News

Epson is realigning its business to target the large-format commercial print and signage markets for which it recently launched the £11,995 SureColor SC-S30600. “This can be seen as a mark of intent and an indication that our new strategy is to move more into the commercial wide-format print sector,” said Richard Barrow, who holds the newly created position of senior product manager for signage/LFP.

Xante has confirmed that the first UK shipment of its Excelagraphix 4200 printer will be in June but as yet there are no UK orders for the 42in machine, which is based on Memjet’s Waterfall printhead technology to deliver “screaming fast speeds at a price point that’s affordable for a fast ROI” and which was hailed by industry guru Frank Romano as “a glimpse of printing’s viable future” when launched at the SGIA show in the US last autumn.

Ilford has introduced its BioMedia range of recyclable and biodegradable vinyl alternatives in Europe. It includes display films which employ Ilford’s coating technologies to create a universally compatible layer, as well paper-based products, boards and laminates for use on a range of aqueous, eco-solvent, solvent and latex printers.

The Vinyl Cut has been named UK Regional Award winner of the Roland Creative Awards international design competition for its highly innovative van wrap entry. The Vinyl Cut will now travel to Japan for a sight-seeing trip of a lifetime and attend a special 30th anniversary event where it will compete for the worldwide grand prize - a Roland machine of its choice.

New to the market is the Océ Arizona 318 GL printer, an introductory UV flatbed model being shown at Fespa Digital 2012. The new printer, aimed at low-volume environments, is based on the same platform as the mid-volume Océ Arizona 360 GT but is about 35% cheaper.

Oasis Graphic Company, Berkshire, has bought a 3.2m Vutek GS 3250 printer to take it to the forefront of exhibition and event graphic production.

Fujifilm Graphic Systems has confirmed its continued support of the PrintIt! educational initiative. Since PrintIt!'s launch seven years ago, Fujifilm has been firmly behind the programme, which aims to develop young students' knowledge of print and promote the industry as a career route.

Bordeaux Digital PrintInk is introducing a new brand identity at Fespa Digital 2012 to deepen awareness of the company across a broader marketplace.

To coincide with a government drive to help business owners get paid on time, the Forum of Private Business is working with Graydon to research small firms’ attitudes to managing invoice payments and cashflow.

At Fespa Digital 2012, Heytex is presenting two new Heyblue indoor novelties with roll widths of up to 5m:?Heyblue digitex heylux Backlit, a highly translucent backlit textile; and Heyblue digitex flexible, a knitted polyester fabric.

Guandong will present its ‘Made for Europe’ printable substrate collection at Fespa Digital, where it will preview PolyRafia Interwoven HD-PE 175gsm, PE Banner 100% polyolefin 330gsm, Full Plastic 100% polyester 160-180-215micron and Eco-Canvas, cotton and polyester, in a gloss and a matt finish. A new Polyflat pvc/pet/pvc 320micron roll-up material will also be in the spotlight.

Reseller DPI will showcase the new printer Epson SureColor SC-S30600 64in eco-solvent printer at the Digital Print Innovation Centre in Derby on 28 February.

Printers can benefit from free, independent advice from global experts on how to embed sustainable printing techniques within their business at the Planet Friendly Printing Zone at Fespa Digital. The zone (stand B15a) will be open every day of the show. To register for an appointment go to: http://www.fespa.com/digital/en/planet-friendly-printing/117-fespa-planet-friendly-printing-zone.html

Fespa Digital next week will see the introduction of Clarity Professional v4.1.