SIGN SHOW

DIGITAL PRINTING EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Summa S One Roll Cutter Series Line Designed with Premium Components for Long Durability

The new S One Series roll cutter product line from Summa is the next step in the manufacturer’s mid-level roll cutting machines and replaces the former SummaCut Series. The name S One refers to the core idea behind its development: The One to change the game. To optimize quality, ergonomics, and efficiency, the S One Series is built completely from the base, using the experience and know-how acquired over years of developing roll cutters. The S One Series not only showcases a newer, sleeker, more modern look, but it also embodies add-ons and enhanced features for better quality, improved ergonomics, and higher productivity. Improvements and additions include: User-friendly GoSign software to manage cutting workflows with great flexibility; an efficient drag cutting head, allowing up to 600 grams of cutting force; Robust OPOS Sensor, increasing the speed at which registration marks are read; improved internal intelligence, minimizing human errors and intervention; OPOS Xtra functionality for flawless processing of very small sticker jobs; and Smart FlexCut feature, enabling operators to perforate material to remove the design out of its carrier easily. summa.com

SIGN BLANKS/PANELS

Protecting the Environment: Vycom Vintec Clear PVC Sheets are Ideal for Use as a Barrier

Innovative plastic sheet products manufacturer Vycom has seen an uptick in demand for its Vintec® Clear PVC sheets for use as a barrier material in retail, hospitality, education, and consumer-facing environments. Vintec Clear is part of the Vycom Corrtec™ chemical- and corrosion-resistant family of materials, designed to meet requirements in industrial applications. Vintec Clear PVC sheets offer superior ink adhesion for digital and screen printing processes and can be thermoformed and cut. They can be used as a stand-alone barrier or as part of a system utilizing other Vycom products (including Celtec® expanded or solid PVC sheets). The slight blue tint provides an immediately recognizable boundary that reduces unintentional contact. The improved chemical resistance of this product line enables it to hold up better than traditional clear plastic materials against commonly used cleaning products and disinfectants. vycomplastics.com

VINYL/VINYL FILMS

The “Bear” Facts About Drytac’s New Polar Dynamic Sand Scuff-resistant Monomeric PVC Film

Drytac has announced the North American launch of Polar Dynamic Sand, a new scuff-resistant monomeric PVC film designed for short-term, eye-catching graphics applications. Available across the United States and Canada, this “print-and-go” solution has been developed for decals, signage, and other graphics applications (posters, retail displays, and exhibition graphics) where durability is required without the need for lamination. Printable on eco-solvent, latex, and UV printers, Polar Dynamic Sand measures 7mm thick. Its textured scuff-resistant surface eliminates the need to laminate, saving users time and money when producing printed applications. In addition, its grey adhesive makes Polar Dynamic Sand an ideal block-out material to cover up other graphics and displays, while its two-year lifespan for exterior applications offers significant flexibility to users. The printable, matte white PVC film's removable, solvent, pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive is protected by a two-side PE coated release liner and is available in widths of up to 60 inches (1,524mm). drytac.com/product/polardynamicsand

SIGN SHOW

AWNINGS & VINYL-COATED FABRICS

Brand New FI Interiors Division Takes Shape with New Acusti-fi Material

Fabric Images, Inc.®, an award-winning manufacturer of printed and non-printed tension fabric architecture and material solutions, has launched Fi Interiors™, a new division and sub-brand that offers custom-manufactured interior architectural and design solutions (including fabric architecture, acoustical décor products, and digital printing). Because of an increasing demand for better solutions to address poor acoustics in interior spaces, FI Interior has introduced Acusti-fi™ acoustical felt, as well as a new line of acoustic décor products for ceilings, walls, and more. Acusti·fi is an environmentally sustainable material that dampens and controls unwanted sound in open spaces, greatly reducing excess noise in the mid- to high-frequency range. As an environmentally sustainable material, Acusti·fi contains a minimum blend of 50 percent post-consumer waste sourced from recycled PET bottles. Acusti·fi is available in seventeen standard colors, can be custom digitally printed, and beautifully accepts cutting to showcase designs, patterns, and shapes. Meanwhile Fi Interior’s new line of acoustical, architectural products includes Ceiling Décor acoustical canopy, baffles, and digitally printed wood beams; Acusti Art™ Box wall art solution for custom artwork; and hanging and desk-resting Partitions that encourages safe distancing in social settings. fabricimages.com/fi-interiors.html

Premium High Performance Vinyl Film Series 2100

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Lumina® by FDC products provide high quality, unique solutions with “Choices at a Great Value.” FDC Graphic Films, Inc. ships products to you quickly, in any size or quantity, with no upcharges, and without a minimum order requirement. You can “Count On Us.” Every day. Every order.

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SIGN SHOW

AWNINGS & VINYL COATED FABRICS

Canon Solutions America Brings New Sewing and Welding Solutions Onboard Their Lineup

Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., has added the Miller Weldmaster Digitran sewing and welding solution to its portfolio. The Miller Weldmaster Digitran is built for both print service providers and in-plants looking to efficiently and easily sew and finish digitally printed textiles for Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG), flags, and soft signage graphics. These automated sewing and welding solutions can help to eliminate the need for skilled sewing labor, as well as create a variety of hems and webbings. Additional features offered by the Miller Weldmaster Digitran, designed to accurately place silicone strips along the edge of graphics, include a transport system synced with sewing machine for accurate and precise flow of material handling and product finishing; hands-free SEG feeding and cutting; programmable back stitch configuration and stitch cut for easy operational use; synchronized needle bar and feed for even stitching; needle cooling for faster sewing; multiple seam configuration for almost any type of job; and a light aluminum frame for easy mobility around your facility. The Miller Weldmaster Digitran can be combined with the newly added T3 Extreme or T300 Extreme Edge finishing solutions for even more complete sewing and welding operations. csa.canon.com

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SIGN SHOW

DIGITAL PRINTING EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Roland DGA Launches VersaUV LEC2-640 and LEC2-330 UV Printer/Cutters

The new VersaUV® LEC2-640 and LEC2-330 next-generation line of UV printer/cutters from Roland DGA is uniquely engineered to take label, packaging, sign, display, and interior décor production to another level. The 64-inch LEC2-640 and 30-inch LEC2330 incorporate a host of features that maximize image quality, increase print speeds, decrease ink usage, and make user operation and maintenance easier than ever. Both models feature sleek, stylish, durable construction and come with an included TU4 unit for automatic media take-up. The Roland DG LEC2-640 and LEC2-330 boast advanced printhead technology for precision dot placement and control, as well as larger, more powerful LED lamps that allow for higher print quality, improved color saturation, and faster ink curing. This combination produces stunning images down to the finest details. The LEC2-640/330 also features new optimized cleaning and maintenance sequences that help keep the printheads clean for superior graphic results and long-lasting performance. Along with this new line comes GREENGUARD Gold certified EUV5 ink, available in CMYK, Clear, White, and Primer and specially formulated to deliver outstanding detail and textural and dimensional effects. Together with Roland DG’s new True Rich Color II print setting, these inks widen the color gamut and delivering vibrant graphics with neutral grays, smooth gradations, and natural skin tones. rolanddga.com/lec2

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Wholesale Foam-Core Sign Manufacturer

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SIGN SHOW

DIGITAL SIGNS/EMCS/VIDEO DISPLAYS

LG Unveils Two New Indoor DVLED Series with Virtually Limitless Installation Opportunities

LG Business Solutions has unveiled two new indoor direct-view light-emitting diode (DVLED) display series, the Versatile LSCA and the Ultra Slim LSCB, which will offer flexible, high-performing and easy-to-install options. Both the LSCA and LSCB ship with LG’s new CVCA controller and webOS Signage smart platform to deliver advanced viewing options from multiple inputs and a simplified system control. The Versatile LSCA Series (pictured) is designed for fixed installation and provides users with a DVLED option ideal for larger public installations and with a viewing distance of 15 feet or more thanks to pixel pitch models of 2.97mm or 3.91mm with a capability of 1,000 nits of brightness. Offered in both 1:1 (500 mm) square and 2:1 (500mm-by-1000mm) cabinet options, the cabinet orientations can be mixed and matched for greater customization. Magnets on the top and bottom, positioning pins, handles, and fast locks on the cabinets help installers easily set up and dismantle without additional tools. The Ultra Slim LSCB Series—ideal for close-up viewing and designed specifically to be flexible for rentals and staging—features three DVLED models with pixel pitches of 1.56mm, 1.88mm, and 2.50mm. The display combines an incredibly low-profile and lightweight design with an edge thickness of 37.5mm, making it ideal for spaces where space is a concern. The display is capable of 800 nits of brightness and uses 16:9 aspect ratio. LGsolutions.com

How Can Large-Format Providers Use Technology to Beat the Market

The HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer

Today, everywhere you go, dozens (if not hundreds) of messages are vying for your audience’s attention. And it’s not just other signage. Every person you’re trying to reach is carrying a distraction factory in their pocket— assuming it’s not already out in their hands and keeping them from seeing the stunning signs you’ve worked so hard on.

In a large-format print market now worth billions, the PSPs who offer something extra can reap huge rewards

Large-format printing continues to be a profitable segment. By 2025, the worldwide market for large-format printing will be worth $11.2 billion [1]. Despite this prodigious growth, parts of the core large-format business are becoming increasingly commoditized.

This is particularly true for deliverables such as banners and posters, which are some of the easiest applications to produce. This has prompted some print service providers (PSPs) to use the period of upheaval we are going through to re-position and diversify their businesses. They are doing this by expanding into higher-profit applications as a natural next step. Some applications are simply worth more.

Differentiation is key to growth. This realisation has sparked a dash to innovate, with printers looking for new business models, new opportunities and even new types of product to help them prosper in the locked down business landscape. The best way to do that is to diversify and be able to offer something your competitors do not.

If Necessity is the Mother of Invention, Lockdown is Its Father No one can accuse the large-format sector of failing to be inventive and entrepreneurial. When the pandemic hit, many PSPs switched almost instantly to printing public-health and social distancing signage.

Many print providers have moved into the creation of signage and other public-health information assets to help clients cope with the current emergency. “We saw a big interest in the social-distancing templates from print providers who were moving fast, to help their communities and keep business flowing during lockdown,” says Tom Wittenberg, HP Large Format Events and Industry Relations Manager, NA.

As well as producing signage for social distancing, many print providers are also accelerating the development of online businesses while looking for new ways to differentiate their company by providing new and innovative high-value and high-margin applications. These high-value applications include window graphics, vinyl clings and two-sided stickers.

Another aspect of how PSPs have responded, is by developing the ability to work remotely with clients who are no longer able to physically attend the print provider’s premises or input into the print process. The challenge has been to find ways to work with remote clients while keeping the actual business of printing running efficiently. At the same time, PSPs are optimizing their cost structure and actively searching for efficiencies.

New Technologies and New Opportunities With this need for high-quality public-health signage, comes opportunity. Across the industry, we’re seeing an upward trend for printer décor applications that are not just purely informative, but also ‘high-value’, creating particular experiences for the end-user. A recent HP study of large-format print providers in Germany, India and U.S. found that the average profit margin for some types of signage was significantly higher. These included window signage and short-term textiles and backlight graphics. Looking at the three highest-grossing applications the study found that 60% of all orders were printed on latex printers, almost twice the number produced on solvent printers. Industry research shows that for the highest-margin applications, HP Latex is the technology of choice.

“In many high-value categories, customers want most print jobs on latex,” said Tom Wittenberg. “Because many providers don’t have latex printers, a lot of these jobs end up being outsourced. For providers who do have the right hardware, this creates the opportunity to build two new revenue streams: the jobs that come to them directly, which they no longer have to outsource, and the jobs that other PSPs bring to them. And the best way to do this, is to take advantage of the unique competitive edge provided by HP Latex 700/800 Printer Series. As a result of their versatility and their white ink capabilities, HP Latex 700/800 Printer Series help PSPs deliver services inhouse that would traditionally have been outsourced.”

Another stand-out feature of the latest and most advanced HP Latex printing technology is the ability to use white ink. In some applications, using white ink to enhance effectiveness can help print providers increase margins by up to 13% [2].

Take the Lead in an Evolving Print Market “Thanks to HP Latex, print service providers can produce in-house high-value print jobs that can drive an average gross margin higher than 30%,” said Tom Wittenberg. “The new generation of HP Latex 700 and 800 Printers radically improve the customer experience, helping to ignite business growth and adapt to future needs. We continue to innovate across our large format portfolio with new products and solutions to enable our customers to be equipped to win those high-value jobs they are after.”

As the market for large-format print evolves, PSPs need to find new ways to add value and stand out from their competitors. Upgrading to the latest generation of latex printers opens up new revenue streams, from existing customers and from erstwhile competitors, and it gives print providers the ability to produce a wide range of print jobs - that have a measurably higher impact for customers.

To find out more about these game-changing printers, join us at one of our Latex 700/800 Academies. They’re a quick 90 minutes and give you the entire rundown of the products - advantages, benefits, and applications - plus the opportunity to speak up and get your questions answered by the experts. About Tom Wittenberg Tom is the HP Large Format Events and Industry Relations Manager for North America. He has been in the printing industry for nearly thirtysix years. As a turnaround professional, he has led successful sales, operational, and financial overhauls of three global printing companies to double and triple sales and profit in three years, prior to joining the HP Marketing team.

FOOTNOTES 1.https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/ news-releases/large-formatprinter-market-worth-11-2-billion-by-2025-exclusive-re port-by-marketsandmarketstm--823408713.html. 2. Based on a research conducted by Keypoint Intelligence July 2020 and commissioned by HP, over 100 print service providers across the U.S., Europe, and India.