PWA March 2015 by Print Innovation Asia

Print World Asia Magazine

Covering the Printing, Packaging and Publishing Industries across Asia. MICA (P) 155/12/2013 - KDN PPS1529/05/2013(025527) (Formally Print Pack Publish Asia)

Issue 3 2015 US$8.50

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Contents Page

Issue 3 2015

4 2nd drupa Global Trends report 2015 Executive Summary 10 drupa Global Trends report 2015 Economic Summary 14 Capitalising on Print-on-Demand for Books 16 Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations wraps up successful 2015 edition 20 The Textile Takeover 22 Produce top quality labels and laminates at a low price 24 Chinese packaging printer has 5 year plan 26 Stop the use of misleading “go green – go paperless” 28 Goss Pacesetter Club members set new records for peak performance 30 First High-Volume Digitally Printed Newspaper 32 New holography keeps packaging fresh 34 Converting industry needs to be aware of static 38 British parliament votes to ban cigarette pack branding 40 High-Performance Solution for the Saddle Stitching of Digitally Printed Sheets 42 HP and KBA to Transform Corrugated Packaging Printing 44 Sin Fung takes advertising to the next level 46 ImagePerfect profiles for the HP Latex 360 digital printer 48 Agfa Graphics' Anapurna M3200i RTR with high density white 50 News from around the world

57 Ubi Ave. 1, #03-06 Ubi Centre, Singapore 408936. tel+65 6733 5342 fax +65 6733 3586 Publisher Paul Callaghan paul@cpublish.com.sg Events Elizabeth Liew eliew@cpublish.com.sg Advertising sales@cpublish.com.sg Journalist Sha Jumari editorasia@cpublish.com.sg Advertising Sales Matthew Callahan matt@cpublish.com.sg Accounts/Circulation accounts@cpublish.com.sg

Get your BEST work ready for this year's Asian Print Awards (held in Singapore). It will be the hardest event to win in the Awards 13 year History

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General

2nd drupa Global Trends report 2015 Executive Summary

Positive economic assessments by printers for both this year and next We started the surveys for both printers and suppliers this year by asking two broad questions on how positively participants considered the current economic condition of their company and what they think are the prospects for the coming 12 months. We have described these as the drupa Barometers of economic confidence. 34% of the global panel of printers described their current condition in 2014 as good and just 13% said their condition was poor – a positive net balance of 21%.

In terms of end markets, those serving Packaging and Functional markets

Suppliers 2014

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are doing better than those serving Commercial and Publishing markets and this is true in virtually all regions

drupa Printer Barometer economic confidence % net balance positive v negative

Printers 2014 Printers next 12 months

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A similar positive story from suppliers

Amongst suppliers, 36% reported their companies in good current condition and just 17% reported a poor condition – a positive net balance of 19%. Like the printers, they were optimistic for the next 12 months with 51% globally expecting their companies’ economic condition to improve and just expecting it to decline.

It has to be said that such general optimism is not entirely supported by the global economic summary or results from the following more detailed questions on current trends in financial performance.

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Suppliers next 12 months

However what was more surprising was how positive the printer panel was for prospects in the next 12 months. Globally 48% expected their economic position to improve and only 7% expected it to decline – a positive net balance of 41%. This optimism was shared widely across most regions.

drupa Supplier Barometer economic confidence

Printer revenues rise The good news is that revenues globally have improved this year for 39% of the printer panel compared with just 22% who have seen revenues decline. But that positive net balance of

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Management/General 17% is significantly lower than the 27% reported last year. North America was the only region that saw an increase in the size of the positive net balance in revenue growth, from 51% last year to 60% this year.

all measures have slipped backwards in 2014, sometimes by just a little and sometimes by a lot, except paper prices where the reduction in price increases has slowed (a price increase is treated as negative in this measure).

Prices fall further Despite increasing revenues, getting price increases remains really difficult for printers. Just 15% of the global printer panel reported achieving price increases in the last year and 38% stated that prices have declined. No region reported an improved picture year on year, in sharp contrast to last year, where four regions were able to report a net balance of price increases. In some cases the decline was dramatic e.g. in Asia where a net positive balance of 19% last year was turned into a net negative balance of -21%.

Europe and Australia/Oceania show great weakness reflecting the fragile economic performance in those regions while the softening of economic prospects for Asia and South/Central America are reflected in poor overall measures.

Utilisation grows at a slower rate It was a similar story on printer utilisation with 44% of the global audience able to report improving utilisation this year (52% last year) and 20% reporting declining utilisation (17% last year). Regionally North America and the Middle East reported broadly similar results to last year and Australia even reported better conditions (56% improved utilisation compared with 41% last year). But South & Central America and Asia reported worsening conditions. Margins still declining Turning to the resulting overall margins or profit levels, it is not surprising that just 16% of the global printer panel were able to report that they had grown margins over the last year and 43% said that margins had declined. Only those from North America and the Middle East were able to report a net improvement. All other regions slipped backwards, some quite badly e.g. S/C America down from 19% last year to just 10% this year, Africa 32% last year down to 22% this year and Asia down from 28% last year to 15% this year. Printer revenues rise with greater utilisation despite price and margin falls It is clear that the financial health of printers worldwide is dependent on ever-increasing utilisation to counteract a universal drop in prices and margins. Strikingly in every case

Supplier revenues and margins are a mixed picture The regional pattern for supplier revenues is very mixed with an overall net positive balance. Those reporting revenues up are North America (+21%) and Asia (+11%), both S/C America and Africa are neutral at 0% and there is bad news for the Middle East (-5%), Europe (-4%) and Australia/ Oceania (-14%).

All regions had negative net balances of respondents reporting price falls, ranging from -6% in Africa to -30% in Europe. When it comes to margins we are again in negative territory, ranging from -5% net balance in the Middle East to a staggering -44% in Europe. Big regional variations in financial conditions There is an overall worsening of financial conditions year-on-year globally, but more striking are the major variations between the regions. It is notable that conditions on the whole appear significantly tougher for suppliers. It is important to note that the financial measures are more pessimistic amongst suppliers compared with printers in every region. Are printers closer to the end markets and beginning to foresee a more positive future or are the suppliers making more realistic assessments? Future drupa Trends reports will tell us. Printer operational performance trends Turning to operational matters for

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General few had a significant proportion of turnover coming in this way - just 17% of such installations globally were handling Printer and supplier investment plans Comparing the results from last year’s survey with actual expenditure we can see that last year’s expectations were not fully met across the globe, but there was nevertheless a positive trend to invest more. Interestingly predictions for next year, whilst positive, are more restrained. Turning to investment in print technologies, one of the more striking results from last year’s survey was the prediction that whilst digital cutsheet colour presses were the No. 1 choice for all printers, sheetfed offset was second choice for all but packaging printers (who chose flexo). conventional (non-digital) print, it is somewhat surprising to report that whilst the trend to shorter runs continues unabated, lead times now appear to have stabilised and the number of conventional jobs being handled appears to be declining. These trends were all global in nature and across all markets. There are significant swings in the volume of print analyzed by print technology used over the last 12 months with high volume web offset equipment in modest decline, sheetfed offset marginally positive and digital cutsheet colour very positive globally. The growth trend in flexo for packaging continues and there is also increased interest in hybrid technologies, particularly outside Europe. Whilst the rapid growth of digital print shows no sign of slowing, it is important to note that for the majority it represents only a modest proportion of turnover – for most printers the vast bulk of cash is still being generated by conventional print. Many industry commentators actively encourage printers to diversify and develop non-print turnover. Although this is happening slowly, the figures are virtually unchanged from last year, with just 27% globally having more than 10% of non-print turnover. The latest survey results show that the impact of

web-to-print varies significantly between markets. It is commonplace in commercial and functional print, but they are the exceptions. Furthermore

The pattern is similar this year, though sheetfed offset is marginally more popular than digital cutsheet colour in the rest of the world. Despite or perhaps because of the gloomy performance

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Management/General

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Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General questions on increasing use of variable content, personalisation, versioning and the increase in online only digital editions. None of these trends is yet decisive but the trend is clear with small increases in all parameters year-on-year.

figures, suppliers remain determined to invest and whilst the net balance of suppliers who invested more in 2014 than 2013 was small, they predict spending more next year. Strategic issues for printers and suppliers The pace of consolidation of the industry continues with 31% of printer respondents reporting they have considered a merger, acquisition or sale of the company in the last year (up 3% from last year). Of those, 46% have completed a deal in the last year or expect to do so in the next year. In the current economic climate where organic revenue growth with reasonable margins is hard to achieve, strategic partnerships and Merger & Acquisition activity is likely to increase. This will allow printers to strengthen their core business activities quickly as well as diversifying into new service areas at relatively low risk. Competition and lack of sales demand were the key constraints of growth, for both printers and suppliers. Given the soft market conditions and yet the need for growth, it was clear that new product launches and developing new sales channels were the top priorities for suppliers.

Market-specific trends for printers Commercial market – growing diversification We commented last year that with many printers facing severe decline in demand for their core print product, it is logical for them to diversify into fresh added-value products and services. There is a clear if modest increase in the percentage of companies offering additional services compared with last year. However what is striking is how North America is leading the way with ever-higher participation in such services, whilst some other regions lag well behind e.g. Middle East & Central/ South America, probably reflecting regional variations in the use of Internet services. Publishing market – slow but steady impact of digital media Turning to services provided for publishers, with the notable exception of prepress services (which is almost universal), there is a wide range of adoption of additional services between regions that we suspect is a reflection of a variation in local publishing supply chains. The slow but steady impact of digital media on publishing print is clear when we examine the results of three related

Packaging market – growing demand for added value SKU’s Demand for digitally printed packaging has remained modest with only 23% of packaging printers worldwide actively selling digital print and few of those reported strong demand. On a broader front it is clear however that added value packaging elements are becoming more widespread with variable content, interactive print, personalisation and versioning all relatively commonplace. As demand for core print products remains strong in most sectors and regions, it is not surprising to see less diversification amongst packaging printers, the exception being widespread adoption of design services (64% globally) and stock storage and fulfilment (48% globally). Functional print markets – a positive story to end As in the packaging market, end market demand is creating positive conditions for growth for most companies in functional markets eg in textiles and home decor. Different end market needs demand different print technologies with screen and pad dominating the ceramics sector and digital inkjet doing the same in textiles and home decor but with digital electrophotographic playing an important secondary role in many markets. In conclusion Despite challenging economic conditions in many parts of the world, the printers and suppliers of the drupa expert panel are very positive for their own companies’ economic prospects. This is despite the adverse trends in many of the detailed performance measures examined in this report. That optimism is confirmed by the significant capital investment plans that both printers and suppliers reported for 2015. They clearly understand that it is only by a positive development strategy that they can ensure their individual companies and the print industry in general will remain relevant and competitive in a multimedia communications world.

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General

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Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Management/General

drupa Global Trends report 2015

Economic Summary Fragile recovery masks growth challenges The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economies are currently performing a careful balancing act. The majority of countries are dealing with the consequences and impact of the global financial crisis, resulting in massive debt problems and high unemployment whilst the rest face an uncertain and unpredictable future. Projected growth rates are being revised downward, and this gloomy outlook has dampened confidence, reduced demand and worsened shortterm growth prospects today. Largely due to weaker-than-expected global activity in the first half of 2014, the latest growth forecast for the world economy from the International Monetary Fund in October 2014 has been revised downward to 3.3% for 2015, 0.4% lower than in the April 2014 World Economic Outlook (WEO). The global growth projection for 2015 was lowered to 3.8%. The impact of these economic forces has led to marginal growth and disparity between regions and countries in the evolving global economy. Among the advanced economies, the United States

and the United Kingdom are leaving the recession behind and are now achieving sustainable growth. However this is still a fragile recovery and potential growth is still lower than in the early 2000s. Japan is an economy with a legacy of high public debt and very low potential growth, which is creating major macroeconomic and fiscal challenges. As a result the Japanese economy has recently fallen back into recession. Growth in the Eurozone all but stalled in 2014, plagued by the legacy debt crisis in the south and marginal growth elsewhere. As we finalise this report there are fresh uncertainties following the recent Greek election result. Governments worldwide are rethinking their strategies and policies in response to huge challenges. From building social safety nets in key emerging markets to reducing deficits and debt in developed countries, governments are trying to meet these challenges without dampening economic expansion. These changes have farreaching implications for business, creating an urgent need

to stay agile, keeping up with policy changes and ensuring compliance and collaboration with public-sector agencies. Slow going for emerging economies In emerging market economies, lower than expected growth is the dominating factor. Across all these economies, potential growth is now forecast to be 1.5% lower than in 2011. There are significant differences between regions, China is sustaining relatively high growth, but this is projected to decrease in the future. India is recovering from its downturn and is

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Management/General 11 become more relevant. So far, the effects of the Ukraine crisis have not spread beyond the affected countries and their immediate neighbours. And the turmoil in the Middle East has not had much effect on the level or volatility of energy prices. But clearly, this could change in the future, with major implications for the world economy. Lastly, there is a risk that the recovery in the Eurozone could stall,

projected to achieve over 5% growth due to effective economic policies creating increased confidence. In contrast, uncertain investment prospects, energy price falls in Russia coupled with the Ukraine crisis, have made growth prospects even worse. Economic uncertainty and low investment are also having a negative impact on growth in Brazil. The downside risks of the current economic landscapes are becoming clear. A long period of low interest rates has led to low yield and complacency about the future. Also geopolitical risks have

that demand could weaken further, and that low inflation could turn into sustained deflation. If this scenario plays out it would have a major impact on the global economy The recent episodes of financial market turmoil in emerging markets have raised fears that these economies could be hit particularly hard by an upcoming monetary tightening cycle in major developed economies. The sudden massive capital outflows from emerging markets seen in mid-2013 and again in January 2014, which caused asset nprices and currencies to tumble,

have brought back memories of the emerging market crises of the 1990s. However, emerging market economies as a whole seem to be in a much better position this time to weather tighter liquidity conditions and capital outflows. Unemployment still bad news Globally, employment is estimated to have grown by 1.4% in 2013, a similar pace as in 2012, but stubbornly slower than the rate of 1.7% in pre-crisis years. As a result, the global jobs gap (comparing the number of jobs existing today with the number of jobs that would exist considering the pre-crisis trend) widened further to 62 million. Long-term unemployment has been rising in developed countries, which could lead to higher levels of structural unemployment. Across developing countries, a main challenge remains the level of informal employment, which, on average, reaches between 40% and 50% in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. In the outlook, global employment is expected to continue growing at a slow pace. M&A is focused on core activity for revenue growth and efficiencies 2014 has seen a big increase in multibillion-dollar M&A deals. Increasing competition at the top end of the market and a renewed focus on growing core businesses has fuelled activity. After a fiveyear slump deal activity globally is set to return to 2006 levels. The appetite for M&A is as high as it has been for more than three years, supported by relatively stable economic confidence, healthier balance sheets and the availability of credit. M&A deal pipelines have increased by a remarkable 30% since April and two thirds of executives expect M&A pipelines to expand further over the next year, heightening fears of a wave of high-risk M&A deals. The majority of acquisitions are focused on strengthening the core business, by boosting market share, managing costs and improving margin growth. As a result, the vast majority of planned deal activity will be bolt-on acquisitions to complement and strengthen current business models. More than a third of companies plan to make acquisitions that give them access to new technologies or intellectual property.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Management/General

In many sectors, this will translate into the acquisition of innovative middlemarket assets. Confidence returns at top level The number of senior executives confident in the stability of the global economy has almost doubled in the last twelve months. This increased confidence and economic stability has allowed companies to plan more freely for growth and take advantage of M&A opportunities. The positive outlook for corporate earnings has increased significantly over the last 12 months. Corporate earnings, particularly in the US, were remarkably strong in the first half of 2014, with 70% of the S&P (Standard & Poor) 500 beating estimates. Results in the UK and Eurozone were mixed, as currency and regional concerns influenced respondents in those geographies. Other market indicators are also trending positive. Companies are making moves to position themselves for growth in a challenging environment shaped by fast-emerging global megatrends and enhanced shareholder engagement. In line with their growing confidence in global economic stability, more companies are expanding their core

business by changing their mix of products and services and increasing new product introductions. The capital confidence barometer (a survey conducted by Ernst & Young to measure investment and M&A activity) shows a threefold increase in the number of companies adopting both of these strategies. However, the focus on growth is tempered by a disciplined approach to cost reduction and operational efficiency, as executives remain mindful of lessons learned during the global financial crisis. It is evident that far fewer companies are preoccupied with survival and are turning their sights to medium-term growth strategies. In line with their growing confidence in global economic stability, companies are taking on more risk in order to expand their core businesses by changing the mix of products and services. This reflects an increasingly complex pattern in which companies are divesting in non-core activity and are strengthening and expanding their core and complementary businesses through sophisticated transactions, such as asset swaps, spinoffs and joint ventures.

Technology and talent become key assets Driven by shifting markets, consumer expectations and the changing needs of both employers and employees, the market for talent is diversifying and traditional employment contracts are being rewritten. An increasing number of mobile, part-time and self-employed workers are changing the nature of work and the workplace. The move to a more flexible workforce will provide more opportunities for collaboration, productivity, and new business models. The battle for talent will centre on the high-tech, creative and IP-rich sectors, where innovation and forward thinking will provide cutting-edge advantage. In contrast to the overall trend toward a focus on the core, technology assets are in demand in nearly every sector. Emerging technologies are combining with advanced networks, computing and new ways of communicating to fundamentally change businesses. As companies adapt to these advances, all industries will need to decide how they strategically invest in technology and the skills required to exploit it. Sources: EY Capital Confidence Barometer, Global Competitiveness Report and World Economic Outlook

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General 13

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Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Digital Technology

Capitalising on Printon-Demand for Books As here-and-now services are expected to grow in 2015, printon-demand services, especially for books, exhibit the most potential. By Sha Jumari. In 2015, on-demand services will take off across Asia, according to trendwatching.com. Demand for here-andnow services in Asia counts as one of the top 10 Asian consumerism trends shaping the year, which also lists increased expectations for localised languages of services and growing awareness of digital addiction.

needs of the publisher. Self-publishing stays within digital printing territory, as usual runs are between 1 to 1000 copies.

Asia’s hunger for on-demand products bodes well for print-on-demand (POD) services, particularly in the realm of self-publishing. Self-publishing involves the publication of any book by the author that cuts out the conventional use of a third-party publisher. Self-publishers are typically authors writing for a small group or for themselves, or aspiring authors who cannot produce a book that aligns with

Already, the region has shown much interest in self-publishing: “Here in Asia Pacific, there has been much talk in Australia and New Zealand, on the printing of ‘Book-of-One’, which loosely translates to the ability of printers to print a single book, which is impossible for anyone running purely on offset,” said Steve Ford, senior manager, graphic communications professional, Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.

“Both Hong Kong and Singapore are slowly seeing this as an up-and-coming trend, with more printing jobs in lower quantities. Their clients are also asking for POD as authors and retailers revive old out of print titles and publishers are taking on projects from less renowned authors, printing in lower numbers to test out the market demand for such titles,” Ford continued. “All these demands and market trends, which attract and motivate more aspiring authors, mitigating their financial risk with lower number of printed

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Digital Technology

books, will drive the growth for selfpublishing in Asia Pacific.” One of the major benefits of POD is that space becomes less of an issue since it eliminates the need of warehousing. This, combined with the lower labour costs from reduced use of operators, is attractive for publishers, especially for those in space-constraint countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore. “Short runs and POD fulfillment can be accomplished without the risk of having unsold books when you order in smaller quantities. Driven by consumers’ demands for online purchase that offers a wider variety of titles, not just on current but also old ones, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt that this trend is set to grow, at a far faster rate than anyone ever imagined,” said Ford. In other parts of the world, the selfpublishing sector has already projected growth. Nielsen Book revealed to The Guardian that the sales of self-published books in the UK grew by 79% in 2013. Recent reports also revealed that printed books in general would stick around for a while longer. At the end of 2014, booksellers Foyles and Waterstones both reported that printed books were doing well. Foyles posted an 8.1% increase while Waterstones reported sales of Amazon’s Kindle to have shrunk significantly, as sales of physical books rose 5%. “In all developed and some emerging economies, publishers are now using just-in-time manufacturing and print-on-demand methods in ways they would never have imagined 10 years ago. Demand for digital book printing has grown exponentially in the last few years and is driving this new methodology of book printing. In

turn, we have seen many requests by our customers to provide suitable solutions, both hardware and workflow software,” said Ford. The self-publishing sector opens up opportunities for printers to diversify their services and expand their business portfolio. Although the demand is there, there are considerations to be made before deciding to venture into self-publishing. Printers need to be aware of the types of digital printers that are suitable, and also what more can they offer that differs from their current business model. “Before they jump on the bandwagon, they need to understand that highspeed digital book printing is different from their traditional costing model. Sales staff have to be trained on this new model and create new strategies. Educating customers on the benefits of this new offering is also an imperaORIS

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tive for success,” asserted Ford. It is essential for printers to understand that high-speed digital book printing is different from their traditional costing model. Staff on the floor would need to be trained on this new business model and new strategies need to be formulated. It is additionally important for success that the customers are also educated and well informed on the benefits of the service. “Whether or not you are in a developed or emerging economy, book POD is like a tsunami; there is no stopping this trend. We have to adapt to the new demands of the consumer, allowing them to source printed books over the internet, be it new, old or out-of-print titles, place an order and receive it via mail - all within three working days. This is impossible with traditional print,” Ford concluded.

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Digital Technology

Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations wraps up successful 2015 edition Xeikon is pleased to report that the 2015 edition of the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations saw a 35% rise in visitor numbers with more than 700 industry innovators keen to learn about enhancing digital print production. how digital print technology creates new creative opportunities.”

Hosted by Xeikon in collaboration with its Aura partners, the three-day event at Xeikon’s R&D and production site in Belgium was held to help label and packaging printers as well as converters, print buyers, brand owners and marketers worldwide transform profitability. Visitors were able to learn more about the latest trends and innovations in digital production and had the opportunity to get up to speed with the newest technologies and share insights. “We are delighted to see the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations platform is growing, in terms of both industry and customer support. We received very positive feedback from the event attendees. The relaxed approach to this educational review of market driv-

ers, trends and emerging technologies enabled them to have far reaching conversations and get a clearer business path for their journey ahead,” says Wim Maes, Xeikon CEO. “We are also very pleased to see an increased diversity in the type of print professionals that attended the event,” Maes continues. “Not only printers and converters appreciated the Xeikon Café as a platform to get more insights in optimizing their digital print production. Also brand owners gained a better understanding of how digital print is the answer to their needs in terms of shorter runs and greater product variety to name just some. For marketers that attended the event, I can say the Xeikon Café 2015 certainly was an eye-opener as they discovered

Extended educational platform During the Xeikon Café, a series of presentations were held as part of the Business Conference program where highly experienced market experts and Xeikon customers shared business insights and experiences on digital printing. Running alongside, the Technical Conference program provided a number of technology-driven seminars given by Xeikon and its Aura Partners. In total more than 100 sessions were held, covering all aspects of digital production. “One of our objectives with the Xeikon Café is to provide an informal knowledge exchange platform. Also for the 2015 edition, we certainly reached this goal with a large number of high quality presentations, all providing outstanding industry related information. Leading market trends and their influence on brands and print buyers were just some of the most interesting topics,” adds Maes. Collaboration with Xeikon Aura Partners provides myriad of information At the Xeikon Café 2015 edition, no less than 33 Aura Partners exhibited their integrated solutions and industry expertise through more than 15 different applications ranging from folding carton to self-adhesive, heat transfer and in-mold labels. The wide range of applications illustrated exactly the extent of what digital production can achieve. Combined with the many networking opportunities, this event was

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Digital Technology also much appreciated by the attending Xeikon Aura Partners. “We are pleased to see also our Aura Partners embraced the Xeikon Café 2015 edition. Digital printing answers many of the challenges today’s print producers, print buyers and brands face. Because there is more to print production than printing, we have gone one step further and developed together with our Aura Partners total solutions. These solutions, or suites, are carefully selected and thoroughly tested combinations of equipment, technologies and capabilities. Having these solutions demonstrated live at the Xeikon Café, we managed to educate visitors how to produce not only head-turning prints, but fully finished products,” Maes concludes. Xeikon invites anyone that was unable to attend the event to visit the www. xeikoncafe.com website for more impressions, images or to request a free sample package. ABOUT THE XEIKON CAFÉ PACKAGING INNOVATIONS The Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations is a platform offered by Xeikon and its Aura partners, offering the opportunity to understand, evaluate and experience digital production, and enabling printers and converters to consciously make a business decision. Through demonstrations, presentations, workshops and discussions, participants receive first-hand actionable information and advice on industry innovations and trends. Participating partners are: Under the software category: Advance Track & Trace, CERM, CHILI Publish, Esko, Hybrid Software, Label Traxx, OneVision Software, Four Pees Under the equipment category: AB Graphic International, Bograma, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik A/S, Highcon, Kurz, MBO, Meech International, MOSS, Rietstack, Schobertechnologies, Seilaser, SMAG Graphique, Tronics, Zünd Under the consumables category: ACTEGA Terra, Kurz, Michelman, Rotometrics Under the print media category: Avery, Metsä Board, Stora Enso, Taghleef Industries, Treofan Group, UPM Raflatac

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Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Digital Technology

The Textile Takeover Digital printing presents exciting opportunities for the textile world, in the face of changing demands, new applications and innovative technology. Sha Jumari explores market drivers, key trends and challenges. Digital textile printing has long exhibited signs of a growing market, and will continue to grow as a viable mainstream option in the professional print community. A report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA) stipulated global production of digitally printed textiles is expected to reach 29.8 billion square meters by 2020. InfoTrends had also valued digitally printed textile garments at US$10.3 billion globally in 2012. Driven by technology developments aimed at improving print speeds, design, and efficiency, this number will only increase. Asia Pacific represents the largest and fastest growing market with a CAGR of 4.4% over the analysis period. According to the GIA report, Asia-Pacific currently holds 39.5% of the market share for digital textile printers. In the upcoming years, market growth will be driven primarily by steady economic development and the rise of the middle class in countries such as India and China. China alone currently ranks first in the world for digitally

printed textiles, with the annual production capacity of 1.8 billion meters. Markets that will drive growing consumer demands in textile printing include interior decoration and apparels.

market. This group of consumers will home textile products as consumables and update their home furnishings more frequently, especially in the Southeast Asia region.

Interior Décor Takes Centre Stage Globally, digital textile printing will become increasingly important in the home textiles sector. Home furnishing is exhibiting growth opportunities, as digital printing expands creative and commercial opportunities within the sector.

“There is definitely this trend for customised home décor. For example, we’ve had customers requesting for their sofa fabric to be of the same pattern as their curtains, or their bathroom blinds. This is a growing industry amongst our consumers,” said Neo Hwee Yew, founder of Apparel Asia Pte Ltd, a garment printing company.

The growing number of the middle class population and increasing purchasing capability will continue to drive growth for the textile printing

Print is making significant inroads in architectural design and interior décor, from walls, floor coverings, textiles and decorative surfaces to furniture and accessories. Technological advancements in print are opening up a host of creative and innovative opportunities in the industry. Graphic professionals are now exploring interior décor applications as an avenue for possible diversification. “In Asia, the trend is there, and we’ve observed this. For example, a lot of boutique hotels in Singapore and Bangkok are engaging interior designers to have very customised décor,” said Neo. Trade organisers are responding to the growing demand. FESPA will be

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Digital Technology introducing ‘Printeriors’, an entirely new showcase and conference dedicated to the interior décor industry. The event, to be held from 18 to 22 May 2015 in Germany, will pay homage to print applications that can benefit interior decorators by highlighting creative possibilities through print, featuring concepts for retail, residential, corporate and hospitality settings. Digital players are taking notice of the burgeoning interior décor industry. Xeikon announced its first participation in Heimtextil 2015, touted as the largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. At the fair, the Xeikon Wall-Covering Suite was a big draw for visitors. The Xeikon Wall-Covering Suite is a short-run friendly ‘all-inone’ solution responds to the increasing demand for more customised and personalised print jobs and enables the production of a small roll of finished wallpaper from a large roll of paper. The suite allows cost-efficient production of high-quality wall decorations for commercial, retail and residential purposes. The Silk Screen Decline Conventional silk screen printing holds the largest share of the global textile printing market, but digital printing is on the rise with the fastest growing product segment at 26.1% CAGR. “If you would notice the market in Singapore and Malaysia, silk screen factories are decreasing in numbers,” said Neo, who has offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Neo added that his factories have gone primarily 80% digital, commenting that one of the biggest advantages digital has over silk screen is that it is a cleaner process that requires lesser space and resources. Printing multi-coloured effects on textiles is a trend that is driving the digital movement: “Silk screen printing is more suited for single-coloured jobs. If you were to do a five-colour print on silk screen, you’d have to prepare five colour moulds, and half a day would be gone just like that. With digital, you can use 12 colours even and it can take just a minute, without any processing required,” said Neo.

Digitally printed textiles are becoming increasingly attractive due to the ability to cost-effectively produce samples, short run and custom textiles. Textile designers can differentiate themselves by producing limited edition pieces, and digital printing caters to this need for customised printing. Labour plays a significant role in the silk screen decline as well: “There’s an increase in labour costs in the Southeast Asian region that greatly impacts the analogue industry. If you’re still using analogue, there’s just not enough manpower for it now. It becomes very inefficient. Going digital will allow for lesser manpower,” explained Neo. The Challenge in Transitioning Training Centres Presents the Solution for Analogue Operators The challenge for the current analogue market in switching to digital systems is in unskilled workforce that is unfamiliar with desktop publishing. This is where digital press manufacturers are lending a hand to make the transition easier, by making platforms of education and training available. In 2014, HP opened doors to its new Graphics Solutions Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Singapore where cus-

tomers can have access to the complete graphics arts portfolio and partner solutions under one roof. A training centre also forms part of the facility. The centre is staffed by 11 training and ramp-up specialists, who can provide hands-on learning and train more than 350 operators, engineers and production managers each year. Epson followed the same beat when it launched its Centre of Innovation early this year for professional print customers in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, part of the focus of the centre is in developing talent, which is why Epson provides training facilities and materials to help partners, customers and operators better understand digital textile print processes. Epson is currently working closely with lecturers and students of fashion from Singapore’s Lasalle College of the Arts. “We invited the students to the centre to teach them dye sublimation techniques and present to them latest developments in the digital textile printing industry,” said Shaun See, general manager, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd. “The goal is to groom our fashion designers and update them on the latest technology so they can be better prepared in the working world.”

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Sheetfed Offset

Produce top quality labels and laminates at a low price KBA-MePrint has earned its reputation in the industry for innovative printing solutions on demanding, non-absorbent substrates. Presses for waterless UV offset printing in the highest quality have long formed a core competence of this KBA subsidiary. KBA-MePrint joins the premium class of label and laminate printing with the modular Varius LX-TX narrow web press. In a market where digital printing is gaining importance in numerous segments, the Varius LX-TX provides an outstanding print quality, versatility and individual equipment options for printing and finishing along with economic advantages for small to medium runs.

Lower costs and better quality for shorter runs As a flexible narrow web press, the Varius LX-TX with ghosting-free short inking units is based on UV offset technology, a technology that has proven itself with a brilliant print

quality in a wide range of real-world applications. The absence of ink keys and dampening solution simplifies operation, saves time and leads to a drastic reduction of waste during job changes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a crucial economic advantage for shorter runs. In addition, for label and laminate printing, the semi-rotary Varius LX-TX achieves the necessary format flexibility without expensive, complicated sleeves using cost-effective, quickly imaged and automatically interchangeable offset plates. Compared to conventional solutions, this lowers production costs and unproductive machine downtime

The Varius LX-TX from KBA-MePrint is ideal for producing labels for quality wine, cosmetics and spirits and other luxury items as well as for printing tube laminates

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Sheetfed Offset 23

significantly. Especially for screen images, the superior detail and colour brilliance of the waterless offset process shines – a great advantage for high-quality wine, spirits, cosmetics and other premium labels, films or challenging laminates with thicknesses between 50 and 500 microns. The semi-rotary drive concept allows for continuous variation of the printing length without time-consuming changes for the plate and blanket cylinder. The high degree of automation with fully automatic plate change, auto register, optional quick-change doctor blade chambers and other features greatly minimises set-up times. The sum of the technical and procedural advantages provides the user with opportunities for differentiation and specialisation in a highly competitive market. User-oriented technology platform The fully modular design of the Varius LX-TX is not a purely offset press but a flexible and configurable, user-oriented technology platform for the printing, finishing and postpress required for premium labels. Instead of the anilox inking units, longer inking units without damping units can be integrated as well as modules for UV varnishing or opaque white applications (replaceable between different positions within the machine), flat screen printing units from KBA-Kammann and digital printing heads (also subsequently) for marking or personalisation. The same flexibility applies to the inline finishing with the possible integration of modules for cold and hot stamping, embossing, stamping, cutting, weeding, etc. Depending on customer requirements,

Example configuration of a Varius LX-TX (left to right): Unwinding unit – infeed unit, flexo printing unit (priming) – 6 offset printing units – flexo printing unit (varnishing) – rotary die-cutter – pulling unit – winding unit Additional printing methods and other units for further processing can also be integrated a wide range of drying systems from different manufacturers are used. In addition to drying with ultraviolet and infrared radiation, a hot-air dryer system can also be installed. Users of the Varius LX-TX do not receive a machine simply of the rack, but a tailor-made production line, customised to their needs. KBAMePrint cooperated closely with the colleagues from KBA-Kammann for the technical implementation of the flexible module system. They are already experienced in addressing the high-value label and laminate market. The first machine from this cooperation will be delivered shortly to Italy. Advantages of Varius LX-TX at a glance:

• Significantly less paper waste (up to 90% less) • Faster job and format changes (no change of sleeves or cassettes) • Minimal set-up times due to automatic plate change • No adjustment of ink zones, no dampening unit • Less volatile organic components (VOC) • Photo-realistic multi-colour printing with high colour brilliance • Consistent colour reproduction, no ghosting • Excellent reproducibility of repeat jobs • Fast, easy to learn operation • Economical and competitive for small to medium print runs

Machine speed: Max. 50 m/min. Unwinding and winding capacity: 800 mm Ø Formats Minimum web width: 100 mm Maximum web width: 430 mm Maximum printing width: 420 mm Image length (continuously adjustable): 152.4 - 431.8 mm (6 - 17 inches) Inks (offset printing) UV-curing Drying UV dryer after each printing unit (with optional chill roll) Print materials Print materials: Self-adhesive labels, laminates, foils Print material thickness 50-500 microns (substrate-dependent)

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General

Chinese packaging printer has 5 year plan Founded in 2005, JinHong is a well-known local packaging printer who provides premium packaging printing services for consumer products. Cur- rently annual sales revenue is around RMB 200 million. “Our 5 year growth plan will enable us to be a major player in China's packaging print market” said Ms. Hou Hong, the Managing Director JinHong Printing Indus- try. “We are going to invest further millions of RMB in production equipment. The recent investment in ROLAND 708 LV UV is just the start and will definitely help us to achieve this goal. This press has all the advantages

every printer dreams of - premium print quality, high productivity, high degree of color stability, low printing cost per sheet, shorter lead time, and low paper waste rate! We completely trust Manroland!” JinHong is serious in conforming to the highest of standards and has been awarded certifications in quality, environment management and occupational health systems. JinHong is also a multi-award winning printer. Amongst others, they were cited as one of the top 50 profitable small and medium enterprises and in the top 10 printing enterprise awards. Now JinHong is ready for more challenges, and the latest investment in a new ROLAND press is just the start. Mr. Kurt Herrmann, Managing Director of Manroland Greater China, thanked JinHong for giving Manroland the opportunity to be a part of its business plan.

Ms. Hou Hong, Managing Director of Henan JinHong Printing Industry Co., Ltd.

"We would like to thank Henan JinHong Printing Industry Co., Ltd. for

the trust and support to us over the years. On behalf of Manroland Greater China, I have every faith in JinHong Printing Industry achieving its ambition" “As the world's leading supplier of printing equipment and solutions, Manroland has always regarded Greater China as one of the most important markets. We are strongly committed to Greater China. Manroland provides the customers with advanced printing equipment, first-class service and a full range of solutions that meet the different needs of the customers. We also offer strong professional technical support to Chinese printing companies. We believe this will help them reach their targets."

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Sheetfed Offset 25

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General

Stop the use of misleading “go green – go paperless” New research reveals major global corporations are still flouting regulations put in place to protect consumers from misleading marketing claims.

New research, commissioned by worldwide lobbying organisation ‘Two Sides’, has revealed that major global corporations are still using inaccurate and misleading environmental claims to encourage consumers to ‘go paperless’ and switch from paperbased to digital communication. This is despite legislation being introduced by the advertising standards authorities to protect the consumer from being misled. The survey, undertaken in February 2015, showed that in the UK, there is still a significant proportion of financial service organisations, energy, gas and water suppliers and telecoms businesses that are still making false environmental claims. Similarly, research in the US shows a similar picture with half of the leading Fortune 500 companies in the same sectors were doing the same. “This is extremely frustrating and unacceptable,” says Martyn Eustace, Chairman of the ‘Two Sides’ initiative. “The fact that marketers in some of the most high profile corporations in the world are still using unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims to persuade consumers to switch from paper-based to cheaper electronic communication is outrageous.

Many consumers still have a strong preference for paper but they are being manipulated by a lack of clear and accurate information, when in fact paper, based on a natural, renewable and recyclable resource, should be considered as a highly sustainable way to communicate.” He continues, “This behaviour must be tackled and we are therefore going on the offensive once again to educate and inform those responsible of their misconduct and to ensure that such organisations don’t continue to flout the law and mislead their most important asset…their customers.” Two Sides will be engaging with companies in Europe, the USA, Canada, South America, South Africa and Australia, who have either reneged on undertakings to stop using misleading environmental claims or are now again claiming that switching to online billing and communication is better for the environment without supplying verifiable supporting evidence. Original UK research completed in 2012 revealed that 70% of Telecoms businesses, 43% of the major banks and 30% of utility companies were all making inaccurate claims about the

enNew research, commissioned by worldwide lobbying organisation ‘Two Sides’, has revealed that major global corporations are still using inaccurate and misleading environmental claims to encourage consumers to ‘go paperless’ and switch from paperbased to digital communication. This is despite legislation being introduced by the advertising standards authorities to protect the consumer from being misled. The survey, undertaken in February 2015, showed that in the UK, there is still a significant proportion of financial service organisations, energy, gas and water suppliers and telecoms businesses that are still making false environmental claims. Similarly, research in the US shows a similar picture with half of the leading Fortune 500 companies in the same sectors were doing the same.

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Management/General 27 “This is extremely frustrating and unacceptable,” says Martyn Eustace, Chairman of the ‘Two Sides’ initiative. “The fact that marketers in some of the most high profile corporations in the world are still using unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims to persuade consumers to switch from paper-based to cheaper electronic communication is outrageous. Many consumers still have a strong preference for paper but they are

verifiable supporting evidence. Original UK research completed in 2012 revealed that 70% of Telecoms businesses, 43% of the major banks and 30% of utility companies were all making inaccurate claims about the environmental benefits of switching from paper to digital communication. However, when challenged by ‘Two Sides’, 82% of these companies changed their marketing messages.

to electronic services and helping the environment not only creates a misleading impression about the sustainability of print and paper but, as these claims are also unsupported by facts, they contravene the latest UK CAP code, (Committee for Advertising Practice), flout guidelines by the US Federal Trade Commission and CSR Europe (the leading European business network for corporate social responsibility), and the UK Government department DEFRA. Phil Riebel, President of Two Sides North America, comments, “Over the past 12 months our campaign has successfully changed over 50% of the misleading marketing claims we have uncovered but there is so much more education to do because the majority of corporate marketers don’t understand the life-cycle and sustainable features of print and paper products – they are marketing based on perception instead of science-based facts.”

being manipulated by a lack of clear and accurate information, when in fact paper, based on a natural, renewable and recyclable resource, should be considered as a highly sustainable way to communicate.”

In North America, Two Sides has also been successful in converting 30 of the Fortune 500 companies in the same sectors and is in discussion with a further 25 organisations who have yet to comply.

He continues, “This behaviour must be tackled and we are therefore going on the offensive once again to educate and inform those responsible of their misconduct and to ensure that such organisations don’t continue to flout the law and mislead their most important asset…their customers.” Two Sides will be engaging with companies in Europe, the USA, Canada, South America, South Africa and Australia, who have either reneged on undertakings to stop using misleading environmental claims or are now again claiming that switching to online billing and communication is better for the environment without supplying

Eustace continues, “Consumers should not be mislead and encouraged to go ‘paperless’, when in fact it may be the sustainable way to communicate. It is just not acceptable to use misleading ‘green’ marketing to encourage customers to receive their bills or communications online, claiming that this is ‘better for the environment’. The majority of these claims are unsubstantiated and the term ‘paperless’ is also disingenuous as many consumers resort to home printing to ensure a permanent hard copy.” Two Sides maintains that the linkage made between switching from paper

Eustace emphasises that, “we are more than willing to engage in a meeting and provide these companies’ marketing and legal departments with all the facts about the sustainability of print media to help ensure that the messages they are sending out to the public and their customers are both factually and environmentally correct. Reporting to authorities is a move of last resort. In fact, we seldom have to do this and find that, working together with corporates is the best way to ensure that consumers remain protected from the increasing greenwash in our society. The true picture of the excellent environmental benefits of paper is being overlooked by these false messages. In Europe 44% of the land area is covered by forests and 93% of our paper comes from Europe where the area of forest has grown by 30% since 1950 and has been increasing at a rate of 1.5 million football pitches every year.” Eustace concludes: “Paper is a renewable and recyclable product that, if responsibly produced and used, can be a sustainable way to communicate. The forest and paper industries rely on sustainable forests and they are major guardians of this precious and growing resource.”

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3/ 2015

Web Offset Technology

Goss Pacesetter Club members set new records for peak performance Popular initiative encourages performance excellence in finishing and sets productivity standards 97.6 percent efficiency top achievement in 2014 Outstanding productivity using Goss finishing equipment has now been achieved by 1405 individual crews and earned them membership in the Goss Pacesetter Club. Established in 1997 to provide an incentive for achieving peak performance on Goss saddlestichers, adhesive binding systems and trimmers, the Goss Pacesetter Club admits new members each year as specific targets are met and productivity records continue to be broken. "We have seen our customers achieve up to 98 percent production capacity on our finishing systems," says Tim Van Driessche, Goss director of commercial sales. "These levels of productivity set standards for the whole industry and provide an important benchmark for print purchasers. They demonstrate excellence in areas other than raw performance: operator training, equipment maintenance and efficient workflow are all indicated by achieving Pacesetter Club criteria. "Submissions for club membership show us that between 50 and 60 percent of Pacesetter machines installed in the past ten years are achieving these high performance levels," Van Driessche continues. "To hit these levels of productivity demonstrates the longevity of the Pacesetter systems and the high built-in value of installing one of these machines."

Among those recently admitted to the Pacesetter Club are Japs Olson, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Journal Graphics, of Portland, Oregon; and Freeport Press, Freeport, Ohio. Japs Olson achieved Pacesetter Club performance with a Pacesetter 1600 stitcher with GT-16 trimmer installed in March last year. This powerful combination with its automation features facilitated Pacesetter Club production levels for the company. Able to produce booklets from A3 to A5 size, the Pacesetter 1600 stitcher can incorporate up to 40 independent hoppers and has a maximum output of 16,000 booklets per hour. "The Pacesetter 1600 has enabled us to operate at twice the speed of our previous equipment," says Michael Murphy, president of Japs Olson. "The GT-16 trimmer has made a major impact on productivity. All the operator has to do is enter the book size and everything in the line is automatically positioned in a matter of seconds."

Club status, producing more than 20,300 books per hour. Similarly, Freeport Press, of Freeport, Ohio also was admitted to the Pacesetter Club using a Pacesetter 2200 saddlestitcher. "After seeing the performance we could achieve with one Pacesetter 2200, we promptly invested in a second," says James Pilcher, vice president of production, Freeport Press. "There's no doubt that our productivity and competitiveness has improved since their installation."

The GT-16 trimmer can also store job information for fast setup when handling repeat jobs. The time gained in this way means that more products can be produced on fewer machines.

The top performance of any company using a Pacesetter 2200 system was 21, 463 booklets per hour, or 97.6 percent of total capacity, achieved over a 12 hour shift.

Also aiming for a competitive advantage, Journal Graphics, of Portland, Oregon, was looking for a high-speed stitcher. The company installed the first Pacesetter 2200 system on the West Coast and, within three months, two of its operators delivered runs that attained Pacesetter

Van Driessche concludes: "There's no doubt that the Pacesetter Club has contributed to companies setting their productivity goals higher. The number of printers that are qualifying clearly demonstrates the rising standards that can be achieved when working with first-class equipment."

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Wide Format / Proofing Technology

More Quality. Quality is one of the most important criteria that

your clients use to evaluate you. The Versant™ 2100 Press makes achieving new levels of stunning image quality easier than ever.

Advanced ripping at 1200 x 1200 x 10 bit delivers Ultra High Definition Resolution with incredibly smooth sweeps and spectacularly sharp images, graphics and text. Consistent, accurate, repeatable colour.

Do More. With More. For more information: www.fxap.com.sg/product/production/versant_2100p.jsp The Versant™ 2100 Press

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design and Versant are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

Print World Asia • 3/ 2015

Web Offset Technology

First High-Volume Digitally Printed Newspaper Mengis Druck AG has purchased the first HP T400 Color Inkjet Web Press in Switzerland.

The company’s new HP T400 will also be the first digital press to be used solely for the production of its highvolume newspaper, the Walliser Bote. With a daily run length of 22,000, digital production of the Walliser Bote marks an important milestone for the graphic arts industry. Mengis Druck’s new press is designed for high-volume, high-speed production. With a scalable print width of up to 1060mm, the HP T400

prints up to 183m per minute and the advanced web tension controls and dryer systems helps provide reliable, fast and consistent productivity. Ideal for the production of the Walliser Bote newspaper, the HP T400 offers high-quality imaging by reproducing sharp text and images. In addition, the press prints on virtually any standard uncoated or newsprint paper, as well as on a range of coated papers.

“The new HP T400 will help Mengis Druck to meet the production demands of creating and publishing high volumes of Walliser Bote. In addition, a significant part of our commercial print jobs can be produced on the HP T400, for which we can utilise the personlisation capabilities of the press,” said Nicolas Mengis, Owner, Mengis Group. “It was important to us that the new press would fit in with our existing production line and, after extensive research and several tests of similar products, our decision to purchase an HP T400 was an easy one. It was obvious that this press would meet our every need and, with HP’s support services, we know that we will build a successful relationship with them as we move our business from offset to digital.” As part of the company’s complete transition from web-offset to digital, Mengis Druck will gradually move full production of the Walliser Bote to the HP press, with the aim for it to be exclusively digitally produced by the end of 2015. The HP T400 will replace an older web offset printing press and will also be used to print commercial products.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Web Offset Technology

Print World Asia • 3/ 2015

Packaging Technology

New holography keeps packaging fresh Advances in technology are opening the door for more innovative ways of using holograms for packaging, says Ian Lancaster, general secretary of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association, who highlights some of the latest eye-catching - and award winning developments. New developments in film coating and manufacturing technology continually push back the boundaries for the use of holographic materials in packaging, while a wide variety of specialist origination techniques offer an infinite variety of colourful 3D visual effects, ranging from the bright and stunning to more subtle graphic features. In particular, holographic films are ideal for a wide variety of flexible eyecatching applications, further increasing the creative visual opportunities for packaging and print designers to reinforce brand identities, catch the customer’s eye and reinvigorate mature or aging pack designs. Indeed, holography’s ability to refresh and reinvigorate brands continues unabashed, highlighted by the recent holography industry awards where imaginative solutions reinforcing the important role the technology plays, particularly in tackling product anticounterfeiting and authentication were to the fore. A hologram used to enhance a product pack recently won the Best Applied or Packaging Product category at the Excellence in Holography Awards 2014. Istanbul’s BEP Hologram’s anniversary pack for Unilever Turkey is a striking example of holographic technology used to mark and celebrate

a product milestone - the 25th Anniversary Magnum ice cream. The over-printing particularly impressed with the reversed-out ‘M’ showing the hologram capturing the essence of the product. These types of holograms are produced for large size layer laminations on which printing can be applied and apart from decorative wallpaper type patterns, can be custom designed to include product names, emblems, or company logos. Thanks to their impressive design, the films increase the attractiveness of the product at the point of sale, offering eye-catching appeal to consumers. The films can be used for flexible packaging or paper-carton laminations in the cosmetic, food, cleaning supplies, automotive, or CD/DVD industries. Hazen Paper in the USA was commended in the same category for its Nike™ Gift Card, which is produced on a multi-ply paper to produce a card that feels like a plastic one but with the advantage that it can be recycled. Holography is also pushing the boundaries in other areas of packaging, specifically in expanding the range of anti-counterfeiting and brand protection applications. The technology’s ability to incorporate other data forms and product tracking information is becoming increasingly important, and commercially

acceptable, with the added bonus of being able to link on-pack product identification with supply chain management, market enforcement and forensic support services. A brand protection system for OKI Data Corporation, for instance, using Lippmann photopolymer holograms combined with a tracking code is an interesting development that provides a high degree of packaging authenticity and can be used as a measure against

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Packaging Technology BEP Hologram’s anniversary pack for Unilever Turkey is an example of the latest advances in holography for packagers says the IHMA’s Ian Lancaster.

alphanumeric code which is encrypted to produce an ID code unique to each label for every single item. New imaging techniques and combinations of other overt authentication technologies with holograms are producing advanced optical security devices which combine ease of recognition benefits with significantly enhanced resistance to counterfeits, enabling products to be controlled through an expanded system solution involving security authentication features, tracking mechanisms and investigative services. So with the seemingly remorseless march of technology, there’s no reason why the hologram will not continue to evolve as packaging designers continue to see the benefits unfold before their eyes and comfortable with a technology that has a lot to offer.

counterfeit ink ribbons and toner cartridges (millions of fake toners and inks are seized annually in a sector where the major suppliers lost almost $2 billion in 2003 to the counterfeiters, according to an ISC report). The move is claimed to be the world’s first system combining a Product Control Authentication System (PCAS) from TUV Rheinland and a Lippmann hologram from Japan-based printing giant Dai Nippon Co Ltd, which use

special materials and manufacturing processes, to make them extremely difficult to counterfeit. Product authenticity is improved because of the inclusion of the security device on a self-adhesive label, which also acts as the carton seal, while the PCAS number can be entered on to a new web-based service, managed by OKI, as its authenticity assessment web page. The PCAS number uses a randomly generated 13-digit

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) - www.ihma.org - is made up of more than 90 of the world's leading hologram companies. IHMA members are the leading producers and converters of holograms for banknote security, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging, graphics and other commercial applications around the world. IHMA member companies actively cooperate to maintain the highest professional, security and quality standards.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3/ 2015

Packaging Technology

Converting industry needs to be aware of static 1) Why is consideration industry?

static an important for the converting

Converters need to take notice of static for a number of reasons. Aside from potentially generating harmful operator shocks, static attracts dirt

and dust when it is present within the production line. This can result in poor print quality and necessitates frequent cleaning of the labelling press. Static is also an issue in a wide variety of flexible packaging processes and it is only when the generated charge becomes large enough that it will result in production

problems. A company manufacturing blown film, cast film, plastic bags, print packaging, or is involved in the production of packing or labels will have the need to call on static control experts.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3/ 2015

Packaging Technology

2) What other kind of problems does static create for the converter? There will be occasions where it is necessary to slow down production speeds to reduce friction. This reduces the levels of electrostatic charge, which in turn results in lower productivity and less profit. High electrostatic charges are also known to cause damage to electrical circuits or even fires due to ignition of flammable vapours or material. 3) What types of solutions does Meech provide in order to address these problems? Because the world is increasingly becoming a unified market, Meech is striving to provide an appropriate global service. All our customers appreciate the ability to have the technical support they require, no matter what part of the world they are located in. A Meech engineer is highly trained to fully understand the nature of static and how charges are generated. It is only with this knowledge that the correct product can be recommended to be installed in the right place. 4) What solutions does Meech provide to the converting industry? Meech International has a longstanding presence in a variety of sectors, including the converting industry, and over the past 50 years our company has become one of

the leading specialist developers and manufacturers of electrostatic controls and related solutions. In addition to anti-static bars, the Meech product range also covers contact and noncontact web cleaning systems. Chief among these is the CyCleanTM, designed in response to strong demand for a compact, high performance, non-contact web cleaning system. Through the application of advanced computational fluid dynamics, Meech has optimised the cleaning efficiency of CyCleanTM to remove contamination to below 1 micron. 5) What will likely be the next development in static solutions for the flexible packing converter? The competitive nature of the flexible packaging industry is driving manufacturers to introduce faster machines that are also capable of producing higher quality products. This means ionising systems must be able to meet, or possibly exceed, these demands. Both machine manufacturers and operators need ionising systems to be easier to install, as well as higher powered devices to cope with the faster machine speeds. With all this in mind, Meech has delivered the Hyperion 929IPS and 971IPS range of ionising bars. Both systems include two new enhancements, a distance sensor and a feedback system, designed to help monitor and control static with greater precision in a variety of applications, including labelling and packaging.

The 2015 Entry form is out next month. Go to www.printworldasia.com for your copy.

Print World Asia • 3 / 2015

Packaging Technology

ASTRONOMICALLY LOWER COSTS BOOST YOUR SUCCESS

EFI™ Jetrion® 4950lx

The EFI Jetrion 4950lx delivers the lowest cost per label in its class without compromise. This feature-packed modular system will literally get in line with your growing business needs. Just the type of fuel you need to accelerate your success. Enjoy the ride. http://jetrion.efi.com/takeoff10 or call 07 3625 9200.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3/ 2015

Packaging Technology

British parliament votes to ban cigarette pack branding Britain's parliament has approved legislation to ban branding on cigarette packs, drawing immediate threats of legal action from the country's $38 billion tobacco industry. Aimed at improving public health and cutting the number of child smokers, the measure is likely to crimp tobacco company profits and emulates Australia, which in 2012 enacted a law forcing cigarettes to be sold in plain olive green packaging with images showing the damaging effects of smoking. British lawmakers effectively ended years of political debate, private lobbying and public consultation by passing the legislation on Wednesday by a margin of 367 votes to 113. "We want all children in our country to grow up free from the burden of disease that tobacco brings", Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said in a statement, adding that the legislation should come into force by May 2016. The proposal must still be debated and passed by the upper house of

parliament before becoming law. Imperial Tobacco Group said that if the measure became law the firm would be "left with no choice but to defend our legal rights in court". The new rules would initially take effect in England only, though the Welsh government has said it will follow suit and Northern Ireland and Scotland are considering a similar step. Tobacco is responsible for six million deaths a year globally and the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that number could rise beyond eight million by 2030. As well as causing cancer and other chronic respiratory conditions, smoking is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the world's number one killer.

"The government, and MPs from all parties, are to be congratulated for resisting the bully-boy tactics and misinformation of the tobacco industry and for implementing the most important public health reform of this parliament," said anti-smoking charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). A YouGov opinion poll conducted in February showed 72 percent of the British public supported plain packaging, with only 15 percent objecting to such proposals. In 2014, Britain's tobacco market was estimated to be worth $38billion, according to Euromonitor International, and in the same period the government provisionally estimated it collected ÂŁ8.2 billion ($16.1 billion) in cigarette duty. A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs over ÂŁ8 ($16). Tobacco firms have fiercely resisted the legislation, saying plain pack laws, which will also force product names to be printed in standardised fonts, infringe on intellectual property rights covering brands and will increase counterfeiting and smuggling. In February, British American Tobacco, the world's second-largest cigarette maker, also said it would take legal action against the British government if it enacted the plans.

KBA Sheetfed Offset

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Packaging Technology

KBA Rapida 106 World champion in medium format

KBA.R.642.d

Capable of printing fifteen 500-sheet jobs per hour, the Rapida 106 has been the world makeready champion since Drupa 2008. Now it has broken the records for speed and length as well. Its output of 20,000sph in straight printing or 18,000sph in perfecting mode, and configurations of up to 19 printing and finishing units, are virtually unrivalled. While simultaneous processes that include automatic changes of coating formes and anilox rollers have trimmed costly down times. So drop by and test the medium-format world champion for yourself. KBA Printing Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., +86 10 8447 5909, w.zehner@kbachina.com KBA (HK) Co. Ltd., +852 2742 8368, jkwan@kba.com.hk KBA Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, +60 3 788 588-60, KBA@KBAasiapacific.com KBA Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., Singapore, +65 6562 8582, ssegger@KBAasiapacific.com Intergraphics (Thailand) Co. Ltd., +66 2 259 3071, jtsuwan@igraph.co.th www.kba.com

Koenig & Bauer AG

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Finishing Technology

High-Performance Solution for the Saddle Stitching of Digitally Printed Sheets Muller Martini will present its proven Presto II Digital saddle stitcher together with the Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH 56 folding machine at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2015. The new high-performance solution is suitable above all for digital printing customers seeking to process digitally printed sheets cost-effectively. Digital printing, which has long become established in book printing, increasingly presents new opportunities in saddle stitching too. Run lengths for magazines, periodicals and brochures are decreasing, while product variety is on the increase. That calls for shorter processing times, which makes digital printing even more attractive. Seamless Production The Presto II Digital saddle stitcher combined with the Stahlfolder TH 56 joint Folding machine fully meet all requirements for the production of short and medium runs. The solution is highly reliable, which translates to high availability. A wide range of products can be produced without interruption, with feeding of copy-specific covers. By adding the versatile saddle stitcher to its range of digital solutions, Muller Martini is emphatically confirming its position as market leader for the print finishing of digital print products. Versatile Saddle Stitching Solution The Presto II Digital saddle stitching system is ideally suited to digital solutions, since it combines maximum automation with process reliability. The modular design familiar from conventional production enables an extremely wide range of configurations, allowing the system to be used for both digital and conventional production. The flying stitching heads ensure first-

The Presto II Digital saddle stitcher combined with the Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH 56 folding machine is an ideal solution for the production of short and medium runs. class stitching and the robust threeknife trimmer is easy to operate and provides high trim quality. Compact Solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; High Investment Protection The Stahlfolder TH 56 lends itself to the print finishing of digitally printed sheets. The flat pile feeder is a compact and cost-effective feeder version that represents an affordable investment. Thanks to the airstream table, the sheets can be precisely aligned and transported without any markings. The softfold unit with automated fold rollers, knife shafts and combined

pockets results in shorter setup times, which equates to significantly higher net output. The solution provides high investment protection, since the Stahlfolder TH 56 can also be used easily and within minimal time as a fully fledged folding machine. The Connex data and process management system developed by Muller Martini and used across the group ensures the seamless interplay and optimal control of all aggregates in all print finishing processes.

THE QUALITY BENCHMARK JUST GOT FASTER The Xeikon digital presses for labels and packaging excel in productivity and high quality printing. With its top speed of 30 m/min (98 ft/min), the Xeikon Cheetah is the fastest top quality five color digital label press. Furthermore, it offers all the other benefits that make Xeikon label presses unique. With the Xeikon Cheetah, the quality benchmark has just become significantly faster! Top quality, true 1200 x 3600 dpi Dry toner electrophotography 98 ft/min (30 m/min) 5 colors Full rotary printing

www.xeikon.com

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Packaging Technology

HP and KBA to Transform Corrugated Packaging Printing Two companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first co-developed solution fills unaddressed need in high-volume digital pre-print applications HP and KBA announced plans to develop the HP T1000 Simplex Color Inkjet Web Press, a high speed, high volume, 110-inch -wide (2.8 metre wide) simplex inkjet web press for preprinting of corrugated top liner. This will enable corrugators to combine many individual jobs together on a roll or across rolls for short, mid or long runs. Unlike traditional analogue preprint, every box can be different. Planned to print at speeds of up to 183 metres (600 feet) per minute and produce up to 30,000 square metres (300,000 square feet) per hour, this inkjet press will print corrugated liner rolls that can then be placed directly onto existing industry-standard 2.5 or 2.8 metre (110 inch-wide) corrugators. This press will be the first solution codeveloped by the two companies since the announcement of their strategic collaboration at Graph Expo 2014 in Chicago on 28 September 2014.

Centralised corrugated box plants serving major retail brands will especially benefit from this digital preprint solution for all corrugated print applications. Brands are increasingly requiring just-in-time inventory, shorter runs, and faster turn-around

time. HPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inkjet technology enables significant time, material, and shipping cost advantages when compared to analogue processes. Digital preprint is more efficient than post-print alternatives.

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Packaging Technology “Addressing the enormous digital opportunity in the corrugated market requires best-in-class technology innovation, a portfolio of solutions, scale, and a market vision,” said Aurelio Maruggi, vice president and general manager, Inkjet High-speed Production Solutions, HP. “The new press will transform the short and mid-range corrugated packaging market, dramatically disrupting operating models and costs and more importantly create new value for brand customers.” HP and KBA both bring proven legacies of endurance, scale and innovation to their joint initiative. This year, HP celebrates its 76th anniversary and its 31st year of Thermal Inkjet innovation. KBA is a 197-year-old company and the second-largest offset press manufacturer worldwide. “KBA has a rich heritage of developing innovative solutions that meet or exceed customers’ quality expectations,” said Christoph Müller, executive vice president for the Web Press Product House, KBA. “In working with HP, we will combine our complementary technological strengths for the needs of packaging converters.” HP Thermal Inkjet Technology helps

Aurelio Maruggi (l), vice president and general manager, Inkjet High-Speed Production Solutions at HP together with Christoph Müller, executive vice president for the KBA-Digital & Web Solutions Business Unit in Würzburg meet converters’ needs for highquality print, along with high-volume productivity, reliability and versatility. Ultimately, it opens the way to gamechanging value chain cost savings and capabilities for brands and packaging converters. HP’s accelerated entry into corrugated packaging At drupa 2008, HP announced its first Inkjet Web Press. Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio to its current lineup of ten presses across five web-width platforms transforming the publishing and production mail market.

In May 2014 at Interpack, HP announced its intent to enter the corrugated packaging market. In June, the company announced its first web-press offering for this market. Fewer than 90 days later the first HP T400 Simplex Color Inkjet Web Press was installed at Obaly Morava – Czech Republic. At Graph Expo, in September 2014, HP announced its partnership with KBA. The new webpress offering is in addition to the HP Scitex sheet-fed corrugated solutions offered by HP.

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology

Sin Fung takes advertising to the next level Consistent quality, increased productivity and exceptional servicing allows Hong Kong-based print service provider to set itself apart from competitors Sin Fung is one of the largest and most renowned digital print service providers operating in the sign and advertising industry in South East Asia. Founded as a family business in 1985, the Hong Kong-based printer has established itself as a pioneer in investing in the latest state-of-theart technologies to deliver indoor and outdoor applications such as billboards, banners, wallpapers, POP and displays. The company also specialises in vehicle wrapping and fulfils major contracts for the city’s transport network. With 150 employees and an average turnover of $50 million, Sin Fung provides its customers with end-toend solutions, managing any graphic project from design through to production and installation. Over the past 30 years, the company has become a prominent and respected brand in the advertising industry in Hong Kong and wider Asia Pacific region. In recent years, the company has also seen its packaging and industrial offering grow quickly.

Continuously striving to lead the way with innovation and technological excellence, Sin Fung embarked on a detailed review of flatbed printers that could replace a number of its UV and solvent devices. The company came across the Inca Onset Q40i, which quickly became the preferred choice for Sin Fung. Sin Fung director, Wilson Choi, explains: “We have stringent measures when assessing potential new devices, including the manufacturer’s service offering. Three Square Technology, Fujifilm’s local distributor, was able to clearly demonstrate the exceptional quality and reliability of the Inca Onset Q40i machine. And, thanks to Fujifilm’s strong commercial and technical presence in China, recently reinforced by its new demo facility in Suzhou, outside Shanghai, any potential downtime would be minimal.” Sin Fung’s main objectives were to enhance print quality and provide

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology customers with consistent results. And, since the Onset Q40i was installed with a three-quarter automation system in January 2014, this is exactly what it delivers. Mr Choi continues: “For the sign and graphics market in Hong Kong, Sin Fung has always been committed to set its business apart from its competitors by offering outstanding printed applications. The Inca Onset Q40i immediately proved to guarantee the highest, most consistent quality print. Now, when we produce 150 copies, we can be confident that the first print will look exactly like the last.” Productivity was also a key element for Sin Fung when they considered the investment. Once again, the Inca Onset Q40i did not disappoint: “The print capacity enabled by the Inca platform has allowed us to replace three super wide format printers and dramatically increase our productivity,” adds Mr Choi. “Delivering 60 beds per hour, we currently produce around 15 jobs per day with more capacity to take on additional work.” The Inca Onset Q40i prints at speeds of up to 305m2/hr onto media up to 3.14m x 1.6m and 50mm thick, meeting all the demands for an ultrahigh-quality flatbed device. Using Fujifilm’s Spectra Dimatix QS10 printheads, the device delivers a nine

picolitre drop size which results in 1200dpi apparent resolution, ultracrisp images, fine lines, sharp text and smooth tonal graduations. The Inca Onset Q40i together with Fujifilm inks delivers excellent ink adhesion and colour reproduction, and the speed and quality combination is second-to-none. The logistics around the installation of the Inca Onset Q40i proved a slightly bigger challenge than usual. As the company is located on the 16th floor of the building, the eight-ton device had to be lifted by crane before it could be assembled. However, after careful planning, the installation was completed without a hitch and the machine was soon up and running. Mr Choi concludes: “The outstanding quality guaranteed by the Inca Onset Q40i, together with its incredible production capacity, is enabling Sin Fung to continue the company’s drive to be at the forefront of the print and advertising industry. And, working with trusted partners like Fujifilm and Three Square Technology, is allowing us to achieve this. The Onset Q40i has quickly demonstrated to be the reliable workhorse it is meant to be, and we are confident that we couldn’t have made a better decision to invest in this device.”

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology

ImagePerfect profiles for the HP Latex 360 digital printer Spandex, the one-stop supplier of innovative solutions to the sign and display industries, has launched a series of free printer profiles for its most popular ImagePerfect substrates, for use with the HP Latex 360 digital printer. The new ImagePerfect profiles will ensure sign makers and printers using a wide range of ImagePerfect substrates gain the very best quality output from their HP Latex 360 digital printer, to produce high quality, scratch resistant print for indoor and outdoor applications. Currently, 11 substrates within the ImagePerfect brand have been profiled for the HP Latex 360 digital printer, which include vinyls, banners, paper, display media and backlit media. These new profiles provide sign makers and printers the blueprint they need to maximise production and deliver premium quality print to enable them to expand their business services for a wider range of market sectors and applications. ImagePerfect provides one of the widest offerings of digital printing

materials ranging from vinyls, banners and papers, window films and textiles, backlit display media as well as other speciality graphics. Benefits of ImagePerfect profiles for HP Latex 360: • Officially profiled by HP • 11 substrate profiles including vinyls, banners, paper, display media, backlit

and other speciality graphics • Compatible with all RIPs available for printing on the HP Latex 360 • Optimised for premium quality output with a large colour gamut • Quick and easy profile loading to the printer using the front panel online search option All profiles created for the HP Latex 360 are also compatible with HP Latex 330 and HP Latex 310. ImagePerfect profiles are also available for other ink technologies including solvent, eco-solvent and UV from leading manufacturers such as HP, Roland, Mimaki, Mutoh, Epson, Swissqprint, Agfa and others.

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Game changer The HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press will take your packaging business to the next level with offset-quality digital printing. Engineered for folding carton packaging printing, the HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press is the next big thing in packaging. Versatile, efficient and cost-effective, it will bring offset-matching quality to your operation, while introducing new opportunities enabled by digital. Get ready to expand your business with HP Indigo 30000. Find out more at hp.com/go/hpindigo30000 or contact Edcent Chan; Hp: +65 9862 6092 or Email: edcent.chan@hp.com

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

Wide Format / Proofing Technology

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Wide Format / Proofing Technology

Agfa Graphics' Anapurna M3200i RTR with high-density white The mid-end wide-format Anapurna M3200i RTR is one of the most successful models in Agfa Graphics’ enhanced Anapurna i-series, offering high productivity and quality at a most attractive price point. "White ink comes in extremely handy on colored self-adhesive vinyl, PVC banners or backlit film," said Deborah Hutcheson, Director of Marketing, Agfa Graphics North America. "It is also great for printing on decals because the colors look brighter and more vibrant when printed on white. It blocks the background from seeing through which is a typical problem on shop windows. And on darkened car wind shields it becomes even more attractive." Thanks to the ‘thin ink layer technology’, Agfa Graphics’ large gamut of UVcurable inks enable printing on a broad range of flexible materials and

front- and back-lit graphics. These inks deliver the highest quality prints with the lowest ink consumption per square meter in the industry. The high-density white allows for the extra brilliant touch on colored backgrounds and a prominent visibility on any transparant application. Anapurna M3200i W can print white underneath color, white on top of color or color/white/color, supporting various applications. Next to these extended white print options, the system allows for high-density color printing (color on color) without the need to print in ‘double strike’ mode. All of these options are selectable from a user-friendly intuitive GUI with support in 11 different languages.

The Anapurna M3200i RTR comes optionally with support for printing on mesh without liner and simultaneous dual rolls printing up to 1.52 cm (60 inches). Agfa Graphics’ Asanti workflow for the sign and display market, adds dedicated color management and automatic preflighting, thus providing consistent quality while minimizing errors. This increases productivity and saves time. Asanti is completed by the Asanti StoreFront cloud-based webto-print system, which comes as an optional low-investment SaaS solution.

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

Wide Format / Proofing Technology

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NEWS "The Vareo is a brilliant machine" Presented as a world premier, the Vareo was the center of attraction at Muller Martini's stand at the Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne. A large numbers of visitors wanted to see the perfect binder, where each of the three clamps is equipped with its own servo motor and is driven individually for the first time, live in action. Muller Martini displayed the Vareo, which offers maximum flexibility with a mechanical output of up to 1,350 cycles per hour, in Lucerne together with its partners Hunkeler, Heidelberg, ATS and Polar in a flexible machine configuration with which a complete brochure was produced on site. It consisted of digitally printed content (web printing) and a cover, was bound using hotmelt and was given a final three-side trimming in a final step. In this configuration, the comprehensive monitoring of the content and cover by barcode was demonstrated. All modules involved used the same barcode system to ensure that the product had the right composition and is bound correctly.

with its excellent price-performance ratio, the Vareo all-rounder comes into its own not only in digital printing for ultra-short runs right down to one copy per job, but also for medium runs, regardless of whether the brochures are produced using offset or digital printing. This makes it the ideal perfect binder for bookbinders and printing houses that work with conventional printing methods and plan to enter digital printing or are already active in digital printing. Vareo's flexible equipment enables varied applications. Photo books, personalized catalogs and high-quality brochures can be produced cost-effectively thanks to short setup times (e.g. in less than one minute from A4 to A5), which are indispensable for ultra-short and onecopy runs, and short production times. That enables producing high-quality books extremely quickly, with the very first copy being sellable.

Ideal for Short Runs "The Vareo is a brilliant machine," said Gottfried Leuenberger, Head of Finishing at the printing and media company W. Gassmann AG in Biel (Switzerland). "Such solutions are needed because the runs are becoming ever smaller. "

The Presto II Digital as a Gathering Machine In addition to the Vareo, Muller Martini demonstrated at its stand at the Hunkeler Innovationdays how the Presto II Digital saddle stitcher is also perfectly suitable for the gathering of signatures. It can be used for the production of both digital and offset printed products. The digitally printed signatures were folded on the TH 56 steel folder and gathered digitally on the Presto II Digital before the finished book block was finally perfect bound live on the Vareo.

The All-Rounder for Offset and Digital Printing In doing so, Samir Graba noted that,

"Because we are now also active in the digital area," explains Gottfried Leuenberger, "I am, of course, looking

into this matter closely. Our Primera saddle stitcher is prepared for digital printing, for which reason I had a close look during the trade fair at the inline finishing solution presented by Muller Martini in the Presto II Digital. Because there is no doubt for me that digital is the future." Although Livonia, which has nearly 20 Muller Martini systems (of which only one is older than five years), does not produce any short runs but minimal job sizes of 500 copies, it was nevertheless interesting for Trond Erik Isaksen "to see what is happening in the market for short runs. "Shorter Runs is the Clear Direction" ABC Press in Eppindust is also linked to Muller Martini as part of a long-standing partnership on the basis of three Ventura book sewing machines, two Acoro A5 perfect binders, a Diamant bookline and a 335 saddle stitcher. The South African company now wants to enter digital printing. "Because we are seeing the same trend," says Roger Gladwell, Computerto-Plate Manager, "of a clear movement toward shorter runs and more repeat orders. Mail Ordner Solutions India PVT Ltd. in Mumbai (India) has been in the area of digital printing for a long time. "We specialize in direct mailing," says Director Prithviraj M. Desai, "but we sometimes also produce books. At the Muller Martini stand, we saw impressively in what direction the technology in digital magazine and book production is going." Design 'OSCAR’ for ROLAND 700 Evolution Manroland’s state-of-the-art new printing press has been recognised in one of the world’s biggest design awards. The ROLAND 700 Evolution, launched at the end of 2014, is one of the winners of the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2015. The Awards attracted nearly 5,000 entries from 56 countries. The Founder and President of Singaporebased Red Dot, Professor Dr Peter Zec, said Manroland had showed “uncompromising competency and considerable courage.” “You have measured yourself successfully against the best in the industry,” he said in a letter to Manroland. The jury was made up of designers, academics and journalists from 25

Print World Asia â&#x20AC;˘ 3 / 2015

NEWS "We noted that the use of Stratasys 3D printing technology offers a key advantage in the construction of the BRC14's airbox. A well-designed airbox will draw air more efficiently and effectively into the engine and thus improve performance," explains Harder. "The role of 3D printing is fundamental, as it allows us to create a functional prototype which then becomes part of the final race vehicle."

About Red Dot The Product Design competition has existed since 1954. Its award, the Red Dot, is an internationally recognised quality seal. The competition for Design Concepts and prototypes is held annually in Singapore. Red Dot stands for belonging to the best in design and business. It is aimed at all those who would like to distinguish their business activities through design. The distinction is based on the principle of selection and presentation. Excellent design is selected by competent expert juries in the areas of product design, communication design, and design concepts. Visit www. red-dot.de for more information.

Stratasys' Objet500 Connex multimaterial 3D Production System, HTW Motorsport used Stratasys' tough highperformance photopolymer Digital ABS material to meet exacting criteria required to 3D print final parts of the airbox (or intake chamber) on its BRC14 race-car. Patrick Harder, team engineer, HTW Motorsport, says that 3D printing of complex parts is the fastest and preferred way of manufacturing race-ready airboxes. "As a university project, having access to Stratasys' advanced 3D printing technology offers us a massive boost,"

The attributes of Stratasys Digital ABS make it the material of choice for HTW when it comes to meeting the airbox design and performance requirements, head-on. "High temperature resistance and fuel resistance are vital prerequisites for the airbox, so Digital ABS is perfect," he adds. "This, and its high strength-toweight ratio, make it the best material for the airbox's plenum chamber which requires a combination of toughness, unique geometry and high surface finish." On track to further reduce weight HTW Motorsport is currently designing

Cuban Printer Opts for UNISET from manroland web systems Stratasys Ltd, a global leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, has announced that HTW Motorsport is enjoying improved cost and workflow efficiencies - as well as increased on-track performance - with its Formula-type racecar, by using Stratasys 3D printing technology. Derived from a student project at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany, HTW Motorsport's success follows an ongoing relationship with Stratasys, leveraging a mix of both FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technologies to design and produce engine parts for different cars. Each year, these cars participate in the global Formula SAE competition, where teams design, build, test and race smallscale formula style cars, which are also judged on their design, fuel economy, acceleration and endurance. Most recently, taking advantage of

he says. "It enables us to develop the required parts much faster and incredibly more cost-effectively than we would otherwise be able to." Adds Harder, "This has delivered proven, quantifiable benefits on the BRC14's airbox system, with a comparative increase in horsepower of around 10% versus the system we used two years before, We also enjoyed an increase in torque of almost 12% over the same timeframe." 3D printed airbox critical to engine performance

its next car which will launch in June and compete in this year's race season. Once again, the team is incorporating 3D printed end-use race-ready parts into its construction, with the overall objective to further improve on-track performances by reducing the car's weight. "With the help of Stratasys 3D printed parts, we are aiming to reduce the weight of our next car by around 45Kg," says Harder. "This will see us incorporate a fully-3D printed steering wheel and fuel tank, as well as a slightly smaller 3D printed airbox. We'll also be constructing a number of boxes that house the many

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NEWS other hand, the printing blanket must withstand enormous press forces of up to 60 tons and therefore requires very high mechanical stability.

micro-controllers on the car and expect 3D printing to deliver almost 80% weight reduction compared to using standard options from electronic suppliers." HTW Motorsport's BRC14 race car and engineers will be one of the main attractions at the 3D Printshow Berlin, which takes place from 26th - 28th March at the city's Station Berlin exhibition center. Magical Prospects for New Glass Bead Printing Blanket PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl for printing securities and highquality packaging A look into the crystal ball reveals magical prospects. ContiTech is bringing something new to the market for printing securities and high-quality packaging – an enhanced printing blanket with a

cover layer made of tiny glass beads. The PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl printing blanket is extremely resilient and durable, as well as antistatic and ISEGA-certified. It is manufactured at ContiTech Elastomer Coatings in Northeim and, starting immediately, will be sold via ContiTech sales to printing shops all over the world – with fast, reliable, and straightforward service. Whether it is hologram films for bank notes and certificates or packaging films for high-quality Swiss chocolate: Instead of using printing ink in the hot embossing process, a thin plastic film is applied to the printing stock by means of pressure and heat. The printing blanket plays a crucial role in this. On the one hand, it must have an inkrepellent surface so that no printing ink is smeared on the printed sheet or other guide elements of the machine. On the

Firmly anchored: 7,000 glass beads per square centimeter In this small, yet extremely fine, niche market, ContiTech is the only manufacturer worldwide that can produce a precision printing blanket of this quality class. "Glass is antistatic and is also a material with a very high surface hardness. This makes glass the number one material for this special field of application," explains Area Manager Michael Simm, responsible at ContiTech for the distribution of the new product. The secret lies in the extremely fine, uniform coating. Roughly 7,000 ultra-fine glass beads per square centimeter are anchored in the cover layer – each with the same exact diameter. The key is the completely uniform distribution of the glass beads and their special anchoring in the base. ISEGA-certified: free of pollutants and non-hazardous to health PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl is resistant not only to enormous embossing pressure but also to temperatures of up to 160 °C as well as all printing chemicals, benzine, acetone, and oil. And because packaging is a particularly sensitive issue in the foodstuffs industry, ContiTech has all printing blankets for the packaging industry inspected by an independent testing institute to ensure they meet food law requirements. As a result, PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl has been awarded with the ISEGA certificate, which verifies that it is free of pollutants and non-hazardous to health. "We ensure the dependability of our precision printing blanket in strict quality controls. The blanket is assembled in our in-house format center or at one of our partners," explains Simm, who puts the advantages of the blanket in a nutshell: "PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl guarantees a smooth plastic foil printing process, and its high durability ensures minimum downtimes." Product information: The PHOENIX Xtra BLANKETS Black Pearl printing blanket is available in three thicknesses: 1.85 mm on 30 m roll / 0.80 mm on 60

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NEWS m roll / 0.65 mm on 60 m roll Available in three widths: 870 mm / 1,050 mm / 1,440 mm Fuji Xerox’s Technology in Color OnDemand Publishing Systems Receives Technology Priz Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. has received the 2015 Technology Prize from the Japanese Society of Printing Science and Technology for its technology of transporting lightweight paper through the toner transfer area in its color ondemand publishing systems (hereinafter, the Technology), which is implemented in Versant 2100 Press and Versant 80 Press, both launched in 2014. The prize was given for enabling the Presses to be versatile in handling paper as thin as 52 grams per square meters (g/m2) while also realizing high print productivity of 100/80 pages per minute (ppm)*1 using the transfer roll method—a method conventionally known to be difficult in balancing these two aspects. With this Technology, Fuji Xerox realized a stable paper transport without causing paper jam, even with lightweight papers, from the second transfer area to the next process. During the second transfer process, toner particles are transferred from the intermediate belt to paper by an electric field. This process causes the paper to be charged with static electricity, which often causes papers, especially lightweight papers, to stick to the intermediate belt. To prevent this, the Technology reduces the influence of static electricity against paper by optimizing the structure of the toner transfer area and the electrical properties of its components. In the existing product*2, Fuji Xerox employed the transfer belt method to prevent lightweight papers from sticking

to the intermediate belt; however, this method resulted in the second transfer mechanism to increase in size as the transfer belt method requires mechanisms to control the transfer belt as well as a complex cleaning system. The awarded Technology, therefore, also contributed to downsizing and reducing the cost of the Presses by eliminating the need to adopt the transfer belt method. The Japanese Society of Printing Science and Technology annually awards new, excellent technologies that have made a significant contribution to the development of the printing technology. This was the second time for Fuji Xerox to receive this prize since 2011 when the Company was awarded for its Belt-Roll High-Speed Fusing Technology. Kodak Introduces World’s Fastest Black and White Inkjet Press Kodak has developed the world’s fastest black and white inkjet press, the KODAK PROSPER 1000 Plus Press. The press is powered by proprietary KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology and leverages the base KODAK PROSPER 1000 Press platform with new enhancements to the transport and software capabilities. Delivering speeds of up to 1000 fpm, these enhancements enable the immediacy and versatility of digital printing for black and white applications.

More Speed for Better Publishing With speeds of up to 4,364 A4 pages per minute, the KODAK PROSPER 1000 Plus Press is well-suited to meet the changing needs of print service providers (PSPs) in the book publishing industry. Modern publishers face demanding supply chains, shorter print runs, more frequent orders, faster cycle-times, additional demand for drop shipments and an increased need for customization. The KODAK PROSPER 1000 Plus Press enables PSPs to address these challenges with high quality, world-class speed and job customization. This powerful combination provides a tight alignment between supply and production demand. Next-generation Printing – Today The KODAK PROSPER 1000 Plus Press is a compact monochrome press that leverages KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology to offer one-over-one perfecting with a print width of up to 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) and speeds up to 1,000 feet per minute (300 mpm). It also joins the advanced family of KODAK PROSPER 6000 Presses in offering: KODAK 700 Print Manager Digital Front End designed to drive open connectivity and ease-of-use for highspeed digital inkjet presses; Ink saver mode providing up to 30% reduced ink usage depending on the application; Micro-level text enhancement, a new finishing interface and job estimating and reporting features. Availability The KODAK PROSPER 1000 Plus Press is expected to ship in the fall of this year and is field-upgradable for current customers of the KODAK PROSPER 1000 Press, who can easily upgrade at the time of its release.

More Results. Everyone’s results are different. But, whatever your goals may be, the Versant™ 2100 Press is the ideal solution to help you achieve yours.

• Grow your business with new applications enabled by the incredible media latitude. • Reduce your costs by automating critical tasks. • Produce more jobs with state-of-the-art innovations included as standard. • Delight your customers with a new level of image quality.

Do More. With More. For more information: www.fxap.com.sg/product/production/versant_2100p.jsp The Versant™ 2100 Press

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design and Versant are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

meet the experts February/March, 2016 Brno, Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/printexpo-gb October 18–21, 2016 Shanghai, China www.allinprint.com

May 31 –June 10, 2016 Düsseldorf, Germany www.drupa.com

November 17–20, 2015 Shanghai, China www.pacproasia.com

August 26 –29, 2015 Bangkok, Thailand www.pack-print.de September 7–10, 2016 Jakarta, Indonesia www.indoprint.net

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