Quick Print Pro, April 2023

Quick Print Pro

Quick Print Pro

CONTACT

Quick Print Pro, Colourfast Group Ltd

36 Cheltenham Place, Brighton. BN1 4AB

Tel: 01273 674321

Email: editor@quickprintpro.co.uk

Web: www.quickprintpro.co.uk

EDITORIAL

Marina Peirce

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Nyree Groome

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Maureen Foulkes

CONTRIBUTORS

Lara Groome, Andrew Foulkes, Rebecca Leach and Dan Tester.

FEATURES

Peter Foulkes

DIGITAL IMAGING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Martin Christie

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Dean Cook www.magazineproduction.com

DISTRIBUTION

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Spring Into Summer

Quick Print Pro (QPP) — ISSN: 2050-5140 — is published monthly by Colourfast Group Limited, 36 Cheltenham Place, Brighton. BN1 4AB. A company registered in England Number: 2517164.

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The law on workplace pensions has changed and every employer in the UK must put certain staff into a pension scheme and contribute towards it.

This is called ‘automatic enrolment’.

It’s important that you understand what you need to do — and when you need to do it. This will depend on your circumstances and those of your employees. To work out what you need to do and when you need to do it contact our auto enrolment scheme advisers on:

0800 132100 or email alan.hudson@meridan.co.uk

Meridan Financial LLP is the appointed advisers for the Printing Industry Pension Scheme (PIPS) and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Not all Auto Enrolment services are regulated by the FCA.

FRIEDHEIM JOINS THE PRINTING CHARITY

One of Friedheim’s inherent characteristics is loyalty. They are loyal to their customers, to their manufacturers, and to their staff. 25% of the staff have worked with Friedheim for over twenty years, with another 50% a decade into their tenure. Newer members of staff joining with Friedheim’s new growth quickly discover this is no coincidence. A primary facet of a career at Friedheim is the stability of the company, where employees can look forward to years of career development and enjoy the success it brings. Their partnership with The Printing Charity is an opportunity for Friedheim to give back to its employees, both the tenured and the new, so that this can remain the case for the future.

The Printing Charity is one of the oldest occupational charities in the country and inherits quite the prestige — patrons being both literal Royalty (King George, Queen Victoria, and King Charles et al) and literary royalty (Charles Dickens Esq). The Printing Charity is helping Friedheim

invigorate existing staff and inspire new employees

— The Rising Star initiative will be increasingly relevant as they recruit into new roles.

Friedheim are proud of their work as a company and that which they can export to the wider industry. Charity however begins at home, and that is indeed what Friedheim has created for its family. Below are some of the responses to this initiative:

‘Great Idea! We don’t have a dedicated HR department and this kind of support, anonymous advice etc. is important’ — Kate, 24 years of service

‘It’s a lifeline’ — Karlien, nine years of service

‘Proud to be working for an organisation that puts employees well-being first. Fantastic great resource for all our employees’ — Justyna, one year of service

‘It shows the caring side of Friedheim. It’s good to know we have somewhere impartial to go in times of stress or need. Life now is a roller coaster of what is next round the corner — to have this lifeline is very important, who knows how or when you may feel the need to contact them. Thank you,

KONICA MINOLTA’S ACCURIOPRESS C14000 AND IQ501 INTELLIGENT QUALITY CARE

Konica Minolta has supplied Nottingham based Print & Direct Mail specialist Eight Days a Week Print Solutions (EDWPS) with its AccurioPress C14000 and IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Care unit. The new solution delivers 38% higher speeds and improved quality, along with increased paper stock options.

A large percentage of Eight Days a Week’s output is high quality mail, with 90% being sent through the post. With its incumbent inkjet print solution suitable for low ink coverage and higher volume applications, the company had reassessed its commercial and operational needs before seeking an additional device to expand capacity. As the short-run, high quality workload increased it became clear that the existing sole toner based colour device could not cope with the throughput.

Lance Hill, Managing Director of Eight Days a Week commented, “The Konica Minolta solution is running 38% quicker and the quality is better. We can use a broader range of substrates, with much heavier stock as we can go up to 450 grams. This in turn gives us more options in terms of jobs we can do and customers we can work with. We can also print on bigger sheet sizes too, which again gives a wider range of options we can offer our customers.”

As Konica Minolta’s flagship cut-sheet colour toner model, the AccurioPress C14000 delivers unprecedented print quality, amazing media flexibility and the highest degree of automation. With speeds of up to 140 ppm and with three 900mm feeders, the AccurioPress C14000 expertly tackles a variety of print jobs with consistency, reliability, ease, and efficiency on a wide array of media.

automation of print to the next level by ensuring smart, powerful, and automated adjustments for image position, registration and 100% accurate colour control, with hybrid colour measurement and real time correction for printed output. Together, the AccurioPress C14000 and the IQ-501 provides Eight Days a Week with the perfect combination to complete tasks ranging from high coverage, high quality jobs that require heavy stock, to print on demand jobs or high volume orders, which can see as many as 15 to 20 switches a day to fulfil customer orders.

Lance added, “Increased quality is another major benefit. The IQ-501 unit scans every sheet and we see straight away where a problem is — something which none of the other manufacturers have the ability to do. Traditionally, if you were running a job you weren’t noticing the quality issue until you pulled the stack off the machine, flick through it and see the problem. You would then have to go back through and trace the issue, which is time consuming, wasteful, and costly. This is a big plus point for the Konica Minolta solution.” www.konicaminolta.co.uk

Friedheim and The Print Charity.’ — Dave Wilson, 45 year Friedheim veteran.

‘Everyone at some point in their life needs support in some way shape or form. This partnership with The Printing Charity will, I hope, be there to support you and your families should you ever need it.’ Darren Crane, Sales Director — two years

Now Friedheim employees are free of the ‘what if’ — the uncertainty that they’ve been so heavily reminded of over the last three years. Things like retirement, starting a family, or any of life’s dramas, now come with a little less anxiety, worry and stress. www.friedheim.co.uk

THE PEN WAREHOUSE & SNAP PRODUCTS HOST IGNITE INCENTIVES GROUP

The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products had the privilege of hosting the Ignite Incentives Group at their Hampshire headquarters.

Open days are more than showcasing product and print for The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products, it is also about sharing what they do with likeminded customers who are equally as passionate about the promotional product industry.

Matt Dyl, Head of Sales at The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products commented: “Thank you to Richard Pettinger for co-ordinating the day with us, and to our customers in attendance.” He added, “a huge thank you for participating in the much-needed discussions and debates, the feedback is invaluable.”

www.pens.co.uk • www.snapproducts.co.uk

SOLOPRESS JOINS THE IPIA AND THE BPMA

Solopress has announced its membership of two major trade associations: the IPIA and the BPMA. The IPIA, or the Independent Print Industries Association, is a not for profit trade association that’s committed to supporting growth within the print industry. Through an array of promotional opportunities, training, certification and networking events, the IPIA nurtures media exposure and business development for its members. In addition, members gain access to a range of benefits offered by the IPIA’s external partners, including intelligence, arbitration and logistics.

Solopress has taken full membership with the IPIA as a manufacturer and has high hopes for the relationship.

Solopress Managing Director Simon Cooper said: We see membership of the IPIA as a gateway to some exciting opportunities. We’ve always appreciated the value of developing relationships within the industry and across related sectors. As IPIA members, we hope to take full advantage of its events, conferences and publications to lift our

profile, extend our network and broaden our insight. Chair of the IPIA, Charles Rogers said: “The IPIA is very happy to welcome Solopress to our Membership. They are an excellent example of a print business that is continuously innovating, diversifying and inventing new ways to grow and strengthen the service it delivers to customers. They work in partnership with a significant number of IPIA Members already and we look forward to assisting Solopress to broaden its network further and supporting the team through our range of events, member benefits and initiatives to help print business members grow. Adaptability must be a core focus for print businesses to grow and thrive, and Solopress is a great example of a highly adaptable organisation.”

The BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association) on the other hand looks after both producers and buyers of promotional products. Solopress has taken accredited membership, entitling it to marketing and recruitment opportunities, business services, networking and

consultancy as well as perks closely geared towards manufacturers of merchandise, including discounts on product and compliance testing. Simon Cooper commented: “For some time now, Solopress has sought to print beyond paper and large format. Mass customisation of promotional products has become a crucial part of how we position ourselves as a one stop shop for business branding. For example, businesses looking to attend a trade event can rely on Solopress for printed handouts and signage, but also for branded pens, bags and gifts to give away. Accredited membership of the BPMA allows us to show our commitment to this significant part of our catalogue, and to demonstrate our readiness to meet the BPMA’s strict code of conduct.”

These newly announced memberships sit alongside existing relationships with the BPIF (British Print Industries Federation), ISOQAR (for accredited certification in management standards) and Two Sides (the advocacy group concerned with environmental issues in the print industry).

www.solopress.com

CATWALK TO CLOTHING DIGITAL INKJET PRINTING

At his Autumn/Winter 2023 runway show, part of this year’s London Fashion Week, renowned fashion designer Richard Quinn dazzled guests with yet another display of the colourful vibrance and environmentally conscious application of digital textile printing in fashion.

Quinn has won wide acclaim for using dye-sublimation to bring his designs to life, and his design skills have brought him such recognition as the H&M Design Award and the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design, presented by her late majesty the Queen in 2018.

Quinn’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection didn’t fail in exemplifying dye-sublimation’s role in fashion and was brought to life with the runway’s extravagant secret garden inspired decor. But digital inkjet printing played another, more subtle, but equally critical role in this show’s success, namely the floor graphics.

Providing the first layer of the runway’s decorative theme onto an otherwise plain surface was a black and white diamond floor, made of Polyester floor graphics, printed using water based resin inks. The scuff and tear resistant PVC-free polyester floor graphics, which contain 40% recycled material, were provided by adhesive coated products manufacturer Drytac and were printed using an Epson SureColor SC-R5000 resin printer and

printing capabilities in fashion.

Steve Broad, EMEA & APAC Sales Director at Drytac, commented:

“At Drytac, we work closely with hardware manufacturers such as Epson to ensure our media solutions are fully compatible with the very latest technology. In particular, we keep up to date with ink developments such as the water based and odourless inks used in the

BLOG OF THE MONTH: PRINFAB

Top Bloggers Rights this month go to Oliver Mustoe-Playfair, Director and Owner of Prinfab. One of his blogs, ‘Prinfab Scales Up Versatile Print On Demand’ has been showcased on Quick Print Pro’s Best Blogs In Print.

The stats add up to Oliver being awarded the print industry top blogger of the week accolade.

PRINFAB SCALES UP VERSATILE PRINT ON DEMAND

Since we launched in 2016 Prinfab has become a trusted supplier of printed fabric to thousands of individuals and businesses worldwide.

The business has grown exponentially year on year and by the end of 2020 we had moved three times and were running a fleet of about ten direct-to-textile pigment and dye-sublimation printers.

We print on a wide range of natural fibre and synthetic fabrics that are used for many purposes including homeware, fashion, and clothing, such as aprons, swimsuits, scarves, and dresses. Really anything that’s using textiles. The quality and consistency of the prints is of paramount importance in our particular business. We only have to get it wrong once and we lose a customer.

As we manufacture in the UK, we also have oversight of the whole production process and far greater openness and transparency with the supply chain.

We know exactly where our fabrics come from. And we are using state-of-the-art printers to produce this fabric. This is quality we haven’t seen from overseas manufacturers.

Our whole business is built on repeat custom so unless the quality is there, we don’t have a business. We quickly realised that in order for the business to scale up we were going to have to start using larger industrial machines so that’s exactly what we did.

PROFILE OF THE MONTH: STANFORD MARSH GROUP

Stanford Marsh are a leading supplier of wide format printers, consumables and service support to the LFP and CAD/Technical market; these include main OEM brands with products from Canon, EPSON and HP.

The Tri-Tech 3D Print division supply and support 3D print solutions including Stratasys, Makerbot and Desktop Metal 3D Printers.

Stanford Marsh Group provide hardware and software sales of all the leading market brands: Stratasys, Desktop Metal and Makerbot 3D Printers; Autodesk Software Solutions for both AEC and MFG segments; Canon imagePROGRAF and Oce wide format printers; HP Pagewide XL, DesignJet and Latex Ranges; HP DesignJet, Pagewide XL Warranty Provider and Service Centre; EPSON

Wide format printers; Ricoh MFD systems; Contex and Colortrac wide format scanners; and folders and print finishing equipment including UK distribution of Neolt trimmers and laminators. Full after sales service and consumable support.

www.stanfordmarsh.co.uk

01905 458000 • info@stanfordmarsh.co.uk

Pigment Inks offered a level of print that we didn’t see anywhere else. That, combined with the right workflow, was a perfect fit for our very fast paced print-on-demand business.

We are also enjoying a whole new world of commercial opportunity made possible by offering an on-demand textile printing service with no minimum order and commercially viable pricing. For the first time, print technology has enabled that to be a thing.

Now anyone can start printing their own fabric. They only have to print one meter, and they can start a business from that. They can design a dress, they can design an apron, and if it sells, they can order more. If it doesn’t they haven’t lost a great deal.

So, by making commercial grade fabric printing accessible to anyone, it has opened up a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurial, creative, people. To discover more about ways to turn creativity into profitability contact support@prinfab.com.

www.epson.co.uk • Read more here or visit www.BestBlogsInPrint.co.uk

OFFERING MOHR

TCS are now officially supplying Mohr Guillotines in the UK — a perfect print finishing combination. Mohr D66 hydraulic guillotine features include cutting widths 56cm, 66cm and 80cm eco/ plus models, 5.5 inch monochrome display, regular job cutting sizes stored in memory, store up to 198 separate programmes , pile height 8cm.

www.tcs-fs.uk • sales@tcs-fs.co.uk

0115 970 2248

CANON LAUNCH PRO STREAM 3000 SERIES

Canon has announced the launch of the ProStream 3000 series, the next generation of its high speed, web fed inkjet presses for commercial print. Built on the established ProStream technology platform, the new ProStream 3000 series delivers consistent offset print quality and brings a wider selection of substrates, including heavyweight paper, up to higher rated print speeds, enabling ultra-fast digital production of a broader range of commercial print jobs.

This extended media capability makes it even easier for print businesses — including general commercial and online printers, book producers and photo product specialists — to migrate high volume, high value work from offset and legacy technologies. With ProStream, users can now reap the full end to end productivity benefits of inkjet production across the majority of applications, from direct mail and books, to postcards, posters and calendars.

Available in two models — the 80m per minute ProStream 3080 and the 133m per minute ProStream 3133 — the new press series produces ProStream’s renowned high print quality on web widths up to 558mm and for page lengths up to 1524mm. The new ProStream series can print up to 11,300 4/4 B2 sheets per hour or 1790 A4-size 4/4 impressions per minute, equating to 58 million A4 impressions per month, on a wide range of substrates and weights, including standard offset coated, uncoated and inkjet optimised papers up to 300gsm, without the need to slow down significantly for heavier media weights.

To deliver offset quality at higher speeds across a wider range of substrates, the ProStream 3000 series incorporates an enhanced drying system. The drying system builds upon the success of the ProStream 1000 series, which uses air floatation

throughout the paper path to protect the surface quality of the printed output at all stages. The ProStream 3000 series’ new asymmetric design dries all jobs evenly and in a controlled way without coming into contact with the paper, ensuring exceptional quality even on the most scratch-sensitive media.

Consistently high quality with accurate, vibrant colour is delivered by native 1200dpi piezo drop on demand print heads in combination with proven water based polymer pigment inks and Smart ColorGrip, a new version of Canon’s paper conditioning solution. With Smart ColorGrip, which is also now available as an option for the ProStream 1000 series, the amount of ColorGrip solution applied can be customised to specific areas of the page to adjust for heavy or light ink coverage, delivering optimal printed results. Canon’s Inline Quality Control, a high performance camera system, also provides automatic print quality assurance. This reduces the time needed for operator quality control and improves overall system productivity.

Thanks to the increased efficiency of the drying system, the new ProStream consumes less energy than the 1000 series for most

applications and can be connected to a lower rated power connection. This makes the ProStream 3000 series a practical choice and better fit for the electrical infrastructure of smaller print businesses. In addition, the drying and cooling units and the power supply have been relocated in the new product’s architecture, improving accessibility and operability for the operators.

Jennifer Kolloczek, European Planning, Marketing & Innovation Senior Director, Production Print at Canon Europe, comments, “Customers worldwide have already embraced ProStream’s exceptional productivity for everything from high margin books to premium direct mailing jobs - while benefiting from minimal waste and very high uptime.”

“With the launch of the new ProStream 3000 series, we’re further expanding this successful platform, delivering the speed, efficiency and media versatility printers need to energise their growth. The enhanced productivity on a number of applications means that users can now confidently migrate even more offset and other print work to digital on-demand, reducing turnaround, slashing make ready time and waste, making today’s shrinking run lengths

more profitable and meeting brand owners’ demands for shorter time to market.”

The first ProStream 3000 will be installed in the Pixartprinting Group in Italy, joining the company’s existing line-up of three ProStream 1800 printers, which have served to bridge the ‘margin maximisation gap’ between the company’s existing offset and digital B2 toner technologies, without compromising quality. Pixartprinting Group’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, Alessio Piazzetta, remarks: “Our products are printed using only the most advanced machinery. Since the first installation in 2018, the ProStreams have allowed us to further optimise production by choosing the most cost effective system based on the variables of the job in question. The main benefits have been higher productivity and efficiency, and the fact that the technology is so user friendly.”

Based on the significant commercial impact of the ProStream technology, Pixartprinting has chosen to boost its inkjet firepower further by investing in the next generation press, aiming to fulfil the company’s OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) requirements and migrate more work to inkjet printing. www.canon.co.uk

HP ANNOUNCES PAGEWIDE ADVANTAGE PRODUCT ENHANCEMENTS AND SOLUTIONS

At Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023, HP unveiled its latest innovations to the HP PageWide Advantage 2200, a press that is revolutionising production inkjet and now offers the highest print quality mode at full colour speed. In addition, HP introduced its Smart Workcell Controller advancements in automation, its Advanced Color Suite, and HP ColorPRO paper mill partner expansions in inkjet coated, treated stocks.

HP PageWide customers continue to produce heavy workloads of high value print across the web press portfolio. At Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023, HP announced that PageWide commercial customers have achieved a new milestone of 825 billion pages printed. “We are thrilled for our customers’ accomplishments. This milestone is a testament to our customers’ ingenuity to implement the versatility and productivity advantages of digital printing. We are happy to support their growth with our PageWide platforms,” said Annette Friskopp, Global Head and General Manager at HP PageWide.

HP’s customers saw presentations on the stand that featured Solimar Chemistry, a modular and configurable platform of workflow software solutions that takes the guesswork out of high volume print and electronic production

and delivery, and Spencer Metrics, a data collection and productivity reporting software. Additional demonstrations included HP’s new Smart Workcell Controller, HP Site Flow, and SmartStream Production Elite solutions, that provide the image rendering and near press workflow functions driving PageWide press quality and performance. HP’s Professional Services team, who integrate solutions within HP’s Service Edge suite of offerings, were available to meet with guests.

HIGH HDNA QUALITY AT FULL SPEED WITH A SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT

The PageWide Advantage 2200 is now printing in quality mode at full 152mpm/500fpm speed, providing customers additional capacity to deliver high value jobs and produce exceptional output in less time.

“We are excited to show the HP PageWide Advantage 2200 for the first time in Europe. HP continues to be committed to delivering high quality, high colour, high value print for the commercial market, helping printers to win new business

while maximising the production capacity of their print shop. In fact, many customers around the world have already introduced the new PageWide Advantage press into their workflows and have seen its true quality and speed,” said Annette Friskopp, Global Head and General Manager at HP PageWide.

The demonstration of the PageWide Advantage shown at Hunkeler Innovationdays included a two dryer configuration that is energy conscious and highly efficient. It uses up to an estimated 20% less energy than the three dryer configuration at maximum power, while printing a wide variety of unique samples. This includes a range of Burgo, UPM, CVG, Mondi, Sappi, Navigator, and Arctic stocks, both coated and uncoated, standard offset and newly announced ColorPRO treated coated stocks.

One customer who has invested in the PageWide Advantage 2200 to further the company’s sustainability and innovation journey is Elanders, a German based, leading edge supply chain management company for print and packaging solutions. “HP has always stood for extremely high

quality and continues to be the benchmark for the entire industry. With HP’s PageWide Advantage 2200 we can now print on standard offset material, including heavy stock, allowing us to take on more profitable jobs,” said Sven Burkhard, President of the Print & Packaging Elanders Group.

HP’S SMART WORKCELL CONTROLLER ADVANCEMENTS IN AUTOMATION

HP’s Smart Workcell Controller brings intelligent sorting, batching, and imposition to locally optimise the press, finishing efficiency and throughput. This enhancement to HP’s SmartStream Production Elite Print Server automatically sets up an integrated unwind press finishing workcell, reducing or even eliminating make ready stops and slowdowns for higher ROI and less waste for ultra short run publishing and commercial print jobs.

Plus, HP Professional Services are available to facilitate integration of the Smart Workcell Controller into existing and new production workflow, simplifying implementation. HP is also offering a new Production Kick-Start service to help customers go into production quickly and efficiently with minimal staff support. www.hp.com

HYBRID INTRODUCE MIMAKI DIRECT-TO-FILM PRINTER

Following the success of its recent debut Hybrid Services, added the TxF150-75 direct-to-film (DTF) inkjet printer to its line-up at Sign & Digital UK 2023. The new model is specifically designed for those entering or expanding in the apparel decoration sector and is already proving a popular choice for those looking for a timesaving, stable, and productive solution.

Offering a versatile garment decorating solution, the Mimaki DTF works on cotton, polyester and polyester blended materials, and the print can be applied to both light and dark coloured fabrics. Delivering a timesaving workflow compared to other garment printing methods, the new TxF150-75 removes the labour intensive process of plate creation in screen printing and the required weeding in traditional vinyl heat transfer.

With Mimaki’s reputation for reliability, the TxF150-75 includes a built-in ink circulation system and degassed

ink pack design to ensure consistent printing is maintained. A nozzle check unit and nozzle recovery system further enable the printing process to be carried out with minimal user intervention and efficiency.

DTF printing provides an easy production process. The design is printed directly onto a special film, then sprinkled with hot-melt powder, and once heated and dried, the print is ready to be applied to the fabric using a heat press. Guaranteeing safety and environmental commitments, Mimaki inks are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified.

“We were delighted to add the new Mimaki DTF printer to our line-up for Sign & Digital UK,” said Duncan Jefferies, Hybrid’s Head of Marketing and Business Development. “This innovative device sat alongside a broad range of our very latest technology on the Hybrid stand, and provided a real alternative for the apparel sector that addresses key challenges seen with other technologies.” www.hybridservices.co.uk

Explore the Possibilities of Paper

● Optimised thickness & sti ness

● Extreme smoothness

● High opacity

● High whiteness

● Consistent quality

● Great runnability

● Environmentally friendly

NEW CANON VARIOPRINT IX-SERIES SOFTWARE

Since its launch in 2020, the Canon varioPRINT iX-series sheetfed inkjet press has proven its value as a high quality, highly reliable production system for its users, with 275 global orders and installations and 30% of all varioPRINT iX users worldwide opting for a second press or more. In line with Canon’s focus on innovation through rigorous research and development, and in close collaboration with customers, Canon is launching a new release to the successful series, enabling the varioPRINT iX2100 and iX3200 to deliver even higher performance in terms of image quality, efficiency and productivity.

To date, there have been more than 125 installations of the varioPRINT iX-series across EMEA, proving the press to be a popular investment choice in the Digital B3 sheetfed segment. The varioPRINT iX-series has also been a preferred product for print service providers (PSPs) looking to invest in Canon’s products for the first time, with over 45% of customers choosing the varioPRINT iX as their first investment in Canon production printing hardware, having installed it to complement existing presses or to replace legacy technologies.

The varioPRINT iX-series offers a high level of automation and multiple efficiency features that support PSPs

in saving labour costs and reducing maintenance activity, resulting in an improved return on investment and cost efficiencies. Its innovative iQuariusIX ink and printing technology deliver high output quality, achieving a 91% reproduction of Pantone spot colours, which has been verified by certifications from Fogra and Idealliance.

varioPRINT iX users have also reaped the benefits of its media versatility. With more than 1,000 approved substrates, including standard offset coated, uncoated and creative media, varioPRINT iX-series customers have been printing a wide range of applications, ranging from brochures, premium direct mails and books, to flyers and calendars. With the fastest print speed in its class, unparalleled productivity and a proven uptime of over 90%, the top ten varioPRINT iXseries users are printing, on average, over six million images per month.

Setting a new benchmark for quality, productivity and efficiency

Listening closely to customer requirements and with its focus on continuously pushing the boundaries, Canon is launching a new software release R4.3, which delivers an exceptional level of image quality, efficiency and productivity. It gives customers the ability to bring the advantages of short-run or personalised digital printing to even more applications, such as demanding premium direct mail and high quality, image rich books. This is achieved through a new, automatic image quality verification system, which scans every sheet to check the quality and dynamically makes system adjustments as needed.

improved detection of potential multi-sheet feeds in the paper input module (PIM), which diverts detected sheets to the sentry bin. No operator intervention is required and production continues uninterrupted.

The update also brings a host of workflow benefits with the Canon PRISMAsync controller such as SMB hot-folder support, subset support via JDF, media handling for two-sided media with different front/back treatment and improved encrypted disk support.

Jennifer Kolloczek, European Planning, Marketing & Innovation Senior Director, Production Print at Canon Europe comments, “Due to its high quality and exceptional productivity, even on heavy media up to 350 gsm, the varioPRINT iX has proved to be a popular investment option within the commercial print market and feedback from customers has been extremely positive. As with all our technologies, we are continuously investing in research and development to ensure they are delivering to their maximum and supporting users with their changing needs, enabling them to future-proof their businesses. Both existing and new users will now benefit from the new benchmark we are setting in high quality, efficient and productive print manufacturing with release R4.3.“ www.canon.co.uk

NEW RICOH IP CW2200 DIGITAL COLOUR WIDE FORMAT

Ricoh has announced the launch of its Ricoh IP CW2200 digital colour wide format plotter, giving users quicker and more agile production of CAD drawings and other large documents (A1/A0). It has been designed to support the print only wide format needs of a broad range of organisations in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction, as well as print rooms and government departments.

The compact, low volume, colour IP CW2200 enables the creation of high quality output quickly, easily, and affordably. The newest addition to Ricoh’s portfolio of responsive wide format printers answers the market’s increased demand for print only systems. It complements the recently launched Ricoh IM CW2200 wide format multifunctional printer that includes scanning capability for documents up to A0 size.

Key benefits include:

• Superior image quality for precise detail enabled by Ricoh’s own variable dot GEL-Jet Ricoh Piezo print heads and innovative GELJET pigment based inks. This unrivalled combination delivers UV and water resistant output that dries quickly

• Longevity as the permanent print heads eliminate the need for replacements, helping maintain a low total cost of ownership.

• Productivity thanks to a printable maximum length of 33m, delivering the longest specification in its class. The ability to print A0 up to 1200 x 1200 dpi at 3.8 ppm black and white or 2.1 ppm full colour means the printer offers some of the fastest print speeds in its class.

• Flexible production for increased efficiency powered by Ricoh’s open architecture USB SD

Card workflow. Data can be submitted from different sources including a USB stick, remotely dedicated web tool or via the standard printer

Environmentally responsible operation, which is aided by Ink Save Mode and short warm up times. There is no paper waste and inkjet technology does not produce emissions. The system is Energy Star and EPEAT Silver accredited and complies with the RoHS Directive.

Craig Lewis, Director, Corporate Sales, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, says: “The Ricoh IP CW2200 colour wide format solution handles all high quality oversized printing needs, affordably. Fast and easy to use, it boosts productivity. Its versatility enables it to meet varied application needs and reduce outsourcing while costs can be reduced through labour savings. Its environmentally friendly operation makes it an attractive operation for eco-conscious businesses, too. These benefits combine to offer clients a highly productive system that cost efficiently responds to changing demands.”

www.ricoh-europe.com

UNSTABLE CONFUSION AND OTHER STRANGE TALES

Martin Christie wasn’t going to mention it yet, but events have overtaken him. Despite his intention to keep this column content to the more simple and straightforward functions of Photoshop, developments in the public domain have once again led to this situation. So he will take a brief plunge into this mysterious world.

If you haven’t heard of Stable Diffusion, don’t worry. I hadn’t heard of it till a month or so ago when it popped up on a feed from one of my friends who, shall we say, is a bit geeky — everyone should have one to balance out the adventures of cats, and crazy human fails that may appear without apparent prompting by the random influence of social media algorithms.

I took notice because I have some respect for this particular friend. After all, he is the only person I know who bought a 3D printer and has been able to produce something with it. I did warn him at the time that, even in the world of conventional printing, buying a printer was the easiest bit, and it has taken three years to produce a small piece of shaped plastic, but nevertheless, that’s an achievement.

Those who may recall the hype surrounding the introduction of 3D printing may recall that this was a revolutionary product that was going to change our lives. When we all had one in our homes, we would be able to make things, like spare parts for that broken vacuum cleaner, so we would never be at the mercy of manufacturers again. Anything that could be made could be created in your back bedroom. It was just a matter of getting to grips with the software and the machine. Well, those of us with a history of digital printing were a little more sceptical, knowing the complications that can arise from printing double-sided A4 the right way up!

Of course, 3D printing has revolutionised several industries streamlining the production of parts that would otherwise need complex machining and accurate matching of components. But it’s a long way from being a one-stop solution for the domestic market, perhaps even further away as people are apparently less prepared to engage in any practical skill required to operate devices, preferring a push-onebutton solution to almost anything. This may be expedient, but as we know, even from on-demand printing, not always the most accurate and error-free method.

With Stable Diffusion, we are talking Artificial Intelligence, the good and the

bad points of which have been mentioned before in this column, in its ability to learn and anticipate actions, and in this case, images. It is not new but the latest in a line of developments to push the boundaries of what is possible to create visually from basic digital input. What is new is that the software is now available as an open source that can be used without the need for powerful computing backup to drive it.

One of its key points is the ability to create images from text input, so for example, if you want an image of a Llama wearing shades, you will no longer have to trawl through search engine pages to find a suitable image; the software will provide them for you. In fact, several unique alternatives may or may not be suitable. You can see why Google is currently throwing millions of dollars in this direction at the moment and why the other IT giant, Microsoft, is trying to gazump them in the information war.

Just how this magical digital transformation is done is fascinating, although way over my head in its mathematical complexities, but as far as I can see, it gets around the problem of all conventional picture files — whether photographed or downloaded — that they are pixel dictated and that making any significant changes to them can be quite difficult. The diffusion part of the equation seems to be making the constituents more

fluid — vector-like if you prefer — so that they can be moulded anew into any shape or form without being subject to the noise or artefacts associated with those made of solid dots.

For those of us who have struggled with the limitations of pixel-based files over the last twenty years, this may sound a little like the work of alchemy in the middle ages, which claimed to turn base metal into pure gold, but it is a reality — or at least a form of it. Of course, how much of a reality remains to be seen, but I wanted to open the lid of this phenomenon, so you are at least forewarned if or when it starts to appear on your screens. Adobe has its own version but is rather more cautious than others about pushing it into the public arena until it has been properly tried and tested. They don’t want to get their fingers burnt with something that may flash brightly for a moment or two and then suddenly fade away, although perhaps with some irony, their version is called Firefly!

With its global reach and resource of professional users, Adobe knows it has a responsibility to get things right, including legal issues with generated images that lesser individuals might not consider. Artists and other creatives are already concerned about the development. In the print shop, we may also need to revise our policies on copyright when rules and guidelines are inevitably

behind moving times.

Apart from intellectual integrity, there is also the importance of producing a professionally useful product rather than just entertaining for a few brief seconds in a chat room.

A spokesman for Adobe was quoted that it was still a bit like rolling the dice: “Sometimes you get good stuff, sometimes you don’t. Yes, we can generate beautiful high-quality content because of what we’re training on, but you’ll get the occasional extra finger or limb.”

We already know that from using Content-Aware without checking the results! Firefly is already available as a Beta version for Photoshop you can access online and hopefully will get a thorough shakedown before it sneaks into a regular update. As you know, I will always like to see lots of manual options to adjust the final choice, so we shall see how it ends up.

Back to a more basic level, I’ll continue my theme of going back over the essentially useful bits of Photoshop just because, being self-taught, you can often miss or just forget bits that are really handy to know and use.

PHOTOSHOP WORKSPACE TOOLS

As I established last month, there’s no right or wrong way to use Photoshop, just lots of alternatives so you can choose the ones you prefer and find easiest to use. The

workspace now has lots of tools and features. You can get many tips in tutorials online about the functions of these tools, but they are often produced by people who have all the time in the world to perfect the ideal picture.

We need to do the best possible job in the shortest time available, so a good plan is to organise the features you use most, so they are easy to hand. Although there are preset workspaces for Photography, Painting etc., there isn’t one for printing, so you can create your own custom one and eliminate all the clutter that normally pops up when you open the programme. Seriously there are many things there I have never used, and some I don’t even know how to use or what they do. They can’t be that useful if I’ve survived this long without them!

Everything you see on the desktop in front of you can be customised, so prune the dead leaves and streamline your working environment. If you go too far, you can always reinstate a feature or just return to the default settings and start again.

Under Edit, if you go right to the bottom, just above Toolbar and Preferences, you will find Menu, which opens a dialogue box with both your Panel and Applications menus. You can cherry-pick which ones you want to be immediately visible and even colour code them — though the choices are limited — so they are easier to select. I’m sure we’ve all clicked on the wrong action when we are in a hurry, so there is no shame in that, but I can see how much better it is to remove that temptation out of harm’s way and give you a simple set of choices at first glance. Then, if you do need the others, another click will reveal them.

Similarly, with the Panels option, you don’t have to go with the flow Adobe recommends; eliminate unwanted boxes and concentrate on the main ones. A really useful one is Properties because it displays a lot of the information you need about an image — dimensions, pixels, colour profile, for example — without having to go up to the top line to check. If you add a text layer, it will give you all the font information you need without having to open another panel. If you add an adjustment layer or a mask, it will provide you with the basic controls of that too and much more. In fact, most of the items you would typically find by way of headline Images or Layers can be quickly accessed through Properties, and most importantly, are there in permanent view as a reference rather than need to be cross-checked. So take time to explore its hidden treasure.

Surprisingly the Print dialogue box is also one of the least explored. It’s not designed for multiple pages, but for one-offs that need to be sized or positioned on a page, it can be a lot quicker and actually more accurate if you use it properly. Once it knows the printer to be used and the nature of the paper, you can move the image around to change the white margins, add crop marks or an outside coloured border for cutting. You can add any background colour you like without affecting the image’s colour and even invert a photograph to a negative with just one click.

The limitation of the Photoshop Print module is that it is very much tuned to individual direct printing rather than creating a file with bleed and crop marks that can be used in other applications. That’s still best left to the layout alternatives, but it’s often a more direct route for quick fixes.

I didn’t get space to move on to Camera Raw this time as promised, but now we have literally ticked the boxes, it’s time will come next month.

Properties Panel with Quick Actions

File Panel Before and After

DOMINO APPOINT NEW ENVIRONMENTAL HEAD

lifecycle of Domino’s products.

Her appointment is an important development for Domino that aligns with the company’s purpose to apply industrial printing expertise and reliable solutions to help the world’s manufacturers be sustainable and cut waste. The role will encompass initiatives aimed at reducing and offsetting Domino’s impact on the environment, while ensuring the company is orientated towards sustainable growth and contributing to a responsible society.

responsible solutions designed to drive out waste, reduce errors, and promote efficiency.

Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has appointed Jessica Büttner as Group Environmental Impact Manager — a new role created as part of the company’s focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Jessica will work with the senior leadership team to progress the company’s CSR strategy and take responsibility for assessing the

Commenting on her new role, Jessica said: “When I heard that new CSR roles were about to be created within the business, I immediately knew I needed to apply. I am passionate about CSR and the environment and am committed to leading initiatives to achieve our goals. This is a fantastic opportunity in an organisation with strong values and a clear purpose to help manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint.”

As part of the role, Jessica will consider the role of Domino’s coding and marking technologies and identify opportunities to reduce and offset their environmental impact. Achieving this will involve collaborating with customers to understand their sustainability goals, so Domino can deliver reliable,

Jessica’s appointment strengthens Domino’s commitment to sustainable product development, which the company has demonstrated in recent years with new industrial printing products designed to help manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint. This includes the Cx350i piezo inkjet printer — designed to ensure maximum code quality with minimal ink usage, which works exclusively with low-impact vegetable oil based printing inks.

“We have a strong team of experts committed to helping Domino and our customers improve production sustainability and efficiency. I am enthusiastic and optimistic about my contribution to helping Domino on the journey. Our sector is brimming with innovation, and Domino is a leader in this space — I look forward to how we prepare for our sustainable future.”

Jessica joined Domino Laser in 2013 as a strategic purchaser. She took over responsibility for strategic purchasing in 2017 before heading up the Supply Chain Management team in June 2019.

www.domino-printing.com

ROBERT WELFORD NEW PRESIDENT AT XEIKON

Flint Group has announced the appointment of Robert Welford as President for Xeikon, its digital Stepping up from his current position as Vice President of Research & Development, he will now lead Xeikon through the next phase of success, reaffirming its deep commitment to bringing the latest innovations in digital printing to customers across the globe.

Robert joined Xeikon in September 2018 when he took over the management of Research & Development, with a broad remit overlooking the engineering operations, the ink and toner competence centres, and the print process and project management office. As the new President, he will further leverage these competences and his solid background in the printing industry, as the company accelerates the industrialisation of its broad product line and continued

integration with Flint Group.

“I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to head up this industry leading technology company which has been a pioneer in digital printing since the very beginning,” says Robert. “Xeikon has always had a strong focus on customercentric developments and application driven solutions, and its name has become synonymous with breakthrough innovations and technology. Crucially, it comes with an excellent team of professionals, who are known for their vast experience and in-depth expertise.”

He adds, “This is an exciting industry to be part of, but like all other companies, I’m certain that we will have our share of new challenges and pressures as the market and our customers’ needs keep changing and evolving. Therefore, Xeikon will continue on its unwavering mission to support printers and converters with the tools they need to successfully navigate the future and grow their businesses — in labels, corrugated packaging and graphic arts.”

www.xeikon.com • www.flintgrp.com

PRINT PIONEERS — PLANAHEAD

Those were the days my friends, when colour copy pioneers had a whole county reserved for them to step boldly into the wonderful world of colour.

already gone.

The QPP mothership, Colourfast — ‘Your key to colourful copying’, with a slogan that seemed great at the time, not that anyone noticed our logo was shaped to unlock boring black and white graphics. The first forerunners had already laid claim to colourful company names, no web then, so just the right to trade under a banner that conjured up colour printing. So, Spectrum, Rainbow etc had

When the solus areas were all full we started the free for all we have today, initially still restricted to friends at mates’ rates. Our great friend Andy Curry researched the South Coast market and launched in Eastbourne with a brand still strong today; also encompassing his experience in large format printing. PlanAhead launched 35 years ago at a time when most print buyers still believed the shortest run in colour was 5K and one-offs were still photographic. Happy 35th Anniversary Andy and Team PlanAhead. You haven’t aged a bit mate! When you want to beat the post with an urgent poster to Eastbourne, and save some carbon on your delivery, send your files to info@ planahead.org.uk. Same service for Brighton at sales@colourfast.co.uk

Three-decade rewind: QPP’s Peter Foulkes with Andy Curry

HIGH-VALUE INKJET PRINTERS ROLAND DG TWO NEW

UV DGXPRESS PRINTERS

Roland DG, a manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, introduces the new DGXPRESS printer brand emphasising superior productivity at an economical price. As the first in the series, Roland DG launches two new UV printers, the UG-642 and UG-641.

“Since we began selling wide-format inkjet printers in 1997, we have become known for our outstanding print quality and reliability, as well as for the support we provide to our dealers and customers,” said Kevin Shigenoya, Vice President of DP Business Division.

“In countries with remarkable economic growth, demand for graphics is increasing, and there is a need for high productivity with good cost performance. In addition, many customers are just now entering the business. In response to the voices of customers in those countries and regions, we developed DGXPRESS as a limited area brand that focuses on high productivity at an easy-to-install price while maintaining the excellent print quality and reliability that are among the greatest features of Roland DG products.”

The UG series comprises two wide-format inkjet printers that use UV ink, which is growing in popularity in the sign and graphics and digital printing markets. The UG-642 is ideal for customers who need to produce large-sized output quickly. The UG-641 is also priced comfortably for those who want to

expand the scope of their business or for those who wish to start a new print business.

Both models offer excellent ink drying capabilities and an automated Print&Cut function, alongside support for a wide range of media for outdoor and indoor applications. The optional clear and white ink provides the ability to perform special printing with unique 3D effects and realistic textures, making the UG series a powerful tool for creating high-value-added packaging prototypes and artwork.

The UG series also includes VersaWorks 6 professional RIP software and is compatible with Roland DG Connect, a cloud-based service that allows for more proactive support in the event of errors while also offering visualisation of printer operation

and various functions at a glance. “The DGXPRESS brand name articulates our desire to inspire the creativity of more customers around the world by offering the greatest value for our inkjet printers, the highest expressive power (EXPRESSION), together with high volume productivity (EXPRESS),” Shigenoya added. “Red, the brand’s theme colour, signifies “the beginning of things,” “passion,” and “prosperity.” It also represents our commitment to support our customers in their new success stories through DGXPRESS. We will continue to expand our product line-up and grow the brand to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Visit www.rolanddg.eu or contact an authorised dealer for more information.

UV LED FLATBED

ROBUST AND RELIABLE EU-1000MF PRINTER

Roland DG announced the launch of its new robust and reliable largeformat UV flatbed printer, the EU-1000MF. The printer has been designed to offer outstanding image quality with unsurpassed productivity, versatility and reliability, all at an attractive price.

Capable of printing vibrant and detailed graphics directly onto a wide variety of rigid and flexible substrates, the EU-1000MF enables print providers to maximise their opportunities and profits. The features and functionality of the EU-1000MF make it ideal for a wide range of applications, including creating signs, exhibitions, interior decoration, and special products. Originally developed with specific growth markets in mind, the printer has launched across EMEA due to growing demand for it and it having the best price-to-performance ratio in its category.

The EU-1000MF is designed to take full advantage of Roland DG’s specially formulated GREENGUARD Gold-certified E-US UV inks, which have been specifically developed for this printer and deliver stunning graphic results at a lower cost than other large format UV printer inks. These cost-effective high-density inks bring out the best in the EU-1000MF, producing incredible prints. Coming in a choice of ink configurations, including high opacity white and gloss -the EU-1000MF makes it easy to incorporate striking textured and dimensional effects into prints.

The printer optimises performance to match modern printing needs. It features innovative technologies, premium

components and a range of advanced features that optimise performance, speed up workflow and ensures safe operation. Users have the choice between six or four print heads in a two-row staggered configuration.

“By introducing the new EU-1000MF, Roland DG offers customers exactly what they have been asking for, an advanced high volume UV flatbed printer at an affordable price,” said Paul Willems, Product Management & Business Development Director at Roland DG EMEA.

“The EU-1000MF and its affordable E-US inks will enable users to create customerfriendly results, expand their product offerings, and bring productivity and profitability to a whole new level.”

For precision printing, the EU-1000MF is equipped with a Four Zone Electronic Vacuum Bed that automatically adds air suction and support to maximise media stability. Consistent board and panel placement is assured by Material Alignment Pins, which appear at the touch of a button for automatic alignment of the print to the source point.

Users will also appreciate the SAi Flexiprint Plus Roland DG Edition software included with the EU-1000MF. This powerful and easy-to-use RIP includes Pantone® libraries, tile, intuitive scaling and cropping, as well as a multitude of additional tools and features that improve print quality, usability and production capacity.

Visit www.rolanddg.eu or contact an authorised dealer for more information.

Trade Show Graphics

Acrylics and Ceramics

KEEPING UP TO DATE

NEW QPP WEBSITE

Delivering a faster, brighter look at what’s new and relevant to your part of the print industry.

The tried and tested QPP style and tone maintains the editorial consistency across all of our media channels. Our professional printer voice is unique in that our print shop is in its 39th year and is best placed to share best practice in print.

Thanks to all participants in our print trade news survey. We confirmed what you want and how you want it. The three Rs, Research, Report, Refresh.

The request to keep our archive easily available has been met. A simple scroll down from the front page ‘NEWS’ will show a month by month collection of the best industry research, all the way down to June 2007.

The QPP Preferred Suppliers Index has been updated for a speedy search either by product or suppliers name.

As usual the most circulated press releases will have been edited to our QPP house style. The establish fair play brand voice, rules out the repeated supplier company self-gratification statements that all sound the same. Our headlines, with corrections will lead with relevant print processes, products and profitability.

To assist suppliers scribes we promote the QPP magazine, website and blogs ‘In-House Style Guide’ to be relevant to quick print pros in the frontline of the print industry. The 6000+ print for pay businesses are more recently named PSP Print Service Providers. Serving and influencing over eight million end user customers, supplier brands are keen to have our readers professional endorsement. This makes research and real recommendations of paramount importance.

QPP regularly meet with our stakeholders, sponsors and advertisers to prioritise the published style guide.

The QPP style voice and tone have an important impact on the quick print pro experience of using the website. Our brand reflects the business goals of our audience. Guidance to our print trade suppliers for copy and comment is to aim for content that is: helpful but not preachy; expert but not dictatorial; fun but not silly; confident but not cocky; smart but not stodgy; informal but not sloppy; interesting but not inappropriate; and not all copy is created equal.

It is fair to say we love new products, we excel with covering new processes,

especially when they deliver new profit in print opportunities.

Industry news, people in print, forthcoming shows, exhibitions, open days, paper, the environment, photography, software, pre-press and finishing.

Please enjoy your new website and contribute with your own product findings, training and team anniversaries. The old headings scroll down from fewer tabs as a targeted upgrade to the site working properly on hand held devices. Visit regularly to appraise what’s new, not just when shopping for new kit, as inspiration in print is always invigorating. Do join in and please feedback to the only print media designed by professional printers, for professional printers.

FOR THOSE THAT LOVE STATS, GET IN FRONT — PRINT BY NUMBERS...

QPP magazine in front of 36,000 quick print pros each month who service and influence eight million end-user print customers.

• 22,400 subscribed e-newsletters landing every Friday.

• 24,800+ web visitors each week.

• Printed magazine posted to subscribers each month.

• Plus thousands of engaged social media followers.

Rather than pad out stories to stretch content we do promote a keep it simple directive. Printers jargon is good but our audience don’t really have time to look up the meaning of poorly chosen words. KISS.

BLOGGERS’ RIGHTS

For articles submitted to QPP the publisher reserves the right to redirect them to ‘The Home Of The Best Blogs In Print’.

Gathered here you will find the most useful influencers in print, including: Print Industry Leaders going beyond just promoting their brand. Read at your leisure results of research that will affect all print professionals in future products and processes.

Real Printers writing for print enthusiasts. Quick print pros from the frontline of the UK and further afield, reporting what works well in design, pre-press, media, print, finishing and distribution.

Case Studies to communicate print ideas in action. Real scenario stories aired for social intercourse.

For those that insist on going to great lengths to promote their company’s or clients wares, stories may be shortened on the QPP web and magazines with a live link to the full offering on www.

BestBlogsInPrint.co.uk

A decent text page yield, or word count if you are old school, per magazine page is around 750 words to leave space for a couple of good images. Anything longer will be shared across our other media channels. Leading by example 808 words, just right for print and web.

www.quickprintpro.co.uk

editor@QuickPrintPro.co.uk

Call Peter Foulkes, 01273 674321

Easier to navigate, more content, more contributors.

FESPA • MUNICH

SWISSQPRINT ON SHOW

swissQprint will be presenting its latest UV flatbed and roll to roll printers at the Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich.

the Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich at stand D30 in hall A1. They will see three models from the latest generation of machines in operation: the Nyala and Kudu flatbed printers, and the dedicated roll to roll printer Karibu. Supplementing the live experience will be an application gallery illustrating the versatility of the large format printers. And there will be a special exhibition devoted to UV printing with neon inks, a swissQprint exclusive.

“We aim to show print service providers how they can hold their own in the market”, says Carmen Eicher, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer at swissQprint, “and by that we mean at all levels: quality, range of applications, profitability and environmental protection.”

LATEST GENERATION OF PRINTERS

The latest print head technology features in both current swissQprint product lines — UV flatbed and roll to roll printers. According to the company, precise droplet placement coupled with a maximum resolution of 1350 dpi mean a whole new level of output quality for users.

Carmen Eicher: “We invite visitors to see for themselves at the

demonstrations will focus on unique features contributing to its efficiency and versatility, according to Eicher.

The entire swissQprint range is highly energy efficient according to the ISO 20690 standard, as recent third-party testing has verified. “This is just one of the factors contributing to sustainability and profitability”, Carmen Eicher emphasises.

GOING BEYOND CONVENTIONAL APPLICATIONS

In addition to light colours, there are also white, effect varnish and spot colours such as orange, neon pink and neon yellow (exclusive to swissQprint) available for all printers. This means system users can offer their customers a full spectrum of applications, from conventional productions to tactile and visual enhancements.

The swissQprint team and international sales network representatives will be on the stand during live demonstrations and to provide visitors with comprehensive information.

For more information: www.swissqprint.com

+41 71 727 05 05 • office@swissqprint.com

swissQprint AG, Schützenwiese 8, CH-9451, Kriessern

ABB OPENS NEW R&D CENTRE

ABB has officially opened a global research and development (R&D) centre for the pulp and paper industry in Dundalk, Ireland.

The new multi-million dollar ABB Dundalk R&D Centre is at the heart of ABB’s automation and digital offering for the sector and will be home to the ongoing evolution of the ABB Quality Control System (QCS). New ideas and products will be piloted and managed into the suite of applications for improved quality in the complex world of papermaking, where manufacturers often struggle to balance ever changing variables to produce paper to customers’ particular specifications. This will include solutions for measuring, adjusting, optimising and controlling quality as the paper web makes its way through the paper machine to form the end-products, including paper and board.

ABB’s vision for the centre is to develop solutions that respond to global trends and can meet the sustainability goals of the rapidly evolving industry. A new QCS, for example, has the potential to reduce annual waste (production losses) by two percent or more per paper machine. This can impact a mill’s sustainability goals by also reducing annual emissions for each machine by the same two percent, or 1.1 kt CO2, using the assumption of 57 kt CO2 emissions for a typical paper/board/tissue machine.

The centre will take advantage of modern technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), collaborative robots and Augmented/ Virtual Reality for training and field service delivery to better meet the needs of ABB’s pulp and paper development team. The site will also include a new training hub that will provide skills development support for ABB and customers alike, enabling more cross-industry partnerships and collaboration.

Industries, ABB. “With Ireland ranked in the top 10 EU countries for innovation and boasting the fourth highest international share of workforce in the EU, it is the perfect location for our new R&D site. From this base, we will continue to advance the future of the industry and pioneer new technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

ABB has been a leading employer in Dundalk for 40 years,” said Mary Buckley, Interim CEO, IDA Ireland. “This new R&D centre is a significant expansion and is very much aligned to IDA Ireland’s Sustainability pillar that is central to our current strategy. I wish ABB every success with this multi million euro

FEDRIGONI SELF-ADHESIVES PRESENTS RI-JET PO100

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives’ new product is a film for visual communication and large format printing that is PVC-free and has a lower environmental impact. The certified data shows that the production of this film requires 2% less energy and 32.5% less water and therefore CO2 emissions into the atmosphere are reduced by 15.5%.

Fedrigoni is a global producer of high value added specialty papers for luxury packaging and other creative solutions, self-adhesive materials for premium labels and large format applications. As such, Fedrigoni is continuing its journey towards achieving its 2030 ESG targets, which include a 30% reduction in polluting emissions and 70% of its self-adhesive product volume incorporating cutting edge sustainable features.

This environment of continuous product and process innovation aimed at creating increasingly sustainable solutions gave rise to Ri-Jet PO100, a 100-micron thick polyolefin plastic film offering full versatility for the decoration of points of sale, shop windows and panels.

The film is exceptionally flexible in its latex, UV LED or UV gel versions, with the added benefit that it can be removed from the application surface without leaving any traces. Due to its flame-retardant properties and because it complies with REACH and RoHS regulations, Ri-Jet PO100 is an excellent choice for both outdoor and indoor applications.

Daniele Perotti, Product Manager for Graphics at Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives,

skilled and diverse talent base through university and professional associations.

“This new centre represents ABB’s proud heritage and presence in Ireland, which is extremely important to us,” said Michael Kerley, Global Technology Manager for ABB Pulp & Paper, and Dundalk local. “In addition to being a hub for technological innovation in the pulp and paper industry, the new centre will play a vital role in creating up to 30 high level job opportunities over the next three to five years, thereby bolstering the talent pool in Ireland and supporting the local economy.” https://new.abb.com/ie

says: “Ri-Jet PO100 not only meets the demands of our end-users, major interior design, fashion and luxury brands, who prefer PVC-free solutions for their short term communication campaigns, but also the commitments that Fedrigoni has undertaken in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, underpinned by precise life cycle assessment calculations that have been extended to the entire range of products.” www.fedrigoni.com

OVER 5000 ATTENDEES DISCOVERED WHAT’S NEW IN GARMENT DECORATION

Last month, visitors attended the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the garment decoration industry in their thousands to discover and explore new equipment, garments and services.

Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2023 saw visitor numbers return to pre-pandemic levels with more than 5,000 attending across the three days (2023: 5,167 in total, 2022: 4,489 in total) to seek inspiration and expand their businesses.

Event director, Tony Gardner, said: “We were delighted with the visitor turnout this year with a 15% increase on the April 2022 show! The feedback received from both exhibitors and visitors confirms both the vibrancy of the market, and the importance of and need for the show to be an annual event for the industry.”

There was a real atmosphere of positivity on the exhibition floor this year as the show returned to its more regular February date in the industry calendar. This upbeat vibe was also reflected in the hundreds of positive comments, photos and feedback that flooded social media across the three days.

Regular visitor Frank Dunn of Sew Stitch Designs, said of his visit: “I mainly came to meet up with people and to see if there’s anything new in the embroidery field. We’ve been coming for the last five years and treat it as a little mini break. I would 100% recommend the exhibition, everything you could want to run a garment decoration business is here. You need more than a day to visit!”

The 2023 exhibition played host to several exclusive launches and industry firsts, demonstrating that innovation and product development in this market is continuous. On the

showing anywhere in Europe for this printer, with news of its launch announced just four days before the opening of the exhibition on Sunday, February 26. Over on the MHM Direct GB stand, two brand new machines from Brother were being demonstrated – a prototype of Brother’s first standalone direct to film printer and a Hexa version of the GTX600, which includes added orange and green inks to produce vivid prints. Also seen for the first time anywhere in Europe was DuPont’s new Artistri P1600 DTF inks. These inks were put to the test printing non-stop throughout the three days on Resolute DTF’s R-Jet PRO DTF V4 system.

Feedback from exhibitors was also extremely optimistic, with many commenting it was fantastic to see the garment decoration industry thriving in a

THE SIGN DOCTORS AT THE SIGN SHOW SURGERY

Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) 2023 is just opening their doors as we scribe this months magazine, with its diverse range of exhibitors and many exciting features. New for 2023 is the Sign Surgery which will be run by the International Sign Association UK (ISA UK), at the SDUK Explains Lounge.

As well as a packed timetable of informative presentations and panel discussions being hosted at the Explains Lounge, directors of the ISA UK trade association will be ready and available to answer your sign-making and display production questions. “After the success of last year’s Explains Lounge, we decided to build on this with the Sign Surgery. With more years of experience than we would like to own up to, the ISA UK board has seen pretty much everything in sign, and we felt this was a great opportunity to share this knowledge,” says Craig Brown, CEO of ISA UK.

He continues, “Our members are always asking us questions, and we always do our best to answer them in the most practical, accurate

and appropriate way possible. At SDUK, we are extending this to all visitors to the exhibition. We hope this shows not just the benefits of the industry coming together but also the massive benefits of being part of a well established trade association with a great reputation.”

Knowing the Sign Surgery was taking place, Craig has been noting some of the questions he has already been asked. Some examples include:

• Why would I want to jump on the sustainability bandwagon?

• What is BS559-1-2023 (CPL/34/11) and how is it relevant to my business?

• I’m struggling to find new staff, what can be done to improve the situation?

• I haven’t got time to worry about social media but I’m not sure I’m that well known outside my customer base, what options are available to me?

• What’s the point of a trade association?

• CSCs Cards, I’m struggling to get or maintain card status.

commented: “Printwear & Promotion LIVE! has certainly returned in full force in 2023. It was great to see the industry bouncing back from three hard years and starting to invest in new innovations, better quality, and greater efficiency. The Wilcom team is proud to play a part in that.”

Tim Roberts, sales director at Chadwick Teamwear, added: “We received more enquiries and sample orders than any other event we have previously exhibited at. Printwear & Promotion LIVE! continues to surprise me with the number of new contacts we make year after year.”

Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2024 is provisionally scheduled to take place from Sunday, February 18 to Tuesday, February 20. Save the date! www.printwearandpromotionlive.co.uk

concludes, “This is an exciting new feature for this year’s show that came from discussions with our advisory panel of sign-makers www.signuk.com

PLANET BEE LINES WEB CARD BUSINESS

Yorkshire headquartered direct mail specialist, Propack, has announced the launch of its own online sustainable greetings card retail business, Planet Bee Cards.

The ‘cards with a conscience’ business is the UK’s first environmentally focussed greetings cards offering, with carbon reduction and guaranteed charitable donations at its heart.

Propack has made a six-figure investment into the launch of Planet Bee, which was created to offer a sustainable and conscious option for greetings card senders. Its aim is to become a key player in the greetings cards sector and an alternative provider to market leading brands.

It has the capacity to print and post up to 185,000 personalised cards per day from its 30,000 square foot bespoke site in Huddersfield.

Planet Bee Cards is entering the market with a competitive price point, and will be the most affordable online card retailer on the market, with prices starting from £1.95 for a personalised card.

With charitable giving a core focus for the brand, it has committed to making a donation from each card purchase to one of its two charity partners, Mental Health UK and Action for Children. Customers will be able to choose which charity to donate to at checkout. All charitable donations will come from Planet Bee’s profits and go directly to support the charities on a monthly basis.

Planet Bee will launch with new to market original card designs that can be fully personalised with photos and text for all celebratory occasions, with new designs being added daily. The online retailer has partnered with numerous fresh creative designers to create a platform for new talent to enter the industry. With Propack’s extensive print and fulfilment experience and capabilities, Planet Bee will be

launching with an impressive turnaround time of a daily 6pm cut off for next day delivery.

The launch of the business has allowed two new roles to be created at Propack, with Nicole Clark and Martin Owen being appointed as head of marketing and graphic designer, respectively. Nicole has spent the last five years running marketing for start-ups, helping the likes of Dr Alex George, Tom Daley and Mark Wright to create successful businesses from idea to fruition.

CEO and founder of Propack, Neil Lloyd, said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch Planet Bee Cards with such an incredible team behind us.

“The brand is allowing us to bring a new proposition to the marketplace that ties all of our core beliefs together; protection of the environment, carbon reduction, carbon offsetting and charitable contributions close to our clients’ hearts.

“I am delighted to be able to partner with Mental Health UK and Action for Children, two wonderful organisations that do such important work. This will ensure that we can continue to support others for years to come and provide opportunities for

our customers to give back while still maintaining a competitive price point.

Speaking of the partnership Emily Beahan, Regional Fundraising Manager at Action for Children, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Propack and Planet Bee.

With 447 services across the UK, in schools and online, Action for Children supported 671,275 children, young people and families in 2021 / 2022.

This is such a huge opportunity for us to raise vital funds and awareness but also to work on some exciting new products together as the partnerships progresses. Watch this space!”

Paul Stewart, Mental Health UK’s senior partnerships manager, added: “Mental Health UK are delighted to be a partner of Planet Bee, a socially conscious brand that strives to improve society through the support of charities and the environment. Planet Bee will contribute 10 pence per card sold to Mental Health UK to help provide the tools to those who need them to live their best possible lives.”

www.planetbeecards.com

KONICA MINOLTA INCLUDED ON THE CLIMATE A LIST 2022

As one of 283 companies worldwide, Konica Minolta, Inc.has been awarded a global leadership position on the Climate A List by CDP. CDP is an international non-for-profit organisation engaged in activities to realise a sustainable economy. This is the seventh time Konica Minolta has been placed on the Climate A List.

THE CLIMATE A LIST

The Climate A List is composed of companies that have been recognised as global leaders in terms of goals set and actions taken to combat climate change and disclosure of information. Of the more than 18,700 companies around the world that were covered by CDP’s survey, 283 companies (including 74 Japanese companies) were included on the Climate A List this year in recognition of their efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, mitigate climate change, and contribute to a low-carbon economy.

REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS

Konica Minolta’s placement on the Climate A List is a result of several sustainable activities and goals that the company is implementing or has achieved.

For example, the company has set a target to reduce 60% of its CO2 emissions in Scope 1, 2 and 3 in product development, procurement and manufacturing,

sales and services, and product use by 2030 – starting from the 2005 level (in 2017, these CO2 reduction targets were approved by the international Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi)). This target is almost achieved, with 52% reductions already achieved in 2019.

To achieve these targets, the company has developed production technologies that require less energy consumption, is procuring electricity from renewable energy sources and is promoting a shift to paperless business operations.

ACCELERATING A SHIFT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Konica Minolta aims to procure 100% of the power used in its own business activities from renewable energy sources by 2050. Therefore, in 2019, Konica Minolta joined RE100, a global leadership initiative that brings together businesses committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy for their operations. Starting with countries and regions where renewable electricity is relatively widespread, Konica Minolta has been reviewing its power procurement contracts one by one at its production and sales sites and switching over to renewable electricity where possible: More at www.QuickPrintPro.co.uk www.konicaminolta.co.uk

DURST GROUP’S ‘GAME-CHANGING’ ALPHA WALLPAPER

Graham & Brown has invested in more “absolute game-changing” Alpha Wallpaper Edition technology from Durst in what has become the central pillar in the international wallpaper brand’s drive to total carbon neutral production.

“The potential is enormous,” said Sam Dobson, Operations Director for Graham & Brown, of Blackburn, Lancashire, UK. “Digital is an extremely important technology for the wallpaper industry. It’s really about print-on-demand, reducing print run lengths and giving a more bespoke offering to customers. At the moment, this industrial scale digital production has filled the gap between high run lengths of conventional printing and the low volumes on our previous digital machines.

“We see the Durst as a complementary technology that has many environmental and other benefits. As one example, the main resource we need to power the machine is electricity, and all of that

is renewable. For the last year all of our digital production — representing 35% of the Graham & Brown brand offer — has been carbon zero.”

Graham & Brown’s digital journey ran in parallel with its e-commerce proposition to create unique wallpaper, more flexibility and reduce its warehouse stock by becoming more of a print-on-demand brand to meet evolving customer demands. The installation of the first Durst Alpha Wallpaper Edition production printer in January 2022 was so successful that a second machine was installed a year later.

Martin Winkler, Durst Group wallpaper specialist and Business Development Manager, Textiles, said: “The move to digital production in the wallpaper industry is accelerating

PRINT PERFECT ON PENS…

as buying habits change. We are proud to have partnered with Graham & Brown as it expands digital printing volumes to provide carbon neutral production, which only digital can deliver. The installation of a second Durst Alpha Wallpaper Edition underpins our belief that wallpaper has since ceased to be just a ‘renovation object’ and has now become a lifestyle product with which customers express their individuality and create a feel good atmosphere.”

Durst, manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, has adapted its digital printing technology in the wallpaper printing to initiate a digital disruption. A shift from conventional printing presses to more sustainable

production processes using less water and energy consumption, enabling smaller volumes to be produced inexpensively without warehousing costs is accelerating. Other important drivers are the use of new environmentally friendly materials that are odour free and can be made from recycled raw substrates.

The Durst Alpha Wallpaper Edition is the most productive digital printing system on the market, with a production capacity of over 1,500 rolls per day or up to 1.2 million linear metres per year. In addition to productivity and outstanding colour consistency across the entire print width or run length, total cost of owner (TCO) is also important for producers. This is where Durst has another advantage with its expertise in print quality and ink consumption. With Durst Alpha Pigment Inks, Durst also offers fully water based inks in eight colours that enable “Healthy Sustained Wallpaper”, with a natural and high quality look.

www.durst-group.com

SOLOPRESS LAUNCHES NEW PAPERBACK BOOKS

Coinciding with World Book Day, Solopress has entered the publishing market by launching a range of paperback books.

The Essex based printer’s versatile new range offers a huge variety of printing options. Formats include A4, A5, Royal, Demy and B Format sizes, in a range of paper stocks and finishes. Books with up to 700 pages in quantities up to 2000 can be ordered online. Larger orders and those with bespoke dimensions can also be placed by speaking with a member of their team.

With this product launch, Solopress plans to enter into a new and competitive market.

developed transfer print system that dramatically improves the resolution and colour gamut of a printed image.

The finished result is a gloss photographic image. Available now on a range of cylindrical items, including writing instruments and drinkware, offering a much larger print area than direct digital printing currently allows.

Redefine your customers brands with over 60 UltraHD compatible products.

01252 796894 • support@No-Minimum.co.uk

MD Simon Cooper commented: “Publishing is a sector that’s been in our sights for a long time. It’s a market where we feel we could bring huge benefits to publishers and resellers alike. With recent investments significantly boosting our production capacity, we now feel confident in launching a fast, reliable, high quality offering.

To provide the optimal service, Solopress has appointed Bernard Bowyer as their inhouse book expert. Bernard has four years’ experience in the publishing sector, having worked with global companies and self-publishers on every detail, from design and print to distribution. He will have his own dedicated contact details so customers can liaise with him directly.”

The new paperback book options can be explored at www.solopress.com/ paperback-books

WTTB LAUNCHES SAME DAY MERCHANDISE RANGE…

PANIC buyers who have left buying branded merchandise until the last minute can now find help is at hand, thanks to a new service by one of the UK’s leading print platforms.

WTTB has been growing its merchandise range over the past year, with a whole host of items which can be personalised — making them perfect for corporate gifts or marketing activity.

And now the company has gone one step further, with the launch of a new service which means that it can now fulfil an order and have it dispatched the same day on the upgraded delivery service option if the artwork is uploaded before1pm.

It’s also good news for anyone who may have placed an order from outside of the UK and has waited weeks for it to turn up — only to find that it’s short of some of the items.

The fast turnaround service means that the gap in the numbers can be filled, so clients aren’t disappointed.

The service — which launched on 24th February–will initially feature around 25 popular products, with plans to add to the list.

Those items which will be available from day one includes a range of different printed canvasses, the company’s complete range of mugs, photo blocks, acrylic awards, mouse mats, coasters, storage tins

and greeting cards.

It will also include seasonal products such as snow globes — which are also perfect for events such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day — tree ornaments and baubles.

Louise Stephenson, Managing Director of WTTB, said the company was able to offer this service because it has the printing capacity in-house. “Many companies have to get these items printed elsewhere but because we can do them directly, that cuts down the time considerably,” she said.

CLARITY SOFTWARE ENABLES INNOTECH CATALOGUE

Innotech Digital and Clarity Software have announced that Innotech’s complete product catalogue will be available for seamless integration into the Clarity Management Information System (MIS). Customers can now access key information on Innotech’s wide format print media and display hardware range, such as pricing and specifications, seamlessly and with virtually no setup. This makes planning project costs and workflow management quicker and more accurate for Clarity users.

Clarity is the leading MIS solution for sign-makers and print service providers. It manages all aspects of the business, from quotations, forecasts, operational workflow, invoicing and more. The Clarity MIS requires its users to enter pricing and product details from an array of suppliers. This is used to create the accurate and detailed cost management information the customers need to increase productivity, efficiency and profitability.

Kieran Dallow, Group Marketing Manager for Innotech Digital, says, “We approached Clarity in 2022 to discuss integrating our pricing structures in the software to make it easier for customers to use the pricing in their existing systems. We particularly wanted to work with Clarity because it is one of the main MIS systems for the sign and graphics display market. Clarity was very positive and keen to get involved, and we have found the whole process very straightforward.”

Sam Yarnall, Sales and Marketing Director for Clarity Software Group, says, “When Innotech approached us, we could see how this would benefit both our companies and our customers. There is a clear synergy between us because our core markets are sign-makers and printers, and their product information is exactly what our customers need to access from the system. As well as streamlining the process of uploading supplier information into the MIS, this relationship allows companies that are not currently using Innotech products to compare key information with their existing suppliers easily, without having to add more supplier information.”

“We were aware of how many people were missing out because of last minute orders they couldn’t fulfil or that items they wanted for a give away or marketing campaign had simply slipped their minds.

“It’s no longer too late to do anything about this kind of situation because we are able to offer this extremely fast turnaround.”

The full range of products available via the speedy service can be viewed at www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk/ecommerce/ merchandise-same-day

Clarity users have secure access to their own area of the Clarity website and can download the Innotech product information from there and directly import it into their MIS. This increases accuracy and saves customers a lot of time ensuring they have the latest information seamlessly integrated with their software systems. Clarity users that are not already Innotech customers will also be able to use this information to compare pricing and product specifications. Sam continues, “Working closely with a credible brand like Innotech, which has a broad product range and a solid supply chain, was an attractive proposition for Clarity. They are very closely aligned to our customers’ day-to-day operations, and we saw that it would be a huge benefit in terms of speed, simplicity and accuracy to integrate the Innotech product range and pricelist into our MIS.” Kieran concludes, “Innotech is widely recognised as a fast supplier, and that speed of delivery in every area helps our customers outpace their competition and win more business. Our accurate information integrated with Clarity means printers’ estimating and admin times are drastically reduced. Having access to the complete product range also means they can quickly identify the best roll widths for minimal wastage, which also saves money. This is an excellent collaboration that is of real benefit to us, Clarity and all of our customers.”

www.innotechdigital.com

Compatible with a wide range of double-sided tapes up to 22mm in width

More accurate than taping by hand

Positioning is easily editable

Fast and easy set-up

Fully integrated with the latest versions of Zip Core software

Fully automated flatbed cutting, creasing and taping system

Tape on the X and Y axis

Saving you both time and money

Compatible on the Veloblade Volta + range

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FIND YOUR SUPPLIER WITH QUICK PRINT PRO’S PREFERRED SUPPLIERS HUB

ABBOT PRINT

T: 01442 867600

E: sales@abbotprint.com

W: www.abbotprint.com

Manufacturers of business stationery, books and pads.

ASHGROVE TRADING

T: 01779 470606

E: info@ashgrovetrading.com

W: www.ashgrovetrading.com

Ashgrove is the UK’s friendly and personal specialist supplier of innovative products and solutions for cutting-edge digital printing and finishing techniques, making printers’ lives easier and making print better.

ATLANTIC TECH

T: +44 (0)1279 638 500

E: sales@atlantic-tech.co.uk

W: www.atlantic-tech.co.uk

Reliable Service & Support. The largest independent printer service and support provider in the UK, supplying an extensive selection of top brands including Azon UV Flatbed, Mutoh Roll to Roll Solvent and UV Flatbed printers. Proud to offer a national service and support for Solvent, UV and Latex printers from these leading brands: Mimaki, Ricoh, Azon, Roland, Mutoh and HP.

ART SYSTEMS LTD

T: 0870 224 2612

E: marketing@artsystems.ltd.uk

W: www.artsystems.co.uk

Colortac Scanners, HP Designjets, MakerBot 3D printers, Canon wide format printers.

BAKER LABELS

T: 01277 281900

E: sales@bakerlabels.co.uk

W: www.bakerlabels.co.uk

Baker Labels can handle exceptionally large or surprisingly short print runs and aim to have your order ready within four days of proof approval. The sales and customer service team can assist you in selecting the most appropriate material, adhesive and finish depending on the end use of the product.

CALF HEY DESIGN

T: 01484 542 795

W: www.calf-hey.com

Label manufacturer, trade-only, plain, printed, laminated, barcodes, numbering, one- to full-colour, we do it all, total label solutions at trade prices. Call for free sample pack.

CASLON LTD

T: 01727 852211

E: info@caslon.co.uk

W: www.caslon.co.uk

Business card cutters, Digital print finishing,, Finishing products and systems, Foiling equipment, Print finishing equipment and Thermographic equipment & supplies.

CJB PRINTING EQUIPMENT

T: 0116 2600777

W: www.cjbpe.co.uk

E: sales@cjbpe.co.uk

CJB Printing Equipment Ltd was formed in 1994 by two directors with over 40 years of combined experience in the printing industry. We are an independent leading supplier of a large comprehensive range of print finishing equipment. The company is now a substantial two-generation family concern with an ever-growing reputation for supplying quality new and used equipment.

COLOURFAST GROUP

T: 01273 674321

E: sales@colourfast.co.uk

Can print and deliver for you in Brighton.

DURAWELD

T: 01723 584091

E: sales@duraweld.co.uk

W: www.duraweld.co.uk

Manufacturer of presentation products to package, present and protect printed paper and multimedia. Ring Binders, Tabbed Dividers and Indexes, Files and Folders, Wallets, Polypropylene Boxes, Multimedia Packaging, Self Adhesives and Presentation Ring Binders. Customise to your requirements through screen or litho print, pockets and accessories. Quality service, competitive prices and fast turnaround.

ELMSTOK

T: 01945 463434

E: sales@elmstok.co.uk

W: www.elmstok.co.uk

A leading worldwide supplier in document presentation systems and finishing equipment including Binding Machines and Supplies, Manual and Electric Guillotines, Laminating Machines and Supplies, Paper Drills and Punches, Folders, Booklet Makers and Shredding Machines.

FD SOLUTIONS

T: 0118 956 1740

E: sales@fdsolutions.ltd.uk

W: www.fdsolutions.ltd.uk

GBC main UK dealer as well as nationwide distributors of all types of binding, laminating machines and supplies, including guillotines, paper drills, booklet makers, folding machines and cutting and creasing equipment. Nationwide Service cover offered on all finishing equipment.

FLEXPRESS

T: 0116 267 6269

E: admin@flexpress.co.uk

W: www.Flexpress.co.uk

Trust, in any relationship, is paramount so you’ll find Flexpress provide a good, honest trade print service and keep our promises; this is how, since 1989, we’ve grown to become one of the most respected printers in the UK. Everything we do is produced by us right here in our own production facility using the very latest stateof-the-art equipment.

GFSMITH

T: 020 7407 6174

E: london@gfsmith.com

W: www.gfsmith.com

Paper and card suppliers of prestigious printing and presentation media.

IFS INTELLIGENT FINISHING SYSTEMS

T: 020 8997 8053

E: info@ifsl.uk.com

W: www.Ifsl.uk.com

A leading supplier of finishing equipment including the Horizon market-leading automated system range in many of the key finishing disciplines — including folding, perfect binding and saddle stitching. 35 years serving the digital and litho print industry.

LISTAWOOD PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

T: 01553 818818

E: sales@listawood.com

W: www.listawood.com

UK manufacturer of promotional products including mousemats, ceramics, liquid filled products, USB Flashdrives and magnets. 100% trade only.

LISTAWOOD TRADE SUPPLIES

T: 01553 818848

E: tradesupplies@listawood.com

W: www.listawood.com

A one stop shop for consumables and equipment for dye sublimation and chromablast. Authorised distributor of Hix heat presses and parts.

THE MAGAZINE PRODUCTION COMPANY

T: 01273 911730

E: info@magazineproduction.com

W:www.magazineproduction.com

Comprehensive cost-effective white label design, production and print solution for independent publishers. In-house company newsletters, brochures and magazines — we can send print compliant artwork back to you for printing for your customers.

MORGANA FINISHING SYSTEMS

T: 0800 1381 882

W: www.plockmaticgroup.com

Manufacturer of a comprehensive range of finishing products and systems. Booklet makers & Trimmers, Collators, Business Card Cutters, Creasers.

KONICA MINOLTA

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (UK)

T: 0800 833864

E: info@konicaminolta.co.uk

W: www.konicaminolta.co.uk

Guillotines

Guillotines

Horizon AFC-566F

Horizon

Horizon

NCR PADS LTD

T: 0330 111 5040

E: lets�talk@ncrpads�co�uk

W: www ncrpads co uk

Bespoke printing in the UK for trade NCR pads, sets, books and continuous forms.

OCÉ IMAGING SUPPLIES

Wide format materials: 0800 623 623

Small format materials: 0800 212 943

Renowned supplier of copying and printing equipment to copy shops, carries one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive range of consumables, for both small and wide format machines, from A4 white paper to display graphic materials such as backlit films.

OKI SYSTEMS (UK)

T: 01784 274300

E: ukenquiries@okieurope�co�uk

W: www oki co uk

PEN WAREHOUSE

T: 01252 400270

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W: www pens co uk

Trade pen supplies.

PERFECT COLOURS

T: 0845 680 9000

W: www perfectcolours com

E: info@perfectcolours�com

HP Preferred Partner specialising in large and grand format printing and finishing solutions, supplying Durst, Jetix, HP, Canon and Epson LF printers. For more information or to book a free printer demonstration call or E: us.

PDC PRESENTATION SOLUTIONS

T: 020 8810 5770

E: sales@pdcuk�com

W: www pdcuk com

PDC are the UK’s Coil/Spiral experts, we manufacture 45 coil colours in any length up to one metre, in diameters from 6mm up to 50mm and in a range of 45 colours. Call or E: for free samples and pricing.

PREMIER PAPER

T: 0121 313 1115

W: www�paper�co�uk

The Premier Paper Group is the UK’s leading independent paper merchant and through its business divisions and nationwide branch network, offers a great choice of products and services for professional print service suppliers.

Premier Paper deliver more than mere paper by providing first class services, sharing knowledge and information, they endeavour to become an integral and valuable part of quick print pros business.

RAFFLE TICKETS DIRECT

T: 01933 411332

E: sales@raffleticketsdirect�co�uk

W:www raffleticketsdirect co uk

One colour to full colour raffle tickets. Fast free express delivery. Cheapest prices in the UK at the best print quality. All tickets are glued within the stub (no metal staples used to fix books).

RENZ UK

T: 01707 270001,

W: www renz co uk

The leading manufacturer of punching and wire binding machines from desktop to fully automated systems. Largest UK supplier of spools and cut length wire.

ROUTE1 PRINT

T: 0114 294 5026

E: sales@route1print�co�uk

W: www route1print co uk

• Free Next Day Delivery • Free 30 Point Artwork Check

• Trade Customers Only • White Label Packaging

Route 1 Print are passionate about helping quick print pros. Offering dedicated account managers and a 10-second proofing tool, to white label packaging and unbranded sample packs, Route 1 Print is committed to making your frontline printing service easier.

SHARP ELECTRONICS (UK)

T: 020 8734 2000

W: www sharp co uk

4 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1EZ SOVEREIGN

(SOV PRINT LTD)

T: 01443 816414

W: www sovprint com

Sovereign are industry leading screen and digital print manufacturers of durable and bespoke Labels, Tags & Signage. We supply over 100 expertly produced products to industry, trade and commerce. Ranging from heavy-duty labels and stickers, to point of sale, machine fascia’s and high-quality bespoke signage.

STANFORD MARSH

T: 01905 458000

W: www�stanfordmarsh�co�uk

Official dealer for all main manufacturers, allowing us to supply best fit solutions for all users. Please visit our website.

SUPREME LABELS

T: 01924 402111

W: www�supremelabels�co�uk

Label Suppliers, Roll Labels, Laser Labels, Warning Labels, most formats available.

TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SERVICES

T: 01474 747575 • 01376 433300

E: info@techxerox�com

W: www techbusserv co uk

Specialists in new and refurbished Xerox digital printers, Xerox consumables including toners and parts and reset chips.

MAGIC TOUCH (THE)

T: 01582 671444

E: sales@themagictouch co uk

W: www�themagictouch�co�uk

Supplier of transfer papers, colour laser printers and heat presses to open up exciting opportunities to print on a limitless range of products.

VIVID LAMINATING TECHNOLOGIES

T: 01530 510946

W: www�vivid-online�com�

Vivid offer a wide range of innovative and exclusive Laminating Systems ranging from Desktop to Wide Format Laminators. Visit the website to view the full range which also includes Binding and Print Finishing solutions.

XERETEC

T: 02380 574100

E: info@xeretec co uk

W: www�xeretec�co�uk

Xerox Technology, Document Consulting, Office Supplies

XEROX UK

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W: www�xerox�co�uk

Bridge House, Oxford Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1HS The Document Company supply a full range of office equipment.

YOUR PRINT SPECIALISTS

T: 0191 256 6889

E: info@yourprintspecialists�co�uk

W: www YourPrintSpecialists co uk

With an impressive portfolio of products to offer and a dedicated service team. Everything you require from wide format printers to the assisting software and finishing solutions. YPS are authorised suppliers of Mimaki, RolandDG, Epson, Flexa, Vivid, Drytac, Metamark and Toyo. YPS also offer training and support through Your Print Institute, a new initiative to help those entering the print industry gain skills and knowledge to help them succeed.

Trade-in

Trade

Unbranded

Vinyl

Vivid

Wedding

Digital Media Ashgrove Trading

Xerox Digital Press Xeretec

Xerox Digital Printing Press Portfolio Xerox UK

Xerox LFP Xeretec

Xerox Maintenance Technology Business Services

Xerox Refurbished Digital Printers Technology Business Services

READERS’ SCRIBES

SOMETHING TO SHARE?

GIFTED

I’ve just received a letter saying that my friend has bought me a very expensive antique watch. I really hope it’s not a wind up.

APRIL FOOLS JOKES

Believe nothing and trust no one this April Fools’ Day. So it’s just like any other day.

What monster plays the most April Fools’ jokes? Prankenstein.

Did you hear about the guy who swapped the labels on the pumps at the petrol station? It was an April Fuels’ joke.

Excuse me, sir. Do you think they named April Fools’ Day in your honour?

Why was the donkey annoying his friend? It was April Mules’ Day.

You should know that no one understood it was an April Fools’ joke. No one expected you to have a sense of humour.

A and C were going to prank their friend … but they just letter B.

Which day of the year do monkeys like best? The first of Ape-ril.

Which day is the worst to propose on? April Fools’ Day.

A couple of pranksters broke into the local police station and stole all the lavatory equipment. A spokesperson was quoted as saying, “We have absolutely nothing to go on.”

What’s a stepladder’s favourite holiday? April Stools’ Day.

What did April Fools’ Day say after it won an award? Prank you.

Who needs April Fools’ when your whole life is a joke? April fools.

Who needs a day for the fools? I’m surrounded by them all year.

I don’t always joke on April Fools’ Day. Just kidding, I do.

There are some friends you know will never pull an April Fools’ Day prank. Because they think it’s still March.

I’m going to pull an April Fools’ Day prank on my landlord by not paying rent. Just kidding, rent isn’t

due today!

What do you call a hammer bought on April 1? An April tool.

Why was everyone so tired on April 1? Because they just finished a long 31-day March. Babies born on March 31 are the easiest to prank on April Fools’ Day. They were literally born yesterday!

Why can April jump so high? It’s spring! What do you say when it’s raining chickens and ducks on April Fools’ Day? It’s fowl spring weather. Why do eggs like April Fools’ Day? They love practical yolks.

What is a prankster’s favourite toy? Silly String! What’s one bone a prankster doesn’t want to break on April Fools’ Day? The humerus.

What’s the April Fool’s lucky card in the deck? The Joker.

April Fools’ Day is the favourite holiday of which animal? The silly goose!

What do you call a realistic prankster? A practical joker.

IT TAKES ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Small, large, circle, square, thin crust, thick crust, stuffed crust, extra toppings.

GREG OR IAN

Monday – Greg. Tuesday – Ian. Wednesday – Greg. Thursday – Ian. Friday – Greg. Saturday – Ian. Sunday – Greg. The Gregorian Calendar.

HOW COMPUTERS GET DRUNK

How do computers get drunk? They take screenshots!

QUITTING SOCIAL MEDIA

Quitting Social Media is the adult version of running away from home. We all know you do it for attention and you’ll be back soon.

WHAT A GENTLEMAN IS

A gentleman is a man who can play the accordion. But doesn’t.

DRIVING TEST

My wife was upset when she told me she had failed her driving test.

I said, “Oh no, what did they pull you up on?”

My wife replied, “A rope. The car’s still in the canal.”

TOY PRODUCTION LINE

I just got a job making plastic Draculas. There are only two of us on the production line, so I have to make every second Count.

BUYING A MAC

I was just having a conversation with someone who is about to buy a Mac computer. I was against it and an argument started.

I said there were too few people supporting the Mac.

He responded, “When was the last time you heard of a virus on a Mac?”

And I said, “See, even people who write viruses don’t support Macs!”

OUTDOOR LIVING

A fellow who loved to go out in his kayak whenever he could.

One winter it was very cold, so he built a fire on a metal lined pad on the floor of the boat. The fire burned through the pad, causing the boat to sink.

This proves that we cannot have our kayak and heat it, too. Honorary Degrees

PRINT SHOP WARS

A new print business opened up for business right across the road from the old established print shop. They put up a big bold sign which read: “Free artwork”.

Not to be outdone, the old print shop put up his own sign: “WE FIX FREE ARTWORK”

WITNESS REQUIRED

Top three situations that require witnesses:

1) Crimes, 2) Accidents, 3) Marriages. Need I say more?

Ha, Just kitten around. Optimists: The glass is half full.

Pessimists: The glass is half empty.

Cat owners: The glass is knocked over.

The NEW Morgana DigiFold Pro XL

Built with our unique, open design, the suction feeder handles stock sizes from 210 – 1300mm in length, useful for applications, such as covers for landscape booklets, book covers for oversized perfect bound books, multi-panel brochures and many other applications made from these long sheets. An additional static crease option can be installed to enable the full range of crease and perforation options.

Running efficiently to fold up to 6,000 A4 sheets per hours and in crease only mode up to 7,500 sheets per hour, making this is our most productive creaser/ folder to date.

www.plockmaticgroup.com

The NEW Morgana DigiFold Pro XL, with its cost efficient vacuum top feeder, is an easy to use automatic paper creasing and folding system that eliminates unsightly cracking on digital stock.