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
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
Subscriptions printed at Colourfast plus PYO (Print Your Own) file distribution and eZine available on Issuu
Maybe not the romantic or fruit dates, but print dates are always great for print. As the wise old printsmith once said, if you don’t plan to print on these high tea days, then you will miss out.
So easy this month as such a lot is happening, all of which is better with a healthy sprinkling of print products. Prominent print days in June include Sausage Roll Day, World Environment Day, Bike Week, Child Safety Week, and World Oceans Day, as well as diary-marked celebrations for knitting, making music and the first day of summer. Now I might be sticking my neck out here, but yes, World Giraffe Day. Followed by National Writing Day, World Refill Day and Wimbledon Fortnight. Somewhere in the midst of all that is, of course, time to print lots of Father’s Day cards.
Fast Print Forward >>> to July
Peter, Perpetual In Print, Foulkes
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.
Sign-up for free to our newsletter and discover all the latest news in print, upcoming events, special offers, new product launches and innovative trade and end-user campaigns. Just visit: www.quickprintpro.co.uk
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
Help is on hand from the Printing Industry Pension Scheme which has been running since 1986.
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.
Spingold Design & Print Ltd has chosen a Horizon RD-N4055DM Rotary DieCutter from Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) to help cement its place as a front runner in the high quality playing and gaming cards market.
The Suffolk general commercial printer began building up its card business, including game, quiz, trump, and tarot, around eight years ago. Today, it is driven through its B2C sites www.printfromyoursofa.co.uk and www.playingcardspersonalised.co.uk
During the pandemic demand increased dramatically and helped Spingold double turnover from £600,000 to £1.2m today. It took on three people who had lost their jobs at other print companies. In 2021 it invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14000 which runs alongside two Xerox Versant 180s.
The latest investment has been supported by a £25,000 grant from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Through Innovation Fund delivered via Suffolk County Council.
Spingold Managing director Ed Oakes explains: “We had our eye on a rotary die cutter for a long time. We have two Duplo systems but wanted something the next level up with a dual cylinder. We first saw a Horizon system at a D-Scoop event in 2018 but that one was only a single cylinder. Then the dual cylinder was launched and we saw that in Germany. We already knew Horizon systems were incredibly well built. It was a fantastic piece of kit.”
He continues: “Then we applied to the innovation fund which meant we could make the investment without any further need for financing. That really helped us make up our mind.”
The Horizon RD-4055DM with dual magnetic cylinders is designed to simultaneously die-cut and crease/score short-run product from both sides of the sheet. Running at a speed of up to 6,000 cycles per hour, it can also perforate, slit, hole punch and round corner in one process for digital and offset printed sheets up to 0.5mm. Its repeat register function enables the running of multiple up imposed applications with a smaller die to reduce die cost (Up to five repeats in a single pass). It incorporates the new Horizon CSD-40RD Stacker and Horizon SPC-N4055 Separator to elevate responsive production. They also eliminate the
need for two person operation for jogging and stacking at the delivery section and counting and separating the output.
Ed adds: “We wanted a dual cylinder because the ability to crease inline will save us an enormous amount of time. It will improve our quality and speed of output as well as enable us to increase our capacity by as much as 40% which will give us some breathing space and room to grow. It will help cement us as a front runner in the market.”
As for return on investment he states: “It has come in at the right time so we can be ready for our busiest period in the summer when we produce work for those who sell on Amazon at Christmas. If our growth carries on the way it has, or even at half the pace, it should pay for itself in two years.”
www.ifsl.uk.com
From a standing start back in 2020, Eltham Digital has grown its sign business to the point where it now accounts for 50% of company turnover. The transformation began with the installation of a Xenons R180 hybrid flatbed/roll to roll machine from RSR, which has now been replaced with the upgraded Xenons X180.
Proprietor Terry Glasscock says; “During the Covid pandemic we were being asked to produce all kinds of signage, so we could see there was demand there. RSR convinced us the Xenons hybrid was the ideal machine to take on a new market as it offered high performance and versatility for a relatively low cost. They were right.”
The new Xenons X180 has the same basic dimensions as its predecessor, with a maximum width of 1.88m, but includes numerous mechanical upgrades and uses
the latest Ricoh 6 print heads. This digital LED-UV hybrid printer offers a variety of applications and will print on ACP, foam, board, flute board, glass, ceramic tiles, wood, and on a wide range of vinyl and
flexible media. Although capable of higher throughput, Eltham’s machine maximises saleable quality by running at 25sqm per hour and uses a CMYK ink configuration, with the option of an additional white ink
available as a future upgrade.
“It will print on just about anything as long as it’s less than 35mm thick,” says Terry. “We produce something different every day, whether it’s point-of-sale boards, vinyl banners, outdoor signage or exhibition panels, and the Xenons machine does it all.”
“The new one is faster to run and set up, and we expect it to match the performance and reliability of the machine it is replacing. For me the best thing about the X180 is ease of use; there’s very little maintenance, and to run it, we just press ‘print’ and that’s about it!”
Eltham Digital is a family-run commercial printer operating from a high street premises and serving a diverse client base throughout the London area. It has strong ties to various local businesses especially in the construction industry.
www.Repro-Sales.co.uk
Inkjet technology specialist Xaar has celebrated the first year of its charity partnership with Break, after employees raised an amazing £18,610, which, alongside a matched donation from the company, brought the total donation to over £37k.
Break was chosen as Xaar’s charity partner in April last year and the collaboration over the following 12 months has been a key element of the Group’s Sustainability Roadmap, which defines the business’s commitment to both people and the local community as two of the companies four sustainability pillars.
Xaar Group UK employees – based in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Kettering and Hemel Hempstead –took part in a wide range of fundraising activities including golf days, multiple people running a halfmarathon, sweepstakes, cakes sales, a sponsored silence and the Three Peaks Challenge.
Working across East Anglia, Break makes life better for children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care.
Break’s aim is to walk with those they support every step of the way to independence by providing a safe and resilient home, therapeutic services and offering life-changing opportunities, and their lifelong offer means the charity is always there whenever and wherever they’re needed.
The charity will be using the donation from Xaar for a range of initiatives to ensure that young people
independent living and employment pathways, to offering volunteer mentors or confidence building opportunities — a number of local children and young people will be helped.
Rachel Cowdry, CEO at Break said: “It has been a privilege working with Xaar to reach this phenomenal fundraising total for Break.
“We’ve loved getting to know the Xaar team and we have been incredibly inspired by the generosity, kindness and dedication they have shown.
Atlantic has announced that it has been appointed as a SignRacer UV printers reseller and service support agent. Atlantic will work alongside the current UK distributor NDI to form a formidable partnership agreement in promoting and developing the UK sales of the excellent SignRacer large format and super wide format flatbed, hybrid and roll to roll UV printers. Atlantic and NDI’s combined knowledge and technical experience gives all users and future users of the SignRacer range the confidence of a first class national support mechanism to provide fast and effective service response through their combined experienced industry trained engineers.
Atlantic, will under this agreement also sell the range of Green Guard certified SignRacer OEM Premium Hard and Flexible CMYK, lc, lm, lb, orange, violet, white, varnish and dedicated primer inks which are produced and controlled to the highest quality standards and the low viscosity inks formulation run at low temperatures between 38 to 40 degrees centigrade to extend the life of the Printheads.
The Swiss SignRacer brand has R&D centres in both Switzerland and Italy. Production is carried out in their facility in Germany. Extremely well built and highly reliable, the SignRacer range benefits from fast carriage speeds, high image quality and many features for efficient production. SignRacer printers are also all field upgradeable and are built and configured to allow the fitting of additional printheads for increased speed or increased colour channels for different and varied applications. The wide colour gamut ink set adds orange and violet inks to increase by an additional 23% the achievable colour gamut.
The SignRacer UV Flatbed models from the 1610 up to 3020 offer printing with either Ricoh GEN 6 or Kyocera KJ4A printheads to enable printing on to most medias such as MDF, aluminium, glass, plastics, wood, Dibond, acrylic and leather surfaces up to 400mm with High Bridge models including 3D Printing. The SignRacer range also offers UV roll to roll and hybrid options with print widths available from 1800mm and up to 3200mm, right up to the 3200 Turbo which produces print speeds up to 156 m2/h. www.atlantic-tech.co.uk
brighter futures for vulnerable young people in the region and everyone at Break is really looking forward to continuing our partnership with Xaar over the next two years.”
Xaar Group’s second year of fundraising for the charity is well underway with many fundraising challenges planned in upcoming months including a sky dive.
www.xaar.com
www.break-charity.org/charity
Digital Print Finishing, Document Presentation Equipment and Supplies.
With over 40 years of experience, Elmstok are proud to be a main supplier of various types of document presentation, binding, laminating and other print finishing products.
The extensive range of specialised products are suited to a range of industries, including quick print pros, schools, colleges, universities, marketing/design departments and public sector organisations.
Elmstok offer brand new, ex-showroom and previously used machines, which change daily.
Customer service available seven days a week. 01945 463434
Out of hours 07876 201288
www.elmstok.co.uk
As parts of its sustained efforts to grow the UK print industry, the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) paid a visit to No 10 Downing Street — where its Chair, Charles Rogers, met with special advisors to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The IPIA is now gathering representations from leading associations belonging to the Graphic and Print Media Alliance (GPMA), which includes the BPIF and PICON. It will work in partnership with them to further strengthen these advocacy efforts.
On the agenda for discussion with the special business and political advisors was a detailed overview of the place of the UK as top six global print producer, its responsibility for nearly 8% of total UK manufacturing output, and the critical part it plays in the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country. Print and paper’s role in developing sustainable technology and its contribution to the
The IPIA also set out the challenges that are inhibiting the growth and competitiveness of UK print and paper, before presenting a package of structural and strategic support requests. A case was also put forward for the print, paper and allied sectors to be recognised as an ‘industry of strategic value’ – a term that describes industries that play a fundamental role in the economic health and competitiveness of the nation.
“The opportunity to participate in this meeting presented itself at short notice, and I was honoured to represent the IPIA on behalf of print and paper at No 10 Downing Street,” says Charles, who continues: “Meeting with special advisors, who report to the PM, was a critical and rare opportunity to push our agenda for all those involved with print and paper in the UK.”
The special advisors welcomed the information and valued the dialogue, which gave them a chance not only to learn key facts about one of the UK’s few remaining world-class manufacturing industries, but how it can be supported to grow with Government assistance. The meeting was facilitated by Puneet Gupta from PG Paper Company Ltd, as part of its on-going initiatives to support the paper and print industry in the UK, who comments: “In today’s fast paced
digital world, the paper and print industry faces a range of challenges that require innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to overcome – it’s important to have open and honest conversations about navigating these. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors of the industry we look to develop strategies to overcome the challenges and support growth.”
Further to Puneet’s comments, Charles adds: “The meeting represents the culmination of years of hard work spent talking to Government, creating and attending industry events, networking and beating the drum for print and paper by the IPIA.”
Charles concludes: “Both advisors expressed positivity regarding follow up meetings and currently we are looking forward to a return visit –where we can expand on suggestions to aid UK print and paper supported by the GPMA.”
www.ipia.org.uk
The Swiss manufacturer of large format printers, swissQprint, is celebrating the installation of its 100th machine in the UK, as Stocksigns takes delivery of its latest Impala flatbed printer.
A long standing client of swissQprint, Stocksigns has been using a first generation Impala since 2010. This was the 15th swissQprint machine to be placed in the UK at the time, and it helped the business transition from silk screen to digital printing. The quality, reliability, and stress free operation across a range of substrates, made swissQprint the likely partner of choice when it came to upgrading. However, the business still undertook a full market review before selecting swissQprint once again.
Research to find the perfect replacement for Stocksigns’ existing Impala was wide reaching: everything from seeking testimonials from current users, lifetime ROI analysis, hands-on competitor comparisons and a full demonstration across a variety of substrates and materials. This ensured the Impala was once again the perfect machine for the business.
The operators’ prior knowledge of swissQprint technology, combined with the support of their UK team, played a crucial role in the decision making process. swissQprint’s commitment to keeping its environmental impact low was also a key
to 2.2 kWh, the fourth generation Impala brings increased sustainability and productivity to Stocksigns. Also, the solvent and VOC free UVcurable inks are Greenguard Gold certified.
The swissQprint Impala, equipped with CMYK plus white will be at the very front line of Stocksigns growth and development. With its installation, the firm anticipates production times will halve, doubling capacity in the manufacture of its health and safety, statutory and construction site signage.
David Cload, Group Production Manager at Stocksigns, said: “Having used our Impala for many
swissQprint’s 100th machine in the UK.” Always having been impressed with swissQprint’s quality he is convinced that the Impala 4 offers them even more capability to meet the demands of their growing customer base. “We are confident that it will continue to deliver high impact signage while significantly reducing our environmental impact.”
Erskine Stewart, Managing Director at swissQprint, said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved this milestone with Stocksigns. Their purchase of our 100th machine in the UK reaffirms our position as a provider of reliable, cutting-edge printing technology, and is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to excellence.”
www.swissqprint.co.uk
Konica Minolta has announced the availability of its AccurioShine 3600 inkjet spot UV coater, with the digital hot-stamping iFoilOne in-line module, powered by MGI’s innovative varnish technology.
The AccurioShine 3600 enables in-house spot UV varnishing, from prototyping to full production, without the need for screens, plates or dies.
The AccurioShine 3600 utilises ground breaking technology for adding 2D and 3D multiple coating and dimensional texture effects in a single pass. With a maximum supported paper size of B3+ (364mm x 750mm), the AccurioShine 3600 is perfect for enhancing business/name cards, greeting cards, photobook covers, and even packaging on demand, creating an impactful and unique print experience for customers.
The fully digital AccurioShine 3600 features industry leading artificial intelligence registration technology and an eco-friendly LED curing system, all in an impressively compact size.
When combined with the iFoilOne in-line hot foil stamping module, a range of never seen before high impact finishing effects are possible including personalised embossed foil. The AccurioShine 3600 also supports Variable Data Printing (VDP), adding more impact to tickets, personalised packages and labels, invitations, one-to-one marketing, and more.
Job changes are made easy with the AccurioShine 3600’s VDP barcode scanner. Simply scan the code
from a pre-printed sheet and it instantly selects the corresponding TIFF file already stored on the workstation. Furthermore, combining the scanner with the Automatic PDF File Converter provides a truly seamless workflow which takes files from PDF to the output tray in minutes.
Jon Hiscock, Head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd states: “With the shift to digital printing, more emphasis is being placed on digitalising prepress and postpress processes, alongside on-demand short run
printing. By combining the AccurioShine 3600 with other Konica Minolta digital colour printers, our customers not only grow their business in new ways, but also add value to their customers, by providing cost effective, impactful, premium short run embellishments to their day to day print jobs.”
The AccurioShine 3600 and iFoilOne are available from Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd now. Both products will also be demonstrated together at The Print Show 2023 in September. www.konicaminolta.co.uk
HP Indigo has announced the expansion of its software solutions, designed to help users benefit from the sophisticated capabilities that can be gained by integrating software and data driven tools into the print production floor. The new HP PrintOS Software Suite simplifies HP’s application portfolio, which will now consist of four modules called Power Packs.
The HP PrintOS Suite is a cloud based operating system that drives productivity and inspires innovation. Following the latest development, the PrintOS Suite will now consist of four Power Packs, concentrating on press monitoring and productivity management tools, applications for consistent quality across jobs, presses and sites, unique personalisation and customisation creativity modules, and digital site automation flow from submission to shipping.
To support business challenges and enhance its offering, HP has appointed Petar Obradovic as Director of Industrial Software Solutions and deployed a new dedicated software sales team. “Our most successful and
quickly and expand their offering,” said Noam Zilbershtain, General Manager of HP Indigo and Scitex.
“We understand that prosperity in the digital print production business is data driven and software driven, and we want each one of our users to leverage these resources to grow their business.”
With HP PrintOS, customers
“PrintOS has more than 22,000 HP Indigo users, and more than 4,000 of them use it daily. These are staggering numbers.” Obradovic explained that the PrintOS Software Suite enables customers to monitor their production in real time, increase productivity by up to 50%, automate processes like quality control and colour matching, and produce
a global online supplier if they are managing high volumes of data efficiently with consistent qualityrequires our software solutions to optimise their digital transformation,” he concluded.
The PrintOS Suite Power Packs will be offered on a subscription basis as of July 1st, 2023. www.hp.com
FOREARTH is an inkjet textile printer that aims to eliminate virtually all water usage from fabric printing. The company expects this printer to contribute to eliminating printing related water pollution, which has long been an issue in the textile and apparel industries.
Traditional analogue textile printing consumes a large amount of water, especially in the washing and steaming processes, and wastewater pollution due to fabric printing is a long standing issue around the world. In addition, waste resulting from the mass disposal of overstocked clothing is also an environmental concern, and the textile and apparel industries are under pressure to take immediate action toward alleviating this issue. Kyocera has developed their new inkjet textile printer, FOREARTH, that combines patented inkjet, ink, and printing equipment technology to contribute to solving these environmental problems.
Key features include:
• Water-free concept – Dramatically reduces water usage in textile printing.
• Creative free – Proprietary pigment ink realises both soft hand-feel prints and high fastness in a wide range of fabrics.
• Location free – Textile printing does not rely on water resources,
so it supports optimised production volumes and optimised manufacturing location setting and contributes to the reduction of logistic costs, time, and excess inventories.
Water-free concept: In general, textile printing uses dye ink (1) and requires a large amount of water for the pre and post-treatment processes, such as steaming and washing. FOREARTH is an All-inOne printing system that uses new proprietary pigment ink (2), pretreatment liquid, and finishing agent, which are constantly discharged in the same sequence from the inkjet head. This system eliminates the pre-and post-processes required of conventional dye printing and reduces the water consumption of textile printing by 99% (3). Also, this new printing solution contributes to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions because it does not need large-scale equipment used for the pre and post-treatment processes of textile printing.
• 1 Dye ink: Dye with fine paint particles dissolved in water, which is printed by impregnating fabric with color.
• 2 Pigment ink: Dye with large paint particles that do not dissolve in water, which is printed by sticking to the surface of the textile.
• 3 Based on KYOCERA research (2022).
Conventional dye digital printing generally requires different types of dyes for various fabrics made from different fibres. FOREARTH solves the typical problems of pigment printing, such as less colour development, fastness, and hard hand-feel, by using Kyocera’s proprietary ink technology and knowledge in a new, All-inOne printing system. This enables highly detailed printing on diverse fabrics ranging from cotton, silk, and polyester to nylon and blended fabrics with a single machine. Also, it is adaptable to a wide range of categories too, from ladies’ fashion and sportswear to babywear and home textiles.
In general, textile dyeing factories are operated in areas with abundant water resources since the printing process uses a large amount of water. On the other hand, FOREARTH needs only a small amount of water for printing, so the production site can be located anywhere, such as
on-shore, near-shore, or in more suitable areas, like places close to consumers. Plus, FOREARTH’s simple two-step printing and drying system drastically shortens the number of steps from design to production. As a result of this streamlined processing, FOREARTH supports optimised production and location setting and therefore can handle small lot printing and shorten delivery times, helping reduce logistic costs and surplus inventories. Moreover, FOREARTH can complete print production within a small area footprint compared to conventional textile printing, which requires many more printing processes with separate equipment, as you can see in the picture below.
Kyocera will unveil FOREARTH for the first time outside of Japan at ITMA 2023, the largest international textile and garment technology equipment exhibition, opening in Milan, Italy, from June 8-14 www.kyocera.com
Azonprinter is a Croatian digital printer manufacturer. Azon produces its digital printers according to the highest standard.
Public buildings and services should be accessible to everybody - there are laws requiring it, depending on your location - and that includes clear signage.
The production of tactile signs, for example with Braille text, is a growing market and the one that sign and graphics businesses are perfectly placed to enter. Azon has developed solutions ideal for these applications.
Azon LED UV printers build up layers of gloss and white ink to create textures, raised designs and Braille text. Using digital technology, print businesses can produce durable Braille writing with required sizes and spaces, quickly and cost-effectively, on an extraordinary variety of materials.
Choose from Azon’s range of UV printers, from A3 format devices to super-sized machines, to find the right system for you. Since Braille is not the same in each part of the world, Azon RIP software can be adjusted to cover any standard required. Dot sizes and spaces together with following icons can be printed in different height relative to the required standard (image is ADA Braille, grade 1, grade 2 ....). Azon RIP software can provide Braille translator in many different languages and alphabets like Latin, Cyrillic, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Greek, Welsh .... www.azonprinter.com
Plockmatic International, Sweden, has announced the release of its BLM5000 series production booklet maker for in-line integration with Canon’s imagePRESS V1000 and V1350 digital toner presses.
Designed for customers with mid to high production volumes, the device offers the scope to produce A4 and “letter” landscape format booklets, in addition to regular sized, portrait format booklets. It allows for square back folding and full bleed three side trimming to remove feathering on the outside edge from folding multiple nested sheets. Available with staple or stitcher heads in 50 or 35 sheet versions, the BLM5000 will extend the application capabilities of print businesses, especially those producing long sheet “banner” prints with the imagePRESS. The stitcher unit can include two to four ISP stitch heads. The new range of applications include landscape format, with jobs two up and more.
Whilst the BLM5000 can be installed in-line with a Canon printer, it can also be supplied with an optional Plockmatic VFX feeder to create an off-line or near-line configuration. The VFX is a high capacity Vacuum Feeder capable of efficiently feeding a wide range of paper types and weights, with speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour.
The BLM5000 booklet maker joins the Plockmatic BLM 550+ and BLM 50/35 systems among the range of high performance third party finishing devices offered by Canon, enabling the creation of tailored and highly automated end to end production solutions. The integration of these
systems also allows print service providers to produce a broader application mix, generating more business growth opportunities.
“We are really excited to expand and solidify our business relationship with Canon adding the new BLM5000 series into our joint portfolio of solutions offered to customers. The BLM5000 series will broaden the offerings to customers allowing for a wider range of applications and drive volumes for the printing community. Fulfilment is more important than ever – allowing for printers to provide end to end solutions to their customers and with the launch of the BLM5000 series more finishing options are available and
adding to the business opportunities”, says Johan Mikaelsson, VP Business Unit Inline, Plockmatic Group.
The BLM5000 series is available via Canon sales offices throughout EMEA, for in-line configuration with an imagePRESS V1000 or V1350. Four stitch head configuration, 50 sheet option for stitcher version, and off-line configuration are not available in EMEA region.
The BLM5000 series is available via Canon sales offices throughout US, for in-line or off-line configuration with an imagePRESS V1000. V1350 support will be confirmed in the future.
www.canon-europe.com
www.plockmatic.com
Epson’s stand at Fespa featured a new product launch, and many demonstrations, all designed to show how Epson’s printing technology can create beautiful products with healthy revenue streams.
Epson has strengthened its position in the DTG (direct-to-garment) market with a significant upgrade to its SureColor F2100 Large Format Printer. The new SureColor F2200 is ideal for start-up companies or medium volume businesses that need high levels of flexibility and accuracy, with fast turnaround times.
Designed to produce complex designs on a variety of garments, the SureColor F2200 uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology to provide faster printing and data processing speeds, resulting in a productivity increase of up to 25%** over its predecessor, while maintaining extremely high print quality. With a highly compact, flat top design that allows easy installation into smaller spaces, flexibility is further enhanced through Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator2 software, which not only enables the printing of both DTG & DTFilm but improves the quality of fine lines and small text.
Offering a range of enhanced features designed with ease of use in mind, the SureColor F2200 allows businesses to maintain high levels of production and quality without the need for specialist operators. A transparent lid and internal light, for example, enable easy print status
checking, while an intuitive 4.3 inch touchscreen makes operation fast and simple. With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2200 remains stable with minimal adjustment by the user, and the platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustment for printing different garments quick and straightforward. The GarmentCreator2 software, features faster data processing as well as 600dpi resolution, to deliver exceptional colour output.
“Although the DTG market has become challenging, due to DTFilm technology,” said Heather Kendle, Manager of Product Management, Commercial & Industrial, Epson Europe, “this development offers new and medium volume businesses a highly cost effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can easily be scaled to meet future needs.”
With a very low TCO, the F2200 uses new UltraChrome DG2 Ink Pouches, instead of cartridges. These 800ml pouches (previously 600ml) mean a lower change frequency, and significantly reduce wastage, in terms of space and weight, compared with ink cartridges. Epson’s DG2 ink also reduces bleed between yellow and black, which is important for applications such as light T-shirts, and maintains colour consistency with DG ink. Straightforward to set up and start printing, the F2200 is supplied as a complete package, including consumables, warranty, servicing and support.
Epson’s ‘personalisation zone’ at FESPA ranged from custom designed t-shirts, photos and canvas applications to bespoke mugs, notebooks, phone cases, magnets, coasters and water bottles. Elsewhere on the stand were skis, surf boards, deck chairs, towels and a colourfully wrapped jet ski; and the stand also hosted beautifully made clothes and haute couture with original designs on a range of different fabrics from some of the world’s leading fashion designers. The variety of goods on display demonstrated the many flexible applications of Epson’s extensive digital printer range using the very latest dye sublimation, DTG, signage (embracing UV, eco-solvent and resin) and direct-to-fabric printing technologies.
** Light garments only. 15% for darker garments. Compared with SureColor F2100 www.epson.com
By now, you have already seen some of what Adobe has in store for you on mainstream media. However, the widespread storm regarding Artificial Intelligence has rattled the windows in San Jose, California and caused them to reach out to a broader audience and show just who is the top dog in digital imaging. Martin Christie scribes…
For once, it deserves some of the excessive adjectives usually thrown at minor novelties; it is truly gamechanging. But that is for the future, dear reader, so hold your breath for Photoshop 24.6 and beyond.
The features are available in the Beta version, which you can download if you are on a subscription plan, but I’m not even going to look at that Pandora’s box until I have learnt more about it so I can explain it to you. I shall simply corner myself with the 24.5 update that came in the last week of May, which is merely important.
If you are not on a subscription, well, you will have missed out on an awful lot that has happened to the powerful image engine that is Photoshop — as much of it under the bonnet as some of the eye-catching novelties on the surface. Pretty well, all the developments involve the learning curve that is AI in that the more you use a tool, for example, the more uses you can find for it, and the more Adobe learns from it to improve the next one.
The subscription was once viewed with suspicion and even downright opposition by many users when it was introduced ten years ago to replace the old standalone versions. It was seen as a tightening up of the many bootleg versions, which were about as well as monitoring legitimate users. Now we can see why, as Adobe was already dabbling with early doors AI and pooling the resources of its users, and the resulting feedback was essential to the project — far more than perhaps the company realised at the time.
Although many people refused to join the scheme, those who did, repaid Adobe annually to make up the revenue lost and assisted in the software’s important evolution. It’s an important distinction because although a customer may claim to have Photoshop — even be competent in using it or an equivalent image editing program — it may be an older, inferior version which is now almost antique. So when you bounce back a file and ask them to add a bit of bleed or make the size and resolution changes which you know may take only seconds in the current version, you may be asking them to spend hours painstakingly reconstructing an image
with outdated tools. You would never understand unless you worked in that old, very basic toolbox. Even if you do have the latest version, unless you are active in the workspace daily as we are — and should be keeping aware of the updates — you may not know how to use them. Remember that next time you take a big sigh when asked how to do something, which, to you, is no more complicated than tying shoelaces, there are those out there who wouldn’t be able to do that without the guidance of an app! I once suggested a theory that we were entering the third generation of the digital revolution — at least as far as print was concerned. The first was the home PC, often coming as a package with a printer and even a scanner, and promoted as a game changer in home publishing. But of course, learning how to use it was the challenge; the printer would run out of ink every time your printer had more than half a dozen colour sheets, and you were connected to the wider world by a thing called a modem on the wall that made squeaky noises and transferred data with the speed of a tired snail, often giving up halfway through with the effort. Then, you still had to go to the print shop to get anything done properly.
Then came broadband and the laptop, so you could now run your office from a convenient coffee shop. However, you probably turned the brightness and contrast up so much to read the screen, the result would be unreadable to anyone else, and you still needed a degree of technical knowledge — like knowing you had to charge the battery.
The third, of course, is the mobile phone which, in theory, has given people freedom from a static way of life but, in reality, has made most of them a slave to it. And it is the actual lack of communication inherent in the instant transmission of information that is its curse. A proper discussion is reduced to a few short words, and a detailed question is hardly read beyond the first sentence. But, once upon a time, there was a thing called a letter you opened and read, often several times — there was a lot to be said for pen and paper.
So the fourth generation will have instant imaging. You won’t even need to sit patiently waiting for that perfect sunset in your photographs; the computer will create it for
you, as well as a dog, a flock of migrating geese, or even a spaceship and a collection of assorted aliens if you prefer. We shall see what this prospect brings to the print shop all too soon, but that is for another column when we have time to study the results. In the meantime, there are lots more practical developments in the current Photoshop update, enough to be going on with anyway.
Recently Adobe has kept many of its new features in the box labelled Camera Raw in Filters, mainly because the standard workspace was already getting crowded. There were a number of previous tools to make selections requiring a little bit of trial and error to find the one most suited to the task. Sometimes a combination of one or two was best depending on the actual structure or texture of the image. AI has helped refine those selections to make masks that can be individually tuned to improve print output quality.
What we know that most customers don’t is that it is going to print differently from how it looks on the screen. Usually, that means darker, as the average phone takes an average photo without too much regard for highlights and shadows. And as most photos seem to be taken in dark rooms or bright sunlight, there is never a happy medium. That would be just too easy.
The simple, more general adjustments can still be made with the usual tools, but Camera Raw just gives you such fine adjustments or exposure, colour etc., if the subject is worth the effort. Inevitably, what you can do depends on what you have been given by the customer, which is why some of the breathtaking transformations you can find in tutorials online don’t apply if you are dealing with something beyond recovery surgery. You still need a few good pixels
to work with; however, good AI is, it’s not magic — at least not yet.
One of the most remarkable improvements is removing digital noise. It is often confused with pixelation, where the image is actually breaking up as you try and enlarge it because there aren’t enough pixels to fill in the gaps. You can see noise in an image with plenty of pixels but not enough colour information — usually captured in low light. The camera or phone processor will just fill in the space with random colour, which is basically electrical interference. Even good cameras struggle with noise in low light, phones obviously more so.
Camera Raw can apply an automatic noise reduction which is truly remarkable for anyone like me who has battled it with manual settings in the past. At the moment, the automation only works with actual Camera Raw original photo files, but no doubt it will be coming to other file formats soon. For them, the new manual settings are still an improvement.
Image adjustment in Levels and Curves has been around in Photoshop since the early days, and perhaps like me, you’ve played around with both to see which worked best. They both do similar things but in a slightly different way. For example, if you’ve struggled with adjusting colour, then using Curves in Camera Raw has an additional visual aid.
When you open curves, you get the simple RGB display — a straight line from bottom left to top right representing the image’s darkest to lightest parts. However, the classic ‘correct’ exposure, as the name of the tool implies, is not a straight line but a perfect S shape to balance the shadows and the highlights, bending the straight line to suit. That’s quite straightforward, but when it comes to colour, especially moving from RGB view to CMYK, it is much more of a black art or used to be. Now Adobe comes to your aid. As you pick either of the RGB
channels, you get a CMYK screen in effect in the background showing how much of each channel you are adjusting in the image. This is really useful for print as the more simple overall colour adjustments are often just too crude for the subtle changes of information required by modern digital printers, and you can — and I’m sure you have — spent ages trying to get one colour just right for a particularly picky customer. The masking tools also offer curves so you can use them with a selected subject, brush or gradient.
The most significant noticeable change is in full view of the Photoshop workspace. A small, moveable box has been added, which defaults to the bottom of the screen, with access to some regular tasks. The select subject function has just got better and better, and even if it doesn’t select exactly what you want, you may not know, you can adjust the marching ants by holding down the Shift key or the Alt (on PC or Option on MAC) and use a selection tool like the lasso to direct them. If the selection is correct, you may want to expand or contract the outlined area using Select > Modify and decide how many pixels you want to add, remove, or just feather.
The new Remove tool is another significant step, like putting content awareness and the healing brushes together in one movement. It’s not infallible, like most AI-guided features, so it still needs you to keep an eye on it, and you may need to prune it with a few dabs of old-fashioned cloning, but it will undoubtedly speed up your day when you need it. Although it’s called a ‘Remove’ tool, it can also be used to replace things — rather like the Patch tool, as it is sampling things around it and replacing them with what seems appropriate. Definitely, something you have to play with to see what works best. The great daily challenge is never knowing what will come next, so the more you know what you can do and how long it will take, the better.
I will know more next month when I have had more than a couple of days to road test the new features, one of which is Adjustment Presets, also in that Contextual Box, as an option which adds an adjustment layer that can be tuned with all the familiar tools, it’s just that now they are all at your fingertips.
If I find anything more, I will let you know next month!
Tracy Dineen has been appointed Business Development Manager in Southern England for Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies. With more than 20 years’ experience in print and communications, Tracy brings broad experience to the role, including specialist work within inkjet markets.
Tracy will be working closely with the local
sales, service, supply and logistics teams as well as at group level. Tracy will also spend time accompanying customers and prospects to the group head office in Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy, and at Durst Innovation Center East, the group’s other production site in Lienz, East Tyrol, Austria. Tracy joins from Soyang Europe. Other roles have included working with multinationals such as EFI and HP.
Tracy said: “This is my dream job. Durst has a great sense of its own identity and brand values akin to my own. As a privately owned company, Durst can self determine and remain focused on its position in the industry. As a market leader with engineering excellence and customer satisfaction at its heart, its
Known for its innovative and relational approach to the market, Compass Business Finance has appointed Jordan Pocock as a Finance Specialist. Jordan has significant experience in the banking sector, having previously spent seven years at Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing.
“I’m excited to be moving into a new phase of my career with Compass, it’s a perfect fit for me to broaden my horizons in the corporate space. It is an entrepreneurial and ambitious company, with a great team. Compass has a wide scope, a flexible approach to finance and I like their ethos,” said Jordan, “I’d also like to thank Close Brothers for the support and opportunities I was afforded during my time there.”
Jamie Nelson, Director
ofCompass Business Finance, said: “Jordan will be
ISA-UK, the independent trade association for the UK sign, graphics and visual communications industry, has announced the appointment of David Allen as its new President.
A highly respected and experienced professional in the UK signage market, David will take over from Sam Armstrong, who has served for the last two years as President. Sam will support David in his new role for the next 12 months, after which ISAUK will look to appoint a new Vice President.
David is currently Managing Director of Allen Signs, a multi-service, family run business that has been producing a wide range of signage applications since it was founded by his parents in 1965.
Allen Signs’ own affiliation with the modern day ISA-UK stretches all the way back to the early 1970s, with the company having been part of the organisation’s network for almost 50 years.
“My father always believed membership of a recognised trade body was vital to
focus on ‘pixel to output’ has real meaning for its customers. I could not be prouder to joint this great company.”
Peter Bray, Managing Director of Durst UK and Ireland, said: “Tracy is a welcome addition to the Durst family and brings a wealth of experience across print and communications. I look forward to introducing her to our growing customer base. Tracy’s expertise in the wide format inkjet sector will be extremely valuable as we continue to lead innovation within established and new markets. We remain committed to using our technology to drive sustainability and promote a better future for all.” www.durst-group.com
a fantastic asset to the team, his experience will allow him to hit the ground running and enable us to offer increased support to our markets. Compass has a relational approach to finance, enabling us to bring our customers the best possible solutions, Jordan is a natural fit.”
Compass Business Finance brings a unique offering to the market, operating both as a broker and a finance company with its own book. Choosing to specialise in manufacturing, namely print and packaging, construction and precision engineering, its teams have successful relationships with a variety of funders enabling them to structure financial solutions that are both flexible and competitive.
Jordan grew up in Bristol and now lives in Weybridge, Surrey. He is an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. www.compassbusinessfinance.co.uk
show to customers that he was serious about his business and the service he delivered,” David said. “Nearly 50 years later, to take over the presidency of that same association is something I’m very proud to do.
“To be following in the footsteps of some of the best known names in our trade is humbling. Like those that have gone before me, I hope I can continue to add value to the association.
“I’d also like to give my thanks to Sam for all her hard work over the last two years and I’m looking forward to building on her good work.”
On the appointment, ISA-UK CEO Craig Brown adds: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming David as our new President. Both the organisation and our many members across the UK will benefit from his incredible knowledge of the industry.
“I very much look forward to seeing how David will pick up where Sam left off and help ISA-UK continue to grow over the coming years.”
www.uksigns.org
Green is widely recognised as a symbol of hope, renewal, and growth, representing the transformative journey that individuals experiencing mental health issues undergo.
By encouraging employees to wear green, The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products aim to demonstrate their commitment to mental health advocacy and create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.
For more info and to show support, visit: www.bit.ly/3OmISUV
Morgana’s ColorCut SC5000 is a freestanding, “on-demand” digital sheet cutter and creaser with no physical cutting dies or time-consuming set-up costs. The unit is targeted at busy print businesses seeking an affordable, high-capacity device capable of completely unattended cutting production. The compact, free-standing device is conveniently mobile and can be easily accommodated in any print shop. It is ideal for the production of display materials, short-run packaging work, and other cutout jobs.
Commenting on the purchase, Paul Riley, Managing Director of Twenty10 Digital, said: “We looked at the machine at last year’s Print Show. We had viewed it before, so it was something that was already on our radar. The offer price for the SC5000 at the show was just too good for us to say no, really.
“We had been sending work such as shortrun boxes, pocket folders, and various other cut outs to an external supplier. That kind of work has definitely been on the increase, so this really was the right time for us to bring such tasks in-house.
“It’s taken our team just a little while to get used to the machine and its capabilities, but we are already turning out some amazing work. We produced some pillow box-shaped boxes for a client recently, which looked really eye-catching.
“We went to a local show ourselves recently and created some stand-up Easter figures as promotional items, with cutouts for them to carry chocolate eggs. It just showed the potential for this sort of equipment to future customers.
“This purchase is not only about the cost of sending it out, it’s those other critical factors – the time that’s added to the final delivery of the job, losing control of that final delivery, along with the need for somebody to go out and deliver and collect the work. They are just as important in this fast turnaround world.”
The Morgana Intec ColorCut SC5000 is a revolutionary type of automated cutter, blending flatbed and sheet-fed technologies. The unit combines ultra-reliable feeding
flawless high-speed cutting and creasing. SC5000 will cut and crease virtually any shape on up to 350-micron media and will also produce kiss-cut sheet labels. A QR code/job library retrieves the associated cut files, even for a mixed job batch run.
The ColorCut SC5000 is perfect for digitally die-cutting packaging and pointof-sale items, as well as lightweight card projects and labels.
A revolutionary cutting strip, based on the superior cutting mats used in Intec flatbeds, provides for an optimal surface for both cutthrough, creasing, and kiss-cut. SmartTags are left in the cut lines to retain the job information on the sheet, leaving a tidy and manageable stack of finished sheets in the catch tray. The high-capacity auto-feeder works in conjunction with the air blade for a separation and automated jog function to present every sheet perfectly for the cutter every single time.
ColorCut Pro Production Studio software is supplied as standard, offering remarkable
machine operator alike. The optional ColorCut Pro Server Station significantly enhances the operation of the SC5000 and eases the set-up of the system. The server station is supplied with the ColorCut suite of software pre-installed on the operating PC, which comes complete with a flatscreen monitor, ready to go straight into production.
Ray Hillhouse, Plockmatic VP of Sales & Marketing, said: “The ColorCut 5000 is a very popular product for the small to medium-sized print business. Keeping control of the delivery of work as well as keeping the margin that would have been lost by sending work out – these are the critical factors that printers tell us frequently when purchasing this product. Paul, and the Twenty10 team, are very loyal customers of ours, so it was a delight to be able to add this product into their post-press armoury.”
Full details of Morgana’s product range, visit: www.plockmaticgroup.com
Apprintable, Wembley, has further grown its stable of Morgana equipment, adding a Morgana Systems BM4050 booklet maker, complete with VFX dual bin feeder, and a new guillotine in the shape of an EBA ideal 56. The equipment was provided direct from Morgana Systems, Milton Keynes, a Plockmatic International company.
Morgana Systems BM4000 suite of booklet makers, introduced at The Print Show last year, provide the solution for work with low to midvolume digital production printers. The BM4050 delivers booklets of exceptional quality, and is able to feed long printed sheets to produce a wide variety of applications, including A4 landscape booklets, which are becoming increasingly popular with customers.
“We had been outsourcing an ever-increasing amount of binding work. When we examined the numbers in detail, and the amount of margin that we were giving away, it was clear that we should now be producing this work in-house with our own equipment,” said Peter Haddad, Managing Director of Apprintable.
“The new booklet maker is very robust — and it just eats up the work, faster than we can print it sometimes. There’s no doubt that it could keep up with two print engines working full time — but
that’s for the future. The fact that we can use the two bins on the feeder to produce the jobs at high speed – one bin for the heavier weight, laminated cover perhaps, and the second bin for the inner pages – is just great for now. It really does produce booklets quickly and efficiently,” he adds. Currently the company has one full-time engine, a Xerox Versant 280, with its predecessor, a Ricoh Pro C5300s, still retained as a backup for those really busy days.
Booklets produced with recycled paper is a niche where Apprintable is winning work at the moment. Customers are keen to find a supplier that can produce print using recycled stock, and there appears to be only a small number of online producers out there that are able to offer a solution at a reasonable price, said Peter Haddad.
The purchase of a new guillotine has also helped speed up production on the shop floor. “Our previous guillotine was fairly basic – yes, it cut paper, but the new EBA ideal 56 can store a multitude of different cut combinations. It can then guide the operator through each stage of the process — telling them when to turn the paper, and when to cut. It really does speed up the whole process, and it is usable by any of our team. You don’t need to be a guillotine expert anymore.”
Going back to the BM4050 binder, Peter added:
“I particularly like the fact that the machine is so easy to set up – that’s important when you have inexperienced operators using it. The SquareBack finish is a great enhancement for us to speak to people about — it’s not something that we were ever offered when we were outsourcing, so it’s a new feature for our customers. The “perfect bound” appearance is something to promote to graphic designers, in that the spine that can now be printed on for the larger pagination booklets.” When talking of jobs processed to date, one larger, same-day job came to mind: “1,600 books, 28 pages, printing and binding. We imaged a portion of the text pages so that we could get the binding started, whilst then running the rest of the job on the print engine. It all worked well, and we got the job out on time.” A fine example of where outsourcing the binding just wouldn’t have worked. The business has grown quickly, and moved to larger premises in September, 2022. It is now housed in a 3,000sq.ft. leased site in an industrial part of Wembley. “We’ve invested over a quarter of a million pounds in the past two and a half years into our own production equipment, despite the circumstances of the pandemic and recent toughening of market conditions,” added Peter. www.apprintable.com
www.plockmaticgroup.com
Top Bloggers Rights this month go to the team at Denmaur Paper Media. One of their blogs, ‘A Salute To Our Clients’, has been showcased on Quick Print Pro’s Best Blogs In Print. The stats add up to Denmaur Paper Media being awarded the print industry top blogger of the month accolade.
withdrawal of the UK from the European Union in 2020, a move that caused no small amount of disruption for the publishing, print and paper industries.
While everyone was still adjusting to that new landscape, along came Covid and its ‘new normal’.
We all took social distancing and remote working in our stride, but the upheaval to global supply chains was more of a body blow to businesses as demand for printed communications soared.
It’s fair to say the past few years have been some of the most challenging for print business owners.
We pay tribute to all our customers, who have weathered these storms, and reiterate our support for them here in our latest blog.
From Brexit and Covid to supply chain upheaval and strike disruption, our clients have weathered many a storm in recent years. We take time out to salute them.
When our company was founded, 40 years ago in Kent, nobody could have predicted the massive ups and downs the publishing, print and paper sectors would face.
It was a world where almost everyone read a paper newspaper or magazine, and no one gave a thought to where product packaging came from or what happened to it after it was thrown away.
The internet and the digital transformation revolutionised consumer habits, arguably the biggest change since the invention of the printing press.
At the same time, a growing awareness about damage to the environment prompted businesses like us to put sustainability at their core long before it was fashionable to do so.
The publishing, print and paper industries weathered all these changes and more. Companies adapted, becoming leaner and smarter, honing their focus on customer service.
It goes without saying that a business sector as diverse as ours never stands still, but even we have to take a moment to pause and reflect on the past few years.
In 40 years of trading, it is possibly the most tumultuous period our industries have ever witnessed.
It began with the 2016 Brexit referendum and subsequent
hikes, mill closures and reduced allocations. Then, just as the threat from Covid receded and markets began to get back to normal, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Rocketing energy prices and interest rates prompted a cost of living crisis that has led to strikes in multiple UK sectors, testing everyone’s mettle once more.
Yet here we are. Surviving. Thriving.
Fedrigoni Group, the producer of speciality papers for premium packaging, publishing and graphics, as well as self-adhesive labelling products, has launched its new Symbol Pack range to sit at the top of the Symbol Card family.
The new collection — currently available in the shades Premium White (bright white) and White (softer, natural white) - is the result of an intensive research and development programme undertaken by Fedrigoni. In response to an increased demand for quality boxes in online sales which elevate the unboxing experience, Symbol Pack has a range of features to meet various applications for beauty and cosmetics and beverages and food markets.
Symbol Pack comes in a variety of weights namely 230, 250, 310, 330, 360 and 400 g/m2. The collection has several practical elements which amplify the scope of its premium function. Through the R&D process Fedrigoni understood folding quality and endurance was of high importance to its customers using the Symbol Card family, so Symbol Pack is made for superior folding durability in mind.
The quality of the raw materials means the product demonstrates excellent colour fastness to light and delivers top performance with hot foiling, embossing, laminating and varnishing. Symbol Pack is made from virgin pulp, making the paper completely biodegradable and recyclable while also being able to achieve a clean die-cut, while still maintaining a smooth coated surface to achieve high level detail for image printing.
The Symbol Card family, is FSC certified and consists of: Symbol Card (one side coating with satin
finish and printable uncoated reverse), Symbol Card 2SC (two-side coating), Symbol Card ECO 50 and ECO 100 (a unique 50% and 100% recycled offer), Symbol Card Hi-Bulk, and the new addition Symbol Pack.
Ian Braithwaite, Commercial Manager at Fedrigoni UK commented: “Symbol Pack brings a new level
Elegance, versatility and technique. A complete range that includes precious coated, natural, coloured, felt marked and embossed papers, all in self adhesive and FSC certified versions. This is Sheets Exclusive Collection, the new range for luxury labels created by the Fedrigoni Group, a global player of reference in the production of special papers with high added value for luxury packaging and other creative applications, as well as self adhesive materials for the creation of premium labels.
Resulting from the synergy between Fedrigoni Paper and Fedrigoni Self Adhesives, the Sheets Exclusive Collection includes some of the Group’s most prestigious papers, such as Arena, Constellation, Corolla, Freelife, Tintoretto, Sirio and Woodstock, all available in adhesive sheets of varying sizes and designed specifically for use in different sectors: from the luxury sector to the packaging of artisanal products, from gourmet food to the most sought after beverages, from logistics to home office products, from ‘tamper
evident’ security applications to sectors requiring manual application, such as stickers and toys.
To ensure total printing compatibility with the machines of the major manufacturers, the collection includes a series of products for offset printing, which requires longer runs, and a series for digital printing, which includes specific materials for printing with dry toner and others with liquid toner.
“Sheets Exclusive Collection represents a new,
of versatility to the Symbol Card family that we’re excited to see unfold. Through our research and development we are able to push for increasingly innovative solutions to ensure our customers have the widest range of options to choose from in order to meet any requirements. We have carried out research and developed solutions for years in order to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain, so we’re inspired to continue creating products like Symbol Pack that are able to seamlessly enter the circular economy.”
www.fedrigoni.com
true synergy, on a production and commercial level, between the Fedrigoni Paper and self adhesives worlds — says Philippe Vanroy, Product Manager & Sales Coordinator Print Offset and Digital Sheets. This collection has been designed to make our most popular papers even more versatile, which can now add a unique touch to the products by transforming them into precious labels”.
www.fedrigoni.com
As we go to press, our roving reporters are putting this issue to bed whilst planning the QPP visit to FESPA. Fortunately, we have pre-show insight into what will highlight and share with you now as a printer’s premonition. The as it happens report will be live on our website and social media.
FESPA planned its first Personalisation Experience conference at Messe Munich, Germany. Throughout the three day programme, delegates learned about the psychology and behavioural science that makes personalisation so appealing, the commercial value of personalisation, and how digital transformation, technology and software solutions enable customisation.
Richard Askam was one of the creative brains behind the ShareACoke campaign for Coca-Cola and has worked on several personalised marketing campaigns for brands including Marmite, Nutella, Lynx and Dove. Confirmed sessions, which will be hosted in English, include:
Duncan MacOwan, FESPA’s Head of Marketing & Events comments: “Consumer demand for personalised, instant, and augmented experiences has increased over the last years and brands that have embraced personalisation have sharpened their competitive edge and increased their market share.
The Personalisation Experience conference will run alongside an experiential exhibition space, where visitors can explore the personalisation enabling solutions from suppliers, including Antigro Designer, Brother, DreamScape, Infigo, OKI, Optimus, Printbox, Print & Logistics, Taopix and XMPie.
Lewis Evans, product and sales manager at Vivid, said: “The Easymount Hybrid laminator is a multi-patented innovation with unique hover technology, roll to roll technology for long run and roll fed laminating. The new system is designed to perform, built to last and developed inhouse by Vivid.
“The Hybrid laminator is a modular system that can be configured according to your specific production needs and incorporates both a traditional roll fed laminator and a flatbed applicator. Combining the benefits of both applications into one easy to use flatbed laminator and saving on the need for two systems. The patented floating rollers on the Easymount Hybrid laminator save time and keep substrates in perfect condition.
“The Easymount Hybrid laminator is an all in one system and the world’s first laminator and applicator. This latest innovation by Vivid is a solution that can help customers improve their competitive edge, save on space and money. www.vivid-online.com
portfolio of self-adhesive window, wall and floor graphics media solutions. This constantly developing range of solutions can save users time, money, and frustration with its innovative adhesive technology that allows for easy application and predictable removal.
Among the solutions that will feature at FESPA will be products from the brand new Drytac Zero collection of sustainable options for use in the graphics, signage and display industries. Samples will be available on stand for visitors to touch and feel.
www.drytac.com
The first European reveal of InkTec’s brand new JETRIX XGR320 Roll-to-Roll LED UV Printer will be at FESPA 2023. Alongside which will also be the international launch of their complete range of DTF (Direct to Film) solutions including printer, shaker and consumables. In keeping with the theme of the exhibition, InkTec will be showcasing several new products that offer a fresh perspective on printing technology. One of the highlights of the InkTec stand will be the new 3.2m UV LED Roll-to-Roll Printer, the JETRIX XGR320. This state of the art printer features advanced, user friendly technology, widely recognised from South Korean based JETRIX to deliver consistent, high quality printing every time. At a competitive price, the printer delivers high speed without compromising on performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the XGR320 in action and learn more about its features and benefits.
www.inktec-europe.com
Much more from your favourite and new trade suppliers will feature live on the QPP website and round-up in next month’s magazine. www.quickprintpro.co.uk • www.fespa.com
The Green and New Promo Show will focus on the many sustainable and new products released into the promotional merchandise and wearables marketplace this year.
Registration is open and can be found here: www. greenandnew2023.eventreference.com/visitor
With more than 50 key industry suppliers and brands exhibiting, the 2023 shows will be at London/ Elstree and Leeds.
7 June 2023 — The Dupont and Gate Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, Barnet by-pass, Borehamwood WD6 5PU. Show open 10am – 4pm.
13 June 2023 — The Norman Hunter Suite, Leeds United AFC, Elland Road, Leeds LS11 0ES (head for the Fullerton car park on Elland Road). Show open 10am-4pm.
The organisers state “Working in partnership with Ecologi, The Green and New Promo Show will plant one tree for every show attendee. Show lanyards, banners, badges, pens, awards and goody bags will all be sustainable and recyclable. Our exhibitors and our venues are being challenged to make and match sustainable pledges and options too.
We recommend planning your journey to the
show and travelling by the most sustainable method possible. Vegetarian and plant based food and drinks will be readily available.
A huge portion of the new products that will be available to view at the shows are sustainable and eco-related.”
Exhibitors include: XD Connects, Neutral, PF Concept, United Brands of Scandinavia, midocean, Laltex Promo, Preseli, Hainenko, Direct Textiles + Bags, CHX, Promotional Ceramics, Senator Pens, Bagco, Crystal Galleries, Pencom, Adpads, Bizz Badge, Prime Time, Bags HQ, Kingly, Everything Environmental and many more.
The BIG Promotional Trade Show events are organised on a not for profit basis. www.thegnps.co.uk
Mimaki Europe will showcase its sustainability and circularity solutions, launch new printers, and celebrate international design collaborations at ITMA 2023 (8 – 14 June 2023 Fiera Milano RHO, Milan, Italy).
Sustainability and circularity are essential considerations for any business today. Working in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mimaki will use ITMA 2023 to showcase its completely waterless digital textile print solutions that are leading the charge in the print industry’s sustainability goals, including direct-to-film printing and dye sublimation printing.
Mimaki’s most recent solution for the decorated apparel segment, the recently announced directto-film (DTF) TxF150-75 inkjet printer, will be demonstrated at the event. Utilising a heat based transfer method, the printer is ideal for creating premium, customised merchandising, sportswear, and various other promotional textile applications. Users looking to scale up their textile printing
can see the TS330-1600 high volume sublimation printer showcased at Mimaki’s stand. The TS3301600 has a maximum print speed of 135m2/h, facilitated by a 10kg ink supply and improved take up mechanism and is able to print with fluorescent colours for even more applications.
Several new models, including a brand new textile printer, will be debuted at ITMA 2023, building on the company’s existing industry leading portfolio and the sector’s sustainability credentials. Mimaki’s textile printers offer high stability performance and advanced print technology, delivering unbeatable
print speed and print quality across both direct and transfer printing.
The stand will feature examples of collaborative projects with a global roster of design talent, from the US, Australia and Italy, who have all deployed Mimaki’s sustainable print solutions to create some exciting textile applications. As part of the company’s vision for the future, Mimaki continues to leverage collaborations with designers and artists from around the globe to engage with new perspectives and stay close to the pulse of the markets and its needs.
Mimaki is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services Ltd. www.hybridservices.co.uk
The Navigator Company’s Discovery brand has announced the launch of its “Discovery Eco Calculator Campaign”, which will run to 31st July, focusing on raising awareness to the added value of an office paper that optimises resources while keeping best in class performance. The campaign features an easy to use eco calculator that helps businesses determine how many natural and financial resources they can save by switching to Discovery Paper. Participants have the chance of winning amazing prizes – an Apple Watch Ultra, a GoPro HERO8 and Apple AirPods –by spinning a lucky wheel after using the calculator. The selection of prizes aims to push the Discovery core message – Discover Nature – by encouraging
participants to enjoy the great outdoors in the most eco-conscious way.
Designed for high volume printing, Discovery lightweight papers combine non-stop performance, non-stop eco-efficiency and non-stop savings. That’s why Discovery’s 75gsm paper is the
best selling in Europe in its product category.
The campaign is supported by various educational tools and resources, including a Sustainability Webinar in September. It will also feature social media and digital content to spread awareness about the importance of lower grammage office papers from responsible sources.
“We encourage everyone to try our eco calculator and find out how much they can save by using Discovery paper,” says Maria Soares, Brand Manager at The Navigator Company. “Not only can individuals reduce their environmental impact, but they can also win amazing prizes while doing so.”
To try the eco calculator and spin the lucky wheel visit www.ecocalculator.discovery-paper.com
One of our favourite QPP remits is to vet new product press releases and choose which ones may offer a real scenario new profit in print opportunity, or in this case a brand new revenue stream.
Our own print shop pays to have our recyclable cardboard taken away and the rest is just binned. So how about converting sheets into a shredded valuable product? We are open to suggestions on a rate to shred other people’s cardboard and how much to charge local businesses for the end product. Either way, being a magnet to attract local businesses to our core business will have a positive
reaction. Plus the feelgood factor that we are helping others achieve their CSR claims. We will as usual keep you in the loop. Anyway, without further ado, here is the Renz PR…
KOBRA
After successfully using these very effective machines in their own warehousing facility, Renz has announced that they have been appointed UK reseller for the Kobra FLEXPACK & FLEXPACK Desktop cardboard recycling shredders. These machines produce eco-friendly, void-fill packaging and wrapping from your waste cardboard and
provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, paper void or other existing packing materials that you may currently be purchasing.
This enables you to recycle, save money and reduce your environmental impact.
View the FLEXPACK and FLEXPACK Desktop in action now via these two links:
https://youtu.be/lVKh5vqriWQ
https://youtu.be/0Myn9cegC14
A Brochure and Datasheets detailing both new machines can be downloaded by clicking/ scanning the QR code.
Both systems are available immediately from stock.
www.renz.co.uk • sales@renz.co.uk
Tel. 01707 270001
With British festival goers expected to spend up to £1.2 billion this summer, are you all set to meet the huge demand?
The UK festival industry is currently worth over £2.46 billion and 36% of the population is reportedly planning to attend a festival over the next few months. The average attendee spends £67 a day on food, fashion, merchandise and testing out experiences on-site. These kinds of live events represent an incredibly lucrative opportunity for new and established brands to take advantage of this massive market.
To help boost profits throughout the year, many vendors see festivals as fertile ground to trial new products and ideas (84%), with half of them testing products that they have later rolled out online or in store. Of those that have used festivals to experiment, over four in five put this choice down to the open-mindedness of
direct feedback also ranking highly. In response, 80% of businesses have developed new ranges to cater for those looking for unusual and niche products.
With festival buying decisions driven by a desire for unique products that can’t be found elsewhere, heightened emotions and open-mindedness, businesses present at live music
Whatever your plans to help your customers celebrate Pride, do it in full colour! Print some Pride messaging on a selection of edible goodies. The entire tasty EML range can be fully customised to fit with your Pride Month Celebrations. Be that with your own artwork, the Official Pride Month Flag or one of the EML predesigned creations designed by their resourceful marketing team. Eat My Logo: 01772 472 580 • www.eatmylogo.co.uk emlsales@eatmylogo.co.uk
increase 12% over the following five years. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your designs to make your products stand out in the festival environment and then see how they can translate to your physical and online stores.
Not only do you need to nail your designs, make sure to select the right quality blanks to print on. Xpres stock
clothing and much, much more for you to create the perfect keepsakes this festival season.
Thanks to Sara Kendall, Customer Service Adviser at Xpres for sharing this profit in print opportunity with our 36,000 quick print pros, go fill your wellie boots.
www.xpres.co.uk
sales@xpres.co.uk • 01332 85 50 85
Wallpaper has been around for a few centuries. But during the past twenty years, it has undergone an exciting reinvention. Driven by the global hype of “everything can and will be customised”, so called single wall solutions have become an interior design must have. Putting up, and removing, wallpaper can be quite an effort prompting consumers to seek professional help. This, of course, increases the cost of the final product: a decorated wall.
Ahlstrom has overcome a lot of the challenges of applying and removing wallpaper with a new range of self adhesive nonwovens. In fact, wallpaper can now be easily swapped, enabling consumers to confidently fully customise and redecorate walls themselves.
Ahlstrom’s WallStar® Digital Peel
& Up range makes decoration quick and effortless, even for a novice home decorator. No glue or special equipment is needed. It’s easy to reposition during installation and also straightforward to remove. The user can simply peel away the wallpaper of the release liner and apply it to the wall. Trouble free removability enables smooth repositioning or replacement with a different design. No adhesive is left on the wall after removal. The Peel & Up range includes 100% PVC-free satin and matt media.
WallStar® Digital Peel & Up is specifically designed to be printed using a Xeikon digital colour press. The Xeikon wall decoration solution, based on the Xeikon CX500 digital press, uses dry toner technology. The ability to print with five colours delivers design flexibility. Dry toner
print technology stands for superior quality images and complies with all necessary regulations with regard to indoor emissions in the building industry.
Anna Brikh, Product Manager at Ahlstrom, comments,” As a substrate supplier we are literally in between the print and the consumer. The substrate has to bring those two worlds together, meeting market demands and ensuring the state of the art quality of the end product. With our range of nonwovens for
wall decor, we have always been looking to provide printers and consumers with high quality and easy to use materials. We believe that WallStar® Digital Peel & Up is an important step forward to meet the on-going customisation trends in the decoration markets.”
“Digital print stands for printing whatever you need, whenever you need it”, says Dimitri Van Gaever, Xeikon’s director of segment marketing for the decoration markets, “We are delighted to be the partner of choice in this kind of development by leading industry players like Ahlstrom. We were very keen to test the Peel & Up range on our CX-series for wall deco as soon as possible. We believe it can become a game changer for the wall deco markets.”
www.xeikon.com
We need your heads to run our business, so come on, jump in head first for this top hat branding profit in print opportunity.
We must thank our friend Jim Nicol of The Magic Touch for introducing the QPP readership to branding with Beechfield Brands. Luca Conte is now showing us how best to promote branding on original headwear.
Full service print provider Minuteman Press Bath recently used Drytac ReTac Textures Canvas film to produce a colourful wall covering for a new wardrobe experience in the historic English city of Bath.
Branded as the ‘Georgrobe’, the event invited local residents and visitors to view a display of satirical prints about the fashions of the Georgian period, as well as offering them the chance to dress up in historic costumes, wigs and hats for an authentic experience of life in a bygone era.
Minuteman Press Bath was tasked with printing a large, Bath inspired wall mural, which, designed by local artists Emma Taylor and Jason Dorley Brown,
would provide the backdrop for the seasonal event
The provider printed the design onto the film using its HP Latex 700W and installed the wallcovering in time for the opening day of the event on 1 April.
“We decided to use Drytac ReTac Textures Canvas as we really like this product,” Minuteman Press Bath Operations Manager Kieran Blacknall said. “It is easy to install and performs well, while the canvas texture always impresses and distinguishes the media from traditional, flat vinyl.
“The customer thought that the mural was absolutely amazing, and it has received a lot of coverage in the local press and on social media, despite having only been in place for a matter of weeks.”
www.drytac.com
headwear as much as current trends, creating a diverse headwear collection that combines timeless classics and contemporary fashion. As the ever expanding collection grows, Beechfield continue to sharpen their focus on environmentally friendly practices and ethical design, creating products that deliver on both style and sustainability.
From beanies and bucket hats to snapbacks and sports caps, in a variety of fabrics, finishes and colourways, Beechfield has got every application covered — so for versatile headwear designed for easy decoration, look no further. www.beechfield.co.uk
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
HP Latex, HP DesignJets, Epson SureColor printers, MakerBot 3D printers, Summa Cutters, and Onyx Rips.
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.
T: 01484 542 795
W: www.calf-hey.com
Label manufacturer, trade-only, plain, printed, laminated, barcodes, numbering, one- to fullcolour, we do it all, total label solutions at trade prices. Call for free sample pack.
CANON (UK)
T: 01895 648 000 • 0844 892 0810
W: www.canon.co.uk/business/ products/production-printers
Enjoy superb image quality and optimised output speeds with the Canon range of digital production printers.
Make light work of demanding print jobs with scalable, modular and innovative commercial printers.
Advanced yet cost-effective, Canon continuous feed printers are perfect for a variety of transactional and graphic arts applications.
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 evergrowing 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 state-of-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.
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.
T: 0800 833864
E: info@konicaminolta.co.uk
W: www.konicaminolta.co.uk
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.
T: 01784 274300
E: ukenquiries@okieurope.co.uk
W: www.oki.co.uk
PEN WAREHOUSE
T: 01252 400270
E: sales@pens.co.uk
W: www.pens.co.uk
Trade pen supplies.
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.
T: 020 8734 2000
W: www.sharp.co.uk
4 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1EZ
SOVEREIGN
T: 01443 816414
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.
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
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.
T: 02380 574100
E: info@xeretec.co.uk
W: www.xeretec.co.uk
Xerox Technology, Document Consulting, Office Supplies
XEROX UK
T: 01895 251133
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.
When the first device with AI takes a picture of itself, it’ll be selfie aware.
Have you heard about the new game getting released? It’s AI and 20 years ahead of its time, the graphics are truly real life, it has an open world concept where anything you want to do is truly possible. It’s called Go Outside and Ride your Bike
A son asks his father why does he speak so quietly at home? The father replies because there is artificial intelligence that listens to everything we say. The son laughs, the dad laughs, Alexa laughs.
Just reading that there’s a small Island off the coast of Italy with five Million Sicilian people. That’s the biggest number I’ve ever heard.
A local company offered me a job selling mirrors. I’m looking into it.
Three very mischievous old ladies are sitting on a park bench when they see an old man walk by. “Say, fella,” the first lady says. “I bet we can guess your age.”
The man pauses and looks at them sceptically. “Guess my age? that’s impossible.”
“C’mon, we’ll show you,” the second lady says. “First, we’ll need to look up your nose.” Embarrassed by the notion but wondering if the ladies truly knew something, the old man walks over and lifts his head, enabling them to look right up his nose.
“Okay, now stick one finger up your nose, one finger in your ear, cross your eyes and sing Danny Boy in a loud voice.” the third lady says.
The man then does so. The ladies muse for a few moments, before saying, “You are 87 years old.”
“Why, that’s incredible,” the man gasps. “That’s absolutely right! Tell me, how were you able to tell?” He had silently wondered how all of these seemingly random methods had enabled the ladies to find out his age.
The ladies reply, “We were at your birthday party.”
Juan Vega, the clam diver, found an injured sea otter and nursed it back to health. From the moment the grateful otter was able to walk, it never left Juan’s side. It even learned to dig for clams.
One day, a man went to Juan’s house looking to hire him for a week. His wife answered the door, and said “He can work for you, but it will cost you £500.”
“That much?” asked the man.
“But you’re getting my husband and his otter,” said the wife. “They bring up more clams than anyone else in town.”
“But I just want Juan. I’ll hire him alone for £350,” the man countered.
“Sorry,” she shrugged. “You can’t have Juan without the otter.”
A naked man runs into a tailor’s shop.
The tailor says, “You can’t be in here with no clothes on!”
The man says, “Come on mister, cut me some slacks?”
So, let me get this straight. You drive across town to a gym to walk on a treadmill?
Did you hear about the guy who made a fortune investing in apples? Turns out he was in cider trading.
I’m trying to learn the alphabet but I can’t get past X. I don’t know why.
Hipsters hate rivers. Too mainstream.
I have to use an extra sensitive toothpaste. It doesn’t like it when I use other toothpastes.
Justice is a dish best served cold. If it were served warm, it would be just water.
You know what really makes me throw up? A dartboard on a ceiling.
So the doctor came in to ask me about my broken arm. He said: “Will painkillers help?” I said: “It wouldn’t hurt.”
What has four wheels and flies? A dustbin lorry.
Two nudists were discussing politics. One says, “Have you read Marx?”. The other nods, “It’s these blasted wicker chairs.”
Jane is walking through the zoo when she notices John throwing £10 notes in the monkey cage.
Curious, she walks closer and asks, “John, what are you doing? Why are you giving the monkeys money?”
“The sign by the gate says it was okay,” he replies. Jane looks at him quizzically, “It did?”
“Yes, it said, ‘Do not feed. £10 fine.”
Milly and Molly are waiting at the railrway station, watching a train come in.
“Here she comes!” Milly exclaims. Molly then replies, “Actually, you mean ‘Here he comes.’ It’s a mail train.”
My seven year-old nephew showed me with pride the ‘telephone’ he had just made from a string and two tin cans.
I pulled out my iPhone and said, “That’s nice, but look at the phones that kids your age are making in China!”
Which letter is silent in ‘scent’. Is it the ‘C’ or the ‘S’?
What did the hardware guy say when he jumped out from behind the counter? “SUPPLIES!”
He used his printer to put jokes on labels of Oxo cubes. It was becoming a laughing stock.
The printer has been producing music the whole day. The paper must be jamming. I keep seeing webcams, scanners, and printers out of the corner of my eye. It is my peripheral vision.
My dad bought a HP printer yesterday. The ink is a little bit funny, but it tastes great on a bacon sandwich.
