FESPA WORLD Issue 42 - English

Fespa World Editor’s letter Unbelievably, yet another year is about to end already, but 2005 will remain memorable for many reasons. Not least because FESPA 2005 in Munich was such a resounding success, attracting more exhibitors and visitors than any of its predecessors. The exhibition was also something of a landmark event in that it was probably first the FESPA show where screen and digital printing had equal billing and one where proponents of both processes could fully appreciate the advantages of the other. After months of heated debate as to whether digital is set to eclipse screen, the consensus seems to be that the two technologies are complementary rather than conflicting. At least many of the people that I have interviewed this year certainly believe that to be the case, including Ralph Roschlau of Marabu who shares his thoughts about the development of both processes on page 28 Another highlight of 2005 is undoubtedly the launch of FESPA’s first non-European event, Fespa World Expo India, which took place in New Delhi at the beginning of December and attracted almost 10,000 visitors. A review begins on page 32.

But perhaps most importantly 2005 will be remembered as the year when FESPA went global, with new members from Europe and associate members from Asia Pacific being welcomed into the FESPA family for the first time at the FESPA General Assembly in Slovenia. The new members are Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, who will collectively form the Baltic United Screen Printing Association (BUSPA) whilst the associate members are the CSGIA (Chinese Screenprinting & Graphic Imaging Association) the TSGA (Thai Screenprinting & Graphic Association) and last but not least, the SGIAA (Screenprinting & Graphic Imaging Association of Australia). For a full report on the General Assembly turn to page 42.

Finally 2005 will be memorable for all of the wrong reasons too; – seldom have so many natural – and man made - disasters occurred in such a short time span and caused so much grief and devastation. So, on behalf of the entire FESPA team I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful, prosperous and above all, completely uneventful 2006!

Happy New Year!

Val Hirst e-mail: val.hirst@fespa.com Fespa World The membership magazine of the Federation of European Screenprinting Associations Vol.14 / No.42 December 2005 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

NEWS ROUND-UP

4 SUPPLIER NEWS The latest supplier news.

SPECIAL FEATURES

24 THE BIG STORY It’s a white out

8 WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

10 WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

14 ASSOCIATION NEWS The latest association news.

17 DIARY DATES 22 FESPA NEWSLETTER

28 FACE2FACE WITH MARABU

FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2006

OPINION

20 IT SEEMS TO ME Mark Simpson of the Simpson Group urges screen and digital printers to view their businesses through their customers’ eyes

32 FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA REVIEW

38 MEMORIES OF CHINA Michel Caza shares his recollections of the recent ASGA 2005 exhibition in Guangzhou.

INFORMATION Michael Ryan – Sales Manager James Ford – Sales Manager Tel: +44 1737 22 97 27 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70

48 FESPA CONTACT LIST

42 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SLOVENIA

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 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

AND FINALLY…

50 Michel Caza offers the Last Word on FESPA World Expo India 2005

Advertising 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.

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 3

NEWS ROUND-UP – SUPPLIER NEWS

MeadWestvaco selected for DJSI Demonstrating its success in integrating sustainability practices with core business objectives and values, packaging leader MeadWestvaco Corporation has revealed that it has been selected as a member of the 2006 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the second consecutive year. The DJSI represents the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the Dow Jones Global Index in terms of economic, environmental and social performance.

MeadWestvaco also ranked best in class in the Containers

and Packaging industry group, demonstrating outstanding leadership in industry-specific categories including energyand cost-efficient process improvements and social and environmental standards for suppliers.

The DJSI World was launched in 1999 as the first equity benchmark to track the financial performance of sustainability leaders on a global scale.

Of the 2,500 global companies assessed, the DJSI World included only 317 companies from 24 countries.

Inca Digital Printers has formally received its two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise from the LordLieutenant of Cambridgeshire.

The awards, which recognise its achievements in Innovation and International Trade, were accepted by Inca’s Managing Director Bill Baxter on behalf of the Inca team, during an event held at the company’s Cambridge premises, which was also attended by Ian Stewart, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council.

Inca, now a member of the Dainippon Screen Group of Companies, is one of only a handful of companies to receive two Queen’s Awards this year, out of the 133 businesses set to be given the honour during 2005.

4 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

Baxter, Managing Director, Inca Digital.

Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire with Bill

Inca receives Queen’s Awards

The company’s exports have increased nearly six-fold over the past three years and account for more than 80 percent of last year’s £14m turnover.

Comments Bill Baxter: "It was certainly a day to remember and we are delighted to have won these two awards, which recognise the hard work and dedication of all of the Inca team. But I would also like to acknowledge the immense contribution of our partners and suppliers, particularly our partnership with Fujifilm Sericol, who supply the UV cure inks for Inca’s flatbed printers and distribute them worldwide, as this has helped to assure our success."

Agfa-Gevaert confirms 2005 outlook Agfa has announced its third quarter results, which reveal that although Graphic Systems posted continued volume growth, results were affected by persistent high raw material costs and price erosion. The Agfa Group’s overall results were adversely affected by

the insolvency of AgfaPhoto, Marc Olivié, Agfa’s President and CEO, stated: "Both Graphic Systems and HealthCare expect to have a strong fourth quarter and we can confirm our outlook for the year."

Flint Ink merger completed The acquisition of U.S.-based Flint Ink Corporation by German-based XSYS Print Solutions was completed at the end of September, following approval of the acquisition and subsequent merger by regulatory authorities in Europe and the U.S. The new company, which had revenues of $2.6 billion/ € 2.1 billion in 2004, now has approximately 8,000 employees in 160 sites in 35 countries, and ranks as the number one or number two supplier in every major region it serves.

"The printing ink industry has remained fragmented at a time when our customers have expanded geographically to increase market reach while consolidating production to

strengthen their market positions," said Dave Frescoln, CEO of Flint Ink, who has been named CEO of the combined company. "Having the necessary size and reach to meet the demands of these global customers is absolutely critical if we are to remain a strong competitor in the future.

By realising the synergies of complementary product portfolios, regional representation, unsurpassed technical talent and a strong management team, the new company is well positioned to meet the continuing challenges of customer demands in a rapidly changing, worldwide market place."

French Connection for GMG GMG, the German company which develops and markets high-end digital proofing and colour management solutions, including the award-winning GMG ColorProof O4, has now formed a new division, GMG France, in order to forge closer relationships with its French clients and to establish a strong technical and commercial presence. The first aim of the new division is to form a solid reseller network and, as part of this, Fuji France, a GMG partner from the start, is providing national coverage for large companies, whilst O2i, has been selected to cover the greater

Paris area and Pixel-Tech the RhÙne-Alpes region.

HervÈ Schwertz of GMG France comments, "The French division is now responsible for organising the distribution of GMG software solutions, logistics and technical support throughout France and we are also setting up GMG certification to verify the quality and consistency of the service provided by our selected resellers, who have already received training from us."

GMG France plan to finalise the coverage of the French territory by Spring 2006.

SUPPLIER NEWS

Speakers at the recent IMI

The latest IMI European Ink Jet Printing Conference was held in Lisbon during November and covered such riveting topics as Xaar’s new printhead platform, the growth of inkjet printing technology and the latest developments in printed electronics. There were presentations from a number of leading industry experts, all of which can be viewed and downloaded in pdf format from the IMI website.

Visit www.imieurope.com

Conference.

Latest IMI Conference a hit

VUTEk Beta Site reports outstanding results

The first U.S. installation of a VUTEk PressVu UV 320/400, UVcuring, 3.2-metre flatbed rigid and roll-to-roll printer at Gigantic Color Inc., has exceeded

all expectations, with the company reporting that it is now able to complete jobs three times quicker than before.

Troy McGinnis, Gigantic Color,

Inc., General Manager comments, "Our biggest challenge is keeping the PressVu UV fed. It is so quick that we employ two people to load-up substrates and unload print, almost exclusively. Other digital flatbed printers are cost effective up to around 50 prints - but now we are still profitable when producing up to 400 prints."

Installed in late June, Gigantic Color bought the PressVu UV 320/400 to serve the silkscreen market, and to enable it to be competitive on jobs requiring longer run lengths, whilst also offering the benefits of digital technology for variable data production.

NUR to restate financial statements NUR has received comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2004. NUR believes that the comments were issued by the SEC in the normal course of its mandate under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to regularly review the periodic filings of all publicly-traded companies.

Amongst other things, the SEC asked NUR to comment on

certain matters, including clarification regarding the accounting for certain loan and warrant transactions that occurred in July 2003. Following a review of the accounting for the July 2003 Transaction, NUR expects to amend and restate its previously issued financial statements and other financial information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, although it does not anticipate that this will have

any adverse effects.

In response to the SEC comments, NUR also plans to file as an additional exhibit to the amended 2004 Annual Report, an audit report associated with the audit of a wholly-owned subsidiary.

NUR’s shareholders recently approved the private placement of $12 million by investors led by Fortissimo Capital and the restructuring of the company’s outstanding bank debt.

Zund America and MacDermid ColorSpan form alliance MacDermid ColorSpan, Inc. has entered into a market alliance with Zund America, Inc., to copromote digital workflow solutions featuring ColorSpan UV-curable inkjet printers and Zund precision cutters for the display graphics market. As part of this agreement, ColorSpan displayed a Zund precision graphic cutting system at its booth at the recent SGIA Digital Expo in Phoenix, and Zund supplied an "M" series cutter to MacDermid ColorSpan for the demonstration facility at its Eden Prairie, MN headquarters.

"Showing customers how much labour and materials they can save by printing directly to rigid display and sign boards with our line of DisplayMaker UV-curable inkjet printers is only half of the benefit of moving to a digital environment," said Bruce Butler, Marketing Director of MacDermid ColorSpan, Inc. "The next logical step is to use the digital information to automate the cutting and finishing of the print to further reduce labour and improve throughput and accuracy."

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 5

SUPPLIER NEWS

Sun Chemicals warn of price rise Sun Chemical has recently announced price increases in Europe of six to 10 percent, depending on the specific products, due to continued and rapid increases in raw material prices, as well as shortages of many key ingredients. The increases, effective from January 1, will cover inks, coatings,

fountain solutions and other printing consumables supplied by the company.

Felipe Mellado, Corporate Vice President Marketing, Sun Chemical Europe, said: "Sun Chemical is proactively working with its supplier base, monitoring industry conditions and continuing internal efficiency

programmes to mitigate the impact of rising costs, material scarcities and transportation availability. However, given the rapidity and scale of cost increases, we are forced to implement price increases to cover basic costs that are not expected to drop any time soon."

Appointments

Peter Henning

Peter Henning has recently assumed responsibility for the worldwide sales activities of

6 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

technology company, Arccure.

Henning, who has over 15 years experience in international sales, previously worked for UNAXIS Data Storage in its Sales Europe and Emerging Markets sector as Local Division Manager.

At Arccure Technologies he will assume responsibility for the overall sales activities worldwide for both the UV Curing and RFID Process divisions, together with the further development of the international sales structure.

Matthias Rapp

NUR Macroprinters Ltd. has announced that David Reis has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of NUR. Currently the CEO of ImageID, a venture backed technology startup business, Reis comes to NUR with extensive experience in the industry, having previously been the CEO of Scitex Vision, when he grew the company’s revenues significantly. Prior to that he served as CEO of Idanit. Reis succeeds David Amir, NUR’s current CEO and President, who is expected to advise the company during the management transition. Until David Reis takes up his new position, some time during the next three months, Eli Blatt, a partner at Fortissimo Capital Fund and a member of NUR's board of directors will serve as its interim Chief Executive Officer.

Within this new organisational structure, Matthias Rapp, General Manager Sales and Branch Manager of Arccure's Service and Competence Centre Print, which is based in Kornwestheim near Stuttgart, additionally assumes responsibility for the company’s key accounts and OEM customers.

Inca Digital has appointed Roger Walkley to the position of Product Manager for Flatbed Printers.

Walkley, who has worked within the inkjet printing sector for the past 20

years, will be based at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge and will spend time with both existing and potential customers in order to fully evaluate the requirements of the graphic arts marketplace. His responsibilities will include analysing market data in order to help determine how Inca’s products and services can be developed to meet the everchanging needs of the industry.

Bedigital has announced the appointment of JJ Hendriks, who will become responsible for the expansion of Bedigital’s international sales activities.

Already well known within the large format printing sector for setting up international distribution networks, Hendriks can call on more than 12 years experience of digital printing technology, gained whilst working as Regional Sales Manager Europe for Seal/Hunt Graphics Inc. and, most recently, for ColorGATE GmbH. Wolfgang Maske has been appointed as Sales Director of GMG GmbH & Co. KG, the creator

of colour management systems, with immediate effect. He is responsible for the sales regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Prior to joining GMG, Maske held the position of Sales Manager at ColorGATE GmbH and has formerly worked for EFI, where he played a crucial role in the company's success by setting up the specialist retail channel.

Inkware, a VUTEk company, has appointed Stephen Emery as InkwareOEM Sales and Marketing Manager. Emery will be responsible for increasing worldwide business relations with existing and new OEM customers and third-party ink businesses.

Emery comes to Inkware with more than 20 years experience in the digital imaging industry, most recently, running the worldwide sales and marketing for American Ink Jet Corporation.

In his new role he will endeavour to gain a fuller understanding of customers’ needs, emerging applications, and opportunities to capitalise on the company’s expertise in solvent and UV curable inks and new technologies.

NEWS ROUND-UP – WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

They don’t do things by halves at Screentec Print. The Yorkshire –based UK point-of-sale producer, who was literally bursting out of its 26,000 sq. ft Wakefield factory, has recently upped sticks and moved to a new site with no less than double the floor space.

And already up and running at its new Ferrybridge premises is a two-colour Thieme 5060 UV screen-printing line that will provide the core of the company’s large-format media production as it reasserts its position in the top league of UK POP providers.

"We had been desperate for some 18 months to find a location in the Wakefield area that would provide the space to house a Thieme large-format machine, as well as to upgrade our pre-press facilities and expand our finishing capacity," says Screentec Managing Director, John Durkin.

"This new site is more than big enough to house everything we planned, plus provide plenty of room for the additional Thieme line, which we fully expect to need soon."

Established in Leeds in 1982, Screentec has operated from Wakefield for the dozen or so years that it has been owned

by Durkin and his co-directors, Colin Baxter and Malcolm Smith.

Left to right: Andrew Kippax of Thieme KPX; Derek Johnson, Colin Baxter, Trevor Rippon and John Durkin of Screentec.

New line opens doors at Screentec

During that time, it has built up two complementary print businesses from scratch, with a combined turnover of over £3.5 million. Now, with the help of the Thieme’s work-eating production capacity and no physical constraints on expansion, the company aims quickly to double this figure.

"The Thieme 5000 series machines are, seriously, the only solution today for large-format POP work," says Durkin." Their print quality consistency is a given. Their quick-change, fast throughput capability is ideally suited to the short-deadline demands of the 400 to 500 store

retailers, whilst the two-colour configuration provides the optimum job versatility and flexibility."

For Business Development Director, Derek Johnson, the importance of the Thieme name and what it represents in terms of size and multicolour capability, can’t be underestimated. "I was banging my head against a brick wall trying to sell to new prospects against rival suppliers equipped with Thieme lines," he says.

"Increasingly, buyers are becoming conversant with the name and capabilities of the Thieme machine and even

those that are not quite so specific will nevertheless only consider suppliers who can offer a large-format, multi-colour capability.

"For example, for the first time, we can take full advantage of the creative cardboard engineering talents of our design people and tap into the lucrative and fastgrowing dump-bin and merchandiser market. Without the Thieme’s 2150 x 1570mm sheet capacity, this would be impossible."

For further information on Thieme machines visit: www.thieme-products.com or e-mail: sales@thiemekpx.co.uk

Solarcat makes its mark A major breakthrough in UV ink technology, which has dramatically improved both efficiency and production speeds, has been announced by Sun Chemical, one of the world’s largest producers of printing inks and pigments.

The company used the occasion of the Labelexpo Europe exhibition, which took place during September, to introduce Solarcat, which they claim, is not only the most advanced cationic UV flexo ink system of its kind in 8 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

the world; it is one which also offers curing times that are at least twice as fast as other products currently available.

The ink, which is part of Sun Chemical’s Solaris ink portfolio, combines outstanding technical properties with significant delivery improvements to offer higher cure speed, lower humidity sensitivity, low press room odour and a huge reduction in the creation of hazardous photoinitiator by-products during the curing process.

Felipe Mellado, Sun Chemical’s European Vice-President, Technology and Marketing, comments: "The creation of the Solaris range signals our commitment to the needs of the growing narrow-web market and the development of Solarcat further demonstrates our commitment to building productivity, innovation, global reach and local service into the Solaris product line."

For further information visit www.sunchemical.com/solaris

WHAT’S NEW IN SCREENPRINTING

Multi-stretching with pneumatic stretching clamps

Sefar has compared the relative merits of the different methods of stretching mesh pneumatically and has now published a summary of its findings.

It suggests that whilst pneumatic stretching systems only stretch a single frame, as a rule, it is possible to stretch several frames simultaneously.

This can be done in two ways, each of which offers advantages and disadvantages.

When stretching mesh with a support frame, the pneumatic stretching clamps rest against the frame and a bottom supporting plate, with the printing frame being positioned within the support frame. This method is suitable for small frames (3D objects etc.) and for frames of differing sizes. The size of the support frame is chosen to correspond with the existent mesh width.

The advantage of this method is that printing frames can be positioned anywhere within the support frame and can even be angled if so desired. However, the printing frames cannot be pre-

tensioned and the support frame dimensions limit both the number and size of the printing frames.

Further, depending on the spacing between frames and their angle, the amount of mesh waste can be relatively large. Mesh can also be multistretched with spacers, a method that is suitable for stretching two or four frames at the same time. Special spacers made from metal, hardwood or sufficiently durable plastic, are laid between the individual frames. It is important that the spacers are robust enough to withstand the forces that develop during the stretching process.

The length of the spacers should be 60% of the side length of the frame that is being stretched. The height is adjusted to correspond with the frame rest on the stretching clamps and ideally, there should be threaded bolts to adjust the spacer height.

This technique is especially suitable for standardised frame

Sefar to launch Laser Direct Screen System (LDS)

formats, for example, for fourcolour half tones, for printing Tshirts, labels and 3D objects.

This method offers the dual advantages that the frames are pre-tensioned during the stretching process and, because there is little mesh waste, it is also a relatively low cost solution.

However, only four frames can be stretched at any one time and it isn’t possible to use this method for angled stretching. It may also be necessary to use multiple sets of spacers with differing dimensions, depending on the proportions and sizes of the various frames being stretched.

For further information visit: www.sefar.com

Sefar and LuP (Laser u. Picture GmbH) have formed a partnership to develop and market a novel laser-based direct exposure system for screen printing stencils based on laser technology. This Laser Direct Screen System, or LDS, is specifically targeted at printers of optical discs and similar smallformat applications, such as label printing, and printing onto solid objects. Sefar’s prepress, mesh and screen printing expertise, combined with LuP’s laser exposure know-how will ensure that customers benefit from a comprehensive, coordinated solution package that covers the entire range of process steps from the arrival of the customer’s data, to the printed product.

The exposure system, which will be marketed as SEFAR LDS, and will be available during the second quarter of 2006, will offer users significant benefits. These include optimal process coordination across the board, from prepress to actual printing, high productivity, with faster and less expensive prepress, exposure and printing processes and reliability and stability.

Moreover, they will also enjoy high-quality printing, with resolution set to increase from 1200 dpi to 2400 dpi during the coming year.

With Sefar’s industrially precoated PCF fabric already firmly established in the marketplace, SEFAR LDS marks a further step towards the simplification of the prepress aspects of screen printing, whilst also helping to reduce the overall costs.

For further information visit: www.sefar.com FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 9

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

New DisplayMaker UV printer

MacDermid ColorSpan has introduced its third flatbed /rollfed hybrid, piezo-electric UV inkjet printer, the DisplayMaker 98UVX. Developed as an extension to the 72UVR and 72UVX, the new machine offers the ability to print on to rigidsheets or flexible roll stock up to 250 cm wide and 12.7 mm thick. Designed around 16 600dpi Micro-Quadô piezo-electric printheads, it delivers true 600 x 600-dpi quality at print speeds up to 438 square feet / hour. The DisplayMaker 98UVX uses an open, non-obstructive design that reduces the footprint space requirements whilst making it

easy to use. When configured for printing rigid materials, two 91 cm x 257 cm roller tables are attached to the front and rear of the printer to accommodate sheets up to 152 cm in length.

Optionally, two additional tables can be added for sheets up to 305 cm. The tables can easily be removed for printing of roll-toroll flexible media. The loading of rigid materials has been made easier in a number of ways.

First, the 98UVX features a releasable pinch roller system for easy insertion. Once in place, the pinch rollers are engaged with a variable force adjustment to work with a wide variety of materials.

Pressing the load button causes the printer to use its integrated Automation Eye to sense the right, left and front edges whilst also checking for media skew.

It then accurately positions the media for printing automatically.

The Media Wizard feature stores many of the characteristics of a particular media, such as media feed advance rate, UV Lamp intensity and platen vacuum force. When changing media type, the Media Wizard restores the proper values, greatly reducing the time to switch from one type of media to another.

For further information visit: www.colorspan.com

Speedy TruColor textiles

3P InkJet Textiles has modified the packaging of its TruColor 98inch wide XL-cloths to facilitate next day delivery throughout Europe via UPS. In future, XL cloths will be securely packed in boxes, which 10 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

will ensure safe delivery, whilst also reducing the necessity for customers to carry large stocks thus ensuring a significant cost saving. A wide variety of TruColor materials, which can be printed using solvent, eco-solvent

and UV-curable inks, are now available in the 98inch width, including flags, banners, fine-art canvas and cotton.

For further information e-mail: elkegrotmann@ 3p-inktextiles.com

Fillink cartridges race ahead Following its launch earlier this year, Fillink SOL 64, the first generic odourless solvent ink solution for the Seiko/Océ ColorPainter printers, is already being used by over 50 customers in Europe.

Billed by Fillink, as the first really cost-effective, qualityengineered ink for Seiko's ColorPainter wide-format printer. SOL 64 combines a massive 50% price advantage over manufacturer-branded inks with an elegant 'chipped cartridge' solution that conforms to the architecture of the ColorPainter to provide optimal performance.

The ColorPainter is the latest wide-format printer for which Fillink has developed its own cartridges and programmed chips, ensuring customers make a smooth transition from OEM to generic inks without any issues of quality or reliability.

With Fillink's 'plug and play' solutions, customers do not have to change firmware or anything else in the process – they simply remove the OEM cartridge, extract the ink from the system with Fillink dummy cartridges and install the new Fillink cartridge, a process that takes just 30 minutes. Fillink inks are miscible with the OEM inks, so there is no need for flushing.

After downloading ready-made ICC profiles for most available RIPs from Fillink's website, the printer is ready for production and, in common with all Fillink solutions comes complete with Fillink's comprehensive warranty covering print-heads and ink circuit.

For further information visit: www.fillink.eu.com

Lüscher’s JetPrint 3530 UV on target for success Following its launch earlier this year, Lüscher AG has reported further success for the JetPrint 3530 UV flatbed printer.

Following its showing at FESPA, Lüscher has installed five machines to customers in France, Greece, Germany and Switzerland and is now in the process of concluding sales in Japan, the USA and the rest of Europe.

According to Lüscher, customers appreciate the JetScreen’s generous print surface

which extends to a maximum of 3500 x 3050 mm and the fact that it offers by far the greatest flexibility in terms of print substrates. Almost all rigid and flexible print materials, up to a thickness of 80 mm and a weight of 250 kg per m2 can be used without difficulty. Thanks to the fixed print table, which features individually adjustable vacuum zones, handling substrates is also extremely easy. They also appreciate its speed of up to

200 m2/h depending on the substrate used.

The patented print unit with four x 16 print heads (a total of 64 jetting assemblies with 8192 nozzles) and an adjustable pinning system which facilitates the pre-hardening of the UV ink, enables flexible colour configuration and an ink-curing process adjusted to each substrate. The JetPrint can be configured as a four, six or eight colour system as well as a four, six or seven colour

Signing the contract with Photoprocessing, Athens.

Photo of the JetPrint from the FESPA 05, Munich.

WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

system with a white option. In addition, the JetPrint is equipped with a fully automatic print head maintenance station, allowing for reliable high print quality and very easy operation.

For further information visit: www.luescher.com

Digital label printing revolutionised

Xaar plc, and its integration subsidiary Vivid Print Innovations has teamed with Imaging Technology International to produce an innovative digital web press that integrates the most advanced Xaar digital inkjet technology.

The Digital Web Press (DWP) is a robust production system developed by ITI for label converters, printed circuit manufacturers and companies working in the biomedical sector.

It is ideal for any application

that requires the short run economics of a digital system combined with leading edge positional accuracy. The ability to jet print inks or specialised fluids at micron accuracy onto a moving substrate makes the DWP a universal and unique product.

The Digital Web Press collaboration integrates ITI’s material handling, motion control and system design expertise, with Xaar‘s precision printhead technology and strong engineering support, and the printhead support software and hardware from Vivid Print. ITI is the overall system designer and manufacturer.

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

New super wide format X-Y trimmers Fotoba has launched an X-Y Trimmer that is capable of handling super wide format media. The XL250 and XL300 can handle rolls of media up to 2.5m and 3.0m respectively and can be used in tandem with most popular makes of wide format printers and all of the recognised colour RIPS. Large diameter rolls of media can also be cut perfectly on the image side and can correct web tracking errors made by the printers. Even if the prints are

not parallel to the web edge, or the roll is not wound straight, the cutter will follow the image without any errors. It can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of different media up to a maximum thickness of 0.8mm (32ml) including polycarbonates, laminated and encapsulated media, photo paper, vinyls and banners.

For further information visit www.leopold.co.uk or www.fotoba.com

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 11

WHAT’S NEW IN DIGITAL PRINTING

Decorate food – digitally!

Spectra Technology Integration, a business unit of the Spectra Printing Division of Dimatix, Inc. has recently demonstrated its Merlin FG at the Pack Expo Exhibition in Las Vegas.

The Merlin FG is the world’s first, high speed, non-impact ink jet imaging system suitable for decoration of food products such as cookies, biscuits, chips, chocolates, candies and other baked goods, confectionery and dairy products.

Spectra’s digital decoration system allows direct, non-impact, variable imaging and decoration onto a food product’s surface at full-production speed without any intermediary steps. Prestored images, text and graphics can be imaged and repeated time and again or varied surface-tosurface.

The Merlin FG exhibited at Pack Expo was configured for a single manufacturing lane.

However, the unit’s modular system architecture can easily be increased to support multiple lane decoration, a wider print

width, or both, to greatly enhance the system’s overall productivity. The base configuration supports an image width of 2.8 inches for single lane imaging and can be run at imaging speeds of more than 500 feet per minute. The system is designed to run at the full rated production speed of the manufacturing line without hampering the line’s overall effectiveness. A fully configured system can decorate an astonishing 65,000 unique products per minute. It is designed for four-colour printing, but monochrome solutions are also available. The system supports many standard file formats including TIFF, JPEG, EPS, WMP, and PCX. Image data can be presented via a network interface or CD. A Windows 2000 based graphical user interface provides system access using intuitive and easy to use menus with the added convenience of touchscreen capability.

The Merlin FG can be adapted

to any production requirements allowing colourants, flavours and fragrances to be applied at the most appropriate stage of the production process. Imaging can occur when the food product is still warm, delicate, wet, liquid or uncooked to enable exiting, cooling and drying processes that allow the colourants to fix to the food before packaging. The FDA approved colourants that are jetted, dry by absorption or evaporation to create durable full-color images on the product.

The system which includes imaging hardware, controller electronics and fluid supply can either be integrated into an existing food manufacturing line or it can be used as a standalone unit with its own conveyor.

When configured as an inline unit, the imaging hardware is placed above the manufacturing line and connected to the floormounted controller via umbilical cable.

For further information visit: www.dimatix.com

Mutoh launch third generation inks Mutoh Europe NV has launched a new generation of eco solvent inks for the Mutoh Rockhopper family of printers. Known as Eco-Solvent Ultra, the range is the natural accompaniment to the company’s original Eco Solvent range for use in conjunction with coated media and its Eco Solvent Plus range for use with uncoated media.

The new Eco-Solvent Ultra inks have been specifically developed for the Rockhopper 12 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

piezo print heads, extending print head life and thus lowering the total cost of ownership. Priced at 20 percent below the Mutoh Eco-Solvent Plus range, Eco-Solvent Ultra inks offer similar benefits, together with the added advantage of extra enhancements such as a higher colour gamut, faster drying time, improved ink fixation, improved scratch resistance, higher print speed on uncoated

self-adhesive PVC and a wider media compatibility.

Eco-Solvent Ultra inks are UV and water resistant for up to three years outdoors and are especially suitable for applications such as vehicle and floor graphics where prints are exposed to intensive mechanical stress and abrasion. Mutoh recommend lamination for best results.

For further information visit: www.print-sign.be

NEWS ROUND-UP – ASSOCIATION NEWS

FESPA goes global FESPA is expanding its global reach, welcoming four new associations into the Fespa family with immediate effect. FESPA’s member base in northern Europe is growing with the addition of a new joint association representing the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Known as the Baltic United Screen Printing Association (BUSPA), the joint body represents over 220 screen and digital printers from the region.

Three new associate member organisations have also been accepted from the Asia Pacific region: from China, the CSGIA (Chinese Screenprinting & Graphic Imaging Association), from Thailand, the TSGA (Thai Screenprinting & Graphic Association) and, from Australia, the SGIAA (Screenprinting &

Graphic Imaging Association of Australia).

FESPA General Secretary Nigel Steffens comments; “FESPA’s ongoing expansion beyond Europe is indicative of the globalisation which is defining the future of the screen and digital printing industries, and we’re delighted to welcome these four new member associations.

The applications from the four newcomers were unanimously ratified at FESPA’s recent annual General Assembly, which took place in the breathtaking natural surroundings of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Over 60 delegates attended the Assembly, representing over 20 worldwide associations.”

For a full report on the General Assembly see pages 42-47.

Around the World with FESPA At the recent Fespa World Expo India 2005 exhibition, FESPA President Hellmuth Frey presented Mr Song, Chairman of the Chinese Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association (CSGIA),and retiring President of ASGA, with a FESPA Special Award to mark the end of his presidency of ASGA, whilst Mr C Y Lee, President of Korean Screen Printing Association, who will take over as Chairman of ASGA from 2006, looks on.

New European and Asia Pacific members welcomed at 2005 FESPA General Assembly in Slovenia.

Delegates at the meeting of the FESPA and ASGA Boards, which took place in Guangzhou during the ASGA 2005 Exhibition. Among the wide ranging topics discussed, it was agreed that closer co-operation between the two organisations was the number one priority.

Postojna Print Forum a model for future events The third Slovenian/Italian Print Forum, which was recently held in Postojna, Slovenia and enjoyed the support of FESPA, CeSDT and Viscom, covered a wide range of topics and attracted more than 200 visitors over a two day period.

The event was opened with a brief introduction by Edvard Stenard, who was followed to the podium by FESPA’s Michel Caza and Brigitte Hunt of Viscom. They both stressed the benefits that can be gained when individuals work together and share knowledge and information. In fact, this sentiment was the underlying theme of the whole Forum. The first session featured a presentation by CeSDT and centered on the advantages that can be gained when using a EU funded CeSDT portal. This enables screen, digital and pad printing plants on both sides of the border between Slovenia and Italy to pool information and ideas electronically, without incurring any cost. This was followed by a session that demonstrated the 14 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

capabilities of Photoshop.

Presented by Giovanni Re of Roland Europe, who revealed many tips and tricks, it enabled delegates to learn how they can gain maximum advantage from their software. After a brief refreshment break which also offered delegates an opportunity to visit the adjacent exhibition area, everyone reassembled to hear Luigino De Lazzari of Cielle give a presentation on Polyfunctional engraving devices, which covered everything from manual to digital engraving. After lunch Edoardo Elmi of Caledonia, fronted a hugely entertaining session on how to increase the impact of digital printing with the use of special effects available in screen printing and later, Ettore Colico, from Sei, gave a fascinating presentation on laser technology, during which he explained how it was possible to undertake precision plotting and cutting of substrates. The final presentation of the afternoon was

by Peter Kiddell, of PDS Consulting, who spoke about his

recently launched e-learning programme for screen, digital and pad printers. An enjoyable dinner at a local restaurant provided the perfect conclusion to an interesting and thoroughly informative first day.

The second day began with a presentation by Brigitte Hunt of VisCom, who gave a brief overview of her vision for the future of the visual communications sector. Brigitte believes that narrowcasting – the targetting of specific audiences using plasma, LCD and TFT screens powered via the internet will be the next big thing. The second speaker, Mario Picchio, of Roland Europe, revealed how delegates can make maximum profit from their digital printing equipment. He was followed by Dario Rampinelli, also from Roland, who identified the causes of banding whilst printing digitally and provided tips on how to avoid it.

After a refreshment break, Edvard Stenard and his colleague Smon Demsar from IB-PROCADD

covered the principles of colour management, during which they examined ICC profiles, concluding that correct colour control enables printers to reduce costs and achieve work of a higher quality.

Another excellent lunch, preceded a presentation from Marco Pigato of Bent, who spoke of the importance of choosing the most appropriate materials when digitally printing banners. The final session was presented by Michel Caza, who tackled the topic of certified pdf and explained that FESPA and Enfocus have worked closely together to produce pdf profiles for the screen and digital sectors. At the end of the two days, delegates agreed that the presentations, which were simultaneously translated into Slovenian, Italian and English, had been excellent and that the Slovenian Association had provided a highly successful blueprint on which future events of this kind can be modeled.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Slovakian Seminar a resounding success Piestany in Slovakia was the venue for the recent joint Slovakian/Czech Republic seminar, where 36 printers from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary assembled for a series of presentations by Bill Appleton. Bill, who is a very popular speaker on the international circuit and one who has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of screenprinting, has been involved in the screenprint sector for most of his working life and is currently undertaking research for McDermid Autotype. He was ably assisted

by Zuzana Orolinova, who supplied live translations from

English into Slovakian. On the first day of the two-day event, Bill presented four papers which covered developments in process colour and high fidelity printing; low profile stencil technology; understanding and controlling moirÊ in screen process printing and the ideal sequence for four colour printing. These certainly provided delegates with food for thought, and discussions on the day’s topics continued over a good dinner. Later that evening, delegates demonstrated their prowess at ten-pin bowling and the day was rounded off with an impromptu concert when guitars were produced and everyone was encouraged to sing traditional

Czech and Slovak songs!

The second day was an open forum, which provided the 26 attendees who had stayed on, with the chance to discuss all of the issues raised during the previous day. Interestingly, the delegates helped each other to find solutions to their individual problems, with Bill Appleton on hand to provide expert advice as and when needed. All of the delegates, who were presented with a CD containing Slovakian translations of all of the presentations, agreed that the event had been a huge success and had combined lots of useful information with a welcome break from the daily grind.

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 15

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Spanish steps

DSPA backs online training

AEDES, the Spanish Screenprinting Association has announced a number of new initiatives.

The UK Digital and Screen Printing Association (DSPA) has launched an online e-learning initiative for screen printers in conjunction with World of Print, a division of PDS Consulting, a global consultancy for screen, digital and pad printing.

World of Print e-learning courses are economically priced, starting from just £60.00 per student for a two month course, up to £175.00 for a six month course, with all courses leading to a DSPA accreditation upon completion. US based screen printers have already begun to recognise the benefits of the package and World of Print currently plans to make courses available in most European languages as well as in Indian and Chinese.

The course will provide the required underpinning knowledge for each discipline within the screen printing process and students will be

It recently organised a special seminar session designed to provide its members with information about the management of dangerous wastes, such as solvents, screen cleaning products, contaminated drapes and metal and plastic containers. The seminar covered all of the ecologically sound methods of containment and disposal and provided members with the opportunity to discuss their specific problems and concerns.

The AEDES directory, which seeks to promote Spanish screen, digital and pad printing companies and provides information as to their capabilities, together with full contact details, is already enjoying wide circulation via the

Spanish Foreign office and Local Chambers of Trade and Commerce. Potential customers will also shortly be able to access this information through AEDES’s website at www.asibnet.org AEDES and five of its member companies recently visited the Serigrafia & Sign Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The delegation also took the opportunity to visit local screen printing businesses to share information and to discuss the possibility of setting up distribution agreements. The visit, which was organised in collaboration with FESPA, represents the first step toward the formation of a Brazilian Screenprinting Association and possibly, an exhibition in South America.

Augustus Martin sweep the Board!

London’s Stationers Hall was once again the venue for the DPSA’s annual awards dinner, which was attended by some 200 people. Designed to recognise excellence in screen and digital printing, the awards honoured companies

16 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

competing in nine different categories. However, the undisputed winner of the evening was London based printer Augustus Martin, who broke it’s own previous record by scooping up four separate awards!

allocated an e-tutor, who will be available to assist via email communication.

Learning materials will comprise of a mix of video photographs and technical information in text form and each lesson will include multiple sections, enabling students to spend as much or as little time as they need and to return to each lesson as many times as they wish.

Though based in the UK, PDS company consultants travel world wide, advising manufacturing and printing companies on all aspects of screen and pad printing and in collaboration with the DSPA, also provide a series of NVQ's within the screen printing industry.

A free demonstration lesson can be found on the company’s website at www.worldofprint.co.uk along with registration details.

Diary dates for 2005/6/7 TV Textilveredlung & Promotion 27th-29th January, 2006 Stuttgart Fairground Organiser Messe Stuttgart Tel.: +49 (0) 711 / 2589 - 225 Fax.: +49 (0) 711 / 2589 - 657 e-mail: annabell.bischoff@messestuttgart.de www.messe-stuttgart.de

Graphic and Visual Symphony 2006 15th-17th February 2006 Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles – Hall 6 Organiser: SEMP Tel: 33 1 48 55 05 49 Fax: 33 1 48 55 11 88 info@semp-france.fr www.semp-france.fr

Printwear & Promotion Exhibition 2006 26th – 28th February 2006 Hall 17 NEC, Birmingham, UK Organiser: Datateam Tel: +44 (0)1622 687 031 e-mail: rsmith@datateam.co.uk www.printwearexhibition.co.uk

If you would like your event to feature on this page, please send full information via e-mail to Val Hirst at: val@valhirst.demon.co.uk

SGIAA 2006 Conference

IPEX

AD Visual and Viscom Russia

10th – 13th March 2006 Hyatt Regency, Coolum, Australia Organiser: Screenprinting & Graphics Imaging Association of Australia www.sgiaa.asn.au

4th-11th April, 2006 NEC, Birmingham, UK Organiser:: IIR Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7915 5614/5681 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7915 5021/5096 www.ipex.org

26th- 29th September 2006 Expocentre Krasnaja Presnja, Moscow, Hall 7/ 1-2 Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH Tel: +49 (0)211 – 90 191 218 Fax: +49 (0)211 – 90 191 121 e-mail: DSchmeisser@reedexpo.de www.reedexpo.ru

FESPA Secretaries' Meeting 17th-19th March 2006, Amsterdam Venue to be advised

DSPA GALA Dinner & Dance 25th March 2006 Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK Organiser: DSPA Tel: +44 (0)1737 240 792 Contact: Ms Debbie Franklin Debbie.franklin@dspa.co.uk www.dspa.co.uk

ISA 5th-8th April, 2006 Orange Convention Centre Orlando Organiser: ISA Tel: 001-703 836-4012 Fax: 001-703 836-8353 e-mail info@signexpo.org www.isaexpo.org

Screenprint 2006 9th-11th May 2006 NEC, Birmingham, UK Orangiser: Faversham House Group Screenprint www.screenprintexpo.com

FESPA Digital Printing Europe 16th – 18th May 2006 RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Organiser: FESPA Tel: +44 1737 229 727 Fax +44 1737 240 770 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespadigital.com

FESPA General Assembly 15th-17th September 2006, Moscow Venue to be advised

SGIA 2006 26th –29th September, 2006 Las Vegas convention Centre Las Vegas Organiser: SGIA Tel: 001 220 313 489 Fax: 001 703 369 1328 e-mail: sylvia@sgia.ord www.sgia.org

FESPA 2007 5th – 9th June 2007 Messe Berlin, Berlin, Germany Organiser: FESPA Tel: +44 1737 229 727 Fax +44 1737 240 770 e-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 17

OBITUARY

LUITPOLD DOMBERGER ‘A Founding Father of FESPA’ Derek Down, Past FESPA President and General Secretary, reflects on Luitpold Domberger’s long and productive live and the legacy he has bestowed.

Luitpold Domberger, Poldi to all who knew him, died on 14 September this year at the age of almost 93. He made an immense contribution to the screenprinting art world internationally, to the early stages of technical co-operation in screenprinting, which led to the creation of FESPA and to the official recognition of screenprinting in Germany, leading to its own three year apprenticeship, the ‘Lehrberufe’ – a master screenprinter.

The son of an artist in church glass, Poldi Domberger trained in free painting and graphic art. His first encounter with screenprinting came in 1947 at an exhibition held by the America House in Stuttgart. In his own words, "It was supposedly printing but looked as if it had been painted." In the late 40’s he was experimenting with this new graphic medium and had produced an A4 poster on wood, tin and cardboard substrates, which illustrated the versatility and potential of the screenprinting process.

The word was, by now, spreading in Germany and elsewhere in Europe about this new graphic process ‘screenprinting’ and caught the imagination of the advertising and window dressing industries who saw the possibility of creating identical designs in quantity. However each pioneer of the process had to create his own materials of inks, mesh, stencils and print tables and to 18 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

achieve this, sought help and advice from those working in other countries. The American SPA (now SGIA) supported this by forming a ‘European Chapter of the SPA’ with a programme of exhibitions and technical exchange meetings. Poldi was a leading member of the Chapter which, in 1962, became an independent European organisation, FESPA. The purpose and objective of FESPA would be to develop and promote screenprinting in Europe in all aspects of its potential use.

In recognition of their important contribution to the formation of FESPA, Poldi Domberger, together with a few others including FESPA past President Michel Caza, were invited to the 1988 exhibition in Amsterdam which marked the 25th anniversary of FESPA and were officially recognised and honoured as ‘FESPA Founding Fathers’.

Poldi Domberger’s development of screenprinting in its art form, Serigraphie, was rapid and remarkable. This attracted the interest of contemporary artists such as Joseph Albers and Victor Vasarely, but it will be for the Limited Editions he created for Professor Willi Baumeister (recognised for his significant contribution to the development of abstract art in Germany ) that he will be best remembered. In the period 1950-1955 a total of 70 serigraphs (the word for fine art

screen prints) for this artist were printed and published.

The 1960’s brought an amazing upturn in the art industry and the city of Stuttgart, where Poldi Domberger had his studio, became a centre of the screenprinting art world. Single prints and portfolios of the Domberger serigraphs, known as Editions, were made and sold with great success at Art Fairs, where important relationships were forged with galleries, publishing houses and artists in the USA. Poldi Domberger left the Board of his company in 1970 to concentrate on these Editions and was fortunate that his son Michael Domberger was able to take over the full management of both the commercial and art aspects of the company. In the years that followed, the firm of Domberger won many awards in the USA and Europe for its work.

Michael Domberger also continued the ‘FESPA legacy’ by serving on the FESPA Board for many years with an active and successful presidency from 1988-1992, during which time he initiated the FESPA magazine.

Screenprinting has now moved into many industries, but owes much of this to the early pioneers in the field of graphics where the name of Domberger is still remembered and honoured.

OPINION

Mark Simpson of the Simpson Group urges screen and digital printers to view their businesses through their customers’ eyes

The real market for POP "Over recent years I have become increasingly concerned by the print industry’s reference to the markets it serves by process, rather than product, service or, better still, customer need. We hear commentary on issues such as how the screen market is squaring up to the digital challenge, or how much the web market is suffering. I believe it is dangerous to categorise markets as being digital, screen or litho. For example, what happened to the letterpress market? The applications it serviced are still there, but are now being produced by a different process. Equally inappropriate is the trend to refer to ‘graphic solutions’ or ‘integrated print and logistics’. We really should ask ourselves whether this is what our customers want.

It may be more appropriate to identify the potential markets for print companies by referring to the products, such as outdoor posters, point of purchase, books, newspapers, direct mail etc. But whilst this is better than referring to markets by the production process, it still doesn’t clearly identify them. To do this effectively, we first need to understand why it is that customers buy outdoor posters, point of purchase and direct mail. For example, Simpson Group’s customers buy point of purchase to help influence consumers to choose their products and increase their sales. By looking at our business from this perspective, we could conclude that we are not merely in the print business, but rather, in the business of brand influence.

The questions we need to answer then,

“

20 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

are how can screen and digital printing be used as an effective tool to serve a market’s needs and what is it that distinguishes screen and digital from other print processes? And by this I don’t mean the technicalities of these processes, but rather what benefits they offer our customers that other print processes can’t. In actual fact, because technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, the distinguishing benefits between the different processes are diminishing.

For instance, we now have computer to screen systems that improve quality and reduce set up costs, thus using digital technology to fight the challenges posed by digital printing methods. And litho presses are now available in larger formats and thus also have the capability to print onto a wide range of materials and compete with screenprinting.

With regard to large format flat bed digital printing, the main cost advantages over other print processes have been well documented – no film, plate or screen costs, reduced make ready and wastage, reduced labour costs and an ability to directly print onto every conceivable material, without the need for mounting.

However, there are still a few major barriers that prevent digital printing being employed as a major process in the production of point of sale materials.

These are the prohibitively high cost of digital inks and the current running speeds that need to be employed if we are to produce acceptable levels of quality.

These two factors prohibit larger runs being produced competitively, and I emphasise the word ‘competitively’ as I

OPINION

know there are many examples where digital presses produce larger volumes merely because print companies don’t have viable alternatives, and also have strong relationships with their customers.

However, in today’s tough market this sort of arrangement cannot last.

So how do we make the most of the advantages digital printing offers? Well first of all I believe we must add value for the customer in a way in which no other print process can. As an example, Simpson Group was recently commissioned to design and produce 20 in-store displays to promote and carry a new movie DVD and video. We were able to design, print and cut-out the display using a Scitex Corjet flat bed press and Kongsberg DCM cutting table, at a total cost of less than £65 per unit. This simply would not have been possible using any other print process – the cutting formes alone would have cost over £800. In addition to the low cost, we were also able to turn the whole job around in less than three days.

I would also argue that the digital process encourages innovation. It allows us to experiment, to try out new ideas, and if they don’t quite work, we can simply amend the design and produce a new, fully printed and assembled prototype in a matter of minutes, and at

About the Author Mark Simpson joined the Simpson Group, his family’s business, which was initially started as a small printer over 30 years ago, in 1983.

Initially he worked his way through all of the various departments, becoming fully conversant with the screen process. Whilst working in the Sales and estimating office he was responsible for initiating changes to the company’s pricing policy which directly lead to the formation of a professional sales team. In 1986 he took on the role of Sales Director and began to develop the business, winning several blue chip accounts in the process. The Simpson Group is now recognised as one of the leading designers and printers of POP materials within the UK and numbers many leading brands, including Thomson Holidays, Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys, Matalan, WH Smith and Procter & Gamble, amongst its clients. It enjoys an annual turnover in the region of £l0 million. Two years ago, the company set up a new subsidiary, a design agency called Somethinkelse, to complement its core business. The agency has subsequently won a two-year contract to provide a creative design service to all 750 Thomson retail shops. The Simpson Group will shortly be relocating to a new purpose built HQ and factory on a 4.5-acre site.

very little cost. This allows us to respond quickly to customers’ requirements, and to use new products and employ creative ideas, to provide unbeatable speed to market.

Personalisation is another huge customer benefit that the digital print process copes with easily. Multiple versions of point of sale displays for different stores or regions can be easily and quickly produced at very little extra cost. Although this is relatively easy for

digital print, it can represent excellent added value to the customer, by enabling them to tailor the brand message or price to a specific region or market and generate additional sales revenue.

So, in summary, I would say that it is not enough for us to understand the technicalities of the print processes, we must also see the opportunities it can bring through our customers’ eyes.

”

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 21

NEWS ROUND-UP – FESPA NEWSLETTER

FESPA Digital Printing Europe The Countdown Begins If you only visit one trade show in 2006, make sure its FESPA Digital Printing Europe, 16th-18th May 2006, at the RAI in Amsterdam

With less than six months to go before the FESPA Digital Printing Europe exhibition descends on Amsterdam, things are really hotting up.

The exhibition has already attracted the support of many key players in the digital sector, including Scitex, Xaar, AGFA, HP, Colorspan, Mimaki, Durst, Zund and NUR, with the latter also becoming one of the show’s Platinum sponsors. Stand sales have been going exceptionally well, with 150 exhibitors currently scheduled to show the very latest in digital equipment, materials and consumables. The net result of this overwhelming interest is that Hall 8 is now almost full and thus, FESPA has decided to increase the size of the exhibition with the addition of a further hall, Hall 9.

Since they know the FESPA events have a reputation for delivering an international visitorship, many exhibitors will use FESPA Digital Printing Europe as a platform to launch new technologies. In fact, over 3,000 visitors from 90 different

22 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

countries have already registered to visit the show, an exceptionally high number when you consider that the event is still six months away.

What can the visitors expect?

This groundbreaking new exhibition aims to bring the digital imaging community in Europe together by showcasing leading-edge technology and offering visitors a unique learning experience. It will focus purely on digital printing and will cover both existing and emerging markets as well as all of the applications that currently use this fast growing technology.

Not only will visitors be able to see digitally printed signs and graphics; they will also have the opportunity to learn how the process is being used to print onto more unusual substrates, such as glass, wood, metal,

ceramics and textiles, and how it is being used in the packaging, coding and marking sectors. In many areas, digital printing is now being used to complement the more traditional screenprinting process, with many screenprinters now adopting digital methods in order to offer a more flexible print solution to their customers.

Exhibition Director, Frazer Chesterman explains: "In an increasingly competitive environment, it is imperative that printers discover how the use of digital technology can help them enhance and diversify their core services."

The Forum for Digital Decisions The show will offer a true learning experience by providing product demonstrations and free seminars on the exhibition floor.

In addition, there will be a highlevel, two day conference that will take place in the conference rooms below Hall 8 of the RAI. Visitors will be able to hear industry experts discussing all of the key issues that currently affect the digital market place, such as the flexibility of inkjet printing, digital printing for interior textiles, digital technology in a 3D world, printing digitally on to wood, glass and textiles, the creative design and print of POS materials, industrial applications for digital technology and the current and future capabilities of digital ink.

For a full timetable and to book your place, visit www.fespadigital.com

FESPA NEWSLETTER

Another new innovation will be The Digital City. Visitors will be invited to a attend a special workshop on the exhibition floor, where they will be able to print digitally onto a range of substrates. The finished works will be displayed in the form of a ‘city’ to show the real potential of digital printing.

ZSO Symposium The Dutch Association for screen and digital printing will be organising a symposium for the local market on 16th May, which will discuss standards and certification.

For more information on both of these features visit www.fespadigital.com

Beautiful Amsterdam Often described as one of the most colourful cites in the world, Amsterdam is a vibrant and cosmopolitan place that has much for visitors to enjoy. It offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants, quaint streets to explore and scenic canal trips.

Amsterdam can easily be reached by air or rail and there are inexpensive direct flights from most European airports. The RAI exhibition centre is only 10 minutes by train from Schiphol International airport and 12 minutes by tram from Central Station. There will also be a shuttle bus operating between the airport and the RAI on the days of the exhibition. The RAI also offers full car parking facilities.

The RAI Hotel and Travel Services is the official agent for FESPA Digital Printing Europe.

As well as providing discounted

room rates, it can arrange flights to and from Amsterdam, as well as airport transfers, car rental services and excursions in and around the city.

Visit www.fespadigital.com (General Information Page) for further information.

FESPA Digital Printing Europe promises to be a truly brilliant event. Entrance is FREE to those who pre-register prior to the event, whilst those who register on-site will pay a €10 entry fee.

Visit www.fespadigital.com now to register and a free entry badge will be despatched one month before the exhibition.

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 23

THE BIG STORY

It’s a White Out! One of the most frequent criticisms that used to be levelled against digital printing, was its dependency on the four-colour process, which limited the breadth and scope of its applications. However, that was before the introduction of the white ink option.

Val Hirst reports

24 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

When it comes to the introduction of white digital ink, it was undoubtedly Durst who first started the ball rolling. When the Austrian printer manufacturer first launched its Rho 205 at the end of 2003, its target markets were smaller screenprinters, POP producers and signmakers who were looking for a more affordable alternative to the Rho 160, Durst’s established digital flatbed printer.

The initial reaction was enthusiastic as the Rho 205 shared many of the features that had ensured the success of its predecessor.

However, it was pointed out to Durst, what many of thr protential users of both the machines’ really needed, was a white ink facility that would further extend their

capabilities. Wisely, Durst took heed of this suggestion, or, quite possibly, it had been planning such an addition all along.

Whatever, a mere six months later, the company used the occasion of the PMA show in Las Vegas to announce that it was indeed introducing a white ink option to the Rho 160, thus marking a watershed in the development of digital inkjet technology.

Not surprisingly, other manufacturers of UV flatbed digital inkjet printers soon followed suit, although, privately, many admitted that although theoretically everyone wanted white ink, purchasers weren’t necessarily stipulating it when it came to the crunch. Possibly this was

THE BIG STORY

because two years ago, many printers were being purchased for the purpose of producing more conventional digital applications. But times change and as digital technology becomes more popular, so it also becomes more competitive, which encourages companies to consider more creative applications in order to derive maximum profits from their machines.

Recently, there has been a flurry of application stories all of which feature white ink and which illustrate its benefits.

As well as providing sharper, more zingy graphic reproduction, white ink can also be used to provide opacity to transparent materials as well as used as a spot colour.

Moreover, as flatbed printing technology becomes more stable and effective and the range of suitable rigid substrates expands, it can also be used to provide an all-white coating to materials, that in spite of claiming to be white, are in fact, anything but.

BAF Graphics a digital print company who specialises in the retail, museum, interiors, exhibitions and advertising sectors is one company who are using white ink imaginatively. It has just purchased a new Durst Rho 600 flatbed

inkjet printer with a white ink printing capability. Durst’s latest flat bed printer features Quadro Array ink-head technology, which approximately doubles the usual number of nozzles to provide enhanced productivity, coupled with superb quality and pin sharp text. The white ink option also means that it can print on to transparent material and generally add extra vibrancy. This is good news for BAF’s clients who include Burberry, British Museum, Science Museum, Selfridges and designers HMKM, Jasper Jacob and John Csaky. Since the Rho 600 was installed, the company has produced stunning Christmas window displays for the London fashion store Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette in Paris and Burberry in London’s Regent Street.

In addition, it has also recently produced work for the Science Museum’s Dana Centre, and graphics for the National Treasures exhibition at the British Museum, which marks 25 years of the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Of course some detractors complain that digital white isn’t as good as the white achieved by screenprinting, but this certainly isn’t the view of Markley Enterprise, a specialist in sales and

marketing support products, who was the first company in the world to upgrade its VUTEk PressVu UV 200/600 to the new white ink capabilities of the PressVu 200/600 W+.

Tim Markley, President and CEO comments, 'The upgrade has enabled us to eliminate most of our original screen printing equipment. Four-colour process silkscreen printing is not an easy procedure, and quality can be difficult to maintain, but now we can ensure a high consistency of print quality, while also saving considerable time and money as the time and expense of finishing steps such as mounting and laminating have been eliminated."

He continues: "An example of how we are using the white ink capability can be seen in a job we have completed for Mack Trucks, which involved producing over 100 4ft x 1ft, bulldog logo signs to be displayed in Mack Truck dealerships.

We previously used white 6mm Sintra for the Mack Truck logo signs but the logo accounts for only about 10% of the actual surface area, with the rest needing a black background colour. As a result, we wasted a lot of ink and time. But now we can now print white onto black Sintra, printing FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 25

THE BIG STORY

only the logo area and not any of the background, thus significantly reducing the printed surface area while providing a superior product to the customer, since the possibility of scratching the graphic is greatly reduced."

Markley adds that he is sure that the ability to print white will enable his company to further expand its range of viable applications.

But white digital ink is not just the preserve of those using UV flatbed printers.

Now, users of wide format machines can also enjoy its benefits too. For example, users of Roland’s SOLjet printers have access to the company’s Eco-Sol mild solvent white ink, whilst Mimaki has recently earned itself the distinction of becoming the first printer manufacturer to introduce a full solvent white ink for use in conjunction with its popular range of JV3 printers. Many of these users are using white inks to produce more pedestrian, but no less lucrative work such as window graphics and badges and labelling.

London–based Creative Signs uses its Roland SOLjet SC-545 EX, a printer-cutter to produce window graphics. Managing Director Daryl Barrett says: "As the first UK company to use white Eco-Sol ink we feel that we have a definite advantage.

Previously when showing clients an initial visual we would have to back the graphic with a piece of white vinyl so that they could get some idea of the finished effect – now we can show them a sign that is ready for application which adds a definite WOW factor. Furthermore it’s easy to print a back up white, apply printed colour and 26 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

cut in one smooth operation – it’s real bread and butter business."

However, one company that has spotted - and already solved - a potential dilemma for wide format users of white ink, is AIT International, the developer and distributor of the Shiraz RIP. AIT’s Roger Ward says: "Mimaki’s white solvent ink option is an undoubted technological breakthrough, but to fulfil its true potential, a "thinking" RIP is required that will not just control how the ink is applied, but will provide the controled versatility to achieve a variety of white imaging options."

According to Ward, users need to question where the white ink is actually needed in relation to the graphic they are producing. Is it just needed in the blank spaces, or its it wanted behind or on top of the actual image? Perhaps it is needed behind or on top of everything? The answer, he says, is to optimise the white ink potential, so that it meets all three criteria. In order to facilitate this, AIT has re-configured Shiraz with a three-way functionality to ensure that the user’s creativity is in no way constrained.

Ward continues: "At first sight, it appeared to us at AIT that we could only deliver the first requirement easily: to print white into the blank space. To print it under, or on top, of other colours would surely mean implementing a second pass over the print – or would it? We decided that with a bit of lateral thinking – quite literally – we could obviate the need for a second pass, and we did. Our Shiraz solution manages to achieve all three print options without any rewinding of the

media."

He claims that when AIT demonstrated the Mimaki JV3 printing white ink on to a variety of media at a recent exhibition in London, it created a lot of interest, with visitors to the company’s stand declaring themselves astonished by the effect of printing onto clear media and being able to select which areas should be made opaque and which left clear, especially on applications such as window graphics, where it was possible to create graphics to be viewed from either side of the media.

Ward adds: "Printing on to reflective substrates also caused quite a stir.

Although this is an established application, the use of white ink enabled certain parts of the image to be ‘flattened’ thus making the non-coated white areas glisten in contrast. The effect was stunning and we could see the more creative designers just itching to get their hands on the product!" Such enhancements will doubtlessly inspire further creativity and thus increase the overall demand for white ink."

Since it first introduced the white option Durst has also launched a welter of similar new initiatives such as under and over printing, spot varnish and spot colour options with, once again, other manufacturers quickly following suit.

Each of these new advances makes digital printing a more viable process for new areas of application in the industrial sectors – it will be interesting to see what new markets digital manufacturers have in their sights at Digital Printing World in Amsterdam next May!

FACE2FACE – WITH MARABU

Creative Colour First established in 1859, Marabu is a company with credentials. Val Hirst talks to joint Managing Director, Ralph Roschlau, who has worked for Marabu for the past 25 years, about its history, ongoing development and the future of screenprinting.

When Marabu was first formed some 147 years ago, it was as a modest retail shop offering supplies for artists and architects. Nowadays, the company, which has grown to become one of the leading ink manufacturers, producing both a ‘Creative Colours’ range for hobby and art applications together with an extensive range of inks for screen, pad and digital printing, has a turnover of some €75million and employs around 450 people world wide. Ralph Roschlau, one of Marabu’s three Managing Directors, explains that part of the company’s success is due to the fact that it has remained a family run business. He says: "Marabu is now run by two families, one of which is the seventh generation of the original founder. That has helped to provide it with a very clear focus that remains undiminished by the differing demands of banks and shareholders. It also means that it has been able to remain very flexible and to change course and diversify as circumstances have dictated over the years."

Ralph goes on to explain that a few years after it was established, Marabu began to manufacture the drawing and drafting utensils used by its customers and in around 1930 went on to introduce a range of complementary products in the way of oil and acrylic paints. Having survived the war unscathed, it shrewdly identified the impact that screenprinting would have when the first examples of screenprinted art were developed in America, using oil-based artists’ paints. Accordingly, in 1950, the company introduced its first range of screenprinting inks and since then, it has added inks for pad printing and most recently digital printing.

Having now been with Marabu for 25 years, Ralph Roschlau is ideally placed to comment on both the company’s expansion and the challenges that face screen and digital printers. Ralph began his career in the export department and proved himself so adept at expanding the company’s global sales, that after just four years he was promoted to the role of Sales and Marketing Director. In 2001 he became Managing Director and is in charge of the 28 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

Sales and Marketing of the Printing Ink Division. At that time growth was such, that in 2000 the shareholders decided that the company would be able to maintain a clearer focus if it were divided into two separate divisions. Since then the Art & Craft Color Division has moved into its own neighbouring 16,000 sq. metre (170.000 sq. ft) factory. Ralph now presides over the separately located printing ink division, which generates around two thirds of Marabu’s total sales. In addition to the two manufacturing plants in Germany, Marabu also has distribution companies operating throughout Western Europe, Scandinavia, Brazil, and Singapore and an office which provides technical representation in Russia. Ralph says: "We export all over the world. The only major market where we don’t have either a service centre or a subsidiary, is North America, which we feel is a difficult one for many different reasons, not least because it is so competitive." He adds that Marabu regards Russia, India and China as important future marketplaces, since their rapid development will undoubtedly herald a frenzy of printing applications. He says: "As societies develop and there is a move towards greater consumerism, the need for printed matter in the form of POP materials, billboards, packaging and advertising generally increases, which is good news for everyone involved in the printing process."

But Marabu won’t be extending its manufacturing facility outside Germany. Ralph says: "We like to make the inks ourselves so that we can control every aspect of manufacture. But more than that, our processes, which have been developed over a long period and the precise formulations that we use are the very essence of Marabu and obviously that’s something that we very much want to keep for ourselves."

However, Marabu’s processes continue to develop and not necessarily in the way you would expect.

Surprisingly, for a man who has spent much of his working life helping to market chemical substances, Ralph cares passionately about the environment explaining simply: "The earth is fragile and we have

FACE2FACE – WITH MARABU

to look after her." This explains why, in the late 80s, he was so determined to push forward a replacement program for all of the heavy metals that had previously been used in the manufacture of Marabu’s inks. "At the time it was considered a huge risk and there was endless debate about it. But although we did initially lose some customers who were unhappy with the difference the new less toxic formulations made to the inks’ colour depth and opacity, and of course, the price increases that resulted from the new methodology, they did eventually return. Now of course, all inks are more environmentally friendly and I am glad that we had the courage of our convictions and that we insisted on making the change when we did. And it is something that we continue to do. In fact, we are constantly looking at ways of reducing health and environmental risks far in advance of any legal obligation to do so."

He continues by saying that it is one of the great challenges of the future – to produce high quality, safe products competitively. "This is particularly the case when some ink manufacturers, based predominantly in China, Korea, and Taiwan are now selling inks which are often much cheaper, even though some of the ingredients are questionable and they run the risk of endangering the long-term health of the people who are making

and using them. I think it is up to all companies who buy and use such products to ensure that they have at least been manufactured according to legislative requirements."

The health and safety of employees is a particular concern to Marabu who can boast a long serving workforce. "I have been with the company for 25 years and I am by no means unusual," says Ralph.

"But that doesn’t mean that we are a company of old people – indeed the average age is quite young because all age groups are represented and those people who are now in their twenties and thirties are being groomed to take over when people of my age finally retire. We feel that this continuity of enthusiasm and ideas is one of the reasons for our success so far."

And it is a success that Ralph believes will continue. When asked how he thinks screen printing will withstand the threat posed by digital printing methods, he responds: "To me, they are complementary rather than competing technologies and I don’t think that digital is any more of a threat to screen than flexo or litho printing. Each process is more suitable for some applications than others. We are already seeing instances where companies who begin printing digitally acquire screen presses in order to provide the volumes their clients need for some projects.

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 29

FACE2FACE – WITH MARABU

In the same way, most screen printers will now have a digital printer or two to produce low volume work more competitively.

"I think the expansion of both processes will be fuelled by the emergence of more applications. In part, the geographic growth of markets will increase demand automatically and developments in new product areas will mean further growth. For example, the automotive market is a very fast moving and inventive one where both screen and digital methods can be employed successfully. Ten years ago we wouldn’t have imagined that CD printing would have become so popular and lucrative and, although that is an area which has probably now reached its zenith, RFID may offer new possibilities."

Ralph adds that he believes we will see more printing on to glass in the future explaining: "Glass is a recyclable medium that could be used much more frequently and creatively than at present."

Furthermore, it is a material that is still better suited to screen printing. He goes on: "Although the popularity of digital printing has grown very quickly, we have to remember that it is still in its infancy. It is true that we now have white digital inks, but the technology is still pretty much confined by the fact that it depends on the four process colours. For applications which need special and spot colors, screen printing is still the best option." He concedes however, textiles is an area where digital printing has already made some inroads and believes that its growth here will be significant saying, "This is a market where there is tremendous potential for digital growth."

Whatever the new areas are, Marabu will be sure to spot them. It currently employs no less than 10

30 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

project teams who spend their time prospecting for new ideas and trends in order to have the appropriate products in place even before there is widespread demand for them. Much of the research carried out focuses on customers’ requirements and involves intensive discussions with them. Ralph comments: “Interestingly some of the most positive feedback that we have received centres on the fact that it will be new developments rather than low prices that will finally win the day.”

At present, the Project Teams are examining all of the possible applications for UV inks. "UV has to be the future,” says Ralph, “for both screen and digital printing. Our challenge is to produce UV inks that will do everything that our customers need them to do in terms of quality, consistency, and price and to ensure that they can be used successfully on every conceivable material. That, if you like is our challenge for the future.” And one, with its long history or inventiveness and ingenuity that Marabu is sure to meet!

FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA REVIEW

32 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA REVIEW

FESPA goes to Bollywood!

FESPA’s latest exhibition inspires screen and digital printers in India At 18.00 on Sunday 4th December FESPA closed the doors on FESPA World Expo India 2005, which had the twin distinctions of being both a launch show and the first ever exhibition that FESPA has organised outside Europe. It was also a show that more than exceeded everyone’s expectations. During the course of four days at the Pragati Exhibition Centre, New Delhi, 150 exhibiting companies met with almost 10,000 visitors, drawn from all over India and the surrounding regions. The show was spread over two halls, both of

which featured all of the leading players in the screen and digital sectors and a host of colourful and professionally presented stands. Hall 11 was home to screen equipment and materials, whilst in Hall 10, visitors were introduced to the very latest digital printing equipment and consumables available.

The event got off to a very good start with a traditional Indian opening ceremony, which involved members of SPAI and FESPA boards lighting candles and being presented with flower garlands.

Then, FESPA President, Mr. Hellmuth Frey and SPAI President, Mr. Doshi cut a ribbon

show, Pankaj Goswami, General Manager for HP Scitex India, said: "The calibre of visitors has been very high and it is clear that all of the major decision makers in the region were here. We would definitely consider being a part of the next FESPA India event, as it has been a very positive experience for us."

Tarun Sharma from Ess Dee Nutek confirmed, "FESPA India has been more successful for us than any other show in the region. I have also been very impressed with the turnout – the show has attracted visitors from both the immediate regions and from China, United Arab Emirates, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and even to mark the show’s official opening.

Europe."

Exhibitors have since reported that in As well as showing a vast array of screen addition to the quantity, the quality of the and digital equipment and materials, visitors was also excellent, with many many of the exhibiting companies, who attendees ready and willing to purchase represented manufacturers and suppliers in new technology and generally invest in India, Europe, USA, Australia and China, their business. Consequently, exhibitors also had working machinery on their found themselves selling a large number of stands. This enabled many visitors to see machines direct from their stands. equipment in action for the first time and Commenting on the success of the to gain a greater understanding of its capabilities.

Mr Man Mohan, Managing Director, Monochem Graphics, enthused: "This show is the best thing to happen to the screen and digital printing industry in India. I have visited the European FESPA shows for many years, and am delighted that the same level of expertise has been successfully transported to India. It has given businesses like mine an opportunity FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 33

FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA REVIEW

to experience world-class technology from a wide range of international suppliers."

Mr. P.V. Khake, Director, PrintGrafic Systems, India added: "I have been very impressed with FESPA India. We have made various purchasing decisions during the show, involving both equipment and consumables and are already looking forward to the next FESPA event in India."

The show also offered visitors a true learning experience. As well as the exhibitors, attendees enjoyed 13 free seminar sessions and a two-day paid for conference, which took place in a theatre conveniently situated next to the exhibition halls. Speakers from India, USA, France, Belgium and the UK gave presentations on a wide range of diverse topics including: Creative Uses of Screen Printing in POP, Retail and Outdoor Publicity; Multicolor Printing on Black; Effects of High Screen Tension on the Quality and Speed of Printing; The

34 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

Flexibility of Inkjet Printing; Print and Inkjet Growth Trends in India; How To Manage Files and ICC Profiles for Screen and Digital Printing; The impact of Inkjet

Printing on the Asian Advertising and Screen Printing Industries; High Density and Special Effect Inks; The Squeegee Blade - an underestimated parameter in screenprinting and colour management.

Delegates thus went away armed with many useful techniques and tips on how to improve their businesses as well as a

greater understanding of both screen and digital technologies.

Screen and digital printing has already reached a very high standard in India and in order to reward these skills appropriately, SPAI organised the first ever FESPA World Expo Awards competition.

The competition, which was sponsored by Autoscreen and Grafica Flextronica, had 15 categories covering screen and digital printing onto a variety of substrates and 24 different companies were presented with bronze, silver and gold awards.

Judged by screenprinting guru, Michel Caza and printing specialist, Kiran Prayagi from the Graphic Arts Technology & Education (India), the winning entries were displayed in a specially designated area at the show, with the winners receiving their awards at a special prize giving ceremony that took place on 3rd December.

All in all, FESPA World Expo India ...

FESPA WORLD EXPO INDIA REVIEW

represented a successful collaboration for both FESPA and SPAI. A tired, but exultant Frazer Chestersman, FESPA’s Exhibition Director, commented: "I am very pleased with the efforts made by the organising team, who have not only managed to produce another world class event in less than 18 months – they have also organised their first show outside the European comfort zone. It is a major achievement and one that deserves a lot of credit. The FESPA brand is now widely

36 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

recognised in the region and continues to represent the highest standards of screen and digital printing" SPAI are also thrilled with the success of the show, with Bhargav Mistry, Vice President of SPAI, reporting: "SPAI is very pleased with the success of this event and will continue to offer more services, resources, support and education to the screen and digital printing community in India."

FESPA is now planning to build on its

success with the organisation of a further Indian Exhibition that is scheduled to take place in December 2007, dates to be confirmed.

For further information visit: www.fespa.com

MEMORIES OF CHINA

The first day of the show and it is big, running to some 15,000sq metres and attracting many visitors. There are also good quality stands and lots of European exhibitors who have recognised the rapidly increasing importance of the Chinese market and who are already manufacturing within China. Naturally, there are also a lot of Chinese manufacturers too, including all of the major players such as Atma, Keywell, Kenny, Samwo, Nanda, Xinhu and Juisun.

There are also around 70 Chinese companies showing printing presses of every denomination. However, there is a different ambience to this show – it is nowhere near as congenial as last year’s show in Shanghai, with everyone being just a little bit too serious and business minded! It is also a purely screenprinting show with two or three exceptions, with a purely digital show taking place in Shanghai. So far the two technologies are viewed separately here in China, rather than collectively, as is the case in Europe.

But when it comes to fabrics, squeegee blades and UV lamps there are any number of companies to choose from, to the extent that visitors are spoilt for choice, although such items are, to put it diplomatically, perhaps not quite up to the standard that Western manufacturers are offering!

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 39

MEMORIES OF CHINA

It was an interesting day and one which provided us all with some useful and fascinating insights.

A factory visit is planned for today and I accompany other FESPA Board members on a visit to Lan Ori, a company that was formed seven years ago and which has already achieved its ISO 9002 accreditation. Lan Ori, whose factory is situated in the suburbs of Guangzhou, is also an authorised 3M screen-printer and finisher and speclialises in producing products for automotive decorations and signs. It also has one or two interesting side-lines, such as gift wrapping paper which it produces in small rolls of 2 x 0,8m, and special kits, such as team window films, that it both sells locally and exports through distributors. Lan Ori exports to Europe, USA and Japan and boasts an annual turnover of US$4 million, which is increasing by 30% each year!

The company currently employs a staff of around 100, most of whom are quite young and live in the company dormitory, a practice that is widespread amongst larger Chinese companies. This practice enables the company to adopt a truly flexible working system, which can accommodate any production necessity.

All of the artwork is computer generated on site, as is finishing, die cutting both manual and digital cutting. However, filmmaking is outsourced. The factory itself, which extends to some 2,200sq.metres spans four different levels and uses ten, mainly semi-automatic presses, varying in size from 1.2m x 1.8m, 40 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

to 1.6m x 3.2m. The presses use solvent inks from 3M, Sericol and TNT and drying is carried out on racks. Printing quantities are very variable, but 2,000 prints per annum, for each item, is an average estimation. So far the company hasn’t adopted digital technology, but it will be using UV ink when it moves into its new plant, which should happen during the next few months.

It was an interesting day and one which provided us all with some useful and fascinating insights.

This huge event obviously provided the perfect opportunity for further discussions between ASGA and FESPA as to both present and future relations of the two Federations. These meetings also saw the nomination of the successor to the ASGA Chinese President, Song Yuzhe. The new ASGA President is also the Korean Association’s President, C.Y. Lee. These ruminations were followed by a splendid lunch where the CSGIA treated FESPA Board members to some of the delicacies particular to the region – a great bonus for those, such as myself, who enjoy Chinese food! A no less splendid banquet was also provided for the exhibitors and other guests of the CSGIA, which was accompanied by many speeches.

All in all an interesting show and one which marks the ongoing development of the industry in China.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SLOVENIA

FESPA's General Assembly recently took place at the beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia, which provided a stunning backdrop for the annual meeting. Each of the Associations provided a report on its country's economy and its own activities during the past year. A selection of the presentations are included here.

General Secretary Nigel Steffens opened the Assembly with a report on FESPA activities during the last year. He reported that FESPA 2005 proved to be the biggest and most successful FESPA Exhibition ever, fielding 503 exhibitors and attracting over 20,000 visitors. He also remarked on the expansion of the FESPA Secretariat which now employs a total of 11 people, the most recent recruits being Samantha Yardley (Operations Manager), Sarah Willcox (Accounts Manager) and Chris Smith (New Projects and Member Services Manager).

He then invited each Association to report on its own activities during the last 12 months.

The Austrian Association reported that market growth in 2004 was close to 0 percent, a trend that has continued during the first half of 2005. At present Germany is the biggest exporter of print into Austria, but the Association fear that they will soon also have to face further cut price competition from the new EU states.

Many Austrian screenprinters are now adopting digital printing technology, 42 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

although they are in competition with digital companies who are increasingly making the move into super wide-format.

Over the last 12 months, the Association has initiated a new collective agreement, designed to promote flexible working arrangements, which, it hopes, will help to maintain the current quality levels and high wages enjoyed in the screen sector. It has also organised a road show, which is touring the country promoting new ideas and areas of screenprinting activity. During the coming year, the Association aims to recruit new members from the digital printing sector.

The Belgian Screenprinting Association, which is part of Febelgra, the umbrella organisation which represents the graphics sector in Belgium, reported that the total turnover in the graphics sector was around €3.659 million in 2004 with a total investment of approximately €214 millions. Belgian graphic providers export a quarter of their output, mainly to France, but also to The Netherlands, UK and Germany. In total, there are around 1,650

printing companies, most of which would be classified as small to medium sized businesses, employing less than 10 people.

Febelga has 900 members in total, 52 of which are primarily screen or digital printers.

During the last year, the Association has engaged in a number of activities including a special screen and digital workshop that it hosted last October, which attracted 130 participants. It has also published a brochure designed to encourage new business from European buyers, which was distributed during FESPA. Last month, a group of Belgian screenprinters enjoyed a ‘technology trip’ sponsored by industry suppliers and FESPA, which took in several visits to leading manufacturers of screenprinting equipment and materials in Germany and Switzerland.

The Association is currently working hard to recruit new members, by promoting its activities and benefits to a wider audience and is planning to host a special event for print buyers.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Bulgarian Association reported that there has been little change in the economic climate over the past year and that conditions remain stable.

As far as screenprinters are concerned, business is buoyant in the textile, label, advertising and packaging sectors, and digital printing is enjoying continued growth, with Bulgarian printers remaining enthusiastic about new technology and equipment.

Currently the Association, who has 10 full members, and has registered a further 85 companies, is planning to strengthen relationships between screenprinters and suppliers, provide further training opportunities and to host a series of seminars.

According to the Croation Screenprinting Association, the country’s economy is still in expansion mode as far as foreign investments are concerned and industrial production has increased by some 8.2 percent, although due to the increasing price of oil, production costs are rising rapidly. Inflation in Croatia is currently running at 3.3 percent and imports are still exceeding exports. Screenprinting is following the general trend, and prices are increasing. Digital printing is also gaining in popularity and becoming a competitive technology.

In order to attract new members, the Association has become much more

proactive and has recently set up its own website to promote its benefits and activities. Earlier this year it organised a special trip to FESPA 2005, which enabled its members to enjoy all of the exhibition’s attractions. In total l00 visitors from Croatia attended the show.

The Danish economy, which is influenced by international trends, has recently enjoyed an upturn, which, the Danish Screenprinting Association predict, will last for the next couple of years. GDP during in 2005 is expected to be around 2 percent – a little less than last year, but higher than is usual – with unemployment falling to approximately 5.5 percent during 2005.

During the last year there has been less consolidation amongst screenprinting companies, although their numbers continue to decrease. Many screenprinters are now turning to digital technology in order to boost their revenues and are also beginning to specialise, but although demand continues to rise, competition remains strong with the consequent pressure on prices. This pressure is intensified by competition from global competitors, and fuels the demand for better, more efficient equipment and working practices.

During the last 12 months the Association has launched a number of new initiatives, the most ambitious of which is

its drive to provide information to its members so that they are better equipped to recognise and overcome the challenges posed by increasing globalisation The Finnish Screenprinting Association reported that the growth of GDP will be down to 2 percent this year, largely due to strikes in the paper and paper board industry during May and June. However, it is anticipated that the growth of GDP during the year 2006 is will be 3 percent.

Unemployment is slowly falling and is now down to 7.5 percent from 8 percent, whilst inflation is expected to run at 1.5 percent next year.

In line with the general economy, growth in the screen and digital sectors has been around 2 percent this year and is expected to continue at the same level during 2006. Many more companies have acquired large format digital printers with the result that there is now some over capacity and although demand is increasing, prices are coming under pressure. The trend is now towards fewer larger companies.

Over the last year, the Association has retained its membership, but is finding it difficult to recruit new members, despite its full program of activities and events These included a Training and Line Activity Day last February, which it hosted with support from the Jyväskylä Regional Development Company JYKES, JAO and FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 43

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FESPA. The event, which took place in GRAFILA, Jyväskylä, tackled such topics as the challenges and advantages provided by digital technology and was so popular that it is due to be repeated this Autumn in Helsinki.

The Association also organised a group visit to FESPA 2005, which attracted a total of 269 participants from 135 Finnish companies. In addition, the Association has held 10 meetings, including the Annual General Meeting in the spring and the Autumn Assembly, and published two issues of its own magazine SERITIETO, together with several newsletters.

The French Screenprinting Association, is part of the GPSF, which represents the interests of all of the companies working within the graphic sector, It reports that its membership has remained static over the last year despite the fact that it has successfully raised its profile in both business and political circles. The Association also observes that there is now a growing trend for French printing companies to close when the owner retires.

Accordingly, it is now expanding its scope to include companies operating within the digital sector, in order to help boost future membership.

At the 2005 Annual General Meeting, it was decided that the Association should work closely with employer organisations within the print sector in order to standardise professional training qualifications during 2006. It is hoped that this collaboration will eventually be extended to cover environmental issues and technical standards too.

Annual negotiations regarding salaries began this autumn against the backdrop of a difficult economic climate, with many printers grappling with rises in the statutory minimum wage that have occurred during the last few years. This obligation makes it difficult to raise salaries across the board. Although some very specialised companies serving niche areas are making profits, small companies particularly are finding it very hard to flourish. Competition, both nationally and internationally, continues to be fierce, and many printers are now also worried about the threat posed by competitors in Asia.

The German Screenprinting Association stated that there were no official figures available with regard to screenprinting but that according to its own estimates, average turnover was down by more than 44 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

1.5 percent during 2004. However, the printing sector is cautiously optimistic about 2005/6. In 2004 the number of employees decreased by 4.5 percent whilst turnover per head increased by 6.2 percent.

The Association has staged a number of successful events, including the specialised symposium on Effect-screen-printing in Stuttgart, which was held in association with the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (bvdm) and the German Insitute of Print. This event, which attracted 130 participants and helped to highlight the wealth of opportunities available in the screen sector.

It also published "be EFFECTIVE" – a publication promoting the benefits of effect printing which also includes a wealth of useful information. This publication is available in both German and English versions and is designed to provide inspiration and ideas for all screenprinters.

The Association also reported that 13 screen-printers have been presented with a Master Craftsman’s certificate in screenprinting, following advanced vocational training carried out by the federal guild of screen-printing. The next Master Craftsman examination will take place in spring 2007.

The Association was an active supporter of FESPA 2005, issuing more than 1,500 invitation-letters and helping international visitors to obtain the necessary visas for their visit to Munich.

According to the Dutch Association, the economic climate in the Netherlands improved slightly during 2004, although the graphics sector experienced an ongoing downward trend, with sales running at minus 0.9percent. Happily, however, this still represents an improvement on 2002 and 2003. The economy was facing a further downturn at the beginning of 2005 and the retail sector continues to suffer from decreasing sales, although other areas of the economy are now showing signs of improvement with a growth in GDP of 1.3 percent during the second quarter of 2005.

No exact figures exist in respect of the Dutch graphics sector but it is felt that turnover has decreased significantly over the last few years, whilst employment in the sector has also declined. Only 61 percent of companies reported growth during 2004 and the outlook remains generally pessimistic with prices being the subject of fierce competition.

With regard to the screen and digital printing sectors, the Association report that

it has only limited information, due to the reluctance of companies to complete questionnaires, but feel that screenprinters have suffered most from the decrease in sales. This is reflected in the fact that the Association has received more cancelled memberships this year and equally, has found it difficult to recruit new members whilst the economic outlook remains uncertain.

As far as activities go, The Association, working in tandem with the umbrella organisation KVGO, ZSO finalised negotiations with trade unions to sign a Collective Labour Agreement relating to all signmakers and screenprinting companies established since 1962. The agreement includes a special fund for subsidising specific training costs for ZSO members and their employees, an achievement that is regarded and very important for the future of ZSO and its members. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Association, an occasion that was celebrated at a ZSO Symposium in Amsterdam, where the results of a broad research study undertaken by the VU University of Amsterdam were presented.

The economic climate in Hungary is good, according to the Hungarian Screenprinting Association who even go so far as to report that the economy is currently enjoying something of a boom.

The annual increase is GDP is running at 3.6 percent whilst inflation inflation is now under 3.2 percent and unemployment is 6.2 percent.

The market for screenprinting is changing with strong competition becoming the norm. This has resulted in the demise of many smaller companies, whilst medium sized companies are struggling to find sufficient capital to make the necessary investments in new technology. Meanwhile, digital printers are suffering from over capacity.

The Association, which currently has 92 members, has continued with its collaboration with three printing schools, one of which offers a short course for trained screen printers, whilst the other two provide courses for beginners. It is also arranging a series of seminars hosted and sponsored by industry suppliers. The first of these was held in the spring whilst a second will take place this autumn.

The Association published a further issue of its own magazine, “SZITANYOMAT”, which enjoys a total circulation of 3180, in September and regards this publication as a

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

vital tool for both its own promotion and that of the screen and digital sectors. Also on the publishing front, it produced a Hungarian version of the Saati Handbook, which has enjoyed great success.

The Indian Screenprinting Association, making its first FESPA report, revealed that India is currently enjoying an annual growth in GDP of some six percent, whilst inflation is currently running at 4.6 percent. Astonishingly, with a labour force of 410million, the unemployment rate is only 9 percent.

When it comes to the print sector generally, growth is estimated to be 20 percent and at a conservative estimate there are somewhere between 70,000 and 90,000 screenprinters. Currently, screenprinting supplies can only be obtained in the larger cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, although the number is gradually rising.

Screenprinting is currently used by companies operating in the textile, garment manufacture, advertising, ceramics and automotive sectors and is also used for glass decoration in the architectural sector and by companies producing CD/DVDs and general stationery. Most of the growth is taking place in the textile, ceramic and general industrial sectors, where it is running at 40 percent per annum. However, screenprinters who are operating in the advertising sector are losing out to competitors who can offer digital methods of reproduction and printing. But the Association predicts that work from manufacturers in the automotive and electronic goods sector will increase significantly, in line with the expected consumer boom. Further, it anticipate that as many companies set up new headquarters in India to take advantage of its cheaper labour costs, many new projects will be generated. For most Indian screenprinters the future is looking extremely encouraging.

The Norwegian Association reported some growth in the country’s economy, but stated that since costs are still comparatively high, it has not been able to effectively compete against its European neighbours. However, interest rates remain low and the government is focusing on the development of land-based industry.

Screenprinters have benefited from the brighter economic outlook and are now beginning to invest in digital technology.

Many are also looking at niche markets, where the screen process is still the most viable printing method. Meanwhile, the Association is working to ensure that both current and potential customers are fully aware of the benefits of screenprinting over other printing methods and is also maintaining communication with schools and universities that specialise in design.

Encouraged by the success of the Swedish Association’s Poster Project it is planning to run a similar competition for university students studying the graphic arts.

With regard to its external communications, the Association has developed its website and members are now always contacted via e-mail. In addition, it has published one Newsletter and plans to publish another during the autumn.

President Erik Brynildsenm, who had served a two-year term, resigned earlier this year, making way for his successor, Egil Lindberg who hopes to form closer bonds directly with the membership.

In addition to the General Assembly, which was held in Oslo, the Association also hosted an autumn seminar. Next year’s General Assembly is scheduled to take place in February on board the Stena Saga between Oslo and Fredrikshavn in Denmark, and will include a visit to NSsystem, as well as a three hour seminar which will take place aboard the ship!

The Polish Screenprinting Association reported that following the strong economic recovery during 2004, there was a slight slow down during the early months of 2005, with growth in GDP being estimated at 2.5 percent . At the same time, there was an improvement in the unemployment rate, which decreased to 18.3 percent in May of this year – down

by 1.4 percent over the preceding year. The Association also reported that there has been an increase in screenprinting activity thanks to the easier availability of funds for investment in new equipment and technology.

Association activities have enjoyed an upturn: two general assemblies have taken place this year and a new board was elected with Jacek Stencel taking up the role of President. The Association also plans to change its name to ‘Polskie Stowarzyszenie Sitodruku Druku Cyfrowego’ (Polish Association of Screenprinting and Digital Printing), reduce its membership fee, and publish a magazine highlighting both screen and digital printing. It has appointed a new Secretary, Robert Kochaniak, who will be responsible for executing all of the above initiatives.

The Portuguese Screenprinting Association reported that Portugal’s economy is suffering from the effects of an excessive government deficit, estimated at around 6.2 percent of GDP, which will affect economic activity for the next four to five years. As a consequence, a recession is expected during the first half of 2006.

Unemployment is currently running at 7.2 percent, but is set to increase whilst the FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 45

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

inflation rate is 2,2 percent.

Unsurprisingly, the Association note that the general negative economic environment is affecting all the graphic sectors, including screen and digital printing. Despite this, it has had a busy year during which it has pursued its environmental initiative and worked closely with consultants, laboratories and waste management companies, the better to help members to comply with legislation relating to atmospheric and effluent emissions, noise and waste, without incurring prohibitive costs. All companies following the resulting code of practice will be awarded with an apigraf certification.

The Association also supported FESPA 2005, both by providing much coverage of the event in its magazine and organising for around 250 screen and digital printers to attend the show.

The Screenprinting Association of Serbia and Montenegro report a very busy year, the highlights of which were the two meetings that took place in April and September. During the first event, the Association provided an opportunity for the large number of attendees to become acquainted with all of the equipment and materials that are now available in Serbia and Montenegro. The event also featured an interesting presentation that covered some of the new applications that are now possible. The September meeting focused exclusively on digital printing technology and once again, attracted a record number of attendees.

Another high point was the big international graphic and screen printing fair which takes place in Belgrade each year during the last week of October. The fair, which lasts for five days, always attracts visitors from all over Eastern Europe as well

46 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

as Greece, Turkey and Albania. This year, the Association did everything it could to help members plan their visits to the show and to gain maximum benefits during their stay.

The Association is planning a new initiative for 2006; it is aiming to hold a special monthly workshop and is inviting some of the leading industry suppliers to make presentations. It has arranged for a 400m2 space to be made available in which to hold the workshops and is hoping that suppliers will be persuaded to donate or loan equipment so that members can gain some vital hands on experience before they invest. It feels that such an involvement will benefit both screen and digital printers, as well as the participating companies who will have an excellent opportunity to promote the advantages of their products direct! Companies interested in assisting should contact the Association direct.

2005 has been a year of economic growth in Slovakia and the country has continued to attract foreign investment. The unemployment rate is currently standing at around 11percent, the lowest for many years. This year, the Slovakian Screenprinting Association has concentrated on updating its database of screenprinters and suppliers. It has also worked hard to promote FESPA 2005, both by sending out invitations, advertising in "PAPIER A POLYGRAFIA" a Slovakian magazine targeted at the printing and paper industries, and by arranging a four day trip to the show for 26 Sloivakian screenprinters.

In addition, the Association has launched a Screenprinter requalification course, in accordance with the Slovakian Trade licensing Act, which decrees that screenprinters must prove their level of

competence. The course has already produced 15 graduates.

The Association continues to work closely with the Czech Screenprinting Association and has jointly organised three successful meetings. The fourth event, a specialised seminar, will take place this autumn and will feature Bill Appleton as a guest speaker.

The Slovenian Screenprinting Association reported that the country achieved 4.6 percent growth in GDP during 2004 - the highest for five years.

Currently, Slovenia's GDP expenditure per capita is 78 percent of the EU -25 average, and thus, its economic development surpasses all of the EU’s new member states with the exception of Cyprus. Slovenia’s exports account for some 60 percent of its total GDP, helping to consolidate its growing reputation as an open and competitive economy. Its 2004 exports increased by 12.6 percent in real terms and growth of 7.5 percent and 6.5 percent are forecast for 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Well over half of the country’s exports are to other EU countries.

Currently, the Slovenian graphics sector has 578 companies, who between them employ some 4805 people, with 11 companies employing over 2000 people between them. However, the number of smaller companies is rapidly increasing and there is now huge competition, both internally and from elsewhere in Europe.

As always, sales volumes are dictated by price.

Digital technology is gaining in popularity, particularly in the area of POP and outdoor advertising. Many companies are introducing JDF (Job Definition Format), which enables them to keep track of every step in the printing process and are now also addressing the whole area of

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

education and training too.

The last year has been a busy one for the Association. In December 2004 it held a special Print Forum in association with the Faculty of Graphics and the High School of Print and Paper, which took place over a two day period. It included both lectures and workshops and attracted over 80 participants.

The Association also exhibited at the Graphic and Packaging Fair in Celje where it promoted FESPA 2005 and the FESPA Awards competition. Other initiatives include the development of the CeSDT Project, and a group visit to FESPA 2005. A Solvenian-Italian Print Forum is scheduled to take place in Postojna this autumn and the Association is also collaborating with the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce in a bid to increase its membership.

In addition to this full program of activities it is also working hard to form a STD Print Cluster. They hope that this will help to facilitate effective communication between customers, screenprinters, suppliers and indeed everyone active in the screen, pad and digital print sector, in whatever capacity, with consequent benefits for all.

The Spanish Screenprinting Association report that during 2005, (GDP) increased to 2.7 percent from 2 percent in the previous year, whilst the unemployment rate, which has been steadily decreasing for several years, currently stands at 10.4 percent.

Inflation is currently running at 3.2percent and labour costs decreased to 3.5percent, one percent lower than the previous year.

The Spanish screen and digital printing sector saw a slight improvement in business during the first half of 2005, but competition remains fierce. There is a growing feeling that in order to become more profitable, screen and digital companies must first become more professional in terms of quality, training and their general management.

During the last year, the Association has continued its drive to recruit new members in both Spain and South America and to this end has also continued to develop its website so that members can shop on line for screenprinting information and credit referencing facilities, 24/7.

Other highlights have been the Association’s attendance at the Spanish Screen Printing Exhibition in Barcelona and the launch of the Fourth Screen Printing Training Plan, which offers more than 50 courses in screen printing and

general business management. These courses are available in both direct and distance versions or a combination of both.

As previously, the Association has continued to provide a Spanish translation for the Fespa World magazine and to produce regular Association Bulletins.

Another publishing venture has been the production and distribution of a Spanish Screenprinting book and a report on the Spanish screen sector, which is also available in a CD Rom version.

The Association is also pursuing its plan to provide a quarterly ‘state of the industry’ report and is currently organising a series of forums to explore the different screenprinting applications. Another new initiative concerns a plan to help Spanish companies export their work and the Association has organised a study tour to the Exhibition Serigrafica & Sign in Brazil as well as producing a report outlining the export opportunities offered by several different countries.

In addition to all of the above, the Association has organised several seminars covering such topics as the use of UV inks and how to dispose of hazardous waste, but its crowning achievement has been its ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management accreditation.

GDP in Sweden is expected to increase by around 2,5 percent during 2005 according to The Swedish Screenprinting Association, who report that the Swedish economy as a whole is quite bouyant.

However as far as the screenprinting sector is concerned, there is a lack of demand, although at the same time, profit margins have actually increased.

As always, the Association, which has 92 members, has been very busy over the last year and has recently announced a new initiative in the form of The Brain-Office which aims to present regulatory rules and obligations in an easy to assimilate format, so that screen and digital printers can ascertain what is required of them as quickly and easily as possible. The project will commence with advice regarding environmental and quality control issues.

It continues to publish ScreenPressen, a members’ newspaper, which provides updates on association events and activities and also organises two large meetings every year.

One of the Association’s most successful initiatives has been its Poster Project, an annual competition, which first started in 2000 and is designed to increase the level of graphic arts education in Sweden,

Students at four of Sweden’s leading Graphic Arts establishments are invited to submit their poster designs, which are judged by a panel of screenprinting experts, who select the ten best designs to be printed by association members. The completed posters, which are shown at a special exhibition in Stockholm, also had a further airing this year when they were displayed at FESPA 2005 in Munich.

The ‘feel good’ factor prevalent in the UK for the last several years is finally showing signs of slowing, with interest rates up and personal debt at an all time high. This has led to a slow down in the housing market and thus adversely affected high street spending. However, the UK Screenprinting Association report that despite margins being squeezed, most printers have made some money this year – again mostly due to improved efficiencies coupled with reduction of waste and sensible housekeeping. Digital printing has improved enormously in quality and speed but it is also trying to kill itself in terms of overcapacity and margins – and profitable screen printing is making a comeback in several areas as a result! However rapidly rising oil and energy prices are sure to impact on profits in the coming year.

During the last year, the Association has changed its name to the Digital & Screen Printing Association to encompass its expansion into the digital printing market.

It exhibited at the hugely successful Screenprint 2005 Exhibition, which now runs concurrently with Sign UK, Digital Expo and Outdoor Advertising. The Association will repeat the experience next year, not least because this will assist in its aim to expand its membership into the sign industry – signmakers are keen users of both screen and digital printing methods.

The British Pavilion at FESPA 2005 was well used and attracted visitors from all over the globe. It also provided the perfect opportunity for the Association to unveil its E-Learning project, a concept that is becoming increasingly popular within the UK. Since Chris Smith has now moved across to FESPA, Debbie Franklin has taken over his role at the SPA and helped to organise the Association’s’ award competition which reached its finale during October.

FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 47

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

Hellmuth Frey – President

49 408 50 40 21

49 408 537 18 12

hfrey@frey-siebdruck.de

Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado – Past President 34 914 85 28 70

34 916 71 02 73

rrd@panorama-sa.com

Michel Caza

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

Daniele De Rosa ESMA Chairman

39 03 19 711

39 03 19 33 392

DDerosa@saatiprint.com

Ralph Roschlau Treasurer

49 71 41 69 11 26

49 71 41 69 11 03

ros@marabu.de

Pedro Rodriguez Deputy Chairman

34 944 02 27 47

34 944 71 11 82

rodriguezpj@sunchem.com

Sam Seaborne HSEP Ctee. Chairman

44 12 35 77 11 11

44 12 35 77 11 96

sseaborne@autotype.com

Jon Bultemeyer IA Ctee. Chairman

49 71 41 691 249

49 71 41 691 242

bu@marabu.de

Bryan Collings General Secretary

44 12 27 28 25 73

44 12 27 28 25 74

bryan@brycol.demon.co.uk

ESMA board

Manuel Zuckerman EPP Ctee. Chairman

0033 24 34 06 600

0033 2 43 40 00 95

mzk@fimor.fr

Cyril Bousquet TDS Cttee Chairman

33 474 373 333

33 474 373 321

cyril.bousquet@tiflex.fr

Kurt Sperisen – International Ambassador 41 44 910 5150

41 44 910 3866

kurt.sperisen@bluewin.ch

Nigel Steffens – General Secretary

FESPA secretariat 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 1159 81 81 99

val@valhirst.demon.co.uk

44 1623 88 23 98

Chris Smith – New Projects & Member Services Manager 44 1737 22 97 20

44 1737 24 07 70

chris.smith@fespa.com

Mandy Goldfinch – PA to Nigel Steffens

44 1737 22 97 23

44 1737 24 07 70

mandy.goldfinch@fespa.com

Michael Ryan – Sales Manager

44 1737 22 97 27

44 1737 24 07 70

michael.ryan@fespa.com

James Ford – Sales Manager

44 1737 24 07 88

44 1737 24 07 70

james.ford@fespa.com

Karen Pooley – Group Marketing Manager 44 1737 22 97 25

44 1737 24 07 70

karen.pooley@fespa.com

Samantha Yardley – Operations Manager

44 1737 24 07 70

samantha.yardley@fespa.com

44 1737 22 83 52

Lorraine Harrow – Sales and Marketing Assistant 44 1737 22 83 50

44 1737 24 07 70

lorraine.harrow@fespa.com

Ruth Fahie – Sales and Marketing Assistant 44 1737 22 83 53

44 1737 24 07 70

ruth.fahie@fespa.com

Sarah Willcox – Accounts Manager

44 1737 24 07 70

sarah.willcox@fespa.com

44 1737 22 97 24

Secretaries of FESPA national associations

Telephone

Fax

E-mail / Website

Christian Handler

Austria

43 15 12 66 09

43 15 13 28 26 19

verb.druck.u.medientechnik@aon.at

Ilze Eisaka

Baltic States

371 732 2272

371 927 1620

eisaka@eisako.com

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

www.druckundmedientechnik.or.at

www.sitotisk-serigrafie.cz 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 / www.seripainoliitto.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

48 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

INFORMATION

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

Bhargav Mistry

India

91 250 248 0998

91 250 248 0786

bhargav@graficaindia.com / www.s-p-a-i.org

Giuseppe Scozzi

Italy

39 06 44 18 82 71

39 06 44 24 95 15

siaf@cna.it / www.cna.it

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

Robert Kochaniak

Poland

48 12 296 03 85

48 12 656 01 32

biuro@ssp.com.pl / www.ssp.com.pl geral@apigraf.pt / www.apigraf.pt

José Carragosela

Portugal

35 12 18 49 10 20

35 12 18 43 87 39

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

42 132 74 30 434

bartos@bartos.sk / www.sietotlacovyzvaz.sk

Edo Sternad

Slovenia

386 1 565 72 50

386 1 568 45 78

edo@ib-procadd

Pablo Serrano

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

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

90 212 212 41 16

90 212 212 41 07

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

91 250 248 0998

91 250 248 0786

bhargav@graficaindia.com / www.s-p-a-i.org

42 1 32 74 43 589

www.screentryck.org

Other associations Mike Robertson

FESPA Associate Members Mr Bhargav Mistry

India

Mr Clem Johnson

Australia

0061 02 8789 7362 006 02 8789 7387

Mrs Pei Guifan

China

+ 86 10 6401 5007 + 86 10 6403 4996

Mr K Chaiyaboon

Thailand

+ 66 2 215 5512

Email robyn@printnet.com.au

List of advertisers

Magazine coupon for ordering Fespa World

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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 43, 44, 45 and 46.

Future issues Issue 43 March 2006, Issue 44 June 2006, Issue 45 September 2006, Issue 46 December 2006 Photocopy this (Block capitals please) sheet and send by post or Fax to: Name

39 35 outside back cover inside back cover 41 35 41 17 19 inside front cover `13 37 31 7 27 41

Company Address

M. Goldfinch, FESPA, 7a West Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9BL, UK, Tel: +44 1737 240788 Fax: +44 1737 240770

Tel: Fax: FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05 49

AND FINALLY…

Michel Caza offers the Last Word on FESPA World Expo India 2005 Let us all be very clear. It is no mean feat to organise an exhibition in a country which is socially, politically, mentally and psychologically different from Europe and especially since it is also a country where the phrase, ‘No problems, Okay, Okay!’ does not actually mean ‘yes!’ This unfortunate tendency, coupled with the custom of bargaining for anything and everything, certainly added an extra piquancy to all the business dealings of the FESPA team.

However, despite the difficulties encountered along the way, the exhibition was successful and next time around, things will be a good deal easier!

As to the show itself, it was arranged in much the same way as FESPA in Munich, that is with screen and digital exhibitors being located in separate halls, although the digital hall was by far the smaller one. Certainly, the general standard was high: well designed and colourful stands to rival those seen at both the European and US shows and all of the major players either exhibiting or being represented by their local distributors.

Autotype, Saati, M&R, MHM, Kiwo, Sefar, Fimor at San Printech and DCC and DFE representing Encres Dubuit, all made their presence felt, as did Newman Roller Frames. All of these manufacturers recognise that India, with its 130,000 plus screenprinters is the newest large market. Perhaps the most spectacular stand belonged to Grafica Flextronica, the first screen equipment manufacturer in India, whose owner, Bhargav Mistry, is also the Vice-President of SPAI and one of the initiators of the show.

50 FESPA WORLD DECEMBER/05

For many visitors, this exhibition represented their first opportunity to see what European and American manufacturers are offering in terms of technological achievement and one couldn’t help noticing that they were rather like the proverbial child in a sweetshop, scarcely knowing where to look first!

However, much of the equipment on show was beyond their reach financially.

But for other visitors, those with medium to large sized companies, many of which have already achieved ISO 9002 accreditation and export to both Europe and the USA, it was another matter entirely.

These companies are eager to acquire the latest technology available and to produce work that is equivalent to the quality achieved by competitors in both the West and in Japan, Korea and China, with the added advantage of a lower price tag. Wages, remember, amount to little more than €100 per month! This is why many Indian screenprinters are happy to pay the extra cost involved when purchasing machines, electrical components, materials and ancillary products from established Western manufacturers – they are looking to satisfy the more stringent health and safety requirements demanded in Europe and the USA. Unlike China, where screen and digital technologies are still kept separate, this show was more integrated, although screen and digital printers still regard one another with suspicion and are obviously weighing up whether digital printing is a threat or an opportunity. They will learn, in time!

There were a lot of stands devoted to the sign and POP sectors, areas that will certainly take off as the coming consumer boom establishes itself.

The conference that accompanied the show was a triumph, with some 50 or more people paying to attend a full, two-day cycle of seminars on a myriad of screenprinting topics.

Away from the show, the FESPA Board, who had turned out in force, took the opportunity to meet with their Indian hosts and co-organisers.

After the usual exchange of gifts, followed by a good dinner, we were surprised with – and delighted by - the totally unexpected spectacle of a typical Indian wedding!

Another pleasant task was the meeting with a new FESPA member, the Thai Association, which centred on arrangements for another potential new show in Bangkok in 2008. This was also followed with an exchange of gifts and I must confess that the "birdie portmanteau" offered to Hellmuth Frey by President Chayaboon was far more exciting than our traditional ‘Fespa Award gift’ and Diploma!

A busy and informative time was had by all and now the preparations can start in earnest for the follow up show in 2007. It will certainly be interesting to see how the market has evolved by then - I am expecting great things of India!

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

An Exhibitor’s eye view

The very last word goes to Exhibitor Anil Brahmbhat of Autoscreen who reports: The show, which took place at the Pragati Maidan, a wellplanned and centrally located international Exhibition venue, which also comprises 14 exhibition halls, together with conference and leisure facilities, including restaurants and theatres, attracted over l0,000 visitors, despite the December chill. Fortunately the days were sunny, but I believe that more visitors would have come if the show had taken place during the warmer and more hospitable months of October and February.

The exhibitors were a mix of both international and Indian companies, with some overseas manufacturers being represented by their local distributors. The Indian audience was greatly interested in gaining some hands-on experience on some of the sophisticated equipment now available and benefitted greatly from the advice and help provided by the participating companies. It was also interesting to see the merging of traditional screenprinting methods and digital technology and we are all looking forward to the next event that FESPA organise the year after next.