24 minute read
FESPA REVIEW
Durst to attract new local customers with new P5 350 HSR
Durst believes the new P5 350 HSR, recently unveiled at FESPA Munich, will introduce a completely new set of customers to its brand.
The new P5 350 HSR is a 3.5m LED roll-toroll model that achieves print speeds up to 670 square metres per hour and can be equipped with an optional master roll. This can feed rolls weighing up to 1,000kg and 635mm in diameter, enabling long production cycles without interruption.
“The P5 350 HSR model is what the market has been asking for – and now we have delivered,” Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman said.
“Based on the extraordinary reaction to the launch of this machine, it will definitely bring new Durst customers to the family because it will incorporate X-Y trimming as well as back printing of posters.
“The fact that you can load one tonne of media on to the machine and run it unattended overnight also adds significant value and versatility.
“Importantly, for the Australian industry where mesh printing is so prevalent, the new P5 350 HSR has a built-in mesh kit which is an absolute game-changer for local large format printers. This feature provides the ability to switch from banner or poster paper directly to mesh printing and our ink collection system keeps the machine clean while also offering completely attended operation.”
FESPA Munich: Durst P5 Robotics concept mesmerises visitors
The introduction of an unmanned robotic system on the Durst stand stole the show in terms of visitor engagement and interest at FESPA.
In a move that was not known to many people within the company, let alone the industry, the unveiling of the Durst P5 Robotics concept followed a year of research and development.
The metronomically mesmerising robotic performance was the most photographed and videoed area at the FESPA 2023 exhibition as printers weighed up and openly debated the potential benefits of the investment that would be required to duplicate the dual-robot prototype concept demonstrated.
There were mixed reviews among printers interviewed by ProPrint about the potential return on investment.
Some printers were very enthusiastic and said the P5 Robotics concept was “cheap” when the cost was revealed while others did not believe the concept suited their business.
According to Durst, the decision to introduce the P5 Robotics concept was the logical next step following the introduction of the P5 Automat – the company’s automated feeder/stacker system for flatbed printing.
“Durst is igniting the next stage of automation with P5 Robotics for flexible and continuous production cycles with long run times,” the company said in a statement.
“At the heart of the P5 Robotics is the flagship P5 350 HS D4 hybrid printing system, whose feeder/stacker unit is formed by two Kuka robots to handle the unmanned production of a complete shift.
“The robots, modified and programmed by Durst, can pick up media from different pallets with a height of up to 180cm, feed them and then stack them again separately. In the process, the printed media can also be turned 180-degrees for reverse-side printing and fed into a second printing system. P5 Robotics can also be expanded with third party solutions or finishing systems.”
One of the Durst project leaders Reinhard Schneeberger said the prototype concept was demonstrating 1.2m x 1.6m and 50cm x 70cm sheet sizes, but other size configurations were available with different gripping modules. It is expected that the company will manage the P5 Robotics division from its facility in Lienz.
“The reaction has been very strong and we have a lot of leads from customers that are impressed with this system and now we have to follow-up with them after the exhibition,” Schneeberger said.
Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman said he believes this is a “gamechanging technology”.
“What is required is high speed robotics and precision robotics. Just like a Durst P5 350 HS D4 – we need high speed robotics to keep up with a machine that delivers high productivity,” he said.
“When you are printing at 700 square metres an hour – most normal robotics don’t keep up – but ours do. We are already talking to cutter suppliers to make the robots feed directly into cutting solutions and then you will end up with a finished cut stack – and this is the holy grail. Lights out.”
Vanguard Europe unveils next gen UV flatbed printer at FESPA
Vanguard Europe unveiled its next-generation UV flatbed printer, the VK3220T-HS, at FESPA.
In its first public showing, the machine took centre stage at the Vanguard booth alongside Durst. Showgoers were invited to see live production of the machine in Hall A2, Stand A10.
This launch also marked the official introduction of a new compact, user-friendly product design for the Vanguard Europe portfolio.
The changes – a result of a collaboration with multi-award-winning Zanzotti Industrial Design, which is also behind the design of the Durst portfolio – aimed to bring a more intuitive, ergonomic, and optimised experience for machine operators.
The new Vanguard VK3220T-HS was designed and assembled at the European headquarters of Vanguard Europe in Brixen, Italy, next to the global HQ of Durst.
A 3.2m by 2m flatbed printer, the VK3220T-HS becomes part of Vanguard Europe’s growing portfolio of printers serving all customers in markets covering the industrial flatbed and roll-to-roll printer spectrum with high-performance needs.
Using up to three rows of the 4 picoliter drop size Kyocera print heads at up to 1800 dpi print resolution, the Vanguard VK3220T-HS runs at up to 360 square metres an hour. It is also a printer that can grow and scale in line with customer requirements.
Vanguard Europe managing director Fabian Sottsas said, “We are incredibly excited to be at FESPA for this world launch of the Vanguard VK3220T-HS nextgeneration UV flatbed printer.
“Together with a new modular design with user-friendly design changes that are more intuitive, ergonomic, and optimised for the operator, we know this will be of huge interest to visitors at the show.
“Our strategy to become market leader will only happen through growing profitable business together in partnership with our customers.”
Vanguard Europe is a subsidiary of Vanguard Digital Printing Systems Corp, based in Georgia, US.Set up in late 2021, Vanguard Europe’s objective is to replicate the sales successes of its parent company, which produces 200 systems a year.
The company said this is being achieved by utilising the global expertise of its resellers, distributors and other partners. Vanguard’s industrial printing flatbed and roll-to-roll systems are used in markets including signage, decoration, business equipment, industry and packaging.
Mezographic purchases first Durst P5 350 HS D4 with full automation at FESPA
Victorian-based printer Mezographic has purchased a Durst P5 350 HS D4 with full automation – the first of its kind in Australia.
Mezographic owner Frank Mezo told ProPrint that the key to this purchase was its automation as it will be paired with a cutting solution that also provides automation from pallet to pallet.
“We will be able to take a pallet of paper, print it, stack it, then cut it and stack it and take it to our packing team without human hands touching it,” he said.
Mezo said he started looking into another Durst P5 at FESPA 2022 and confirmed the purchase on the Durst stand at FESPA 2023 in Munich.
“This is an ideal workhorse for a lot of our large volume print work for retailers through print management organisations,” Mezo explained.
“First and foremost, I purchase Durst machines due to their reliability. I already have three Durst systems – and this will be the fourth. We had the first Durst P5 in Australia and we also have a 512 and a 312.
“We always move forward with what we buy – and we look for efficiencies –especially things like automation. We have recently purchased the factory next door that has given us extra room to expand.”
Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman confirmed that this will be the first Durst P5 350 HS D4 with full automation to land in Australia and will be arriving imminently in Melbourne.
“It is an honour to be able to supply Frank with a fourth machine. Frank has always been such a fantastic supporter of Durst. He identified that this solution delivers what he needs for his business, and he really works the machines to their full potential, which is what we love,” Ashman said.
Fujifilm debuts $8 million Barberan HS6000 single pass inkjet
Fujifilm unveiled the most expensive inkjet product on the market with the launch of the HS6000 at FESPA Munich.
Industry estimates place the price of the product at over €5 million or over A$8 million.
It is expected that the HS6000 will operate at 6000 square metres an hour, consume 30 tonnes of ink annually and measure over 42m in length.
Marketed as being ‘fuelled by Fujifilm’, the HS6000 is not a joint venture with a separate company formed – but a joint development and co-branded between Fujifilm and Spanish company Barberan.
In an exclusive interview with ProPrint, Fujifilm wide format inkjet systems marketing director Dave Burton said he is not exactly sure how much the product will cost, although he has already received interest from prospective buyers.
“We actually don’t know the end user price yet because the machine has almost completed its development so we will be talking to customers in September about the real pricing,” he said.
“We have four customers that have signed letters of intent and we will go through the validation process with them in October and they are located in every corner of the world.
“If you visit Barberan in Barcelona, it is a heavy engineering business with 60 years of experience. The difference between Barberan and digital print manufacturers is its history, its heavy engineering and robust technology. So, the print engine has been developed by the company over 10 years, but it is the fact that the print engine is wrapped in very sophisticated heavy engineering that makes the difference.
“If you look at the product, it is steel at one end, heavy engineering, manufacturing and modification on the fly and it is built as a fit-for-purpose product.
“In conversation with some of our prospective customers, we have been talking about the depreciation of a product like this machine and people have historically looked at offset presses at 15 to 20 years and they have looked at digital presses at around seven years. Where does this fit?
“The psychology when you look at this printer is that it is a heavy duty digital press and we are starting to look at depreciation times that are much longer than traditional digital presses – in the teens – and why wouldn’t they be.
“Maybe this is the first digital press that you don’t need to perceive as a digital press – it is a printing solution in its entirety. It is a solution that happens to use a digital print engine.
“It is a very exciting moment when you walk into the print shop and you see a printer of this scale.”
After working in the printing industry for 38 years, Burton said this is “the biggest deal” of his professional life.
“Many years ago, I used to sell Onsets and I used to flinch when I had to tell customers they were one million pounds – and this is a bit more of a challenge. It is really exciting towards the end of your career to get a chance to work with an absolute zenith of print development.
“This is the most expensive printer I have ever sold, but its cost is the ROI. If you are at this end of investment, the invoice is one issue but the ROI is the relevant topic.
“We are ready to go – and in September and October we will be putting people in place to close the deals.
“Fujifilm is a technology pioneer and a big corporation while Barberan is a privatelyowned heavy engineering, fast-moving business. The combination of the two is surprisingly effective and it means we can move at pace and we can apply our R&D to elements such as the ink and other processes. It is actually a marriage made in heaven.”
Burton added that because of the strong relationship Fujifilm has across the display graphics world and its pioneering work in driving the industry over the last 25 years, customers have been looking for the next big development – with the HS6000 project being a response to that demand.
Burton does not believe there will ever be a product on an exhibition stand at a trade show.
“It is likely to only be displayed at a Barberan demo site and our view would be that no one is going to buy one off a show floor because the people who are looking for this type of technology are fairly rarefied customers and will do their due diligence for their return on investment,” he said.
“When it comes to the analysis of print processes, Fujifilm know the game because we have been in the print business forever – we are already a resident in the chemicals business, in the offset business, and the plates business –this is our home turf.”
Fujifilm launches Acuity Prime Hybrid printer
Fujifilm showcased the new Acuity Prime Hybrid printer at FESPA 2023 for the first time. Modelled on the highly successful Acuity Prime, the new machine brings additional versatility due to its ability to handle rigid and flexible media.
The new printer is the latest in Fujifilm’s Acuity range – designed from the ground up as part of its new “blueprint for wide format”. All machines in the range were purposely developed to strike the perfect balance between output speed, print quality and price while incorporating intuitive design features for the operator.
When used as a flatbed machine, the Acuity Prime Hybrid can print on substrates up to 2m in width. It can simultaneously print on up to four pieces of rigid media and features registration pins for exact edge-to-edge printing.
The Acuity Prime Hybrid can produce a print at production quality starting from 92 square metres per hour. It also features front and back handling tables to support all media types while facilitating easy media positioning.
The roll-fed configuration can be loaded with two rolls each up to 0.9m wide, and its GreenGuard Gold certified ink makes it suitable for wallpaper production – as well as an extensive range of other applications.
The Acuity Prime Hybrid is set to meet the needs of print service providers who use a wide range of media, including Dibond, foamboard, acrylic, polyester and more.
The machine is available with four colours (CMYK) as standard and uses the same highly pigmented inks that have been used successfully.
A beta model will be installed in the UK in June, with commercial availability scheduled for the end of this year.
Fujifilm wide format inkjet systems director David Burton said, “We have listened to our customers, and we recognise that high functionality and versatility is in demand. In response to our customers and, building on the success of the Acuity Prime flatbed series, we developed the Acuity Prime Hybrid – a cost-effective and robust printer that will maximise productivity across a wide variety of applications.
Fujifilm’s 500 square-metre stand also showcased printers first displayed at FESPA 2022, allowing Fujifilm to highlight technological developments and enhancements made since then, as well as early market success.
The Acuity Prime first revealed to the world at FESPA in Berlin, is a larger version of the Acuity Prime 20 and 30 models, with a 3.2m x 2m flatbed, prints at speeds of 202 square metres per hour.
It is easy to operate and produces highquality results at high speed. It features six vacuum zones and 16 media location pins allowing tandem printing – printing on one side of the bed whilst setting up on the other.
Now with installations in the European market, the Acuity Prime L is commercially available and market proven.
The company also presented more details on its partnership with industrial manufacturer Barberan to bring singlepass inkjet to the sign and display market and hosted Australians attending the event on its stand.
EFI’s roll-to-roll printing machines attract customers at FESPA Munich
Print businesses, including those in truck tarp printing, are seeing the benefits of EFI’s roll-to-roll product range.
EFI had several of its machines on display at the recent FESPA Munich tradeshow, but the ones that are gaining the most popularity amongst the Australian customer base are its roll-to-roll printers, such as the EFI VUTEk Q3r and Q5r, EFI VUTEk 3r+ and 5r+, EFI VUTEk D3r and D5r, and EFI Pro 32r+ printers.
EFI senior business development manager Brett Addison told Sprinter that the most popular features from this range are its ability to offer the widest range of application capabilities – inline slitting and cutting, double-sided printing, and more; superb white ink printing performance in single- and multi-layer print modes; and white and clear ink printing together for increased design and application possibilities.
“During COVID, we found that our truck tarp manufacturers were receiving up to 50 new trailers a week. This meant that printing on truck tarps couldn’t be done the analogue way anymore. With EFI digital inkjet roll-to-roll printers, you can print, coat, and cut truck tarps in under one hour using one machine,” Addison said.
EFI UltraClear Coat can be used as a final protective coating, or for decorative applications, and prints with a gloss or matte finish inline, simultaneously with the image. And EFI inks for truck side curtains are warranted by EFI for up to five years (subject to terms and conditions set forth in EFI Ink Warranty for Truck Side Curtains applications).
“UltraClear Coat not only works on truck tarp applications but other applications as well. This special feature means that if you have a backlit graphic or wallpaper that has been clear coated, all you need to do is spray and wipe it instead of having to replace it,” Addison added.
EFI has already sold five of its machines into truck tarp companies locally over the past few years, including the install of an EFI VUTEk D3r at Fleetmark.
EFI’s broad portfolio of wide format printers are available locally through Currie Group.
eProductivity Software introduces POGO
Print and packaging software technology company eProductivity Software (ePS) launched its new mobile application POGO and showcased a range of its end-to-end offerings for wide format print businesses at FESPA Munich.
ePs offers integrated, automated, and purpose-built software technology for MIS and ERP, e-Commerce, and industryspecific point solutions designed to drive revenue growth, reduce the cost of sales and manufacturing, and empower successful transformation of packaging and print companies across the globe through business and production workflow automation.
ePS general manager David Bentley said, “For Print ePS, we are focused on commercial printing, namely wide format fulfilment. We are helping customers in the publication sector, brand creative services and even some of those retail or smaller players, so we are focusing on optimisation tools across the entire print sector”.
One of the products showcased at FESPA was the new mobile application, a module available as part of the core application. It interacts with the Pace MIS system, records proof of delivery, and through its intuitive interface, helps to streamline fulfilment and payment processes.
“The application has been designed for our customers to streamline their delivery and installation process and provide realtime feedback to the system to track, log and record activity,” Bentley said.
The company also provided more details on its partnership with HP Indigo, which was announced at the Dscoop conference in 2022.
“We are delighted to share with our customers that we have full integration with our HP partnership, which is all about drive and workflow automation. It enables customers to report and take orders through our e-commerce platform into the ERP, being able to schedule it by a realtime submission to HP Indigo devices through print OS,” Bentley said.
The integration reports throughout the production process with timely updates about production time, costs and the current completion within the production schedule.
“This automation allows the operators to focus on the value-added, taking care of the customers, delivering a high-quality product,” Bentley added.
Dimense features its latest fourth generation system
Dimense took to FESPA Munich to show off its latest, fourth generation print and emboss system that is one pass and eco-friendly – meaning that it places a high importance on sustainability.
Stick On Signs CEO Abe Weiszberger was at the tradeshow to talk to ProPrint about the system’s capabilities.
Weiszberger said, “Everything about Dimense is about being sustainable. The systems use a water-based glue. It prints on top of a printed mirror and on top of a white colour, bringing in a special effect which is glitter. This enables a next-level effect for product.
“This system is the next step forward for printing because everyone can now print on black and white, or colour. Printing a texture is something new and having something like a 3D effect gives users an added advantage.”
This product is currently in beta stage of production and Weiszberger confirmed its availability in Australia “at a later stage”.
Weiszberger also mentioned that Dimense’s products have been gaining popularity in Australia, such as the Dimense 3D structured wallpaper printer which was purchased by two Australian printers at PacPrint last year.
“We have seen quite a lot of success with our technology. Businesses are coming to realise what the Dimense systems can do, which is about adding value in printing,” he said.
“You can either be a printer that prints what everybody else prints or you can be a value-added printer that creates something which nobody else can. This is the advantage of Dimense – giving the printer an option to create something unique.”
Melbourne-based Stick On Signs is the Australian agent for Dimense’s products.
Epson showcased SureColor F2260 DTG printer at FESPA
Epson showcased the SureColor F2200 direct-to-garment printer, a significant upgrade to its SureColor F2100 large format printer, at FESPA Munich.
Tailored for medium volume printing, the DTG printer, which is referred to in Australia as the SureColor F2260, helps users create stunning personalised items.
A range of these applications were on display at the Epson stand at the tradeshow, where the company was demonstrating the full scope and flexibility of this printing technology.
Epson said all demonstrations on its stand at FESPA were designed to show how its printing technology can create beautiful products with healthy revenue streams.
Epson said the new SureColor F2260 is ideal for start-up companies or mediumvolume businesses that need high levels of flexibility and accuracy with fast turnaround times.
Designed to produce complex designs on a variety of garments, it uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology to provide faster printing and data processing speeds, resulting in a productivity increase of up to 25 per cent over the SureColor F2100, while maintaining extremely high print quality (This applies to light garments only – there is an increase of 15 per cent for darker garments). With a highly compact, flat top design that allows easy installation into smaller spaces, flexibility is further enhanced through Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator2 software, which not only enables the printing of both DTG and DTFilm, but improves the quality of fine lines and small text.
Offering a range of enhanced features designed with ease of use in mind, the SureColor F2260 also allows businesses to maintain high levels of production and quality without the need for specialist operators.
A transparent lid and internal light, for example, enable easy print-status checking, while an intuitive 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operation fast and simple. With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2260 remains stable with minimal adjustment by the user, and the platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustment for printing different garments quick and straightforward. The GarmentCreator2 software, features faster data processing well as 600dpi resolution, to deliver exceptional colour output.
“Although the DTG market has become challenging due to DTFilm technology, this development offers new and mediumvolume businesses a highly cost-effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can easily be scaled to meet future needs,” Epson Europe manager of product management, commercial and industrial Heather Kendle said.
With a very low TCO, the F2260 uses new UltraChrome DG2 Ink Pouches instead of cartridges. These 800ml pouches (previously 600ml) mean a lower change frequency, and significantly reduce wastage, in terms of space and weight, compared with ink cartridges. Epson’s DG2 ink also reduces bleed between yellow and black, which is important for applications such as light T-shirts, and maintains colour consistency with DG ink.
Straightforward to set up and start printing, the F2260 is supplied as a complete package, including consumables, warranty, servicing and support.
Jetmark to distribute Hasler Solutions in Australia
Printers and printing products distributor Jetmark will be bringing Hasler Solutions’ automatic cutting products to Australia as the former looks to expand its reach into the region.
The distribution deal was announced at the recent FESPA Munich tradeshow.
Hasler Solutions managing director Marc Hasler told ProPrint, “We were looking for a partner in Australia as it’s far away from where we’re located (in Spain). We’ve started the contract with Jetmark as we see them as a competitive and competent company with good technicians.
“Through the Jetmark distribution deal, we’ve installed our biggest machine with scanning capabilities in Melbourne. We’ve also got another installation on the way, also in Melbourne, of a slightly smaller machine.
“All this is possible only with a good, local partner.”
Jetmark managing director Craig Hornsey said, “The Hasler deal, for us, was a no brainer. Marc has such long-standing experience in the industry that has allowed him to build machines that are better than anything else. That can be seen in the machines’ productivity abilities.
“It’s not just about cutting speed – there are so many more elements to cutting and the speed of a knife blade. With the page scanner, there is opportunity for up to five to six times faster speed than any other machine in the market.
“And with a lot of demand locally for faster turnaround times, automation is key and Hasler Solutions delivers on not only automation but also cost, turnaround times, quality and consistency.”
Hasler Solutions’ machines are fully produced in Spain, with 80 per cent to 90 per cent of its parts coming from Germany. The company has been in operation for nearly 15 years and has produced its own machines since 2019.
“We use German components and the structure of our machines is done locally on our site in Spain. This lets us keep labour costs down, which results in more economic machines,” Hasler said.
According to Hasler, the company had plans to make its business more international following its direction to produce its own machines, but that was at the time that COVID caused lockdowns globally.
However, that didn’t dampen Hasler’s spirits, and the company continued to sell machines through phone orders.
“During COVID itself, we managed to install 50 machines worldwide – we have machines in Australia, Canada, Qatar, US, and Europe. I think we did quite well given the circumstances. And last year, our sales were 70 per cent more than the year before. Whoever is investing in Hasler is investing in their future,” Hasler added.
Australian company wins Best In Show award at FESPA Munich
All About Graphics has been awarded the prestigious prize of Best In Show for a complex set of printing jobs delivered for an exhibition for Australian pop star Daniel Johns.
The exhibition titled ‘Daniel Johns: Past, Present & FutureNever’ – was held at the Rialto in Melbourne last year and was a tribute to the award-winning singer and songwriter, best known for being the lead singer of Newcastle-based band Silverchair – but also acted as a promotional device to launch Johns’ latest album called ‘FutureNever’.
All About Graphics delivered the project using over 1600 square metres of materials using HP Latex, Epson UV Eco-Sol as well as Canon Colorado 1650 and Canon PROGRAF printers.
ImageBox Group won Silver for their refurbishment of the Australian Sports Museum.
Judges awarded the prize as they said that “materials were expertly combined in creating a remarkable and memorable space”.
The 2023 FESPA Awards received 210 entries from over 30 countries and recognises new trends and techniques for the printing community to learn from.
“The FESPA Awards is one of the most prestigious and established awards competitions for the print and signage community recognising those who make a real difference to the industry and encourage others to push boundaries in their work,” FESPA president Christophe Aussenac said.
“As a speciality printer myself, I am very proud to support the FESPA Awards and believe that FESPA has a vital role to play in encouraging our global community to continue to evolve, innovate and inspire.”
There other Australian winner at the 2023 FESPA Awards who received Silver recognition for its entry was Next Printing, for its Clinique Hydration Station Pop-Up Store.
The store was installed for a week within Sydney’s high-traffic Pitt Street Mall.
Sydney’s Allprint Graphics buys swissQprint Kudu from Pozitive
Sydney's Allprint Graphics is the new owner of a swissQprint Kudu, which it purchased from Pozitive at FESPA Munich. This is Pozitive's first Kudu sale in Australia, although there are about 30 machines in the field or in production globally.
Allprint Graphics managing director Grant Cunningham told ProPrint that the company, which specialises in retail pointof-sale, decided on buying yet another swissQprint machine as he believes in the quality and reliability of the brand, as well as the stellar service from Pozitive.
The company already owns a Nyala and an Impala.
“We started our company 63 years ago as a screen printing business and have evolved over the years with the addition of digital equipment. About 15 years ago, we embarked on a journey to ramp up our digital capacity and about eight years ago we purchased our first swissQprint machine,” Cunningham said.
“We then bought another swissQprint machine about six or seven years ago with the view to retire some of our screen printing equipment.
“Our requirements for a machine that could handle more capacity also increased, and given that our experience with swissQprint has been excellent – both in terms of the quality of the equipment and the support from Pozitive – we decided on the Kudu.
“The machine is a good match for our business. It has got a good combination of quality output and speed. And the flexibility of the flatbed layout allows us to produce and print on some unique materials as well as our standard range of materials.”
The swissQprint Kudu is a high-end printer that features ten colour channels and up to 30 print heads. It prints at up to 304 m²/h – and that’s for both flatbed and optional roll-to-roll printing (3.2m).
The ability to print on neon inks is a standout of the Kudu, as it allows people to have a swissQprint machine that can really do something more than what is already in the market.
Pozitive managing director Phil Trumble said, “Grant has been a long-time user of swissQprint machines – he already has an Impala and a Nyala – and joining the family of machines is the brand new Kudu. This machine was just launched by swissQprint at FESPA last year and we're very pleased that the first machine is coming to Australia.”
Allprint is looking to have the Kudu installed at its premises at the end of this year following some changes to its factory to accommodate it.
swissQprint announces sale of 1,000th Nyala flatbed printer
The swissQprint production team celebrated a milestone at its company headquarters in Switzerland: the sale of its 1,000th Nyala machine, due to be finished and delivered in June.
The announcement was made at FESPA Munich.
The company launched the Nyala UV flatbed printer in May 2012. The 3.2m-wide flatbed printer has been a success story since its launch 11 years ago.
swissQprint said the printer enjoys a large following around the globe. In the European market, it has been the bestselling model in its category for eight consecutive years.
Due to its print bed dimensions and modularity, Nyala offers freedom in applications and formats that it can handle with up to 1350dpi in resolution.
swissQprint chief sales and marketing officer Carmen Eicher said, “Our customers also appreciate the high system availability and low energy consumption”.
The users can configure their printer according to present needs and then expand and change that configuration later.
swissQprint production manager Christof Lüchinger said, “Right from the start, practically every customer has ordered the roll-to-roll option and thus, so to speak, gets two printers in one”.
Other add-ons include the dual roll option, the board option for panels up to 4m long, the glass option and the Rob loading and unloading robot for unmanned shifts.
Nyala has nine freely configurable colour channels, so in addition to CMYK there is capacity for light colours, white, effect varnish, orange, neon and a primer.
Helpful features contribute to an efficient workflow: in tandem mode, Nyala processes larger print runs non-stop. Thanks to the registration pins and powerful vacuum, any format is quick to set up and print.
Every one of the current models has been certified according to ISO 20690:2018 for “top-in-class” energy efficiency. They consume an average of just 2.2 kWh, the same amount of electricity as an ordinary electric kettle.
Pozitive is the local distributor of the swissQprint Nyala in Australia.
Agfa demonstrates Tauro H3300 multi-pass inkjet at FESPA
Agfa showcased a new roll-to-roll printing module on its fastest multi-pass wide-format inkjet printer family, the Jeti Tauro H3300 LED, at FESPA Munich.
The compact Flex RTR will allow for swift switching between rigid and flexible media, maintaining high productivity levels.
Print service providers can benefit from increased flexibility with the Flex RTR module, which doesn’t need undocking when transitioning from rolls to boards or sheets. This improves printer uptime and maximises print production efficiency. The module marks the next step in the Tauro's automation story, focusing on the optimal utilisation of this hybrid printing solution's versatility.
“Automation is at the core of our inkjet printing solutions development track,” Agfa segment manager for high-end inkjet systems Dieter Jancart said.
“Depending on a company’s specific job types and printing requirements, we will offer a tailored solution that will ensure the most efficient handling of their workload, regardless of whether it involves rigid or flexible substrates, or a combination of both.”
The Flex RTR was developed to match the one-pass printing mode on the Tauro H3300 UHS LED, up to a printing speed of 905 m²/h. It has a compact footprint and is ergonomic and user-friendly. With the press of a button, the dancer rolls controlling media tension move upward, enabling quick and effortless loading of the media by a single operator.
With the ability to handle both single- and dual-roll printing, the Flex RTR module can accommodate widths of up to 3.3m and 1.6m, respectively, with a maximum roll diameter of 400mm and a weight of 450kg for each roll.
Switching from single- to dual-roll printing and back is a quick and straightforward process that can be accomplished by a single operator. The dancer rolls do not need to be removed or reinstalled but can remain in place during the changeover.
To ensure accurate double-sided printing, the integrated camera system reads QR codes generated by the printer's user interface to pinpoint the exact image location and adjust the print position at the start of each job. If printing on the back side is unexpectedly halted, the camera system will identify which image needs to be printed, so that production can resume rapidly and flawlessly.
Xeikon brought its end-to-end digital solutions to FESPA
Xeikon was at the Fespa Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich, Germany, where the broad versatility and flexibility of its digital printing technologies was on show, along with new innovative concepts that it has developed in cooperation with its customers.
Over 30 different applications were displayed at the Xeikon stand where the company demonstrated its digital print portfolio.
The company said it is exhibiting its integrated end-to-end solutions designed to give printers the freedom to diversify and exploit opportunities in different segments.
In addition to presenting digital print samples and products covering the whole spectrum of printing, from marketing communications, specialty applications and interior decoration, to labels and point of sale solutions, the latest iteration of Xeikon’s Wall Deco Suite ran live to showcase digital printing on a variety of non-woven materials from its substrates partners Ahlstrom and Lahnpaper.
This end-to-end inline solution consists of a jumbo unwinder, web cleaning unit, and Xeikon CX500 digital press followed by a water-based varnishing module and a slitting and waste removal unit before a wallpaper rewinder.
Visitors were also able to see innovative examples of how Xeikon’s fully integrated and sustainable manufacturing technology can be used to drive more growth.
In cooperation with customer Färggrossen, which is one of Sweden’s largest suppliers of paints and wallpapers, the stand also featured a new interactive kiosk concept that allowed customers to choose, customise, visualise and order wallpaper in store.
Meanwhile, a large feature wall displayed art wallpaper with a unique 3D clay effect designed by wall deco customer belarteSTUDIO – another Xeikon customer with a unique design philosophy.
Canon unveils two new Arizona 1300 models at FESPA
Canon took to FESPA Munich to launch two new models in the Arizona 1300 flatbed printer series, the GTF and XTF.
The new presses feature award-winning FLOW technology, an innovative zone-free vacuum system that makes media handling easy.
Extending the comprehensive Arizona flatbed printer family, the Arizona 1300 series with FLOW technology serves the growing mid-volume segment, enabling large format graphics printers and other print service providers (PSPs) to offer their customers an extensive range of applications for retail, interior décor, packaging, and industrial markets.
Designed for productivity, the new printers provide versatile, accurate and highly efficient multi-board and doublesided printing.
With variable print speeds of up to 52.8 m²/hr, the Arizona 1300 series with FLOW technology allows users to print pin-sharp, high-value print applications.
The company said customers will benefit from eye-catching prints on rigid or flexible media of any size up to 1.25m by 2.5m with the Arizona GTF or 2.5m by 3.08m on the Arizona XTF.
The FLOW technology also allows much quicker media changeover while its board size makes it an ideal solution for printing many short-run jobs spread throughout the day, allowing users to deliver commercial quality prints with higher levels of productivity.
ORAFOL launches new PVC-free PPF films and laminates at FESPA
Ahighlight of the ORAFOL stand at FESPA Munich was the launch of the company’s PVC-free films and laminates as alternatives to the standard range, specially developed for the high demands in the advertising and automotive sectors.
One PVC-free alternative is the ORAJET 3971RA+ ProSlide cast thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film for vehicle wrapping and other long-term applications. It offers very good formability.
According to ORAFOL, the high-gloss, white, PVC-free film offers the best printability on all digital printing platforms. Thanks to the ORAFOL RapidAir and ProSlide technologies, the product can be quickly and easily bonded to complex surfaces with deep recesses and contoured curves. Particularly longlasting results are achieved when used in combination with the transparent and PVC-free laminate ORAGUARD 279.
ORAFOL Australia managing director Alex McClelland explained that PVC-free PPF is an emerging market in the industry and fast gaining appeal. Although he pointed out that the product is environmentally sound, he is quick to steer away from greenwashing.
“We manufacture plastics, so we don’t want to make environmental claims that are not 100 per cent true. Nevertheless our company is very environmentally conscious,” he said.
In fact, ORAFOL’s sustainability values extend to many areas of its operation.
• It implements an integrated management system that meets all requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 – at its headquarters in Oranienburg and, following these systems, also in the US. Each year, an independent certification body carries out audits and provides evidence that the company not only meets the requirements of the underlying standards, but also sets own standards in all areas.
• The company strives towards an energy-efficient use of raw materials and energy resources in closed cycles, and continuously invests in environmental technologies. Consequently, the use of regenerative incineration plants at the headquarters leads to a significant reduction of harmful emissions. Energy efficiency in Oranienburg continues to be maximised by recycling usable heat back into the production process as well as into the building heating system.
• The concept of sustainability finds reflection in planning and design of the company’s sites. At the headquarters in Oranienburg and worldwide, ORAFOL invests in ecological construction measures that create ecological compensation and provide an environment for animals and plants. These are, for example, small ponds, tree plantings or similar green spaces on the production sites.
• ORAFOL’s “Energy” working group has introduced the necessary steps for converting all process equipment that run on natural gas to also run on liquefied gas, LNG. Upon completion of these expansion projects, ORAFOL will still be able to manufacture its products regardless of any future disruptions to the supply of natural gas.
Back on the subject of the PVC-free PPF range, McClelland explained that it was introduced a few months ago as a soft launch and that ORAFOL is running courses on how to apply it.
The PVC-free PPF range took from 12 to 18 months to develop he said, admitting that it has been a worthwhile exercise as the products provide an important niche in the marketplace.
Mike Boyle reflects on new global HP role in Barcelona
Former managing director of HP Australia and New Zealand Mike Boyle has commented for the first time on his new global role located at HP in Barcelona.
In an exclusive interview with ProPrint at FESPA 2023, Boyle – who is now the global head of large format go-to-market – said that although he started the new role 10 months ago, he only completed the move to Barcelona three months ago.
“It has been quite a long process, but I am very excited to be finally in Barcelona. It is nice to be able to walk the corridors of the organisation as it is a very vibrant site and we have thousands of people there including our research and development team,” he said.
“It is good to use my go-to-market experience being close to our customers and partners to drive innovation as well as making pragmatic decisions moving HP forward. It is a great honour as an Australian to have a role in HP in that regard.
“I am managing several countries –everything from emerging markets to the US, Latin America, India, Singapore and Europe – it does mean a lot of travel. And as HP has a long association with cinema, I was also fortunate to attend the Cannes Film Festival recently as well.”
In terms of trends, Boyle identifies textiles and indoor graphics as one of the key areas for growth in the large format category.
“We are looking at textiles and interior spaces as being a very big opportunity –especially around hybrid working spaces –such as home offices which I am about to undertake myself so I am not going to be the plumber with a leaky tap,” he mentioned.
“The theme that we have around the stand here at FESPA is getting into the sustainable aspects of what we do. Everything on this stand has been printed on an HP Latex – so it is really nice to see the possibilities.
“We are celebrating 15 years of HP Latex this week – it was 29 May 2008 at Drupa that we first announced it – so we had a birthday cake to celebrate this journey.
“I can’t share anything ahead about Drupa in 2024, but I can reveal that the market should expect more around innovation on a workflow basis and more on an ecosystem play as well.
“We are using three words to describe the business at the moment – firstly Stunning… in terms of stunning applications and working to broaden our versatility around applications.
Secondly we are looking to Streamline… and not only look at what printers do in terms of printing time but how do we improve efficiency and lastly Sustainability… and what does it mean from an end user environment as well as our PSPs and partners – we are looking to get them to dial in and look for ways they can contribute in a positive way to sustainability for all of us.
“These are our key messages for the printing industry at the moment. I am very energised and really loving my new role. I have a great team and great partners, but I do miss everybody in Australia and I will be coming back a couple of times between now and the end of the year – so I am keeping close ties with the Australian market as well.”
HP showcases the capabilities of its Stitch S1000 dye sublimation printer
HP took to FESPA Munich to showcase its latest innovations, one of them being the HP Stitch S1000 dye sublimation printer.
Sprinter caught up with HP worldwide LF solution pre-sales GTM lead Jeremy Brew at the HP stand to learn more about the machine.
“There is a printer that I haven’t ever had the chance to talk to Australia and New Zealand about – the HP Stitch S1000, which is our 3.2m dye sublimation printer,” Brew said.
“One of the things that we really love about this printer – and our customers love – is that with dye sublimation, you often need to pick if you want to print on transfer paper or direct to fabric. The great thing about the HP Stitch S1000 is we let you do both.
“On this machine, we can run paper for very sensitive materials such as silks and scarves and very stretchy materials or for signage, exhibitions displays or backlits. We know customers want to print direct, so this machine allows users to switch from paper directly to fabric without reconfiguring the machine at all.
“It is a very versatile dye sublimation printer and we are excited to have it running here at Fespa 2023.”
