Graphic Arts Magazine | July / August | Issue 4

MAGAZINE

GRAPHIC ARTS For the continuously learning professionals of the design, print, sign and packaging industries of Canada

July / August 2021 l Volume 24 l Issue 4 | $7.95

S R E T D of

A N M O R TheW E FO D I W

MAGAZINE

Contents GRAPHIC ARTS July/August 2021 l Volume 24 l Issue 4 For the continuously learning professionals of the design, print, sign and packaging industries of Canada

July / August 2021 l Volume 24 l Issue 4 | $7.95

12 The wonders of wide-format printing The path, the pandemic, the players and the proposition Tony Curcio

of S R DE T

22 Brainstorming: Part 1

N RMA O TheW E FO WID

Proven strategies for highly successful sessions Diana Varma

24 Diary of a locked down accountant TFSAs versus RRSPs and early RRSP planning Steven Aprile

25 Canada’s working-from-home survey The wonders of wide-format printing

12

Study elicits positive responses from Canadians Tony Curcio

26 The fascinating new Laser Paintbrush Russian researchers create a bold new type of art Staff Writers

27 Making PDFs work for you Three important features not to overlook Mandy Lu

30 The post-pandemic effect Shifting online mindsets with the return of in-person events Joanne Gore

22

Brainstorming: Part 1

In every issue 10, 11 18 19, 20 26 28 29 Diary of a locked down accountant

24

The fascinating new Laser Paintbrush

For the

Print industry news Installations Product innovations Creative & design List of advertisers Classifieds

26

of print.

View from the publisher

With summer heat, always offer treats Greetings from the greatest office in Newmarket, Ontario Graphic Arts Media! We are in the dog days of summer, and the graphics and print industries seem to be heating up faster than the summer’s hottest afternoons. After many tumultuous, Covid-fearing months, vaccine rollouts are on the run, and there seems to be hope returning our way once again.

Wide-format graphics has taken hold of the print-making market, and the past 18 months has been an especially busy period for these products. Manufacturers are releasing intelligent technology, and that's exciting because this means that print producers across the country are creating value with the implementation of their new daily innovations. This is an exciting time for all who love witnessing the creative displays of genius that this merging of human and technological potential can create.

If you're considering adding a new wide-format press to your business, make sure to check out The Wonders of Wide-Format Printing, found on page 12. You will learn about the latest technology that worldwide OEMs have available to suit your local needs. Tony Curcio breaks down the effects the pandemic had on the major players in the market, and how your business can create new pathways forward in this new environment. Even if you are not in the market to buy this

year, this article will give you the right questions to consider as you make your decisions towards increased profitability.

In community news, I would like to thank the team at MPI Print and Packaging for the invitation to their BBQ party in Mount Forest, Ontario in late July. The Dhanju Brothers, Pal and Rob, and their executive team of Mike Russell and Stuart Charlesworth welcomed their staff, suppliers and customers to their new 175,000 square foot plant, which will predominantly create products for the packaging and corrugated markets. This is an exciting time for the MPI Print and Packaging Teams, and one that we will be following closely.

In the fall, Graphic Arts Media will be speaking with many industry experts and leaders, to determine their advice for back-to-real-life realities. If you have any recommendations or questions for something you would like to learn more about, please reach out and let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

All the best to your success.

RYAN MULCAHY, Publisher ryan@graphicartsmag.com @RougeBouge

10,671 industry professionals are using Graphic Arts Magazine as their perfect online connection to the printing, graphic arts, sign, and packaging industries of Canada.

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is published ten times per year by B.K.L.K Inc. 17-17817 Leslie St. Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C6 Phone: 1-877-513-3999 Fax: 905-830-9345 e-mail: info@graphicartsmag.com www.graphicartsmag.com Ad submission deadlines are as follows: August 16 for September 2021 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40029380 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Graphic Arts Magazine 17-17817 Leslie St Newmarket ON L3Y 8C6 email: circ@graphicartsmag.com Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily intended to reflect those of this publisher.

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GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE would like to thank our contributing writers: Steven Aprile • Tony Curcio • Joanne Gore Mandy Lu • Diana Varma

@graphicarts /graphicartsmagazine /company/graphic-arts-magazine 2020 ADVISORY BOARD STEVEN APRILE

Grant Thornton LLP

EVAN CAMBRAY

Owner of Fastsigns

TONY CURCIO

Chairman

Printing

Joe Mulcahy

AIIM

Publisher

Cover Paper

Ryan Mulcahy

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Text Paper

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Tony Curcio

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Maureen O’Sullivan Sandy Lee Tim Mulcahy

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Kelly White Lorena Florea

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Heidelberg Canada 3M Canada

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Associate Professor at Ryerson University

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President of RRGR

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www.warrenwerbitt.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

4 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

CMCA AUDITED

SCOTT WILLIAMS

Taylor Printing Group

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Tony's Corner

Good news: Absolutely! Bad news: We’ll have to wait and see!

Historically, the overall health of the printing industry has been measured by the monthly or yearly dollar totals of print orders purchased (i.e. print shipments). But there’s another recognized indication of our industry’s health: how the OEMs are doing. So here’s some good news from three major players.

Orders for Manroland Sheetfed presses reached a 10-year high in June. In February Manroland ramped up production at its factory in Offenbach, Germany anticipating increased postCOVID-19 demand. They were right! The strong order intake was due to increased demand for Roland 700 and 900 Evolution presses, as printers around the world began to regain investment confidence. In June, Heidelberg unveiled its new Speedmaster CX 104 Sheetfed Offset Press for commercial and packaging at China Print in Beijing. The world premiere of the 104 was a huge success. Finally, over 150 attended the unveiling of Koenig & Bauer’s new-generation Rapida 105 Series Offset Press, also at China Print. An additional 2,000 watched online. The world première saw orders placed in all formats, plus numerous orders for the Rapida 105 in particular.

The event was one of the best tradeshow results ever for the OEM in that region.

digital product industries have begun. Digital products rely on microprocessors and microchips to function. Printers and copiers are no exception. In fact, within one printer alone, the main control board, image processing board, network controller and display panel drivers, all function using these microchips.

The problem is that sporadic demand and fluctuating Chinese manufacturing rates brought about by the pandemic are causing microchip shortages – or “Chipageddon” as The Wall Street Journal called it. The manufacturers of printers and the IT devices necessary to support remote services, could be threatened if these devices can’t be supplied and/or replaced as needed. Most importantly, microchip shortages may also impede the expansion of printing equipment manufacturers hoping to enter new global markets. We’ll continue to follow this story and keep you well informed.

Until next time, always remember that we’re here to help.

Tony Curcio Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine tony@graphicartsmag.com

The not-so-good news? Well, according to Renée Clarke and Deborah Hawkins of Keypoint Intelligence, shortages across

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Industry leaders release helpful publications on packaging and book printing Buyer's guide

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The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has released its 2021–2022 Flexible Packaging Buyer’s Guide with listings of its members’ manufacturing capabilities. It’s also a key resource to find the best solutions for specific flexible packaging needs. Information on product lines, supplies, end uses, value-added services, printing and converting processes, suppliers of flexible packaging machinery and more, is included.

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute’s State of the Book Industry Report informs business leaders across the supply chain about current market data and emerging trends. The new report looks back at the pandemic’s effects and points to what’s likely coming in 2021. Topics include economic trends, statistics, factors impacting book manufacturers, book readership trends, demand, and management issues.

Esko has launched a free downloadable e-book, Trends in the Beverage Packaging Industry: Ingredients for Success. It outlines key industry trends and the tools that brands can adopt for commercial success.

Esko added that changing consumer habits during the pandemic have led to new behavioural trends, which can equate to new opportunities for brands hoping to capture more share of market.

@graphicarts

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 7

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Print Industry News

Koenig & Bauer hosts world premiere of Rapida 105

Orders for Manroland presses reach 10-year high

A 6-colour Rapida 105 Offset Press with coater and extended delivery (similar to the one shown here) had its capabilities showcased via live demonstrations at the recent China Print tradeshow in Beijing. The press with extended delivery (maximum sheet 720/740 × 1,050 mm) was used to produce high-quality folding cartons, door hangers, posters and other products. The B1 press is distinguished by the upgrades to its automation components, faster print speeds, and a host of Rapida-typical design solutions – such as comprehensive preset capabilities, universal gripper systems with a single setting for all substrates, environmentally friendly cloth-based CleanTronic washing systems, VariDry drying systems, accurate measuring and control systems, and a huge array of other features. Due to its high substrate flexibility and virtually unlimited range of configuration options, the Rapida 105 is “the ideal solution for commercial, packaging and label printers alike,” said the OEM.

Orders for new Roland 700 and 900 offset presses at Manroland Sheetfed reached a 10-year high in June of 2021. Back in February, the company cancelled short-time working and started ramping up production at its factory in Offenbach, Germany in anticipation of increased demand as countries worldwide slowly emerged from the pandemic. The OEM’s strategy is now paying off in this, its 150th anniversary year.

“The reasons for the very strong order intake in June, and for the year to date, are two-fold,” said Dr. Peter Conrady, Head of Global Sales. “Since the beginning of 2021, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of projects for both 700 and 900 size presses, as printers around the world began to regain investment confidence post COVID-19. Moreover, the Roland 700 Evolution and the recently launched Roland 900 Evolution series are absolute state - of-the-art technology that offers significant commercial advantages.

Our customers recognize this.”

Manroland Sheetfed has now returned to full production.

Dr. Peter Conrady

Koenig & Bauer Rapida 105 Sheetfed Offset Press

Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 104 makes world debut Heidelberg’s latest world premiere, the new universal Speedmaster CX 104 Sheetfed Offset Press for commercial and packaging/labels, also went live at China Print. The CX 104 adds new technology with an outstanding price/performance ratio, as well as exceptional scalability with up to 15 printing/ coating unit configurations. A number of assistance systems based on AI, such as Wash Assistant and Color Assistant Pro, enable more user-friendly, end-to-end operation. In addition to minimal make-ready times, less waste and lower energy consumption, various Prinect colour measurement systems provide optimal, reproducible colour stability. Other key features include a new coating unit, faster changeovers, time savings up to 75% based on one-person operation, a new coating blanket cylinder that makes changing of coating forms up to 25% faster, a standard Pulse Laser Process that enables uniform high-gloss levels, an inking/ dampening unit for maximum productivity, integrated ink-mist ex traction at high print speeds, and much more.

Mutoh releases UV inks with increased stretch and durability properties Mutoh America (Phoenix, Arizona), an industry leader in wideformat inkjet printers, cutters and inks, has announced that its new PJUVG5 CMYK+W UV inks can now stretch up to 260% and also include up to two years of outdoor durability without lamination (media and environment-dependent), extending the capabilities of this UV ink for its Mutoh PJ-2508UF UV-LED Wide-Format Printer. PJUVG5 CMYK+W UV inks have a wide colour gamut, long shelf life, and are designed for output in Mutoh's PerformanceJet 2508UF UV-LED 4’ x 8’ Flatbed Printer. These inks, said the OEM, have superior adhesion qualities and are ideally suited for heat-sensitive media and the production of directional signage, tradeshow graphics, POP prints, retail signage, signboards, cardboard and packaging prototypes. The flexibility of PJUVG5 inks is variable and is dependent on print modes and tension direction of the media used.

Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 104 Sheetfed Offset Press

10 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

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Print Industry News

Wilco Invests in 11 Heidelberg presses in landmark deal

MPI Print to open new 175,000-sq.-ft.

Print & Packaging facility

In one of the biggest equipment sales in Heidelberg’s history, Netherlands-based publishing printer Wilco has invested in 11 Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 Presses. The presses are expected to be up and running by September. With over 500,000 works published each year, Europe’s book industry has performed exceptionally well despite the pandemic, resulting in a better investment climate for book printers. The installation included various press configurations, as well as four models just for the Speedmaster XL 106 8P. “If a company wants to supply products in the shortest possible time with the best quality and on a competitive basis, it needs stateof-the-art technology,” said Robert Jan de Rooij, founder and CCO at Wilco. “When it comes to cutting-edge technology, the portfolio and services offered by Heidelberg completely won us over.”

On Friday, July 23, 2021, leading trade-only specialist MPI Print launched an ambitious project in the Wellington County community of Mount Forest, Ontario. MPI held a BBQ party to welcome its staff, customers and suppliers to its sprawling new 175,000-sq.-ft. Print & Packaging facility. This location has been in the works for many years, and MPI’s executive team is excited about the capabilities this facility will soon offer. With its two current locations in Mississauga and Concord, Ontario covering the commercial offset, wide-format and web-press sectors, the new facility will service the packaging and corrugated converting markets. Stuart Charlesworth, Manager at MPI Print, said the facility will not only bring hundreds of new jobs to the community, but will provide North America with a much needed supplier of corrugated cardboard products. “This is an amazing opportunity that’ll allow MPI Print & Packaging to create, sell and distribute new supplies to an already established customer base of print providers across Ontario,” he said. We’ll report back once all new equipment has been installed in the coming months.

Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 Press

Pollard Banknote earns major instant ticket contract Pollard Banknote of Winnipeg has been awarded a contract from Danske Lotteri Spil A/S (Denmark’s national lottery), to print instant tickets including related services. Under the agreement, Pollard will continue to print the Danish Lottery’s instant tickets until July 31, 2025. The partnership between the two companies began in 2008. A shared understanding of the role that innovation plays in attracting new players and keeping existing players formed a key part of the relationship.

Many of the Danish Lottery’s most popular games have utilized innovative Pollard Banknote printing techniques, such as Scratch Tab, Scratch FX, Eco Scratch ReNew and neon inks.

The lottery’s holiday games – all printed by Pollard Banknote – continue to be sales-driving favourites across Denmark.

Pollard partners with over 60 lotteries worldwide.

@graphicarts

MPI owners Pal Dhanju (left) with brother Rob.

Sustainable Mail Group launches in Canada A new organization focusing on the environmental impact of direct mail – the Sustainable Mail Group (https://www.sustainablemailgroup.ca/) – has been created. In 2020, a group of direct-mail leaders began building an organization where industry sustainability could be better understood, while addressing consumer demands for more sustainable mailproduction practices. Early members included Canada Post, printers, paper and envelope manufacturers, letter shops, data services, marketers and others. The group is inviting everyone from this sector to join them in fostering a better understanding of their environmental impact, with the ultimate goal of adopting best practices. The group’s website is a free resource of current research, best practices, case studies and more. Joining is also free and there’s a growing LinkedIn group as well.

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 11

Cover Story

The wonders of wide-format printing The path, the pandemic, the players and the proposition The path forward Just about every market research study I’ve seen has concluded that wide-formant is not only holding its own across all print segments, it’s got an extremely bright future. According to reportlinker. com, the global market for wide-format printing equipment estimated at $3.4 billion (USD) in 2020, is projected to reach a $4 billion by 2027. Wide format in Canada is expected to grow at 1.8% CAGR over the same period. According to Verified Market Research, the global wide-format printer market was valued at $8.22 billion (USD) in 2018 and is projected to reach $11.58 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4.45% from 2019 to 2026. The company also pointed out that today’s wide-format inkjet printers can print on almost anything.

According to Ink World Magazine, the growing demand for wide-format printers for home furnishings and décor, vehiclewrap applications, increasing demand from the in-plant market, and the availability of wide-format printers in different price ranges and varieties, all create huge growth opportunities for current and new players. The growth, it added, can also be attributed to increased demand in the textile, advertising and packaging industries, the rising adoption of UV-curable inks in outdoor advertising, CAD and technical printing applications, and the growing importance of digital document production in commercial printing applications. All of the above reflect enormous opportunities for commercial printers who are bold enough to enter into wide-format.

The pandemic and its effects The COVID-19 pandemic actually fueled Canada’s wide-format printing industry.

But it also illustrated the resilience and ingenuity of those in our industry who stepped up to the plate in this time of crisis. As the pandemic took hold, many print shops repurposed their production

12 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

lines to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields, cloth masks, health-protocol posters, instructional manuals, floor graphics for social distancing, and more. Others supplied signage, wide-format graphics and workplace dividers to restaurants, businesses, educational institutions, etc.

For example, trade printer SinaLite (Markham, Ontario) created low-cost face shields, indoor/outdoor floor graphics, removable vinyl decals etc. It launched a free Apparel Resource Centre to help printers profit more from selling customprinted apparel. It then launched a free Bounce Back Resource Centre so printers could maximize sales as they emerged from the pandemic. OEM Delphax offered printers in Canada and the U.S. who produce more than 12 million letter impressions per year a chance to acquire its flagship Elan 500 HD Cutsheet Digital Inkjet Press for a minimum of two years with no equipment lease or purchase costs.

At the Sainte-Justine Children’s Hospital in Montréal, employees made protective visors for non-medical personnel. The clear part of the visors was made by GBC. Mimaki released its Wide Format Investment Program that offered up to six months of payment relief at a 3.99% fixed interest rate for 60 months. Konica Minolta supported communities and customers worldwide by re-directing everyday innovations to help customers solve urgent issues arising from the pandemic. Most recently, print-finishing specialist Sydney Stone decided not to raise prices, even slightly, as the industry slowly emerges from the pandemic.

These initiatives were only some of the hundreds of contributions from industry folks across Canada. Most print experts feel confident that as our economy slowly begins to open, demand for wideformat products will continue. The same observers believe that traditional print will also make a comeback, but at a slightly slower pace.

The major players Here’s a look at some of the major wideformat original equipment manufacturers and their most recent releases, flagship technology or selected models.

AGFA. Extreme productivity, cutting-edge

automation and low ink consumption has already made Agfa’s latest and fastest true hybrid inkjet flatbed printer – the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS (ultra high speed) – a front-runner in North America. Aptly nicknamed The Beast (due primarily to its ability to easily handle 24/7 heavyduty workloads while printing on both rigid and roll media), the ruggedly built UHS prints on media up to 3.3 m wide in four or six colours at speeds up to 600 m2/hr. (6,458 ft 2/hr.). This is 30% faster than previous models. It’s also ideal for corrugated cardboard package printing with extended vacuum zones and media guides. With a wide colour gamut and high-colour vibrancy, Agfa’s Greenguard Gold-Certified Anuvia UV LED inks provide patented, Thin Ink Layer technology resulting in the lowest ink consumption on the market, substantially reducing ink costs. Asanti workflow software controls and automates the entire printing process.

Customers expand production. Dan Deveau, President of Toronto’s Cameron Advertising, was the first in North America to install the new press. Cameron is one of North America’s leading large-format, digital and screen-printing visual communication providers. “The output of the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS will help us continue to grow our business and set us apart,” he said. “This addition gives us further ammunition to be more competitive. The capabilities of this new press will enhance our innovations and increase our flexibility to get more jobs out the door.” Meanwhile GSP, a leading provider for the retail sector, became the first U.S. printer to install the new Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS at its Clearwater, Florida facility. GSP delivers in-store marketing

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Cover Story programs to over 70,000 retail locations from production facilities in Florida, Utah, Wisconsin and Kansas. “Choosing to add this technology illustrates the partnership between our two companies,” said Elaine Scrima, GSP’s VP of Operations. “Agfa’s Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS is an important part of our growth strategy.

We are excited to be the first U.S.-based Agfa partner to utilize this technology.”

Technology generates profits. According to Deborah Hutcheson, Director of Strategic Business Development and Distribution at Agfa North America, the installations at Cameron Advertising and GSP are changing the way they do business – and represent technology that advances Agfa’s valued client partnerships. “This historical milestone marks the 12th Agfa press established across GSP’s multiple locations and culminates in the first-ever Tauro H3300 UHS with semi-automation,” Hutcheson added. “We continue to learn from our customers. Our relationships are based on mutual respect and a deep understanding of their businesses. This is how we can successfully introduce new technology to

market that delivers results and generates profits.” In Canada, Agfa Incorporated is located in Mississauga, Ontario.

GANDY DIGITAL. Gandy Digital is a Canadian pioneer in large-format digital printing equipment. For the past 35 years, the company has been flying under the radar, so to speak, quietly and diligently creating some of the world’s most advanced – and profitable – largeformat printing systems right here in Canada. Today the company has an impressive fleet of inkjet flatbed printers known for their high-resolution printing using the most advanced print heads and ink-drop technology, built-in automation for ease of use, fast speeds, reliable media handling, high ROI, easy installation and integration with existing systems, experienced tech support, affordable warranties and low-cost maintenance.

Gandy’s flagship Gladi8tor true UV flatbed high-resolution, high-speed printer utilizes advanced NanoDot Technology with 3-picolitre drop size print heads, resulting in smooth colour and sharpness combined with fast speeds of over 100 boards/hr. (or 60 boards/hr. in high

quality mode). Text as small as 3 point is easily readable at 1,200 dpi. The Gladi8tor comes in two sizes – Gladi8tor 2 has a 4 ft x 8 ft (1.22 m x 2.44 m) print size, while the Gladi8tor 3 has a 6.5 ft x 10 ft (2 m x 3.05 m) print size, both on a vacuum table. Both models can have a roll-to-roll attachment either 8 ft (2.44 m) wide or 10 ft (3.05 m) wide. Smoothness in skin tones and colours on lightershaded solid colours can be achieved while “matching the quality of offset printing and photography.” Another major Gladi8tor advantage is the ability to print up to 120 (4 ft x 8 ft) boards an hour at 3,800 ft2/hr (350 m2/hr).

Operating from a 40,000 ft² manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, which also hosts a customer demo centre, Gandy is actually an international player – with sales, service and distribution offices in Mexico, Belgium, the Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Far East, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Today, Gandy Digital is at the cutting edge of the worldwide, largeformat digital printing industry – but is especially proud to be a Canadian

Agfa Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS (ultra high speed)

@graphicarts

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 13

Cover Story Panel and intuitive user interface, the MP CW2201SP can produce a wide range of applications – from architectural drawings and product renderings to oversized, full-colour signage. Users can print, scan and distribute documents, and share information quickly while streamlining project workflows. Up to 3,000 files can be stored in the document server.

Gandy Gladi8tor

manufacturer. Its popular family of largeformat printers, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits, includes the Gladi8tor, Pred8tor and Domin8tor (designed and manufactured in Canada), as well as the Kre8tor Hybrid Flatbed and roll-to-roll (RTR), Fascin8tor UV RTR, and Termin8tor S RTR. EPSON. You’d be hard pressed to see a more impressive rollout of new wideformat products than from Epson in recent months. Expect more well into the fall. This includes its SureColor F570 desktop dye-sub printer, production-class SureColor P8570D 44” wide-format photo printer, SureColor F10070H 76” dye-sub printer, and no less than six new production-class SureColor T-Series of ultra-compact wide-format printers for CAD and graphics applications, set to launch later this year. The Epson SureColor F570 is sure to turn heads when

compact F570 also has convenient features that streamline workflow – including specialized transfer papers for both rigid and soft media, a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter, and two full sets of inks that deliver exceptional colour saturation. Epson transfer papers yield quality images on both soft and rigid materials.

RICOH. The Ricoh MP CW2201SP Colour Inkjet Printer provides wide-format capabilities for modern CAD work environments. It features easier collaboration in office environments with full multifunction print capabilities, mobile support and precise colour technologies in a compact footprint. With 4GB of RAM and a robust 320GB hard disk drive, the MP CW2201SP can efficiently print, copy, scan and distribute documents, all from a single, easy-to-use wide-format device. Powered by a Smart Operation

MUTOH. Its new 64” dye-sublimation printer, the XpertJet 1682WR, paired with Mutoh's new DH21 dye sublimation ink, reduces operational workload and ensures high-quality prints and high production output. Available in 4-colour and 7-colour ink configurations, new features have been added to improve transport and printing on thinner papers.

The 1682WR is ideal for a wide range of dye-sub projects – including textiles, hard surfaces, personalized products, signage and more. A Mutoh Status Monitor (MSM) checks the printer's operational status in real time, while MSM Mobile technology allows monitoring with a smartphone or tablet. A new Media Feed Flange Design lets operators easily load media and exchange multiple rolls, while a new Pressure Roller System means that users can select and engage individual pressure rollers to minimize cockling.

Mutoh XpertJet 1682WR

Epson SureColor F570

released this fall. The 24” desktop dye-sub printer is ideal for professionals creating promotional products, apparel and decorations (including personalizing awards, mugs, mouse pads, garment embellishments, etc.) Professional quality prints are delivered via powerful PrecisionCore print head technology. The

14 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

Ricoh MP CW2201SP

CANON. While Canon’s impressive and very popular array of wide-format imagePROGR AF printers deliver exceptional image quality (which I’ve experienced first-hand), it’s latest unveiling was the Arizona 135 GT UV Wide-Format Flatbed Printer that offers sign makers, commercial, offset and screen printers new ways to expand. The 135’s high image quality is due to VariaDot grayscale technology that uses advanced drop-size selection techniques to deliver photo-realistic images. Productivity

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Cover Story enhancements include nesting, batching of complex jobs, step and repeat, mirroring and re-assignment of print modes. UV-LED curing handles a wide range of durable applications on rigid or flexible media with standard or porous surfaces – including glass, aluminum and other metals, canvas, wood, MDF, cardstock, ceramic tiles and plastics.

specifically designed to help textile companies “blaze” a successful trail into the world of efficient, sustainable industrial inkjet printing. The compact 1.8 m printer offers low-maintenance, a continuous recirculation ink system equipped with a level sensor and degassing, as well as a print head crash protective system for longer print head life and reduced downtime. With a competitive total cost of ownership, the Blaze printer can produce up to 125 linear metres per hour with a printing resolution up to 600 x 1200 dpi. It delivers excellent productivity as “one of the fastest digital inkjet solutions in its class,” has eight 300-dpi dual-channel print heads, and can print up to eight colours with full variable drop size.

EFI Reggiani Blaze

Canon Arizona 135 GT UV

MIMAKI. The new Mimaki JV100-160 is an affordable professional-grade, eco-solvent, roll-based wide-format printer that’s ideal for a wide range of applications – from high-quality fine-art reproduction to vehicle wrap printing and more. Available in 64” with print speeds up to 677 ft²/hr, its 4-colour and 8-colour options include orange and light black inks. A new Dot Adjustment System automatically aligns to ensure consistent print quality and repeatability.

A Nozzle Check Unit automatically monitors print head performance and detects clogs. The Nozzle Recovery System automatically substitutes unproductive nozzles, eliminating downtime and poor image quality. Also new is easier-to-use RasterLink7 – RIP software that can reduce RIP time by 25%.

Mimaki JV100-160

EFI. EFI Reggiani released its newest printer in June – the industrial, entrylevel EFI Reggiani Blaze Printer. The high-quality digital textile printer was

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Safety Sensors prevent print heads from touching substrates.

HP. HP’s DesignJet T-Series spans a broad range of devices – from entry-level printers to professional multifunction devices. All accommodate media between 24” and 44” – ideal for seasonal banners, photographs, blueprints, maps and more.

The latest addition to the DesignJet line, the new PostScript Z-Series, provides pigmented inks for outdoor applications and excellent photographic quality. In addition to quality improvements, the Z-Series is also engineered to print 2.5 times faster than the DesignJet Z3200 while using less ink. Both the Z6 and Z9 DesignJet Postscript printers include vertical trimmers, new HP Pixel Control colour technology, and an updated poster application. The Z6 is ideal for geographic and water-resistant largeformat prints. The 44” Z9+ was designed for photographic prints. HP’s versatile wide range of PageWide wide-format printers also merits a close look.

KONICA MINOLTA. Its AccurrioWide wide-format printers facilitate easy entry into wide-format to create new revenue streams and bring outsourced work back to your shop. The AccurrioWide 200 prints at up to 1,400 dpi using 1024i print head technology, and features low ink consumption per square foot. Loading media is a smooth and accurate process

HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Photo Printer

Konica Minolta AccurrioWide 200

OTHER WIDE-FORMAT WONDERS. To include all the exceptional wide-format technology from every major OEM would take literally hundreds of pages.

However, please also explore these other amazing digital creations. You won’t be disappointed.

due to automated features of the media registration bar and the head-height adjustment. The AccurioWide 200's four-zoned vacuum system ensures flawless media transport. Ionization bars are mounted on the carriage, removing electrostatic charges on substrates to ensure accurate ink-droplet placement.

Air-cooled UV LED lamps provide substantial cost savings on energy consumption while an automatic refill system monitors UV ink levels. Shuttle

• Fujifilm/Inca Onset, Acuity and SpyderX Series.

• Xerox Primelink and Colour EC Series.

• Durst P5 350 and P5 Tex iSub, Rho and Rhotex Series.

• Roland DGA TrueVIS and VersaStudio Printer/Cutter Series, Versa Express, VersaUV and SolJet Series, IU-1000F Flatbed TrafficWorks traffic sign printer and Texart dye-sub family.

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 15

Cover Story

The business proposition Benefits for your print shop Of course, the main benefit of adding wide-format printing to your current product mix is to boost your profits. But there are other factors to consider. For example, wide-format: • Can complement your existing offset and digital printing equipment and products • Is relatively inexpensive compared to expansion into other segments • Requires colour management expertise – an area where commercial printers excel • Is typically purchased from OEMs with whom you’re already familiar • Can be learned quickly due to the high automation of today’s presses • Can be a value-added great talking point for your sales staff • Demand is expected to continue even after the pandemic • Allows you to print only the amount needed to reduce waste

Benefits for your customers and their businesses Today, more and more companies are turning to wide-format print suppliers to help them grow. The reasons are clear and proven. Wide-format: • Is being adopted by more and more businesses to help them grow as well • Surprising affordability makes wideformat a popular choice • Helps businesses develop their own marketing materials • Is traditionally a key part of advertising agencies’ multimedia campaigns • High-visibility graphics deliver brand messages with much more impact

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• Creates exceptionally crisp and clear images viewable from a distance • An ideal way for your clients to stand out from their competition, especially as events re-open live.

• Can withstand constant outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions • Clients can get the same quick turnovers as your day-to-day digital printing • Can handle a much wider array of applications in addition to posters and signage (i.e. vehicle wraps, window films, wall and floor graphics, wallpaper, textiles, etc.)

Questions to ask before adding wide-format How much money am I willing to invest?

Wide-format printers can range in price from several thousand dollars to more than $1 million, depending on the technology, size, degree of automation and what options you wish to add. Be realistic as to what you can afford, explore the technology and compare costs. The old cliché “built it and they will come” is a recipe for disaster.

How much technology do I want? Survey your current core customers and determine the likelihood of selling them wide-format products. While it’s tempting to enter relatively new markets where digital printing is growing (such as textiles and interior décor), you might be better served by assessing the needs of your existing customers first, then gradually upselling them to wide format.

Talk to your OEM first.

What are my current production assets?

Unlike many business expansions, moving into wide format is not that much of a reach for most successful commercial printers. In fact, you might already be producing applications that are appropriate for wide-format digital printing, such as posters or POP materials, albeit in a smaller format.

Which applications should I pursue?

A good place to start would be applications that are compatible with your existing equipment. Which applications will your current clients need in the future? For example, you may be producing directmail flyers for a retailer. So consider adding signage, banners, posters or displays. If you’re already producing posters, other rigid applications could be added, depending on the equipment you have.

Will I experience excessive competition?

Take a closer look at the market and its competitive environment. Who and how many are currently producing the applications you plan to offer? What are their capabilities? Do they specialize in these applications, or are they general commercial printers like you? What equipment do they have? What’s their capacity? Is the application growing?

What are the current profit margins?

Are they close to you geographically?

Once you’ve identified a few appropriate applications, it’s time to look at the equipment that’s suitable and fits you budget. What substrates do you need to print on? Do you need a flatbed, rollto-roll, or a hybrid device? What are the ink requirements? Will it fit easily onto

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Cover Story your production floor? How much automation will be needed? What production volumes are anticipated? Will its workflow fit seamlessly into your current production workflow? Are there any environmental or waste-disposal issues? How steep is the learning curve for operators? Ask these questions before taking the plunge.

Wide-format market opportunities Traditional signage. According to most studies, printed signage (as opposed to digital signage) is still the most widely used form of signage worldwide. This market is primarily separated into indoor and outdoor, with indoor applications currently dominant. Overall, cost-effectiveness remains one of the main factors driving printed signage. Static billboards are still one of the most visible and predominant outdoor signage applications – but they’ve been losing some ground to more customizable, interactive and eye-catching options. That being said, most experts agree that traditional static billboards will not disappear any time soon. In fact, the combined use of printed and digital applications simultaneously is gaining prominence in certain business segments.

Textiles. The digital textile inkjet printing market continues to be one of the top growth markets worldwide. Inkjet’s previously narrow focus on textile sample books and high-value soft signage that lasted for over a decade has evolved.

Today, continuous breakthroughs in inkjet productivity, plus the emergence of the ‘fast- fashion’ business model from retailers, has spawned major advances in production inkjet textile printing. The most common forms of textile printing are dye-sublimation or transfer printing and DTG or direct-to-garment printing.

Today’s inkjet textile printers can reach amazing levels of vibrancy, durability and quality of detail. However, traditional wide-format inkjet printers (solvent, ecosolvent, UV and latex) are also versatile enough to handle textile printing. Issues in this sector involve print quality, durability, the best types of fabrics to print on, light-fastness, cleaning and scratch resistance. If you’re a commercial printer, you can invest in an economical desktop

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printer, all the way up to a larger, more sophisticated device that can accommodate numerous higher-end applications.

Packaging. The inkjet packaging market, including packaging prototypes, is another lucrative market. This includes flexible packaging, labels, folding cartons and other applications. For example, several equipment manufacturers now offer inkjet systems specifically designed for small-run packaging as well as highvolume label production. Some inkjet models are also being integrated with flexo units to create hybrid label production. Plus, hybrid presses with inkjet print heads can also apply variable data.

This could lead to the adoption of inkjet in this sector more quickly.

Corrugated. Wide-format printing for corrugated folding cartons is a market that’s moving quickly to inkjet from its traditional domain of flexo. New inkjet presses can now deliver single-pass printing that includes cyan, magenta, yellow, black, orange, violet, and white LED-cured inks. Many experts see this as a game-changer. Also, a wider selection of available corrugated substrates has created an environment for growth.

Variable-data versioning, last-minute changes, rapid responses to customer demands, and accelerated time-to-market are driving forces in this sector.

Interior décor. The décor market for homes, corporate offices, hotels, cruise ships and restaurants has opened up new opportunities for any print shop with a wide-format inkjet printer. This includes wallpaper, wall hangings, furniture, drapes, shower curtains, window decorations, paintings on canvas and a host of other non-traditional materials.

Reasons for this continued growth include a real estate market that continues to hold its own, increased availability of home décor products via the internet, growing consumer preferences towards more eco-friendly products, higher disposable family incomes, and more homeowners wishing to renovate their houses.

Industrial. Industrial inkjet printing applications continue to experience growth.

These include home décor and laminates, ceramics, electronics, glass, aerospace,

automotive, biomedical, and more. All of these can be printed using a variety of specialized analogue methods as well as inkjet technology. While new equipment has expanded specific applications, new inks, coatings and functional fluids are also becoming widespread. While analogue printing methods are still widely used, digital inkjet is gaining ground in industrial printing.

Photography and fine art. Wide-format inkjet equipment manufacturers have rolled out some amazing technology to spur growth in this area. Museum-grade fine-art prints, small-format and largeformat full-colour and B&W photographic prints, art cards and other high-end products can now be produced costefficiently. The OEMs have also taken particular care to ensure they their digital printers can accommodate the non-traditional media used in this sector – such as cotton rag media, premium photo papers, exhibition-grade canvas, and a variety of unique coated and uncoated stocks popular in this segment.

Specialty. Many printers consider specialty printing to include printing on items such as magnets, die-cut coasters, door hangers, clothing bags, wedding invitations, name tags, tabbed booklets, laminated or plastic business cards, as well as printing on non-traditional substrates such as glass, wood, ceramics, polyester, linen papers, lanyards etc.

That being said, many shops differentiate specialty printing from promotional items such as personalized mugs, T-shirts, calendars and napkins, birth announcements, gifts, photo printing and more. Some have even utilized special-effect printing such as engraving, embossing or foil stamping. And while printed items in this sector usually involve shorter personalized runs, this market still represents significant revenue opportunities. Inkjet equipment manufacturers have also facilitated growth by developing presses that can print easily onto differently shaped, non-flat objects and other non-traditional media.

Tony Curcio Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine tony@graphicartsmag.com

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 17

Installations

Mitchell Digital installs Western Canada’s first Kodak Nexfinity Press Mitchell Digital, a division of Mitchell Press, located in Burnaby, BC, has installed the first Kodak Nexfinity Colour Sheetfed Press in Western Canada featuring Kodak’s proven dry-toner imaging system. As long-time Kodak Nexpress users, the upgrade to the Kodak Nexfinity platform proved to be extremely successful. Changing out the engine that drives the innovative platform enabled immediate gains with faster production, enhanced image quality – and more importantly, a greater range of desirable value-added fifth unit embellishments, said the company.

“With the Nexfinity’s enhanced speed and adaptability, it easily handled one of our larger hybrid digital/offset projects with 150,000 unique variable covers for a strategic publication,” said Gregory Wong of Mitchell Digital, Supervisor of Mitchell Press’ Digital Division. “We enjoyed a 40% increase in efficiency and managed to save a few days in production, thereby freeing up capacity for more client work.”

Scott Gray, VP of Sales and Marketing, added: “We are really excited by the flexibility of the platform. One day we are running huge offset run-lengths; the next day a short-run bespoke marketing piece – both hitting our ROI targets spot-on.

Considering the year we just came out of, it’s refreshing to be able to invest based on our clients’ feedback, who have been

asking for flexibility, diversity and tangible solutions. Combined with our expertise, this is a really powerful way we can support our clients’ needs.”

The Kodak Nexfinity provides unparalleled flexibility for producing critical marketing and communication projects, and can produce a wide range of applications including commercial print, direct mail, publishing and packaging.

The platform also handles a wide range of unique digital value-added embellishments such as raised dimensional, clear, gold, metallic clear, opaque white, light black, watermark, RGB colour expansion, anti-microbial, red fluorescent dry ink, glass coat, plus an exceptional matte finish.

Kodak Nexfinity Press

Simpson Print installs its third swissQprint Nyala Flatbed Simpson Print (Bloomingdale, Ontario), a full-service printer founded in 1964, has installed its third swissQprint Nyala Flatbed Printer, expecting the retail market to take off again.

“People will be back in the stores once the pandemic is over,“ said Carla Johanns, President of Simpson Print. Retail represents a major part of the company’s business, and it’s preparing to face the boom and meet new customer demands – including a shift to a more hybrid market. “Simpson Print has always been about unique differentiation in the market,“ Johanns added.

“This acquisition was all about quality – a client deliverable that we are not willing to sacrifice. Adding a third platform with a jetable primer puts us in one of the strongest positions possible for quality, speed and versatility in meeting all print requirements on time.” Simpson Print specializes in retail merchandising, in-store signage, custom and high-volume packaging, industrial nameplates and decals, and more.

With a top speed of 206 m²/hr., SwissQprint’s Nyala 3.2 x 2-metre-wide printer is ideal for high-volume production environments. Versatility is built in via its modular expandability, a common feature across all swissQprint systems.

Powerful vacuum technology holds substrates firmly in place.

In tandem operation, the printer and the operator join forces for continuous, non-stop production. The Nyala prints at up

18 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

to 1,080 dpi with a maximum of 9 colour channels. Options include roll-to-roll and dual-roll, as well as a board option with extension tables. Users can achieve pinpoint registration with double-sided prints easily and quickly. LED technology handles heat-sensitive media, and Droptix technology facilitates 3D visual effects printing using transparent media.

In addition to traditional media, the Nyala can print on acrylic, aluminum composite panels, wood, tarpaulin, polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, PVC and more.

SwissQprint’s Nyala Flatbed Printer

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Product Innovations

A faster folder with intelligent automation Standard Horizon’s AFV-56K iCE Series Folder is a new 6-buckle unit with integrated knife/buckle cross folding designed for improved efficiency, more operator-friendly production and reduced waste and make-ready times. Set-up and changeover times are nearly 20% faster than the previous model, the AFC-566FG. The system’s roller gaps and buckle plates are set automatically and can be easily fine-tuned from an improved touchscreen control panel. The AFV-56K iCE introduces automated stop deployment and adjustment under the knife when cross folding, and trailing edge roller adjustments to ensure accurate fold position. The system features a new, automated register table with an adjustable vacuum drive belt. It can automatically calculate the optimal feed interval to ensure top production speeds with no manual adjustments.

The folder uses a single-piston suction pre-feed head for faster and more accurate operation, and can reach speeds up to 656 f t /min. with cross folding, and up to 885 ft/ Standard Horizon min. for parallel AFV-56K iCE folds.

Digital Die Cutter handles several applications Duplo USA’s new DocuCutter DPC-600 Digital Die Cutter can process B2-size sheets and a wide range of substrates that include chipboards and plastics. The flatbed cutter is designed for producing short-run packaging, pocket folders, foam board displays, face shields, and much more. Featuring smart technology without any physical dies required, it handles large media up to 23” x 31” and can cut, kiss cut, score and perforate in one pass. It comes standard with press cut, active, and drag knives, as well as scoring and perforation wheels to process paper, PET plastics, adhesive stocks, corrugated, chip and foam boards, up to 6 mm. Duplo added that the DPC-600 will be a “game changer” for commercial printers in the wideformat business, or for those who are planning to move into B2 work in the near future. It provides a timely solution for printers to get more creative with finishing – and create products with f a s te r t u r n arounds and minimal downtime.

Digital presses with enhanced automation and finishing Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C7100 Series of digital colour presses feature intelligent automation, enhanced finishing options and exceptional durability. The C7100 model runs at 100 ppm and the C7090 at 90 ppm. The OEM’s Simitri V Toner is eco-friendly and formulated for fast melting, energy efficiency and low maintenance. It reproduces superb print quality on a wide range of media up to 400 g/m2. Combined with a resolution of 3,600 dpi (equivalent) x 2,400 dpi, outstanding results are achieved for even long press runs. Other capabilities include auto-duplex banners up to 900 mm and the flexibility to handle embossed and textured media. Finishing options include booklet making, stapling, perfect binding and wire binding. Konica Minolta’s TU-510, the world’s first inline cutting finisher, is available for the C7100 Series. The four-edge trimmer/ creaser allows for full-bleed finishing for long sheets, booklets, direct mail and business cards.

Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7100 Series

Versatile hot-foil stamper for folding cartons The new Bobst Novafoil 106 Hot Foil Stamper is ideal for high-quality, multi-colour embellishment in folding-carton production. Its capabilities also include embossing, de-bossing, hologram application and die cutting. The technology allows users to create more elaborate designs to produce higher-value packaging. This is the first inline foil-stamping machine from Bobst to offer an advanced cross-foiling option – configured up to eight reels of 350 mm for inline, and four reels of 250 mm for cross foiling. The Novafoil 106 allows a greater variety of applications of intricate foil designs on paper-based substrates and solid board. With a large sheet size up to 1,060 x 760 cm, the 106 has a high level of automation that enables quick set-ups and changeovers. The re-designed platen section ensures longer dwell time, stable temperatures and higher pressure in the foiling process to deliver maximum quality. The result is reliability, excellent stability and smooth sheet transport.

Bobst Novafoil 106

Duplo DocuCutter DPC-600

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GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 19

Product Innovations

Faster wide-format photo printers

Fully automated punching and binding

Epson’s SureColor P-Series production-class photo and graphic-art wide-format printers for high-volume photo production, retail photo labs and poster / graphic art applications, includes the SureColor P 24” and P 44” (launching later this year) with the SureColor P8570D 44” Dual-Roll Photo Printer available first. Using Epson’s largest 2.64” PrecisionCore MicroTFP print heads and 6-colour UltraChrome PRO6 pigment inks, the printers enable printing that’s 2.3 times faster than the SureColor P8000. The models also improve workflow and media handling – including a dual-roll take-up reel for RTR printing, easy automatic roll loading, and optional adjustable production stackers. Automatic roll loading can switch between two media types or sizes – or a second roll can be used as a take-up reel for RTR production. Printing on a wide range of media – including roll, photo, fine art, canvas and rigid poster board up to 1.5 mm thick – the 6-colour inks with gray produce vibrant , colour ful prints with smooth gradations and neutral B&W images that “rival comparable 8-colour printers.” Espon SureColor P8570D Wide-Format

ACCO Brands’ GBC Nearline Punch and Bind provides greater productivity by feeding, punching and wire-binding in one easy, automated step. It’s comprised of three units: a Plockmatic VFX Vacuum feeder, a GBC StreamPunch VFX, and a GBC eWire VFX. The newly engineered feeder increases ease of use and enhances feeding performance across a wide range of media. The GBC StreamPunch is a fully automated punching unit, and the first to offer a “double punch” capability while using various die sets with selectable pins (including crease and preformation dies). The GBC eWire VFX is the first inline wire binding solution utilizing twin-loop wire spools available in 6 sizes and 3 colours. “With its small footprint and wide range of features, GBC’s Nearline Punch and Bind is the perfect fit for every printing environment,” said Jim Sawyer, ACCO Brands’ Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for North America. GBC introduced the first electric desktop mechanical binding punch in 1961, and first tabletop laminator in 1966.

GBC’s Nearline Punch and Bind

Photo Printer

The “smallest” high-speed finishing table Kongsberg PCS has expanded its C Series of digital finishing tables with the launch of the ultra-compact Kongsberg C20 – “the smallest high-speed production table on the market,” said the OEM. The C20 retains all the same features of its larger C Series counterparts, but in a compact size of just 1.6 m x 1.4 m (5.29 ft. x 4.71 ft.). The cutting table utilizes aerospace technology, combining an aluminum composite tabletop, a rack-and-pinion drive system and dynamic table mapping, which together deliver precise cutting accuracy and consistency. Multiple tool combinations are available during production, and the tooling system includes a material-thickness probe and an optional camera for registering printed and un-printed materials.

“The high cost of owning or renting space is a serious problem for many in the sign and display market,” said Stuart Fox, President of Kongsberg PCS. W i t h t he new Kongsberg C20, there’s no longer any need for those businesses to compromise on produc tion and quality due to a lack of avail- Kongsberg C20 Digital Finishing Table able space.”

20 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

Rotary calendars for textile applications Graphics One will release two new large-format rotary, oil-based, 3-in-1 calendars for dye sublimation and direct printing fixation applications in August. The new GO Xpress 47” C-1200 and GO Xpress 67” C-1700 Calendars were designed to be easy to set-up, easy to use and easy to maintain. Three-in-one capabilities include roll-to-roll, cut-piece and print fixation for a wide range of direct-to-textile applications. With steel construction and advanced oil heating, the calendars maintain consistent temperatures throughout the entire rotary transfer process. The roll-feed and take-up system have three shafts for feeding and three shafts for take-up. The media-handling system includes an auto-align material centering system for quickly loading the calendar for production. The unit is also totally self-contained and doesn’t require any air. Unlike other units available on the market, a fixed table for imaging piece goods and sports apparel, along with a catch bin for piece parts, is included with both the 47” C-1200 and 67” C-1700 models.

The GO Xpress Rotary Calendar System

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Innovative Digital Marketing Remarketing • Retargeting • Programmatic Advertising Ever wondered, “What is this new marketing jargon?!”

These terms all have similar meaning when used within the context of digital marketing. They refer to the use of “cookies” to track visitors of one website and reach them with ads on other websites.

Graphic Arts Magazine’s new Digital Marketing Platform provides an effective retargeting opportunity for suppliers to

reach thousands of visitors who visit www.graphicartsmag.com every year. Being a leading B2B News network for Canada’s Design, Print, Sign and Packaging professionals, GAM’s audience is both engaged and verified. Any prospects that visits our site, also leave their digital address and that helps us find them again.

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Storming, Part 1: Brainstorming In this three-part series, I’ll explore various types of storming – specifically brainstorming, framestorming and gamestorming. These techniques help generate new ideas and spark creative connections, with each one building on the preceding concept. Let’s first look at the classic concept of brainstorming and the ways in which inviting diversity into a session can ‘supercharge’ the outcome.

Brainstorming is less than 100 years old and has carved out its place in just about every successful business.

According to the New World Encyclopedia, the concept of brainstorming was born in the 1930’s by American advertising executive Alex Faickney Osborn. In his book Applied Imagination, he introduced the world to the concept, claiming that “…groups could double their creative output.” The technique’s process requires posing a question to a group of up to 10 individuals and asking them to provide as many answers as possible.

Each answer would stimulate the minds of other participants, producing a greater number of ideas than could be generated individually.

There are so many different aspects we could explore with brainstorming (including criticism of the entire process itself), but I’m choosing to focus specifically on rule three – how inviting diversity helps to flip conventional ideas on their heads, for the better.

Four basic rules of brainstorming 1. Quantity over quality, or rather, quantity is thought to breed quality. Theoretically, the more ideas proposed, the greater the chance of a novel idea surfacing.

2. Withhold criticism because it’s disruptive and unproductive, especially when trying to adhere to rules 3 and 4. Suspending one’s own inner critic and criticism of others is key to a successful session.

The quality and practicality of the ideas can be assessed later.

3. Unconventional ideas are welcome, including ideas from alternative perspectives with assumptions suspended.

Inviting a diverse group of individuals (age, race, gender, ability, etc.) to participate will lay a foundation for novel ideas. A diverse group may not only bring new ideas, but also help to re-think and re-structure the questions asked.

4. Combining and improving ideas can lead to breakthroughs through the process of association.

22 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

Diversity = Creativity (or Creativity = Diversity?)

Steve Jobs once said: “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something.

That's because they were able to connect experiences they've had and synthesize new things. Unfortunately, that's too rare a commodity. A lot of people haven't had very diverse experiences. So they don't have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions.”

In a 2014 article called Why a Diversity of Participants in a Brainstorming Session is So Important by Val Vadeboncoeur for Idea Champions, she expanded on this quote from Steve Jobs and suggested that gathering a diverse group of individuals will produce many dots to connect.

‘Groupthink’ can run rampant when individuals with similar backgrounds are grouped together to solve problems.

Creative tension is more likely to occur in group brainstorming sessions that contain a diverse group of people, which Vadeboncoeur argues is a critical variable for any kind of solution-seeking process.

In a 2017 article called Does Diversity Actually Increase Creativity? by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic for the Harvard Business Review, he makes the interesting argument that diversity might lead to creativity. However, by selecting employees on the basis of their creativity (versus cognitive ability or educational background), creativity may actually lead to diversity. However, above all else he identifies that knowledge sharing is the critical component: “No matter how diverse the workforce is, and regardless of what type of diversity we examine, diversity will not enhance creativity unless there is a culture of sharing knowledge.”

Successful brainstorming sessions rely on a number of factors, including inviting all types of diversity into the process and empowering leadership to skillfully facilitate diverse groups. It also relies on more complicated underlying issues of vulnerability, trust and perceived psychological safety in the group. But when these factors fall into place, brainstorming sessions can transcend stuffy boardrooms, transform the ideas that came before them, and transport solutions to new realms of success.

Diana Varma is a Lecturer at the School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM) and the Master of Digital Media (MDM) program at Ryerson University in Toronto. She also hosts a podcast called Talk Paper Scissors. www.talkpaperscissors.info

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Diary of a locked-down accountant: Part 2

As we emerge from the pandemic, get vaccinated and stay healthy, it’s important that our finances remain healthy as well. This monthly series will offer timely, money-saving ideas and strategies from our financial and tax planner (and Graphic Arts Media Advisory Board member), Steven Aprile.

Is it better to contribute to a TFSA or an RRSP? Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) have been around since 2009 – and those of us that are old enough could have contributed $75,500 since then! But is it better to contribute to a TFSA or an RRSP (registered retirement savings plan)? Here’s one scenario.

Moe, Larry and Curly live in Ontario and each makes $110,000. All three of them have $5,659 to invest in a Canadian stock that currently has a dividend yield of 6%. Moe invests the $5,659 in a regular trading account and one year later he has $5,999 less taxes of $86 or $5,913.

Larry puts the $5,659 in his TFSA and has $5,999. Curly borrows $4,341, contributes $10,000 to an RRSP and gets a tax refund of $4,341 and repays the loan.

One year later he has $10,600. He withdraws the $10,600 from his RRSP, pays taxes and has $5,999 left – the same as Larry! So Moe is the worst off.

Larry could end up ahead of Curly, if he gets a big raise and does the RRSP when his marginal rate is higher (48.29%). He takes the $5,999, borrows $4,601 and puts $10,600 in RRSP. His tax refund is $5,119 so he is ahead by $518! Curly could end up ahead of Larry if he can split the RRSP with a lower income spouse, or his tax rate has gone down at the time of withdrawal. So what’s the lesson here? Try your best to predict what the future holds for your specific individual situation so that you can make the best choice that delivers the most profits.

It’s never too early to do some RRSP planning As we gradually emerge from the pandemic, many of us are still anticipating an uncertain financial future. One of the few issues that we can indeed be certain of, however, is that continued RRSP planning is always time well spent. You have until March 1 of 2022 to contribute

to your RRSP and lower your taxes for the year 2021.

Claire and Joe have two children aged 16 and 13 and they live in Ontario. In 2020 Claire's salary was $110,000 and Joe's was $40,000. With no RRSP contributions, they’ll receive $1,907 of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for the 12 months ended June 30, 2022. If Claire contributes $20,000 to a spousal RRSP, the CCB would increase to $3,047.

Claire would get a tax refund of $8,098.

Let's say she had to borrow the $20,000, paid the loan down to $11,902 with her tax refund, and pays interest of 3% for five years and owes $13,826 after five years.

Joe invests the $20,000 wisely for five years and earns the same 3% that Claire is paying on her loan. After 5 years he has $23,185 of spousal RRSP. He withdraws the RRSP and pays taxes of about $6,400 and has $16,785 left. We are assuming he’s still earning the same $40,000 and tax rates have not changed.

Claire's loan is paid off and they still have $2,959, plus they get to enjoy increased CCB of $1,140 in 2021 and 2022. For Claire and Joe, each dollar of their RRSP contribution up to $20,000 increases the tax-free CCB by 5.7%! Conclusion: They should consider making contributions now and withdrawing when they are no longer entitled to the CCB. Steven Aprile (CPA, CA, CFP) is a Partner with Grant Thornton LLP in Toronto. His expertise covers corporate and personal tax return planning and preparation, new business start-ups, personal financial and estate planning, and more. He’s especially helpful in providing owner-managed businesses with guidance when completing year-end financial statements and tax returns. As a Certified Financial Planner, Steven can develop a financial plan that considers a client’s entire financial picture, including tolerance for risk. He can be reached at Steven.Aprile@ca.gt.com

24 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

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Survey of Canadians working from home due to COVID-19 elicits positive responses As we gradually emerge from this exhausting pandemic, we thought we’d give you an update focusing on how Canadians are coping with the lockdown. The team at ClickMeeting – specialists in video conferencing, online meetings and webinar software designed to bring students, customers and team members together – recently researched the state of our nation as we continue to work and learn remotely. Its timely survey provided some fascinating insights on working and learning remotely in Canada. ClickMeeting also has easy-to-follow printable PDF eBooks and a host of other resources that will help to kick-start online events. You’ll also find helpful guides on best practices, tips and tricks. Here are just some of the survey’s findings:

even when that happens, remote work will have earned a permanent place in the employment mix, the survey revealed.

• Just 19% of those currently working remotely would choose to return to an office during the current pandemic.

• 56% of respondents currently enjoy remote work and view the ‘hybrid’ work model (working partly at home and partly at the office) as an ideal working environment – one that increases productivity and trust among employees.

This presents companies with two challenges. First, how to manage remoteworking conditions amid the uncertainty of today, and second, how to prepare for and optimize the ‘hybrid’ working models of tomorrow, in which in-person and remote work will be at opposite ends of a fluid spectrum of options.

• The survey also revealed some interesting statistics about remote work. The ‘hybrid’ workforce was an ideal model for 46% of survey respondents. About 30% preferred purely remote work, while 19% preferred an in-person office environment.

• 74% of those who took part in the survey expect compensation for using their personal internet, furniture or equipment.

And, 28% feel that they should receive a higher salary for working at home.

• During the pandemic, not surprisingly, there’s been a huge surge in online events taking place with a 375% increase each week and a 560% increase in online audience sizes since the start of the pandemic. In fact, in March of this year alone, the number of webinars organized on ClickMeeting reached nearly 250,000!

• Remote-work employers around the world are coping with previous times (when most employees were physically present at work), and future work environments (when vaccines will facilitate a safe return to the traditional workplace). Yet

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Educational preferences • In the realm of education, a combination of conventional and virtual classrooms was an ideal option for 60%, whereas 25% of respondents preferred traditional in-person, at-school education. A mere 6% preferred online-only learning.

• Schools and universities are not prepared for online education, according to 44% of respondents, but it’s only a matter of small investments to catch up, they added.

• 33% believed that schools are ready to teach online. The remaining 23% said that there are too many issues that need major improvements in this area.

• With the pandemic set to continue for at least the next school term, 49% of those surveyed think that schools should only continue online courses for the foreseeable future. Plus, 28% still worry about their children returning to school and believe that education should be taken virtually for now.

Tony Curcio Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine tony@graphicartsmag.com

GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 25

Creative & Design

Russian researchers use a laser paintbrush to create a bold new type of art

Photos of colour-laser miniature (5 mm) paintings: Left is an interpretation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night; Right is a portrait of the artist made on a titanium canvas using a new laser paintbrush technique.

Researchers at ITMO University in St. Petersburg, Russia are blurring the lines between science and art by using a laser to create artistic ‘masterpieces’ in a way that mirrors classical painting and associated brush strokes. The new technique yields paint-like strokes of colour on metal that can be changed, erased and even ‘re-written.’

“We developed a way to use a laser to create localized colours on a metallic canvas using a technique that heats the metal to the point where it evaporates,” said research team leader Vadim Veiko. “With this approach, an artist can create miniature art that conveys complex meaning – not only through shape and colour, but also through various Vadim Veiko laser-induced microstructures on the surface.” In Optica, The Optical Society's (OSA’s) journal for high-impact research, Veiko and his colleagues showed that their new laser tools can be used to create unique colourful paintings. Research team member Yaroslava Andreev added: “We hope that laser painting will attract the attention of modern artists and lead to the creation of a completely new type of art. The approach can also be used for modern design and to create colour markings on various products.”

Painting with laser light

26 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

The new study builds on previous work in which the researchers investigated how to use lasers to create colour on titanium and stainless steel. “We wanted to do more than offer a wide palette of stable colours,” said Galina Odintsova, a member of the research team. “So we worked to create a convenient tool for applying them more like an artist’s brush.” For the new technique, the researchers heated the metal to a point where it started to evaporate – much higher than the melting temperatures used in previous approaches. When the metal cooled, an extremely thin film of metal oxide formed. Light reflected from the metallic surface and the top of the oxide film interferes in a way that produces different colours, depending on the thickness of the film. “Increasing the laser heating range enough to create the evaporation process makes our colour strokes reversible, rewritable, erasable and much more efficient,” Odintsova pointed out. “Plus, our marking speed is more than 10 times faster than reported before.”

The researchers used a nanosecond ytterbium fibre system equipped with a galvanometric scanner to create strokes that combine surface relief with optical effects, creating nine basic colours. (Ytterbium is a soft, malleable and ductile rare-earth element with a bright silvery lustre when pure. It oxidizes slowly in air.) A second pass of the laser at a faster scan rate can erase or change the colour of a specific area. Researchers demonstrated that the surface colour of erased areas was indistinguishable from a non-treated surface – and that colours could be erased and rewritten several times without affecting the final colour. The new laser paintbrush made the 3” x 2” version of Starry Night (above) in just four minutes! They also created original artwork to demonstrate colour mixtures and erasing capabilities.

Researchers further explained that pictures created using this new approach were extremely resistant to harsh environments and chemicals, and don’t require any type of special storage. Their ultimate goal was to incorporate the new laser-painting capabilities into a handheld tool that could be used much like a pen or paintbrush to create colourful images on metals or metallic foils. This approach can also be used to add nanostructured and hybrid materials or periodic surface gratings.

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Making PDFs work for you – three features not to overlook PDFs are one of the most commonly used file types in the world. The original goal, stemming from The Camelot Project

by John Warnock in 1990, was to create a means for effective and universallyaccessible electronic communication of visual materials between different systems and applications. Today, the PDF continues to be a standard for printing and electronic communication. However, since its creation, there have been several changes and innovations to maintain this original goal as it adapts to the introduction of new technologies. The PDF offers a multitude of features that can enhance the way we communicate.

1. Password Protection and Encryption.

PDF documents can be encrypted through built-in password protection which ensures cross-platform compatibility. This is useful for documents that may contain confidential information or information intended only for certain authorized users. Adobe Acrobat outlines two methods of securing PDFs. First, a user password helps provide a layer of security by ensuring that only intended users will be able to view the document, protecting against cases of data leaks or data theft. Second, and a master password can protect against unauthorized printing, editing, and/or copying of information in a document. This preserves the integrity

of the content against programs with PDF-editing capabilities. As noted in David Weedmark’s Reasons for Locking PDF Files, this tool can provide a basic form of Digital Rights Management (DRM) for contracts containing digital signatures and/or exclusive content, for example.

2. PDF tools for increased accessibility.

It’s important to design with accessibility in mind. This includes graphic design and document design. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) provides several techniques that meet the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in PDF Techniques for WCAG 2.0. Understanding and using available accessibility tools can attract a wider audience to your content, while capturing their attention for longer periods by ensuring that your documents are easy to read and navigate. Proper tagging can improve the ease of navigation by ensuring a logical, hierarchical structure during content reflow (to fit on smaller screens, for example). Tagging content also helps identify its attributes – which is particularly useful for individuals affected by vision impairment, who may use assistive technologies that read information provided by the tags. Julius Nganji summarizes several of the most important PDF accessibility features in Ten Common PDF Accessibility Errors with Solutions – such as defining the document language

in advanced Document Properties, adding alternative texts to relevant images and/ or media, and marking background images as decorative. These steps can help screen readers better analyze and read the contents of a document.

3. Archiving PDFs. As the value of data becomes increasingly important over time, businesses must find efficient means of storing documents to retain this valuable information. While there are several short-term storage options, PDF/A (PDF for Archiving) files (an ISO standard for archival) helps to ‘future-proof’ PDFs against technological changes while in long-term storage, according to PDF/A in a Nutshell 2.0 published by the PDF Association. Notably, PDF/A files are optimal for storage due to more powerful compression algorithms and limiting functions that could hinder future usage, such as embedded media requiring peripheral software for execution.

Although there are limitations on what can be included, PDF/As are a great choice for preservation of vital information while maintaining convenient functions for working and searching, such as text recognition for scanned documents and digital signatures for forms.

Information, no matter how insightful, can be limited by the method of presentation.

Utilizing the tools at your disposal allows for more effective communication between and within your business, workforce and audience. The features of PDFs outlined above only scratch the surface of a multitude of methods that can enhance the way you communicate. It’s not enough to remain static in an ever-evolving world.

Just as the PDF standards defined by ISO have evolved over time to accommodate changes in technology, seeking out new ways to protect data, enhance accessibility efforts and enable ‘future-proofed’ document archiving may be vital to your business not just now, but in the not-toodistant future.

Mandy Lu is a Graphic Communications Management (GCM) student at Toronto’s Ryerson University. She loves browsing online through art, photography and the latest design trends. But she also loves the feel and smell of a new book in her hands, and has never said no to a good story and fresh cup of coffee.

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GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | July / August 2021 | 27

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The post-pandemic effect: Shifting online mindsets with the return of in-person events Assessing the post-pandemic effect Throughout the pandemic, computer and device screen time and time spent online increased significantly. It’s estimated that during the Spring 2020 lockdowns, total internet traffic increased by up to 60% globally. Attending online events such as webinars, meet-ups and online learning mechanisms all contributed to the uptick.

They made it possible for people to continue to hear from experts and gather new insights – and for that we should all be thankful. It wasn’t too long ago when the technology to produce and attend virtual events simply didn’t exist. And being unable to travel would have put a complete halt to the information sharing, networking and business that attendees obtain at conferences. Today, the capabilities of many platforms are for the most part, outstanding.

As we brace for the “post-pandemic effect” – encouraged by a waning pandemic, business re-openings and a “summer mindset” – screen time will take a backseat to live, in-person events. People are hungry for normalcy, including meeting with friends and family, going to the beach, shopping in-person, playing sports and taking vacations. These are just a few activities that will sway attention away from our lives online, according to Grand Review Research’s Virtual Events Market Analysis report. In fact, half (50%) of Americans said they spend too much time in front of computer and device screens.

Shifting online mindsets Naturally, this raises the question of how this will impact a burgeoning online events industry. This market, which was valued at $77.98 billion (USD) in 2019, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2% from 2020 to 2027, according to the report.

As in-person social calendars are filling

30 | July / August 2021 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE

up once again, screen time will soon become a premium. Committing to virtual events as willingly or as easily as they were occurring during lockdowns, is now leading to an event “triage” between which are attended and which will be sacrificed. The result will be an on-demand mindset that will embrace the best of both worlds. That is, the time and moneysaving convenience of attending virtual events anywhere in the world, combined with the face-to-face interaction, social engagement and “look-em-in-the-eyes” experience that all of us long for.

Preparing for a paradigm shift Printing United is set for the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from Wednesday, October 6 to Friday, October 8, marking the unofficial end of the pandemic for the printing industry. The event has a lot of hype surrounding it, but this begs the question: how will it – and other in-person events – be received? A study from Healthcare Insider conducted June of 2021 showed that Americans are eager to resume a range of activities, but are less comfortable with others. Over half of Americans aged 45 and up said they won’t feel comfortable traveling by plane, train or bus until 2022 or later. Border restrictions and vaccine requirements also play a role. Smaller

events, user-group conferences and regional “roadshows” could help planners adapt a hybrid approach that takes on any number of shapes. These could include live in-person events with live virtual simulcasts, live events with full on-demand/pre-recorded content, live events with limited live virtual sessions, smaller live regional events – and everything in between!

It’s time to prepare for another paradigm shift – as we transition from an online mindset to an on-demand one – and take control of our time spent online.

From an attendee perspective, it means having access to content when it’s convenient for you during the day or night and on your laptop or cellphone. From an exhibitor perspective, it means anyone can visit your booth – live or virtually. Finally, this paradigm shift also means that planning for an event just got a lot more interesting.

Joanne Gore, President of Joanne Gore Communications, is a B2B marketer who’s passionate about print. She has spent the last three decades helping hardware, software, manufacturing and print companies stretch their marketing dollars with programs that generate awareness, customer engagement and growth.

Email: joanne@joannegorecommunications.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joannegore121

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