the beginning of October 2011, was a sell out. In fact, it broke all records in the show’s 30-year history both in the number of exhibitors, attendees and equipment sales. While the halls were awash with new UV inkjet narrow-format presses from the likes of HP, Durst and EFI, wide-format players such as Roland DG, Mimaki and Esko Graphics were plying their wares too.

Nessan Cleary takes a peek at this printer, which is new to the UK and aimed directly at the textile market, but available in various guises.

The Gunsjet R4 is a new series of wide-format printers which seems to have something for everyone, with the same imaging technology used to power solvent, aqueous and UV models, in both roll-fed and flatbed editions.

EMAS stands for ‘Eco Management and Audit Scheme’ but you can be forgiven for not realising that – it’ not exactly well known. But it’s about to be, so listen up.

EMAS. Never heard of it? You will. According to those in the know, by which I mean environmental specialists, we can expect a massive surge in interest in this cross-sector environmental standard during 2012, partially boosted by the BPIF having secured funding to help printers work to achieve it. If you already have a decent EMS system in place and gone through ISO14001 accreditation then you’ve already done the legwork – but EMAS will put details of your environmental policies and targets in the public domain, and therefore can be used as a powerful sales tool for those of you aiming to make money off the back of your ‘green’ credentials and use them to competitive advantage.

At Fespa Digital 2012, as part of the Explore Conference programme, Paul Streeter-Jewitt posed the question: Is it possible to win business even when yours is the highest priced quote? He thinks you can – here’s how.

Phil Thompson, head of BPIF Business, considers customer relationships and provides some basic ground rules on building the most profitable ones.

How the company is remaining at the cutting edge of finishing technology with the launch of the S3.

Fespa is expanding to explore the wider opportunities afforded by the new visual landscape.

According to MD Neil Felton, speaking at the pre-show Fespa Fest event towards the end of 2011, “Fespa will always be print focussed, but we do need to embrace other technologies and Fespa’s focus will change to encompass wider imaging specialisms.” Hence at Fespa Digital 2012 in February you will see not just the integration of the Fespa Fabric ‘show within a show’ focussing on garment printing/decoration, but a space for narrow format/labelling too.

The Creative Place explains the significance of its AGFA Anapurna M2050 purchase.

In 2012 The Creative Place turns 20. Since its inception the company has seen plenty of change and now provides full creative, artwork, digital photography, large-format print production and installation, and four-colour printing (including short-run digital) from its purpose built facility in Watford. Yet, as a provider of design and branding solutions, the company was aware that it was not able to directly deliver all the requirements of a marketing communications campaign.