Quick Print Pro, October 2022

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 Groome

EXECUTIVE

Maureen Foulkes

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Power to the printer

Jacob Rees-Mogg has unveiled an Energy Bill Relief Scheme that will slash businesses’ energy bills in half; full story on how this works page four.

I wonder if all of our customers have worked out the true price of printing at home. With top billing being the electric, there is paper, maybe bought from the post office at £2 for 100 sheets, the ink or toner, don’t even go there.

Our small business users have to crank up the heater in the copy room, turn on the fluorescent strip lighting and lose the productivity of staff.

Worth a thought, that as we are geared up for everyone’s instant print, promoting our basic core services are due a promotion.

It is time to remind end user customers that print service providers exist to serve them, better quality, fixed budget, best practice.

Peter, Back To Basics, Foulkes

DISTRIBUTION

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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. Entire contents within this publication Copyright © 2022 Colourfast Group Limited.

Quick Print Pro is an independent publication and not affiliated with any manufacturers or suppliers. QPP

Quick Print Pro celebrates 24 years in publishing the professional print trade’s favourite magazine, formerly known as CSN Copy Shop News. Sharing best practice through both print and digital media, QPP magazine is in front of 36,000 quick print pros each month. Each day the live web version is updated with the hottest stories in frontline printing, including news, views, new products and suppliers information. Avid readers include Digital Printers, Commercial Printers, Copy Shops, On-Street Instant Printers, In-House Print Room Managers, FM and Conventional printers specialising in On-Demand, Short Run, Variable Printing, CRDs (Corporate Reprographic Departments), PSPs (Print Service Providers), Graphic Arts Businesses, Sign Suppliers and CAD Bureaus. QPP is available online and on your desk. www.QuickPrintPro.co.uk 1984-2022

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: 132100 or email

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.

Northern Collating has future proofed its service offering with a Horizon BQ-270V single clamp perfect binder from IFS. Established in 1998, the Greater Manchester operation has 20 years’ experience in print finishing including Wire-o and coil binding, collating, shrink wrapping, guillotining and drilling. After moving into perfect binding with an entry level system it decided the time was right to enhance its capabilities.

Neil Sanderson, Managing Director, explains: “We dipped our toe into the perfect binding market a couple of years ago. Then we got to the stage where we wanted to have a faster, better quality, system.”

He continues: “We liked the Horizon solution and we had heard a lot of good things about it. It is highly automated and easy to set up. Operators can jump quickly on and off it. Before we had to pre-score covers but now that is completed inline which saves time. It also seemed like parts were easy to get hold of if we ever needed to.”

Northern Collating’s 500cph Horizon BQ-270V single clamp perfect binder offers high quality perfect binding and on-demand production of variable thickness books.

It includes an automated, sensor activated digital caliper system which consistently measures book block thickness and automatically transfers this data to the binder for quick, automated set-up for books of different thicknesses. It features a large 10.4″ intelligent colour touchscreen, job programming, and a compact configuration.

It has been running well and Neil adds: “We are very pleased with it. It has helped us future proof the business. Perfect binding was not something we had pushed before but now we can. It also allows us to manage a variety of run lengths. We got a job in today that was 10 books and the customer could easily come back with 500. We can be prepared for that. We can also now confidently promote the service to customers and present ourselves as more of a one stop shop.”

www.ifsl.uk.com

ENERGY BILL RELIEF SCHEME – HOW IT WORKS

the household energy price cap was set at 34p/kWh for electricity and 10.3p/kWh for gas.

The measures, which will be applied directly to bills, will begin in October – when most small businesses renew fixed-term contracts — and will

Schools, charities, hospitals and other nondomestic organisations will also be covered by the

A parallel scheme will be established in Northern Ireland, while the Government said it will provide equivalent support to non-domestic consumers who use heating oil or alternative fuels instead of gas. But energy suppliers fear they will be unable to get the Government support delivered to business customers until November, meaning bills under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme will need to be backdated

Businesses typically have bespoke contracts with their energy suppliers and agreements can vary

Many businesses on fixed term deals have to renegotiate their agreements in time for October 1: traditionally a key anniversary for contracts in the

Jacob Rees-Mogg has unveiled an Energy Bill Relief Scheme that will slash businesses’ energy bills in half. The Business Secretary confirmed that the Government will cap bills at 21.1p per kilowatt hour for electricity and 7.5p per KWh for gas – less than half the expected cost this winter – to allay fears that thousands of small businesses could go bust without state help.

The Government will pay providers to make up theThedifference.EnergyBill

Relief Scheme only applies to the wholesale costs. Businesses pay other charges on top but these are relatively small.

This comes two weeks after the Government stepped in to cap household energy bills at £2,500 per year for two years from October. By comparison,

Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “I understand the huge pressure businesses are facing with their energy bills, which is why we are taking immediate action to support them over the winter and protect jobs and livelihoods. As we are doing for consumers, our new scheme will keep their energy bills down from October, providing certainty and peace of mind.”Investec analyst Martin Young told the Daily Telegraph that the Energy Bill Relief Scheme could cost £25bn or more, with other experts putting the price tag at £40bn.

www.smallbusiness.co.uk • Tim Adler

EFFECTIVE IMAGING ENHANCES ECO CREDENTIALS

Diversified print and sign-making business Effective Imaging has said its investment in a second HP Latex 335 printer has helped speed up production and allowed it to move into a number of new markets, all while enhancing its environmental credentials.

Based in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth, Effective Imaging was founded six years ago by Jonathan Ling, a stalwart of the print industry with more than 30 years of market experience. The business has evolved into a multi-service print provider, offering everything from signage and vehicle livery to garment printing andThisengraving.diversified

service offering has led to Effective Imaging working with a wide range of customers in a variety of sectors, which in turn has meant it has had to upgrade its equipment to meet increased demand.

Effective Imaging had initially been running a single HP Latex 335 printer, purchased from approved HP reseller Granthams, alongside two solvent machines from another manufacturer. However, this set-up was not enough to keep up with the level of demand, which led to Effective Imaging returning to Granthams to purchase a second HP Latex 335 Printer.

Installed in November last year, such has been the impact of the second HP Latex 335 printer that Effective Imaging has been able to phase out the two solvent machines, meaning it is now able to deliver high quality and planet friendly printed work to customers, courtesy of the Latex printer’s water based inks.

Not only this but Managing Director Jonathan Ling said that the additional printing firepower has meant that the company has been able to move into new markets, singling out signage and marketing materials in the events sector as a key growth area.

“One area we have moved into is events, where signage and marketing materials can be overlooked and become last minute collateral. Thanks to the HP Latex printers, we can work to tight deadlines and always deliver on time.

The HP Latex printers have helped to speed up production. By eliminating the need to gas off before lamination we are able to turn around printed work much more efficiently. Also, having multiple machines means we can run multiple projects at any one time.”

Jonathan added that the use of water based inks has opened up some markets in which there are strict rules on the use of hazardous chemicals. HP Latex printers run using water-based, non-harmful inks, and this has allowed Effective Imaging to capture niche work.

“We have particularly tried to push into work within education, care homes and the NHS,” Jonathan said. “As HP Latex inks are eco-friendly, we felt this was something to explore and promote locally.

“No matter which direction our business takes, we are confident that the HP Latex 335 printers will support us as we grow and expand. By buying printers that tick all the boxes, we will always be able to meet the needs of our customers.” www.hp.com

DR MARTENS STORE WEARS SUSTAINABLE SUBSTRATES

The interactive new Dr Martens test and learn concept store on Carnaby Street, London, exemplifies impactful, sustainable retail display, showcasing impressive POS imagery and interior branding using a range of Antalis’ large format environmental substrates.

The store design and fit out is the result of a collaboration between Leeds based specialists in wide format printing and signage, Imageco, and their client, Syn Retail. Imageco has recently become a certified Carbon Neutral Printer, helping Dr Martens meet the sustainable brief set out for the store.

The brief from Dr Martens incorporated the creation of a range of sustainable POS and interior decoration which moved away from traditional PVC-based products. Dr Martens had a clear vision for the design and sought expertise in specifying suitably sustainable materials. Antalis is committed to continuously expanding its portfolio of eco-friendly materials, and with the expert consultation support from its Specification Consultant, the selection of suitable materials for this brief was made easy.

Several products were selected from the Antalis Visual Communications range, each being more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials without compromising quality for interior decoration and signage. Katz Display Board was used for internal displays as a wood pulp, fully recyclable instore solution. Katz is manufactured using a sustainable production process that delivers quality as well as being dimensionally stable.

For the store interior, Xanita Print panels were used. Available in both Xanita Print and Xanita Kraft, the reusable and recyclable product is a lightweight, customisable, high strength fibre board which can be used for a vast array of applications, from POS and basic signage, to three dimensional structures, shop fittings, exhibitions and furniture.

The expert choice of materials means that when the store interior is updated — typically every six weeks or so — instead of being sent to landfill or for incineration, the POS and other display items can be reused or disposed of in paper recycling streams.

www.antalis.co.uk • contact@antalis.co.uk • 0370 607 9014

PROFILE OF THE MONTH: PDC PERFECT DOCUMENT CREATION

PDC provide perfect solutions for the presentation of your customers documents. Choose from a vast range of equipment and book an on-site demonstration. PDC offer complete technical and after sales support with a full range of competitively priced consumables, design and print services.

PDC provide full on-site training; technical support and maintenance to help you achieve perfect documents, every time. Visit the document binding blog and resource centre for useful advice, articles, news and opinions. • 020 8810 5770

Streamlined workflow efficiency and productivity, combined with operational transparency and reportability, will be demonstrated at the IFS finish+bind 360 event. Horizon’s latest highly automated solutions, complete with Horizon iCE LiNK, will showcase fast, connected, and responsive job completion on Wednesday October 12 and Thursday October 13 at IFS’s Hemel Hempstead showroom.

The new Horizon BQ-500 iCE Binder will run in-line with the new Horizon HT-300 iCE Trimmer. They will run alongside the new Horizon AFV-566FKT iCE Folder.Liveapplications

will include the dynamic and flexible creation of folded signatures and the binding and inline trimming of perfect bound books and PUR books.Allthree systems will demonstrate the capabilities of the Horizon iCE LiNK cloud based workflow management system. It optimises production to create a new work environment with increased efficiency and productivity.

Visitors will enjoy a full explanation of the benefits and advantages of Horizon iCE LiNK. They will see how it connects via the cloud 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. Data can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with many leading MIS systems.

As part of the workflow for the finish+bind 360 event, attendees will see live demonstrations of the Foliant Taurus 530NG B2 Laminator laminating book covers for binding, too.

Eric Keane, IFS Managing Director, explains: “finish+bind 360 will focus on the

benefits and efficiencies of automation in print finishing and binding now further enhanced by Horizon’s iCE LiNK cloud based workflow management system. They will discover more about how it enables a modern and efficient bindery to deliver the most responsive print finishing production. Attendees and existing IFS and Horizon customers’ will also benefit from offers on the Horizon iCE LiNK IoT Basic, Automated and Enterprise subscription models.”

Two demonstration sessions will be held per day. The first will run from 10:00am until 1:00pm and the second from 1:00pm until 4pm. Lunch will be provided between 12 noon and 2pm each day. To pre-register please email:

FIRST UK INSTALL OF SWISSQPRINT’S KARIBU

swissQprint’s roll to roll printer, the Karibu, is proving a game changer for Muraspec Wallcoverings, the UK based leader in bespoke and commercial wallcoverings. The UK’s first swissQprint Karibu roll to roll printer was installed at Muraspec Wallcoverings in late 2021. Since then, the Muraspec team has found it to be the perfect addition to its wallcoverings print fleet, as the Karibu’s flexibility and productivity enables the development of new and enhanced products and services for clients.

Muraspec has a heritage dating back to the 1850s and from its UK facility in Kent, designs and manufactures a wide range of wallcoverings using both traditional gravure and large format digital inkjet printing. The business provides a range of leading clients and brands across the hospitality, healthcare, retail, commercial and residential sectors around the world.

While digital print has been an integral part of Muraspec’s 24-hour production for years, the business immediately saw the opportunity that the launch of the Karibu offered. The ability to produce high impact print on a roll to roll machine at up to 3.4 metres wide, combined with swissQprint’s name for quality and reliability made the decision an easy “swissQprintone.

is well known for the build quality of its flatbed printers,” said John Langfield, Muraspec’s Design Process and Digital Manager. “Therefore, as soon as the Karibu was introduced, I knew that if it was as good as its flatbed cousins, I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

As an international leader in the luxury bespoke contract and residential wallcoverings industry,

Muraspec is constantly exploring the use of new embellishments that can be applied to pre-printed stock patterns. The Karibu’s nine colour channels can be configured with a wide range of speciality inks including bright orange, neon yellow and pink, white and varnish, creating opportunities for a host of new effects and outcomes.

The ability to handle and over print pre-printed stock patterns with properties and textures is also helping the company win new contracts, as its designers look at new ways of creating more visual impact. In addition, with its X-Control movable beam, the print bed acts like a small flat bed for producing the latest samples or test prints, quickly andPrinteasily.product samples are now a breeze with as many 30 samples sent out every day, quickly, efficiently and to the highest print standards.

“Being able to cut a full width piece of material and place it straight onto the print bed, without having to feed a roll, and print off a sample in under a minute was an instant winner. The time

With the ability to print up to 212 m2/h, an extended range of colours and the ability to process virtually any roll material quickly and reliably, the 3.4 m wide Karibu has already become the productivity flagship of Muraspec’s print fleet.

Commenting on the install, swissQprint’s managing director, Erskine Stewart, said: “We are delighted that Muraspec Wallcoverings has become the first UK business to experience the benefits that our Karibu roll to roll printer delivers. From its nine colour channels through to its high productivity, the combination of the reliability and quality is making it the roll to roll wide format inkjet press of choice.”Johnadded: “From enhanced capabilities and ease of operation to greater productivity and reliability, there are no areas of our business that the Karibu doesn’t impact on positively. It is clear that swissQprint understands our industry in a way that few, if any, other brands do.”

www.swissqprint.co.uk

KONICA MINOLTA LAUNCHES

ACCURIOPRESS 6272P PRESS

Konica Minolta has unveiled the AccurioPress 6272P press to help customers rethink monochrome print possibilities. Commercial printers, print for pay services and central in-house printing facilities are all major target markets for the fully configured digital production press.

Dual engine technology where over 15,000 images an hour can be printed in one integrated production process is at the heart of Konica Minolta’s newly launched machine. The tandem engine AccurioPress 6272P is the further development of the well established AccurioPress 613P, where two engines are connected via the tandem relay unit TD-502 to double the benefits and sustain today’s high volume monochrome printing environment.

The unique combination provides twice the speed and double the productivity, as well as undisturbed printing without bottlenecks or shutdowns. Independent front to back alignment and a distortion adjustment function ensure accurate duplex registration. The optional Intelligent Quality Care Unit IQ-501 maintains consistent and stable quality without complexity. The standard paper cooling system enables all output to be processed immediately offline after printing.

The newly developed pass-through mode secures the production in the rare case of a machine error. Another benefit is that, with the TD-502, customers can upgrade their existing AccurioPress 6136P and enhance productivity doubling it to that of the AccurioPress 6272P.

Other features for the Konica Minolta AccurioPress 6272P include:

• Vacuum paper feeding for smooth paper processing throughout the production process. For offset pre-printed and coated stock, as well as under conditions of high humidity, an optional heating unit can be added as a further enhancement.

• The Screen-Enhancing Activity Digital (S.E.A.D) for advanced colour processing.

• Simitri HD toner to ensure highest image quality as well as razor sharp reproduction of text and line drawings.

• Paper weights of between 40 and 350 grammes in sizes up to 324x483mm.

Konica Minolta’s own controller technology, as well as powerful software tools such as AccurioPro offering advanced functionality and full connectivity from input to output.

Malcolm Smith, Category Manager of Production & Industrial Print, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd stated, “Many years of knowledge and global expertise are combined in the TD-502 tandem relay unit to ensure that this system fulfils customer demands in high volume printing environments.

The Konica Minolta AccurioPress 6272P will provide another key pillar in our growing production press portfolio for our customers to maximise and ignite the print opportunities that are everywhere.”

Malcolm added: “This launch is also another example of how we are supporting the digital transformation of our clients’ companies by sector and industry, through advanced automation, fewer human touch points and higher productivity with tangible effects leading to increased, high quality output with less waste.”

www.konicaminolta.co.uk

HP REVOLUTIONARY NEW PAGEWIDE WEB PRESS

HP has introduces the new HP PageWide Advantage 2200 series press. Designed to meet the needs of print service providers of all sizes, this revolutionary press offers industry leading productivity with quality, and media versatility for those in publishing, direct mail, and commercial print, to help grow their business.

“This new PageWide Advantage platform is a game changer for the commercial print industry,” said Annette Friskopp, Global Head and General Manager at HP PageWide. “HP has listened to our customers, and we realise ease of use and up-time are critical success factors. This new press offers configurations to enable customers to optimise the press for their quality, productivity, versatility, and economics to grow their digital production businesses.”

The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 offers:

• Heightened Productivity and Capacity: The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 is capable of speeds up to 500 ft/min colour and 800 ft/min mono and printing high coverage jobs at up to 90 million US letter sized mono images per month or 214,000 personalised A3 colour duplex sheets per shift. Recognising the growing need to print postcards and other applications with thicker stock, this new press delivers game changing productivity for high impact, full coverage jobs.

• Top Notch Quality: With the ability to print using HP Brilliant Ink and 2400 native nozzle per inch printheads, this press offers top notch quality to address a wide range of higher value applications, from more colourful trade and educational books to high coverage, impactful direct mail pieces that differentiate clients in the market.

• Leading Versatility: The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 handles a wide range of media weights from 40 gsm (27 pound) up to 300gsm/14-point stocks, giving printers the versatility they need.

• Reliability & Ease of Use: The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 includes a revolutionary single print arch design with an innovative, robust paper path with fewer components, reducing the number of parts to manage and therefore overall maintenance and servicing time, increasing reliability and maximising uptime.

• Flexibility: Designed to offer configuration flexibility, this press features a modular design for customers to start with a lower capacity machine and enhance the machine as their

business grows or their application mix shifts. Customers can select one, two, or three dryer modules along with passive or active web cooling modules to fit their needs. In addition, the HP PageWide Advantage 2200 features a compact single engine duplex design, providing high quality and productivity while saving floor space for customers.

• Energy Efficient Technology: The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 comes equipped with HP’s innovative High Efficiency Drying (HED) system that minimises power usage at higher print speeds by recirculating up to 80% of the air heated during the drying process (based on internal HP data and testing.

Initial testing was performed on March 4, 2020. Test procedure: Exhaust flow rates were measured under various exhaust damper conditions (open, closed, 10% open)). These exhaust flow rates were then compared to the overall fan air circulation flow rates to determine the percent of air that is exhausted.

The HP PageWide Advantage 2200 is expected to be commercially available worldwide on October 19, 2022. www.hp.com

NEW XEIKON HYBRID PRINT AND CONVERTING PRESSES

Hybrid presses can be defined as label presses that incorporate two or more printing processes (digital and conventional) in-line with finishing units (varnishing, spot colour printing, slitting, die-cutting and different embellishment techniques). Hybrid solutions benefit a label printer and converter with medium to long runs with either limited variation in converting (die cutting, slitting) and/or the need to add conventionally produced features e.g spot varnish, cold foil.

Today the standalone digital presses and standalone converting line address the largest part of the market. To expand the growth potential of digital, new solutions are needed. Unavoidably, this will convert conventional printed work into digital production through cost optimisation. Think of larger volumes of SKUs with the same die-cut shape, full colour jobs which hold a static embellishing element. These can be printed more effectively with a conventional process and then enriched with digital full colour printing. Trends in the market indicate luxury brands benefit from what their print provider offers; shorter runs, more versions and variations, variable text or graphics, and personalisation allowing much greater freedom of creativity. Nevertheless, they do not want to give in to brand identity which can be visualised through embellishing elements. Not unlike luxury brands, promotional brands are too looking to find better ways of connecting with consumers through the use of e-commerce.

Xeikon is launching a fully digital hybrid solution based on its (1) digital press (Cheetah or Panther series), the recently developed (2) Xeikon Label Converting Unit (LCU) and (3) Xeikon’s X-800 digital front-end. This solution can be configured to the needs of the converter and becomes a powerful production system enabling label converters to step up their productivity whilst remaining fully flexible for all their customers’ needs.

The main values of their hybrid label solution are:

• From substrate to ready-label: a complete, single-pass production process flow

• Eliminates a number of production steps resulting in higher productivity

• Reduces waste and setup time

• Opens up new business opportunities

Fiery, the digital front end (DFE) server and print workflow business of graphic arts technology company Electronics For Imaging, Inc., has introduced powerful new cloud capabilities and additional productivity enhancements for print businesses in the new version 6.8 of the EFI Fiery Command WorkStation® job management solution.

An EFI IQ cloud integration gives Command WorkStation users the ability to back up and restore their customised user interface settings, local presets, and imposition templates. With a click of a button, they can invite other Command WorkStation users in their print shop, or at other company locations, to download and install common settings and resources. A shop can optimise Command WorkStation for all users even in multiple locations for a faster and more flexible way to consistently manage jobs with the confidence that their configurations are saved securely in their company’s EFI IQ cloud account.

EFI IQ CLOUD CAPABILITIES FOR BETTER BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

With the same EFI IQ account, managers can easily take advantage of cloud applications to extract value from their print shop data to minimise bottlenecks, optimise equipment utilisation, and track performance by shift. Features available at no charge for use with an unlimited number of cut-sheet digital printers include:

• EFI IQ Dashboard, an application that provides a personalised view of printer status, consumables and job status right now;

• EFI Insight, an application that helps managers transform print production trend data into actionable analytics that drive business improvement;

• EFI Notify, an application that delivers alerts for production blocking events and enables automatic production report distribution; and

“At Xeikon we take customer input seriously. Our solutions are cloud connected providing us with a lot of data on how the equipment is performing. This results in the ability to provide more automation in combining production runs to increase efficiency”, explains Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s VP of Marketing, ‘’That is why, along with the presses, we develop fully digital converting and embellishing products such as the Xeikon LCU which can be configured into hybrid print and converting solutions.”

Xeikon hybrid solutions can hold both Xeikon’s Cheetah (dry toner) as well as Panther (UV inkjet) technologies hence all end use applications can be addressed through this offering.

Dry toner is the proven technology for all applications requiring adherence to high food safety standards while delivering the highest, matte finished quality and achieving high quality on standard natural paper substrates (wine and spirits). Now the second generation Cheetah technology is used in Xeikon’s current dry toner digital presses.

Xeikon’s UV inkjet Panther Technology was introduced in 2017, with a specific focus on labels across industries requiring high durability including the health and beauty markets. These applications make use of the key benefits of the unique features of UV inkjet such as scratch, scuff, and rub resistance.

“Some of our customers call a hybrid solution the best of both worlds”, continues Filip Weymans, ”All developments at Xeikon fit into our mantra of digitising label manufacturing with the purpose of enabling label converters to develop a profitable and sustainable future proof business.” www.xeikon.com

The latest version of EFI Fiery Command WorkStation is available for download at no charge at www.efi.com/cws. For more about advanced digital print production, visit www.efi.com INTEGRATION WITH IQ CLOUD SERVICES

• EFI Go, a mobile app that delivers EFI IQ dashboard metrics, notifications and more to busy managers to monitor operations even while they are not on site. “This new version of Command WorkStation is a significant milestone in our strategy to improve Fiery capability with EFI IQ cloud services,” said John Henze, vice president of sales and marketing, EFI Fiery. “Using the familiar Command WorkStation interface, users can now access cloud services to better manage both their print jobs and their business.”

NEW ENHANCEMENTS FOR MORE EFFICIENT, FASTER JOB MANAGEMENT

Print businesses also gain important flexibility and faster job set up by using the new selective preset capability in Command WorkStation 6.8. Now, users can define settings that only apply to specific aspects of a job, leaving all other original settings untouched. Using server presets can reduce the time it takes to prepare incoming files and get jobs ready for production by 80%.

Additional features in version 6.8 are being well received by customers. As Darin Lerbs, Production Print Solutions Architect at Marco, an EFI reseller and technology services company located in Minneapolis, commented: “It’s great to see several of my, and my customers’, suggested features in this new Command WorkStation release. For me, being able to rearrange Fiery servers in the server list and easily see server IP addresses helps a great deal. And my customers are going to love the ability to see how long it’s going to take for a job to complete printing — that’s really going to help them plan their workload.”

NEW HORIZON ROLL TO SADDLESTITCHING BOOKLET SYSTEM

StitchLiner Mark V. The next evolution of the successful StitchLiner saddlestitching family achieves high quality inline or near line booklet production at speeds of up to 6,000 booklets per hour.

Attention has been paid to increased productivity and flatter finished stitched booklets with the development of the unique ACF-50D accumulator and folder overlapping transport mechanism. Other features include:

• Expanded format size to meet A4 landscape and large format calendar production.

• Ability to manage a wider range of formats and substrates, including A4 landscape booklets at over 5,000 booklets per hour.

• Consistent high quality production with

without any operator intervention.

• Flexible insertion of up to three sheets anywhere in the booklet with the optional CF-50D cover feeders which also feature split feeding tables for reliable feeding of uneven or folded sheet stacks.

• Compatibility for in-line configuration with TECNAU c50 Revolution 50 and c20 high-speed rotary cutters and the Hunkeler cs8 cutter. The new system incorporates Horizon’s cloud based iCE LiNK workflow which uses cloud technology to automate workflow from upstream toItpost-press.providesaccess to an intuitive easy to use dashboard that reports real time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities and scheduled

StitchLiner family brings with it next generation level automation,” says Eric Keane, IFS Managing Director. “Horizon has developed a highly productive system that can seamlessly handle variable page booklet applications from the latest roll-fed inket web presses. Easy to use and fast to set up it is perfectly positioned to responsively manage a wide range of work in any busy production environment.”

IFS Technical Sales Director, Jason Seaber, adds “The New Horizon StitchLiner Mark V is more compact by design and uses new servo-drive technologies for even faster job make readies. Sheets and covers are scored and plow-folded individually to produce flatter and higher quality saddle-stitched booklets from pre-printed reels or in-line with inkjet web presses.

The iCE StitchLiner Mark V is available now. www.ifsl.uk.com

Nottingham based specialist systems distributor and service provider ArtSystems has announced the immediate UK availability of Neschen easy dot PET transparent L-UV printable film. The new PVC-free, eco-friendly polyester 75 μm film has been designed to create crystal clear advertising messages on glass and other flat, smooth surfaces and will sit within ArtSystems’ new ‘Go Green’ product portfolio. Suitable for both short- and mid-term graphics, the media is easy to handle and durable for up to two years

Neschenindoors.easydot

PET matt L-UV is more environmentally friendly than conventional films as it is up to 40% lighter in weight, hence is cheaper to transport and leads to less waste post usage. To add to its eco-credentials, it contains 25% of post consumer recycled (PCR) content.

On the new introduction, John Draycott, Marketing Manager at ArtSystems, says: “This new film incorporates Neschen’s proven water based, solvent free easy dot adhesive technology ensuring easy bubble free application and residue free removal.

“This dimensionally stable film is compatible with Latex and UV curable inks and is ideal for indoor applications such as trade show graphics, sales

promotions, POS advertising, and much more.” Neschen easy dot PET transparent L-UV film has been HP-certified for use with Latex and UV inks, has an EN 13501 certification, and achieves the best possible fire protection class for polymer films

(B-S1,d0).Itisavailable from ArtSystems, with immediate effect, in widths of 137.2 cm and lengths of 50m and 10m.

www.artsystems.co.uk

PIXEL PROPHET NOT FOR FAINT-HEARTEDTHE

Always topical this column. Last month Martin Christie talked about the increasing use of artificial intelligence in all aspects of life and the importance of recognising and addressing it. Since then, a number of news items have popped up on his feeds, no doubt partly due to that very machine learning process that directs him to things he might be interested in and vice versa.

Whatever the case, resistance to the relentless march of the appliance has spread through art and also photography, with a number of galleries and exhibitions refusing to acknowledge computergenerated images as anything honestly creative and refusing to display them.

That’s not going to change the world, but it may make a few more people think, which was part of my recommendation here. But of course, we can’t avoid using AI as it has become so much a part of everything we do, but the key is to be aware of it and what it is doing and question whether it is the best way of creating solutions and whether there are alternatives.

I remember watching a documentary on the artist David Hockney over ten years ago when he had been smitten by the appearance of the then-new iPad and was using it to make his art on the tablet. I did wonder then whether it could be considered proper art compared to his better-known painted work. But then one of Hockney’s primary considerations seemed to be that because it was backlit, he could work while sitting in bed! Little did he know the can of worms he was opening with his patronage.

My concern was that, as a photographer, I had just survived the first decade of digital imaging when the very worst of Photoshop had had full reign. Not Adobe’s fault; they had simply provided the platform and the tools. But a whole new generation of camera users had arrived who had no previous experience or skills, empowered by the fact that you could just point and shoot and if you didn’t like the results, just press delete. Worse still, if you didn’t like the first results, you could try and get creative on the computer. Having worked professionally with film for twenty years, the concept of just snapping away till you came up with something that worked was totally alien. Getting it right — or as close as possible — the first time was everything.

To make matters worse, because it was still something of a novelty — and no one had seen anything better — a good many of the computer-generated creations looked like a plasticine nightmare, and people just plastic puppets. Of course, it was a time when people still thought Windows Word Art was pretty neat too!

Fortunately, creativity has moved on since then, but so has the machine. The justification of increasing AI is not to replace the human imagination but to free it from the more mundane, repetitive tasks to concentrate on the important ones. But I am old enough and cynical enough to remember that we were told computers would take so much of the drudgery out of our working lives, the biggest worry would be what to do with all our leisure time! Whatever happened to that promise? The machines may do most of the leg work, but you can’t walk away and put your feet

Youup.need to let the electronics do what it does best and let human judgement and experience do the rest. The problem is the latter are not things easily taught, more gained in years of example, so the temptation is to simply rely on the former.

If you read last month’s column, you may recall the example of an old Victorian photo restored patiently by an expert and one fixed in seconds by Photoshop’s new neural colour filters. Of course, that was never going to be a fair contest, but the limitations of instant AI are clearly visible.

Since then, I’ve been able to install and try out more of these features with a Beta version of Photoshop, titled Strawberry Letter, to identify the version rather than sequential numbers. This is a chance to try out future updates and provide feedback to the Adobe community about any issues — a bit of basic human learning. One of the new filters is Photo Restoration — something I do a lot of, the

Download Beta versions from Creative Cloud App way and which is one of the biggest challenges for any automated action that relies on easily identifiable features often disguised in faded areas and ancient chemical stains.

Not unexpectedly, as with the colouriser, some things it does remarkably well, and others equally badly.

The biggest problem with all of the new Neural Filters — and an expanded list is shown here in the Beta workspace — is that there is little, if any, option for manual adjustment. It’s entirely AI controlled, so you get what it wants. You can save it as an adjustment layer to apply edits in the usual way afterwards, but that is not much in the way of time-saving for a good many images. For some, it will work efficiently, but it does seem a bit random unless you have a binary brain. Then I’m sure it all makes sense.

Reviews online seem to come up with the same conclusion: the good, the bad and the ugly, so I do recommend you try it and see if you can find a pattern that works so you will know when to call on it and when not to bother. In the shown example, with very clearly defined cuts and scratches, it does a pretty good job while inevitably softening facial features. You can send your feedback directly to Adobe and at least play some small part in directing a process which will be the future, whether we like it or not.

As commercial printers, we represent a small but important customer base. We have been using Photoshop for a long time and are likely to do so in the future long after others have migrated away to more simple apps. We need its complex and comprehensive image manipulation qualities because we deal with more complicated tasks.

Popping a filter on a phone image to share on social media is easy, but preparing a file for print at any size is a whole different situation. I find that while a lot of advice from pundits online is very useful, they are generally working with their own or submitted images, which are usually fairly good sources in the first place. I have yet to

see them tackle the dog’s dinner of customer files we have to tackle daily. And, of course, if it doesn’t look good in print, it’s our fault, not their incompetence. It was a very expensive phone, after all!

A good example of combining advanced computer intelligence with an adjustable human interface is Nik Software which has been around for a long time as a plug-in for Photoshop or as a standalone. I’ve been using the original version for over ten years and was finally convinced to upgrade to the latest version recently as it’s a significant improvement. A single payment covers any future updates. The Nik suite is actually ten individual filters, each suited to particular tasks. Color Efex is the most comprehensive for colour images, and there is a more refined filter Viveza for even more precise tonal control. There is also Silver Efex for monochrome and Analogue for simulated traditional film cameraDefinestyles.copes with noise reduction, and there are two sharpening filters, one for input and one for output, particularly relevant for printing where there are presets for printer resolution, viewing distance etc. HDR and Perspective filters are fairly selfexplanatory.Sotheobvious question is, why pay for an extra piece of software when you can already have most of these functions in Photoshop or Lightroom? After all, these are already heavily laden with features, many of which I have tried to reveal in these columns. Nik isn’t an alternative, although it can be used independently. It is designed to work complementary to expand potential, and because it uses lots of pre-installed presets with thumbnail previews, you can easily see if one suits the direction in which you want to go. Once selected, that preset is then open to a good range of adjustments to increase or decrease its effect. That can be saved and applied quickly to other images if you are editing several similar ones.

Presets are available in Lightroom and Camera Raw in Photoshop, and there are many plug-ins available to download

that you can add to this library. What’s different with Nik is that it uses its own intelligent software to do the fine-tuning rather than Adobe’s Sensei. Long before the latter was introduced, Nik was using what it called U-point technology with control points that work a little like a mask, or a selection tool, isolating particular pixels and adjusting them in various ways.

If you make selections in PS or Lightroom, you will know that often you have to try different tools to find which works best or even resort to manual sculpting of areas you want to work on. More recently, these selections have got much more refined as a result of AI, and automated selections of sky and subject, for example, are pretty impressive. But there are times when a slip of the mouse or pen just gathers up a lot more than expected, and you have to work backwards step by step. Even with automated selections, there are often little isolated pockets that are easily missed on the screen and have to be removed by hand.

Nik has been using its control point selection for over a decade and is now even better and more precise. But a word of caution, this is not for the faint-hearted. If you are already struggling to get your head around everything Adobe offers, this is probably not for you. Even as a user of ten years, I am still learning all the new features, and they

are complicated simply because the task is complicated. Remember that modern digital images files are packed with pixels that have an integrated relationship with each other. This is not painting by numbers, where you can just add a drop of cyan or magenta. As a printer, if you are outputting files that contain many thousands of colour points, it’s important to have as much control as possible before you hand it over to the machine that actually does the printing.

So I’m not going to show any examples of how Nik works; there’s not enough space here, but you can get a thirty-day free trial. It includes lots of online help and a well-established community of faithful users who can also share experiences and tips. There are lots and lots of examples of all types too. Like most photo editing software, it is primarily aimed at photography rather than print, but control of the image is crucial in either discipline.

Try it and let me know what you think.

https://nikcollection.dxo.com/download

Beta feedback

New Beta Neural Filters

Photo restoration can work well

Nik

Kernow Coatings has announced the recent appointment of Steve Gulliford as Operations Director. Steve joins Kernow Coatings to help continue to drive business growth and operational efficiency in a global media market.

Steve brings a wealth of experience from 30 years in print, substrate production and high volume manufacturing environments. He has held a range of roles including quality, technical design, and site leadership, including 17 years with the leading banknote producer — De La Rue.

Steve adds “I am really pleased to have joined Kernow Coatings. This is an exciting time for our global business and our industry, and I am looking forward to working with the team and with our customers. We will be focussed on key process efficiency gains, developing a platform for growth, and continuing to work to delight our customers every step of the way.”

PROPACK ANNOUNCES NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

direct mail solutions provider to spearhead the firm’s commitment to developing an outstanding service delivery model and improving quality and efficiency throughout its team andHeprocesses.previously held the role of Operations Director at digital print and direct mail agency Gecko and has a wealth of industry experience, having started his career with a printing apprenticeship upon leaving school.

the last few years so jumped at the chance to get involved with what the team is creating. It’s a really exciting time.“The recent investments made by Propack and its capabilities for targeting and segmentation are top notch and this is an area where the print industry can work hand in hand with digital communications to propel our industry forward for years to come.”

Andy has joined the technology led print and

Speaking of his new role, Andy said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Propack team and can’t wait to get stuck in. I have been impressed with the company’s growth and progress over

Managing director of Propack, Jason Clough, added: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the team. His impressive CV and clear vision for the Propack brand will be a real asset to

“Andy’s appointment is an important step for us, underpinning our commitment to ensuring our processes, from start to finish, produce the best possible results in terms of quality, ethics, sustainability andPropackefficiency.”produces in excess of 25 million technology led print and direct mail packs per year, working with a range of both B2C and B2B clients, with sector specialisms in retail, charity, travel and automotive. Its current client list includes global household brands like Moonpig, Mercedes Benz and Sue Ryder.

The Swiss developer and producer of high end large format printers is celebrating its 15th anniversary. What began as a six man operation has since blossomed into an internationally active company with 200 employees.

It was on 17 September 2007 that Reto Eicher, Roland Fetting and Hansjörg Untersander had the swissQprint company entered in the commercial register. With a crew of six, the company was under way. Already on board was the present CEO, Kilian Hintermann. The following year, notwithstanding the financial crisis then in full swing, the team launched the first swissQprint flatbed printer.

Impressive growth: swissQprint has since grown to employ around 200 people. 130 of them, the founders included, work at headquarters in Kriessern, Switzerland. Just under 70 employees do duty at subsidiaries in Germany, Spain, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the USA and Japan. The company continued its growth through the pandemic years and pressed ahead with development projects. The latest product is Kudu, a high end printer launched in May this year.

machines stays seated in Switzerland. Company headquarters also recently began managing sales to the Swiss home market.

printers, with their efficiency that generates high added value.

www.swissqprint.com

asappointmentwww.kernowcoatings.comofAndyCromackOperationsDirector.

EFI

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DIGITAL INVESTMENT?PRESS—PART II

By John Henze of EFI

In Part One of this article (visit, p18, QPP September 2022), we covered some of the business challenges the industry is facing today and reported on feedback we received during a recent survey of printing companies like yours. We also explained how an effective DFE such as EFI Fiery can help prepress departments be more productive and profitable.

In Part Two, we take a look at how EFI Fiery helps make production more efficient and the importance of on-going training for your staff in ensuring continuing improvement over time.

Here, we start with one of the operations most in demand from printing companies, variable data printing, that can also be error prone and very time consuming. Let’s see how EFI Fiery can help change that, as well as explore other tools and capabilities spanning the production process.

VARIABLE DATA PRINTING

Get personalised jobs out faster with Fiery VDP processing technology. Whether you need to produce a simple direct mail postcard project or a complex crossmedia campaign, Fiery technology ensures that your VDP jobs will process quickly and accurately, satisfy your customers’ demands and meet tight deadlines.

In fact, you can RIP VDP jobs two to 50 times faster than other digital front ends. During the recent survey we conducted among printing companies, we were surprised at how many leave VDP production in prepress, sending extremely large files to the RIP which take a long time to process. In these instances, each personalised version is its own PDF file with images and other variables included. With Fiery VDP tools, images and other objects that are reused are only RIPed once and then cached for future use, significantly reducing file size and processing time.

COLOUR MANAGEMENT

One survey respondent told us that when there are colour issues, they go back to prepress and adjust the file. What if that could be done automatically to prevent the

colour issues in the first place? How much time and material would that save? That respondent admitted this was likely due to lack of knowledge and that perhaps they should look into how to better manage colour!

Fiery colour management tools give you maximum control over colour quality. ICC-based colour management technology is integrated in every Fiery server and works directly with advanced controls in Fiery Command WorkStation. Fiery Color Profiler Suite is integrated with the Fiery server to create best in class ICC output profiles for each substrate in a few simple steps. Fiery JobExpert adds intelligent automation technology which saves your staff valuable production minutes in job setup time by automatically choosing the right colour and imaging settings based on elements in the PDF file. It enables less experienced staff to produce optimal output like a pro.

One large in-plant noted, “Fiery is definitely a better solution. We take our colour to extreme levels and Fiery was a better fit in that regard than other options we looked at.”

PROCESSING

This was an area we found quite interesting as we spoke to printing companies for this research. The natural inclination for many companies is to combine their new digital printer with the least expensive option. While this has a short term benefit, it can have long term ramifications that significantly diminish productivity. The embedded servers have less processing power than external servers; and as files get more complex, processing time increases, reducing throughput on the printer.

As a technical support professional at one of the print franchises explained, “What I have found is the one time initial cost of an upgraded Fiery is well worth the investment because of the impact on labour. When you use embedded, it takes a lot of time to RIP or open for preview or do modifications. The impact for that time for labour

is devastating. I tell everyone, people are one of your highest costs. If you can make a one time investment to save you time that’s what you should do.” This franchise organisation recommends making that one time investment in the most powerful Fiery DFE available for the chosen press.

FINISHING

Most modern finishing equipment can be automatically set up by reading barcodes. Fiery Impose templates can include barcodes and registration marks recognisable by finishing equipment from a wide range of suppliers. These instruct the finisher on how to position its blades, cutters, and creasers to finish the document appropriately. There is no question that the most expensive waste is in the Bindery, and quickly and accurately setting up equipment can minimise that waste.

GETTING UP TO SPEED

We’re all busy these days; taking time out to sit through training seems like it can be put off till employees have more time. But that is a mistake. As we have discussed here, just taking advantage of the tools that come standard with Fiery can save a great deal of time and labour. But only if staff is aware of them and knows how to use them effectively. As one of our survey respondents recommended, “The best way for an owner or manager to get people to take advantage of the resources is to challenge your operator on a task, and through task execution they educate themselves, and they will have to read to do that. It has a real end game to it. It will make their life easier and learning to achieve a specific task tends to stay with a person longer than if they are just randomly reading training materials.”

Another respondent stated, “When

we installed our digital press, the technician spent six hours training us on Fiery and the press, and we still only knew about 50% of what it all could do.” This reinforces the need for on-going investments in training, both to increase staff knowledge base and to keep up with new features and capabilities. It’s not a one and done thing.

Yet another respondent compared Fiery to Adobe PDF, saying, “A PDF is a PDF. It’s an industry standard. The same applies to EFI Fiery.”

In almost all cases, our respondents noted that regardless of which manufacturer they acquired their printer from, one of the benefits of Fiery is that operators are already familiar with it and the learning curve is minimal. Many, in fact, stated that having a Fiery DFE is a requirement for any digital printer investment, both because of the benefits it brings, and because staff does not need to learn an entirely new interface. As one owner said, “Once I understood how to use Fiery, it was pretty much a no-brainer to keep the sameTheresystem.”areagreat number of resources available online through EFI, especially our EFI Communities page and our Learning@EFI (learning.efi.com) training offerings. Every business has promising people who lack the skills to move ahead. But on the job training can disrupt production and take time from existing operators. Learning@EFI has a variety of ways to make it easy and quick to train existing staff or new hires to meet your needs.

With over 400 educational resources, Learning@EFI includes short express videos and how to guides focused on key Fiery features or processes, webinars that cover in-depth concepts such as optimising workflows and improving print quality through colour management, and e-learning courses that provide comprehensive learning on Fiery products,

All these learning tools help develop skillset and increase productivity. Best of all, these materials can be accessed anytime, anywhere on our learning platform so print professionals can learn at their convenience. www.efi.com

FESTIVE PLANNING

PRINT EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s never too early to print all things festive. Your customers are already print planning for Christmas cards, calendars, wrapping paper, and decorations. EML are proud your traditional festive favourites, along contacting the EML

www.presco.eu • 01793 716300

CHRISTMAS WITH ELF EYES

Sensory Retreats, supplier of awardwinning self-heating eye masks, has launched a magical wellbeing product in time for Christmas 2022.Transport your little one to a festive land this Christmas with Elf Eyes, the self-heating eye masks suitable for children of all ages that promote wellbeing, positivity, and a healthy sleep routine.

Before you open the pack, tap the packet three times, and say, ‘Elf Eyes come alive, sparkle and shine, warm up and be mine’. Place the eye mask over their eyes, ask them to count to 30 and let the warm magic take their mind to a safe and dreamy place.

Each pack comes with a mindful colouring-in sheet, meditation tips, elf story ‘The Lost Wish’ and a chance to win a trip to Lapland for a family of four. Elf Eyes are available individually for RRP £3.95. www.sensoryretreats.com

PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS PACKAGING NOW!

Boost your Christmas sales with great BoxMart brand-boosting packaging. BoxMart are here for all your festive packaging needs — get in touch now and find out more about our award-winning bespoke packaging service, easy printed packaging options and wide range of off-the-shelf packaging products.

From hampers, postal packaging and gift boxes with next day shipping to fully bespoke, made-to-order packaging — our UK made, fully recyclable boxes can be delivered in time for the critical festive retail period. Need any help? Call on 01543 480 163. www.boxmart.co.uk Carol the Presco

The NEW Morgana DigiFold Pro XL

Fast. Accurate. Flexible. Productive.

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.

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

Arjowiggins has launched a dynamic global campaign to spotlight Rives: its classic world renowned paper range whose raison d’être is the pleasure of touch and texture. Created with design agency BVD of Stockholm, the ‘I am Rives/ Je suis Rives’ campaign sheds fresh light on the exceptional quality and printability of both Rives and Rives Sensation, as well as the French paper making heritage of the collection. The campaign features a bespoke pack of printed samples, a new visual campaign, and a suite of digital assets bringing the tactility of the collection to life.

Jose-Anne d’Auvergne, Head of Marketing at Arjowiggins stated: “With digital communication dominating our lives, high quality paper — whether it’s used in books, packaging, or stationery — is uniquely placed to satisfy people’s hunger for tactility. Our customers increasingly seek paper products with a memorable tactile twist and Rives presents the perfect antidote to intangibility.”

The new ‘I am Rives’ sample book features a set of ten cards demonstrating the striking results of an array of print processes — offset, digital, embossing/ debossing, hot-foil, and silkscreen — on the full range of Rives textures. French/English bilingual quotes linking back to the name of each paper, such as ‘I am all dressed up in Tweed’; ‘I am Laid back’; ‘I am into Design’, suggest that Rives is so much more than just

a paper range; it’s a whole persona.

PAPERGRAPHICS NEW DIGIMURA DESIGN ARJOWIGGINSCOLLECTIONLAUNCHES

“We decided to make the textures the heroes of the campaign,” says Rikard Ahlberg, design director and partner at BVD. “The combination of these with different printing techniques and unique typesettings and layouts for each card within the sample book gives each paper its own character within the visual persona of Rives.”

Two foldout posters feature stunning high resolution photography of a light splitting prism to display the superior print performance of Rives Sensation’s gloss and ultra-matt finishes. The campaign also uses super close up imagery to make the paper live in the digital space, for example,

two motion clips, for use on social media that take viewers on a journey across the surface of each of Rives’ eight textured surfaces. All in all the campaign reveals the many facets and supreme versatility of Rives and Rives Sensation.

Jose-Anne d’Auvergne at Arjowiggins added: “We always aim to make paper that appeals to the senses. We believe that a sheet of paper between the fingers should evoke feelings, inspire and ultimately unlock creativity— and Rives does this so well. We hope that the new campaign conveys all the attributes of this unique paper range and appeals to designers, brand owners and printers worldwide in a new way.” www.arjowigginscreativepapers.com

Papergraphics has launched its brand new range featuring 26 beautiful digitally printable wallcoverings: The Design Collection. This new collection is a revelation to the digital print market for interiors. It includes a series of coloured base wallcovering materials, as well as a host of new intricate textures, metallic and glitter flecked finishes, beautiful pearlescent sheens and even luxurious suede textile surfaces. With the addition of these 26 new wallcoverings, the new offering doubles Papergraphics’ range of world renown Digimura wallcoverings, meaning even greater design and specification choice for printers and their client to choose from!

Papergraphics has long spoken about the importance of the substrate complimenting and adding to the printed design for interior wallcoverings; now the design possibilities are even greater, with the name of this new collection highlighting exactly where they see these wallcoverings shine!

Papergraphics held an exclusive launch event at their large, purpose built exhibition facility in Crawley, inviting digital interior print customers as well as guest speakers, John Amabile (interior designer and famed for his work on ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’) and professional designers Annette TaylorAnderson (ATADesigns) and Katja Behre (Elli Popp).

Papergraphics’ exhibition space was transformed into a series of exquisite room sets, featuring some of the new wallcoverings, printed with Annette and Katja’sJohn,designs.Annette and Katja spoke at the event about working with Papergraphics, the new wallcoverings being launched, as well as current trends within interiors now.

Annette said, (of the event and her designs on the new wallcoverings) “They just look fantastic. Thank you for inviting me to show my work on your wonderful new substrates. Your experience and knowledge is amazing and thank goodness we have industry experts like you among us”.

Katja commented “I’d never thought to use the texture or finish of a substrate as part of my design before. It looks truly amazing, and I can’t wait to show my

clients my designs on these new wallcoverings.”

The new range boasts the same quality and durability standards expected of all Papergraphics’ Digimura wallcoverings, and they meet all of the relevant fire regulations and legal specification requirements for domestic and contract interiors.

The wallcoverings really speak for themselves — to find out more about the new collection, or about how Papergraphics can support you in your digital interiors business, visit: www.paper-graphics.com

trends, capabilities and sustainable packaging solutions.

The stand demonstrated Antalis’ extensive selection of unparalleled products, including primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, providing solutions for all applications.

Their wide portfolio of creative papers and graphical boards includes leading brands such as Keaykolour, Olin and Eska Black; products perfectly suited for luxury packaging in sectors such as fashion, cosmetics and drinks markets. Further innovative and sustainable ranges displayed on Antalis’ stand included Performa Light CarbonZero™

Supported by a comprehensive in-house design support service for e-commerce packaging, Antalis’ unique offering provides solutions for every layer of the ‘unboxing’ experience.

Antalis took this opportunity to highlight carbon offsetting in action — working alongside leading schemes to ensure that carbon credits fund the best projects both in the UK and worldwide. Materials purchased across the entire Antalis portfolio can be carbon offset, with some ranges, such as the entire creative papers portfolio, supplied fully carbon balanced by Antalis as standard.

Visitors to the stand were also able to see the

Atkinson with concept brand ‘Tinbeerwah’ — of Norwich University of the Arts.

Steve Chappell, Graphical Board Development Manager at Antalis, comments: “Antalis offers a wide portfolio of quality materials well suited for the production of all types of packaging. We’re experienced in working with brand owners and designers to specify the best suited products for luxury packaging across various markets. Our focus is to help brands enhance their identity and maximise shelf appeal to increase ROI, whilst balancing environmental impact and material costs.” www.antalis.co.uk

Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) has announced the launch of its 2023 show, with bold new branding that reflects the innovative and creative nature of the sector. A ‘must attend’ event for all those involved in the production of signage and displays, SDUK provides essential advice and learning for business owners to maximise revenues from the opportunities new and existing market sectors provide.

Jenny Matthew, event director for SDUK said:

“With over 30 years of heritage as a national trade show, SDUK evolves each year to offer the best value to our exhibitors and showcase the very latest advances in technologies and applications for our visitors. After recent challenging years, the time was right to evolve the branding and introduce a new fresh and modern look for SDUK along with some new show plans to meet the business needs of the “We’veindustry.”invested heavily in market research and created an SDUK Working Group to make

sure we have our finger on the industry’s pulse. Feedback from 2022 has been phenomenal but we’re not standing still — our visitors want to see a broader range of exhibitors and more learning opportunities, so we’ve developed more reasons to exhibit by introducing an innovative new exhibiting format that lowers costs; cutting edge lead capture technology and new show and marketing packages to deliver increased return on investment.”

“SDUK Explains will be back for 2023 focusing on the biggest challenges facing the sector. We’re working with our SDUK Working Group to identify the challenges keeping them awake at night, and creating a programme of expert advice, case studies, and additional solution sessions from our exhibitors.”“Visitorsalso asked for better networking opportunities and we’re working hard on some innovative and fun new ways to do this to ensure SDUK remains an unrivalled meeting place for the signage, display, and print industry. There are so many business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike. Watch this space for all the updates!”

To enquire about exhibiting please get in touch with the show team on 01342 33200 or email signanddigitaluk@fav-house.com. See all the highlights: www.signuk.com/2022-highlightsvideo. Show returns: 21-23 March 2023, Hall 2, NEC, Birmingham www.signuk.com

PERSPEX PALIGHT® RE-NU, THE UKS FIRST 100% RECYCLED PVC FOAM

Perspex Distribution has increased its growing range of recycled substrates with the launch of the Palight Re-NU, a 100% recycled PVC Foam in a first for the UK print market. Palight Re-NU is manufactured by Palram in their County Durham manufacturing plant and has been developed to utilise recycled waste from their end users and production line.

Palight Re-NU is produced as a co-extruded PVC providing a constantly reliable white surface allowing print professionals to get the best image quality and colour accuracy from their printers. The 100% recycled content contains a mixture of post consumer waste recycled from end users, as well as preconsumer waste processed via Palram’s own in-house recycling centre.

The lightweight foamed substrate is ideal for varied projects including retail POS, exhibition stands and general signage seeking a greener solution for customers.PalightRe-NU

is available in thicknesses of 3mm, 5mm & 10mm in a sheet size 3m x

Manager Luke Martyn commented, “We have been working

with Palram to develop Palight Re-NU and introducing a 100% recycled option for our PVC Foam customers. We tested the product at Sign & Digital UK this year and visitors were really excited to share this product with their own customers and delighted with the quality of the print tests taking place at the show. This new range demonstrates the strength of Palram’s UK manufacturing R&D being the first to offer a 100% recycled PVC Foam solution. ”

Tom Rose, Palram UK & Ireland Sales Manager comments “Developing a wider range of recycled substrates is a key target for Palram. We grind up and reuse production scraps reducing production waste to under 1%. Cuttings and scrap are also collected from our customers, end users and external suppliers throughout Europe to create enough raw material to feed new products such as Palight Re-NU. Our in-house recycling plants and product development teams are a key provider in helping Palram deliver new and sustainable products to the market. “

Over 80% of products available from Perspex Distribution are made in the UK including Palight PVC Foam and Palsun Polycarbonate manufactured by Palram. www.perspex.co.uk

Two Sides, the print and paper advocacy group, has announced its newest member, ELMA, the European Letterbox Marketing Association.

ELMA is the leading European organisation for door drop solutions which include the distribution of any print media, such as; leaflets, flyers, catalogues, brochures, free newspapers and product samples. ELMA selects its members carefully to represent the best in class in each market ensuring quality and professionalism for clients looking to use this channel.

“Door drop, or unaddressed mail, is a highly effective and popular media to promote products and services as it directly engages the consumer in the relaxed environment of their homes. They are accountable and integrate wonderfully with other in-home media, such as television and the internet.” says Mark Davies, Chairman for ELMA.

ELMA’s vision is to be Europe’s centre of excellence and innovation for letterbox marketing and provide clients with superior resources, experience and knowledge, all in a sustainable format.

“We are delighted to become a member of Two Sides. As a letterbox marketing association, it is important to highlight the sustainability of our products. By joining Two Sides, we have access to a range of resources and facts that are great to

help us communicate sustainability within our own business and to our customers.” says Mark Davies.

“Our partnership with ELMA will help us tell the great sustainable story of door drop mail, to consumers, to inform them about the environmental merits of print and paper. Welcoming new members on board is always a pleasure and we look forward to working with ELMA,” says Jonathan Tame, Managing Director of Two Sides UK.

By joining Two Sides, ELMA has access to a large library of co-brandable communications tools, consumer research, industry-leading information, sustainability advice, and events.

For more information about the many benefits of joining Two Sides, please visit: www.twosides.info/ why-join-two-sides www.elma-europe.com

SIGN EXPANDS IN-HOUSE CAPABILITIES

Sign Design GB has brought a range of services in-house, enhanced production capacity and is now exploring further application opportunities following their investment in an Epson SureColor SC-V7000 UV flatbed printer.

Established in 2009, the Tees Valley signage solution specialist works with the construction, retail, education, manufacturing, transport and medical industries. It chose the system to enable greater control over quality consistency, reduce turnaround times and eliminate additional costs.

Ben Kennedy, Commercial Director at Sign Design GB, explains: “We were sub contacting about £80,000 to £100,000 of direct to substrate work a year. We decided it was time to bring that in-house so we could ensure consistency, reduce turnaround times, cut our carbon footprint and also develop that part of the business. Now we have additional capacity and the ability to offer some unique products. We can promote these services more widely, confident in the knowledge we can deliver the desired results. We can also explore other application possibilities, run samples, and show clients what is possible.”

He continues: “We looked at what was on the market and chose the Epson system for two reasons. First, ease of use was very important. We wanted something that was operator friendly and not too complicated to use. Despite its specialist features, there is no need for specialist training and we already have four people confident in running it.”

The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 flatbed printer was supplied by Epson reseller Perfect Colours. Ben comments: “The second reason we chose the Epson was because of the support from Perfect Colours. We have bought a number of solutions from them over the years, and they are always very helpful. They provide the right level of technical help and it is good to know they are there even if we don’t need them.”

The system has been in for just a couple of weeks. “There have been no problems at all”, comments Ben. “It is working very well, and we have been running it every day. It will enable us to continue to grow in the direct to substrate sector and develop a more complete and versatile offering for our clients. It will also enable us to employ another apprentice in this area of the business.”

He adds. “By completing the work in-house we can better improve our margins and ensure quality consistency.”

Darren Walker, Regional Director at Perfect Colours, adds: “After undertaking a review, Sign Design GB took the considered decision to drive operational growth by investing in Epson technology. It did this knowing it could access on-going support if it was ever needed. We were delighted to help them make the best investment choice for their requirements and look forward to continuing their journey with them.”

The SureColor SC-V7000, Epson’s first UV large format printer, allows sign and display makers to expand their portfolio of products. It offers exceptional image quality and the flexibility to print on a wide range of media. It was developed for printing eye-catching retail and outdoor signage, window displays, hoarding panels, packaging, promotional goods, and décor products. It manages a versatile range of applications, which enables companies to expand their product offering and deliver consistently high-quality results. It features Epson’s unique UltraChrome UV ink configuration, including red, grey, white and varnish. www.epson.co.uk

PRINT ON BINS? OH WHEELIE

SCREEN AND DIGITAL SERVICES FOR THE PRINT AND SIGN TRADE

Sovereign has over 40 years of printing experience with a quick print pro reputation for loyalty, integrity, and confidentiality. Combing a comprehensive range of screen and digital printing presses with extensive finishing equipment, Sov Print provide a total in-house service for trade frontline printers — essential for meeting urgent client deadlines. Finished goods are shipped to for forwarding to client, or direct to your customer plain labels. Contact their friendly team today. www.sovprint.com • 01443 816414 sales@sovprint.com

BROADEN YOUR OFFERING WITH PRINTER

Photographer and owner of Etsy Shop ‘Steph Yt Shop’, Steph Yt, required a compact printer to deliver on speed amid rising demand and quick growth. On hearing of its printing expertise, she turned to Fujifilm for a solution that would open up possibilities for new products and provide the fast output needed for fulfilling booming orders.

Since its establishment during lockdown, the e-commerce store has sold almost 3,000 prints, greetings cards and stickers. With demand not slowing anytime soon, an upgrade of equipment from a desktop home printer was required to quickly fulfil orders. The small business also needed to source a compact printer that would produce high quality photo prints and greetings cards that would help maintain its five star reviews, without taking up too much room in the home office.

SMALL FOOTPRINT, LARGE POTENTIAL

With customers expecting the highest quality printed products, the required solution would need to be able to print large volumes of product on thick card and paper, elements that are compromised with desktop printers. As such, Steph Yt, turned to Fujifilm’s CX 3240 printer to help elevate her online business to the next level.

With plenty of orders through the Etsy shop, the CX 3240 needed to make operations as efficiency as possible. The machine also needed to be easily operated by one person and deliver high volume of product with minimal input. For a small business like this, Fujifilm’s latest print technology provides the ability to print on demand, quickly and on the same high quality, heavy weight greeting card material that you find in any store.

Steph explains: “I knew that the quality of printed products my customers would be expecting needed to go beyond the usual home printing setup, but I was also very aware that I operate from a home office. The CX 3240 was the perfect fit thanks to its small footprint and the multiple drawers. Its ability to print at speed on up to 330 gsm card stock has meant I can really step up my product quality, too. The clean design also means it doesn’t look out of place in my home!

“The setup was super easy as well. Once it was delivered, it was simple to assemble and is pretty much plug and play without any requirement for additional software downloads. I operate the printing from my laptop, being able to programme in the different product types and printing media. I have found the CX 3240 allows me to fulfil my orders quicker than ever before.”

RETAIL QUALITY AT HOME

Its ability to load multiple types of card stock and paper into its different drawers and have the gsm value accordingly on a computer, the CX 3240 makes light work of the store’s requirements. Compared to the existing desktop printer the store was using, the CX3240 was able to bring the same high quality and speed experienced by large retailers to the home office of Steph Yt Shop.

Steph said: “The printer is a really smart solution that has helped me make my operations slicker, removing a lot of the manual steps for greetings card production. With borderless printing, I don’t have to trim the edges of each card sheet. When operating, the printer automatically folds the pre-scored card for you, producing a customer ready product in an instant. As a small business team of one, this is a lifesaver as it helps me delegate the time I would have used to score and fold the cards into other tasks.

“The CX printer also offers double sided printing, a function I have found extremely useful for adding personalised notes within my cards. This is something my old printer did not offer, and it definitely adds more creativity and professionalism to the products. It is all extremely straightforward to use and very easy to tell the printer to do exactly what you require it to do.”

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

For a small e-commerce business like Steph Yt Shop, a printer like the CX 3240 is ideal, as it produces quality products in high volumes. Beyond this however, the wide ranging capabilities of the printer will be able to open up new avenues for the shop, including personalised photo gifts.

Steph comments: “The quality of the prints that come out of the printer is extremely high thanks to the impressive ink and technology used. Thanks to the printer’s capabilities, I can now look to add photo gifts such as calendars, personalised photo cards and photo books to my store. I am excited to see where it will take my small business in the future.”

Mark Wade, Product Specialist at Fujifilm Imaging Solutions UK, says: “As demand for personalised and photo products grows ever more, the CX 3240 provides the ability to quickly deliver high quality products. As it can accelerate output and expand product portfolios, the CX 3240 is an innovation that fully supports varying print requirements for businesses of any size.”

For more information on how the CX 3240 can be implemented into your retail space, contact Fujifilm at business.solutions_uk@fujifilm.com

Lowest total cost of igniting growth.

ABBOT PRINT

T: 01442 867600

E: W:sales@abbotprint.comwww.abbotprint.com

Manufacturers of business stationery, books and pads.

ATLANTIC TECH

T: +44 (0)1279 638 500

E: W:sales@atlantic-tech.co.ukwww.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: W:marketing@artsystems.ltd.ukwww.artsystems.co.uk

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

BAKER LABELS

T: 01277 281900

E: W:sales@bakerlabels.co.ukwww.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: W:info@caslon.co.ukwww.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: W:sales@duraweld.co.ukwww.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: W:sales@elmstok.co.ukwww.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.

GFSMITH

T: 020 7407 6174

E: W:london@gfsmith.comwww.gfsmith.com

Paper and card suppliers of prestigious printing and presentation media.

IFS INTELLIGENT FINISHING SYSTEMS

T: 020 8997 8053

E: W:info@ifsl.uk.comwww.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: W:sales@listawood.comwww.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: W:tradesupplies@listawood.comwww.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: W:info@magazineproduction.comwww.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: W:lets.talk@ncrpads.co.ukwww.ncrpads.co.uk

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

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: W:sales@pens�co�ukwwwpenscouk

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: W:sales@pdcuk�comwwwpdcukcom

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.

PRINTERSXCHANGE

T: 01273 674321

E: advertising@PrintersXchange co uk

The UK’s trading platform for the print industry.

RAFFLE TICKETS DIRECT

T: 01933 411332

E: W:sales@raffleticketsdirect�co�ukwww�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: W:info@techxerox�comwww�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: W:info@xeretec�co�ukwwwxereteccouk

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.

SOMETHING TO SHARE?

HANDY DIGITS

I lost three fingers on my right hand, so l asked my doctor if I would still be able to write with it. The doctor said, “Maybe, but I shouldn’t count on it.”

THE LIFE OF HENRY FORD

I’m currently reading a book about the life of Henry Ford. It’s an autobiography.

SHOCKING SERVICE

A jumper I bought was picking up too much static electricity. So I returned it to the shop. They gave me another one, free of charge.

TIME TO GO

If you’re British when you go into the toilet, and you’re British when you leave the toilet, what are you while you’re in the bathroom? European.

ORAL HYGIENE

I visited the birthplace of the man who invented the toothbrush. I was disappointed. There was no plaque.

THAT’S HANDY

I once bought a dog from a blacksmith.As soon as I got him home, he made a bolt for the door.

BACK TO SCHOOL

“Today,” said the professor, “I will be lecturing about the kidneys, intestines, pancreas, and the liver.” One med student leaned toward his friend sitting next to him, “Great, we have to sit through another organ recital.”

FEELING A BIT HORSE

My horse will only come out of its stable when it gets dark. It’s becoming a night mare.

CUPBOARD LOVE

My ex’s cooking was cold and bland. Clearly, she put her heart and soul into it.

LOADS OF MONEY

Despicable Me came out with a movie and they made multi-minions on the first day!

EXHIBITION TALES

Walking past a print show bar, I was impressed to see two new salesmen, recent high school graduates, reading a newspaper.

As I passed by their table, I heard one say, “It says here that Bruce Springsteen is travelling incognito. I wonder where that is?”

The other replied, “I think it’s in Mexico.”

TOP DOG

There’s a Labrador by my front door shouting ‘Buy!’ and ‘Sell!’ into a mobile phone. I’m sick of dogs doing their business outside my house.

CASHLESS SOCIETY

I saw a lad standing on one leg at a cash machine. Confused, I asked him what he was doing? He was just checking his balance.

PUNS YOU CAN PRINT

What do you call a fidgety boat at the bottom of the ocean? A nervous wreck.

Why didn’t the medieval army storm their enemy’s castle in the morning? Too many sleepless knights.Whatdo you call a dinosaur with careless driving?

T-wrecks.Didyouhear about the frog working at the hotel? He was a bellhop.

What do call a nondescript potato? A common-tater.Whyarevolcanos so friendly? The lava-ryone. What do you call an owl magician? Hoodini. Why did the banana go to the emergency room? It wasn’t peeling well.

How do you organise a party on the moon? You planet.What do you call a curious lizard? An investi-gator. Did you hear about the dog? Paws what you’re doing and listen.

PURRFECT JOKES

What flies around your light at night and can bite off your head? A tiger moth!

What does the lion say to his friends before they

go out hunting for food? ‘Let us prey.’

What’s the unluckiest kind of cat to have? A catastrophe!Whowasthe most powerful cat in China?

Chairman Miaow!

What do you get if you cross a cat with a tree? A cat-a-logue!Whatdoyou call a cat with eight legs that likes to swim? An octopuss!

Why did the cat join the Red Cross? Because she wanted to be a first-aid kit!

When the cat’s away...? The house smells better! What is a cat’s favourite vegetable? As-purr-agus. Did you know that cats designed the great pyramids of Giza? It was all drawn out on pawpyrus.What’s the difference between a cat and a frog? A Cat has nine lives, but a frog croaks every night!

Did you hear about the passenger who had to be escorted off the airplane? She let the cat out of the bag.

TOO EARLY?

What’s the best Christmas present you can give? A broken drum. Nobody can beat that.

How do you wash your hands over the holiday? WithWhySanta-tizer.doesSanta have three gardens? So he can ho ho

Whyho.isSanta afraid of getting stuck in a chimney? He has Claus-trophobia.

What does Santa do when his elves misbehave? He gives them the sack.

Why don’t you ever see Santa in a hospital? Because he has private elf care.

What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa? A rebel without a Claus.

What nationality is Santa Claus? North Polish. How can you say that Santa is real? You can always sense his presents.

What did one Christmas tree say to another? LightenWhereup!do reindeer go for coffee? Star-bucks!

Why is Santa afraid of getting stuck in a chimney? He has Claus-trophobia.