Quick Print Pro, March 2023

Quick Print Pro

Quick Print Pro

CONTACT

Quick Print Pro, Colourfast Group Ltd

36 Cheltenham Place, Brighton. BN1 4AB

Tel: 01273 674321

Email: editor@quickprintpro.co.uk

Web: www.quickprintpro.co.uk

EDITORIAL

Marina Peirce

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Nyree Groome

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Maureen Foulkes

CONTRIBUTORS

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

FEATURES

Peter Foulkes

DIGITAL IMAGING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Martin Christie

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Dean Cook www.magazineproduction.com

DISTRIBUTION

Subscriptions printed at Colourfast plus PYO (Print Your Own) file distribution and eZine available on Issuu

Spring Clean

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.

BAKERS INVESTS IN A DIGICON 3000

In their continued commitment to invest in new equipment and technologies, Baker Labels has expanded the finishing capabilities of their digital pouch production facility, BakPac, with a Digicon 3000 from ABG and Edale.

The Digicon 3000 is a wide web digital finishing and converting solution, offering web widths between 400-762mm. It was designed and manufactured in partnership between ABG and Edale, specialists in flexographic print, web transportation and post print converting. This is the first UK install of this design for the flex pack market.

Baker Labels’ Digicon 3000 will run in conjunction with a HP Indigo 20000 digital press to provide a complete single pass printing and converting line for short run flexible packaging. Features include a dual function unwind station, flexo/hybrid gravure print station, water based lamination, cold foil, slitting and rewinding.

Quote from Phil Smith, General Manager, BakPac at Bakers, “The Digicon 3000 was the natural choice considering our ongoing relationship with ABG and our other Digicons. As we look to grow the BakPac division, the Digicon 3000 will help us introduce added value features to our flexible packaging, such as extra coatings, spot varnish and cold foil embellishments. We’ve included the optional gravure coating system, which will enable us to run some development chemistries so that in the future we can offer new coatings and effects.”

Delivery, installation and training on the press was executed expertly by the Edale engineers and the team at Bakers during the third week of January. The BakPac facility within Bakers had been extended over the Christmas break to accommodate the new

press by adding approximately 1000 square feet to the digital pouch factory floor and an additional floor above to contain all the press services.

The half million pound investment is an exciting start to Bakers’ 50th year of business, with more to come later in the year.

Quote from Steve Baker, Managing Director “Expanding our flexible division just a couple of years after launching BakPac shows the positive growth and demand for high quality, fast turnaround, short to medium runs of digitally printed pouches and flow wrap. The Digicon 3000

allows us to push into new markets and add even more value to jobs.”

Quote from Matt Burton, Global Sales Director at A B Graphic International: ‘As a long standing ABG customer, we are proud of the strong relationship we have with Baker Labels. And as we can offer a varied range of finishing equipment that makes us the go to choice for our customers, the fact that Baker Labels now have an ABG Digicon 3000 and thermal laminator is a great testimony to the value we can bring to flexible packaging.”

www.bakerlabels.co.uk • www.bakpac.co.uk

THIRD VELOBLADE INVESTMENT FOR FPL SIGNS

FPL Signs recently invested in a new VeloBlade Nexus wide format digital die cutting system from Vivid Laminating Technologies. Based in Farnborough Hampshire, FPL Signs are experts in the signage and print graphics industry. The company offer services from building signage and vehicle graphics to company wall art and branded office supplies. FPL Signs recently took the decision to install a VeloBlade Nexus to expand their signs related cutting and routing capabilities. Particularly with wide format substrates including vinyl, Foamex, ACM and acrylic.

Nick Brooks, Operations Manager at FPL Signs said: “We decided to install Vivid’s VeloBlade Nexus wide format digital die cutting system due to its functionality, versatility and because of the existing Vivid equipment already in use within the group. FPL Signs are part of the Sandhurst Autoprint Group of Companies and the company has previously invested in a VeloBlade Volta and Nexus digital die cutting system from Vivid. So, we felt confident using the system and the fact that the Nexus came in at a cost effective price point made sense for us to invest in.”

Nick added, “This new investment will enable us to expand our range of bespoke signs that we can now produce in-house such as ACM tray signs, acrylic lettering and panels. We are using numerous vinyls, such as cast, monomeric, printed and kiss-cut. Our most used material is a seven year polymeric vinyl complete with over laminating.”

FPL Signs are extremely pleased with their recently installed VeloBlade Nexus and with the quality of service received from Vivid. “Vivid’s service engineer Matt Milnes is extremely efficient in his workings and along with the technical support team we are working towards advanced use of the VeloBlade Nexus’s

“With practice and with the help of Vivid’s technical team we will be able to maximise the use of the system to its full potential. The level of service received from the initial scoping, surveying, supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, training and support provided by Vivid have all been excellent,” Nick concluded. www.vivid-online.com

TIME FOR PRINT’S YOUNG TALENT TO SHINE

The Printing Charity’s Rising Star Awards, the largest dedicated awards programme for young people working in print, packaging, paper, publishing and graphics, are now open for applications for 2023.

The Rising Star Awards enables people aged 18-30 in the print sector to invest in their future career ambitions by providing funding of up to £1500 for training that develops the skills and knowledge that will grow their personal skillset, beyond the training they are already undertaking in their role.

Previous winners have used award funding to develop a wide range of skills including management training, negotiation, copywriting, pitching, and project management; as well as to fund professional qualifications and Chartered Institute training.

The Printing Charity’s CEO, Neil Lovell, said: “Helping young people grow and develop through access to training which will benefit them, their employers and, of course, the print industry as a whole is something The Printing Charity is absolutely committed to.

“Through speaking to employers in the industry we know that building a portfolio of personal skills such as problem solving, resilience, confidence and effective communication is crucial to help young people develop their career ambitions, stand out, grow and thrive. The Rising Star Awards offer a great way for businesses to underpin their commitment to developing and nurturing the young talent in their organisation by supporting them in their application to develop these skills.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking of applying to speak to their manager, mentor

or HR teams to discuss their career ambitions, and what they could apply for to help achieve these. I’d also encourage anyone working in print who knows potential Rising Stars, in their own organisation or within their wider network, to ensure they are aware of what the Awards scheme can offer.”

Applications close Sunday 2nd April 2023. www.theprintingcharity.org.uk • follow @printingcharity

PRINT-2-MEDIA UNLOCKS NEW MARKETS WITH NYALA 4

Cornish based signage and fine art printer, Print-2-Media, has installed a swissQprint Nyala 4, adding efficiency, quality, and productivity to its print room, as well as opening up new areas of business.

The 3.2×2 metre flatbed Nyala 4, has delivered significant advantages in both speed and capability over the two metre machine it has replaced. Print-2-Media’s team of eight is already seeing the Nyala 4’s productivity and ease of use contribute significantly to all aspects of their business.

Diverse international customer base — Operating in a variety of commercial sectors and with almost 40 per cent of its business derived from its online presence, Print-2-Media’s clients range from individual B2C commissions to local, national and international artists seeking limited edition fine art prints.

In addition, the business works in several specialist sectors, including the production of internal and external signage for both schools and national garden centre chains. With its additional roll unit, six inks including CMYK, white and varnish and a double row of print heads, the Nyala 4 has provided significant flexibility to their production output.

New workload dynamic — The production team arrives for work in the morning and, within minutes, are printing high quality results. Virtually no time is lost to head cleaning or dropped out nozzles. “This ‘plug and play’ capability alone is already making us realise that our investment in Swiss built quality is well founded,” said Glenn Wrigley, Director of Print-2-Media.

Print-2-Media has seen a complete change

in the workload dynamic, too. Historically, its finishing department was waiting for the printers to complete a job. Now the pressure is on them to keep up with the Nyala 4’s production speeds.

Further to the Nyala’s clear production efficiency and operational benefits, the contribution it makes to Print-2-Media’s long term capital investment planning is impressive. “When calculated over the expected working life of the equipment, swissQprint’s renowned low service costs and durability credentials mean that we get all the production advantages and flexibility, essentially at no additional cost. This is a clear case of ‘buy right, buy once’,” said Wrigley.

The Nyala’s larger 3.2 metre flatbed has also widened the range of products that Print-2-Media can offer to its clients. Print-2-Media’s recent new venture, The School Sign Shop, launched during the pandemic, already accounts for ten per cent of the firm’s turnover, a result brought about in no small part by its enhanced production versatility. Being able to deliver a complete service across an impressive array of products using the Nyala 4 has

making such a difference to the team at Print-2Media: “Seeing the Nyala 4 contribute so positively to so many areas of their business is affirmation of our drive to produce effective solutions for our customers.”

Whilst capital investment and performance are vital, sometimes it’s the little things that make operators fall in love with equipment; and swissQprint’s output software is one of these. “Setting step and repeat jobs and having templates ready in an instant, makes the team’s day a delight! The Nyala 4 is our new favourite machine,” concluded Wrigley. www.swissqprint.co.uk

Last year’s winners

INKTEC JOINS FORCES WITH THE PRINTING CHARITY

As manufacturers of JETRIX wide format printers, inks and media; InkTec has over 30 years’ experience in the printing sector and are delighted to now be working with The Printing Charity. Operating nationally, the charity provides practical, emotional and financial support for people in crisis through a free employee helpline, as well as championing young talent across the industry in the Rising Star Awards.

The Printing Charity’s range of support extends across helping with emergencies, changes in circumstances and any challenges that life potentially throws at you. They also offer help and advice on managing money, saving, mortgage options, debt reduction and investment. This is alongside a free employee helpline available to businesses across the printing industry which provides emotional and practical support, including counselling, legal advice, bereavement support, help with alcohol and drug issues, housing stress and anxiety.

Joey Kim, Managing Director of InkTec, explained, “With rising energy costs and concerns about the economy, it is important for people’s wellbeing and mental health that we support our employees. As a charity dedicated to the printing sector, it was an obvious connection for us to make as they really understand our business and the industry we operate within.”

The collaboration with The Printing Charity complements a number of initiatives that InkTec has been instigating internally over the last few years for their employees. Including an in-house honesty

PROFILE OF THE MONTH: BAKER LABELS

larder, with a range of lunch food options and treats where the team can help themselves in return for making a monetary donation depending on what they can afford. Any surplus funds at the end of each year are then donated to their local food bank. Last year resulted in a donation of £500 to the Witney

Food Bank. In addition, there are monthly mental and health wellbeing communications shared with the whole team. These are designed to encourage them to regularly reach out to each other, share thoughts and challenge themselves to try new things.

Neil Lovell, CEO at The Printing Charity added, “We’re delighted to be working with InkTec to complement their existing employee welfare and wellbeing activities through our 24/7/365 helpline, and to have their support for the other initiatives we run for people working in print, such as our Rising Star Awards for young people. We’re here for people working in print, paper, packaging and graphics throughout their careers and into retirement, and with the support of organisations such as InkTec we have the opportunity to extend the support we can provide even more widely across the industry, helping us to be there for anyone who needs us.”

www.inktec-europe.com

www.theprintingcharity.org.uk

A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR FASHION

Baker Labels can handle exceptionally large or surprisingly short print runs and aim to have your trade 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.

50 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Baker Labels philosophy has always been to be as versatile as possible – always re-investing in the latest quality equipment and being at the forefront of label printing technology. They aim to accommodate any requests from your customers and can meet all your label requirements. In other words, they aim to never say no, just like us 36,000 frontline quick print pros.

www.bakerlabels.co.uk • 01277 281900

sales@bakerlabels.co.uk

Epson partnered with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato and his eponymous YUIMA NAKAZATO brand at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring — Summer 2023 to unveil creations that are both stunning and sustainable. In addition to utilising Epson’s digital textile printing to reproduce his unique and creative worldview, YUIMA NAKAZATO realised some of its creations with the help of a new, more sustainable and potentially industry transforming textile production process. Epson’s dry fibre technology, which is already used commercially to recycle office paper and which requires virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The new fabric production process was revealed in Paris as part of a three year collaboration between Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO and was used in the creation of items for the first time during the latter’s runway show at the Palais de Tokyo.

The collaboration between Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO builds on the success of the company’s printing support for his couture and evolves the level of his creations to enable the low impact production of high quality custom garments. Both Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO are keen to raise awareness of the water and material waste associated with excess production. The Paris Show illustrates how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable and less wasteful means of textile printing.

The fabric taken to create the latest YUIMA NAKAZATO fashion line was derived from material from used garments sourced from Africa, the destination for many discarded garments from elsewhere in the world. Nakazato visited Kenya

where he collected around 150 kg of waste garment material destined for the “clothes mountain” of discarded textiles he encountered there. Epson then applied its dry fibre process to produce over 50 metres of new re-fibre nonwoven fabric, some of which was used for printing with pigment inks with Epson’s Monna Lisa digital printing technology.

Hitoshi Igarashi from Epson’s Printing Solutions Division explains the importance of the technology: “Although in its early stages, Epson believes its dry fibre technology combined with pigment ink digital printing could offer the fashion industry a much more sustainable future, significantly reducing water use while allowing designers the freedom to fully express their creativity.

“Epson’s Environmental Vision is committed to contributing to a circular economy, and this development could be one step towards achieving this. Dry fibre technology applied to the fashion industry offers the possibility of producing material for new clothes that have been recycled from used garments.”

In a trial of distributed printing for venue decoration, Epson inkjet printers in Japan and France with remote support from Epson engineers were used to create decorations in the venue space. Both Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO intend to continue exploring the possibilities for contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

www.epson.co.uk

FLINT GROUP REVOLUTIONISES FOOD LABEL PRINTING

Print consumables manufacturer Flint Group has revealed strong early success of its UV LED ink range, EkoCure® ANCORA F2 with dual curing capability, following its launch in Europe at the end of 2022.

The company’s UV LED Dual Cure ink range builds on the original winning formula of its EkoCure ANCORA range, specifically designed for food packaging and labelling. Flint Group’s Dual Cure inks and coatings are uniquely designed to cure using a traditional UV lamp or low energy UV LED. These products are compatible with any curing system on any narrow or mid-web press, enabling printers still using traditional mercury based UV lamps to smoothly transition to more sustainable UV curing processes at their own pace.

With optimised curing speed, improved rheology, and lower viscosity, EkoCure ANCORA F2 delivers better press performance for long runs in chambered doctor blade systems. Furthermore, these inks provide enhanced adhesion to a wide range of substrates, such as coated and uncoated papers, PE (polyethylene), top coated PE, PP, BOPP, and other films. Importantly, EkoCure ANCORA F2 offers reduced energy consumption, reducing the total cost to print. A clear value proposition for narrow web printers and converters.

“EkoCure ANCORA F2 is ideal for food labelling and packaging applications and designed for today’s print and

packaging industry. More importantly, it’s the perfect solution to future proof our customers’ presses,” said Niklas Olsson, Global Director Product & Commercial Excellence, Narrow Web at Flint Group. “We formulated this range to deliver the best print quality and dot sharpness obtainable while offering excellent adhesion to synthetic substrates. It provides the performance, efficiency, and versatility benefits that printers seek.

“EkoCure ANCORA F2 is a product that helps printers who have not yet switched to LED curing to prepare for the future,” Olsson continued. “UV LED technology uses far less power than

traditional mercury lamps and has a longer lifespan. Many customers are switching to LED for precisely these reasons. We’re delighted with the strong response from customers using UV LED lamps and that customers using mercury lamps can print using the same high performance solution.”

Available in a full range of Pantone colours, plus opaque whites, EkoCure ANCORA F2 can be used in various food labels and packaging applications — unsupported films, self-adhesive and in-mould labels, and cold foiling. These inks are a complete, high performance, low migration solution that meet the stringent requirements of paper and

PANTONE 2023 COLOUR OF THE YEAR

film labels and shrink sleeves for food packaging.

The rollout of this versatile ink has met a positive response across Europe and builds upon more than ten years of success in UV LED ink and coating developments. With a market leading portfolio of products, including its renowned Flexocure series of inks, Flint Group is proud to be the UV and LED ink pioneer.

For more information on EkoCure ANCORA F2 printers and converters are encouraged to contact a local sales representative for more details or email info.narrowweb@flintgrp.com www.flintgrp.com

“Viva Magenta promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.” Grab a new limited edition guide celebrating the Pantone Colour of the Year 2023. Great to be on trend for design inspiration, colour specification, and printing accuracy. This

special edition coated and uncoated set features a beautiful soft touch cover in PANTONE 18-1750

Viva Magenta a brave and fearless crimson red tone whose animated presence promotes joyousness and encourages self-expression without restraint. For those of you that have a Magenta branding,

fill your boots with the merch on the link below. For the rest of us that promote colour in its full spectrum, promoting the latest on trend colour keeps us upfront with our customers. https://www.pantone.com/uk/en/ marketplace/collections/color-of-the-year

There are many sides to successful print management. With Solopro, we piece together a set of exclusive services that match your business needs.

Solopro provides comprehensive, tailored support for businesses that rely on high volumes of print. With the Solopro team on your side, you’ll enjoy dedicated account management, flexible pricing, bespoke products and priority production as standard.

Get

NEW ROLAND VERSASTUDIO DESKTOP DTF PRINTER

Roland DG has launched its first Direct-To-Film transfer desktop inkjet printer, the VersaSTUDIO BN-20D, targeting small to medium sized print shops, apparel businesses and start-ups.

The Direct-To-Film transfer has been attracting worldwide attention in the apparel decoration industry in recent years, due to the ease of customising products and accessories with eye catching graphics. Roland DG’s new affordable inkjet BN-20D printer uses the Direct-To-Film method, which transfers CMYK colours plus white on fabric to create vibrant graphics with fine details, photographic reproduction, and superb contrast.

Equipped with high definition print heads, the BN-20D can transfer onto an array of light and dark fabrics to produce a variety of garments. The printer’s automated cutting function also makes it possible to produce designs using heat transfer vinyl, stretch, flock, holographic, glitter and metallic colour vinyl, which is difficult with standard inkjet printing.

“Our compact, easy to use and affordable desktop products enable anyone to easily achieve high quality outputs without needing specialist skills and know how,” said Paul Willems, Product Management & Business Development Director at Roland DG EMEA.

“Direct-To-Film transfer is a new solution that has only been around a few years but has the potential to revolutionise the apparel business. By introducing this solution under the VersaSTUDIO brand, we hope that more customers will easily

Direct-To-Film printer, BN-20D can also be used as a cutting plotter for sign and heat transfer vinyl, which makes the solution highly versatile.”

During the printing process, once graphics have been printed on a special film, the powder is applied to the film and then thermally melted. This eliminates the need for labour intensive heat transfer methods, such as cutting the outline of illustrations, removing waste from unnecessary areas, and retouching, which not only makes the work process more efficient but also allows for the production of more complex and appealing designs. In addition to the efficiency of the BN-20D, the ink used complies with OEKO-TEX, an international standard that guarantees the safety of apparel decoration, making it safe for use on children and pet clothing.

NEW 24 AND 36 INCH EPSON SURECOLOR SC-T RANGE

Epson has announced a major extension to its SureColor SC-T series of technical and poster single function printers. The new printers are designed to meet the technical drawing needs of the architectural, engineering and construction industries, yet diverse enough to produce quality advertising posters for retail and public sector users. In addition to upgrading the 44 inch (SC-T7700D) model, Epson has also introduced 24 and 36 inch models, all based on a compact and fully integrated design, as well as offering features unique to the market, such as high security and an enhanced colour gamut. The announcement means that Epson offers a rounded and comprehensive printing solution to organisations..

With the new additions, the SureColor SC-Tx700 Series now consists of the original 44 inch (1117mm) SC-T7700D (dual roll), a new 44 inch SC-T7700DL (dual roll with 1.6L ink pouches), the 36 inch (910mm) SC-T5700D (dual roll), and three 24 inch (610mm) models — SC-T3700E (single roll, no Adobe PostScript), SC-T3700DE (dual roll, no Adobe PostScript) SC-T3700D (dual roll). Epson’s SC-Tx700 printers use Epson’s six colour, UltraChrome XD3 allpigment inks. These include a new red ink that widens the colour gamut of the printers and makes them ideal for applications such as marking up CAD drawings and precisely replicating corporate logos. The SC-Tx700 Series also offers enhanced IT and security features, including encrypted pin/passwords and Access Control List (ACL). Secure communication is ensured with 802.1x network authentication, SNMPv3 and Device Identity Certificate (TLS), while encrypted SSD and NFC card authentication provide protection for confidential documents.

Based on Epson’s breakthrough lifetime Micro TFP PrecisionCore printhead technology, many products in the extended SC-Tx700 Series also feature the company’s Variable Sized Droplet Technology and Nozzle Verification Technology, together with Adobe PostScript as standard, to ensure consistent and exceptional image quality with minimal maintenance. With an extremely compact footprint, the products are among the smallest large format printers currently available, with print speeds of up to 150m² per hour delivering increased productivity.

With an intuitive UI, self-loading media, and easy self-maintenance, the SC-Tx700 Series is extremely easy to use, and further streamlines workflows through remote mobile printing, faster data processing and remote real time monitoring and management, through the Epson Cloud Solution PORT platform. This allows users to monitor equipment across sites, or multiple printers at a single site, anytime and anywhere using clear, easy to understand graphics. Maintenance tracking and remote troubleshooting services are also available to improve efficiency and productivity.

“Whether this represents a customer’s first investment in a large format printer, or they’re looking to expand their current print facilities,” said Tom Owers, Pro Graphics Product Manager at Epson UK. “The SureColor SC-Tx700 Series offers something that meets their needs perfectly. Offering superb print quality, outstanding productivity, high security, and excellent reliability, they are unbeatable value for money.”

For information on price, please contact one of Epson’s reseller partners. www.epson.com

Explore the Possibilities of Paper

● Optimised thickness & sti ness

● Extreme smoothness

● High opacity

● High whiteness

● Consistent quality

● Great runnability

● Environmentally friendly

HORIZON UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION BOOKLET SYSTEM

High speed seamless production of high quality sheet-fed booklets is now possible with the launch of the new Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV. The next evolution of the best selling StitchLiner Mark III saddle stitcher achieves high quality booklet production at speeds of up to 6,000 booklets per hour.

The new system incorporates Horizon’s cloud based iCE LiNK workflow as standard. It uses cloud technology to automate workflow from upstream to post-press. It provides access to an intuitive easy to use dashboard that reports real time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime. The information is accessible via smartphone, tablet or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with MIS systems.

Enhancements have focused on increased productivity, too. Uptime has been maxmised via the ability to manage changeable speeds without stopping. The fully automated system is better able to cope with a sequence of very short run products in a range of paginations and it offers easy set up via its intuitive touch panel.

High quality results are assured by:

• New stitcher for variable thickness production with automatic stitch length adjustment.

• New jogging mechanism for maximised productivity.

• Four direction jog guides and two layer accumulation and air assist for precise sheet alignment.

• Smooth transportation supporting high production speeds even on variable thickness mode.

The Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV also has a number of new design features that aid easy operation. They include a status light that indicates, at a distance, how the system is running, and an ergonomic design where all the operator required actions are on the same side.

IFS Technical Sales Director, Jason Seaber, states: “Horizon has developed a highly productive system that can seamlessly handle variable page booklet

applications from the latest sheet-fed toner and inkjet presses. Easy to use and fast to set up it is perfectly positioned to responsively manage a wide range of applications in any busy production environment.”

The Horizon StitchLiner Mark IV is available now. It was shown for the first time at IGAS 2022. Connected via Horizon iCE LiNK to Heidelberg’s Prinect Production workflow it ran JDF/JMF workflow live. www.ifsl.uk.com

MIMAKI LAUNCHES FIRST DIRECT TO FILM PRINTER

Mimaki has announced its first ‘direct to film’ (DTF) inkjet printer, the TxF15075, at its Global Innovation Days event. Utilising a heat based transfer method, the printer is ideal for creating premium, customised merchandising, sportswear and various other promotional textile applications. This is the latest entry from Mimaki for the decorated apparel segment and made its EMEA show debut at Printwear & Promotion Live!

DTF printing provides an easy and affordable process for decorating apparel, and is commonly used for decorating T-shirts. The design is printed directly onto a special transfer film, which is then sprinkled with hot-melt powder, and once heated and dried, the transfer sheet is ready to be applied to the fabric using a heat press.

Based on Mimaki’s best selling 150 Series, the new TxF150-75 responds to the market need for a reliable, stable DTF technology. A built in ink circulation system and degassed ink pack design help prevent common DTF issues, and by utilising proprietary Core Technologies, which include a nozzle check unit and nozzle recovery system, the printing process is carried out efficiently with minimal user intervention.

Mark Sollman, Sr. Product Manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe comments, “Apparel decoration is a hugely popular and dynamic sector, one which we are already operating in with our other textile technologies.

However, we could see the impact DTF technology has had on the industry in recent years, with its significant advantages over existing technologies. Namely, DTF avoids the time intensive process of plate creation in screen printing and the required weeding in traditional vinyl heat transfer. The technology can also create vibrant designs with its full colour printing capabilities. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it, which excels in usability, reliability and quality.”

As the company’s first entry into a new segment, Mimaki has created its own range of water based pigment inks (PHT50) especially for this solution. As of March 2023, these inks are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified, guaranteeing that safety and environmental standards are met in line with Mimaki’s sustainability pledges. Unlike sublimation heat transfer printing, DTF is much more versatile when it comes to materials, able to work with more than just polyester and polyester blended materials, and on light or dark coloured fabrics. The printer is supplied with Mimaki’s RasterLink7 RIP software, allowing users to have full oversight and the ability to streamline the process from the design to the final product. Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services, the TxF150-75 will be commercially available via its network of specialist resellers from April 2023. www.hybridservices.co.uk

PIXEL PROPHET KEEPING A HAND ON THE TOOLS

As promised, this month, Martin Christie will concentrate on some basics in Photoshop for printing for those just starting this adventure as he did twenty years ago, and in the following columns, he will lead you through things he learnt along the way.

There are several applications you can use for image editing. However, Adobe’s prime application Photoshop is the industry standard much copied by others for its continued development as the rapid advance with artificial intelligence takes hold in many areas of our information exchange. There may be others that are cheaper, easier to use, and even some that do some things better, but overall, Photoshop is the most comprehensive tool for digital manipulation. Most importantly, it continues to develop due to the experience of its massive worldwide user base. What sets it apart from most of the AIpowered apps, which most people — most of your customers at least — will be using, is that as well as engaging all the electronic wizardry, there is still a significant element of manual input should you choose to use it. And that is the key for the professional rather than the convenience user. So although at times in recent columns I may have sounded like a one-man campaign against it, it is not the use of AI I caution against, but the misuse and lack of understanding of it. When it becomes all too easy to press a button rather than learn anything new, it’s a journey that leads into a cul-de-sac.

Recently when I saw an advert for software that ‘edits just like you,’ that mistaken direction was very clear. I don’t want to edit just like I’ve always done; I want to learn and move on.

During lockdown, when shooting opportunities were limited, I dug into my archives and edited new photos taken over ten years ago, and the difference is staggering. Things I thought were smart then look painfully clumsy today. Unfortunately, it may be the same with much AI currently invading all our screens once the novelty has worn off.

I have used Photoshop from the beginning, and in fact, during a visit to Adobe’s London HQ a few years back, the enthusiastic millennials that work there were astonished to learn I had started with version 4.5. To them, I might as well have been studying ancient history. But continuity is important

because although that was by no means the first version, it was a generation that saw the program start to stretch its legs and become a seriously useful tool rather than a simple function to open digital image files.

The great leap was the introduction of layers. Previously any editing involved work on the actual file, and any changes could not always be reversed, which is why they are described as destructive. Layers allowed the non-destructive process by applying a duplicate immediately above the original so that transformations could be compared, controlled, and, if necessary, reversed. So that is the first important lesson — the use of layers.

If you add text, the layer is applied automatically as text, like many shapes, is initially not pixel-dependent, so it can be made any size without altering resolution. Only when they are rasterised — converted to pixels if you like — do they become a fixed size. This can be handy if a customer gives you a layered file with a font you don’t have. You may be unable to add or edit it, but at least you can fix it without changing the type.

The basic workspace has remained essentially the same throughout the various versions of Photoshop, with the original tools in the same place on the top bar, even if their functions have expanded. It is much like a car with the steering wheel and the basic pedals in the same place as previous models did 40 years ago.

Much of the changes and all the fancy new stuff has gone on under the bonnet — more of that later! The first thing to know is that apart from the items that are fixed on the dashboard, almost everything can be customised to suit you so that panels you don’t use can be hidden, and the ones you like can be fixed, so they are always there. With limited space here, I’m not going to run into detail as all the tips are already at your fingertips, hover over Help at the end of the top line and ask the question. How-touse tips are also available automatically if you hesitate with your cursor over any of the tools.

The first step is to set your performance and appearance preferences. These are

found under Edit > Preferences and Colour Settings. Make sure you can maximise performance with available RAM and enough room on your scratch discs on the best available hard drive. Colour settings are set to American ones by default, so you may prefer to set them to your own choices, and again your pointer will guide you through the options. Also, check that Photoshop will recognise any saved colour profile in a new file and ask whether you want to use it. This is sometimes a clue as to whether a customer knows what they are doing, and at least gives you a plausible answer if they query the colour they think they’ve saved. Back at the top line under View, you can set your display to RGB, CMYK or any monitor profile you have calibrated so that you can match what you see to what you print.

If you have a dual screen set up, you can move all the panels over to the second one to give you more viewing space and even use the Preview panel in Navigator to give you an enlarged real-time view of any image you are working on. Sorting out your favourite working space is a great time saver as you get to know where everything is. Also, because you can create it as a custom option, if you hop from one computer to another in the studio, you can dial in your preferred control panel instead of floundering with someone else’s.

As we often end up with multiple images open simultaneously, rather than minimising them, where you lose the visual reference, you can tile them, have them floating or display up to six at once, which can be handy if you are copying one image into another. You can simply drag one onto another. Remember though, that Photoshop is pixel dependent, taking the resolution from the base file, so if you drag one with more pixel dimensions, it will land larger than the original might have been on its own and vice versa, so make sure you keep an eye on the scale tool indicator.

I always have the rulers option available, which is particularly useful for large-format printing where images don’t always conform to standard shapes and sizes. Still, one really useful tip is hidden in the bottom left corner,

where you can display actual file dimensions and resolution, among other details. This saves you from returning to the top and opening Image Size just to check the measurement. Anything that distracts you, even for a moment and interrupts the workflow, can cause a mistake, and even a small one wastes time and paper somewhere along the line. So being familiar and comfortable with your workstation is as important as experience.

For those with experience, thank you for bearing with me, and indulge me as even after 20 years, I learn something new almost every day. Like most of us being self-taught, it is always possible to miss something simple along the way, so there is no harm in visiting the basics, particularly if you find yourself tutoring a new staff member.

Most training is inevitably on-the-hoof as few companies these days have the spare resources to invest in a specialist education programme for printing that takes someone off the production line. Besides, that very on-the-job experience often gives a real grounding in the more practical aspects, particularly problem-solving.

How do you prepare for something when you never know what will come over the counter or pop out of the email? Taking an occasional good look at best practice does no harm, rather than assuming the way you’ve always done it is the best way.

Adobe is also always adding new features and fixes when it updates, and some of them slip under the radar as they prefer to headline some of the more eye-catching items that are sometimes a little more gloss than substance. Inevitably a little bit of a fancy gimmick is easier to market than something simply useful and rather boring to the average consumer. But it could be a potential game changer for us, and I have a couple in my bag. Sorting out which is more useful in our working environment is what I shall try and catalogue in this and future columns, but arranging the basic workplace is the baseline.

As mentioned earlier, all the basic top-line functions remain the same in versions of Photoshop. Still, when you tap on Edit - Image - Layer etc., it now opens a much longer list of options, and to be honest, a good number I have never even used. Often they do the same job or similar to another function, but in a different way, so it may be a matter of which method you prefer.

Adobe actually says there is no absolute right and wrong way of doing something, just alternatives.

At its most basic, you’ve got, under Image, all the simple adjustments that have always been available — levels, curves, exposure etc. — and when combined with Layers, they can be very powerful. Not only can they be adjusted, but an individual level containing them can be controlled both on the actual opacity of the effect and with a selection of blending options such as Screen and Multiply, which affect just the white content or the black content. This is quite useful for correcting one of the most current common problems in customer files where they have photographed or scanned a white background or document that, as a result, is under or over-exposed.

Of course, these are just Photoshop’s nursery slopes, but you need

to be familiar with them and how they work before we move on to the steeper climbs of the Camera Raw Filter. This hidden treasure is possibly the most powerful feature of modern digital imaging. Unfortunately, it is least understood as it was initially developed for photographers using a file format unprocessed by the camera, unlike the more popular JPG. It can be used, however, with any pixel-based file and open a whole new world of possibilities. As we spend a lot of time making some very average or worse look good in print, it’s exactly the help we need. Next month find out why.

Basic Image Adjustments

Dual monitor set-up

Blending Options

DRYTAC’S SHAUN HOLDOM APPOINTED TO ISA-UK COUNCIL

Drytac has announced its Global Product Manager Shaun Holdom has been appointed to the ISA-UK council with 100 per cent support from his fellow council members.

The ISA-UK powered by BSGA is the trade association for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry and plays an essential role in uniting the members of this thriving community. Its council is made up of experienced and inspirational industry professionals who endeavour to support the ISA-UK’s work.

Shaun Holdom has held the position of Global Product Manager at Drytac for the last three years but his roots in the sector reach back much further, as he explains.

“I started working in the sign and graphics industry after leaving school,” he says. “I wanted to be a graphic designer but was fascinated by wide format printing and hardware technology, which has evolved at a tremendous pace over the last 30 years.

“Being appointed to the council is very exciting. Having a trade association that represents all facets of the industry, shares knowledge and experience with every company and individual to help support and grow their business - especially

over the coming months — is incredibly important.

“I hope to bring my years of experience within all areas of inkjet and digital print to the association. It’s essential we understand all the new methods for printing outside of the more traditional markets to help our members.” www.drytac.com

EFI ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF FRANK PENNISI

Electronics For Imaging has announced the appointment of Frank Pennisi, a veteran of the industrial and technology sectors, as Chief Executive Officer. In tandem, EFI’s Fiery business unit has been separated as an independent company that will remain wholly owned by Siris. As separate companies, EFI and Fiery will have distinct areas of strategic focus that will enable them to serve their customers better and grow over

the long term, with EFI as an industrial inkjet leader and Fiery as the leading digital front end (DFE) provider. Jeff Jacobson, a 35 year veteran of the digital imaging sector who led EFI as CEO following its 2019 take private by Siris, will remain Executive Chairman of each business.

“This realignment positions both EFI, now solely focused on digital inkjet for industrial applications, and Fiery, the leading global DFE provider, to win

PICON INVITES MARK BRISTOW TO EXTEND HIS CHAIRMANSHIP

in-person business engagements involved in the role and will give him more time to fulfil his ambitions for the organisation (which represents the print and paper manufacturing suppliers) although he is making good headway with this already.

in their independent markets while maintaining the close partnership that has contributed to the success of each business. Digital imaging would not be where it is today without Fiery. Operating as a standalone company will only further strengthen Fiery’s market leading position in providing innovative DFE solutions. Similarly, no company in the industry can match the depth and breadth of EFI’s industrial inkjet portfolio and I am looking forward to this next chapter of growth under Frank’s leadership,” said Mr. Jacobson.

www.efi.com

Chairmanship of Mark Bristow, managing director of Friedheim International, by a year, meaning he will serve for three years until June 2022.

It is hoped that this will enable Mark to enjoy more of the travel and

“Picon has held almost all meetings online since the start of the COVID-19 crisis and it has certainly played an important communications and support role. We have tried to keep in more regular contact with the members providing them with key and relevant updates. One of my goals was to develop the business support opportunities and this year we introduced a COVID-19 Support Scheme that reimbursed members for some of the capital expenditure outlay involved in meeting new COVID working practice standards,” says Mark Bristow.

Another of Mark’s aims has been to maintain and develop training initiatives and grant schemes. He says that this has not been restrained by the crisis. Indeed in 2021 a new Work Experience Placement Scheme will be introduced, another initiative which should work to encourage young talent into the industry and help young people whose job prospects will be hard hit as a result of the pandemic.

The WEPS scheme will mean that Picon members can employ an 18 to 24 year old for up to 12 weeks for a specific project be that market research, digitisation work, increasing social media etc and Picon will reimburse the member the minimum wage for 25 hours a week plus the employer’s National Insurance. Mark believes members will be keen to help young people get

their first foothold in the industry. He is also keen to encourage greater co-operation with other print and business organisations and he is pleased that GPMA now has 12 member organisations. He is unsurprised by the cancellation of drupa, but that means he awaits news about the next Global Print Summit (which had been scheduled to meet in Dusseldorf) and whether by next year it will be possible to hold it in person rather than online.

“We also continue our focus on trying to deal with, and support members where we can, with the aftermath of what Brexit situation the Government leaves us with,” he says. Challenging times to be a Chairman but one he is honoured to hold and to have had extended to a three year term.

www.picon.com

INTEC SC6000 NEXT LEVEL

DIE-CUTTING SYSTEM

New Intec SC6000 Auto-Feeding Digital Die-Cutter For Lightweight Packaging And Label Production.

The NEW SC6000 is a larger format version of the exceptionally successful digital die-cutting system, the SC5000 and packed with new features!

Its expanded size capability of 340 x 710mm allows it to handle significantly longer sheets and combines both 100% reliable high volume auto feeding, along with a dual tool head for both cutting and creasing in a single pass.

This cost effective unit provides rapid processing of card projects up to 350micron, packaging and kiss-cut labels with the system boasting a 900 sheet auto feeder/stacker, vacuum suction pick up

belt and media collection tray offering true, unattended capability. Mark Baker-Homes, Intec General Manager states, “Intec is really excited to launch the SC6000 auto-feed digital die cutter. As a result of the Plockmatic acquisition and increased level of R&D, this new premium, compact digital die cutter, brings affordable kiss-cutting and die-cutting for card based applications and packaging to every printer. It’s packed with advancements to enable high productivity and larger format sizes. This combined with Plockmatic’s exceptional build quality and reliability means businesses are able to purchase the cutter at Intec’s very affordable price points”.

THE SC6000

The SC6000 is a blend of flatbed and sheet fed technologies, perfect for the fast, automated production of both die-cut and creased lightweight card for packaging and P.O.S, paper and polyester projects – as well as kisscut sheet label production.

High speed sheet feeding

The auto sheet feeder provides exceptional material sheet handling to deliver a faultless feed solution of sheets up to 710mm long, offering a great solution when paired with the new high volume digital printers with longer sheet capability.

Rapid cutting and creasing all in one pass

The digital cutting head can apply a force of up to 750g of pressure and cut and crease simultaneously at speeds of up to 960mm per second, enabling users to produce either one or indeed hundreds of sheets and thousands of items, unattended with its unique QR code based system.

Grip and drive

The unique ColorCut ‘Grip and Drive’ dual roller system, holds the sheet media during cutting on BOTH sides of the cutting head, enables the SC6000 to cut closer to the media edges than other types of sheet cutter in its class.

LOVES MIXED JOBS IN THE STACK

Offering an unparalleled production capability to cut a mixed batch of jobs, from one load, the SC6000 seamlessly retrieves the associated cut files for an unlimited number of different jobs in the stack. This is totally instant and with zero delay, enabling a seamless and uninterrupted workflow and reduces the need for highly trained operators.

Using QR codes for cut file recognition, with the cutters CCD camera quickly reading a printed code to retrieve the sheets associated cut file, and four corner marks to ensure accuracy of cut and crease with the printed artwork. Whilst feeding the software compensates for any sheet feeding skew or print stretch. This function also enables the operator to instantly view the job on screen and set the desired cutting features from the systems material database, built to enable processing presets for regularly used materials. This means that different aspects of the file can have different treatments applied to them and also predetermine the order they are processed in the cutter.

The cutter is driven using Intec’s Production Studio package (included

This can be used as a stand alone application, with the cutter or as part of a networked solution, when used in conjunction with Intec’s ColorCut Pro Server Station. The ColorCut Pro software suite offers sophisticated features with Job Library Manager workflow application and Template Maker for producing vector box templates, to load into Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, for use with the cutter.

COMPACT AND FULLY MOBILE

Free standing and fully mobile, the SC600 has been designed with space saving in mind. It features a retractable media catch tray that slides away when not in use, ensuring that its sub-1sq metre footprint can easily be accommodated in any print shop.

Intec Printing Solutions Limited, is the manufacturer and distributor of the global finishing solutions brand, Intec with its head office based in Poole, Dorset UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plockmatic International AB and part of the Plockmatic Group:

www.plockmaticgroup.com

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day kicks off this year on the 8th of March and is an extremely important event as it helps to bring awareness and enact change for women all over the world who are still forced to deal with inequality on a daily basis.

First celebrated back in 1909, it gained popularity and is now celebrated by thousands of people and businesses across the world!

Within Eat My Logo, out of our 17 employees, 10 are female! They know just how vital they are and how much of an impact they have on the business’s functionality! Director Ruth was recently

recognised for her achievements, winning the family business award at the EVAs, an awards programme celebrating women within Lancashire businesses. They have designed a range of branded, yummy, treats which are sure to help your business show inclusivity and support to your female employees and customers. By you getting involved within International Women’s Day, it will help to highlight key events, milestones, and achievements which women have accomplished throughout the years! Why not treat your employees and customers today to a delicious crumbly shortbread biscuit, or a sweet fluffy cupcake, branded with your own

DATA COPY IS CELEBRATING ITS 40TH BIRTHDAY

Antalis has announced that this year the Data Copy office paper brand is celebrating 40 years of offering a quality office paper with a fresh approach. For four decades, the iconic paper brand has built a trusted relationship with its customers by delivering quality and performance.

Since its creation in 1983, Data Copy has gained an enviable reputation in the marketplace, and recognition of its customers, by making everyday life at work easier. At Antalis, the ambition is to offer customers the best experience and Data Copy certainly delivers this by providing a high quality paper that is versatile, practical and suitable for all types of printing equipment.

Data Copy has always been driven by a single objective: a passionate commitment to customer satisfaction.

• From paper to partner. Data Copy is a trusted partner for premium paper quality.

• Multifunctional without compromise. Suitable for colour, black and white printing, and certified ColorLok®, the paper perfectly suits both inkjet and laser equipment.

• Unrivalled consistency. A few grammes of lightness can make all the difference: Regardless of the paper grammage, Data Copy provides the same professional quality.

• Sustainability. The eco-responsible Data Copy range offers FSC certified papers, awarded with European Eco label for sustainable management. Moreover, as a member of 1% for the Planet, Data Copy donates 1% of its annual revenues to environmental associations. Data Copy is a range of high white and smooth office papers, available in A5, A4 and A3 formats from 75 to 120 g/m2. Data Copy is exclusively distributed by Antalis. www.antalis.co.uk • 0370 607 3132.

business logo or message of your choosing. They are perfect in showing your appreciation and support towards this impactful event and will definitely make a lasting impression within the office and with your customers.

Try the newly launched Jam Tarts? Filled with sweet, strawberry jam and topped with your own personalised business logo or message. How could you say no!

Speak to their friendly sales team and make an impact today!

www.eatmylogo.co.uk • 01772 472 580 • emlsales@eatmylogo.co.uk

QPP SILVER ANNIVERSARY

Can you help conjure up a colourful QPP 25th anniversary branding?

Please get involved with the logo design, as Quick Print Pros we must be best equipped to create something to reflect our stunning industry.

Best design will be awarded with a suitable prize, yet to be blagged from our favourite industry suppliers. I do like the look of the 2023 Pantone Colour Of the year, Viva Magenta. All entries will be appraised by real quick print pros and the best shared in our celebrations and up for a final vote.

Commemorating 25 years sharing best practice in print has been our pleasure. Meeting fellow print shop owners and our suppliers, pioneering new technology and processes, has been rewarding to both report and action in our own print business.

Professional purveyors of print are also invited to share a few two and a half decade memoirs about their journey from copy shops to print service providers.

Suppliers to our 36,000 quick print pros are invited to join in the celebrations with some special anniversary pricing and product focus.

A BIG THANKS to our QPP magazine, e-zine, website and social marketing sponsors; without you we couldn’t share best practice in print.

Entries please to editor@quickprintpro.co.uk

THE PLACE TO BE IN 2023!

14

WHY VISIT?

Trade Fair Centre,

Discover the latest technology in-person and get your hands on innovative products and machinery

Connect with the industry and make impactful and lasting business relationships Gain valuable insider knowledge and find out about the current industry trends and topics

EXHIBITION PROFILE

Consumables

Corrugating line, equipment and components

Corrugated and carton converting machinery

Design and CAD / CAM

Printing processes and equipment

Ancillary equipment

Cutting, creasing and die cutting equipment

Materials handling and warehousing

Pallet strapping and handling systems

MIS and plant scheduling systems

Waste extraction and baling

CONTINUED SERVICE INVESTMENT FOR PREMIER

UK based paper and material supplier, Premier, have announced the opening of a new stock holding branch based in Wellingborough.

Premier, who have long promoted their nationwide network of stock holding branches and sales offices, have recently moved operations from their Northampton branch to a brand new, state of the art facility in Stanton Cross, Wellingborough.

Servicing the local area with a fleet of nine vehicles, Premier’s new premises feature a 45,000 square foot warehouse that has a capacity of over 4,000 pallets with dedicated stocks of wide format rolls, display sheet media and commodity paper grades.

Chris Stanyon, Premier’s Operations Director comments “The new Wellingborough site is a significant investment and demonstrates Premier’s commitment to the future. Not only does it improve and enhance our ability to service customers both locally and around the UK it has also created a number of local job opportunities.”

Premier’s Wellingborough site will also host a Schelling FK6 plastic and composite panel saw, a Cauhe GH 366 heavy duty guillotine and a wall mounted Streibig Saw. Further enhancing Premier’s ability to facilitate customer orders, cutting products such as Plexiglas, Foamalux, ACM, Marlon FSX and many more, to customer requirements; all from a centralised location.

Stanyon continues, “The new branch also has state of the art meeting facilities and electric car charging points, which, given the site’s proximity to major road networks, means that it will become a hub for some of Premier’s commercial activity.”

The new site is located close to the M1, A45 and A14, and is part of a £1 billion development for Northamptonshire that will see 3,650 new homes and community facilities, it will provide more than

delivering around 3,000 new jobs.

The acquisition of this new branch is the latest in a number of significant investments for Premier that are aimed at improving and enhancing the merchant’s service offering to customers around the UK; in 2021 Premier also opened a new branch in Haydock, servicing the North West of the country and recently expanded their operations in Glasgow.

recently expanded their operations in Glasgow, with a move to larger premises. This move follows unprecedented growth and success in recent years allowing for the exciting expansion of Premier’s Scottish hub. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and development is demonstrated through ongoing investment into improved service capabilities throughout the UK.

Mike Banks, Premier’s Operations Director Midlands & North comments “The opening of our new Glasgow site is a positive move for the company. This bigger, better and more accessible facility can hold more stock, enabling us to improve our capabilities with a fast, flexible and efficient service to our customers.”

Based in Coatbridge, Premier’s new site is in excess of 20,000 square feet, hosting a generous warehouse unit with over 1,600 pallet locations and 4,000 square feet of warehouse space for bulk stacked products. Bigger and better than before, Premier’s new Glasgow site also has a dedicated secure yard, comparatively larger than the previous. The branch’s ability to hold increased stock will further support our same and next day service offer.

of whom are based in logistics. The new location is a secure, pleasant and more modern environment to work in, and it’s easily accessible to the road network.”

Premier’s new site is in one of the best connected locations in Scotland, providing multi-point access from Junction 7A of the new M8 motorway and easy access to the M74 and A725. This location aids Premier in their commitment to investing in the industry and continuously improving service levels. Being in a highly accessible location helps Premier’s efficiency as they service local customers with their own fleet of vehicles; currently four rigid body trucks and a smaller “flyer” van for a quick and efficient service offer. The new location will give Premier opportunity to improve service capabilities and continue its growth.

Premier offers a choice of over 5,500 products, totalling some 40,000 tonnes of product available through its national branch network. In 2019 Premier became part of OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Group; the world’s leading specialist paper trading company. www.paper.co.uk

SIGN & DIGITAL UK SIGN & DIGITAL CELEBRATE PRINT AND SIGNAGE

Jenny Matthew, says, “Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no holds barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign making and large format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait. And neither can we!”

SHOW FEATURES

HEXIS UK WRAP BATTLE

As well as a broad and diverse range of exhibitors, SDUK is running a series of features designed to educate and inform sign makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. The ever popular UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by HEXIS, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a rare chance to see the very best of the vehicle wrapping profession as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

THE SIGN STUDIO

Whether you are a vinyl veteran or just setting out on your vinyl adventure, The Sign Studio is a must see for visitors at the show this year.

It will run daily, with live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and more. “I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,” says Paul.

EXPLAINS LOUNGE AND SIGN SURGERY (HOSTED BY ISA UK)

The International Sign Association UK (ISA-UK) is back to host the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand new feature - the Sign Surgery.

The Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can

put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, “The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign makers.”

With some big announcements still yet to be made, stay connected to discover further exciting SDUK news being released in the run-up to this year’s show. www.signuk.com

HYBRID TO PRESENT LATEST MIMAKI TECHNOLOGY

With an unrivalled line-up of products ranging from production solvent printers to the latest full-colour 3D printing systems, S&D visitors will be able to view new machines and applications, as well as discuss the opportunities they create with the Hybrid team on the stand.

“Mimaki’s huge range of solutions present businesses with multiple opportunities to expand, diversify and develop their printing capabilities,” states Duncan Jefferies, Hybrid’s head of marketing and business development. “We’ll have some exciting new hardware for visitors to get up close to, and we very much look forward to discussing the significant potential it offers their companies.”

Visitors will be able to view two of the three recently introduced Mimaki 330 Series printers. Featured on the stand are both the dedicated solvent print-only JV330160, and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. Also available as the dye sublimation-specific TS330-1600, the three models share a common 1.6m platform, offering high performance and productivity coupled with ease of use.

A pair of multi-award-winning flatbed UV printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/

A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the best-selling JFX200-2513EX 8’ x 4’ model. Both offer trademark print quality for direct-to-substrate printing, with the UJF leading the way in the small format arena and the JFX being the go-to option for print providers producing large format signage, graphics and décor.

Mimaki’s groundbreaking full-colour 3D printer – along with numerous samples that demonstrate its commercial and creative capabilities, will also be presented at Sign & Digital UK. “Mimaki’s move into the 3D printing sector has generated substantial interest,” continues Duncan. “The 3DUJ2207 is a unique proposition with its comparatively low cost of entry breaking the barriers to this extremely creative sector.

In addition, the Hybrid stand will feature further printers and cutters from Mimaki’s Sign & Graphics range, including popular solvent and UV roll-fed models such as the UCJV300-160, a 1.6m LED UV printer/ cutter offering considerable creative opportunities, and two models from the entry-level 100 Series — the UJV100-160 1.6m UV printer and the JV100-160 solvent printer.

“Sign & Digital UK is the ideal opportunity for businesses to research the very latest printing technology, and we look forward to the suite of Mimaki solutions on the Hybrid stand being at the very heart of the show,” Duncan concludes.

Full details of all the Mimaki products at Sign & Digital UK can be found by visiting www.hybridservices.co.uk or calling 01270 501900.

Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21st to 23rd March 2023.

DON’T MISS THE UK’S BIGGEST EVENT IN SIGNAGE, DISPLAY AND

PRINT!

SIGNAGE PRINT DISPLAY DÉCOR DESIGN

21-23 MARCH 2023 NEC, BIRMINGHAM

Discover everything needed to grow your business at the longest-running trade show for the visual communications sector.

Free to attend and with a host of new demos and features designed to inspire creativity and future-proof your business – SDUK 23 will be unmissable. Register now:

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

BLOG OF THE MONTH WHAT DOES CHAIN OF CUSTODY CERTIFIED MEAN?

Top Blogger’s Rights this month go Denmaur Independent Paper’s Media Blog who take a closer look at what it means to secure Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody (CoC) certification.

We’ve written previously about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), its goal to promote environmentally robust, economically viable and socially beneficial global forest management, and its importance in the sustainability of wood or paper products.

As a business with sustainability at its core, we understand the importance behind FSC labels. They’re a guarantee that companies along the supply and value chains will act responsibly, so we can tell the general public, with absolute

INVESTMENT, ADAPTION, OPTIMISM – 2023 PREDICTIONS

SUBMITTED BY:

SAM UPTON

The next 12 months will see plenty of opportunities for the print, paper and packaging industries, as well as an increased focus on sustainability. We gather a number of experts to make their predictions for 2023 – Simon Pilkington, UK Director, Fedrigoni

“Predicting the next 12 months remains as challenging as anticipating the events of the past few years! The uncertainty continues, and customers’ and manufacturers’ order books are the biggest concern. The country is tipping into a recession, which clearly impacts demand. Coupled with the excess stocks in the supply chain arising from the shortages and extended lead times earlier in 2022, it means that the first quarter of 2023 will be a period of readjustment. Click here to read more. www.bestblogsinprint.co.uk

confidence, that our products do not and will not harm the environment. During these times of climate crisis, that matters.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at FSC chain of custody certificates, what it means to have FSC certified materials in the supply chain and the value that certification holds for businesses. Ready? Let’s go.

What is the FSC chain of custody (CoC)? FSC chain of custody (CoC) certification extends the length of the value chain: that’s from the forest manager to the sawmill, from the paper mill manufacturer to the broker, distributor and wholesaler, and finally to the retailer and printer. Click here to read more.

www.BestBlogsInPrint.co.uk

PRESELI LAUNCH ECO FRIENDLY LANYARDS

Preseli has offered eco-friendly options for many years but for 2023 they are launching their most Eco Friendly lanyard ever. Every part of the lanyard can now be made from recycled material and be suitable for recycling or made from a sustainable material.

ECO-Break — Their new ECO BREAK is made from Wheat Straw plastic, making every element of the lanyard ECO friendly.

Materials — Preseli offer a range of ECO friendly material options for many of their lanyards. Recycled Polyester (RPET) is the most popular option but you may also choose from sustainable options such as - bamboo fibre, plant silk, hemp and organic cotton. Clips and Trims — The metal clips give strong and dependable fastening for IDs and can be recycled for future use once the lanyard is no longer required

Key Features:

• 100% Recycled webbing

• Sustainable Wheat Straw plastic

Eco-Break

• 100% Recyclable metal clip

• All components are Eco friendly

• Available in different widths

• Dye sublimated print options

• 15-20 working day lead times

www.preseli.biz

WTTB NEW RANGE IS ITS CROWNING GLORY…

King Charles III can make his presence felt at street parties and celebrations — thanks to online print platform, WTTB. The company has just unveiled its right royal range of merchandise, to help people across the UK mark the coronation.

And that includes a new addition to their highly popular “sitees” — a cardboard cut out of the King which can take pride of place at any table.

The King Charles figure is just one of a whole host of new items that WTTB has added to commemorate the landmark occasion.

The monarchy merchandise includes everything from cake boxes to hand clappers, posters to coasters and gift tags.

The new range also offers a coronation tin which would be perfect to gift with handmade biscuits in, as well as wrapping paper and gift tags. Coronation banners and badges are available, as are framed prints and selfie frames.

WTTB has added a coronation version to its extensive mug range, with a special gift box to pack it in also available. A number of printed invitation options for anyone wanting to add some formality to their party is also on offer — and will double as a lasting souvenir of the day.

Louise Stephenson, Managing Director of WTTB, believes the new range will be very well received.

“We know how popular our jubilee products were and this is another historic occasion that everyone will want to celebrate,” she said.

“We’ve come up a wide variety of royal themed merchandise which will help people to mark the day in real style and can also help to create lasting memories of an event that happens very rarely.

“At the same time we can also offer our bespoke services for anyone who has their own ideas of a particular product they want to ensure that they can mark the coronation of King Charles III in a really memorable way.”

The range of items available can be found at: www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk/products/coronation

for you to print on at Nova Chrome. Mother’s Day remains a highlight in the gifting sector, with over £1.2 billion spent on the occasion in 2022. Nova Chrome curated a selection of products that (with a touch of personalisation) are sure to make fantastic, uniquely different presents for your customers. These include bags, gift tins, teddy bears and more. www.novachrome.co.uk • 01407 720011 • info@novachrome.co.uk

UK FEATHER FLAGS FLIES INNOTECH HARDWARE

Innotech Digital has announced a two year agreement with UK Feather Flags, one of the UK’s largest flag producers, to supply their range of Acrobat Flag Hardware, including through the company’s new trade only division, UK Feather Flags Trade. By working closely with Innotech, UK Feather Flags now has a flag hardware range that is designed to meet durability standards and the business’s specific requirements.

Innotech’s Acrobat flags and bases feature lightweight yet durable fibreglass poles in multiple sizes, as well as a complete range of sturdy bases for any application. Josh Candy, Director at UK Feather Flags, says, “As a trade supplier, we deliver thousands of flag poles, bases and accessories to customers and having an agreement with Innotech gives us several key advantages. We know their flag hardware is the best around, so we can be confident that the solutions we deliver will be fit for purpose. They have developed the poles to make them smaller and easier to ship, which has resulted in significant savings on transport and delivery costs.”

Ross Bennett, Regional Sales Manager for Innotech Digital, says, “As a market leader in display hardware, this is how we like to work with our key accounts. We are delighted to partner with UK Feather Flags and have worked closely with them to develop a range of flag hardware that perfectly meets their requirements.”

Josh continues, “Turnaround time is critical in our

people down. Therefore we decided to work more closely with Innotech to design a range of products that is always available, saves us money and allows us to be more responsive to our customers. An easy choice, really.”

Innotech has built the range of products required by UK Feather Flags and ensures their stock is always there for them. “We hold very high stock levels so that they can be delivered to customers quickly to help facilitate the growth of our customers. We firmly believe in always having products ready and available off the shelf and never letting people down,” says Ross.

UK Feather Flags has a very fast turnaround, with a 48-hour guarantee. “As well as our direct customers, we get new trade enquiries daily. It made sense for us to build a trade business with the same high quality and fast turnaround levels. It also made sense to develop this relationship with Innotech. We already knew about the quality of their products, service and their huge stock holding, and by committing to them for a longer period, we can ensure continuity of supply on products that save us money and give us a competitive edge,”

He concludes, “Most importantly, we know Innotech’s Acrobat flag hardware is excellent quality and very durable. We can offer a one year warranty because we know they will never let us down.” More details on UK Feather Flags new trade only servicem visit: www.featherflagstrade.co.uk See more information on Innotech’s flag hardware at https://innotechdigital.com/ product-category/exhibition-display/flaghardware

BOOK REVIEW — THE BEST OF BOURG

CP Bourg is the first manufacturer worldwide to use the PUReONETM compact adhesive system with applicator from Nordson. This solution has been successfully integrated into the Bourg Binder BB3002 PUR-C and creates a cost effective and high performing perfect binder.

The combination of the C.P. Bourg and the Nordson advanced technology offers many advantages: a consistent and reliable performance with precise dispensing of the PUReONETM glue, clean cut-off and the highest quality creasing; an increased productivity by reducing clean-up and shortening start-up/shutdown times; deliver production flexibility by having a binder automatically adjusted to the thickness of each job up to 60 mm (2.36 in); an easy to use colour touchscreen interface (GUI) which controls all functionalities, and lower production costs by reducing waste and adhesive usage.

The BB3002 PUR-C, with its two to four kg adhesive melter, is ideal to produce on-demand full colour print books such as perfect bound photo books. The BB3002 PUR-C also allows quick production of handouts by offering the possibility to change to EVA / hot melt gluing system.

The Bourg Binder BB3102 is a fully automated perfect binding system aimed at medium-run and short-run production environments. The BB3102 combines the proven BB3002 driven at constant maximum speed (400 books/ hour) with the Bourg Book Loader (BBL), making it easy to produce a wide variety of bound softcover books, from traditional or digital print streams, with minimal operator intervention.

In less than six minutes, the operator can load up to 120 book blocks into the BBL and perform other tasks — such as packing books that have just been produced — while the BB3102 operates unattended for up to 25 minutes. The BB3102 offers the capability to use EVA/hot melt or PUR-C adhesive systems depending on the customers’ needs.

Existing BB3002 customers will be happy to know that they can upgrade their machine by retrofitting the Bourg Book Loader (BBL) to create the BB3102 and maximise their productivity (please contact a C.P. Bourg sales representative for feasibility).

TCS First for Finishing: www.tcs-fs.uk • 0115 970 2248 • sales@tcs-fs.co.uk

Josh Candy (left), Director at UK Feather Flags, with Ross Bennett, Regional Sales Manager for Innotech Digital

CP BOURG BB 3002 FULLY AUTOMATIC PERFECT BINDER

BB3102 WITH BBL BOURG BOOK LOADER

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

More accurate than taping by hand

Positioning is easily editable

Fast and easy set-up

Fully integrated with the latest versions of Zip Core software

Fully automated flatbed cutting, creasing and taping system

Tape on the X and Y axis

Saving you both time and money

Compatible on the Veloblade Volta + range

Watch Our YouTube Video

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

ABBOT PRINT

T: 01442 867600

E: sales@abbotprint.com

W: www.abbotprint.com

Manufacturers of business stationery, books and pads.

ASHGROVE TRADING

T: 01779 470606

E: info@ashgrovetrading.com

W: www.ashgrovetrading.com

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

ATLANTIC TECH

T: +44 (0)1279 638 500

E: sales@atlantic-tech.co.uk

W: www.atlantic-tech.co.uk

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

ART SYSTEMS LTD

T: 0870 224 2612

E: marketing@artsystems.ltd.uk

W: www.artsystems.co.uk

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

BAKER LABELS

T: 01277 281900

E: sales@bakerlabels.co.uk

W: www.bakerlabels.co.uk

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

CALF HEY DESIGN

T: 01484 542 795

W: www.calf-hey.com

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

CASLON LTD

T: 01727 852211

E: info@caslon.co.uk

W: www.caslon.co.uk

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

CJB PRINTING EQUIPMENT

T: 0116 2600777

W: www.cjbpe.co.uk

E: sales@cjbpe.co.uk

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

COLOURFAST GROUP

T: 01273 674321

E: sales@colourfast.co.uk

Can print and deliver for you in Brighton.

DURAWELD

T: 01723 584091

E: sales@duraweld.co.uk

W: www.duraweld.co.uk

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

ELMSTOK

T: 01945 463434

E: sales@elmstok.co.uk

W: www.elmstok.co.uk

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

FD SOLUTIONS

T: 0118 956 1740

E: sales@fdsolutions.ltd.uk

W: www.fdsolutions.ltd.uk

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

FLEXPRESS

T: 0116 267 6269

E: admin@flexpress.co.uk

W: www.Flexpress.co.uk

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

GFSMITH

T: 020 7407 6174

E: london@gfsmith.com

W: www.gfsmith.com

Paper and card suppliers of prestigious printing and presentation media.

IFS INTELLIGENT FINISHING SYSTEMS

T: 020 8997 8053

E: info@ifsl.uk.com

W: www.Ifsl.uk.com

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

LISTAWOOD PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

T: 01553 818818

E: sales@listawood.com

W: www.listawood.com

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

LISTAWOOD TRADE SUPPLIES

T: 01553 818848

E: tradesupplies@listawood.com

W: www.listawood.com

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

THE MAGAZINE PRODUCTION COMPANY

T: 01273 911730

E: info@magazineproduction.com

W:www.magazineproduction.com

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

MORGANA FINISHING SYSTEMS

T: 0800 1381 882

W: www.plockmaticgroup.com

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

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.

Foiling Baker Labels Foiling Equipment Caslon

Folders and Booklet Makers Elmstok

Folders & Files Plastic Duraweld

GBC Magna Punch ..................................................FDS Solutions

Guillotines .................................................. CJB Print Equipment

Guillotines — Manual and Electric....................................Elmstok

Heat Press Equipment ....................................... The Magic Touch

Heat Presses Listawood Trade Supplies

Horizon AFC-566F IFS Intelligent Finishing Systems

Horizon BQ-480 IFS Intelligent Finishing Systems

Horizon StitchLiner Mark 111 IFS Intelligent Finishing Systems

HP Designjets Art Systems

HP Indigo and UV inkjet labels Baker Labels

Incentive Marketing PrintOn

Indexes Duraweld

Inkjet Consumables for LFP Perfect Colours

Labels Calf Hey

Labels Premier Paper

Labels Supreme Labels

Labels – digital plain Ashgrove Trading

Labels – sheets/rolls Ashgrove Trading

Labels (Flat Sheet) ........................................................Sovereign

Systems

Finishing Products and Systems Caslon

Flyers .............................................................................Flexpress

Foliant Vega 400 IFS Intelligent Finishing Systems

Laminating Machines and Supplies, all types ..................Elmstok

Laminator Pouches & Supplies ............................................. Vivid

Labels and stickers Baker Labels

Large Format Printers Stanford Marsh

OCÉ

IMAGING SUPPLIES

Wide format materials: 0800 623 623

Small format materials: 0800 212 943

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

OKI SYSTEMS (UK)

T: 01784 274300

E: ukenquiries@okieurope.co.uk

W: www.oki.co.uk

PEN WAREHOUSE

T: 01252 400270

E: sales@pens.co.uk

W: www.pens.co.uk

Trade pen supplies.

PERFECT COLOURS

T: 0845 680 9000

W: www.perfectcolours.com

E: info@perfectcolours.com

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

PDC PRESENTATION SOLUTIONS

T: 020 8810 5770

E: sales@pdcuk.com

W: www.pdcuk.com

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

PREMIER PAPER

T: 0121 313 1115

W: www.paper.co.uk

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

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

RAFFLE TICKETS DIRECT

T: 01933 411332

E: sales@raffleticketsdirect.co.uk

W:www.raffleticketsdirect.co.uk

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

RENZ UK

T: 01707 270001,

W: www.renz.co.uk

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

ROUTE1 PRINT

T: 0114 294 5026

E: sales@route1print.co.uk

W: www.route1print.co.uk

• Free Next Day Delivery • Free 30 Point Artwork Check

• Trade Customers Only • White Label Packaging

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

SHARP ELECTRONICS (UK)

T: 020 8734 2000

W: www.sharp.co.uk

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

(SOV PRINT LTD)

T: 01443 816414

W: www.sovprint.com

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

STANFORD MARSH

T: 01905 458000

W: www.stanfordmarsh.co.uk

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

SUPREME LABELS

T: 01924 402111

W: www.supremelabels.co.uk

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

TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SERVICES

T: 01474 747575 • 01376 433300

E: info@techxerox.com

W: www.techbusserv.co.uk

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

MAGIC TOUCH (THE)

T: 01582 671444

E: sales@themagictouch.co.uk

W: www.themagictouch.co.uk

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

VIVID LAMINATING TECHNOLOGIES

T: 01530 510946

W: www.vivid-online.com.

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

XERETEC

T: 02380 574100

E: info@xeretec.co.uk

W: www.xeretec.co.uk

Xerox Technology, Document Consulting, Office Supplies

XEROX UK

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.

READERS’ SCRIBES SOMETHING TO SHARE?

LOVE YOUR FISH

For his birthday, Little Johnny’s parents gave him a bowl of goldfish. His mother carefully explains to him how much responsibility comes with owning a pet and tells him to make sure he remembers to give the fish the care they need every day.

Johnny is responsible with the fish for about one week, after which he begins forgetting to look after them, leaving his parents to feed the fish and clean the tank. After a couple of weeks, Johnny’s Mum and Dad bring the issue up to him.

“Now Johnny,” says his mother. “You have to be more responsible.”

“Do you know how many times those fish would have died if we hadn’t been there?” his father adds.

“Uhm, I don’t know,” Johnny replies. “Once?”

ADVERTISING TERMS EXPLAINED

NEW — Different colour from previous design.

ALL NEW — Parts are not interchangeable with previous design.

EXCLUSIVE — Imported product.

UNMATCHED — Almost as good as the competition.

FOOLPROOF OPERATION — No provision for adjustments.

ADVANCED DESIGN — The advertising agency doesn’t understand it.

IT’S HERE AT LAST — Rush job. Nobody knew it was coming.

FIELD TESTED — Manufacturer lacks test equipment.

HIGH ACCURACY — Unit on which all parts fit.

FUTURISTIC — No other reason why it looks the way it does.

REDESIGNED — Previous flaws fixed. We hope.

DIRECT SALES ONLY — Factory had a big argument with distributor.

YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT — We finally got one to work.

BREAKTHROUGH — We finally figured out a use for it.

MAINTENANCE FREE — Impossible to fix.

MEETS ALL STANDARDS — Ours, not yours.

TIGHT BUDGET

I spent £40 on a belt that didn’t fit. My wife said it was a huge waist.

PUNS YOU CAN PRINT

That dolphin is so rude, but it doesn’t do it on porpoise.

Why don’t cows wear sandals? Because they lactose.

Why are oysters greedy? Because they’re shellfish. Why did the cow cross the road? To get to the udder side.

Why do bees have terrible hairstyles? Because they use honeycombs.

What’s the saddest kind of bird? A bluebird. Pigs are no fun to hang around. They’re just a boar. Why can’t you accuse a cat of counting cards? Because you’ll say he’s a cheetah, and then he’ll say you’re lion.

What did the Dalmatian say after lunch? “That hit the spot!”

Why did the kid cross the playground? To get to the other slide.

POLITICS

Son: “Dad, I want to be in politics when I grow up.”

Dad: “Are you insane? Have you completely lost your mind? Are you a moron?”

Son: “Forget it, there seem to be too many requirements.”

SLEEPING PARTNER

Last night I dreamt I had an identical twin. This morning when I woke up, I was beside myself!

COUNTING COWS

My son couldn’t sleep. So I told him there are cows sleeping in the field outside.

He said: “What’s that go to do with anything?”

I replied: “Because it’s pasture bedtime.”

CALMING TROPICAL FISH

Apparently, keeping tropical fish at home can have a calming effect on the brain. Must be all the indoor-fins.

BAR STARS

Freddie Mercury, Venus Williams and Bruno Mars walk into a bar. They didn’t planet that way.

AI IN PRINT

“I’ve created a new computer that is almost human.” “You mean that it can think, feel and reason just like a human would?”

“No, but when it makes a mistake, it blames it on another computer.”

MAGICAL SPOUSE

Husband: Sorry, I broke a glass in the kitchen.

Wife: I am coming with the broom.

Husband: It’s not urgent. You can come on foot.

THE BATMOBILE

Robin: “The Batmobile isn’t starting!”

Batman: “Did you charge the battery?”

Robin: “What the hell is a tery?”

HOW ABOUT THIS ONE?

Shop assistant: How about this one?

Psychic: That shirt is too small.

Shop assistant: You didn’t even try it on?

Psychic: I’m a medium.

WHY WERE YOU FIRED?

Two salesmen were talking about work, when one asked, “So, why did your manager fire you?”

Replied the second, “You know how a manager is always standing around and watching others do the work? Well, my sales manager got jealous. People started thinking I was the manager.”

SALESFORCE

A student at a sales management school came up to a girl and hugged her without any warning.

The surprised girl said, “What was that?”

The guy smiled at her, “Direct marketing!”

The girl slapped him soundly.

“What was that?!” said the guy, holding his cheek. “Customer feedback.”

NOSEY PARKER

I fear my neighbour may be stalking me, she was googling my name last night on her computer... I saw it clearly through my binoculars!

I met a newly qualified vet… …who is now permitted to treat animals. The first job is to… …take a herd of elephants ten-pin bowling.

The NEW Morgana DigiFold Pro XL

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

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

www.plockmaticgroup.com

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