EDITOR’S COLUMN

EDITOR’S COLUMN BY JEFF WOOTEN

Year in Review: A New World Out of the past and into the future.

Does anyone out there remem- and the sign industry was no different. ber the pulp novel-comic In a year that many would probably like strip-movie serial-TV series to forget, this year’s Yearbook recap will character Buck Rogers, the focus on how sign makers, graphics proaction-oriented hero who fell into a state viders, and manufacturers and suppliers of suspended animation in the twentieth responded to whole-new measures like century only to wake up 500 years later? “essential business,” “social distancing,”

One of the big selling points with this and “Paycheck Protection Programs.” classic character was that he found him- Yet it’s still important to remember self having to adjust to new technologies, there were still some non-pandemicnew threats, and new ways of life while related highlights of note over the past still managing to keep his twentieth cen- year. We’ve placed a few of these into a tury know-how with him. If you’re not fa- special sidebar in the Yearbook section. miliar with Buck Rogers, the concept can Other year-in-review items of interest practically be summed up as a science- that I figured would be a nice place to fiction version of Rip Van Winkle. highlight here were Canon’s Print for

One can be forgiven if you start relat- Action survey finding that personalizaing a little bit to Buck Rogers here at the tion was a key trend being favored by end of what can probably be described consumers, as 30 percent of graphics as a very stressing year—only the past professionals responded that they highly 365 days doesn’t literally count as 500 value personalization in print materials years (no matter how it much it probably (see our February 2020 issue); interior feels like it). Yet similar to Buck Rogers, design elements increased in popularity sign makers have had to adapt to servic- within the industry (March 2020); and ing a whole new world with the same digital signage was used more to create tools and materials that you’ve already immersive experiences (June/July). been using. Here’s hoping that, when it comes to

The reason I bring up the Buck Rog- next year’s Yearbook special, we’re back ers analogy this month is that we’re to spotlighting the projects you’re crepresenting our annual Yearbook article ating and installing as you successfully on page 18. We typically use this piece embrace being the best sign-making as a look-back at the best projects that Buck Rogers possible. graced our pages over the past year.

But like I just mentioned—it’s a whole new world out there.

COVID-19 pretty much dictated the course of the entire year for everyone in JEFF WOOTEN North America starting back in March, Editor, jwooten@sbpub.com

Photo: Shutterstock.com/PixDeluxe.

AGENDA

Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, all events listed below are subject to change. Please check each show’s Web site for any cancellations or reschedulings that may have taken place after press time.

MARCH 2021

MARCH 23-25: LabelExpo/Brand Print Americas 2021 is rescheduled to commence at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. (brandprint-americas.com)

APRIL 2021

APRIL 7-9: The International Sign Association’s ISA International Sign Expo is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. (signexpo.org)

JULY 2021

JULY 21-24: The Mid-South Sign Association’s SignConnexion event will be occurring at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham, Alabama. (midsouthsign.org)

OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 6-8:

PRINTING United Alliance, which brings together the largest and most diverse audience in the printing industry, will be taking place in Orlando, Florida. (printingunited.com)

OCTOBER 25-29: The 2021 LightFair architectural and commercial lighting conference and tradeshow, which will be incorporating new safety protocols and specific mitigration measures, has now been rescheduled to occur on these new dates at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, New York. (lightfair.com)

IN THE INDUSTRY

This kicking cowgirl has a new home.

YESCO RESTORES HISTORIC VEGAS VICKIE SIGN

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH— YESCO, the one hundred-year-old Salt Lake City-headquartered company known for creating, repairing, and maintaining internationally recognizable signs, had the honor of restoring the iconic Vegas Vickie sign, which serves as the centerpiece of the brand-new Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

The twenty-five-foot neon kicking cowgirl made her grand return on October 28 in Circa’s lobby at her namesake bar, debuting a sparkling fresh makeover carried out by YESCO’s sign fabricating experts at their Las Vegas shop. The brightly colored sign went through an extensive restoration including new paint, new neon glass tubing, and a replacement of the motor that allows her to kick one leg up and down.

Prior to restoration, the original sign was extremely faded. Because the client was adamant the sign appear as close as possible to the original version, YESCO initially created a painted, scale model so the client could approve the colors prior to restoration.

Vegas Vickie was designed by famous sign designer Charles Barnard and debuted in 1980 as a component of Fremont Street’s Glitter Gulch casino. In 1994, the sign made major headlines when she “married” her neon counterpart, Vegas Vic—Fremont Street’s famous “Howdy Pardner” cowboy.

With the goal of uniting old and new Vegas in never-before-seen ways at Circa Resort & Casino, owner Derek Stevens acquired the sign in 2016 with the intent to give Vickie a new home at the resort.

“We cannot be more excited about being a part of the restoration of Vegas Vickie and watching her kick her leg once again,” said Jeff Young, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, YESCO. “It’s gratifying to know our work will be viewed by visitors for years to come.”

In addition to restoring Vegas Vickie, YESCO fabricated the new resort’s monumental exterior “Circa” signage and two large, curved “clamshell” canopies at the resort’s entrances.

YESCO also fabricated the new resort’s monumental exterior “Circa” signage.

NEW DIGITAL SIGNAGE AT BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK— SNA Displays provided three indoor digital displays for the newly developed 27,000-square-foot Business and Engineering Convergence Center (BECC) at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Management and installation of each of the new LED screens was coordinated by Conference Technologies, a leading provider of audio-visual, information technology, and communications services.

The BECC features twenty-eight classrooms, eight computer labs, forty-six specialized labs, and thirty collaboration and meeting spaces. It has a real-time digital stock market ticker display around the atrium of the building and sleek classrooms enclosed with transparent glass.

One LED video wall, from SNA Displays’ BRILLIANT™ line of interior display products, was installed in a glass-enclosed classroom. Two digital tickers were also installed as part of the BECC project. One ticker was placed above the same classroom’s video wall; the other ticker, from SNA Displays’ BOLD™ product line, wraps around a corner on the outside of the classroom.

For more information about this project, visit https://bit.ly/2HlRM4F.

SIGN SHOW

ACRYLICS/POLYCARBONATES

Plaskolite Rolls Out Flame-resistant TUFFAK CA Polycarbonate Sheet

BANNERS/MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT

Stacked with Options: Image One Impact Answers Your Media Storage Needs

Following the successful launches of its AMGARD, TUFFAK WC, and TUFFAK LS material, North American thermoplastic sheet products manufacturer Plaskolite LLC has announced the availability of TUFFAK® CA, a flame-resistant, optical-grade, transparent polycarbonate sheet for interior applications. TUFFAK CA meets the International Building Code Class A flammability criteria for interior wall and ceiling finishings without compromising the impact strength and high optical clarity expected of polycarbonate sheet. The clear or tinted panels are UV stable, lightweight, thermoformable, and easy to fabricate. TUFFAK CA sheet is offered with a five-year Limited Product Warranty against breakage. It adds to the extensive TUFFAK polycarbonate sheet portfolio used in safety shields, signage, face shields, mass transportation windows, skylights, and ballistic glazing, as well as many other applications requiring a combination of strength and clarity. plaskolite.com Image One Impact, a manufacturer and supplier of highquality products for the sign, graphics, and vehicle wrap industries, understands its customers’ challenges and helps by providing cost-saving solutions for them—one such example being their Mondo Raxx storage racks. The MJ1000 Mondo Raxx Jumbo Media Storage (pictured) holds ten rolls of anysize material and is available in an orange powder-coated finish. Meanwhile their MUHD200 Mondo Raxx Jumbo Banner Material Storage holds seven rolls of any-size banner material and is available in a yellow powder-coated finish. With both of these storage products, all you need to do is just mount rolls according to your desired width. image1impact.com

DIGITAL PRINTING EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Epson Introduces its First Roll-to-roll Resin Signage Printers

The 64-inch SureColor® R5070 and SureColor® R5070L printers from Epson leverage six-color resin ink to deliver prints on a variety of substrates with consistent, repeatable color. Ideal for print shops looking for versatility and productivity, the new printers deliver output ready for immediate lamination at true production speeds up to 290 square feet per hour. Both printers feature 1.5L ink packs for enhanced efficiency and the SureColor R5070L includes 3L per color with hot swap technology for uninterrupted printing. The SureColor R-Series printers are the first of their kind to feature multi-purpose resin ink technology to consistently deliver professional quality wallpapers, fabrics, uncoated papers, and traditional signage at remarkable speeds. UltraChrome® RS Resin ink delivers instant-dry, scratch-resistant output ready for immediate lamination at a lower cost per mL. Touting a new 2.6-inch, user-replaceable PrecisionCore® Micro TFP®

printhead, the new printers are able to ensure projects with multiple panels have consistent, repeatable color. In addition, a new Quality Print Mode separates delivery of optimizer and color ink to create a stable base layer for high-quality output with crisp lines and outstanding details. The SureColor R5070L includes a hot-swappable ink system that automatically switches from an empty ink pack to a new ink pack mid-print for uninterrupted printing. To support productivity, the SureColor R5070 and SureColor R5070L incorporate a three-heater system to promote even drying with pre, platen, and post heating. A touchscreen control panel provides easy access to print functions including quick start heaters, media selection, color mode, and estimated print completion time. The replaceable fabric wiper system cleans the printhead and removes dust prior to printing, so manual maintenance is only needed monthly. epson.com/resin

SIGN SHOW

CUTTERS/PLOTTERS

Summa Releases GoSign Software to Maximize the Use of Summa Roll Cutters

Since the launch of the GoSuite software platform two years ago, Summa’s in-house software has already proven to increase the value of the Summa product range. The company knows that powerful software enables users to make the most of their hardware and keeps investing in the development of a performant, flexible, and future-proof software platform. Therefore Summa has announced the availability of GoSign, its new software module for the Summa roll cutter series. GoSign is the user’s first-choice cutting software that allows them to manage their preferred workflow with great flexibility. The software includes everything a user can expect from cutting software and exceeds expectations with many additional features. Unique to GoSign software is the level of adaptability to the preferences of the user. Windows-based GoSign acts as a bridge between the design software and a Summa roll cutter. Through the additional features of GoSign, Summa is able to make a true difference (custom configuration of action sets for efficiency and automation, direct cut plug-ins for Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW, material manager including cutting pre-sets, job log functionality for more data insights, and flexible import of cutting files). GoSign is included with every new Summa roll cutter and can be downloaded from the Summa Web site. summa.com/video/gosign

LED MODULES/TUBES/STRIPS

SloanLED Adds High-performance Interior Light Box Application Support

SloanLED, leaders in light technology for over sixty years, has expanded its popular PosterBOX family with new PosterBOX ID high-performance light box illumination for interior signage and point-of-purchase applications. Illuminating box widths up to ten feet, PosterBOX ID delivers the power and brilliance of PosterBOX 3 to indoor applications—trimming unnecessary hardware and outdoor projects to offer a low-cost solution with the same quality and reliability customers have come to expect from SloanLED. SloanLED’s PosterBOX family comes with an industry-leading ten-year parts and labor assistance warranty. PosterBOX is licensed by Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), covering installers and end-users from patent infringement and royalty fees associated with an application patent owned by Signify for side-lit poster boxes, signs, and retail displays. sloanled.com/collection/signage/sign-cabinet-box-signage

VINYL/VINYL FILMS

Avery Dennison Floor Graphics Help Make Voting Safe and Smooth at Polling Locations

Avery Dennison® Graphics Solutions in Mentor, Ohio, sponsored the donation of approximately 10,000 social distancing floor graphics to the boards of election in three Northeast Ohio counties to help keep people safe when they came to vote on Election Day and at earlyvoting locations. Installation took place in October at 384 polling locations across Lake, Cuyahoga, and Geauga counties. The floor graphics designated the recommended six-foot social distance based on the CDC guidelines. The graphics material was Avery Dennison MPI 2903 Easy Apply™ film with a slip-resistant overlaminate DOL 2060. MPI 2903 Easy Apply is a gloss-white polymeric calendered vinyl film that features a permanent adhesive for excellent adhesion to most surfaces and very good dimensional stability after application. It boasts excellent printability across a range of technology and inks. Meanwhile DOL 2060 is UL 410 Standard Certified for slip resistance of surface materials. “The graphics from Avery Dennison [were] a vast improvement over the alternative (making X’s on the floor with green painter’s tape),” said Ross McDonald, director of the Lake County Board of Elections. “We were able to customize what we wanted printed onto the material. In addition, Avery Dennison’s donation of the floor graphics saved Lake County over $15,000.” averydennison.com

SIGN SHOW

DYE SUBLIMATION

SAi FlexiDYESUB Software Now Available with Mutoh Large Format Dye-Sublimation Printers

SA International (SAi) communicates that Mutoh America, Inc., is now including a version of SAi FlexiDYESUB design and print workflow software with their large format dyesublimation printers. SAi FlexiDYESUB Mutoh Edition and SAi FlexiDYESUB RJ Edition pack all the features of SAi’s own version of the software and are engineered to improve the design-to-print dye-sublimation workflow through design, color management, RIP, and printing. The all-in-one FlexiDYESUB Mutoh Edition and FlexiDYESUB RJ Edition boast all of the features of SAi Flexi 19. This includes complete control over individual ink channels to facilitate the use of custom color ink sets for special applications, as well as step and repeat (two key features dye-sublimation and textile users need in their RIP software to enable easy design). Another efficiency-enhancing tool available to users is a Wizard-based color profiler designed to remove the guess work in profile creation and simplify the complicated process of ink splitting. Additionally a useful Spot Color Mapping feature offers the ability to customize spot color formulas to match desired colors exactly. thinksai.com/products/flexi

VINYL/VINYL FILMS

General Formulations Expands with Five New WallMark HTR Wall Vinyl Solutions

General Formulations (GF) announces an exciting expansion of its GF Wall Film & Fabric portfolio with five new WallMark™ HTR adhesive products, including three all-new textured vinyl films. As paint types evolve to include washable, Low, and Zero VOC paints, wall graphic films must change as well. GF has created a line of peel-and-stick adhesive wall products that are both HighTack and Removable (HTR), developed for application and clean removal from smooth drywall surfaces that might prove challenging for traditional wall adhesives. The versatile HTR adhesive also works great on OEM painted metals, glass, plastics, and a variety of other surfaces and will remove without leaving adhesive residue behind. Included in the new WallMark HTR Textures are GF 226HTR (Smooth Matte), GF 229HTR Canvas, GF 262HTR Sand, GF 263HTR Stucco, and GF 264HTR Leather. All these films are ASTM E84 Class 1 fire rated and ideal for use in schools, retail, commercial, and hospitality environments and are compatible with latex, solvent, and UV inks. WallMark HTR joins the two legacy WallMark products, GF 226 WallMark, and GF 229 WallMark Canvas, both with LowTack Microsphere Beaded Adhesive. generalformulations.com

DIGITAL SIGNS/EMCS/VIDEO DISPLAYS

SNA Displays Unveils All ASPECTS of its All-in-one Directview Product Offering

The initial rollout of the new ASPECT™ all-in-one direct-view plug-and-play LED displays from SNA Displays includes four standard sizes, all in 16:9 aspect ratio and high-definition (HD) resolution: AS108, AS135, AS162, and AS216 (indicating diagonal inches). Each all-in-one display has a slim four-inch depth (including its frame) and comes pre-configured, so no calibration is required during setup. ASPECT display products are ideal for conference rooms and meeting spaces; bars, restaurants, and lounges; event booths, banquet halls, and auditoriums; media rooms; and houses of worship. The new LED displays are designed to be set up and installed by a two-person crew in eight hours or less. Each ASPECT shipment includes required mounting hardware, and SNA Displays offers free structural engineering consultation. Products are also available with an optional stand, allowing for greatly increased mobility. Other features include integrated cable management (for a clean display presentation), a handheld magnetic tool (for simple front-access maintenance), and the latest in LED processing in a minimized smartbar format (requiring no additional processing or rack equipment). Users can operate the digital displays through a variety of connection methods including Miracast, Apple AirPlay, ClickShare, Bluetooth, WiFi, and direct connection via HDMI or USB. Each ASPECT offering supports split-screen inputs where multiple signal sources are cast simultaneously to the display. Users can navigate the onscreen interface with an included remote or through other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. snadisplays.com/products/aspect

SIGN SHOW

INKS

CTI Introduces New Glow-in-the-Dark Inks for Food & Beverage Packaging

With growing interest from the world’s l a r g e s t consumer packaged goods brands for customerengaging glow-in-the-dark (GID) inks on food and beverage packaging, Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI), the world’s largest supplier of smart, specialty, color-changing technology that responds to temperature, light, and pressure, has introduced its highly anticipated water-based GID formulas for paper and film substrates. CTI’s new water-based GID inks offer an alternative that’s as easy to print and that glows as strongly as UV or solvent ink systems. A single print station with a 10-13 (BCM) anilox allows print operators to deliver the same glow strength as CTI’s solvent-based GID ink. CTI’s R&D team developed two formulas—one for paper substrates such as QSR cups and secondary packaging and another for film substrates typically used in food package laminated structures. Both have great laydown and no “hard settling” in the container when handling guidelines are followed. For a limited time, CTI will support press qualifications with free water-based GID ink for select customers. ctiinks.com

VEHICLE WRAPS

Arlon Initiates a Performance Evolution with New SLX+ with FLITE Technology

Arlon is redefining the vehicle wrapping experience by delivering better precision during the cutting and weeding process, superior repositionability, and easy installation in hot and cold temperatures alike. With all of these exceptional features, the Arlon team is excited to introduce a performance evolution in its cast wrap portfolio with the launch of SLX+ featuring FLITE Technology ®. Packing all the performance benefits of FLITE Technology, SLX+ has an optimal initial tack with quick-flow characteristics for better anchoring of graphic panels. Graphics providers will experience a quick and easy installation experience as a result of the material’s cutting-edge adhesive system that ensures the same quality of work in any temperature. And because of the fast and accurate cutting and weeding of letters down to two inches, a complete vehicle wrap job can be achieved with SLX+ from start to finish with just one roll. SLX+ is rated for use on challenging surfaces, like stainless steel, giving graphic installers the performance they need for a variety of wrap applications. In addition, SLX+ is rated for ten-year (unprinted) durability and is compatible with all ink systems (including eco-solvent, solvent, UV, and latex). slxplus.arlon.com

DIGITAL PRINTING EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Mimaki’s Entry-level “100 Series” Features Excellent Operational Performance, Image Quality, and Speed

Mimaki USA has released two new roll-to-roll inkjet printers—the JV100-160 (eco-solvent ink) and the UJV100-160 (UV-LED ink). Both feature the newly introduced Dot Adjustment System (DAS) that offers automatic alignments to ensure consistent quality and repeatability and frees up operators by performing common adjustments automatically. The JV100-160 (pictured) utilizes Mimaki’s eco-solvent inks that are known for fast-drying capabilities, superior adhesion to media, and high scratch resistance characteristics. Easy-to-use eco-cartridges (available in 600ml or 2000ml) enable production printing and rapid ink exchanges with no mess. The JV100160 is perfect for applications requiring the highest degree of printed quality such as photographic prints, vehicle wraps, and P-O-P graphics. The optional light black ink configuration provides enriched grey-scale gradation, higher contrast, and sharper details. The orange ink option extends the color gamut beyond that of standard inkjet printers enabling a wider range of reds and oranges as well as a smoother transition between reds and oranges. Meanwhile the UJV100-160 utilizes Mimaki’s UV LED-curable inks that produce instantly dry graphics for significantly faster production turnaround times. The UJV100-160 accommodates the widest array of printable media in the industry, including PVC, fabrics, paper without an ink-receiving layer, and PET films. Mimaki’s LUS 170 UV LED inks utilized by the UJV100-160 are perfect for conservationists and additionally are flexible enough to achieve the most popular print work including vehicle graphics, banners, stickers, and decals. The white and clear ink configuration available with the UJV100-160 makes a diverse portfolio of applications possible, including the unique ability to provide two-layer printing capabilities perfect for backlit and transparent PET film applications. mimakiusa.com

HELPING YOUR SHOP

GROW PROFITS!

Sign Builder Illustrated is the “how-to magazine” of the sign industry. Each issue includes SBI’s signature “how-to” columns and features with detailed, step-by-step instructions covering a wide range of signage. SBI’s website (signshop. com), newsletters, Buyer’s Guide, and digital edition keep you updated with timely news, recent projects, and upcoming industry events.