Irish printer June 2015

JUNE 2015 || THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY || WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

TECHNOLOGY TAKES FLIGHT

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Game changers Say yes to 98% of commercial jobs, produced cost-effectively with no compromise on quality or media range.

Introducing the latest ground-breaking innovations from HP Indigo.

Faster, smarter and more profitable, this new line-up is changing the rules of the game. It includes the HP Indigo 5600 and 7800 digital presses, as well as the B2/29 inch HP Indigo 10000 – all you would expect from an Indigo press, but in a wider format. It’s a gamechanging portfolio that’s redefining what’s possible with print.

With thousands of digital sheetfed presses in operation, as well as partnerships with leading vendors for end-to-end solutions, HP Indigo is the proven choice for profitable growth.

Find out more at hp.com/go/indigo

HP Indigo 7800 Digital Press

HP Indigo 5600 Digital Press

HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press

© 2014 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.

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CONTENTS

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Wide Format

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Wide Format

News A round up of some of the latest news from the Irish print industry.

Partnerships in Print Digital printers are gearing up for the ‘Dscoop Open’ in Dublin, which is set to be the biggest EMEA conference for the graphic arts in 2015. Maev Martin talks to Dscoop Chairman Gary Peeling and to HP’s Julia Cole about what the industry can expect.

Innovation An increasing number of printers are buliding up their finishing operations and nowhere is that more evident than in the digital print sector. Irish Printer talks to Jameson Print and Smart Imaging about getting more from a guillotine.

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Onyz Integrates with HP WallArt Screen Launches ‘Best-in-Class’ System Colour Management Software for Textiles

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Are You Seeing the Big Picture? Many printers are looking for new areas to invest in - to either attract new customers, open up new revenue streams, or simply enhance existing capabilities. Canon highlights the variety of applications that their own technology can produce.

When you’ve been at the forefront of the digital print revolution in Ireland for more than 25 years, the need to maintain the highest standards of printed media is always high on the agenda. Mal McGowan explains how Durst technology has been central to McGowans unprecedented growth.

What’s New in Print ■ Workflow Protects Printers’ Margins ■ Bleed Issues Solution for PDF Files ■ New Film is Spot On for Indoor Graphics ■ Latest Handheld Measurement Technology ■ Unleash Creativity with Kongsberg ■ Mimaki Gets Dressed to Impress

10 Cover Story McGowans is set to revolutionise digital print in the Irish market with the introduction of groundbreaking new technologies, as well as a new brand strategy that has reenergised Ireland’s leading digital print company.

Maev Martin talks to the management team about their journey and the company’s drive for growth.

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Packaging Printed Electronics for The Label Printer.

FINAT provides a technology update on the added-value sector of functional printing for labels and packaging.

Awards Preview The 38th Irish Print Awards will take place on Friday, November 27th in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin. As the industry prepares for another showcase of print excellence, Irish Printer continues its profiles of our award category sponsors.

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EDITORS LETTER

elcome to this special edition of Irish Printer magazine.

We have always sought to celebrate innovation and creativity in our industry so we were delighted when McGowans approached us with the novel idea of using our magazine as a platform to promote their latest ground-breaking technology for the Irish printing industry.

The size, print quality and creative design treatment is a superb illustration of what McGowans’ HP Indigo 10000 press (as well as our creative director!) is capable of. Anyone can make claims about the abilities of various technologies - and they do, quite regularly on the pages of Irish Printer.

However, the print quality of this issue proves that digital is really bridging the gap with litho, not just in terms of capacity but when it comes to registration and colour reproduction.

Of course, McGowans success over the past 25 years isn’t purely as a result of its investment in HP technology. The company has expanded its service offering and, more recently, instigated a companywide rebrand as well as introducing personalised print for its B2C and B2B client base. This is precisely what print companies need to do if they are to cope with the new realities of a multi-media marketplace.

Also in this issue, we look at the imminent Dscoop Open event which is a very exciting development for Dublin and for the Irish print industry. The three-

day event in Convention Centre Dublin provides the industry with an unprecedented opportunity to view the full range of HP technologies, as well as the innovations on offer from HP’s 50 technology partners, including Scodix, Zund, Kama, AB Graphic International, Imprint Business Systems and Hunkeler Imaging Solutions.

Apart from the exhibition aspect of the event, two major HP customers in Ireland - McGowans and Label Art - will host open houses at their premises on June 3rd when their customers from around Europe and the world will see the latest HP commercial print and packaging technologies in operation.

In addition, HP’s Executive Dinner in The Marker Hotel on June 3rd will include a discussion, moderated by yours truly, on the key benefits of digitally printed packaging for brands.

Also in this issue, we report on the latest innovations in the world of printed electronics and on the opportunities that these provide for label and packaging print companies. Our Wide Format focus includes insights from Canon into this growing market as the manufacturer showcases the sheer variety of applications that are possible with their own presses. And our print partner for this special issue, McGowans, highlights the features of Durst’s presses that have been crucial to the growth of their wide format printing operation and its ability to contribute to the growth that the company has enjoyed in recent years.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

Maev Martin, Editor Email: maeve.martin@ashvillemediagroup.com Tel: (01) 432 2271

THE TEAM Editor: Maev Martin Editorial Manager: Mary Connaughton Creative Director: Jane Matthews Production Manager: Mary Connaughton Production: Claire Kiernan Printed by: McGowans on 150gsm Cyclus Print, a 100% recycled matt coated sheet, manufactured by Arjowiggins Graphic and supplied by Antalis.

Cover Image: Courtesy of McGowans Contact: Irish Printer, Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7 Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie

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All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2015. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/ advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize.

ISSN 0790-2026

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TEN TOP STORIES

Digitally Printed Packaging & The Art of Possibilities HP Indigo is hosting an executive dinner at The Marker Hotel in Dublin’s docklands on June 3rd during the Dscoop Open event which takes place at the Convention Centre Dublin (See Page 14). Attendees will include packaging development directors from food and beverage organisations who will be informed about the capabilities and benefits of digital printing for packaging and labelling. Issues covered at the event will include the key benefits of digitally printed packaging for brands, insights on how consumers respond to targeted, regionalised and personalised packaging, the drivers that will accelerate digital print adoption in packaging, and advice for brands or agencies that are starting to investigate the pros and cons of digital printing. The evening will include a tour of the Dscoop Solution Showcase at the Convention Centre Dublin, where attendees will see packaging applications being printed off the HP Indigo digital presses and learn more about the printing process and applications. There will also be an after dinner discussion, which will be moderated

by Irish Printer Editor Maev Martin and Nancy Janes,

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WW Graphics Business Development Director, HP. The discussion will feature Silas Amos, a founding partner at brand design agency Studio Minerva, who has spent 25 years working as a designer and strategic partner for some of the UK and the world’s biggest brands and companies, including AB InBev, Bacardi, Diageo and Unilever, Steve Lister, who is Client Services Director, Sustainability, with Charterhouse, and Christian Menegon, Worldwide Business Development Manager for HP Graphics Solutions. There will be a full report on the event in the July issue of Irish Printer.

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TEN TOP STORIES Showcasing the Power of Printed Media Compelling case studies showcasing the value of printed media is just one of the key additions to the newly-redesigned European Print Power website www.printpower.eu. The newly-launched content-rich platform incorporates engaging applications and informative articles highlighting the important role that print plays in the multi-media world. Reflecting users’ feedback, the new European site makes it easy for visitors to search and find information on the versatility and effectiveness of print media in the modern world. “The Print Power campaign plays a vital role in communicating the effectiveness of print media to brand owners, advertising and media agencies, with the website being one of our key assets,” comments Martyn Eustace, Managing Director of Print Power.

“Central to the redesigned website is the new case study area which, with a detailed search function of more than 300 case studies, demonstrates the value and return on investment that print delivers across all the key print channels, from direct mail through to customer magazines. Our objective is to show marketing professionals the importance of print and the added value that it can bring to the modern media mix.” The new European Print Power website, which is published in English, will be rolled out in 11 countries over the coming months, with localised, language-specific content in German, French, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish and Austrian.

Horizon Nominated for Fespa Awards Horizon has been nominated in two ‘people’s choice’ categories in the international Fespa Print Awards 2015.

This is an amazing result and represents how well Irish companies are competing internationally. “We’re incredibly proud to be nominated with the best international firms in this industry,” says Horizon’s Marketing Manager Siobhán Sacker. “These pieces were designed and produced 100% in-house and that demonstrates how well Irish companies can compete on a global platform.” Horizon have been nominated in the ‘Calendars and Postcards’ and in the ‘Cross Media Print’ categories.

Realt to Sell Lumi in Ireland The recent announcement that StoraEnso has appointed the AIMS Group as its newest UK & Ireland stockist of the Lumi coated range is another milestone in the continuing development of the independent merchanting group. Realt, the Dublin-based member of the AIMS Group, is one of 10 members that now have a collective turnover in excess of €166m per annum. Lumi, available in both litho and digital stock, is an FSC-certified range of woodfree coated paper and boards, available in silk and gloss finishes from 90gsm to 350gsm. StoraEnso has a substantial finishing and distribution facility in Suffolk, which enables rapid turnaround of bespoke sizes in eight to 10 working days, with a five working day premium service for those in a hurry.

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Konica Minolta Unlocks New Markets for Peninsula

Peninsula Print’s Konica Minolta presses are opening up new markets for the company. The bizhub Press C1085 and C 1070 were installed last summer to complement Peninsula’s existing array of Xerox and Komori equipment. Peninsula also operates a Xerox 770 digital press. On the litho side, they have two two Komori six colour presses and two Komori five colour models. “We decided to invest in the Konica Minolta presses because of their versatility,” says Pre-press Manager, Aaron McBridge. “They can run on very heavy stocks up to 350gsm and the C1070 can print coloured envelopes both sides.

The quality that both presses are generating is very similar to the quality that we can produce with our litho presses. This means that we have been able to move a lot of our short run book work off our litho presses and onto our digital presses. This frees up our litho presses for the longer runs. We have three digital presses running eight hours a day six days a week so since we installed the Konica Minolta presses digital output now constitutes about 50% of our business.” According to Aaron, the ability to print both sides on heavy board and the ability to print on coloured envelopes are the presses best features and the ones that are proving to be the most popular with customers. “The envelope printing is a new market for us and we have a stitching unit on the C1085, which means we can produce finished books – we can fold jobs and saddle stitch them, and there is a nice trimmer on it as well, so that is a new development for us.” Peninsula Print’s Ultrabind PUR binder, on loan from Neopost Ireland, was installed a couple of months ago, and this is also allowing the company to broaden its

LEFT TO RIGHT: Aaron McBridge, Pre-Press Manager, Gary Withers, Managing Director, Phil Schueler, MJ Flood Production Print Manager, and Danny McFaul, MJ Flood Belfast Account Manager.

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service capability. “We had been sending out short run PUR binding jobs but now, because of the quality that these presses are capable of, we are printing them digitally and PUR binding the material in-house.” Another potentially lucrative market that the new presses have opened up for Peninsula is the short run food packaging sector. “A lot of our customers want short runs for packaging - the C1085 will run a boxboard so we can print runs of 50 to 200 boxes. Farms and artisan suppliers are producing their own food products and they are looking for short runs. We had been using the Komori six colour press for long run packaging – up to 60,000 copies – but we had never been able to enter the short run food packaging market until we invested in the C1085.” According to Aaron, about 25% of Peninsula Print’s work comes from the Republic of Ireland market and the company has experienced an increase in demand for both commercial print and packaging work from north and south of the border since the beginning of this year.

Apart from the digital press investments, the company will be introducing new print-related services to cope with changes in the market. “We have started looking into designing webites for customers,” says Aaron.

“And we will be looking at offering a web-to-print service as well.”

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Ricoh Commits to The Print Show

Neopost Launches Digital Laser Cutting Technology Neopost Ireland recently launched the new Mohr Digicut technology on the Irish market. The machine can cut, crease, perforate and engrave single sheets using laser.

“Digicut opens up a wide variety of creative possibilities for the processing of a single sheet,” says Yvonne Maguire, Senior Marketing Executive with Neopost Ireland. “Using laser you can not only cut sophisticated designs, but also punch, engrave and crease – all in one pass – and on a variety of materials. There are almost no limits in terms of design. Also, there are no tooling costs as processing is done by laser.” The Digicut is manually loaded via the transparent cover on the top. The cover is lifted up and the material to be processed is manually placed at the gauge and aligned. The cutting programme is selected on a fourline display, and processing starts. All necessary settings for processing, such as the intensity and speed of the laser, are defined in advance through colour-specific colour settings in the printer driver. When Digicut has completed the job, a ring signal is heard and the operator can take the material out manually by lifting the top cover. Some of the products which can be produced on the Digicut include greeting cards, invitations, envelopes, folders, letterheads, samples, business cards, table cards, lanterns, puzzles, and bookmarks. “This new technology offers our customers a number of benefits, including precise cutting of very delicate contours in a wide variety of materials, engraving without leaving marks on the flip side, and the economic production of print runs, from one up to a few hundred copies,” says Yvonne. “With finance options available, Neopost are making it easy for your business to reach its full potential and if you upgrade to a Mohr guillotine, you can avail of a trade in offer from Neopost. Visit our landing page, www.neographics.ie/mohr to read a range of case studies. Contact Neopost for more information on the range of print finishing equipment that we supply or to request a demonstration.” Neopost also supply the Mohr 56, 66 and 80 guillotines.

Digital manufacturing giant Ricoh has become the latest major name in print to sign up to exhibit at the inaugural edition of The Print Show this year. Due to take place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from October 13th to 15th, The Print Show will give companies in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to view some of the latest technology in print. Ricoh print innovations on display at the NEC include the Ricoh Pro C9100 series of high volume digital presses, the Ricoh Pro C7100 series of digital colour cut sheet presses, the Ricoh Pro C5100 digital production printer, and the Ricoh Pro L4100 series latex, roll-to-roll large-format printer.

“We’ve spent the last two or three years getting closer to our customers at small boutique events to make sure that we understand them and they understand us,” says Gareth Parker, Strategic Marketing Manager for Production Print at Ricoh UK and Ireland. “We’ve come to a moment in time where we will continue ABOVE (l-r): that process of getting closer to Stephen Palmer, Director, our customers with smaller events, Production Print, Ricoh but The Print Show represents an UK and Managing Director opportunity to take this message to of Ricoh Ireland, Luke an audience that may be captivated Stoneham, Sales Manager of by other technology providers. Our The Print Show, and Gareth general message from Ricoh is that Parker, Strategic Marketing no matter who you are, coming Manager for Production together to see how the industry is Print at Ricoh UK and building post-recession in a digital Ireland. ABOVE RIGHT Ricoh economy is going to be a point in will be showcasing a range time that is worth looking at. It’s a of its flagship digital print good time to come and see how you technology at The Print can be more productive.”

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Irish Print Awards 2015 Preview

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Ethiopian Portraits

by Kevin Thornton

Most people know Kevin Thornton as a ‘celebrity chef ’ and owner of the high profile Thornton’s Restaurant in The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, but what they may not know is that he is a photographer and printer in his spare time. His recently published Ethiopian Portraits features beautiful images of different aspects of Ethiopian culture which Kevin took during one of his recent visits to the country. And the print job itself is stunning, as well as being unusual in terms of its orientation and size. Kevin hand printed the book on an Epson 3800 on Hahnemuhle FineArt paper. Hahnemuhle FineArt has been making art papers in Dassel, Germany, since 1584. With over 400 years of tradition and experience, their papers have a world-wide reputation for quality. Inspirational Arts stocks the widest range of Hahnemuhle FineArt papers available in Ireland. “The first book was printed in January 2015 and so far I have sold three copies and I’m planning to print 30 in total,” says Kevin. “The book contains 30 photographs that I took of Ethiopian people. The print project cost me €2,300 per book. The book was hand bound by Antiquarian Book Craft in Dublin. It took them a month to bind a single book. They used handmade marble paper for the inside pages and end papers, the cover is 5mm conservation board, which is quarter bound in leather with cloth, and the cloth itself is screen printed and foil blocked.”

In order to transport the book safely without damaging the craftsmanship, Kevin also commissioned Antiquarian Book Craft to create a box container for the book, which they hand made, as well as white cotton gloves so the prints don’t get damaged. The hand crafted box is covered by a cloth sack/dust bag made by Ethiopian women under the company name EGUN. “There are 35 or 36 leaves in Ethiopian Portraits and we needed to make it work as a thread sewn book,” says Pascal Flynn. “Our bindings are designed to last to a point that is well past our lifetime. As a consequence we needed to find a solution that would give integral strength and have longevity. On this project our starting point was single sheets of an A2 landscape size. We had to find a solution to ensure that the book would open flat without bowing. We achieved this by tipping each individual page to small guard sheets which enabled us to create folios to section sew the book on bands using 100% linen thread, which in turn allowed us to achieve the desired result.” Most of the job was hand bound, with a Marshall hot foil stamping machine carrying out the foil blocking on the cover. Will Kevin Thornton be printing further copies? “Never say never,” he says. “I may print more!”

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Codico is European Distributor of the Year

Sakurai Embarks on Irish Screen Promotion Sakurai got off to a great start in 2015, with strong sales of its offset litho and screen printing lines in the UK and across Europe. UK Branch Manager David Ryan is reporting that the company has sold nine screen presses and five offset presses so far this year, and one of the offset presses – a Sakurai OL 266EPZ – has been sold into the Irish market. However, Sakurai is keen to build up its screen installation base in Ireland. “We will be visiting screen printers in Ireland during the summer to try and persuade them to buy,” says David. “We had been getting a lot of inquiries from places in Europe where we had no agents so my boss in Japan decided to approach a former Managing Director of a Sakurai agency in Europe to rejoin us and help us to further develop our screen press activity in Europe. As a result, on January 1st Claudio Moffa joined Sakurai UK with the job of promoting screen press sales in Europe. Six or seven years ago we had a strong stable of European agents for offset and screen presses but those agents were decimated during the recession so we decided that we needed to rebuild that stable and we have been concentrating on that since the beginning of this year. Our target was to set up four agents across Europe during 2015 but we had set up those agencies before the end of February so between these four new agents, our current activities in Europe, domestic sales in the UK, and our forthcoming screen promotion campaign in Ireland, we have more than enough on our plate! But we have had a fantastic sales start in 2015 and we are determined to build on that for the remainder of the year.” With an impressive climb in screen press sales and a rapidly developing presence in Europe, Fespa 2015 could not have come at a better time for Sakurai. The company was represented in Cologne by David Ryan, Ryuta Sakurai, Claudio Moffa, Paul Jaffray, and Shoichi Komi on the 120m² stand that they shared with Natgraph.

Sakurai featured two live printing lines. An industrial specification line, which included a Sakurai MS80SD servo-driven press for industrial graphics, featured a hi-spec Natgraph air force/ electronic UV/IR/refrigerated air dryer. Their finishing line centred on a Sakurai MS102A2 high-speed press with a Natgraph freestanding UV dryer fitted. Visitors to Fespa could also see Sakurai’s latest LED UV drying technology in action.

Waterford-based Codico Distributors has been presented with Domino Printing’s European Distributor of the Year award for 2014. The winner was selected from the top performing Domino distributors in Western and Eastern Europe. Domino Printing Sciences PLC is a global leader in industrial inkjet and laser technology for the packaging and digital printing industries and is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the FTSE250. The company is in the process of being bought by Brother Industries of Japan in a deal estimated at Stg£1.05bn. Established in 1988, Irish-owned company Codico Distributors was set up to distribute the Domino range of industrial printing machines to the manufacturing and packaging industries in Ireland. Codico have developed over 26 years of coding and marking expertise in many industries, including food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, medical devices, construction materials and commercial printing and graphics. The company now employs 23 people and has taken on six new employees in the last 12 months in areas of sales and technical support. They also have a subsidiary office in Newry, Co Down. “The demand for printing variable information at high speed has increased significantly as companies strive for faster production lines for their products,” says Marketing Executive Darragh Reynolds. “This, together with the emergence of international product identification regulations and legislation, particularly in food production and life sciences, has heightened the demand for integrated coding and marking solutions. By investing in people and emerging technology such as track and trace, serialisation, and unique number generation, Codico delivers solutions for the printing of variable information, barcodes and QR codes/2D barcodes on to products and packaging.”

Shuttleworth Hosts User Meeting in Dublin MIS supplier Shuttleworth is hosting a user meetings on June 4th at the Red Cow Hotel in Dublin. The meeting will demonstrate how using the latest MIS technology can help print businesses improve efficiencies in print. It will also provide a networking opportunity for clients to exchange thoughts, views and ideas on how customers are using their MIS. Working in partnership with ROI360 and Heidelberg, the user meeting will demonstrate how customers can use integration to reduce administration, improve profit, generate new sales leads, and improve overall general efficiencies. Shuttleworth are also launching a user meeting campaign where customers will be invited to provide feedback on the challenges they face. The results collected will form part of the user meeting presentation. All attendees will receive a customised ‘User Meeting Offer’ which will be presented during the meeting. For further information, contact Dawn Safford at Shuttleworth via email: Dawn.S@shuttleworth-uk.co.uk

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COVER STORY

AN EXCITING

NEW CHAPTER FOR McGOWANS

McGowans is set to revolutionise digital print in the Irish market with the introduction of ground-breaking new technologies, as well as a new brand strategy that has re-energised Ireland’s leading digital print company. Maev Martin talks to the management team, including owner Mal McGowan, about their journey and the company’s drive for growth.

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Part Revelation, Part Revolution Every now and then something comes along that blows the roof off and moves the bar for an entire industry. And the introduction of the HP Indigo 10000 by Irish digital print pioneers McGowans looks like it is going to generate one such tectonic shift. Already this year, the company has not only invested in the 10000, but has also become the official Irish partner for the Faster Displays system (a revolutionary innovation in the world of point-of-purchase), has invested in a state-of-the-art laser cutter, and launched a new brand strategy for the business. “There comes a time when you need to re-evaluate your business and ensure that you are offering the customer a range of print services,” says Mal McGowan, Owner, McGowans. “The investment so far this year positions us to do just that. The Indigo 10000 is a decisive strategic move, and one that connects digital to litho. Its B2 plus platform keeps us ahead of the curve and allows us to go beyond digital quantities and compete within the litho market.

We can now offer our customers the

same quality, media range, and volume for all their activities, with all the advantages and flexibility of digital. Essentially, it allows us to offer a one-stop-shop service to our customers.”

Costing in excess of €1.5m, McGowans’s HP Indigo 10000 is the first on the island of Ireland, continuing the company’s reputation for rapid technology innovation and adoption. For over 25 years McGowans have been pioneering adopters of a slew of leading-edge presses, successfully opening new avenues of creative digital printing for their large base of domestic and international customers. “This new press will reduce the industry’s reliance on, and need for, traditional methods of print such as litho,” says Mal. “A print run of 4,000 to 5,000 A2s would normally be a litho job but with this machine it is now a digital job so it’s creating a new dynamic for digital print by allowing digital to deliver longer runs in different formats.

Another benefit of Indigo technology is the breadth of potential applications available due to the ink technologies and substrate capabilities. We can cater for a wide range of markets, from finance, education, auto and property, to restaurants, retail, publishing and gifting. The list goes on!”

All-Star Team The new machine joins an impressive line-up at McGowans’ Dublin HQ, one that includes HP, Agfa, Inca, Durst, Xeikon and Scodix presses, and it rounds off a year of intense capital and operational investment by the management team. The recent investments have been paying off, underpinning exports of large format print to the UK, France and Spain for the Irish printer. “We currently work with clients such as Primark, M&S and Lidl, so large format printing is a key offering for our business,” says Managing Director Tony Roe. “However, with this new ability to cater for the B2 platform, it allows us to compete for longer runs within small format in both of our facilities, north and south of the border. The Indigo 10000 also opens up markets within the direct mail arena, from which 23% of sales are generated, according to the Direct Marketing Association. We feel that direct mail is making a big comeback due to the saturation of online messaging and marketing.

People like to touch and feel a message, and we want to be the number one choice for businesses in Ireland who want to do this.” Commenting on the new format of this very publication, Tony says that changing the size of this issue of Irish Printer magazine is an innovation that they were able to introduce because of their investment in the HP Indigo 10000. “We are proud to collaborate with Irish Printer to publish a magazine that really stands out from the crowd.” In addition, McGowans has become Faster Displays’ exclusive partner for Ireland, offering the market a patented and clever point-of-purchase

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COVER STORY

system that will work in any environment, from retail to trade. These stands can be in full use in less than one minute, which ends the difficulties that more traditional POP stands can create. Over 25 stands are already in operation and more will be added by the company this year.

The Science Behind the Innovation With its built-in duplex mechanism, the 75cm format HP Indigo 10000 press makes it possible to digitally print any size application, including pocket folders, six-page brochures, posters, and large lay-flat books. Thanks to HP Indigo’s liquid ElectroInk technology and unique digital offset process, HP Indigo prints match or even exceed offset, allowing them to be used interchangeably. ElectroInk also provides the widest digital colour gamut, using up to seven ink stations on the press. Printing 3,450 full size 75cm sheets per hour, or 4,600 sheets per hour using Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM), the press is capable of producing over two million colour sheets per month. HP claims that the combination of press speed with the high number of copies imposed per sheet delivers at least two and a half times the productivity of any digital sheet-fed press in the market today. The press is compatible with more than 2,800 certified substrates, from 70gsm to 400gsm and 75 to 450 microns in thickness, including coated, uncoated, coloured, metallic, recycled, and speciality papers, as well as paperboard for folding cartons.

ABOVE: The HP Indigo 10000 - with its built-in duplex mechanism, the 75cm format press makes it possible to digitally print any size application, including pocket folders, six-page brochures, posters, and large lay-flat books.

BELOW: HP claims that the combination of press speed with the high number of copies imposed per sheet delivers at least two and a half times the productivity of any digital sheet-fed press in the market today.

A Cut Above The recent technology and manpower investments have moved the company incrementally into new markets, and add critical capability well beyond McGowans pure play digital printing roots. The addition of the new motioncutter, with its proprietary motion laser and conveyor belt, allows McGowans to service the more intricate needs of the high-end retail, fashion and design markets. “This technology is for any industry that wishes to stand out from the crowd through expert personalisation within digital print”, says Tony Roe. “That could be design agencies who can now design with

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COVER STORY RIGHT: The new motioncutter, with its proprietary motion laser and conveyor belt, allows McGowans to service the more intricate needs of the high-end retail, fashion and design markets. BELOW:

the capability of the motion cutter in mind; brand packaging specialists, where the motion cutter engraves or cuts names (perfect for any brand campaign relating to personalising their packaging for their customer), or high end luxury brands who strive to package their products in memorable and beautiful packages, such as jewellers or fashion houses. Coupled with the Scodix technology that we have in-house, which gives print a gloss texture that really sets you apart from your competition, we know we have all the ingredients needed to create and produce beautiful print.”

The motion cutter engraves or cuts names - perfect for any brand campaign relating to personalising packaging for customers.

Colourful New Era McGowans also has a few new faces around their Dublin plant, including the formation of the company’s first dedicated marketing department, headed up by Sue O’Grady. Established in October 2014 with the prime focus of rolling out a new brand strategy and building an advertising platform for the company – a first for McGowans – the new team has already completed a major brand overhaul, including a colourful new brand identity, logo and website. “The new brand reflects our commitment to evolve, along with our customers”, says Sue O’Grady. “We haven’t limited ourselves to just one colour so you’ll see our different brand palette (orange, pink, green and blue) executed across a range of different communication mediums. Displaying such vibrancy is reflective of our brand personality and our passion to be creative and to deliver the best every time.” McGowans has also ventured into the personalised print market, launching ‘McGowans Personalised Print’ in January (www.mcgowanspersonalisedprint. com) for the consumer market, as well as offering a white-label personalised print service (www. personalisedprintsolutions.com) for the corporate and charity markets. “We are the first Irish print company to offer a personalised printing service in both the business-to-consumer and business-to-business arenas, and it is adding another string to our bow in terms of client services offerings,” says Tony Roe. The service allows businesses to offer small-format, personalised occasion printing directly to their customers, with the back-end order processing, production and fulfilment completed seamlessly by McGowans. Irish retail giant Eason are the first commercial partner to capitalise on the opportunity with their new website - Easonpersonalise.com. Commenting on the move, Brendan Corbett, Group Head of Marketing at Eason, says the partnership with McGowans has brought “an exciting new dimension” to their cards and gifts ranges.

PRODUCTS

Looking Ahead With a solid track record as early technology adopters, McGowans have built a strong relationship with HP and other print partners to ensure that they have the best machinery and technology within the Irish marketplace.

“These investments are about future-proofing the organisation for years to come,” says Tony. “They [HP] know we would be willing partners in any advance on the HP Indigo 10000 technology. Since our foundation, McGowans have always been passionate about digital technology. It is a strategy that Owner Mal McGowan has instilled in his company for the past 25 years and one that has secured McGowans place as the leading digital printer for Ireland’s businesses.” With continued investment, coupled with some smart category and market expansion, and a dash of creative marketing, it looks like McGowans could be set to remain on the leading edge of the industry for another 25 years.

ABOVE: The HP Indigo 10000 can produce a wide variety of applications, including packaging, theatre posters and clever direct mail.

For further information or to discuss any business opportunities, contact Conor McDonald @ +353 86 820 1958 or Brian Crawford in McGowans in Belfast @ +44 2890 730 960. Alternatively, email hello@mcgowansprint.com or visit www.mcgowansprint.com

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25/05/2015 13:17

14

PARTNERSHIPS IN PRINT

GROWTH & PROFITABILITY

Digital printers are gearing up for the ‘Dscoop Open’ in Dublin, which is set to be the biggest EMEA conference for the graphic arts in 2015. Maev Martin talks to Dscoop Chairman Gary Peeling and to HP’s Julia Cole about what the industry can expect.

DIGITAL DRIVE

ounded in 2005, the Digital Solutions Cooperative (Dscoop) is a worldwide community of leading graphic arts companies and industry partners who share ideas and information to drive innovation and business growth by using HP digital print technologies, including HP Indigo, Scitex, high-end latex and inkjet web presses.

The three-day, ‘Dscoop Open’ will take place in the Convention Centre Dublin from June 3rd to 5th and will feature 30 educational seminars, designed to inspire and inform delegates looking for new ways to drive business growth and profitability. The seminars will be presented by world-renowned experts and leading digital print providers from across EMEA. The event will also incorporate numerous opportunities for delegates to network with hundreds of industry peers and Dscoop partners.

On the first day of the conference, HP will host visits to local customer sites, providing insight into efficient, innovative digital print operations. Throughout the event, it will also showcase a record number of solutions and remain on-hand to answer questions and offer technical expertise. HP will bring nine HP Indigo presses to Dscoop EMEA 2015 – two HP 7800s, a 5600, two 10000s, a 20000, a 30000, and a HP Indigo WS6800 digital printing solution for high-volume labels - as well as the latest latex, Designjet and PageWide technology. Other highlights of ‘The Dscoop Open’ include 50 Dscoop partner stands in the ‘Solutions Showcase’, displaying and demonstrating a widerange of business-enhancing products and services. These include Scodix, Antalis, Zund, Tecnau, Kama, Iggesund, GF Smith, AB Graphic International Ltd, Label Traxx,

Imprint Business Systems and Hunkeler Imaging Solutions.

Delegates will also be able to learn more about the latest sales and marketing tool kits, created exclusively for Dscoop members. The new ‘Tell Your Story’ kit provides a clear roadmap to execute a complete 12-week step-by-step sales programme, from planning to sales conversion and lead tracking. “We are expecting up to 1,200 attendees across 4,500 square metres in the Convention Centre Dublin,” says Julia Cole, HP EMEA Graphics Marketing Manager, who is also responsible for HP liaison with members in EMEA. “It will be like a mini Ipex or Drupa, but all linked to the HP Indigo, and I expect it to be the biggest EMEA conference for the graphic arts in 2015.”

Dscoop is 10 years old this year and the network recently held its 10th conference in Washington. The co-operative was started in North America by a small group of Indigo users who wanted to collaborate to make the best possible use of emerging technology, which, at that time, was the HP Indigo 5000. “They saw the potential opportunities for the technology but they knew that those opportunities would only develop if they worked together rather than on their own,” says Julia. “It was when the 5000 platform came out that we saw the HP user base expanding rapidly so it was about a group of people identifying solutions that would be advantageous to their business and deploying those solutions quickly. The early members started to trade together and we now know that our Dscoop members are 15% more profitable than our HP customers who aren’t members of the network. It is a tradition for Dscoop members in the local cities in which we hold the conference to open their premises to members to show them what they are doing. In keeping with this tradition, two HP customers in Ireland – McGowans Print and Label Art - will host open houses on Wednesday, June 3rd for their customers from around Europe and the world at their premises in Dublin. McGowans have the latest HP Indigo 10000 and Label Art are operating the HP Indigo WS6800, which is the latest narrow web label press technology that HP has to offer.“

Dublin Hosts Biggest Event to Date The fourth annual Dscoop EMEA conference will take place across four floors of the Convention Centre Dublin, making it the biggest Dscoop event in EMEA to date. “This is an annual event and it is the first time that it has been held in Ireland – we’ve done Barcelona, Budapest and now Dublin, and it will be held in Dusseldorf next year,” says Gary Peeling of UK-based

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PARTNERSHIPS IN PRINT

Significant Achievements According to Gary, being a member of Dscoop helps print companies to grow their businesses more quickly and it does that in two ways – education and the sharing of best practice, and global trading and networking. “One of the major benefits that we are finding with a digital print model that many users can deploy globally is that members trade with members and it allows brands to find print providers in any market where they wish to promote their product,” he says. “As well as helping our members to build a digital print business more quickly and successfully, we are also allowing print users to use more print, more often, and more effectively and easily. One of the things that we have to do in the print industry is understand where our product fits and where printing fits in the modern environment and that will be a key theme at the conference. There is a rise in demand from brands and consumers for unique, engaging experiences and that is what digital print and Dscoop can give them. We have 8,000 individual members across the globe and that gives us a huge footprint to impart our message about how digital print can be deployed in the future. Our strategy is to leverage engagement, which is digital print’s strength as a medium. We spend a lot of time talking about tomorrow’s customers. They are likely to be a young marketeer in their mid 20s who doesn’t understand print so we are looking to create advocates for digital print in that demographic. Dscoop believes that by mobilising print companies and suppliers to operate as a cooperative

There is a rise in demand from brands and consumers to have unique, engaging experiences and that is what digital print and Dscoop can give them.” we can potentially change the perception of the printing industry in today’s market and create tomorrow’s customers.”

Exciting Trends Gary believes that the emerging mega trends that will change everything in the print industry centre around cloud.

“With cloud connection everything is possible,” he says. “We have a network of printers globally who are aligning their procedures and the way they deal with customers. In the future, with cloud technology, it will be possible to connect those businesses to be one effective network and that is when using print globally will become simple for small businesses and large brands. When this happens digital can potentially start to take market share from offset printers.

In the future, entrepreneurs with new applications will be able to use this network to deploy print applications more quickly than they ever could before. We are already living in the collaboration economy. Cloud computing will disrupt the way people order print and we feel that our members will be well placed to take advantage of that. We are already collaborating offline so it will be a relatively short jump to use cloud technology to link the whole membership up as an effective network.”

Mark Stevenson

Alon Bar-Shany

Andrew Davis

Mark is the author of the best-selling An Optimist’s Tour of the Future. He has written for a number of well-respected papers and journals too, including Intelligent Life and The New Statesman. His second book about systems innovation, provisionally titled We Do Things Differently: Travels on the Cutting Edge of Change, will be published this year.

Mark sits on the advisory board of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Earth Challenge.

Alon Bar-Shany is Vice President and General Manager of the Indigo Division at HP. Based in Nes Ziona, Israel, he has held worldwide responsibility for the HP Indigo division since 2004. Alon overseas all aspects of the development, marketing and deployment of HP Indigo solutions to an installed base of over 4,000 customers in 120 countries.

A strong advocate of close customer relationships, he also sits on the Global Board of Directors of Dscoop.

Andrew Davis is a marketing speaker and best-selling author. During his 20-year career he has worked on The Today Show and for The Muppets in New York, written for Charles Kuralt, and marketed for tiny start-ups as well as Fortune 5000 brands.

In 2001 he co-founded Tippingpoint Labs where he changed the way publishers think and how brands market their products. His most recent book is Brandscaping: Unleashing the Power of Partnerships.

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The Speakers

Precision Print. “Dscoop membership in EMEA has grown consistently year after year and the fact that the conference is in Dublin this year will encourage more Irish members to join. We were looking for state-of-the-art conference facilities that had enough room to showcase the HP hardware so the Convention Centre Dublin is a great location. Although this is an EMEA event, there will be visitors from the US and Asia, and Dublin is a great location for that. Dscoop opens up routes to trade globally and allows you to deliver solutions for your clients globally. We believe that the collaboration at the heart of Dscoop will drive the growth of digital print and of business profitability for our members.”

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INNOVATION

THE

FINISHED ARTICLE An increasing number of printers are building up their finishing operations and nowhere is that more evident than in the digital print sector. Irish Printer talks to Jameson Print and Smart Imaging about getting more from a guillotine.

It is usually the son who follows in his father’s footsteps but Jameson Print was founded by Louise Jameson, daughter of well-known printer Chris Jameson, previously of Future Print. When her father’s business closed she decided to keep the family name going in the print trade by opening up a small print business in 2010. As with all tight knit families, Louise asked her sister Sharon and her father Chris for advice, since both had considerable experience in the print trade. One particularly inspired move was their recent decision to install a Mohr 56 guillotine supplied by Neopost Ireland.

Chris Jameson reports that it has made a significant contribution to the strong trading that the company has enjoyed since the beginning of this year. The business produces general commercial print work, including short-run magazines and catalogues, as well as calendars, personalised greeting cards, and corporate stationery. “Trading has been very good for us because we are a completely digital business and a two to three person operation,” says Chris. “However, I can’t believe the amount of litho work that has left the market. Of the 17 top printers in Dublin, 15 have gone out of business since 2010. We installed the Mohr machine in 2014 and it was the first Mohr guillotine investment for Jameson Print, and we have also recently installed a Duplo booklet maker, also supplied by Neopost. However, I bought other equipment from Neopost when I owned Future Print.” The company’s first investment was in an OKI 364 A3 digital colour laser printer. They later bought the Develop +7000 SRA3 press, which was supplied by digitalprint.ie, who have the agency for Oki and Develop presses in Ireland.

Smart Imaging installed the Mohr 56 guillotine in February 2013. “It is a fantastic machine and has been completely trouble free,” says Managing Director Brian Grant. “We originally bought a cheap and cheerful Chinese guillotine which fell apart after a few months. The Mohr 56 was the first machine that we acquired from Neopost but we have since added a Duplo DC 445 creasing machine and a Duplo sheetfed booklet maker with trimmer.” Smart Imaging also have a laminator, a Fastback 20 binder, a Renz electronic wiro binder, Rollem perforator and a two-head drilling machine. On the print side, they operate two Konica Minolta C7000 presses. “We began trading in September 2012, producing high quality digital print,” says Brian. “The print industry has evolved into something completely different to the business that existed when I started out but we feel confident at Smart Imaging because we have invested in the growth end of the trade.”

The Mohr 56 guillotine.

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22/05/2015 14:52

18

WIDE FORMAT Screen Launches ‘Best-in-Class’ System

Colour Management Software for Textiles Onyx Graphics showcased the power of its latest production and colour management solutions for a wide variety of graphics, textile, décor and industrial print applications at Fespa 2015. The company gave an exclusive preview of Onyx 12 software prior to its commercial launch this summer. According to Onyx, the new software enhances responsiveness and allows printers to expand their applications with new finishing tools.

These new tools are combined with easier automation and a modified user interface to simplify job preparation.

Onyx Textile Edition is developed specifically for the large-format textile printing market. New functionality in Onyx Textile Edition software helps users achieve target results quickly and easily. Onyx Textile Edition software includes all the functionality of Onyx 11.1.2 with the addition of textile-specific features, such as Step-and-Repeat, Colorways and Ink Configuration Builder.

Screen Graphic and Precision Solutions recently announced the global launch of a 3.2 metre wide roll-to-roll system for its Truepress Jet W3200UV. The new system integrates with the flatbed Truepress Jet W3200UV to turn it into a wide-format printer that produces UV print on both sheeted and roll-fed substrates at 150 square metres per hour. The Truepress Jet W3200UV with new dual flat/roll capability made its global debut at Fespa 2015 (May 18th to 22nd in Cologne, Germany). The Truepress Jet W3200UV flat/roll printer is a joint development between Screen and its subsidiary company Inca Digital. It unites Screen’s roll media handling technology, developed for its high-end digital web presses, with Inca’s digital flatbed technology. Able to handle rolls from 0.75m up to 3.2m wide, the new system can be purchased with a new printer or can be easily retro-fitted in the field.

According to Screen, the operator can switch from a fast flatbed into a fast roll-fed printer in the time it takes to walk around the machine!

Once the table is locked the printer effectively converts into roll mode. The 3.2 metre by 1.6 metre wide flatbed table is driven by magnetically encoded linear motors to achieve precision movement. In addition, the printer includes features typically found on printers that come with much higher price tags, such as pop-up registration pins, auto-cleaning capability, intelligent nozzle mapping and a head-crash detection system. The Truepress Jet W3200UV features six colours plus two whiteink channels and different print modes which can be selected depending on the finished product. For example, Photo Quality and Fine Photo Quality modes can reproduce fine lines, serif fonts and detail in highlight areas, while the Production Mode is optimised for pointof-purchase materials. Text as small as 4-point and 6-point reversed are sharp and legible in all modes. Like the flatbed machine, the new roll system features an advanced multilayer option enabling up to eight layers to be merged. As a result, this printer can produce a wide range of commodity and high-value products, such as everyday display graphics, hard/soft signage, wallcoverings, banners, lorry curtains, window film, quality POS, 1 to 8 multi-layers, and backlit and day/night graphics, as well as accurate 75lpi lenticulars. There are two models of the Truepress available: the 85sqm/hr Truepress Jet W3200UV ST and the 150sqm/hr Truepress Jet W3200UV HS. Users can upgrade from the ST to the HS on-site as and when they wish.

RIGHT: The Screen Truepress Jet W3200UV HS has dual roll/flat print flexibility at 150 square metres per hour.

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WIDE FORMAT European Debut for Automatic Cutting Plotter Agfa Graphics’ Acorta, an automatic cutting and finishing plotter for the cardboard, digital printing and signage industries, made its European debut at Fespa 2015 last month.

The Acorta uses an auto-recognition system and a multi-tool cutting head. It automatically recognises the printed images and reference points from the designs on the cutting table.

The multi-tool cutting head can fit different tools for various materials and comes with an automatic pre-setting system.

This versatility makes it possible to cut, mill and crease many substrates and applications. It is even possible to handle them simultaneously. Acorta also features a high resolution video projection system, which projects the printed image and cutting shapes onto the sheet. This makes a visual check possible and avoids errors. Because the Acorta is driven by Agfa’s Asanti workflow, it delivers not only the cutting details and the cutting lines, but also the image for projection, based on the actual ripped data. This tight integration of the printing and finishing workflows brings maximum automation to the production process and allows for minimum operator intervention.

Onyx Graphics recently announced that its Onyx software can be directly integrated with the new HP WallArt application to provide seamless and efficient workflow for décor applications. An Onyx/HP WallArt workflow gives users the ability to expand their business by offering new added-value décor products to their range of print services. Features in Onyx Textile Edition software such as Colorways and Step & Repeat, in combination with the new HP WallArt interface, give interior designers and décor product manufacturers an easy-to-use solution for the creation of customised wall coverings. With Onyx Quick Sets and HP WallArt, users can easily customise wall covering designs from the HP WallArt Solution online portal. The one-step process enables print service providers to open their customer’s design in a readyto-print format using the dedicated HP WallArt button in Onyx RIP-Queue. In additon, printers equipped with HP Latex series printers can now simplify their HP WallArt workflow using the new WallArt interface powered by Onyx

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Connect JDF (Job Definition Format) technology. This is an open system that provides a developer interface that enables printers to link their business management systems with Onyx production software. As a result, printers can access management data, such as ink consumption, media usage and production times. It also includes the ability to automate job submission through JDF and hot folders. The new HP WallArt interface is available in version 11.1.2 of all Onyx products, including Onyx Thrive workflow software, Onyx Textile Edition software, and Onyx RIP software. Onyx version 11.1.2 will be a complimentary upgrade to current Onyx 11.1 users.

The Acorta in action.

Onyx Integrates with HP WallArt

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WIDE FORMAT

ARE YOU SEEING THE

BIG

Decorative printing can give a surface, whether a wall, a floor, a textile, a piece of furniture or an object, a unique character and style.

PICTURE? Many printers are looking for new areas to invest in - to either attract new customers, open up new revenue streams, or simply enhance existing capabilities. Large format print is a very attractive, and growing, segment.

of print service providers who were surveyed recently stated that they can no longer do things as they have always done them (1). The revelation in the Insight Report – Building Your Future With Print – isn’t exactly earth shattering, but it does reinforce the fact that print companies are being forced to simultaneously address changing economic circumstances, changing technologies, and the changing demands of customers. Those who are successful aren’t just reacting, they are actively researching,

Many businesses want print to communicate the core message or a concept for their product and campaign.

IP June 2015 _Wide format.indd 20

listening to the needs of their customers, and planning accordingly.

InfoTrends estimates that the large, or wide, format market will enjoy a three per cent compound annual growth rate, and by 2018 the European value of wide format print could exceed €22.3bn (2).

A large part of the interest in digital wide format printing over the past 10 years can be attributed to its novelty. However, it is now far beyond just a novelty business idea and, for many printers, (and, in fact, designers and creatives alike) it is a growing revenue stream for their business. For some, it is the very foundation of their service offering.

Wide format print is becoming firmly entrenched in the media mix and for creative companies and their clients, wide format signage, point-of-purchase displays, tradeshow graphics, and event signage has become an integral part of a campaign or project strategy.

Signage/graphics typically costs around 10% less than mass media such as TV, newspapers and radio (3) and can offer greater longevity in terms of exposure. Other media forms are either timed (like TV or radio) or require an action by the viewer. A sign, however, is hard to miss. From an ROI standpoint, signage has proven to be between three and 10 times more cost-effective than other advertising platforms (4).

The fundamental strategy of any customer communications campaign is to address the target audience at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way to prompt them to make a decision or evaluate an experience. So when you think about graphics products (applications) like posters, banners or point-of-purchase displays, they are actually very powerful communications tools that can both influence and elicit a response.

Technology is developing at a faster pace than ever before, which is leading digital printing into a new and exciting era, one in which both the creators and producers of wide format graphics are pushing the boundaries of existing and new technologies to enable even more creative and impactful applications. The opportunities are increasing, but the demands

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WIDE FORMAT of customers are also changing. Success may no longer be defined solely by price, although remaining competitive is obviously critical. Print buyers may know what they want to achieve (and in some instances may also know how to do it) but they are also looking for partners to guide and support them – and perhaps make them aware of possibilities that they have not yet considered. Print buyers are demanding more and more from their print service providers and it is no longer just about the quality of the output or the turnaround time. According to recent research, 42% of print buyers are looking for print partners that can help them maximise the impact and utilisation of the latest technology (5).

Canon has been at the forefront of developing technology for wide format applications for many years now. The company has released many industry-changing solutions from the award-winning Arizona range of UV flatbed printers that have changed the face of the direct-to-substrate print market. They have also enabled many organisations to enter this space, upscale production, and take advantage of the benefits of a digital workflow. The Arizona has established itself as the market leader in the mid-volume flatbed market and is now Europe’s best selling flatbed solution, with over 4,000 units sold to date.

More recently, Canon launched the latest version of its CrystalPoint ink technology, following an investment of over €100m. This patented technology has been engineered to achieve high levels of productivity and has redefined the way images are produced. Superfine inkjet droplets deliver sharp details and smooth area fills for superior image reproduction in colour and in monochrome, on both plain and recycled paper. Ideal for a range of applications, from CAD drawings and GIS documents to graphics and photo applications, the CrystalPoint technology underpins Canon’s Océ ColorWave portfolio of wide format production devices, including the new Océ ColorWave 700, a highly versatile and productive machine aimed at helping print service providers excel in the growing sign, display graphics, interior decoration and other wide format sectors.

“Productivity without compromising on quality is at the heart of the ColorWave technology,” says Richard Turner, Wide Format Group Marketing Director, Canon UK. “Running at 225 A1 prints per hour, the ColorWave 700 enables print service providers to take on more specialist stock and become even more profitable. Meeting the high standards of the modern print buyer – who expects consistent, quality output that is delivered quickly – the ColorWave 700 also features a large touchscreen interface for enhanced usability for the end-user.

Its internal architecture has a multithreaded, high-powered controller to make processing large files quick and easy.

The range of substrates supported by the ColorWave 700 is extensive. If you can put it on a roll less than 42” wide, then the chances are we can print to it. Enhanced custom media capabilities support media thickness up to 0.8 mm, with a sixmedia roll capacity to store different sized media for simple switching between print jobs. The media capabilities, coupled with the print quality and productivity of CrystalPoint technology, make it an ideal tool for people looking to enter or expand capabilities within the production high coverage applications, such as fast turnaround posters, banners, decorative, canvas, wallpaper and pop-up displays. These improvements help extend the potential for our customers.

With typical running costs of about 80 pence for an A1 poster, the Océ ColorWave700 provides more revenue and profit opportunities than ever before. And the applications and services which can now be offered have never been more diverse. This is a technology that was developed to meet our customers’ demands for more wide format solutions that are more productive, versatile and cost-effective.”

Repositionable posters with overwrite capabilities for educational use – printed with the OceColor Wave 700 on photogloss paper, hot laminated.

Architectural/engineering 2D CAD drawings produced on the Océ ColorWave 700.

All of the images on these pages were printed using Océ ColorWave technology.

References: 1. Building Your Future With Print, Insight Report, Page 8.

2. Understanding Vertical Markets in Western Europe: Corporate Communication Requirements, InfoTrends 2014.

Short term indoor event graphic prints for use with roll up systems.

3. Wide Format In the Mix, InfoTrends 2014.

4. Wide Format In the Mix, InfoTrends 2014.

5. Building Your Future With Print, Insight Report, Pages 22-23.

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WIDE FORMAT

Durst Expands Digital Vision for McGowans When you’ve been at the forefront of the digital print revolution in Ireland for more than 25 years, the need to maintain the highest standards of printed media is always high on the agenda.

McGowans Owner, Mal McGowan with Managing Director, Tony Roe, and some promotional material for Coca Cola that is produced using Durst technology.

Printing is in our blood. It’s the foundation for visual communication and something that we want to continue to excel in for many years to come.”

Mal McGowan, founded McGowans over 25 years ago

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Employing 98 staff across sites in Dublin and Belfast and with a turnover in 2014 of €14.5m, McGowans continues to adopt the best technology available in the marketplace. Leadingedge technology and industry innovation has been crucial for McGowans, the recognised ‘go-to’ digital printing company for Ireland’s businesses. First to market with digital innovations across Europe, not just Ireland, it now operates over 25 digital presses, working over 1,000 substrates in large and small format.

Durst has been central to McGowans unprecedented growth. The global manufacturer supplies high quality digital printing equipment for the large format graphics, pre-press, signage, ceramic tile and décor sectors, as well as the corrugated packaging and photographic markets. “We started working with Durst 15 years ago, investing in two of the company’s Lambda systems,” says Mal. “Even then, Durst was an advancing organisation, working hard in partnership with McGowans to help further the scope and capabilities of our business. When the time came to invest in more technology, we engaged with many within the marketplace who were offering a solution. However, after much research and discussion, we felt that the Durst Rho 1030 ticked all of the commercial boxes. Within seven days of receiving the machine on site, we were producing high quality work and, importantly, the technology has been extremely reliable in terms of running 24/7. In two years, it has never broken down so we are genuinely pleased about our decision to collaborate with Durst.”

Durst claims that its Rho 1030 is the fastest flatbed on the market. It is ideal for fully automated production while offering the ability to deliver short runs, variable data printing, and extremely fast media change. The printer doesn’t have to wait for almost an hour while a new print job is being

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WIDE FORMAT set up – with the 1030 a new print job can be running in seconds. In addition, the Rho 1030 uses the latest Durst Quadro Array 30M printhead technology and can print up to 1,000 square metres per hour without comprising quality, using Rho inks that are 100% solvent.

One example of how the Durst technology has boosted McGowans business and helped them to add value for their customers relates to their client Lidl who change the appearance of their Lidl stores nationwide on a weekly basis.

Artwork is supplied to McGowans, either on a Friday or Monday, with the printed banners and signs delivered by the Wednesday to all stores. “No job has been too big, or too fast a turnaround,” says Lidl’s Julie Hegarty. “McGowans has risen to the challenge, delivered on time, and always with a smile.”

The unprecedented success of the Durst Rho 1030 flatbed led to McGowans investment in the Durst Rho P10 320R inkjet roll-to-roll printer. The Quadro Array P10 printhead technology, developed by Durst, and the magnetic linear drive carriage systems are significant innovations. For McGowans, though, it also means a quantum step forward for white ink production, making screen printing redundant.

Everything is 100% digital. For stores such as Primark, it means impressive static window graphics that, for them, have become the norm.

“This is by far the best quality we have ever seen from a three metre wide machine,” says Mal. “Durst provides highly reliable digital technologies across the small and large format platforms, and has successfully addressed our need for reliability, quality, speed, and a robust and durable machine build. There are people who have said you buy into problems with digital technology, but nothing could be further from the truth with Durst. It provides outstanding products.”

Richard Bates, Ireland Manager for Durst Image Technology UK Ltd, said that they are delighted to be supplying McGowans. “With extremely tight deadlines, companies such as McGowans rely on Durst technology to produce reliable, high volume and extremely high quality products.”

So Much More than MIS Ad (1)_RESIZED.pdf

1

29/04/2015

The Durst Rho 1030 press

10:40

Shuttleworth is at the forefront of technology to ensure it can deliver its customers

So Much More than MIS… Our market leading MIS, combined with our bespoke software capabilities means we can easily automate and integrate with:—Web Applications —QR Codes —Big Data

—Cloud —Cross Media —Mobile Apps —Social Media

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T +44 (0)1536 316316 F +44 (0)1536 316301

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WHAT’S NEW IN PRINT

Bleed Issues Solution for PDF Files

Workflow Protects Printers’ Margins Prinergy Workflow 7, the latest version of Kodak’s workflow automation software, includes new features that limit human error, improve time to press, and enable faster and more informed decisions that are critical for keeping profit margins healthy. According to Kodak, Prinergy Workflow increases the level of automation in every core function of the printing process – job creation, collaboration, file processing, trapping, proofing, imposition and colour management. Improvements include callas Preflight Profile Integration (Preflight+ allows the integration of callas preflight profiles for improved quality control and reduced manual touch points) and layered PDF versioning enhancements (improved error detection and better control over multiple layers of files makes versioned printing more flexible, reliable and repeatable). In addition, new digital printing enhancements give printers centralised control over digital and conventional presses and equipment to deliver automated production of all job sizes to a fleet of Kodak and thirdparty digital presses and computer-to-plate (CTP) devices. These new capabilities make it possible for Prinergy Workflow 7 to control job ticketing parameters, both manually and through Rules Based Automation (RBA) of multiple devices, while monitoring and reporting the status of each alongside CTP devices and proofers.

Enfocus has re-engineered the functionality within PitStop 13 to increase the opportunities to preflight and correct PDF files, with a major focus on a solution for the very common issue of ‘no or insufficient bleed’. PitStop 13, which was released in April, has a re-designed preflight engine that includes a new option to generate bleed where none currently exists and the ability for users to customise the language and content of the error messaging within preflight reports, including the use of languages for which the software has not yet been localised.

Preflight Restrictions represents the most significant change to the PitStop Preflight library since it was created 15 years ago. It allows the checks and fixes included in a preflight profile to be limited to certain aspects of a PDF. For example, a PDF page box, a certain page or pages, a particular area or specific elements of a PDF, even different layers within a PDF file, can each be checked in different ways, depending upon user requirements.

This means that PitStop 13 users benefit from a much more targeted Preflight check, receiving fewer irrelevant warnings and errors. Another major enhancement is the Add Bleed Action, which allows bleed to be generated even if none exists in the original file. Previous versions of PitStop displayed bleed if it was available and could automatically extend rectangular shapes to create bleed if none existed. Users could also manually manipulate a PDF to extend bleed if the file design allowed it. The new version is a leap forward, as it works by mirroring the individual objects that are close to or cross a PDF box to create bleed. These mirrored objects are also completely editable so the resulting bleed can also be adjusted manually if necessary. Bleed can be generated for single or multiple objects, as well as complete pages or documents.

Bleed Before and After

New Film is Spot On for Indoor Graphics Drytac Europe announced on May 5th the immediate availability of its Spot On film, which was launched on the Antalis stand at Sign & Digital UK. Suitable for short-term indoor graphics applications, Spot On is 100µ (4 mil) ink receptive printable vinyl, which has been developed specifically for the creation of graphics requiring quick and easy application and removal. No special tools are required when applying the vinyl, not even a squeegee. Spot On is ideal for short-term applications such as POP and retail signage, trade show and exhibition graphics, as well as office interiors. Key to the simplicity of application is a ‘dot pattern’ printed pressure sensitive polyacrylate adhesive which allows the printable film to be easily applied – bubble free – on a wide variety of smooth interior surfaces, including walls, windows and glass. Once installed, the film can be repositioned and – if stored correctly – reused. When removed, the film leaves virtually no residue on the mounting substrate. Available in clear matte, white matte and white gloss versions, Spot On is printable by solvent, eco-solvent, HP latex and UV inkjet techniques. Drytac’s entire range of films and adhesives is exclusively distributed throughout the UK and Ireland by Antalis.

Latest Handheld Measurement Technology X-Rite Inc showcased its next generation in handheld colour measurement technology at Gulf Pack and Print, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 13th to 16th.

X-Rite Pantone showed eXact and eXact Scan handheld devices which enable printers and packaging converters to understand, control, manage and communicate colour, avoiding unwanted reprint and rework. i1 Professional Color Management Solutions is a collection of colour profiling tools that addresses the needs of digital imaging workflows. The Ci6x family of handheld spectrophotometers - Ci60, Ci62, Ci64 & Ci64UV - enables printers to manage colour in all stages of production. These spectrophotometers ensure printers are confident in their colour data, regardless of where or when the measurements are collected.

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WIDE FORMAT

Unleash Creativity with Kongsberg Esko recently launched a new range of Kongsberg tools for customers, including a psaligraphy (paper cutting) knife tool, perforation wheel, and braille tool. All three tools are available for use on the Kongsberg XN, Kongsberg V and Kongsberg XL Series of digital finishing systems.

Producers of packaging, displays and signage are used to working with a variety of substrates, ranging from foam, plastics and vinyl to paper, corrugated boards and folding carton. And ever more materials are being added to the portfolio, including glass, wood, aluminium and textiles – opening up new markets and new applications. Esko Kongsberg already offers more than 100 different cutting blades that are optimised for a very broad range of materials and applications. But these cutting systems can do much more when they are equipped with crease wheels, crease blades, milling bits or plotting pens. The new psaligraphy (or paper cutting) knife tool cuts out the finest details in paper and folding carton. This is a perfect tool for adding creativity and value to greeting cards, promotional items or folding carton samples.

The 60mm perforation wheel enables users to create tear and creaseassist perforations in corrugated board up to 4mm thick at a much higher speed than before. This tool is ideal for producing POP-materials and all kinds of packaging. Prior to this wheel becoming available, it took about 40 seconds to do one metre of a 3x3 perforation pattern (3mm cut and 3mm space). The new wheel only needs two seconds to do that! The braille tool is loaded with clear acrylic ‘braille spheres’ that are inserted into small holes. These holes are milled with a special spindle to create raised dots that are readable with fingertips. The Braille tool will work on most rigid materials more than 1mm thick and is used to produce signage requiring directions or inscriptions in braille.

RIGHT: the braille tool LEFT: adding creativity and value to greeting cards

Dressed to Impress Mimaki’s TS300P-1800, a dedicated transfer paper printer, will begin shipping in July. Visitors to the Mimaki stand at Fespa 2015 could see real world examples of printed textiles from the 1.8 metre wide roll-to-roll sublimation inkjet printer that brought the real potential of digital print for this market to life. Features include the ability to print on very lightweight transfer paper, with a vacuum feed platen that reduces cockling, a maximum print speed of 115 metres square per hour at four colour printing (62 metres square per hour with six colour printing), and four print heads with a total of 3,200 nozzles and up to three different drop sizes, automatically determined by ink type and print mode. The newly-developed sublimation transfer ink Sb410 is available in bulk ink packs and an uninterrupted ink supply system that ensures continuous printing even when unattended. “Digital textile printing is taking over the textile retail market, starting with sporting apparel,” says Mike Horsten, General Manager Marketing EMEA at Mimaki Europe. “With the TS300P-1800 Mimaki is ready to respond to the inevitable demand from the market.”

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A COMPANY AHEAD OF ITS TIME...

Durst is a global manufacturing supplier of high quality, digital printing equipment for large format graphics, pre-press, signage, ceramic tile and décor sectors, corrugated packaging and photographic markets

FIND OUT HOW WE CAN EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS

“Durst provides highly reliable digital technologies… our need for reliability, speed, quality machine build and durability is fundamental in terms of choosing a partner like Durst which ticks every one of those boxes” Mal McGowan, owner of McGowans Digital Print

Richard Bates Ireland Manager Durst Image Technology Ltd Tel + 44 01372 388540 • Email richardb@durst-online.co.uk www.durst-online.co.uk

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PACKAGING

ELECTRIC DREAMS Printed Electronics for The Label Printer

FINAT, the worldwide association for manufacturers of self-adhesive labels and related products and services, provides an update on the added-value sector of functional printing for labels and packaging.

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PACKAGING

Today, as well as printed circuit boards and transistors, print can deliver a variety of other mainstream applications, including lighting, LEDs, photovoltaics, and even skincare patches.”

ackaging has been a prime driver in the development of printed electronics, from RFID to QR

codes and other digitally ‘readable’ data. The printing expertise, specialist materials, and conductive inks required to reliably create these ‘intelligent’ functions have long been a speciality of the label production chain. This is an extended value chain which is supported by a single umbrella organisation in Europe, FINAT, the international association for the self-adhesive label industry. Educating and supporting its member companies, as well as the industry in general, on newly-developing technologies, such as printed electronics, is an ongoing focus for FINAT. A recent members-only expert webinar on printed electronics provided a valuable update on existing applications and potential opportunities for printers in the narrow-web flexo market - not just in packaging or labels.

New Directions for Label Printers

music wirelessly through a Bluetoothenabled smartphone or tablet. Touching the artwork on different spots triggers musical chords that are meant to add an extra level of engagement with the new Schwartz products. It is conductive inks that turn the surface area of the paper into an interactive interface. Adding new dimensions such as sound or movement to display print is certainly an innovative way to enhance a consumer’s perception of, and interest in, a product.

OPPOSITE: Today print can deliver a variety of applications, including printed circuit boards. BELOW: The sonic poster features Novalia’s capacitive touch technology.

Presented by Chris Jones of Novalia, conductive print and capacitive touch specialists based in the UK, the webinar encouraged label industry delegates to think ‘out of the box’.

“By combining extant mainstream equipment, consumables, and expertise, they can create state-of-the-art printed electronics that, in addition to scannability, bring the dimensions of touch, sound and vision into play to add real additional functionality or even ‘must have’ desirability to a product or its packaging,” explained Chris Jones. “Today, as well as printed circuit boards and transistors, print can deliver a variety of other mainstream applications, including lighting, LEDs, photovoltaics, and even skincare patches, and features strongly in automotive, aviation, architectural and military applications, and in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, toys, music and, of course, brand protection and anticounterfeiting.”

The World of the Smartphone In a world where the majority of the population has a smartphone, the opportunities to link up such instruments to interact, via printed electronics, with what would appear to be simple printed posters or other items is now attracting more and more interest internationally. Outdoor advertising and displays are good examples. As part of the launch for their new Flavour Shots herbs and spices range, Schwartz used a ‘sonic poster’ featuring Novalia’s capacitive touch technology. The paper poster, when touched, plays

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PACKAGING

BELOW: Adding new dimensions such as sound or movement to display print is an innovative way to enhance consumers’ perception of and interest in print.

Added-Value Packaging There are also creative examples from the extended world of packaging. “For example, a box of tissues that featured a playable piano keyboard on the side of the packaging, and multiple-pack secondary packaging for beers and cigarettes that also carried special printed ‘touch’ and ‘connectivity’ features,” explained Chris. “What consumer could resist the added value of such packaging?” On a more serious note, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications add user-friendliness to alert a patient to the need to take his blister-packed medication and enable the pharmacist/dispenser to check, thanks to a microprocessor in the pack, that the drugs were in fact taken at the right time in the right quantities.

The Winning Features of Flexo Print When it comes to volume production of printed electronics, narrow-web label printers are particularly well positioned as providers. “While screen and gravure have their place in certain application areas, flexo has proved itself to be the most attractive print process for the job,” said Chris. “Its combination of good print speeds and ease of repeatability, the high, consistent application weight of wet ink that flexo achieves, and the good range of available flexible, inexpensive substrates (paper, PP, PET) is an ideal combination. The conductive pigments themselves represent an additional consideration for the flexo printer - both in practical and cost terms - and, additionally, drying the ink is a key factor.

Currently, evaporative solvent and water-based drying provide the desired characteristics. UV ink curing remains a challenge because at this time it does not pack the ink particles together sufficiently. The process of printing conductive inks embraces, in summation, anilox specification, production speed, drying, and press consumables - all of which can affect the ‘sheet resistance’ of the conductive inks - the characteristic which is at the heart of a good result.”

Brilliance Meets Function Sappi Speciality Papers recently introduced atelier, a new concept in folding boxboard (FBB) that broadens their offering in terms of the width and depth of coated virgin fibre carton boards for the packaging market. A hybrid FBB product, atelier is available in weights from 220gsm to 350gsm and is being produced at the company’s Maastricht mill. It is a multi-ply board produced on a single-wire board machine, a feature that Sappi claims no other paper manufacturer has ever achieved. atelier delivers brightness, purity and gloss, with a silk touch and feel, as well as bulk. “Ten years ago, we entered the carton board market and we set out to revolutionise it with the Sappi Algro Design family of SBB carton board, which is still growing at double-digit rates today,” says Lars Scheidweiler, Product Group Manager Rigid Packaging of Sappi Europe. “Now we are going to do it again with atelier. The new Sappi FBB combines our signature bright-white finish with the rigidity and strength required in a folding box board to deliver perfect functionality with any type of carton board printing, converting, finishing or postproduction handling that can be imagined.” Sappi Europe has designed and produced a sample book with the theme ‘brilliance meets function’ to introduce atelier properly to brand owners, converters, finishers, design agencies and the media. “We wanted something entirely unique that appeals to the emotions, representing the innovation that went into the development of atelier and the new opportunities it offers to the packaging market,” says Lars. “We chose the name atelier to differentiate this product from Algro Design and to reflect the convergence of ideas and craftsmanship that is represented by this exciting new product. We chose as artwork a design that produces a truly unique image on each page. Each page of the sample book presents different artwork with diverse finishing techniques applied, to visually demonstrate the magnitude of possibilities that this remarkable new product brings to the folding box board market.” With a brightness level of 99% on the top side, atelier exceeds the market standard in brightness compared to a current industry top value of around 92%. On the reverse side, atelier offers a brightness factor of 98% to accommodate the increasing demand for printing on both sides of the board for added impact.

Innovation Beckons Chris believes that there is a growing interest from narrow-web label printers in extending the range of specialist capabilities they can offer to brand owners. “Their skills base and press room equipment can enable them to deliver printed items incorporating printed electronics in a variety of creative forms that go well beyond traditional functional/industrial applications and conventional label print,” he said.

About FINAT FINAT, founded in Paris in 1958, is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands. With more than 500 members in over 50 countries, FINAT has a lot to offer to label converters and suppliers to the labelling industry in terms of information exchange and international networking. For further information, visit www.finat.com.

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FEBRUARY 2015 || THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY || WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

SEPTEMBER 2014 // THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY // WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

04 neWs

18 design

Reprocentre Wins Label Printer Distribution Deal

Bennis Design on How They Rate Print Standards in Ireland

printing 24 textile

The Fabric of the Future? We look at current and future trends

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NEWS COVER WIDE EXHIBITION http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/520436229.jpg?v=2&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=zSGCmt5AdaxIorEabSbXaviOvlQI5eJwL2qsxLHTCRGL5YO9c7QuQTSTORY FORMAT PREVIEW 7AnMKMuoJ0

Tom Clements on his recent appointment as IPF President

Agfa Investment Expands Production at Horizon

Freeney’s Graphics MD on Retaining Print’s Craft Skills Base

Digital Textile and Wallpaper Solutions

Print & Substrate Innovation at Sign & Digital

OPPORTUNITIES

MARCH 2015 || THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY || WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

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NEWS

McGowans Launch Personalised Print Website

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TECHNOLOGY

Multi Packaging Solutions Provides a Glimpse of the Future

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PRINT STRATEGY 2015

How Many Assets Are You Not Sweating?

PACKAGING

Prestigious Plaudit for Pleated Packaging

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APRIL 2014 // THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY // WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

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News

New Passport Wins Prestigious Security Design Award

Dezynamite Talks About Winning Awards and Saving the Planet

Tony Roe on the Opportunities in this Diverse Market

32 staNdards ISO Standards Can Bring Tangible Business Benefits

Don’t fight over Colour anymore

SHARPENING SERVICE AND NEW BLADES

THE QUALITY BENCHMARK

JUST GOT CHEETAH PRESS

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OCTOBER 2014 // THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY // WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

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NEWS

Bizquip Signs €280K Sherry FitzGerald Deal

09

NEWS

Can Tullis Russell Be Brought Back from the Brink?

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FESPA 2015

Get the Wide Angle View Ahead of Fespa 2015.

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PAPER

Price Increases Hit Printers Hard

24

PROFILE

Global Acquisition Boosts Irish Print Managers

desire . . .

MAY 2015 || THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY || WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

PACKAGING

Big Delivery for Belfast-based Multi Packaging Solutions.

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FUTURE FOCUS

Printers Actively Research Diversification Opportunities

INTERVIEW

World’s largest HP Scitex FB7600 user grows its Irish operation.

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JULY 2014 // THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY // WWW.IRISHPRINTER.IE

07 NEWS

Over €6m Invested in Irish 3D Print Company

15 PROFILE

Web-2-Print Provider Targets Irish Market.

18 AWARDS PREVIEW

New Categories & Sponsors for 37th Irish Print Awards

FORMAT 30 WIDE

Plus2Print Proves Power of Vehicle Branding

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AWARDS PREVIEW

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN

PRINT The 38th Irish Print Awards will take place on Friday, November 27th in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin and Irish Printer is looking forward to yet another successful event in 2015.

For details of sponsorship opportunities

086 821 0203 Contact: Fiona Larmon fiona.larmon@ ashvillemediagroup.com

The Lifetime Achievement Award

The Canon Award for Design and Print Excellence

Sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Irish Printer is delighted that Close Brothers Commercial Finance are once again sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Irish Print Awards, following the success of their inaugural sponsorship of this prestigious category last year. “Close Brothers has supported the print industry for more than 27 years so there was a natural synergy for us,” says Adrian Madden, Regional Sales Director, Close Brothers Commercial Finance. “The print sector in Ireland has experienced significant change and restructuring in recent years in order to survive in a competitive landscape. This makes the Lifetime Achievement Award category even more important because it is crucial that we support the industry and reward those who have managed to withstand the vicissitudes of our industry to consistently deliver a quality product and service.” Close Brothers Commercial Finance specialises in providing funding solutions to companies throughout Ireland. They are a leading independent provider of invoice and asset finance and asset-based lending (ABL) to both SMEs and corporates. Their ability to refinance a firm’s existing assets is increasingly popular as this releases vital working capital back into a business.

Canon is the world leader for managed services worldwide. Canon Ireland helps customers optimise their document and business processes with a broad range of professional business services and solutions. “As a leader in technology and innovation, we also work with professional, commercial and wide format printers, providing market-leading expertise, products and solutions,” says Canon Ireland Director Phillip Brady. Canon Ireland technology is operational in a wide range of sectors, including education, health, finance, legal, manufacturing, commercial print and display graphics, and small and home office. “Unlike other competitors, for many of our office products Canon has its services based in Ireland and has both a direct network – where you can talk to Canon directly – or alternatively an indirect network via a network of service providers nationwide (the peace of mind of support of a global company on a local level),” says Phillip.

Canon Ireland was founded in 1990 and employs 85 staff. “Canon is sponsoring the Graphic Design & Print Excellence category because it reflects the creativity and innovation at the heart of the print industry,” says Phillip. “These awards are more relevant to our industry than ever, as they showcase how the print industry has evolved and is now thriving in our digital world.”

Réalt Paper Events and Corporate Stationery Printer of the Year

The Reprocentre Group Award for Large Format Digital Print

Introduced last year, the Events and Corporate Stationery Printer of the Year award has quickly established itself as one of the award categories with the highest amount of entries. This is because the majority of printers identify with this category as there is a continuous stream of relevant print jobs. “This award showcases the Irish print trade’s level of design, quality of print and the choice of paper or board that is required to produce a job with real impact,” explains Ger Barron, Managing Director of Réalt Paper Ltd. “The higher the impact, the larger the margin earned and the better the chance of retaining the print customer.” Réalt sell the paper, board and envelope stock required to produce a basic or high end job, be it for a corporate suite of stationery or a job for a specific event, with matching invitations, RSVP cards, menus, place names, booklets, and envelopes.

“Réalt appreciate the substantial and loyal support it has enjoyed from the print trade in Ireland over the past 35 years,” says Ger. “We will continue to be active in events, such as the Irish Print Awards, that support and highlight the achievements of the companies and individuals that make up the print trade in Ireland.”

“Reprocentre Group Ltd are proud to once again sponsor the Large Format Digital Print category in the Irish Print Awards,” says Managing Director, Brian Crawford.

“As a leading supplier of litho and wide format equipment and consumables from leading manufacturers such as Agfa, HP, Esko Graphics, KBA, Mimaki, GMG Colour, Canon, Mactac, Morgana, Presstek, GM Media, Vacuumatic, VanSon and European Graphics, we are perfectly placed to serve the industry. We have just been appointed a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Mimaki products in Ireland and we are currently in the process of upgrading our showroom facilities to ensure the best possible customer experience. This year we will also be presenting the latest arrival from Agfa – the Jeti Mira and Jeti Tauro ranges.

Both are high-end, high-speed devices that deliver top quality print at production speed. Options include white ink, varnish, and roll-to-roll ability. Visit our website at www.reprocentre.ie to see a comprehensive collection of our offerings. I hope the Large Format Digital Print category will be hotly contested again this year and I encourage all those who operate in this market to submit multiple entries.”

We will be featuring profiles of our other award sponsors and categories in the July and August issues of Irish Printer.

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R R IV ED A IT ’S

W E N L L A E H T G N I LAUNCH

C A PA B L E O F F I N I S H I N G A 4 L A N DS C A P E Here at Neopost, we are delighted to launch the all new Duplo 600i Booklet System.

The 600i is specifically designed for the digital and commercial printer, education, public and private sector and processing industries market.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Intuitive PC controller – Universal and unique way of programming

Easy set up and quick changeover

Intelligent feeding – Wide range of different applications (pre collated straight from digital printers)

Tool free operation – Less manual adjustment than any other competitive machines

Revolutionary book size now capable of doing A4 landscape

Modularity – Duetto, Sheet feeders, IMBF technology bar codes

Capable of finishing 120 page books

Fully automated size change in 45 seconds

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To avail of a free no obligation demonstration of this new Booklet System, call Neopost now... 1850 33 44 55 | +353 (0)1 6250900 or email info@neopost.ie or visit www.neographics.ie/600i

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