FESPA WORLD Issue 38 - English

The Magazine for Digital & Screen Printers

DECEMBER /JANUARY 2005 VOL.14 / NO.38 â‚Ź15

Fespa World incorporating European Screen Printer & Digital Imager Translations available at www.fespaworld.com

A pragmatic perfectionist What goes into the production of a multi faceted international retail marketing campaign?

Plus The big story: SGIA 2004 in Minneapolis Focus on: Outdoor advertising

Fespa World

NEWS ROUND-UP

4 SUPPLIER NEWS The latest supplier news.

Editor’s letter This is always a good time to review the past year and to anticipate the fresh challenges that 2005 will bring. Next year will be a particularly momentous one for FESPA, not only because the long awaited FESPA 2005 show takes place at the end of May, but also because FESPA World Expo India is being launched in the Autumn. (Find further information on both of these events on pages 22-26 and pages 26-27 respectively.)

Of course, 2004 has a been an important moment in the evolution of Fespa World, following our relaunch last March and I hope that the magazine will continue to evolve throughout 2005 certainly there’s no shortage of exciting things to cover. However, whilst we are on the subject, I have a small favour to ask. Let’s think of it as a little Christmas present from you to me! One of my favourite features is Showcase - after all, nothing that we cover would amount to anything very much unless there was a final application and a customer willing to pay for it. I fervently hope that next year, you’ll make a point of keeping a photographic record of all your work and, most importantly, that you will be prepared to share it with me!

Our next issue will include everything you need to know about FESPA 2005, but until then, on behalf of the whole FESPA team I’d like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

8 WHAT’S NEW IN

SPECIAL FEATURES

30 THE BIG STORY SGIA 2004 in Minneapolis An exhibition in the Mid-tones

SCREENPRINTING

12 WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

16 ASSOCIATION NEWS The latest association news.

18 ESMA UPDATE 20 WEB WATCH A regular feature looking at some useful sites for anyone working in the area of screen and digital printing.

33 FACE2FACE A pragmatic perfectionist Val Hirst goes Face2Face with Ab de Graaff of Dutch based Agency Compasso Mundocom who manages advertising and promotional campaigns for Nike

21 DIARY DATES 22 FESPA NEWSLETTER FESPA 2005: Celebrations all round…

26 FESPA World Expo India Things are hotting up!.

36 FOCUS ON… Outdoor advertising

28 FESPA Fest OPINION

29 FESPA FORUM Views and comments. Why not add your voice to the debate.

Val Hirst e-mail: val.hirst@fespa.com

Fespa World The membership magazine of the Federation of European Screenprinting Associations Vol.14 / No.38 December 2004 Published by FESPA Ltd Editorial office FESPA Association House 7a West Street Reigate, Surrey RH2 9BL Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70 E-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com Publisher Frazer Chesterman – Director Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88

Advertising Michael Ryan – Sales Manager Tel: +44 1737 22 97 27 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70 Editor Val Hirst Tel: +44 1623 88 23 98 E-mail: val.hirst@fespa.com Graphic Design Bate Brand Communications 8 St Leonard’s Square, Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 0AR Tel: +44 1491 835835 www.batebrand.com

38 SHOWCASE Our regular review of some of the latest screen and digital applications.

INFORMATION

46 EVENTS Open house in Bangkok Dubuit Far East hosts a series of events in Thailand.

48 A golden jubilee celebrated in style Michel Caza has cause to celebrate his 50th anniversary in screenprinting.

40 THE FESPA GENERAL ASSEMBLY A full agenda of topics was discussed in Stockholm.

50 ENVIRONMENT Marabu leads the way

Printing The MANSON Group Ltd Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood Valley Road Industrial Estate St Albans, AL3 6PZ Tel: +44 1727 848 440 www.manson-grp.co.uk

Fespa World. Designed by Bate Brand Communications. Printed by The Manson Group Ltd. Editorial photographs supplied courtesy of the companies they feature. The publishers accept no responsibility for any statement made in signed contributions or those reproduced from any other source, nor for claims made in any advertisement.

Fespa World is available to individuals who qualify within the terms of a controlled circulation and by subscription.

AND FINALLY…

54 Alive and kicking!

Cover photograph: Ab de Graaff of Dutch based Agency Compasso Mundocom FESPA WORLD 12/04 3

The Marabu site near Stuttgart.

NEWS ROUND-UP – SUPPLIER NEWS

Marabu and Paragon Inks collaborate Recognised as leaders in their respective technologies, the screen ink specialist Marabu based near Stuttgart has entered into a global ink package with the UV Flexo/Letterpress ink specialist Paragon Inks of Edinburgh.

To meet the increasing demands for compatible ink systems in combination presses, the two ink companies have combined their efforts to offer an ink package with tested and proven compatibility. Both also state that the growing importance of globalisation among label printers motivated the creation of the partnership.

Although growing at a rapid rate, UV Flexo in combination with Rotary Screenprinting has provided the industry with a

4 FESPA WORLD 12/04

challenge to ensure optimum compatibility during overprinting. By allowing each company to focus on its strengths, the partnership has been able to achieve a market leading package much sooner than expected and initial results have been widely praised. In addition to proven compatibility, the package also includes a global supply network and thanks to Marabu's global distribution network, the aligned ink technologies are available in over

50 countries world-wide.

Specifically, the partnership fine-tuned the development of a new silicone-free rotary screen white from Marabu, the UltraRotaScreen UVRS 172 with the successfully established Uvdry Flexo Series 7000 range from Paragon. The screen white not only optimally accepts the flexo overprint – it also facilitates an excellent surface flow at speeds of up to 65mpm (200fpm). The UV dry flexo inks display excellent lay and gloss as

if printed straight onto a synthetic substrate.

Both companies, who thanks to their many years of experience in their respective technologies are able to offer full technical support, see the partnership as one which offers unique solutions to the market and have already outlined future steps designed to bring further benefits to the narrow web market.

For further information visit: www.marabu-inks.com and www.paragoninks.co.uk

SUPPLIER NEWS

A complete solution for corrugated printing Scitex Vision, and Esko-Graphics have announced their collaboration in providing packaging and display printers with the first end-to-end solution for producing wide format digital short run packaging and displays.

In future, Scitex Vision CORjet Premium customers will have the ability to choose an end-to-end solution driven by Esko-Graphics' Scope workflow environment, where printed output is digitally converted by Esko-Graphics' Kongsberg converting tables.

The Scitex Vision CORjet Premium industrial digital printer is a leading wide format digital printing solution for corrugated materials, optimised

for short run packaging and display applications. Conceived as a unique and completely automated industrial production system, from front-end to print delivery, the Scitex printer has been designed to be integrated into existing industrial printing workflows.

Esko-Graphics' Scope workflow suite is a leading workflow environment for packaging service providers, which covers a

range of functions, from job and product specification, through graphic and structural design and expert pre-production operations, to output for printing and converting. The collaboration with Scitex Vision will thus enable packaging and display producers to use a single prepress system to drive both their conventional systems as well as the Scitex Vision CORjet Premium.

Promising results from NUR NUR Macroprinters has recently revealed that its revenue for the third quarter, which ended on 30th September, was up by 16% to $19,9 million compared with the same quarter in 2003. The company's year on year increase is largely attributed to increased Tempo and Fresco II sales in the USA.

Flint Ink to manufacture inks in China Following the establishment of a news and heatset manufacturing center in Beijing, China, Flint Ink is now planning to set up a fluid ink manufacturing company to serve the rapidly expanding Chinese package printing market.

Subject to local government approval, the new company, which will be called Flint Ink

(Guangzhou) Printing Ink Co. Ltd. will be located in Guangzhou, China, in the southern part of the country, not far from Hong Kong. In addition to manufacturing water- and solvent-based inks for the packaging market, the new plant will serve as a blending site for sheetfed inks.

According to Henry Leong, President, Flint Ink Asia, the building project will be carried out in two phases and Phase one, which includes company registration, land acquisition, and detailed engineering design work, has already begun.

"The Chinese packaging market is expected to grow 10 to

12% in the next decade," says Leong. "This plant, together with our plant in Beijing will allow us to serve printers in all of the primary printing markets in China. In addition, Guangzhou is a strategic foothold for expanding our business into the broader Southeast Asian market.

Best Buy Banner beta test's Nur's Expedio NUR Macroprinters has announced that beta testing for the NUR Expedio 5000 superwide UV inkjet press has begun in the North American market following the installation of a machine at Best Buy Banner, a wide-format print service provider based in Riverside, California. Two additional beta test units have previously been installed in Europe.

Best Buy Banner has been something of a pioneer, deliver-

ing innovative new products to the wholesale sign community for over two decades and now provides print production and fabrication of a wide range of applications including banners, backdrops, bus and vehicle wraps, wall murals and pole banners. It was also one of the first companies in the U.S. to install the NUR Tempo flatbed inkjet press.

Rose Kriese, owner of Best Buy Banner comments: "We're always

looking for new markets and wanted a machine that could handle fabrics so we could get into outdoor banners and fabric applications. The beauty of the NUR Expedio is that it is so much more than just a billboard printer: it uses UV-curable inks and can print very large banners – work we would otherwise have had to produce on a screen press.

As the first company in the U.S. to install the Expedio, we feel we have a real competitive edge."

FESPA WORLD 12/04 5

SUPPLIER NEWS

Smurfit Townsend Hook's new CEO is Laurent Sellier who has previously served with Smurfit Limousin as both Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director. A graduate from the Paris Business School, Sellier first joined the Smurfit Group in his early 20's and in his role as MD of Smurfit Limousin, he oversaw a â‚Ź11 million capital investment program. Sellier takes over from Ignacio Sevillano.

6 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Thomas Kinneman

Menno Bos

Jane Cedrone, VUTEk's Marketing Communications and Public Relations Manager has been elected to serve a three-year term on the 2005 Board of Directors for the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), the non-profit organisation representing screen and digital printers, graphic imaging specialists, educators and industry suppliers worldwide.

Announcement of SGIA's 2005 executive roster was made at the recent SGIA Convention and Exposition in Minneapolis, when Mike Robertson, SGIA President and CEO commented: "Jane's vast experience of digital technologies and her understanding of the needs of an evolving market, make her the perfect person to join the Board." Whilst serving the SGIA Board, Jane's responsibilities will include supplier representation and strategic input for SGIA services and activities.

Jane Cedrone who has worked for VUTEk for 10 years is a regular speaker at the SGIA/DPI conference programs and has served as a member of the Association's Graphic Imaging and Membership committees, and been part of the Executive Committee of SGIA's affiliated Digital Printing & Imaging Association.

Image Polymers, the toner resins joint venture business of Avecia and Mitsui Chemicals, which specialises in the development and production of acrylic copolymers for electrophotography applications, has named Thomas F. Kinneman as its new President. The company provides manufacturing, technical service and customer support in both the US and Europe, whilst Mitsui Chemicals provides regional manufacturing and customer support for Japan and Asia markets.

Based in Wilmington, Massachusetts , Tom, who until recently served as Global Business Manager with Cabot Corporation, will have a particular focus on new product and sales development. He succeeds Steve Bagshaw, who has returned to Avecia in the UK.

InteliCoat Technologies has appointed Menno Bos to the position of Sales and Marketing Manager, Europe. Menno Bos, who has worked for Intelicoat for over nine years and was previously responsible for sales in central and Eastern Europe, becomes responsible for building InteliCoat's market presence throughout the European region.

The company has also announced that Martin Van Golen has rejoined its Digital Imaging team as Product Manager, where his responsibilities will encompass product management and regional sales for Germany and Benelux. A further new appointment sees Jolanda de Cocq leading the sales support team in addition to her existing role as Marketing Communications Manager.

Dean Brazenell

The Sefar Group has announced that there will be a change of CEO at the end of 2004. After 13 years in office, during which time he both masterminded many important changes to the company structure and enhanced Sefar's international presence, Dr. Fritz Schaer will step down, He will however continue to make himself available perform some special tasks.

Dr. Schaer will be succeeded

by Christoph Tobler, who was previously the head of the Industry Division of the Sika Group. Christoph has been a member of the Board of Directors of Sefar Holding since 1995 and is thus already very familiar with the company and its activities. In order to prepare for his new role Christoph joined Sefar at the beginning of August.

And will take over as CEO on 1st January 2005.

Jane Cedrone

Christopher Tobler

Appointments

ICI Imagedata, the global manufacturer of digital imaging products has appointed Dean Brazenell as European Sales manager. Dean, who heads up an experienced sales team, will be responsible for promoting ICI Imagedata's full range of products worldwide.

NEWS ROUND-UP – WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

PaperCo board ideal for screenprinters PaperCo has extended its range of graphic and cartonboard products with Duprint XL, a fully-coated boxboard designed specifically for screen-printing.

Ideal for the production of retail point-of-sale merchandisers and dump bins, Duprint XL is available ex-stock in sheet sizes of 1067 x 1575mm and in three thicknesses: 550 microns (270gsm), 600 microns (295gsm) and 700 microns (320gsm).

Printed examples of Duprint XL are included in a new graphic and cartonboard sample swatch which is now available on request from PaperCo, together with a complementary

product and price guide. Like the PaperCo fine paper samplers, the fan-style swatch carries samples of every grade of every board product stocked, yet measures just 21 x 5 x 2.7cm.

The PaperCo cartonboard offering focuses particularly on fully-coated, white-backed folding boxboard, of which three brands are stocked – Aurocard, Performa White and Scanwhite.

PaperCo is also a stockist of the popular Performa Whiteback and Creamback brand boards

which are available in SRA2, B2, SRA1 and B1 sizes from 290 microns (200gsm), to 580 microns (350gsm).

Scanwhite – the heavyweight of the family at 740 microns (435gsm) – is also available in SRA2, B2, SRA1 and B1 sheet sizes, whilst Aurocard is stocked in SRA2 and B2 in three substances – 200 microns (160gsm), 230/180 and 265/200.

PaperCo also stocks Performa Creamback in five thicknesses from 360 microns (230gsm) to

605 microns (350gsm).

In addition to its extensive white-backed folding boxboard offering, PaperCo supplies the popular Trucard solid bleached boards in both single- and double-sided grades, together with the De Halm Dutch greyboard and Eco-Chip white and greyback chipboards. A 1,200 micron (500gsm) beermat board is also in the catalogue.

For further information contact: www.paperco.co.uk

Million 2 Ultra a hit with graphic arts sector IBF Indústria Brasileira de Filmes just launched its new generation of thermal plate, Million 2 Ultra, an electrochemically grained and anodized aluminium plate, specially developed for thermal CTP Systems operating on 8 FESPA WORLD 12/04

830nm which do not require thermal pre-treatment for developing. Million 2 Ultra presents an excellent emulsion linearity response to the laser exposure without calibration curve application and its sensitive cover provides good

scratch resistance during the process and consistently better resolution. It also provides more developer durability in the processor, thus reducing processing costs.

For further information contact: www.ibf.com.br

The Digital Light Engraver.

WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

Screens achieved with digital light Originally established to manufacture drum scanners, Colour Scanner Technology GmbH (CST) quickly expanded its range to include plotters, flatbed scanners, engraving equipment and computer to screen devices, but its latest innovation, is patented DLE (Digital Light Engraver) which is directed at graphical screenprinters. CST developed the whole unit including the mechanical construction, the electronics and the related software in house over a four-year period. The machine sizes vary from 1 x 1m to 4 x 8m.

Instead of the more conven-

tional methods of making screens, which rely on masking film, or more recently, ink or wax mask, a UV light sensitive emulsion is directly digitally exposed and polymerised. The image is then projected via a DMD chip (Digital Mirror Device from Texas Instruments) onto the emulsion. Each chip has about 800.000 mirrors per 14 micrometers, which reflect the UV light and harden the emulsion. Imaging speeds of up to 30m2/hour can be realised, depending on the optical lens system, which is available between 500 and 1800dpi. The DLE can be used in conjunc-

tion with emulsions from all of leading manufactures.

So far, screens can be exposed with a rectangular DMD chip, by using a step and repeat movement, with the head moving continuously in stripes along the screen and each single mirror turning up or down. The image is then scrolled through the whole DMD device, via each single micromirror, simultaneously.

CST has patented this 'scrolling method', which is a smooth and continuous movement, to expose mesh for screen printing, thus facilitating easy mechanical construc-

tion and an increased imaging speed.

Beside the high quality results, screenprinters can also save on the cost of expensive consumables. CST anticipate that the DLE will be of particular interest to companies working with large screens who stand to save somewhere in the region of 80,000 Euro per annum, but screenprinters of any size will be delighted with the improvements in quality and the time saved, which in turn results in higher productivity.

For further information Tel: ++49 7071 9706 - 0

Produce screen printing films in-house Ferrania Imaging Technologies has developed a complete solution for in-house production of film separations.

The system will be particularly useful to screen printers and can also be used as a back-up for print shops using in-house image setters.

The solution, which uses a new generation of clear inkjet films (CS Film), a dedicated UV/black ink and OptiJet RIP (Routing Information Protocol) software, has the additional benefit of being operational in daylight.

The system allows for total production control of colour separations. A combination of

the latest inkjet printer-head technology and a dedicated film-ink system, produces the highest dot quality – a must for this type of application, ensuring a fast turnaround in the pre-press department.

The new inkjet CS Film has been specifically designed to optimise results, ensuring maximum UV density and print quality of up to 65lpi halftone using AM when combined with the special UV/black ink. It is also possible to use the same system for FM screening for

offset applications.

The dedicated OptiJet RIP provides all the functionality required for standard colour separation production, with the flexibility to adapt to different workflow. The OptiJet RIP software offers complete control of dithering, shapes, angle, frequency and stochastic dither with dot-size control. In addition, this product is able to RIP, print and spool jobs simultaneously to speed up workflow.

For further information contact: www.ferraniait.com FESPA WORLD 12/04 9

The Spartanics M500.

WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

Spartanics promise triple throughput Spartanics has introduced a 30" wide version of the world's highest precision die cutting technology, the Spartanics M500 Wide Format Die Cutting System.

This system allows users to get the greatest throughput for wallet-sized or smaller pieces in 72 up or 96 up sheets, and to benefit from +/- 0.1mm or better registration precision in X, Y, and Theta axes for large and small die cut pieces alike.

Spartanics M500 Die Cutting Systems, which re-register at each press stroke, at production rates up to 165 strokes per minutes, are

turnkey systems that offer the most flexible technology for blanking – configured either for coil or sheet fed, hard tool or steel rule die, and are arguably able to handle the widest range of material applications, including many elastic materials ill-suited for other types of die cutting equipment.

For further information visit: www.spartanics.com

Longhua™ polycarbonate film A new polycarbonate film, (known by the brand name Longhua), has been developed by Mianyang Longhua Chemical Co. in China and is now available in Europe.

Longhua polycarbonate film, which is available in a wide variety of gloss and texture combinations in thicknesses from 75 microns up to 1mm, exhibits all the primary characteristics that you would expect from a polycarbonate film, but the unique combination of resin chemistry and production method make it particularly receptive to printing with UV curing inks, such as the PTX Series from NorCote International.

These inks give excellent adhesion to the Longhua polycarbonate film and, because it is UV curing, they have no effect on the internal structure of the film and imparts no stress into it. In tests carried out in both the USA and Europe, the 10 FESPA WORLD 12/04

combination of PTX ink and the Longhua polycarbonate film seem to complement one another in a way that enables substantially higher levels of actuation to be achieved on printed and embossed parts than has previously been possible.

A further contribution to the extended life can be gained by using the Hy-tech Hydroforming technique to emboss the overlay.

Hydroforming is a high pressure, cold forming technique that uses hydraulic pressure applied through a diaphragm membrane on single side form tools. The single sided tooling means no damaging missmatches of male and female tools and reduced stress on the

material once formed. The reduced stress is achieved because the forming action creates equalized clamping and forming pressures over the complete sheet. Registration accuracy is maintained to a very high level with the use of pin registration and printed location targets.

This new combination of Longhua polycarbonate film and PTX Series ink, supplemented by the use of the hydroforming process, means that a new performance level has been established that, once again, makes polycarbonate film an attractive choice for the both the printer and the specifier.

For further information visit: www.atlantic-polymers.de

NEWS ROUND-UP – WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

New superwide liquid laminator from Seal SEAL Graphics has added the AquaSEAL SW3300 to its range of liquid laminators providing UV, chemical, water and abrasion protection to digital print, typically billboards, truck side curtains and other flexible outdoor applications.

While SEAL Graphics' machines have always been renowned for their robust build qualities, this new laminator sets new standards of engineering and design.

A unique feature on the SW3300 is that it measures throughput speed via an encoder on top of the front idler to ensure total accuracy; while its AccuCure System senses the surface temperature of the substrate and regulates the speed of throughput to match the optimum degree of adhesion.

Capable of applying liquid

laminate at the rate of three metres per minute at widths of up to 3.3m the machine is also supremely user friendly with extra features such as a LCD/touch screen panel to control run/stop functions, heat and speed; an automated infrared curing system; segmented heaters to conserve power when running narrow materials and common plumbing between both dual and single tank designs, which delivers a more efficient flow path for the liquid. After use, the coated non-stick drain pan and dedicated drain valve are

real bonuses when it comes to cleaning.

SEAL Graphics' SW3300 has also been engineered to provide a lighter removable take-up and improved unwind

of both fan-folded and roll-fed media; as well as multiple roll handling and auto sensing ends of rolls.

For further information visit www.sealgraphics.com

Jetrion expand 300 Series Jetrion LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flint Ink, has expanded the Jetrion 3000 Inkjet System Series with the introduction of two new inkjet printing systems that provide customers with a wider choice of price points and higher performance levels for virtually any inkjet application in any market.

The new Jetrion 3010 and Jetrion 3005 Inkjet Systems have been introduced to provide users with the option

12 FESPA WORLD 12/04

of selecting piezo or thermal technology and UV, solvent or water-based inks to suit the varying requirements of different applications. The Jetrion 3010 is a low cost printer which is well suited to applications in the mail addressing, packaging and speciality markets, whilst the Jetrion 3005 is the ideal machine for companies operating in higher level performance sectors such as bindery and finishing.

These two new printers

complement the Jetrion 3025 Inkjet System, a flagship machine which was launched earlier this year and is targeted at companies that require higher-quality addressing, barcoding, number and variable messaging on printed products.

It is also ideal for applications requiring durable images on high-gloss and film materials.

All three printers are available now.

For further information e-mail: info@jetrion.com

WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

Modular Bulk Ink Feeder for economical printing Following the success of the bulk-feeder system it introduced last year for dye-sublimation printers, I-Sub Ltd, has introduced a new modular Bulk Ink Feeder especially for wide-format digital inkjet printers.

The Bulk Feeder which enables them to 'feed' efficiently from an external higher volume ink supply, is a huge advantage when it comes to high-volume production printing.

Usually, wide-format digital printers are fed from 220ml ink

cartridges per colour. However, the new I-Sub Bulk Feeder system uses l-litre, plastic bottles to offer the operator a user-friendly and clean ink feed system, which as well as facilitating more economical print costs per m2, also enables him

to see exactly when a colour needs replacing.

Each Bulk Feeder is mounted onto the printer's chassis using existing mounting points from the printer manufacturer and is fully height adjustable for individual fine-tuning due to differ-

ing ink pipes and ink viscosity.

A six colour unit is available as standard, but because the bulk feeder is a modular system I-Sub can also supply four, eight and 12-colour sets on request.

VEEjet+ has the ability to print on to a virtually limitless range of rigid media including; metal, wood, ceramics, and plastics, all with fine line and text detail. The key to the printer's versatility is that the substrate does not need to be moved during the imaging process as the printing heads travel the length of the substrate enabling both heavy and fragile materials to be printed with the high degree of success. Furthermore, the VEEjet+ now offers pin positioning, resulting in faster and more accurate job set up, as

well as easier media handling and double-sided printing. It can accommodate print on materials of any type up to 2 x 3m/6.5 x 10ft in size and in thicknesses up to 4cm/1.5�.

Print is up to a resolution of 720dpi with output speeds of up to 36m2 /387ft2 per hour, which makes the printer ideally suited to the production of POP material. in-store advertising and indoor and outdoor signage, thus presenting users with virtually unlimited business opportunities.

For further information visit:www.i-sub.co.uk

New VEEjet+ from Scitex The VEEjet+ digital flatbed inkjet which builds upon the technology and reputation of its predecessor, the Scitex Vision VEEjet, and offers many enhanced features, including improved, state-of-the-art software and a user-friendly, intuitive GUI (graphic user interface). This ensures that users minimise downtime since they are able to load a job while the previous one is still printing. Further, new step and repeat and file preview functions also enable operators to ensure consistently high quality results and fast

turnaround in a cost effective environment.

Critically, the VEEjet+ uses a new generation of environmentally friendly, UV curable inks to ensure top quality printed results. The new VisionInk UV200 Supreme range has been specifically developed for the VEEjet+ and offers a higher ink flexibility than ever before, allowing users to cut and fold products post print. Additionally, improved ink adhesion ensures optimal quality when printing on challenging media such as semi-rigid plastics. Equally, the

Fof further information visit: www.scitexvision.com

New inks for Rho range Durst has launched two new UV curing ink sets for the Rho range of printers, which are designed to complement its existing Flexible Ink Set and to offer an economical solution

for specific types of work.

The Rigid Board Set is suitable for all kinds of board materials and provides excellent adhesion on acrylics and polycarbonates without

the need for primers. The Paper Board Set, the most economical of the three sets is suitable for boards and roll media with paper or PVC surfaces. It has a short term

outdoor durability with a maximum life span of ten weeks.

For further information contact: Tel ++44 (0)1372 726262

FESPA WORLD 12/04 13

VUTEk's CORjet is the perfect complement to flexo printing

WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

Scitex Vision urges printers to ‘think digital!’ Digital printing is finally coming to the packaging industry, bringing new opportunities and opening up a new era for packaging printers faced with demands for short-runs and fast turn-arounds.

Meeting these challenges whilst also increasing margins is now possible thanks to printers such as the Scitex Vision CORjet high speed, high productivity inkjet press. However, Scitex believe that to enjoy the full potential of the new technology, both the buyers of packaging and printers themselves will have to start to "think digital".

Thinking digital means more than merely eliminating films, platemaking, start-up and startup waste, it requires nothing less than a total shift in mindset. The tendency is to think in terms of customisation, localisation, short-runs and on-demand printing jobs, but there's much more to it than that.

Consider the flexographic packaging printer equipped with a Scitex Vision CORjet who is approached by one of his customers on a Wednesday.

The customer says he needs 1200 POP displays by Monday.

While this is not a job that readily suggests itself as one for the Scitex Vision CORjet, the printer asks, "How many do you actually need on Monday?"

This doesn't seem to be a relevant question to the customer because he isn't thinking digital but it

14 FESPA WORLD 12/04

transpires that he actually needs 200 on Monday and the balance by the following Friday. Since the customer is thinking of a single, long production run, he assumes they will be all done at once and that he needs them all on Monday, which he doesn't.

The Scitex Vision CORjet owner accepts the job, prints the 200 digitally for Monday while preparing the flexo run in time for delivery the following Friday. If he hadn't "thought digital" the whole job could have walked out the door. This approach also facilitates the demands of a gradual campaign, thus limiting risk and reducing stocks.

Of course in the first instance the printer would need to have the Scitex Vision CORjet, currently the only digital solution of its kind. The CORjet delivers high quality print in six colours at 600dpi resolution at speeds of 150m2/hour (1,614ft2/hour), and prints continuously as an industrial press. It is a perfect complement to flexo printing because it, too, uses water-based inks that have received environmental certification and approval for use on food packaging in the EU and the USA.

The Scitex Vision CORjet uses conventional artwork files (PS, EPS, PDF, TIFF or JPEG) enabling the press to integrate easily into most production environments, regardless of the primary means of production.

Also, it can print on to a wide range of substrates including paper board, corrugated board, plastic board, PVC, polypropylene, and more.

Other aspects of digital thinking include assessing the potential for variable data printing (VDP) which can include bar codes, batch numbering, language

Scitex Vision reveals its CORjet Premium press Scitex Vision recently unveiled the Scitex Vision CORjet Premium press at the SuperCorr Expo, in Atlanta, USA. Based on the CORjet, the new press offers advanced features, which result in increased quality and reliability whilst also boosting productivity. New transparent cover panels provide press operators with improved control over printing thus increasing system productivity.

variations, localisation, image variations and full personalisation. These are all value-adding elements which packaging printers who think digitally can develop and exploit to best advantage.

Around the world, Scitex Vision CORjet users are constantly discovering new applications for their presses, such as printing cartons, POP displays, exhibition panels, sample and test marketing products, reprints, special edition products and short-run, on-demand items of all descriptions.

A state-of-the-art inking system delivers high print quality as well as system reliability and a new way of jetting the ink produces major quality improvements in solid colours, while new software ensures a more user-friendly and effective operating system.

Additionally, there are enhancements to the pretreatment facility which, combined with new water based, environmentally friendly ink formulation, further increases the range of substrates that can be used.

Young Screen Printer of the year Robert Keen with Jon Barrett, editor of Screen Process and Digital Printing magazine, a key sponsor of the annual SPA awards.

NEWS ROUND-UP – ASSOCIATION NEWS

Night of glittering prizes for SPA The august surroundings of the Stationers Hall, London was the delightful venue chosen by the UK Screenprinting Association to host its second annual Screen Printing Awards celebration.

Some 200 people enjoyed a delicious meal before settling down to applaud the winners of the 11 awards which were designed to recognise excellence in screen and digital printing.

Screenprinter Augustus Martin was the undoubted success story of the evening as the company was called upon to accept no less than three separate awards, but all of the winners were warmly congratulated for their achievements.

16 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Augustus Martin scooped the awards in respect of Non-three Dimensional Point of Sale Material, Large Format inkjet print and Plastic Printing.

Johnson Matthey received the award for Industrial Screenprint, whilst Polyprint accepted the accolade for Three Dimensional Display Finishing. Imaginators were rewarded for their entry in the Ultra-wide Format Digital Printing Category and Clearpoint Services walked away

with the Point of Purchase Award. Media North picked up the Poster Printing Award and the Simpson Group won the prize for Point of Purchase Printing. The two final awards were claimed by The Print House Group in respect of the Packaging Print Award and Robert Keen of Bovince who was designated as the Young Screen Printer of the Year.

For further information visit: www.spauk.co.uk

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Slovakia SPA launches requalifying course for printers The Screenprinting Association of Slovakia saw the commencement of the first requalifying course for screen printers at the end of October.

The course, which took place at the Joined High School of Polygraphy in Bratislava saw the enrollment of 14 participants drawn from all over Slovakia. The structure of the course was originally outlined by the Association and it also performed a supervisory role following recognition of this educational activity by the Department of Education of the Slovak Republic. The Association Secretary, LudovĂŒt Bartos, opened the proceedings with a small speech of welcome and was

followed by Milan Lederleitner from the School of Polygraphy who made a presentation dedicated to the topic of pre-press and coloristics.

Course participants will be able to enhance their knowledge of both new and existing technologies and become thoroughly updated on all of the latest materials. They will also have the opportunity to learn about safety in the workplace and environmental and ecology issues during the periodic two-day meetings,

which will incorporate an interesting mix of presentations, discussions and workshops.

The Course takes a total of 120 days hours and ends with an exam prior to graduation. The examination consists of a written paper and the presentation of printed work, so that students can be properly assessed on the scope of their theoretical knowledge and their practical expertise. Each Graduate is then certified according to the provisions of Slovakian Entrepreneurial Law, which

requires that everyone working within the screenprinting sector has the required qualification.

Workshops take place in both screenprinting companies and at the premises of selected industry suppliers, the first one taking place at Kasi Ltd of Bratislava.

This included a lecture by Rudolf Jancovic, owner of the company and a senior employee, Juraj Papulak whose talk focused on screen making.

For further information visit: www.sietotlacovyzvaz.sk

Successful year for the Serbia and Montenegro SPA During 2004, the Screenprinting Association of Serbia and Montenegro made successful preparations for the Belgrade Graphic Fair, which was held in Belgrade during October.

Billed as the most important event in south Eastern Europe, the Fair attracted visitors from as far afield as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Slovenia as well as those from within Serbia and Montenegro.

A vast array of equipment for both screen and digital printing captured visitors' interest, as did the host of ancillary products shown by manufacturers and

suppliers from America and Europe as well as companies nearer to home. An interesting series of lectures ran simultaneously with the Fair and were extremely well attended.

Exibitors were reported to be very satisfied both with the high quality of the orgnisation and the facilities on offer and also expressed their delight that the event had facilitated many new business opportunities, some of

which culminated in an abundance of signed contracts!

The next Belgrade Graphic Fair will be held during October in 2005 and readers are urged to make the appropriate note in their diaries.

The Association's AGM was held in the town of Arandjelovac, during September and Dusan Golubovic was once again elected again as President.

He will be assisted during the

coming year by Dusan Kovacevic who was elected to the post of Association Secretary. Dusan Kovacevic has direct experience of screenprinting, especially in the production of traffic signs and is also well respected by his colleagues and Association members.who value his skill, knowledge and general expertise in the field.

For further information visit: tehnologika@beotel.yu FESPA WORLD 12/04 17

NEWS ROUND-UP – ESMA UPDATE

Chairman Rudi Röller is now well into his second two year appointment and has been very busy strengthening the links between ESMA and other major organisations, such as FESPA and NASMA and remains determined to ensure that ESMA and FESPA work together in partnership to provide a strong cohesive base for speciality printing in Europe.

ESMA has had a very busy year so far, publishing papers written by its various working committees and also by its digital members. These informative publications, which are available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, may be found on the ESMA web site at: www.esma.com and have also been distributed to the FESPA office and all major magazines world-wide. This is a free service

provided by the manufacturers for their customers to help refine or refresh their knowledge and understanding of various aspects of specialist printing and to help improve their print shop efficiencies and safety.

Items covered this year include:

From the Health and Safety Committee • Chemicals Fact sheets

From the Technical Developments and Standards Committee • Stencil Exposure, Parameters and Control • Test Methods – Drying or Curing of UV Inks • Verification of UV Lamp Life with downloadable log book

From the Digital Committee • Digital Flatbed Machines, prepared by Sericol

• Solvent Based Inks for Digital Printing, prepared by Staedtler Mars • Digital Printing on Corrugated Packaging & Displays, prepared

by Scitex Vision In addition to the above, ESMA has worked closely with Glass Magazine to produce a supplement covering various technical aspects of printing on glass. Free copies of this supplement are available from Glass Magazine by contacting davidfordham@uk.dmgworldmedia.com or Bryan Collings, General Secretary of ESMA on bryan@brycol.demon.co.uk In future issues we hope to be able to report progress on studies being undertaken on the Emulsion Coating Parameters, Computer to Screen Options and 50 Micron Printing Techniques.

Obituary Eckhard Knapp 1952 - 2004 The shaping of a company with humanity and professionalism A. Hurtz GmbH is sad to announce the death of Eckhard Napp on 7th October 2004. He was 52. The Managing Director of Anton Hurtz GmbH & Co KG, Nettetal, Eckhard Knapp was, for many years, instrumental in masterminding the successful development of the company and will be remembered not only for his managerial skill, but also for his humanity.

Appointed as Managing Director of Hurtz, which was originally founded in 1908, in 1989, Eckhard Napp brought a clear strategy and a great eagerness for innovation to the role.

He was also largely responsible for elevating Hurtz to the position of the European market leader in the manufacture of high value screenprinting frames.

In addition, he understood the importance of motivating customers as well as colleagues.

Eckhard Napp recognised early on that the technical advances in the screen printing industry were closely linked with the character18 FESPA WORLD 12/04

istics of the Hurtz-manufactured aluminium frames, i.e. their precision, light weight, long life, resistance against corrosion, weather and environmental effects, and cost effectiveness.

Amongst his greatest innovations was the development of a special computer software which facilitated the correct selection of a screen printing frame profile, and also the recently-introduced "Hurtz Corner Lock System" (HCL), in which the frame is assembled at the customer's premises, thus keeping freight costs to a minimum. This useful innovation was particularly suitable for frames measuring over 4 x 8m. In addition, the frames are more stable thanks to the specially-constructed corners which keep them in shape.

Eckhard Napp also introduced a second product range for Hurtz which was based on the expertise the company had gained through working with aluminium for a number of years. He a oversaw the development and production

of high value aluminium palettes, containers and boxes. Customers for these products come, for example, from the food, chemical and other industries, which need to manufacture, transport and store products under extremely hygienic conditions.

Eckhard Napp's chief concerns were the high quality of the finished article and the provision of a high level of customer service. His motto was: "Order today – deliver tomorrow".

Over and above his duties as MD of Hurtz, Eckhard Napp was also closely involved in ESMA, the European Speciality Printing Manufacturers' Association. Here, too, his amiable personality, sociable manner and high level of technical expertise were much valued.

Eckhard Napp fought his last grave illness with great strength and continued to carry out his duties with his characteristic dedication until shortly before his death. He will be greatly missed.

NEWS ROUND-UP – WEB WATCH

Web watch Free web support from Scitex Vision All customers using any of Scitex Vision's products now have the opportunity to benefit from the company's internetbased remote support service, WebSupport. An element of VisionSupport, WebSupport is available for all Scitex Vision's wide format and super-wide format printers as well as the packaging presses.

Operated from the company's support centres around the world, WebSupport is a valuable remote tool, not only for diagnosing problems, but also for carrying out routine updates to drivers, software, applications, profiles and licences. In addition, new software and upgrades can be installed and tested via the web link.

The trouble-shooting facility remains the critical offering as it enables engineers to gather all relevant information about the system and diagnose the type of service or part required.

The time saved in the process ensures that Scitex Vision customers have the maximum uptime for their machines.

Scitex Vision's VisionSupport program offers three tiers of customer support ranging from Total Care, which is a comprehensive on and off-site support; Optimal Care, a budget solution that includes an annual preventative maintenance inspection, spare parts, inkjet replacements and other services, and Remote Care.

Customers under Warranty or under the Total or Optimal Care programs will benefit

Scitex Vision's WebSupport.

Our regular round-up of the latest web sites.

from WebSupport without additional cost.

For further information visit: www.scitexvision.com

Sefar AG's new internet presence Sefar has just gone on line with an entirely new website that offers the dual benefits of userfriendly navigation and up-tothe-minute design, to help users find their way around the site and obtain the information they need. Assisted in particular by the extra functions such as the Glossary

and FAQ's, the new website offers unique added benefits to everyone with an interest in screenprinting – and what is more, the content is available in eight different languages!

If you would like to nominate a site for inclusion here please e-mail full details to val.hirst@fespa.com

And remember the Fespa site at www.fespa.com provides a wealth of useful information too!

A HOT Show for the Middle East!

The seventh Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East Exhibition, the region's only specialised signage, graphic imaging and screen printing show is all set to kick off in February 2005. With over 200 exhibitors drawn from 24 countries, together with various national pavilions, the show will be the perfect meeting place for all of those interested in new technologies, innovations and products. It is anticipated that more than 12,000 serious business visitors from 50 different countries will attend.

"With new market sectors, coupled with an aggressive Retail Industry there is strong regional demand for the latest innovative media solutions and

20 FESPA WORLD 12/04

the exhibition will feature many state-of-the-art sign and graphic products and services, many of which will be making their Middle East debut,' says Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC. Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2005 will also open up business opportunities in the very bouyant signs and graphics sector which is currently growing at a phenomenal 20% in the Middle East.

The exhibition, which is expected to double in size this year, will feature advertising, vinyls, outdoor media, photoimaging and point of sale in addition to the existing show profile.

Mohammed Falaknaz concludes: "The fact that 85% of previous exhibitors have rebooked is evidence that the show delivers business results, particularly as many of the regular exhibitors have increased their stand space this year. Not only will the show provide all of the exhibitors with the perfect shop window for their wares, it will also enable visitors to get a feel for the future direction of the graphics industry.”

For Further Information Contact Jerome Ilad – Project Manager, International ExpoConsults L.L.C. Tel +971 4 3435777 Fax +971 4 3436115 Email: signme@iec.ae

NEWS ROUND-UP – DIARY DATES

Diary dates for 2004/5 PrintpackIndia 18th-23rd January 2005 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

India's foremost print and packaging event.

Organiser: ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation) Tel: +9111 233 71 540 or Tel: +9111 233 181 43 www.ipama.org/ga.htm

Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2005

Visual Communication Russia 2005 16-18th February 2005 T-Modul Exhibition Hall, Moscow.

Signmaking materials, equipment and technologies.

Organiser: Yuriy Tiurin e-mail: Tel: +7 (095) 956-4822 Fax: +7 (095) 292-1349 e-mail: vc@m-expo.ru www.visualcommunication.ru

lst-3rd February 2005 Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Dubai.

The Middle East's version of Sign UK. Organiser: International Expoconsults Tel: +971 434 35777 Fax: +971 4 34 36115 e-mail: signme@iec.ae www.signmiddleeast.com

Sign Scandinavia 2005

Graphintro/Serigraph 2005

FESPA Secretaries Meeting

2nd-5th February, 2005 Gran Via M2 Exhibition Centre, Barcelona.

The International Graphic solutions Exhibition.

Organiser: Fira de Barcelona Tel: +34 93 233 20 00 www.graphintro.com

11-13th March 2005 London, UK. Organiser: FESPA Tel: +44 1737 240 788 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com

3-5th March 2005 Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, GĂśteborg, Sweden.

The Scandinavian sign and graphics show.

Organiser: Exponova Tel: +46 31-779 36 00 e-mail: sign@exponova.se www.exponova.se/sign

If you would like your event to feature on this page, please send full information via e-mail to Val Hirst at: val.hirst@fespa.com

ISA

FESPA General Assembly

30th March - 2nd April 2005 Mandalay Bay Hotel and Conference Centre, Las Vegas.

The World's biggest and most spectacular sign show.

Organiser: International Sign Association Tel: 001 703 836 4012 e-mail: expo@signs.org www.signs.org

tbc Sept 2005 Slovenia.

Organiser: FESPA Tel: +44 1737 240 788 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com

Sign UK, Digital Expo, Outdoor Media, Screenprint 12th-14th April 2005 NEC, Birmingham.

The UK's premiere event.

Organiser: Faversham House Group Tel: +44 208 651 7100 Fax: +44 208 651 7144 e-mail: exhibit@fav.house.com www.signuk.com

FESPA 2005 31st May - 4th June 2005, Munich, Germany.

Organiser: Fespa Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com

VISA 2005 1st-3rd September 2005 Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia.

Organiser: The Visual Industries Suppliers Association (VISA) Tel: +61 07 3852 3111 Fax: +61 07 3852 3133 E-mail: enquiries@dezuma.com.au www.visa.org.au

SGIA 28th September - 1st October Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre, New Orleans.

Organiser: Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Tel: 001 703 385 1335 e-mail: sgia@sgia.org www.sgia.org

Fespa World Expo India 05 1st-4th December Pragati Maidan Fair Ground, New Delhi.

Organiser: FESPA Tel: +44 1737 22 97 27 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com

FESPA WORLD 12/04 21

NEWS ROUND-UP – FESPA NEWSLETTER

FESPA 2005 Celebrations all round...

Now the festive season is safely behind us, everyone is looking forward to FESPA 2005 in Munich and early indications are that it will be a record-breaking event on all counts.

The 2005 exhibition has already achieved the same level of space sales as the 2002 show in Madrid and there’s still six months to go!

And, with one hall totally sold out and only 30 stands remaining in the other three halls, the show promises to be a first class event for both visitors and exhibitors.

Not surprisingly, FESPA are delighted and Exhibition Director, Frazer Chesterman comments "The whole team has worked very hard to deliver what we believe will be the best ever FESPA. We expect to be completely sold out by the end of January, and from then on there will be a waiting list for exhibitors - so if you are thinking

about exhibiting call Michael Ryan Tel: on Tel: ++44 1737 229737 without delay!"

The 350 exhibitors who have signed up so far, represent 33 different countries, which justifies the show’s international reputation and Fespa’s description of it as The Future of Global Imaging.

Frazer Chesterman continues: "The market seems particularly buoyant at the moment, with many companies planning to use FESPA 2005 as a launch pad for new products and services, so we feel very confident about future business developments."

Seminar Program Apart from seeing the very latest technology that the wealth of exhibitors will have to offer, another reason to attend FESPA 2005 is the excellent seminar program. The diverse array of educational workshops, seminars and debates led by industry experts will provide visitors with lots of added value and fully justify the trip to Munich. These FREE seminars are open to all visitors and will be held at hourly intervals in two purpose built theatres in halls B1 and B2. The complete seminar timetable appears below, but for full speaker biographies and synopses please visit www.fespa2005.com

Seminar Programme Please refer to our website for full timetable: www.fespa2005.com Tuesday 31st May 2005 Multi Colour Printing on Black Charlie Taublieb, Taublieb Consulting Come to the edge and fly – the value of screen printing Bob Holt, Production Link International Environmental Problems: Water and air pollution – a worldwide problem Michel Caza, FESPA Siebdruckklebstoffe Günter Perner, KIWO Screen printers and the digital challenge – what's the real business model?

Thibault de Jaiffe, NUR How to apply ICC Color Profiles in a screen printing business Mark Coudray, Sponsored by Screenprinting Magazine Screen or Digital? – Why not both?

Sophie Matthews-Paul, Signs, Screen and Digital Printer UV-Technology – Novelties and a View to the Future Screen, Pad, and Digital Printing Marabu Presentation of Greek Screen printed and Digital printed jobs from the Image and I.D. Campaign of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Optiki Epikinonia Magazine (Visual Communications Greece) Wednesday 1st June 2005 Training in Transition Peter Kiddell (Sponsored by the SPA UK) Digital Printing Inks – The Future Bryan Stringer (Sponsored by the SPA UK) FESPA Board Question and Answer Session FESPA board members UV Screen Inks for Graphic and POP printing

22 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Joe Mueller, Sericol "Will you still have a business after REACH – the new EU Chemicals Policy?"

ESMA Health, Safety & Environmental Protection Committee The world of business opportunities – latest trends in Digital Flatbed Inkjet Printing Michael Lackner, Durst You printed it, now what?

Jeff Sponseller, Miller Weldmaster Using the correct flocking is key to successful production Rolf Hebbecker, Hebbecker GmbH Flatbed Printing: Markets and Applications?

Jane Cedrone, Vutek What printers should require from ink-jet inks Pedro J. Martinez, Afford Industrial Thursday 2nd June 2005 Squeegee Length – Friend or Foe? Mike Young, Imagetek Consulting International Achieving Excellence at No Extra Cost Mike Young, Imagetek Consulting International Computer To Screen Michael Schliebner, KIWO Colour Separation for Garment Printers Scott Fresener, US Screen Printing Institute Screen Printing – we couldn't survive without it!

Marabu Digital Heat Transfer Wayne Potter, Airwaves Past Experiences and Future Challenges for UV Inkjet and Flatbed Technology Tudor Morgan, Sericol Digital Debate Stewart Partridge, Web Consulting

Corporate sponsor

Platinum sponsors

TM

It is not possible to book places in advance so please make sure you turn up early to avoid disappointment.

Technology drives Advertising drives Technology – More effective advertising campaigns thanks to new digital printing technology Mr. Yaniv Ben-Itzhak, Scitex Vision Friday 3rd June 2005 Computer to Screen Hugh Neville, Richmond Graphics Como y Donde Aprender Serigrafía Mr Josep Tobella, Escuelas de Serigrafía en España Debatte- (Sieb- und Digitaldruck) Michael Ringelsiep, Der Siebdruck The effects of coating sequence and exposure time calculation by computer for stencil making Henri Kunz, FOTEC AG PVC/Phthalate Free Solutions For Textile Screen Printers Petra Morgan, Sericol Colour Management Juan Martorell, Be Digital Reducing the reclaim bottleneck Johnny Shell, Vice President – Technical Services, SGIA Digital Die Cutting and Digital Finishing Lars Bendixen, Zünd Saturday 4th June 2005 Controlled Screen Tension – the basics for a perfect print Max Tanner, Sefar Pre Press: The files, how to treat them for screen and digital printing Michel Caza, FESPA UV Inks Pedro J. Martinez, Afford Industrial (Spanish) A Cure for Textiles Johnny Shell, Vice President – Technical Services, SGIA

FESPA NEWSLETTER

a

b

c

a b

The Gala Dinner.

FESPA 2005 promises to be a first class event.

c

The Exhibition brings together the latest developments in screenprinting, digital imaging and other associated processes.

Mit einer völlig ausverkauften Halle und noch ungefähr 30 verfügbaren Ständen in den anderen drei Hallen hat die FESPA allen Grund den Erfolg der kommenden Ausstellung zu feiern.

Die Besucher profitieren nicht nur von den ausgezeichneten Ausstellern, sondern können außerdem kostenlose Fachseminare besuchen.

Die Reise zur FESPA ist einfach, denn es gibt zur Zeit wöchentlich 5.600 europäische Flüge nach München. Buchen Sie früh, um einen günstigeren Flugpreis zu erhalten.

Die Aussteller können mittlerweile Dienstleistungen für ihren Stand durch unser neues Online-Manual bestellen. Wenn Sie noch kein Password und keinen Benutzernamen für dieses Manual erhalten haben, dann senden Sie eine E-Mail an jayne@epm-limited.com Um eine kostenlose Besucherkarte zu erhalten, füllen Sie bitte das Formular auf der Rückseite des Tickets aus, das dieser Ausgabe von FESPA World beiliegt, oder buchen Sie über unsere Website www.fespa2005.com Lesen Sie den ganzen Artikel an www.fespaworld.com/27.1

Avec un hall complètement rempli et seulement une trentaine de stands encore disponibles dans les 3 autres halls, la FESPA a toutes les raisons du monde de fêter le succès de son exposition à venir!

En plus d'un choix remarquable d'exposants à leur disposition, les visiteurs pourront aussi assister gratuitement à de nombreux séminaires.

Avec 5.600 vols Européens hebdomadaires vers Munich, aller à FESPA est facile. Mais retenez vos vols longtemps à l'avance, vous aurez de meilleurs prix!

Les exposants peuvent maintenant commander les services dont ils ont besoin pour leur stand, sur notre nouveau manuel "on-line". Si vous n'avez-pas reçu un mot de passe et un nom d'utilisateur pour y accéder, envoyez un e-mail à <jayne@epmlimited.com> Inscrivez-vous à l'avance pour visiter gratuitement l'exposition en remplissant le bulletin d'inscription au verso du ticket inséré dans ce numéro du Fespa World ou pré-inscrivez-vous sur notre site web www.fespa2005.com Lisez tout l'article à www.fespaworld.com/27.2

¡Con un pabellón totalmente lleno y apenas 30 espacios disponibles en los otros tres pabellones, FESPA tiene una Buena razón para celebrar la tan esperada feria!

Aparte de la excelente oportunidad de contactar con expositores los visitantes podrán asistir a seminarios formativos gratuitos.

Con aproximadamente 5.600 vuelos europeos a Munich cada semana, viajar a FESPA es facil. Pero reserve su vuelo pronto para obtener una tarifa barata.

Los expositores pueden ya realizar los pedidos de servicios para sus stands a través del nuevo manual on line. Si no ha recibido una clave y un login para acceder a este manual, por favor, envíeme un correo electrónico. jayne@epm-limited.com El pre-registro de visitantes para la feria es gratuito cumplimentando el formulario de registro en la parte de atrás del ticket que aparece en el ejemplar de Fespa World o a través de la página web www.fespa2005.com Lea este artículo adentro por completo en www.fespaworld.com/27.3

FESPA WORLD 12/04 23

FESPA NEWSLETTER

Visitor Registration

Travel to Munich

You will find a visitor invitation inserted into this issue of FESPA World and an additional 275,000 visitor invitations will be inserted into other leading trade publications and mailed out to potential visitors. Remember, all visitors who register on site at the show will be required to pay an E40 entrance fee, whilst those who take the trouble to preregister before the event will gain FREE entry! To do this either complete and return the registration form on the back page of the invitation included within the magazine, or visit www.fespa2005.com and register on-line. All visitors who preregister will receive their entry pass approximately one month before the show.

There are many good reasons why you should visit FESPA 2005 but how easy is it to get there?

Hospitality and Conference Rooms If you are planning to host a private meeting, small conference or social function during FESPA 2005, you might be interested to learn that there are a variety of rooms available within the exhibition complex, all of which conveniently overlook the show.

The larger conference rooms are fully equipped with connections for electricity, phone (ISDN), fax, TV/radio and LAN. Audio visual equipment can be hired from Messe Munich, whose caterers will also be able to organise food and drink for your guests. If you are interested in hiring one of these rooms please email Ruth Fahie at ruth.fahie@fespa.com for details on costs and availability

Gala Dinner FESPA 2005’s main social event will be held at the Bayerischerhof Hotel on Friday 3rd June. The 500 plus attendees will enjoy a four-course dinner followed by dancing to the sounds of the famous Platinum ABBA, the internationally renowned tribute band. Places are limited, so to ensure your tickets for this prestigious event visit www.fespa2005.com and order them now!

24 FESPA WORLD 12/04

By Air There are currently 5,600 European and 240 intercontinental flights a week to Munich. For flight and airport information visit: www.munich-airport.de/EN/ and remember that the earlier you book your flight the cheaper it will be!

Messe München is approximately 40 minutes from Munich Airport. There will be a daily shuttle service between the airport and exhibition hall with a bus departing at approximately 30-minute intervals. Tickets can either be purchased at the airport before travel, or on the bus.

By Rail Messe München is approximately 20 minutes from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) by underground or taxi.

There are direct rail connections from most major European Cities.

If travelling by underground to Messe München, you will need to take the U2 line. The journey to the trade fair grounds takes about 20 minutes and trains run at 10-minute intervals from 05.30 hours to 24.00 hours. For the FESPA Exhibition, alight at Messestadt West. (We recommend purchasing a day ticket).

By Road Messe Munich is located immediately next to the A94 Autobahn, – simply follow the signs to Messe München

Hotel Accommodation in Munich Given the continued growth and recognition of FESPA as a truly international event, we suggest that you book your accommodation early, in order to avoid disappointment. Maritz Travel, Germany have been appointed by FESPA to handle all accommodation bookings and

you can reserve your hotel through Maritz by visiting the FESPA website at www.fespa2005.com ATTENTION EXHIBITORS! ACHTUNG AUSSTELLER! ATTENTION EXPOSANTS! ¡ATENCIÓN EXPOSITORES!

Technical Manual Do you need to order electricity or furniture for your stand? You can book these services using our online exhibitor manual. A new innovation for FESPA 2005, this online manual provides a quick and easy way to order everything you need to complete your stand. Once contracted, exhibitors will receive a special username and password via e-mail, which will enable them to access this online manual. If you have not yet received this information, please email Jayne O’Keefe jayne@epm-limited.com

group of visitors from all over the world will be invited to attend FESPA as VIPs. This program will help to raise the profile of the show whilst also making the whole experience more enjoyable and productive for these key industry players.

VIPs will enjoy the following benefits: • Fast track entry to the exhibition • Entry to a private lounge • Complimentary refreshments • Private meeting area • Use of business facilities • Invitation to the welcome party • Complimentary airport shuttle Exhibitors and FESPA National Associations will each be able to nominate a maximum of 20 people to be designated as VIPs and they will receive personalised invitations sent on behalf of the nominee. If you have not already done so, please email your list of nominations including full contact details to Karen Pooley at karen.pooley@fespa.com

Mailings Exhibitors are encouraged to send visitor invitations to both current and potential customers.

There are two versions of the invitation, one in English and German and the other in French and Spanish. To order your invitations please email Karen Pooley at karen.pooley@fespa.com detailing both the quantity and version you require.

Also new for FESPA 2005 is the specialist VIP program, which is designed to attract key buyers to the event. A carefully selected

Coming next The March 2005 issue of Fespa World will carry a full preview of the FESPA 2005 exhibition, including a full run down on exhibitors, product categories show highlights and ancillary events. In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions please contact Karen Pooley on Tel: +44 1737 240788 or email karen.pooley@fespa.com.

Register now for your FREE VISITOR ENTRY BADGE AT WWW.FESPA2005.COM

News Flash!

When visitors to FESPA 2005 enter the show they will receive all of the latest news hot off the press, courtesy of publishing group Verlagshaus Gruber, who have been commissioned to publish The Fespa News, a FREE daily newspaper which covers every aspect of the show. Verlagshaus Gruber, who also publish the highly respected trade magazines SIP and TVP, is planning to print 6,000 copies of the newspaper each day of the show’s five day duration and will distribute them at the main entrance to the exhibition .

Further details regarding The FESPA Daily News can be found at www.fespa-daily-news.com

FESPA 2005 Future of Global Imaging Munich 31 May – 4 June, 2005 The largest Global Event for Screen, Digital and Industrial Printing

MUNICH

Visit the FESPA exhibition to discover the very latest technology in: • Advertising & Wide Format POS printing • Sign Printing • Electronics Printing

Platinum sponsors TM

• Package & Label Printing • CD & DVD Production • Ceramics & Glass Printing • Garment Printing & Decoration

To register for your FREE entry pass to the exhibition please visit

www.fespa2005.com or call +44 (0)8701 296987

Corporate sponsor

FESPA NEWSLETTER

a

FESPA WORLDEXPO INDIA Things are Hotting up for FESPA!

b

a

SPAI Vice President Bhargav Mistry with Michelle Caza.

b

FESPA Vice President Hellmuth Frey presenting an award to the SPAI President Madhukumar Doshi at Sign India 2004.

FESPA has announced a new event for the Indian, Middle Eastern and Asian screen printing and wide format digital imaging markets, with the launch of FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA 2005. The event will take place in New Delhi from December 1st-4th 2005.

FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA 2005, which is planned to take place every two years, has the full co-operation of the SPAI Board (Screen Printing Association of India), which recently joined FESPA as an associate member.

Vice President Bhargav Mistry comments: "We believe screen and digital printing in India and Asia is developing faster than any other part of the world and wanted an event that showcases technology for our region. FESPA has an unrivalled reputation for delivering well organised and marketed shows and we are delighted with their plans."

Frazer Chesterman, FESPA Exhibition Director adds: "We have been asked many times in recent years to bring FESPA to this emerging region and believe India offers the perfect location to mirror the technology, products and services shown at FESPA in Europe. Indeed, there are some 100,000 screen printers in India alone, which provides some indication of the enormity of the marketplace."

Taking place at the Pragati 26 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Dehli, this new exhibition aims to attract over 150 exhibitors and 10,000-15,000 visitors from India, the Middle East and Asia and to bring the very latest technologies to this fast developing region.

Supported by ESMA and organised by the experienced FESPA exhibition team, FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA promises to be a very well attended and successful event, which will draw on the experience and industry knowledge FESPA currently possesses through organising its existing market leading tri-annual screenprinting and digital imaging show.

Committed exhibitors so far include major European players such as Autotype, Saati, Thieme, Scitex, Encres Dubuit, Fimor and Fotec, as well as Indian manufacturers such as Grafica.

Show Sales Manager Mike Ryan argues that companies new to the region should use FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA to help them break into this market place, which he describes as: 'a land of unexploited opportunities'. He explains:

"India, the Middle East and Asia are all regions which are experiencing extremely fast economic growth. They are hungry for new technology, so European companies should be sure that they are amongst the first to fulfil this need."

He continues: "FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA is the only international screen-printing show in this region and not only will it benefit from our collective experience, it will also be supported by a strong marketing campaign designed to attract high level visitors, not only from India but from the surrounding regions too."

Stand prices for space only, start at €185 per metre, or around 10,000 Rupees per metre, at current exchange rates.

What will be on show?

Screen and digital: • Machinery • Inks • Substrates • Consumables • Pre-press technology • Finishing equipment • Services

Who Will Visit?

The event will be attended by screen and digital printers from India, the Middle East and Asia.

This will be the most important show in their market place and these decision makers will have to attend if they want to keep up to date with all of the new technology on offer.

Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Dehli Known as the premier exhibition complex of India, the name Pragati Maidan stands for development and progress through trade and the centre already hosts a series of high quality international and national trade fairs.

Situated in the heart of the Indian capital, the centre's location provides easy access for visitors from all over the country and from overseas.

For further Information about exhibiting at FESPA World Expo India, call Mike Ryan on +44 1737 240788 or email michael.ryan@fespa.com

a

Delegates on tour at the new Munich Trade Fair Centre.

b

Frazer Chesterman, FESPA’s Exhibition Director with Karen Pooley, FESPA’s Marketing and Operations Manager.

c d a

The Munich Exhibition Centre.

Press delegation.

b

c

d

FESPA says... viel Spaß beim FESPAFEST! There are many advantages of holding the world's leading international trade fair for screenprinting and wide-format digital imaging in the vibrant city of Munich, as a group of journalists, drawn from some of the leading International trade titles, are more than happy to testify!

As part of its ongoing promotional initiative in this important runup to each successive exhibition, FESPA has traditionally organised a press visit and briefing to the respective venue. This integral aspect of the FESPA marketing campaign allows a delegation of key trade journalists to take a look at the chosen location and the state-of-the art facilities it offers. In addition, the visit allows the FESPA team to bolster relationships with journalists and update them on sales developments and the finer details of the event program as it takes shape.

So, what better way to fulfil these objectives than to tie in the pre-FESPA 2005 media event with one of the foremost social events in the Bavarian capital – the annual Oktoberfest!

Along with two FEPSA 2005 sponsors – MHM and Marabu, the team recently welcomed 14 journalists from eight countries, representing the premier screen/large format trade titles.

28 FESPA WORLD 12/04

With the inevitable prospect of a few sore-heads that would ensue from visiting the world famous beer festival, the tactical decision was made to put business before pleasure and kick off with a series of presentations.

These were held at the worldclass Messe Munchen – The Munich Trade Fair Centre that will house the FESPA 2005 exhibition.

Exhibition Director, Frazer Chesterman, presented up-to-theminute details and sales developments on the exhibition, re-iterating the fact that FESPA 2005 is on track to break all records and be the largest and most successful to date. The event also allowed journalists to meet key members of the inhouse organisation team. He was followed by Marketing and Operations director, Karen Pooley, who briefed Editors on the new initiatives that have been planned for the event, since the organisation of the exhibition has been taken in-

house. Importantly, these include a VIP and Visitor Program, a daily show newspaper and seminar program.

Press delegates were also treated to a tour of the Messe halls, so that they could see for themselves the scale of the floor space and magnitude of the stateof-the art facilities awaiting both visitors and exhibitors alike.

Although the focus is still geared towards the June event, FESPAFEST also provided the platform for the worldwide announcement of FESPA's latest venture – FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA 2005. Encouragingly, this too was met with huge interest.

The FESPA organisation team has made concerted efforts to build relationships with journalists from all over the world, which in conjunction with its PR agency, AD Communications, has resulted in some very healthy press coverage in advance of the event.

FESPAFEST provided the opportunity for FESPA's

organisation team to further strengthen these bonds with the journalists who represent a crucial communications vehicle in promoting FESPA news before, at and after the show itself.

With this in mind, FESPAFEST also allowed the FESPA team to thank the press for their continued support – both via visits to some typical Bavarian restaurants and by partaking in the festivities of the largest and most popular beer festival in the world.

So, as guests from the press left Munich with the inevitable and obligatory hangovers, they also departed with an air of excitement about what can be expected when the curtain goes up on FESPA 2005 next summer.

Frazer Chesterman, Exhibition Director, is happy that the objectives for FESPAFEST were met. He concludes: "FESPAFEST was an immense success and we are already receiving some great initial post-event coverage through magazines."

FESPA FORUM

Over to you…

FROM THE EDITOR Following Michel Caza's "And finally....' and 'Innovations' articles in the last issue of Fespa World, relating to UV printing technology, the ESMA TDS Committee has responded as follows:

“It is with interest and – also some astonishment – we have read the two articles by Michel Caza about UV screen printing in the September edition of Fespa-World.

The author of these two articles gives an explicit warning to the readers about the contents of an earlier article published by the ESMA TDS committee in the June edition of Fespa-World. In that context he also gives his own recommendation with reference to information given in that article. We would like to respond as follows:

1. Mistakes: Despite warnings against wrong information given in the context of our article we cannot find any reference whatsoever regarding this "wrong information". None of our comments are questioned.

2. Post-Polymerisation: Mr Caza has ignored the topic of post-polymerisation in our article.

The amount of post-curing reaction of UV inks is quite different and depends on ink type and/or the binding agents contained. We do consider post-polymerisation to be an important side aspect. However, we deliberately omitted this matter in our basic description of the main factors of UV-curing.

3. Brittleness of material caused by correct UV-curing: In connection with correct polymerisation of UV-inks it is said that during further processing like die-cutting or grooving plastic materials will splinter due to

brittleness of the material caused by correct UV-curing. We have assumed in our article that appropriate inks are used for a specific application, taking account of any post print processing that is required.

4. "Minimal" curing to prevent thermal problems with the substrate: We would always recommend that UV inks are adequately cured to ensure full adhesion. Undercuring, as well as affecting adhesion may result in other issues such as blocking. Therefore thermal influences should be reduced using an effective cooling system in the dryer.

5. Reflector types in the UV-dryers: In our article this topic has been described in a sufficient and much more understandable manner (see Part 1, 5.).

6. Measurement of UV-emission in the UV-"drier" vs. measurement of polymerisation: Finally we reach a real topic for discussion: We do recommend measurement of UV-radiation emitted by the UV-lamps. This type of equipment is not too expensive, measurement tolerances are acceptable, application is easy and measurement values are easily understood in practical use. We did describe other analytical processes to determine degree of polymerisation, however we do not consider these as suitable for screen applications.

Mr. Caza, however, considers measurement of radiation as unimportant and recommends to determine degree of polymerisation

of an ink instead and also mentioned a suitable measurement device and its disadvantage: a price of approx. 4,800 Euros.

Then, however in a second article of the same edition of Fespa-World about "Measurement of degree of polymerisation" he informs the reader, that unfortunately that device is not suitable, as it does not give any data of importance for screen printers! Therefore reference is made to a second generation of the same device, which is not available yet (!!!). Not one word is mentioned about the complex handling during the measurement and interpretation of measured values. The equipment manufacturer on the other hand honestly recommends this device as an analytical device for chemical research and development of UV inks. We would like to leave it up to the reader to form his own opinion.

ESMA considers itself as a partner in the screenprinting sector working closely with screen printers. Our work in the ESMA committees is done to facilitate better and more reproducible screen printing to ensure that it remains a competitive printing process for the future. We are always ready to discuss the quality of that work, however this should be done in an informed, fair, sound and competent manner.”

Johann Bauer, on behalf of ESMA TDS-Committee

Over to you Is there anything you would like to take issue with in this edition of the Magazine? Or is there some industry related topic that you would like to raise for general discussion? If so we want to hear from you. Please address your thoughts to: Val Hirst, Editor, FESPA, Association House, 7a West Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 9BL, UK or e-mail to val.hirst@fespa.com

FESPA WORLD 12/04 29

THE BIG STORY

SGIA 2004 in Minneapolis An exhibition in the Mid-tones The recent SGIA exhibition in Minneapolis enabled 471 exhibitors to display their products to 11,000 visitors representing 73 different countries. Michel Caza and Val Hirst report on the show’s highlights.

Michel Caza reports

30 FESPA WORLD 12/04

In my view, this year’s SGIA show was an exhibition in transition. It seemed that some exhibitors had deliberately decided to take a ‘breather’ between this year’s Drupa and next year’s FESPA 2005. Others, primarily those in the screen sector, still maintain that they would be better served by a bi-annual show. Whatever the reasons, the exhibition was certainly a little smaller than last year in Atlanta, with visitor numbers down by l0%. Of course, this may also have something to do with the fact that Minneapolis isn’t quite such an appealing destination to overseas visitors as Las Vegas or New Orleans, coupled with the fact that everyone now has to contend with the more stringent visa requirements demanded by the US Government.

Of the 471 booths, 250 were manned by smaller companies and although it is always good to see new exhibitors, I have to say that some of them were showing the most peculiar assortment of marginal equipment. However, occasionally one stumbled upon a ‘treasure’. For example, UVPS from Chicago was showing its TFC 9000 simulator of UV curing depth, whilst Scanvec Amiable’s Flexi 7.5 RIP can be used to produce screens via the inkjet printing process. ‘This year the ASPT awarded official ‘Best in Show" prizes, but in addition, I decided to present my own ‘Caza Award’ too and the winner, without doubt, is SignTronic’s brand new DTS (from computer to screen)system. And I wasn’t the only one to be captivated FESPA President, Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado immediately bought one for his Spanish Company, Panorama!

SignTronic’s development is one that I have been eagerly awaiting for many years.

In my view, a DTS system, which can

image a screen at 150lines/inch, at a resolution of 1270dpi, is just what is needed to produce the high quality screenprinting required for both POP material and for labelling luxury goods such as cosmetics and perfume. The system is also very quick, operating at 26 m2/hour, and can accept any RIP outputting one-bit TIFF files. The maximum possible screen size is 235 x 265 cm, with an image of 162,5 x 215 cm, which is perfect for many of the multicolour presses used to produce such items as banners and bus-stop posters.

As far as the digital sector is concerned, it certainly seemed that many of the global players are waiting until FESPA 2005 to unveil their next big innovation. Certainly digital UV piezo inkjet flatbeds, usually with a roll to roll option, are the next big thing and inevitably this means that, in order to keep up with their competitors, many manufacturers are rolling out their machines before they are truly marketready, with quality, speed, image definition and ease of maintenance, usually leaving quite a lot to be desired. This is one area where it is very difficult to combine a low price with good quality and it is a conundrum that even the Asian manufacturers have yet to crack. The Chinese will have to work hard during the next nine months if they want to show affordable and reliable versions of such machines at FESPA 2005!

A certain confusion still exists when it comes to defining what constitutes digital textile printing. Some advances have been made when it comes to digitally printing fabrics used to make banners, flags and other materials used mainly in the POP and sign sectors.

The same is true in relation to the printing of promotional slogans on T-shirts

THE BIG STORY

a

b

a b

Visitors congregate on the OcĂŠ stand When it comes to inkjet printers, visitors are spoilt for choice

c

The Thieme stand attracted many

e

screenprinters

d

Mutoh displayed its full range of wide format inkjet printers

e

The Jeti takes grand format to new lengths!

c

d

FESPA WORLD 12/04 31

THE BIG STORY

a

The Stencil Master from SignTronic: an expected revolution.

b

The new and the past-Presidents of ASPT: Scott Fresener (left) and Michel Caza (right).

a

and sportswear. But when we turn to printing on the full gamut of textiles, although there are now some digital machines that satisfactorily replicate the standard four-colour process, it still isn’t possible to reproduce all of the popular special effects digitally.

And, of course, manufacturers continue to talk about ‘high speeds’ such as 400 m2/hour, but neglect to mention that this is in 72 dpi and that at 720 dpi, it will be …40 m2/hour ! In a way it is comforting to realise that some things never change!

Flatbed Frenzy Val Hirst reports

In case anyone was in any doubt, the big thing now is flatbed and UV printing.

Certainly this was the overwhelming impression gained during four days at SGIA, when practically every digital equipment manufacturer had a flatbed printer taking pride of place on its stand.

Having said that, this was a show that featured enhancements to existing products rather than lots of exciting new launches. Maybe that isn’t too surprising, even those behind the relentless growth of digital technology have to take a breather sometimes and maybe they are all saving themselves for FESPA 2005!

However, there were some new innovations worthy of comment. Many companies were showing machines which

32 FESPA WORLD 12/04

b

feature white ink, amongst them DuPont, Durst, Leggett & Platt Digital Technologies, who are currently beta testing in Europe, Mimaki and Zund. Obviously the addition of white ink is something of a breakthrough in digital terms since it helps to significantly enhance the final quality of the graphic by providing it with extra definition and eye-appeal.

Durst was also offering new spot colour functions for its Rho 2005/8 and 205/16 in line with its policy to introduce new variants to the basic Rho 205 technology every three months. Such variations are designed to meet the specific needs of individual customers and to enable them to get the best possible performance from their printer. The spot colour facility enables users to print up to two spot colours in addition to CMYK thereby solving the problem of achieving perfect CI colour reproduction. Durst is currently offering spot colours in Warm Red and Ocean Blue and plans to make more options available shortly.

In addition, the company also unveiled it new integrated special effect varnish option, again for the Rho 205/8 and Rho 205/16 printers. This selectively applic-able high gloss effect can be used to accentuate a selected area of a graphic, by providing a striking 3D effect and as such, it is particularly useful for POP and advertising applications that require a bit of extra

pzazz.

Kornit Digital used the opportunity of the show to launch what it claims is a high-end industrial machine, targeted not only at the garment printer looking to adopt digital technology, but also businesses operating in the fashion sector .

My favourite product at the show was a new digital system for producing threedimensional signage. The result of a collaboration between Sign-Tronic and Océ, this is achieved by printing directly on to a flat, unformed sign blank with specially-formulated inks and then vacuum forming the imaged substrate. A credible 3D sign can be created in less than an hour and opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities. The company who beta-tested this system claim that it paid for itself within a three-month period.

Narrow format machines also seemed to be making a comeback with first time exhibitor. Xeikon America reporting that companies were interested in using its narrow-format digital printers to produce such items as magnets, posters, transfers and key fobs.

This time around the Chinese printer manufacturers who have become such a ubiquitous presence at the international shows over the last two or three years were noticeable by their absence. Perhaps they too, are saving themselves for FESPA 2005!

FACE2FACE

A pragmatic perfectionist If you have ever wondered what goes into the production of a multi faceted international retail marketing campaign Ab de Graaff of Dutch based Agency Compasso Mundocom is the man to tell you. Ab manages retail marketingcampaigns for Nike, one of the world’s most prolific advertisers.

Val Hirst interviews him in his Amsterdam office.

It is a sunny autumnal day in Amsterdam and Ab de Graaff is mid campaign. However, despite the fact that he is responsible for masterminding the production of all of Nike’s 2D and 3D in-store visual merchandising and promotional campaigns throughout Europe and the Middle East, as well as parts of Africa and Asia, Ab appears deceptively cool and unstressed.

Ab is the Operations Director of Compasso Mundocom, an agency that is part of the Publicis Group and now lists such companies as L’Oreal, KLM, Philips, Estée Lauder and of course, Nike EMEA amongst its clients. Five years ago, Ab started a new division that was specifically created to service the complex needs of the newly won Nike account. The division, which originally began with just two people has since morphed into a 10 strong team and Ab’s life is now pretty much dictated by the demands of the three seasonal campaigns which Nike launch every year. Just as well then, that he loves his job!

All three main campaigns – Spring, Holiday and Autumn - cover the full gamut of Nike products and include separate promotions for menswear, womenswear, childrenswear and shoes. This means that there are somewhere between 24 and 28 different campaigns in total every year and Ab and his team are thus responsible for ensuring that all Nike retailers throughout the territories receive the right displays, each of which consists of a bewildering number of different elements, on the right day, at the right time, in a format which suits their individual needs.

If, like me, you can’t possibly begin to imagine how this would work in practice, Ab provides an admirably succinct resumé of the process, from original conception to final installation. He explains: "The campaigns are originated by Nike’s own in-house design teams, with occasional input from external agencies who can sometimes use their more detached perspective to come up with something really out of the ordinary to produce the

requisite ‘wow’ factor. We are also usually involved at this stage too, since we can advise designers as to the practicality of their ideas, as well as ensuring that the finished display will meet the brief issued by the Nike retail managers, whose job it is to ensure that the promotions are both effective and achievable within the given budget."

When I interject and suggest that this might sometimes be a mammoth undertaking in itself, calling for both the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job, Ab grins but is discreetly diplomatic, commenting only that "It’s not so bad."

He continues: "Once the initial designs are finalised and, where necessary, prototypes are made, we post all of the different variations on to a website, so that Nike retailers throughout the regions can decide which of the displays they want to use. They then order what they require on-line and we organise production."

But don’t be fooled into thinking that is an easy job. Because, in addition to overseeing the production of the graphic element of the displays, Ab and his team are also responsible for organising the manufacture of the actual displays themselves, which sometimes involves joinery, plastic fabrication and even glass cutting. By some miracle, all of these various components come together in time for the stated deadline so that all Nike shops are able to unveil the company’s latest ‘must-have’ on the same day.

Ab admits that the pace is hectic, particularly in view of the fact that the average time between the completion of the design concepts and delivery is a mere eight and half weeks, with work on six to eight different campaigns occurring simultaneously.

But he adds that after working with Nike for five years, the teams at Compasso Mundocom have encountered every possible pitfall and now have enough experience to be able to circumnavigate most of them successfully. He says: "During that time we have built such a close rapport with the Nike designers and retail managers that we know FESPA WORLD 12/04 33

FACE2FACE

a b c d e f

Intersport window.

Womens graphic display.

Footwear display.

Nike town window.

Nike football bay.

Nike football collection.

a

b

pretty much instinctively what they want. The ten people who work in this division are split into teams of two, with one team member acting as an account manager and liaising closely with Nike, whilst the other monitors production and all of the issues surrounding it. Having said that, both members of the team have interchangeable skills since it is essential that the account manager comprehends what is involved in practical terms and that the production person is fully conversant with and sympathetic to Nikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief."

Over the years, Compasso Mundocom has also built up an extensive portfolio of tried and tested suppliers all of whom are as eager to produce quality work as Ab is to have it.

This is particularly true of the printing companies that Compasso Mundocom elect to worth with. Ab has come from a print background and, as a result, is something of a perfectionist, although, he is at pains to stress, a pragmatic one. He was originally employed by Crossfield, the company who developed the first digital scanner, working for them in London and the Far East, handling supervising both installation and operator training.

Following that, he started his own reprographic company, before spending some time teaching and operating the beta testing program for Adobe software. Immediately before joining Compasso Mundocom, Ab also worked as Production Manager in a lithographic printing company. This impressive set of credentials therefore go someway towards explaining why he shares the passion and 34 FESPA WORLD 12/04

c

commitment that many screenprinters have about their work.

He muses: "Screenprinters are a special breed of people who, on the whole are as concerned with the final result as much as with the money they will make from it. The companies I most admire are those small to medium sized operations made up of time served experts who take a real pride in what they do."

Digital printing is, of course playing an increasingly important role with 50% of Nikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graphics now being produced digitally. "Until about three years ago the split between screen and digital printing was 80/20 with screenprinting accounting for the larger share of the work. Last year Nike spent 2million Euros on screenprinting and 1 1/2 Euros on digital printing but pretty soon the balance will tip in favour of digital," comments Ab who goes on to explain that digital printing provides Nike with the opportunity to produce more customised graphics. He says: "Campaigns are now becoming more localised and are now often produced in up to 16 different languages. We can also slant them slightly differently to take account of specific cultural trends or regional events. For example, six stores in Athens had special displays, which were designed to tie in the Olympic games. This is something that we could never have achieved with screenprinting, simply because the cost would have been prohibitive."

Naturally deviations of this kind all add to the already onerous logistical complexity of the

FACE2FACE

e

d

f

production process but Ab feels that the extra workload is more than justified by the final result.

However, he has his issues with digital printing and is critical about quality levels: "The usual excuse is that something can’t be done, but what this often means is that the company don’t know how to achieve it digitally. The fact is that many companies who are offering digital printing services have no real background in the graphics industry, although they may think they know something about computers, which is rather different."

Passion then is also a quality he looks for when sourcing digital print. He continues: "The best digital printers are those who come from the photographic and repro sectors and who have a real grounding in both print and colour management and who know how to achieve the results that we – and Nike - demand."

Ab willingly admits that he is an exacting taskmaster who settles for nothing less than the best from anyone who works on the Nike account, but in mitigation he points out that as far as Nike is concerned, quality is of vital importance. "Nike is a multinational company that has spent a lot of time and effort positioning its products within the market and all of its promotional material has to support the image that it has worked so hard to create and maintain," he states.

I ask if he has ever had a real disaster and he and a colleague ruefully remember a shoe display, which was aesthetically pleasing but frighteningly insecure.

"Whichever way we tried to position them, the

shoes simply kept falling off," laughs Ab." In the end we resorted to simply sticking them to the shelves – but it was a mistake that we never repeated." When mishaps do occur it is often the result of using some new and untested material. "Nike’s designers are always looking to create exciting effects – the company has gained a reputation for producing really eyecatching displays and so it is always keen to maintain its edge. Sometimes the idea works brilliantly, but there may be a lot of unnecessary wastage of material, which makes it untenable in cost terms. When that happens it’s down to us to find a way of reproducing it so that the original idea is preserved intact but that the end result is more affordable. Sometimes all that is required is a few simple modifications."

Nowadays, the Nike account runs like a well oiled machine, with Ab retaining his legendary cool under pressure and helping to provide a calm environment for his young team. However, any job that involves so many deadlines must be a little wearing on the nerves on occasion. When I suggest this, Ab confides: "Sometimes when we are midcampaign ands the phones never stop ringing I do imagine myself lying on a beach somewhere hot and just watching the world go by. But it’s great to be working with a team of enthusiastic young people in a really creative atmosphere and there’s a lot of satisfaction when everything comes together in the way that it should. I get a great buzz from that and I can’t imagine wanting to give it up – the beach will definitely have to wait!"

FESPA WORLD 12/04 35

FOCUS ON OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

Focus on outdoor advertising Real Appeal At a time when the consumer is constantly bombarded with advertising messages, companies realise that they have to come up with something really special in order to be noticed. No where is this more true than in the area of outdoor advertising when adverts have so much else to compete with. Here we show a selection of outdoor graphics that are creative enough to capture anyone's attention!

a

b

Anyone who wandered through the Palazza Garibaldi in Milan or the Palazzo Della Civilta in Rome last summer, could have helped being impressed by the huge graphics which respectively transformed the exteriors of a skyscraper and an historical place into gigantic promotional tools for Nike. The theme of the graphics was 'The Art of Speed' and they were designed both to coincide with the Olympic Games in Athens and to celebrate sport generally.

The mammoth pole-vaulter featured on the Milanese skyscraper is none other than World Champion Giuseppe Gibilisco, who makes a striking impression when viewed against the Milan cityscape. This giant graphic is the largest single promotion that Nike has ever realised in Italy, measuring some 76m high by 30m wide. It comprises 886 self-adhesive panels of 3M perforated film and covers a total surface area of 1600sq.metres. It was digitally printed using 3M's patented Scotchguard process.

The graphics, which decorate the Roman palace, were produced using the same method but although by comparison are very discreet, they provide viewers with a wonderful sense of movement as the athletes are literally 'framed' in the arched palace windows.

For further information visit: www.scotchprint.it 36 FESPA WORLD 12/04

FOCUS ON OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

c

d

f

a b c

Palazzo Della Civilta in Rome.

Nike, ‘The Art of Speed’.

Giant Eurolux washing machine.

d

Sana margarine in Taksim Square.

e

The Nike Aerowball, Marmara Hotel, Taksim.

f

Unilever Lipton Tea giant graphic.

g h

IMAGin JT 5529 RM. JT 5829 PM.

Profilo, one of Turkey's leading companies in the white goods sector, is rightly applauded for its exciting advertising campaigns and never more so than the giant graphic of a Eurolux washing machine measuring 15m wide and 20m high, which was installed in Sishane Square in Istanbul.

As well as being a striking advertisement in its own right, the graphic also had a practical purpose too: it covers the external façade of a building which is still under construction but will eventually resemble the graphic itself in every way! In fact, it will be a full 3D-moving facsimile of a Eurolux machine, complete with a motor producing a realistic right, left motion, to give the impression that laundry is really being washed! Tangram, the company responsible for creating the graphic wanted to do something really unusual to capture the attention of pedestrians and motorists as they make their way down the busy street. It certainly succeeded - the graphic and the working model beneath it are all set to become a major landmark within the city and will doubtless provide a talking point for some time to come!

Tangram was also responsible for producing an arresting advertisement for Sana margarine in Taksim Square. The most eyecatching feature of this application is the image of the cute little girl who, thanks to a strategically placed mono block mechanism - the largest ever used - moves from left to right. The slogan in the upper section of the unit comprises of three different layers and was produced as raised box letters, which are internally

illuminated. Indirect neon animation techniques produce a flashing effect in a final bid to engage attention.

In another application Tangram captured some of the excitement which surrounded this year's European Football championships and transported it to Taksim where the Marmara hotel provided the perfect site for an advertisement promoting Nike.

The Aerowball is a wonder of modern technology, which captures the attention of passers by as they watch the ball blasting away on the wall following a hard kick from Ronaldinho. The project, which involved 30 people, features an internally illuminated ball some 4 metres in diameter and the total height of this amazing 3D application is 12 metres. This global campaign also astounded viewers worldwide when it simultaneously appeared on sites in Manchester, Sydney, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Bangkok, Milan and Rotterdam.

Nowadays, from whichever direction visitors enter Taksim, they are greeted by a very colourful advertisement for Unilever's Lipton Tea brand. It isn't only the advert's giant dimensions which attract the eye, viewers are also fascinated by the action of a 'whirlpool' which is created by revolving 19 tags in order with each tag timed to move every two seconds until eventually they are all moving together. Following a brief pause, the revolving motion starts all over again.

For further information contact: Tangram I˙letis¸im Hizmetleri Ebru Angıner Tel: ++0212 238 96 96)

Projects such as those pictured here can now be achieved on a wide range of eco-solvent printers such as the Mutoh Rockhopper II-4H, the Rockhopper 38, Roland's Soljet Pro II and the Roland VersaCAMM SP-300, when used in conjunction with three new films from MACtac.

IMAGin JT 5829 RM is a monomeric film with a removable adhesive, JT 5829 PM is a monomeric film with a permanent adhesive and JT 5929 PM is a polymeric film with permanent adhesive. All have been fully tested and profiled on both the

machines listed above and other popular makes of eco-solvent printers.

Thanks to the new liner, these films provide users with better printing results and offer new opportunities for both short term and long term outdoor advertising. They are available in three different widths (76 cm, 137 cm and 152.4 cm) from authorised MACtac distributors.

For further information visit: www.mactac-europe.com

g

h

SHOWCASE

a

b

Showcase From large runs to one-offs, our regular review highlights the variety of some of the latest screen and digital applications.

38 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Color Graphics, of Salt Lake City, USA, has used its VUTEk PressVu UV 180/600 EC printer to produce graphics for fastfood giant KFC, which have been installed nationwide. Utilising the PressVu's flatbed and roll-to-roll capabilities, Color Graphics produced a total of 375 rigid and flexible signs for the chicken restaurant chain, the largest measuring 1.27m x 0.77m.

The job also included the production of point of sale material, drive through menus and window graphics. Guy Timothy, Vice President, Color Graphics comments: "We printed onto rigid sheets of styrene for KFC's point of sale material, and then switched to low-tac self-adhesive vinyl for its window graphics, which saved us a lot of time and meant the job was hassle free. Further, the PressVu's eight-

colour feature enabled us to match specific colors such as the KFC corporate red, without any problems."

Texas-based Gigantic Color Inc. used its VUTEk PressVu UV 200/600 to fulfil an unusual commission for a luxury home in Dallas, Texas. Troy McGinnis, General Manager of Gigantic Color, Inc., comments, "Customers can dream as big as they want as our VUTEk PressVu UV's capabilities enable us to match and exceed their expectations. For this luxury homeowner, we produced a 4m x 10m interior wall mural, with three identical window pieces, all of which had to match the vivid colours of an original renaissance painting. As it was the customer's favourite work of art, it was

SHOWCASE

a

&

b

Color Graphics utilise it’s VUTEk

PressVu UV 180/600 EC printer to make its mark in the constantly changing world of fast food.

c

The VUTEk PressVu UV 200/600

d

&

inkjet printer.

e

Reproducing fine art accurately

can be a tricky business, but for Gigantic Color Inc. and its PressVu UV

c

200/600 with 600dpi and 6-colour printing, it’s a walk in the park.

f

Fasson-brand labels help promote Petrikov sales.

d

imperative that the wall mural was an almost exact duplicate of the original piece, as any change in colour would be noticed immediately. Thanks to the PressVu UV's 600dpi and six-colour printing, we were able to reproduce it flawlessly and thus fulfill the customer's dream."

Gigantic Color printed directly onto a wallpaper substrate called Core Seal, and adhered the mural to the main wall in the house's living room. Using the PressVu's ability to produce consistently high quality print on a wide variety of substrates, Gigantic Color was able to ensure that the highly detailed mural was also reproduced identically on the three smaller window pieces. As the windows were already installed, it was not possible

e

to use the machine's glass printing capability, so Instead, the vibrantly coloured UV inks were printed onto a special polycarbonate lexam, and then adhered to the windows.

Labels on Fasson-brand self-adhesive stock have helped new vodka-based flavoured alchoholic beverages – Petrikov Red and Blue – to establish high retail sales for their Dutch distillers, Toorank – so much so that the company is now looking to open strategic export markets. Printed

by Kolibri Etikettenfabriek on Fassonbrand self-adhesive labelstock from Avery Dennison Roll Materials Europe, the labels also won an award in the 2004 International Labelling Competition organised by the self-adhesive labelling

f

industry association, FINAT. The labels – each set consisting of a front, back and neck label - provide an eye-catching identity for the drinks and were the result of extensive collaboration between Toorank, Kolibri and Dutch design group Bens! The final results, printed on Fasson High Gloss White Premium self-adhesive paper labelstock with S2000N permanent adhesive, colour match the print on the primary product labels to the bottles' liquid content – blue or red – within the context of a shield-shaped design which evokes the traditional look of vodka bottles. Kolibri Etikettenfabriek printed them in seven colours plus varnish on an ILMA 340 press using Sicpa Aarberg inks – including two specialities – luminescent and thermochromic.

FESPA WORLD 12/04 39

a

The FESPA General Assembly 2004 This year, the FESPA General Assembly took place during September in an unseasonably warm Stockholm and was attended by representatives from 20 countries. A full agenda of topics was discussed, including the launch of the first Fespa World Expo in India which will take place on 1-4th December next year, FESPA 2005, the relaunch of Fespa World magazine and the inauguration of the new FESPA Projects Committee. In addition, Fespa took the opportunity to welcome the Screen Printers' Association of India (SPAI) as an associate member.

Each Association reported on its Country’s economy and its own activities during the past year and a full report follows below. But it wasn't all work – as well as the more serious undertakings, delegates were able to enjoy the hospitality provided by JP Screen and Offset AB who arranged a very interesting and informative visit to their headquarters, and a guided tour of the famous Vasa Ship Museum.

40 FESPA WORLD 12/04

They also had some time to explore the delights of Stockholm and take part in a relasxing evening boat cruise, accompanied by musicians in traditional dress!

In addition, it has also worked with its members to tackle a number of technical, environmental and educational issues, as well as hosting seminars, workshops and social events.

The Reports Febelgra, the Belgian Screenprinting Association reported that the total turnover within the graphic sector during 2003 was €3,672 million, against a total investment of €197million. About 25% of Belgium's production is exported, mainly to France, The Netherlands, UK and Germany. Febelgra represents about 900 of Belgium's 1,650 printing companies who between them employ some 18,500 people. Most of these companies are small to medium sized with 75% employing 10 people or less.

During the past year, Febelgra has worked on a number of different initiatives, the most taxing of which has been a classification of all of the different jobs within the screen and digital sectors.

The Bulgarian Screenprinting Association reported that 2003 was a good year for printers with the popularity of digital printing technology continuing to grow. Once again its 94 members have benefited from the Association's training and seminar programs.

Members of the Croatian Screenprinting Association have been able to take advantage of the country's booming economy and the fact that labour rates are still comparatively modest when compared to those in Western Europe. However, screenprinting is still the dominant technology in Croatia, although digital printing is gradually becoming more widespread.

During 2003, the Association experienced

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

a

Representatives from 20 countries attended

b d

&

this years General Assembly.

c

A full agenda of topics was discussed.

FESPA General Secretary Nigel Steffens warmly welcomes SPAI Vice President Bhargav Mistry.

b

c

a quieter year than usual and concentrated on distributing a screenprinters' manual, the Fespa World magazine and a bimonthly Graphic Magazine. However, during 2004 it has worked hard to recruit new members and plans to elect a new management team to carry its work forward.

Wide ranging government reforms in the Czech Republic have had a positive influence on the Czech Screenprinting Association, whose members are also preparing for the time when the country joins the EU. During 2003, the Association organised a one day Symposium to coincide with the Embax-Print 2003 print and packaging fair, an event which was supported by the most prominent suppliers of screenprinting equipment and materials. This was followed with an association meeting towards the end of the year, which focused on refuse, ecology and new legislation.

The Danish Screenprinting Association predict that GDP will increase by 2.5 percent during 2005, following a 2.1 percent increase in 2004, although the Danish economy will continue to be influenced by international trends and its overall competitiveness affected by high labour costs. The Association report that screen and digital printers continue to prosper, but as more and more companies

begin to harness digital technology, prices are coming under increasing pressure. It therefore feels that the future trend will be for fewer larger companies who will invest in the latest equipment and offer a highly specialised service. Association activities have included the negotiation of a new collective agreement between member companies and their employees, which will remain in force for the next three years, and guidance relating to sales, service and legal issues.

The Association of Finnish Screen Printers reported that the growth of the Finnish economy, which has been slow during the last three years, is expected to increase during 2004 and 2005. However, Finnish screenprinters suffered somewhat during 2003, with those specialising in the advertising sector enduring a particularly hard time. The increasing popularity of digital printing methods has resulted in high machine sales but a corresponding price downturn for digital output. Despite this, the Association enjoyed a busy year in 2003 and retained its membership. The Board assembled seven times in total and also organised spring and autumn assemblies, with the Autumn Assembly, which was held in Tallin, Estonia, concluding with a quality management training seminar. In addition, the Association published three issues of its SERITIETO magazine in 2003, with a further issue

d

being published in 2004, and also circulated a number of newsletters.

The German Screenprinting Association paid tribute to its former director, Helmut Flothman, who retired earlier this year after working for the German Print and Media Federation for 37 years and officially introduced its new director, Torben Thorn. The Association explained that it was still awaiting current data on the screenprinting sector, but instead provided information on effect printing following a comprehensive survey. This is a market sector with great growth potential and one that creates the opportunity to increase the value of the finished product.

The survey compares print processes for effects, highlights opportunities and growth potential and covers different marketing-strategies for effect printing.

Following its successful symposium on UV- screen printing last year, the Association has run a similar symposium on effect printing. This was supported by The German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm) and the German Institute Print e.V. (DID) who arranged a specialised program which looked at all aspects of effect printing and featured a number of distinguished speakers.

To complement this the Association has produced a pattern book to be used as a marketing tool. It examines the possibility of print enhancement and shows how FESPA WORLD 12/04 41

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

different effects can be achieved and is designed to provide inspiration for everyone working within the industry.

The Hungarian Screen Printing Association reports that following its entry to the EU, Hungary has enjoyed a stable economic climate with a growth of 4.2%. Employment stands at 4.8% and inflation is currently running at 5.8%.

Both the screen and digital sectors are also enjoying growth. Presently, the Association has a total of 97 members of which 65 are suppliers.

The Association hosted a seminar during April which covered UV technology, four colour printing, and the new ISO accreditation program. This seminar, which was presided over by Bill Appleton attracted the attendance of 34 Hungarian screenprinters. In addition, the Association hosted its 5th Screenprinting Foum in Budapest, which included five exhibiting companies and attracted around 110 visitors. The theme this time was tampa printing, ceramics and the EU accession During the coming year the Association will continue its collaboration with three screenprinting schools, one of which offers a short refresher course for trained screen printers, whist the others focus on trainees. To augment this, the Association is discussing the possibility of supporting a seminar program hosted by various industry suppliers.

The Association's magazine â&#x20AC;&#x153;SZITANYOMAT" which was published during August and has a circulation of around 3,000, is considered to be a very important tool by the Hungarian industry and is successfully attracting support from advertisers.

The Dutch Screenprinting Association reported that 2003 was a year in which both the Dutch economy and the graphics industry in particular, experienced an even more serious downturn than in 2001 and 2002. During the first half of 2004, the general economic climate improved slightly although companies operating in the graphic area found their prices coming under increased pressure. However by the second quarter of this year the Dutch economy showed a growth of 1.0 %.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Netherlands declined 0.8 % in 2003 whilst inflation ran at 2.1 %, and wages rose by 2.7 %. Consumer spending declined by 1.2 % in 2003 and the growth in consumption was lower than the growth of disposable income. Dutch imports rose by 0.9 % and exports by 0.5 %, a poor result when 42 FESPA WORLD 12/04

compared with the 3.7% increase in world trade during 2003. As the world's ninth largest importer and exporter, The Netherlands has felt the loss of its market share, which is put down to the high cost of wages. Although precise figures weren't available, it was estimated that graphic sales declined by .5% during 2003 and employment within the graphic sector fell by 2.8%, with only 56% of companies reporting positive trading conditions.

The Association also reported that many companies had cancelled their membership of ZSO and in the current poor trading climate it is difficult to make up the numbers. However, after four years of preparations, the Association, together with umbrella organisation KVGO, succeeded in finalising negotiations with the trade unions and reaching a Collective Labour Agreement for all the sign companies in the Netherlands. This new agreement was combined with the CLA for screen printing companies, which has been in force since 1962. It also established a special fund for specific training costs for its members and their employees.

liase with schools and universities that teach design and related topics. It has also launched a poster competition.

Italy has also experienced an economic slow down with the Italian Screenprinting Association reporting that their turnover has been lower during the past year. Prospects have appeared to improve since April, but things are still very patchy. General economic growth is expected to increase by 1.3%.

As for the current state of screen and digital printing, the Association has no official data, but reports that there are 4000/4500 screenprinting companies in Italy, most with less than five employees.

Many of the bigger screenprinters have invested in digital equipment, although sales are now slowing down.

The Association has faced many difficulties during the last year because its umbrella organisation, CNA (which has 300,000 members) has been restructuring but finally it has been decided that the Association will, in future, come under the jurisdiction of the SME's committee in Milan and it thus hopes to resume a full The Norwegian Screenprinting program of activities shortly.

Association reported that there has been During 2003 the Association held a some growth in the Norwegian economy competition, "Telaio d'argento" to find the during 2004, although the fact that costs best screenprinted graphic. It was rewarded are high in Norway makes it difficult when with 50 good quality entries. It also competing with countries operating from published a second edition (both printed a lower cost base. However, things are and on CD) of a survey of equipment improving slightly for small companies costs, which includes information on how and the government is focused on growing to calculate an hourly rate when using the economy. different presses. This will be distributed Many Norwegian screenprinters have free to all members. strengthened their position, in spite of the fact that production has stabilised at a The Russian Screenprinting Association lower level than before. Digital production reports that there has been an increase in is influencing the market with many economic growth accompanied by a screenprinters acquiring their own digital strong rise in capital investments with equipment. Norwegian screenprinting has GDP increasing by 7,3%. not managed to participate sufficiently in The total volume of the print sector the volume of the entire graphic market stands at $2 million with 25% accounting during the last years, although the for business-printing. The majority of Association is now doing everything they Russian companies are now privately can to promote the technology, particularly owned and it is anticipated that most of the in areas where other printing techniques public printing companies will alter their may find it hard to complete. This status by becoming joint-stock companies. demands a new way of thinking and of When it comes to the speciality printing finding ways of marketing the technology sector, which includes screenprinting, to potential customers. The Association has tampo printing, textile printing and digiretained most of its members and is still talprinting, this sector now accounts for hoping to enjoy closer co-operation with some $1million of the total turnover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Norwegian Signmaking Association.

15% up on last year.

During February the Association held its The Association currently has 62 43rd general assembly at Geilo, Norway, members but is hopeful that this total will which focused on examining ways of rise as the economy expands. Association promoting screenprinting and how best to activities centre on the needs of small and

medium sized businesses and it is encouraging both member and non-member companies to visit Fespa 2005.

During the last year, the Association has held seven seminars at several different printing companies, all of which covered different screen printing topics. During the coming months it intends to promote the FESPA 2005 Awards competition and will be offering non-member companies a special deal if they join the Association.

The Slovakian Screenprinting Association reported that economic growth has increased slightly whilst unemployment still fluctuates around the 13.5% mark.

The situation as far as screenprinters are concerned has not changed significantly, although there has been a slight decline in textile printing, largely due to an increase in cheap imports from Asia. Many screenprinters are now focusing on quality issues and are investing in new technology.

Digital printing is increasing in popularity, largely because of the time and cost savings it offers on small runs During the past year, the Association has concentrated on education and is planning to provide a re-qualifying course for screenprinters. It is also placing further emphasis on its website, which it regards as a useful communication tool. Currently the Slovakian Association has 10 members.

According to the Screenprinting Association of Slovenia, the country's present economic climate is relatively good, with a growth rate that exceeds the EU average.

However, the total income of the graphic industry has fallen for the first time in the last five years, although some expenses have also decreased. Overall, profits in the industry have risen and reached €9.6 million in 2003 and last year saw the total of small screenprinting companies rise to 24, heralding something of a trend for small flexible operations.

There has been some increase in the use of digital technology, but as yet the demand is fairly limited.

a b

a

b

c

The Nordic Museum at Djurgården.

ESMA President Rudi Röller and FESPA Exhibition Director Frazer Chesterman share a joke during a well earned break.

c Boarding for the boat cruise just as dusk sets in. d A view from the Djurgården bridge over Nybroviken and on the right hand is Strandvägen with the beautifully decorated, old buildings. Strandvägen is one of the most expensive adresses in Stockholm.

d

FESPA WORLD 12/04 43

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

In total 5000 people are employed in the graphic sector and there is tough competition between companies, with jobs being won on price.

During the last year the Association has collaborated with printers from north-east Italy to set up the web portal www.all4print.net which includes a database providing contact details for all of the companies involved. The project was produced with the assistance of the European Union, partly with founds from the PHARE program.

The Association's second important activity was the foundation of the silkscreen, digital and pad printing cluster.

The main objective is to create more business opportunities for members, by encouraging them to work together and thus strengthen their position in the market. Presently, it is organising two one day meetings complete with workshops.

According to the Spanish Screenprinting Association, the screen sector has once again suffered a decrease and is still trying to counter the effects of a price war.

However the predictions are that this year will be a better one economically.

The Association has continued with its plan to recruit more members in Spain and South America and it has also enhanced its website so that members can obtain advice and assistance 24/7 from wherever they are operating.

During this year the Association also hosted the Spanish Screenprinting Congress in the Basque Country and launched the third phase of its training plan, which includes more than 50 courses related to screenprinting. In addition, it has provided translations for Fespa World Magazine and continues to publish regular Association Bulletins. Other activities have involved the promotion of terms and conditions of business for the Spanish screenprinting sector, the publication of the Spanish Screenprinting Book, together with a Report on the screen sector in Spain. It has also spearheaded an export drive, complete with study visits to both France and Brazil. Finally, it has compiled a three monthly survey designed to track the state of the market.

The Swedish Screenprinting Association report that GDP is expected to increase by only 1.7 percent this year following the weak economic climate

44 FESPA WORLD 12/04

towards the end of 2001, but household consumption is already rising in reaction to an expansionary fiscal policy and a generally more positive climate. Swedish exports have also been growing more vigorously than expected in the past halfyear and will gain further momentum in 2003, largely due to healthier economies elsewhere and the rising demand for telecommunication products.

As is the case in the overall printing industry, segments like screen are suffering due to lack of demand. The profit margin for an average screen company has declined over the past years, from 4% in 1999 to 2-2,5% in 2003. During the same period, screen companies have faced a downward rally in the return on equity from 16% to just over 10%. A recovery in the overall demand in the Swedish economy in the coming years, will hopefully affect profits in a positive way.

The Association has established its own educational operations: The Screenprinters' Business School, is a specially designed further education program for management groups from member companies and comprises one to two day seminars dealing with such topics as management techniques, business development and profitability.

The Association has also produced ScreenPressen, a members' newspaper which is published three-four times per year. This publication reports on the work of the board and keeps members updated on meetings and educational initiatives.

In addition, the Association organises two large meetings every year, the last of which took place in JĂśnkĂśping, last April.

There are now 91 members within The Swedish Association of which 66 are screen printing companies and 25 suppliers.

The UK Screenprinting Assocation announced that the "feel good" factor is still in force despite increases in interest rates and the fact that margins are still being squeezed. It is felt that most printers have been able to make some money this year mainly thanks to sensible housekeeping. The importance of added value has become much more widely appreciated which has also helped enormously.

Smaller suppliers are really struggling however and the Association predicts that some will go out of business in the next twelve months â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is unfortunate, as it will limit choice.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Provided that there are no more wars or significant terrorist attacks, the Association is looking forward to a more stable period in trading conditions.

Sadly, the Screenprint exhibition due to be held in February 2004, was cancelled but it will reappear in April 2005 as part of the Sign UK show. Membership has been under pressure but the Association has been able to replace those members who have left.

Generally much more interest is being generated for association activities, largely thanks to the efforts of a new PR officer.

More companies are benefiting from the skills and abilities obtained via the SPA Print Qualifications Centre. The three-day seminars, which were held in conjunction with a supplier were exceptionally well received. In addition, the SPA Awards event was also well attended and provided the industry with an opportunity to get together informally.

Finally, The Association's two CD Roms – Printworks Solvent Use and the Health & Safety/risk assessment are slowly becoming more popular, whilst the FESPA EU newsletter also seems to have been well received.

Nigel Steffens, General Secretary of FESPA reported that since the last General Assembly in Istanbul, the FESPA team has expanded significantly from three to eight people (some part-time) and consequently is rapidly outgrowing its offices in Reigate.

At present, all the new staff are focused on FESPA 2005 with the aim of making it the best exhibition ever and one that earns as much money as possible for the benefit of all of the associations. In addition to FESPA 2005 there are also plans to launch FESPA India later next year and a new combined FESPA/ESMA digital show in 2006. Once FESPA 2005 is over the team will also start working on the next main FESPA Event which is scheduled to take place in 2007 – a year earlier than usual.

Other FESPA Activities this year have included the relaunch of Fespa World magazine, the introduction of the Fespa World Newsletter, which is sent to all associations, exhibitors and selected visitors, and a revamp of the FESPA Website, which has made it much more user-friendly.

FESPA now maintains its own database and all of the Associations are invited to use this whenever required to promote their own activities.

Finally, Nigel Steffens reminded everyone that they are entitled to take full advantage

of the enhanced head office facilities and invited all of the associations to use the skills and expertise that are now available.

He also encouraged all of the Associations to use the FESPA name wherever possible, as this will have the dual effect of lending extra credibility to individual associations' events and initiatives and ensuring that FESPA becomes as widely known as possible throughout the world.

ESMA reported that it had experienced a good year and that several new members, namely: Ferro GmbH; Lüscher AG: MHM Siebdruckmaschinen GmbH: Omnitec Umweltschutz AG: Remco ChemieRentzsch GmbH: Vutek: Wängi Mesh AG had joined, bringing the total membership up to 42 companies. Rudi Röller was elected to serve for a further two years as Chairman and Robert Watson of Sericol has been welcomed to the Board as Chairman of the Digital Committee.

The Technical Development and Standards Committee is still running with an interim Chairman but has completed a series of papers which have all been released during the past nine months and can be found on the ESMA web site.

The Health Safety and Environmental Protection Committee has been very active working to support submissions attempting to modify the REACH proposals and has also published a series of screen chemical fact sheets to assist companies with print shops using the screenprinting process.

Future work will include preparing a seminar lecture to support FESPA 2005 and working on the subject of machinery MAK values.

ESMA/FESPA cooperation is continuing to flourish with meetings held regularly between the Boards of both organisations.

Current areas for collaboration are as follows: FESPA 2005 Exhibition; joint Digital Show; Health, Safety and Environmental Protection issues; publications; technical development work; EPP work coordinated with Frazer Chesterman upon need; joint market study and the sharing of statistical and regulatory information, industry networking and finally the promotion of both organisations.

The European Digital Exhibition, which will be organised by FESPA's in-house exhibition team, will further strengthen the bonds between the two organisations and form a sound base for future developments.

FESPA WORLD 12/04 45

INFORMATION – EVENTS

a

One of Michel Caza’s UV screenprinting conferences.

b

The event culminates in a splendid dinner where many lively exchanges took place during this festive evening.

c

Jean-Louis Dubuit presents a semi-automatic printing press to the Presidents of two of Thailand's most influential Graphic Schools.

d

Dubuit hosts an ‘open house’ in its plant near Bangkok.

a

b

c

Openhouse inBangkok

d

Dubuit Far East hosts a series of events in Thailand.

Sun lovers found themselves well catered for this year, when following Screenprint India in Mumbai during August and ASGA in Shanghai in October, Dubuit Far East staged its Open House event in Thailand in November! Expertly stage managed by Dubuit Far East's 'younger generation', the brothers Christophe and François Dubuit, together with the company's Bangkok President, Samuel Fellah, the event, which was designed to promote the Dubuit Group's screenprinting, tampography and hotstamping activities in East Asia, unfolded over a three day period.

The first event, which took place on Wednesday 3rd of November, was an official gift ceremony during which Jean-Louis Dubuit, President of the 46 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Dubuit Group, presented a semi-automatic printing press to the Presidents of two of Thailand's most influential Graphic Schools. Watched by a member of the Thai Royal Family, the Vice-Governor Panadda Diskul and the President of the Thai Screen Graphic and Imaging Association, Mr K. Chayaboon, Pr. Numyoot Songthanapitak, President of the Rajamangala Institute of Technology and Father Paul Trasucchi, Rector of the Don Bosco Technical School, graciously accepted the equipment which will go some way towards ensuring that all students of screenprinting at these two establishments gain a full grasp of the technology.

Bangkok's Sofitel was the setting for the second event that took the form of a four hour technical

EVENTS

conference which examined the theory and practice of UV Screenprinting for industrial applications and was held by Fespa Past President and current ASPT President, Michel Caza. Thailand, in common with many other countries is now using UV technology to print such items as CDs, containers and bottles and PCB, etc. but Thai screenprinters are keen to improve their understanding of all aspects of the process from prepress to finishing.

During the afternoon, Dubuit hosted the first 'Open House' in its huge new 6.400m2 plant near Bangkok, which was officially opened last year. This event provided Thai screenprinters with a splendid opportunity to see a wide variety of equipment in operation. This included Dubuit's new flat bed presses and UV curing units, Teca-Print's tampographic presses and CER's hot stamping presses. Both of the latter companies are, of course, also eminent members of the Dubuit Group and Teca-Print's Swiss General Manager, Carlos Huber, was there in person to answer questions and provide advice.

On the third day, Michel Caza presided over a second four hour conference, which once again tackled the issues surrounding UV printing but this time in relation to graphic screenprinting. 90% of Thai screenprinters still use solvent systems but appreciate the growing necessity to address the environmental pollution that they cause as well as being keen to benefit from the improvements in quality and economy that UV technology can deliver.

During the afternoon Dubuit held its second 'Open House' which was also dedicated to UV graphic screenprinting, with attendees being able to see for themselves the improvements they can expect to achieve when they change to UV technology. Most attendees were fascinated to see a four colour process print in 150lpi which had been produced using UV ink and were all the more determined to institute changes at their own establishments.

The event finally culminated in a splendid dinner at the famous Thai restaurant "Jitpochana" which was hosted by the Board Members of the Thai Screenprinting Association. Their guests of honour included the staff of DFE, Jean-Louis Dubuit, Michel Caza representing the FESPA Board and his wife Therese. As might be imagined, many lively exchanges took place during this festive evening, and the future of both screen and digital printing in Asia and throughout the rest of the world was hotly debated, as was the development of closer relations between FESPA, ASGA and the Thai Association. A strong delegation from TSGA will attend FESPA 2005 and the Thai Association has also pledged its support for FESPA World Expo India 2005 in Delhi.

All attendees declared the event a huge success although those who had to return to Europe had to deal with the little problem of acclimatising to a much lower temperature than the 36째C that they had grown accustomed to! How hard life can be sometimes!

FESPA WORLD 12/04 47

EVENTS

Swedish Screen-printers Association! All in all, the close juxtaposition of old and new friends and colleagues, together with members of Fespa and many of the Associations who had attended the General Assembly combined to mark Michel's anniversary in the most appropriate and satisfactory way possible.

Anders Nilsson and Ulf Nilsson honoring Michel Caza as a member of the Swedish Association.

Michel Caza and his old Master "Silko".

A golden jubilee celebrated in style Michel Caza has cause to celebrate his 50th anniversary in screenprinting.

As luck would have it, this year's General Assembly in Stockholm neatly co-incided with Michel Caza's 50th Anniversary in the screenprinting sector, so the Swedish Screen -printing Association and the Swedish magazine Nordic Signs & Displays, seized upon the opportunity to provide Michel with a night that he will never forget!

In fact, Michel, who, unusually for a Frenchman, still speaks fluent Swedish, actually spent two years in Sweden from 1954 to 1956. Officially he was there to write a thesis in socio psychology, but as a poor student he was compelled to work and so started his long and distinguished screenprinting career. Along with his unofficial screenpriting job – Michel confesses that originally he 'moonlighted' in a screenprinting shop – he also turned his hand to a number of other extra curricular activities, which included singing jazz in night clubs, window dressing, decorating, selling high fashion textiles and retouching offset films. For a brief period he was also a restaurant caricaturist! Looking back at that time Michel remembers that: "Life was hard, but so exciting and Stockholm was great fun!." He goes on to say that he had not the smallest idea about screenprinting, or such a simple concepts as "registration" and admits: "For this reason, the first job I produced was catastrophic!"

Towards the end of his two year stint in Stockholm, Michel had a further year to fill in before he started his millitary service in France. On a whim he decided that as he was becoming more interested in screenprinting than sociology, he would 48 FESPA WORLD 12/04

join BMJ, the company for whom he had been 'moonlighting', as a full time (and legal!) employee. The knowledge he gained during that period provided him with a firm foundation for what has since become not only his life's work, but also his great passion too. He says: I learned all about what was, at that time, a very advanced technology – not printing with silk, but printing with nylon fabrics and high quality hand-cut and indirect film stencilling. Printing took place on a McCormick press and on the very first presses made by A. Svantesson, who was destined to graduate from building equipment in his garage, to become the founder of Svecia!"

The anniversary party produced its own surprises, not least because Michel was reunited with one of his old bosses, 'Silko' Jonsson who was the "J" in BMJ (Blåberg, Modén and Jonsson). Now aged 83, Mr. Jonsson arrived with his daughter. And no sooner had Michel finished one affectionate greeting than he found himself in the midst of another. The Swedish Screenprinting Association and Nordic Signs & Graphics had invited more of Michel's old friends – some of his old 'jazz partners' from the fifties! Although a little more mature there was certainly no diminution in their skills as musicians and the party continued to the strains of the New-Orleans Jazz that Michel loves. The grand finale came with the presentation of a perfect gift when Anders Nilsson, the President of the Swedish Association and member of the FESPA Board, bestowed on Michel a lifetime membership of the

New role Michel Caza had further cause for celebration, when a few weeks later in October, he was elected Chairman of the Academy of Screen Printing and Digital Technology (ASPT) during the Academy's General Assembly in Minneapolis. He succeeds the previous Chairman, 'wizard' of textile printing, Scott Fresener, and will spend the next two years in the post.

Originally founded in 1973 by the SPAI – now the SGIA Board – the ASPT comprises members who can reasonably claim to have the highest level of technological expertise in screen printing world wide and includes commercial printers, educators, consultants, suppliers, technicians, chemists, research engineers, artists, craftsmen and production managers. Digital imaging technologies were officially included within the Academy's remit during 2002 and its aim is to promote and encourage the development of both screen and digital technology in the future. To be a member of the ASPT is an honour in itself.

The active members (Ad-Rem), are obligated to write and review technical articles to be published in the SGIA Journal and Technical Guidebook, to participate in technical conferences and seminars as ASPT and those held under the auspices of the many relevant trade associations and federations. Each year the Academy presents the Dave Swormstedt Award for the best technical article published and also chooses two products to receive a "Best in Show" Award – one in an industrial sector and one in the textile sector, through the Gold entries in the SGIA Annual Award Competition.

The Academy Members, who are totally independent, are elected by the Academy's Ad-Rem members themselves – there were 32 in 2004 and a further three members have since been elected – but may be nominated by both Academy members and others active within the screen and digital sectors. Academy membership lasts forever, since when they retire, members become "Ad-Finem" members for the rest of their lives (there are now 25 "Ad Frem" members).

INFORMATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ENVIRONMENT

Marabu leads the way First established in 1859, screen ink specialist Marabu, has since become synonymous with the production of market leading products and services.

Located in Tamm, close to Stuttgart in Germany, the company now has distributors in more than 60 companies worldwide and concentrates on trying to fulfil the market's rising quality expectations by continually evolving and adapting its product range to suit the requirements of current screenprinting applications. During recent years Marabu has been honoured with the presentation of several international awards including ISO quality assurance.

Its first DIN EN ISO 9001:1994 certification was awarded in 1995; thereafter it continued to hone and refine its quality assurance procedures and in March 2003, Marabu passed the re-certification according to the new version DIN EN ISO 9001:2000, which has further increased demands on its quality management system.

As a company operating within the chemical industry, Marabu readily admits its responsibility to protect both human life and the environment from the effects of its business. It thus attaches a huge importance to the total compliance of all regulations and legal obligations regarding the production and transportation of its products. To protect its staff against health hazards, Marabu voluntarily avoids the use of any materials known to be toxic and when no substitute material can be found, as has recently happened, a product is simply removed from the range. The company also follows clean and safe working practices and trains its employees regularly in the handling of machines and inks. The workforce also receives detailed information during in-house training sessions regarding the application the ink.

Further, by investing in the latest technologies, Marabu minimises any environmental impact caused during production.

As a result Marabu was accredited with the first DIN EN ISO 14001 certification "Requirements on Environment Management", which was awarded by TĂ&#x153;V Management Service GmbH in 2003 and affirmed the company's high environmental standards.

50 FESPA WORLD 12/04

Parallel to this certification, the combination of quality management, environmental management, job safety and health protection have been assimilated into an integrated management system, the Marabu Management System (MMS). The company also subjects its suppliers to the same stringent demands that it expects of itself and suppliers are increasingly subjected to frequent supplier audits.

Since 2003 Marabu has also been listed as a Sony Green Partner (Environmental Quality Approval Agreement) in the Sony supplier data bank. As a result it is also subjected to strict customer audits.

These demand both the fulfilment and realisation of lawful standards relating to environmental protection as well as the compliance of exacting additional standards, as defined by Sony. For example, Marabu must also prove that there are extremely low concentrations of harmful substances in its chosen raw materials. The Sony agreement is renewed every two years and is regarded as an essential accreditation.

Nowadays the promotion, development and fabrication of solvent-free UV ink systems represents a significant percentage of the company's overall production.

Last Spring, Marabu received further official acknowledgement of its quality assurance systems and environmental practices when it received the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association's (SGIA) annual environmental award. Marabu feels that this accolade, as much as any other, has conferred upon it the status of being a suitable role model for other international companies operating within the screenprinting sector, who are also seeking to establish exemplary policies and actions concerning environmental issues.

And it is also one which provides Marabu with a further incentive to maintain its environmental awareness in the future.

For further information visit: www.marabu-inks.com

INFORMATION

FESPA ‘contact list’ The following list of Telephone, Fax and E-mail numbers will help you when you need to contact a colleague in FESPA.

FESPA board

Telephone

Fax

E-mail

Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado – President

34 914 85 28 70

34 916 71 02 73

rrd@panorama-sa.com

Hellmuth Frey – President Elect

49 408 50 40 21

49 408 537 18 12

siebdruck@aol.com

Michel Caza – Past President

33 1 34 67 16 79

33 1 34 67 28 89

michelcaza@aol.com

Lascelle Barrow

44 207 537 42 00

44 207 531 12 77

las.barrow@amartin.co.uk

Gyorgy Kovacs

36 28 51 66 15

36 28 51 66 16

imago@vnet.hu

Anders Nilsson

46 493 130 40

46 493 121 20

info@gamlebyscreen.se

Enrico Steijn

31 79 343 5353

31 79 343 5354

enrico@imaba.nl

Kurt Sperisen – International Ambassador 41 19 10 51 50

41 19 10 38 66

kurt.sperisen@bluewin.ch

Nigel Steffens – General Secretary

44 1737 22 53 21

44 1737 24 07 70

info@fespa.com

Frazer Chesterman – Exhibition Director 44 1737 22 97 26

44 1737 24 07 70

frazer.chesterman@fespa.com

Val Hirst – FESPA Magazine Editor

44 1623 88 23 98

44 1159 81 81 99

val.hirst@fespa.com

Rudi Röller – ESMA Chairman

49 62 22 57 80

49 62 22 57 82 00

rudi.roeller@kiwo.de

David Parker

44 12 35 77 11 11

44 12 35 77 11 96

dparker@autotype.com

Pedro Rodriguez

34 944 02 27 47

34 944 71 11 82

rodriguezpj@sunchem.com

Sem Seaborne – HSEP Ctee. Chairman

44 12 35 77 11 11

44 12 35 77 11 96

sseaborne@autotype.com

Heinz Brocker – IA Ctee. Chairman

41 71 24 28 686

41 71 24 28 989

Heinz.brocker@gallus.ch

ESMA board

Bryan Collings – General Secretary

44 12 27 28 25 73

44 12 27 28 25 74

bryan@brycol.demon.co.uk

Ralph Roschlau

49 71 41 69 11 26

49 71 41 69 11 03

ros@marabu.de

Daniele de Rosa – EPP Ctee. Chairman

39 03 19 711

39 03 19 33 392

DDerosa@saatiprint.com

Bob Watson – Digital Ctee. Chairman

44 1843 87 21 10

44 1843 87 21 26

bob.watson@sericol.com

44 1737 22 97 23

44 1737 24 07 70

mandy.goldfinch@fespa.com

Michael Ryan – Sales Manager, FESPA 2005 44 1737 22 97 27

44 1737 24 07 70

michael.ryan@fespa.com

Karen Pooley – Operations and Marketing Manager, FESPA 2005

44 1737 22 97 25

44 1737 24 07 70

karen.bentley@fespa.com

Lorraine Harrow – Sales and Marketing Assistant, FESPA 2005

44 1737 24 07 88

44 1737 24 07 70

lorraine.harrow@fespa.com

Ruth Fahie – Sales and Marketing Assistant, FESPA 2005

44 1737 24 07 88

44 1737 24 07 70

ruth.fahie@fespa.com

Ken Chan – Accounts Department

44 1737 22 97 24

44 1737 24 07 70

ken.chan@fespa.com

FESPA secretariat Mandy Goldfinch – PA to Nigel Steffens

Secretaries of FESPA national associations

Telephone

Fax

E-mail / Website

Franz Kimberger

Austria

43 15 12 66 09

43 15 13 28 26 19

verb.druck.u.medientechnik@aon.at

Isabelle Lefebvre

Belgium

32 25 12 36 38

32 25 13 56 76

isabelle.lefebvre@febelgra.be / www.febelgra.be

Eugeny Ivanov

Bulgaria

35 96 082 39 48

35 96 082 39 48

ett@popovo.net

Mirjana Bjelan

Croatia

38 51 45 52 327

38 51 45 52 327

mirjana.bjelan@zg.htnet.hr

Vladimir Havel

Czech Republic

420 487 71 27 12

420 487 72 63 55

vladimir.havel@sca.com

Finn Obbekaer

Denmark

45 63 12 70 00

45 63 12 70 80

fo@ga.dk / www.ga.dk

Regina Aas

Finland

35 89 71 72 99

35 89 73 84 52

regina.as@kolumbus.fi

Arnaud Couvreur

France

33 1 53 89 25 31

33 1 53 89 25 26

gpsfr@noos.fr / www.gpsfr.org

Torben Thorn

Germany

49 611 80 31 15

49 611 80 31 17

tt@bvdm-online.de / www.bvdm-online.de

Kimon Papas

Greece

30 210 52 39 41 6

30 210 52 48 23 7

papath@ath.forthnet.gr

Janos Buranyi

Hungary

36 28 51 66 15

36 28 51 66 16

mszsz@vnet.hu

Oreste Baiono

Italy

39 06 44 18 82 71

39 06 44 24 95 15

siaf@cna.it

www.druckundmedientechnik.or.at

52 FESPA WORLD 12/04

INFORMATION

Marius Gort

Netherlands

31 20 5 43 55 56

31 20 5 43 55 35

zso@kvgo.nl / www.zso.nl

Jon Halvorsen

Norway

47 33 07 15 30

47 33 07 15 31

jeh@ahml.no / www.serigrafer.org

Wojciech Kwinta

Poland

48 12 29 60 385

48 12 65 60 132

biuro@ssp.com.pl / www.ssp.com.pl

José Carragosela

Portugal

35 12 18 49 10 20

35 12 18 43 87 39

geral@apigraf.pt

Marius Codirla

Romania

40 722 28 21 22

40 264 59 71 39

viking@mail.dntcj.ro / www.arsitd.homestead.com

Artem Nadirashvili

Russia

7 09 53 65 38 96

7 09 52 32 18 66

info@midiprint.com / www.rspa.ru

Dusan Golubovic

Serbia and Montenegro 38 11 63 21 23 49

38 11 13 61 50 23

tehnologika@beotel.yu

Ludovit Bartos

Slovakia

42 1 32 74 43 589

42 132 74 30 434

bartos@bartos.sk / www.sietotlacovyzvaz.sk

Mateja Skrl

Slovenia

38 65 36 66 010

38 65 36 66 022

info@efekt.si

Pablo Serrano Cobos

Spain

34 91 307 74 44

34 91 307 76 08

pserrano@aspack.es / www.asibnet.org

Else-Britt Lindeborg

Sweden

46 87 62 68 17

46 86 11 08 28

else-britt.lindeborg@grafiska.se www.screentryck.org

Hans Peter Weiss

Switzerland

41 18 37 10 40

41 18 37 10 42

hp.weiss@wemedia.ch / www.vss-apss.ch

Ibrahim Demirseren

Turkey

90 21 22 22 83 30

90 21 22 21 69 46

ared@ared.org.tr / www.ared.org.tr

Michael Turner

United Kingdom

44 1737 24 07 92

44 1737 24 07 70

info@spauk.co.uk / www.spauk.co.uk

SGIA

1 70 33 8513 35

1 70 32 73 04 56

miker@sgia.org

Other associations Mike Robertson

List of advertisers Aeroterm 45 Autotype 47 Caza 49 Chim 92 19 Colours Scanner Technology GmbH 7 FESPA 2005 25 Fimor 49 Grafica Flextronica 27 J-Teck 21 IEC 51 Marabuwerke GmbH inside front cover RK Siebdruck GmbH 7 Saatiprint SpA 11 Scitex Vision outside back cover ST Online inside back cover VFP 15

Magazine coupon for ordering Fespa World All members of FESPA receive this magazine every three months free. If you are not a FESPA member and wish to order a copy, the annual subscription for four copies, including postage, is €63.00.

Please complete the following order form to ensure your copy for the future. The magazine is published in English with selected summaries in German, French and Spanish. Full translations are available on www.fespaworld.com to members and subscribers.

I enclose my cheque for €63.00 payable to FESPA for issues 39, 40, 41 and 42.

Future issues Issue 39 March 2005, Issue 40 June 2005, Issue 41 September 2005 (Block capitals please)

Name Company Address

Tel: Fax: Photocopy this sheet and send by post or Fax to: M. Goldfinch, FESPA, 7a West Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9BL, UK, Tel: +44 1737 240788 Fax: +44 1737 240770 FESPA WORLD 12/04 53

Alive and kicking!

Marabu's Ralph Roschlau explains why he believes that screenprinters should look forward to a bright future…

"My first thought after having read Stewart' Partridge's article (Summer Issue 36) was: "This guy has listened to Donald Rumsfield's infamous speech relating to, "The old and the new Europe" once too often! My second thought was that Stewart is seeking to rattle the FESPA cage with the objective of provoking FESPA to take a more visionary approach to screenprinting.

Not knowing Stewart's true intention, I have therefore decided to respond to his article with facts rather than emotion.

DRUPA is certainly not a suitable event on which to draw comparisons as to the status and the future of screen printing – and it never was. Screenprinting has always been considered an exotic add-on to this exhibition. The fact that we, the screen printing exhibitors, went to Dusseldorf divided as never before, certainly added to that impression. It has been suggested that at DRUPA 2008, ESMA should present screen printing as exactly what it really is: that is an industrial and graphic printing process which was, is and will be indispensable.

Yes, there is no doubt that screenprinting is alive and kicking. To verify this I suggest that Stewart visits all of the global specialist shows such as MEDIATECH, LABELEXPO, K, GLASSTEC, etc. or industry related shows including PREMIERE, BRAU, CONSUMER ELECTRONICS etc., where our industrial users exhibit many products, which are screenprinted.

The modern digital printer started with a digital press five to 54 FESPA WORLD 12/04

It seem s to me … Fesp a World Issue 3 6 P26-2 7

AND FINALLY…

seven years ago and by now he probably has 10 or more of them.

But he also has one or more brand-new four-colour screen presses. The modern (graphic) screenprinter has automatic coating systems, two or more CTS systems and at least one brandnew four colour presse – and possibly one or two digital presses. For obvious reasons I can't and won't divulge names, but believe me, I have seen these printers. It's a fact that the small screen printers disappear and the big players dominate the market more and more. This is quite similar to greengrocers being replaced by hypermarkets and is a clear case of "small bucks not being able to compete with big bucks", as the Americans would say.

An even more obvious indicator as to where screenprinting stands today, is the fact that it's harder to search for non-screenprinted products in our daily life than the other way around. Our trade is a key element of industrial decoration, meeting specifications and requirements, creating effects and functions which digital printing systems will never meet. In his response (Autumn issue 37) Michel Caza mentioned some of the many segments that screen printing now covers and I also refer to the contents of the article "Scientists Discover New Possibilities for Screen Printing" published in Ink World Magazine 10/2004.

We ourselves have numerous ongoing and future ink projects, which will propel screen printing far beyond today's already extensive scope. Medical applications,

RFID and other functional systems, effects unachievable by other printing methods all serve to provide us with just a few glimpses into the bright future that screen printing is set to enjoy.

The FESPA exhibition in 2005 will, however, still only provide a partial picture of what our industry is able to achieve. It is my opinion that FESPA must try to market this event as a true technology show, rather than the more usual graphic / textiles / semi-industrial exhibition – with digital printing featured as the new highlight. We either wholeheartedly believe in the tremendous scope of our technology as we do at Marabu, or we simply adapt the SGIA style mix of graphic screen, textile and digital exhibitors, which, whilst providing a worthwhile and interesting show in its way, is not totally representative of screen – and digital – printing as a whole.

To enhance such a change in focus (from graphic screen to screenprinting as a future technology) I suggest that FESPA increases its co-operation with ESMA significantly as ESMA's Industrial Applications (IA) and Technical Documentation and Standardisation (TDS) Committees are handling the development of screen printing for tomorrow's world.

And – coming back to Rumsfield's definition of the 'old Europe' we will have to wait and see if the 'New World Order' shows screen printing becoming stronger than ever, with of course, an equally strong digital decoration technology."

About the Author Ralph Roschlau began his career in l969 with a three year apprenticeship during which time he specialised in foreign trade and export issues. When the apprenticeship ended he briefly joined a screenprinting company, before moving on to work as an Export Manager for two different employers. A spell with the fourth largest German Bank, when he worked in the Foreign Trade, Financing and Currency Exchange department, preceded Ralph's appointment as Export Manager for Marabu's Screen Printing Ink division and marked his return to the screen sector in l981. Rapid promotion followed, and in l984 Ralph became the company's Director of International Sales, where he presided over the team which went on to develop Marabu's Screen and Pad inks and its range of Art and Craft products.

By January 2000, following internal restructuring, Ralph was appointed the Director of Sales (including national sales) for Screen, Pad and Digital Inks. He is now the M.D. (Sales and Marketing) of Marabu's Screen, Pad and Digital Division.

Ralph, who is looking forward to celebrating 25 years service with Marabu in April 2006, humourously describes himself as, “an exceptional old dog who is always looking to the future and is willing to learn new tricks!”.

Have you got something you want to say about any of the articles that appear in Fespa World? If so address your comments to Val Hirst at val.hirst@fespa.co.uk