Vision Asia Magazine Issue 5 - June 2014

a s i a • d i g i ta l p r i n t i n t e l l i g e n c e

AUGMENTED REALITY what is to become of us Once the stuff of science fiction, overlaying digital information onto a real world view is now not only possible, but it may soon be coming to a brand near you. But what does Augmented Reality really mean, will we spend our days with brains wired into the Internet or is it not that complicated - read our report to see what it means to the digital print environment

ISSUE

inside

VISION

• local scene: china • augmented reality • Fespa Awards • the key to green • latest news

the new Vision Asia website it’s live, it’s brilliant, it’s here

www.visionmagazine.asia

If your logo was on the Homepage of our website in May it would have been seen 1,524 times

To make sure your brand gets the exposure it deserves call 8120 2492

SPONSOR theplatinum Vision Asia website promotionalmonthly, opportunities exist for sponsors with vision seen by thousands updated daily, brilliant always contact visionaries@visionmagazine.asia for details or call Ed Boyes +65 8120 2492

www.visionmagazine.asia

VISIONasia ISSUE

VISION

CONTENTS COVER

augmented reality

The time may be approaching when our brains will be hard wired into the digital universe.

Right now you can buy technology that overlays data onto the real world and digital printing is not far behind. Read how one printer is taking advantage of this new technique.

24

Augmented Reality

4

New Products

8

Fespa Awards

14

The key to Going Green

16

News

18

Feature location: China

22

Software

25

Media and Ink

VISION asia magazine the changing face of print in asia Published by Vision Asia Media Pte Ltd 57 Ubi Avenue 1 #03-06 Ubi Centre Singapore 408936

publisher sales editorial circulation

ed boyes ed boyes sha jumari meynard

m m m m

+65 8120 2492 +65 8120 2492 +65 6733 5342 +65 6733 5342

@ @ @ @

ed@visionmagazine.asia ed@visionmagazine.asia sha@cpublish.com.sg accounts@cpublish.com.sg

tel +65 6733 5342 fax +65 6733 3586

4

VISION

new Products

EFI H1625 LED Hybrid

The EFI H1625 is a mid-level production LED printer designed to handle flexible and rigid substrates with output onto media up to 165cm wide and 4.572cm thick. Print speed is up to 42.27 sqm/hr with an image width up to 162.56cm with full bleed and 1200 x 600 dpi.

The system is optimised for use with the EFI Fiery XF RIP permitting bidirectional communication for audit information on every print job. EFI’s Enhanced Service Program warranty covers the printer and Fiery XF software.

Features • Standard four colours (CMYK) plus two white channels • Up to eight levels of variable drop grayscale.

• White ink and multilayer print capability to extend premium margin offering • Optimized for use with the Fiery XF RIP

• Bidirectional communication capability between the Fiery XF RIP and the printer allows communication of audit information on every print job

• Twelve months of EFI’s Essential-level Enhanced Service Program (ESP) coverage for printer and Fiery XF software

AEG Voyager Pro 2050/3200 series first UV-curable metallic?

AEG, the global German brand best known for its household white goods, has moved into the wideformat arena with a new series of UV-curable printers debuted recently at Sign & Digital UK. Designed as a combination system with a generous range of colour options, including metallic ink in a

UV-curable machine, this series consists of two Voyager Pro printers – the 2.05m Voyager Pro 2050 and its 3.2m counterpart, the 3200 – and two entry-level Voyager machines at 1.65m and 2.2m. All are hybrid engines, which handle both roll-fed and flat-bed media. Said to suit sign and display producers, packaging specialists and label

converters as it has been designed to create special effects, spot colour. product concepts, prototypes as well as generate proofs and shortruns onto the final material.

To increase production each uses the recently announced Xaar 1002 print-head which feature Xaar’s TF Technology combined with the Hybrid Side-Shooter ink recirculation. The variable droplet size of 0 to 18 picolitres has four levels of greyscale to suit all types of application, accommodating very fine gradients and crisp solid colours carrying CMYK as standard, but gamut-enhancing options, including light cyan, light magenta, orange and green or red and violet, can be added, as can white and clear varnish which can all be upgraded.

It suits metallic ink formulations permitting metallic effects and pearlescent finishes onto standard rigid and flexible materials.

AEG’s printer series uses the Pantone Metallic Library, which contains more than 300 matched shades.

Manufactured in the EU, AEG are yet to advise of plans to enter the global market.

Durst Rho 312R roll to roll printer Durst has unveiled the Rho 312R roll to roll printer with the claim that it is the most productive 3.2 m roll to roll printer in its class.

The 312R features Durst’s Quadro Array 12M printheads with Variodrop technology and the 12 picolitre drop size enables image quality with up to 900 dpi, while the Variodrop technology is responsible for the printer’s high productivity. The machine will print up to 240 sqm/hr in high speed mode and up to 122 sqm/hr in POP mode. Productivity is enhanced with the option of being able to print two 1.6 m rolls of media at the same time with individual print queues.

The print system has over 24,000 nozzles, which means that productivity does not have to be compromised for speed and the high pigmentation reduces ink consumption and to provide a low cost per sqm making a competitive ROI. The Variodrop system enhances the greyscale technology by increasing productivity and improved image quality, also eliminating the inherent problems often associated with greyscale printing. www.visionmagazine.asia

Other features include 6 colour printing and different ink options, unattended printing with large rolls, options of reverse side printing and integrated border cutting.

Durst roll ink is environmentally friendly being completely VOC free and accredited with the Nordic Swan environmental certification and will produce everything from backlits and fine art prints to POP, banners, wallpaper and façade decoration.

new products

VISION

5

GANDY SL8TE Hybrid UV Printer

Canadian heaquartered Gandy used Fespa Digital 2014 to introduce its SL8TE series of entry level, Hybrid and True Flatbed UV printers.

SL8TE Hybrid comes in widths of 1.6m, 2.2m and 2.6m, allowing PSPs to print Flatbed (with extension tables) or Roll to Roll (rewind and unwind with precise tension control). Materials feed continuously without stoppage giving higher throughput and optional extra heavy duty extension tables allow users to print extra long rigid materials.

SL8TE True Flatbed comes in print sizes of 1.6m X 2.6m and 2.6m X 3m. True flatbed has pin registration and sectional vacuum zones so the vacuum holds uneven materials flat to get consistent sharp print quality plus it has a back blower for easy removal of materials. A manual Roll to Roll attachment is available for the true flatbed model.

The SL8TE family of UV printers come with combination of 10 to 20 Ricoh Gen 4, 6 picoliter printheads so users can have 4 colour and white and clear varnish, or 6 colour for smoother images for example, using 16 heads in a 4 colour mode can produce quality prints at 35 sqm/hr. The SL8TE

UV printers have the white and clear varnish feature built in-line so PSPs can print white or clear varnish simultaneously with colours.

The printers have been designed with auto material thickness sensing, enabling print of materials up to 65mm thickness on the Hybrid model and 76mm on the Flatbed model. Edge to edge printing is standard with multi layer printing available for all models. The systems have many power levels to cure the UV ink on different materials and the SL8TE comes with an easy to

use interface and print functions plus a built in Crash Sensor protects print heads.

Gandy has introduced high density UV ink on the printers to use less ink per square metre which, in 4 colour mode, equates to over 200sqm/litre.

These entry level printers are suitable for sign shops looking to move into direct-to-board printing or printers looking for the increased flexibility of having a flatbed or roll-to-roll machines in the equipment lineup.

Mutoh ValueJet 1626Uh and 426UF UV LED Printers Mutoh says its 64” ValueJet 1626UH is an affordable UV LED hybrid printer with the ability to print on rigid substrates and the flexibility to print on roll media up to 0.5” thick. This dual function serves to make the unit both cost effective while having a small footprint. It has two UV LED inksets CMYK x 2 or CMYK + white + varnish with a top speed of 109 sqft/hr (at 720 dpi) and a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi.

The VJ 1626UH comes with Mutoh’s VSM Monitor app for remote printer management; Mutoh edition FlexiPrint DX RIP software; optional takeup system; optional SpectroVue VM-10 spectrophotometer and Intelligent Interweave print technique to aid in eliminating banding.

The 1626UH is best suited for packaging prototypes, POP signage, tradeshow graphics, banners, posters, yard signs and indoor graphics.

The tabletop ValueJet 426UF UV LED is a tabletop printer featuring a 13 x 19” bed and the ability to print directly onto a variety of flat and 3D substrates up to 2.75” thick. The system utilises an inkset comprising CMYK + white + varnish ink or CMYK x 2. Maximum resolution is 1440 dpi and top speed is 89 sqft/hr at 720 dpi.

The 426UF features Mutoh’s ValueJet Status Monitor (VSM) app and Intelligent Interweave print

ValueJet 1626UH UV LED ValueJet 426UF UV LED technique in addition to a vacuum table; Mutohedition FlexiPrint DX RIP software; and VJ Total Install CD with Windows print driver.

Mutoh’s ValueJet 426UF is suited to packaging prototypes, awards, specialty items, promotional items, personalization, labels, decals, stickers and indoor signs. www.visionmagazine.asia

6

VISION

new Products

AGFA Anapurna M2050i Agfa has debuted the Anapurna M2050i at Fespa Digital 2014 in Munich.

Incorporating the latest generation of print heads, Agfa says the Anapurna M2050i achieves a productivity increase of up to 75% over its predecessor while maintaining its level of print quality, plus dual board or borderless printing will also increase productivity. In addition, the electromechanical redesign of the system has made it more robust still, fit for sustained higher workloads.

The company says that, in combination with a precision belt transport drive system, new print heads have optimised dot positioning for excellent print quality and virtually guarantee printing of good solids, fine text reproduction down to 4 pt and outstanding tonal rendering allowing the machine to produce top quality prints on a wide variety of indoor and outdoor media – both rigids and roll media.

The Anapurna M2050i uses Agfa Graphics’ large gamut of UV-curable inks which work with a broad range of rigid and flexible media for both inside and outside applications - white printing is also included. The company says it’s ‘thin ink layer’ technology will allow the ink to deliver the highest colouring power as well as the lowest ink consumption per square meter in the industry, resulting in better looking prints while saving on ink costs.

When coupled with Agfa Graphics’ Asanti workflow for the sign and display market, which adds colour management and automatic pre-flighting, users benefit from an integrated production solution.

This creates consistent quality while minimising errors, increasing productivity and saving time.

Asanti is complemented by the Asanti StoreFront cloud-based web-to-print system - an optional low-investment SaaS solution.

The M2050i will be commercially available in the third quarter of 2014.

Fujifilm Vybrant F1600 1.6m roll inkjet printer

Fujifilm debuted its Vybrant F1600 1.6m large format, roll to roll inkjet printer at Fespa Digital 2014. The machine, targeted specifically at the sign industry, will be displayed alongside its extensive range of euromedia materials as a demonstration of the variety of substrates that the printer can handle.

The Vybrant F1600 features Fujifilm’s patented FUZE hybrid UV ink technology, which the company says is designed to improve efficiency and results for large format production.

The inks’ UV component produces a durable, vivid colour ink film with www.visionmagazine.asia

strong scratch resistance and a smooth glossy print. The eco-solvent carrier results in low ink build for handling and finishing flexibility. Due to the UV curing, no de-gassing time is required, and substrates can be finished and shipped immediately.

The F1600 is a four colour CMYK machine with a productivity of up to 18.0 sqm/hr and guarantees adhesion to a wide range of substrates.

Fujifilm as ideal for printing vinyl or any other flexible materials where durability and quick delivery times are required and suits indoor and outdoor applications.

new products

VISION

7

Hollanders COLORBOOSTER 250 DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTER

Netherlands based Hollanders launched its new ColorBooster 250 digital textile printer at Fespa Digital 2014. The 250 is a modular and upgradable entry-level printer for dye-sub transfer and disperse direct to textile printing.

Based on Hollanders’ XL and DS series technology, the ColorBooster 250 includes their media transport system, built-in humidity, temperature control and on-board remote support system.

Incorporating many of the ColourBooster XL features, the company’s bespoke ordering system includes options such as number of print heads, colour channels, speed and applications with upgrade paths including dust and climate control and 2.5m width.

Designed for sign-makers and display producers, it is complemented by the ColorBooster 250 Carpet Edition, which is specifically configured for durable flooring materials and is engineered to work with heavy rolls.

The ColorBooster 250 incorporates many features already built into the Hollanders 3.2m ColorBooster XL and its ergonomic profile is designed for quality production on a broad variety of polyester-based materials.

When used with low-energy dye sublimation inks it is suitable for interior applications or as a multi-functional system for indoor and outdoor wide format graphics with its high-energy direct disperse dyes.

The company’s digital textile printers are complemented by its ColorWash washing machine and ColorFix infra-red colour fixation system.

Elitron Kombo Th Plotter

Elitron debuted their Kombo TH SuperPlotter at Fespa Digital 2014 saying the system was developed to suit the visual communications and packaging sectors. The company said it is the only system with two independent gantries and two multi-tool cutting heads, which work independently on the same working area. This means double speed, double productivity, double efficiency and reduced production times.

Elitron also debuted its Kombo SD2 which the company claims is the only high performance, automatic cutting system - it has a new milling and cutting head on the same gantry, with 4 milling bits and automatic tool-change on independent axes: 3Kw electro-spindle milling module, 50,000 rpm, with liquid cooling system.

Both these systems are equipped with the company’s patented vision Seeker System. This dual camera system reads the sheets, recognises printed images, detects reference point position and automatically loads the cutting files. The high-resolution Video-Projection system is designed for rapid prototyping. It projects shapes to be cut onto the sheet then where the operator can nest the shapes as required.

Elitron also showcased their new Heleva Sheet Feeder, a result of the company’s RFA (Researching Full Automation) division, that has produced an automatic management system to pick up, align and load single sheet or multisheet panels from ground level to 1.5m high, onto large format digital plotters.

Kornit Avalanche Hexa 6

Kornit Digital have launched the Avalanche Hexa 6 colour system featuring Kornit Digital’s NeoPigment process that can print direct to multiple fabric types including cotton, polyester, lycra, viscose, linen, denim, silk and wool.

Kornit says the Hexa has been developed specifically to meet the demands of the fashion and sports apparel industry and by adding red and green channels to the traditional CMYK colour gamut the machine provides a 30% wider colour range.

The 6 colour system features the Company’s NeoPigment process that can print direct to multiple fabric types with a print area of 60 x 90 cm for XXL garments and cut pieces and can accurately match corporate logos or sports team graphics The Hexa’s main features are its superior colour and spot colour printing using its 20 Spectra Polaris print heads with 6 colour channels and, with 256 nozzles per head, it is ideal for digitally print short run garments with special colors on a variety of substrates. www.visionmagazine.asia

8

VISION

awards

FESPA 2014: ‘the envelope please...’

Fespa revealed its award winners at Fespa Digital 2014, saying that this years program attracted entries from 24 countries, with the top prizes given to entrants from across Europe, Asia and Australasia. Organisers said that by opening entry to all printers, not just Fespa members, this year saw countries not previously represented including Malaysia and New Zealand.

This entry - a Daft Punk themed varsity jacket which combined a variety of different printing techniques - was universally considered the most outstanding example of innovation, grabbing the attention of every judge across the ten categories.

Some of this year’s innovative winning pieces included popular garment & special effect pieces such as a 60ft wrapped boat, a wrapped cable car and more than 30 t-shirt entries.

The Young Star Award was awarded to Eleni Bourazanis from England, who has won a six month internship with Mimaki.

Following months of voting online, the 2014 People’s Choice of the Year Award was presented to A-Design, Russia, for their skull t-shirt entry in the Garment and Functional Printing category in which they also won Gold.

All shortlisted entries were on display at FESPA Digital 2014 and will continue on a global tour including China 19-21 November 2014 and Eurasia 4-7 December 2014, the winning work will also be showcased at www. fespa.com/awards.

The Best in Show Award went to ZEGO Promotion & Logistik GmbH, Germany, for its entry in the Garment Decoration of the Year category.

Fine Art Print of the Year:

Gold

Marvel Graphic Studio India

Gold

silver

Marvel Graphic Studio India

silver

bronze

Book Art Museum Poland

bronze

Interior Decoration of the Year:

Gold

Special Effects Print of the Year:

Garment Decoration of the Year: A-Design Russia Midi Print LLC Russia

Gold

silver

Marmony GmbH Germany

silver

Pramukh Embroidery India

bronze

Digital Plus Ltd England

bronze

Grapefruit Graphics England

Perfect Packaging India

bronze

In-store project of the Year:

Raccoon London England Print Works United Arab Emirates

MIDI PRINT LLC Russia

silver

Outdoor and Vehicle Project of the Year:

Van Iwaarden Artwork Netherlands

Foster Screenprinting/Arria Design Group - New Zealand

Gold

Gold silver bronze

Press On England

Functional Print of the Year:

Gold silver bronze

LUXeXceL - Printoptical Technology - Netherlands VCG Colourlink UK Keetronics (I) Pvt Ltd. India

Integrated print campaign of the Year:

Gold

Horizon Digital Print Ireland

Foster Screenprinting/Arria Design Group - New Zealand Charterhouse UK

Winners in the application categories

Category

Fine Art Print of the Year Functional Print of the Year Garment Decoration of the Year In-store project of the Year Integrated print campaign of the Year Interior Decoration of the Year Outdoor and Vehicle Project of the Year Special Effects Print of the Year www.visionmagazine.asia

Winner

Country

Marvel Graphic Studio

India

LUXeXcel Printoptical Technology

The Netherlands

A-Design Russia Press On

England

Horizon Digital Print

Ireland

Van Iwaarden Artwork

The Netherlands

Raccoon London

England

Foster Screenprinting/Arria Design Group

New Zealand

News

VISION

9

www.visionmagazine.asia

10

VISION

new Products

HP and Comexi Group First Dedicated End-to-end Lamination for Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging digital press flexible packaging designed for short runs, it has the ability to produce several different items around a common design, then customise each one by changing colours, images and language. In addition, the press’s 762 mm width and ability to print on a wide variety of substrates and film (from 10 to 250 micron) provides versatility. The Indigo’s digital, zero-setup process minimises waste with significant cost and time saving and on-demand digital printing also reduces waste and over-stocking, allowing for more sustainable packaging options.

HP has announced a strategic agreement with Comexi Group to develop a lamination option specifically for the HP Indigo 20000 digital press saying this will be the first dedicated end-to-end lamination for digitally printed flexible packaging.

The Comexi Nexus L20000 dedicated digital print lamination and coating solution will be available in

inline or offline configurations and will offer solventfree lamination to help flexible packagers lessen environmental impact. Lamination is a major part of the flexible packaging conversion process and currently jobs have a long set-up cycle with curing and delivery sometimes taking several days.

Built around the HP Indigo 20000, a mid-web

HP Indigo’s liquid ElectroInk technology matches gravure printing so converters can meet critical corporate branding requirements and colour registration on all substrates. Additionally Indigo ElectroInk is suitable for printing food packaging and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for non-food contact surfaces.

Comexi Group will showcase the Nexus L20000 in Autumn 2014 with availability in early 2015.

Fujifilm - Inca Digital Inca Onset R40i UV flatbed printer

Inca Digital’s Onset R40i wide-format, flatbed UV printer was demonstrated for the first time by Fujifilm at Fespa Digital 2014 The R40i is the latest addition to the Inca Onset series and, using Fujifilm Dimatix Spectra printheads, delivers a 14 picolitre (pL) drop size and 400 sqm/hour productivity. Based on the dynamic Onset Scaleable Architecture platform, the new Onset is available with a variety of colour options (CMYK, Lm, Lc and white), with customers being able to modify their machine from a 4 colour configuration to 5, 6 or 7 colours (up to 8 ink channels – 2 for white ink).

Customers can also adapt other elements of the printer such as the UV curing lamps, automation, speed modes, electronics and software to suit their evolving production needs.

A maximum output resolution of 1200dpi can be produced on media up to 3.14m x 1.6m and up to 50mm thick at the rate of up to 80 full-bed sheets per hour. A choice of uni-directional, bidirectional and super high-quality print modes can be selected depending on the specific job requirements. This new Onset also supports Inca’s www.visionmagazine.asia

Print Run Controller software for companies requiring variable data printing capability.

The R40i is compatible with Inca’s flexible automation system which gives customers the choice to operate manually, or with semi or three-quarter automation.

At Fespa the Onset R40i was run with a new,

full automation system, a result of integration between a Hostert automated feeder and alignment table and Inca’s proprietary material loader and take off system.

This combination allows for continuous printing onto a variety of material types and sizes commonly used within the display, POP and sign markets.

new products

VISION

11

Mimaki JV300-130/160

Mimaki’s new JV300-130/160 is compatible with solvent and water-based sublimation inks and is designed for a wide range of applications particularly where products demand high speed and quality printing including outdoor signage, posters, interior decorating and vehicle wrapping. The machine achieves its print quality using Mimaki’s patented inkjet technologies and by combining two newly developed staggered printheads plus its high performance, quick drying SS21 ink, resultsingin a print speed of 105 sqm/hr.

Two new colours, orange and light black, have been developed for the SS21 ink, orange ink achieves higher colour reproducibility with a wider colour gamut, and the light black providing graduation printing. Additionally, using water-based Sb53 sublimation ink, the JV300-130/160 can be used for sublimation transfer printing.

MIMAKI JV300-130/160 Specifications Printhead

Print resolution

• High performance ink and latest machine technology achieves outstanding speed • New inks create value added printing • Print quality control techniques that achieves stunning beautiful printing • Continuous print operation solutions

360 dpi, 540 dpi, 720 dpi and 1440 dpi

Maximum print width

1,361 mm x 1,610 mm

Maximum media width

1,371 mm x 1,620 mm

Ink Type/Colour

Ink pack size

Product Highlights

• New printhead and ink jet technology

2 staggered, on-demand piezo print heads

Circulation system Media thickness Rolled media weight Dimensions (W x D x H) Weight

Eco solvent ink available in specific countries only ES3 (future product) Water based sublimation ink 53 Sb (B1, M, Y, K, LB1, Lm) SS21 : 440 mL cartridge/2L pack White 220 mL cartridge only BS3 : 600 mL pack/2L pack Sb53 : 440 mL cartridge/2L pack MCT (Mimaki Circulation Technology) for white ink Up to 1.0 mm Up to 40 kg 2,495 x 700 x 1,445 mm3 2,745 x 700 x 1,445 mm3 173.4kg

Matan Barak 8QW Super-Wide HYBRID Printer Matan Digital Printers launched its super-wide hybrid UV printer, the Barak 5 metre 8QW at Fespa Digital 2014.

Originally debuted in 2013 at SGIA as a 3.5m version, Matan says the Barak 8QW has received considerable market acceptance thanks to its combination of white printing, patented 8 colour PDS technology, together with a collection of features and options.

Matan also introduced the new Vacuum Plate System, which enables the Barak to print on thin and rigid media sheets at high quality up to 1.5 X 3 metres in size.

The 8QW has a suite of value added features and options, making the machine an all-in-one, end-to-end printing and finishing device. Options include the Inline Finishing system, an add-on that enables printing, trimming and sheeting in a single workflow during the print process - a patented solution by Matan that it says will save both time and money.

Other Barak features include automatic blockout printing, automatic backlit printing, wrinkle analyser, new print modes and the Value-Pro analytics software that enables owners to increase savings on media, ink and manpower. www.visionmagazine.asia

12

VISION

new Products

Canon imagePRESS C700/C800 colour cutsheet presses and cooling temperature adjustments permiting high productivity with mixed media jobs. The machines can produce duplex print jobs on heavy weight media up to 300 gsm with highly accurate front to back registration, enabling PSPs to handle more demanding jobs without manual intervention.

The Elastic Intermediate Transfer Belt Increases toner transfer efficiency allowing the system to produce work on uneven media, such as textured or recycled substrates.

Canon Europe has launched new colour production cutsheet presses, the imagePRESS C700 and C800 Series which was developed to provide commercial and in-house users print quality, productivity, finishing flexibility and media handling in small scalable footprint With two models - the 70ppm imagePRESS C700 and the 80ppm imagePRESS C800 - the new series incorporates technology from the flagship Canon imagePRESS C7011VP(S).

Positioned between the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C9000 Series and the imagePRESS C6011(S) the Canon’s imagePRESS C800 Series can offer versatility across a wide range of media including heavyweight coated stocks and envelopes, and has the flexibility to handle jobs from short run to complex variable data printing for personalised print communications.

Canon’s recently developed Consistently Vivid (CV) toner will deliver print speeds up to 80 ppm and maintains colour consistency and accuracy

across a wide variety of media, including embossed and rough paper surfaces for custom and premium applications.

Compact Registration Technology (CRT) ensures every image is placed in the same location on one or thousands of sheets.

The new multi-drawer paper deck has three new technologies that prevent misfeeds - even on coated stock. It eliminates paper jams by blowing air at different speeds, dependant on the type and weight of paper, uses a new separation control system and incorporates new materials in the unit.

The imagePRESS C800 Series features three new workflows to suit in-house print and graphic arts requirements.

A 32 beam Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) unit with multi-exposure technology delivers 2,400 x 2,400 dpi resolution while supporting high productivity.

• The Canon imagePRESS Printer Kit B1 • The single point of control PRISMAsync iPR C800 Series A1 with task splitting • The imagePRESS Server F200 and imagePRESS Server G100

Other new features include the Auto Correct Colour Tone (ACCT) for multidimensional mixed colour calibration and the upgraded Auto Gradation Adjustment (AGA), an easy-to-use colour calibration tool.

These last two features are the newly developed digital front ends (DFEs) by EFI. These DFEs are the first built on EFI’s new Fiery FS150 Pro and FS150 platforms and offer advantages in speed, image quality and automated workflow.

Production speeds of up to 80 impressions per minute on a wide range of media can be achieved and, thanks to its Advanced Twin Belt Fusing unit, the C800 Series can run at maximum speed on heavy stock up to 220gsm with the auto heating

An extensive choice of automated in-line finishing are on offer, all of which have been designed for end-to-end productivity and minimal manual intervention and is compatible with a wide range of third party in-line finishing devices.

Agfa primer option to Jeti Titan S & HS flatbeds

Agfa used Fespa Digital 2014 to debut its new primer option on a Jeti Titan HS display model, saying the primer feature adds improved ink adhesion and extends the durability of prints. Both the Jeti Titan S and HS models, which incorporate the latest 1,280 nozzle Ricoh Gen 5 print heads, will now have greater versatility as adhesion is improved without sacrificing either the www.visionmagazine.asia

maximum density or the ink colour gamut plus it can be applied to the entire image or to spot-print. The digital primer, which extends the durability of the prints, is cured by the printer’s UV curing system and is typically used for outdoor signage and displays on low-cost but more challenging materials – such as fluted polypropylene.

new products

VISION

13

Kuala Lumpur May 2015

the best minds on the planet will be at V i s i o n a r i e s n e x t ye a r - m a ke s u re y o u r s i s among them

Visionaries CONVENTION • Kuala Lumpur • MAY 2015

a two day digital print technology briefing featuring speakers from across the planet

promotional opportunities exist for sponsors with vision contact visionaries@visionmagazine.asia for details

www.visionmagazine.asia

14

VISION

industry

Standardisation - the key to going green

1

Certifications help in standardising substrates in defining most green substrates and while using environmentally friendly products is a crucial first step, printers should also pay attention to the overall production efficiency and costs.

sk

te t ra bs

ills

su s equipment 2

Skill standardisation in print results in two clear outcomes, it generates accurate print-ready files and proofs and keeps control of procedures with tools that control workflow so that projects do not exceed laid down standards

W

hen it comes to being more environmentally friendly, printers often place too much emphasis on green products. While committing to green products is an essential first step, print production workflow is equally, if not even more, important. The most efficient way to this is standardisation, according to Andy Ming, managing director of Dah Bang Printing Ink Mft. Ltd.

3 Printers who purchase CtP and the newer printing presses are experiencing very good increment of production and as long as the equipment receives proper maintenance it can cope with standardised printing requirements

“You need to make sure that these three aspects are standardised for production. Nowadays, I’d say 90% of printing companies miss out on at least one element. By minimising errors, there is less energy and less time wasted – this is also green printing, no doubt,” said Ming.

The Hong Kong-based print supply company has dedicated itself to providing green solutions for print. Ming presented a seminar on using standardising print processes to business owners at the recent International Hong Kong Printing and Packaging Fair 2014.

Standardised printing has become popular in the last 2 years. Ming introduced the ‘Link Solution’, which was designed especially for small and medium-sized print factories that are looking to upgrade their operations to be green. The solution highlights the key to maintaining high effectiveness of production while minimising pollution is the standardisation three elements: skills, equipment and substrates.

Echoing the trend of green printing, the solution covers the whole printing process from colour management to press-room, which is linked with skill, equipment and substrates to economise material, energy and manpower.

The aim of standardisation eventually is to have ‘zero mistakes’, which would help print enterprises achieve high standards of and high production yield while reducing pollution and consumption.

“That is the point I would like to introduce, especially to small print enterprises who are looking to be more green. Genuine environmental protection is not simply about using eco materials, having a standardised print workflow is the ultimate goal,” Ming asserted.

continued www.visionmagazine.asia

industry

VISION

15

Genuine environmental protection is not simply about using eco materials, having a standardised print workflow is the ultimate goal Andy Ming

1

2

3

Substrates

Skills

Equipment

Standardising substrates is rather straightforward as labels and certifications can define most green substrates. While using environmentally friendly products is a crucial first step, printers should also pay attention to the overall production efficiency and costs.

Ming cautioned against taking to the term ‘eco’ too easily.

Standardisation enhances print production quality by reducing conflicts with different departments and minimising human error. Skill standardisation in print involves two things on a technical level:

In recent times, Ming observed that printing presses and CTP equipment are becoming well developed for standardised printing: “We notice that the printers who purchase CTP and the newer printing presses are experiencing very good increment of production. As long as the equipment receives proper maintenance, it can cope with standardised printing requirements.”

“The term ‘eco’ is becoming an adjective. Almost every product out there has an eco version.

However, simply purchasing a product with an ‘eco’ tag does not make one environmentally friendly. To give a layman example, a typical air conditioner takes about 20 minutes to cool a 100 square feet room. An eco air conditioner would take 45 minutes. So management needs to ensure that the final figures are efficient,” said Ming.

“Similarly, you can’t use rubbish ink to use for your inkjet, and still expect good results. If you’re buying cheap ink, perhaps you will need to print twice to get the right colour. Good inks like ICI requires only one pass, and it can help to save money although initial costs are high.

The quality of a one-pass print is of course always better, it standardises the print job,” Ming continued.

Eco ink development is also making positive headway, as buyers, especially those from Europe and America, are imposing severe requirements for environmental safety and heavy metal content. They have also asked for extremely low tolerance value of colour standards on 4-colour process ink and spot colour ink prints.

“One of our highly influential print buyers, Mattel, requests that suppliers pass rigorous checking and approval. As a result, we have inks that you can eat! Of course, it won’t be delicious,” Ming jested. “Less toxic is always good. We get pushed everyday to produce even more cleaner materials, so this is good for the next generation.”

1 Generating print-ready files and proofs with well-controlled plates 2 Monitoring all procedures with print tools that are able to control any deviation so that print will not exceed specific standards Ming suggested that standardising skills require planning for internal training and purchasing of the right inspecting tools for the prepress and press departments. Print companies cannot rely on the judgment of workers anymore to make adjustments on running presses, or else the quality of prints and production yield will be affected.

“Standardising print proofs is actually very simple knowledge, in places like Singapore or Hong Kong. But in China, it is not. Most still use the eye, or visual judgment. Printing in numbers is a must - it is the future. How can you rely on visual judgment, you simply can’t. There is only one Picasso, and he died a long time ago!” joked Ming.

Fortunately, print buyers have been requesting for printers to pass colour certification programmes such as G7. Though still at its preliminary stages, Ming pointed out that it is getting better.

As a result of the improved technology, techniques and related knowledge of CTP and printing presses will become more passive. In order to maintain the standardisation of print, printers should have a variety of prepress and press sheet inspection tools as well. The tools include colour management software, digital proofer, inspection tools, colour matching systems and low specular reflection or antiglare viewing booths. Alongside the equipment, print workers need to also upgrade their skills in both theory and operation of new software and hardware.

Before making any investments on new equipment, Ming advised printers to take note of actual technicalities. “Investors need to understand the functionalities of equipments and ensure that the related pre-press software is compatible with the current production workflow rationally, in order to avoid purchasing high-priced but unsuitable equipments,” Ming advised.

Andy Ming quotes

“We have inks that you can eat! Of course, it won’t be delicious” “How can you rely on visual judgment, you simply can’t. There is only one Picasso, and he died a long time ago!”

“Genuine environmental protection is not simply about using eco materials, having a standardised print workflow is the ultimate goal” www.visionmagazine.asia

16

VISION

News

Roland Dg Asia-Pacific Leadership Changes

Marc Margetts Roland DG Corporation has announced three leadership changes as the company continues with their GlobalOne plan designed to strengthen the corporation’s leadership around the world.

Marc Margetts was appointed CEO in 2008 and is now president of the Asia-Pacific region plus he will continue as CEO of Roland DG Australia.

John Wall, appointed general manager in 2013

John Wall

Arlon Launches new Image

Michael Man

is now president of Roland DG Australia Pty Ltd. Michael Man is now president of Roland DG (China) Corporation. He joined Roland DG as president of East-Asia sales in April 2013.

His background is as senior consultant/general manager of I-Technology Recruitment Co Ltd and sales director, Asia, for Kodak/Encad.

Arlon have launched their new orange and grey symbol logo and brand image worldwide.

Described as modern and easily recognised for clear customer recognition from competitors, it also represents a new beginning and coincides with Arlon’s new upcoming new Production Centre and recent technology upgrades.

Esko Equinox receives FTA Technical Innovation Award ink stations on the press, resulting in improved image quality and brand impact. The major benefit, however, is realised in the pressroom as jobs print more economically and more consistently. The ability to create an infinite number of colours from 7 process colours promotes “gang” press runs – and the economic savings can surpass a million dollars per press, per year. Customers using Equinox ECG technology report that they use 7 colour process profitably in a production environment for flexible packaging as well as labels. This has enabled many of the worlds largest consumer product companies to convert entire product lines to expanded gamut.

Esko Equinox, Esko’s solution for the implementation of extended gamut – or fixed inkset – printing, has received the Flexographic Technical Association Technical Innovation Award in the category of Prepress-Graphics, it was announced at FTA’s Annual Forum, April 27 in Baltimore.

The award recognises companies and/or individuals whose visions and perseverance bring new products and technologies to the flexographic marketplace. For nearly 20 years, FTA has recognized and celebrated those creative thinkers and risk-takers who seek ways to further refine www.visionmagazine.asia

and advance the flexographic printing process and who bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture.

Equinox Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Technology is Esko’s patented technology for converting packaging graphics from CMYK and spot colour to seven colour process. It is applied in the prepress department when preparing jobs for press.

Converting entire files results in extremely close matches to spot colours, improved pictorial images, and the ability to print more colours than available

Equinox is the only commercial product in the world to make use of a superior 7 colour profile technology. By quantifying only subsets of four colour combinations, Equinox 7 colour profiles contain hundreds of times the amount of colour data as a 7 colour ICC colour profile. These profiles are used to convert industry standard ink books into tint build books for a specific flexo press. Equinox also benefits from Esko HD and Full HD Flexo platemaking, which is able to extend the gamut by producing plates that can print dots from 0-100% while delivering consistent and reliable printing results from job to job.

Esko Equinox is a major achievement because it moves flexographic printing a giant step closer to being the economical manufacturing process that the major CPCs of the world are demanding. Esko predicts that the amount of fixed inkset printing will likely surpass the volume of spot colour and CMYK + spot colour printing within the decade.

News

VISION

17

Sun Chemical releases latest iteration of SunLase laser marking solutions “In today’s market place, modern supply chain management and track-andtrace requirements mean that most packs must carry identification markings, such as barcodes. Additionally brand owners are finding that consumers want complex on-pack information about ingredients, dietary information, usage guidelines, recycling. With SunLase laser marking solutions, brand owners now have the flexibility to add information to packaging at the latest possible stage of the supply chain. This avoids the potential cost implications of more flexible, shorter-run package production and allows their packaging to become more adaptable to what consumers demand,” said Eric Dejean, product manager, Sun Chemical.

At Interpack 2014, Sun Chemical launched the newest evolution of its SunLase laser marking solutions, a coating that enables brand owners to add information to both secondary and primary packaging information after the filling and closure of the pack, whether for practical supply chain purposes or as a late stage pack differentiator.

The SunLase solution prints a transparent or tinted coating onto a packaging substrate during the printing process. After the packaging has been sealed, variable coding graphic information, such as barcodes, QR codes, and “Use By” dates or branding, can be created using a low power CO2 or fibre laser to change the colour of the patch to black where marked, with no risks to the packaged product.

SunLase is compatible with a wide range of substrates and printing processes and lends itself to the application of regular product information, such as ingredients and nutritional information, barcodes, dates, and personalisation.

It can also be used for cross media devices, such as QR codes, to enable consumers to access more in-depth product information, or to participate in brand communities and individualised games and competitions.

Lasering has advantages over current inkjet solutions, delivering a higher quality image, removing the cost and complication associated with additional labelling, removing solvents and ribbons from the process, and involving a low impact technology suitable for use with substrates that could be damaged in other marking processes. Additionally, there is no burning, etching or ablation on the pack.

Brand owners can also add complex market or destination-specific information or language versions at the last possible stage, overcoming the need to hold inventory of printed packaging in multiple languages, or the challenge of accommodating multiple languages occupying valuable space on the package.

Directsmile new service for generating personalised e-mail images DirectSmile, supplier of marketing automation software and pioneer of image personalisation, has launched a new cloud-based web portal to generate personalised e-mail images The new service has been developed as a convenient way to purchase and receive web-resolution personalised images online.

The new platform is described as cloud-based, offering a fast, easy to use, practical and cost-effective way of using image personalised e-mail marketing.

With DirectSmile’s server technology engine and choice of more than 1200 different motifs, it can generate millions of personalised images quickly.

Users can insert the images into their e-mail designs with minimal integration through a URL. After successfully completing its beta phase, the new service is now available to customers worldwide.

SAi claims one millionth software sale in 25th anniversary year SA International (SAi) achieved the milestone of one million software solutions sold and has done so in its 25th anniversary year, the company said at Fespa Digital.

sign shop based in East Hampton, New York, USA.

The sale of SAi’s millionth software package is from the company’s Flexi family of signmaking products and was purchased by Ocean Graphics & Signs, a

SAi is known as a provider of solutions for the professional signmaking, large format digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining

This year also marks the 25th year of operations for the Salt Lake City, USA-based SAi.

industries. Its products include the PhotoPrint print and cut workflow package and PixelBlaster printto-finish production software.

During its quarter of a century of trading, SAi has developed a network of resellers across five continents that serves over 200,000 customers in more than 50 countries. www.visionmagazine.asia

18

VISION

Feature location

China

Rise of the dragon

Set to become the largest print market in the world, China is undoubtedly the biggest player in Asia. Rising labour costs and demands for higher quality are changing the way business is perceived in the manufacturing giant. Vision Asia speaks with industry players and explores market drivers, trends and challenges.

www.visionmagazine.asia

Feature location

VISION

19

At a Glance Country Government Type

Location Population Economic Indicators Currency Business Environment Print Industry

People’s Republic of China (PRC) Communist State, primary organs of state power are the National People’s Congress (NPC), the President, and State Council Asia 1.35 billion (as of 2012) USD$6,091 per capita GDP (as of 2012) Chinese Yuan Renmimbi (CNY) Economy recorded a 7.4% GDP growth in Q1 in 2014 Second largest market in the world after US, with 3.5 Million Employees in 102,000 print businesses

UV inkjet is fast gaining in popularity. Currently, there are about 40 OEM’s and 70 to 80 brands of wide format inkjet printers manufactured within China itself.

P

ick an item off your desk, and there is a high chance that it’s tagged with a ‘Made in China’ label. The country’s unrivalled ability to produce goods and staggering economic growth has lead to its dramatic rise as a major manufacturing powerhouse.

As an emerging economy, China offers a lot of market opportunities for foreign investment.

Although a 2013 Business Climate report by AmCham China revealed a slight decline in China’s ranking as a destination for FDI in 2012, over two-thirds of respondents still list China as at least a top-three global priority.

The optimism showed in statistics as well.

A research done by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council revealed that the Chinese economy slowed from 9.3% in 2011 to 7.7% in 2012. In 2013 however, in 2013, there was an average GDP growth of 7.7%. In the first quarter of 2014, China’s GDP grew by 7.4%.

China’s print industry represents the second largest in the world after the US. There are over 102,000 printing enterprises with over 3.5 million employees. Of these enterprises,

46% focus on packaging with an output value of 632 billion RMB with a 20.5% annual growth rate. 6.8% focus on publication printing, with an output value of 131.3 RMB and a 0.94% annual growth rate. 47% focus on other printing markets with an output value of 106.4 RMB and a 15% annual growth rate.

“As a general comment, the printing industry within China is vast, with several sectors larger than those within the US or EU. I know nobody, Chinese or Laowai (foreigner), who fully understands the overall structure and dynamics of the Chinese printing industry,” said Stewart Partridge, managing director of Shanghai-based Qudos Digital Asia Pacific.

Partridge explained that the Chinese printing industry had a different evolution method than the US or Europe. The opening and liberalisation of China from the early 1990s, and particularly from the late 90s onwards, led to an explosion of growth of manufacturing and correspondingly, the printing and advertising industries. In 1978 the Chinese printing industry output value was only 4.8 billion RMB. By 2011, the value reached 868 billion RMB, making China the second largest printing market in the world, after the US.

Typically, the evolutionary route to digital print adoption within the US and Europe print industries begin with analogue printing with digital design modification, followed by partial and then full digital prepress, before the early growth of digital printing.

China, however, made its own path to digital printing: “Rather than following the tortuous routes that ‘the West’ took, in some sectors China just went straight to digital printing – but only where that made financial sense,” said Partridge.

A study done by InfoTrends reveal rapid adoption of digital print technology in China. According to the study, the China print on demand market will have an 18.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) on the overall retail value of print of between 2010 through 2015. With the growth of the GDP of China at 10.3% from 2009 through 2010, and the compound annual growth rate of 12.97% from 2006-2010, the Chinese print on demand market appears to have significant opportunities.

over page www.visionmagazine.asia

20

VISION

Feature location

China’s infamy is in copy-and-pasting products; its own technology rarely considered cutting edge. Soon, this may be a thing of a past, as China has been committing increasingly large investments to R&D, fast propelling itself as a breeding ground for innovation.

OFFSET > Digital Faster turnaround and shorter delivery time As early as 2011, manroland has dipped its toes in digital printing when it made the strategic partnership with Océ to bring forth a digital printing solution that complements offset printing.

In China, however, manroland is still focused only on their offsheet customers, despite having digital solutions.

towards a higher-quality GDP growth, meant that cheap labour could be a thing of a past.

exhibitors, exhibiting UV inkjet as their main product.

“Due to the development of printing in Chinese market, there is an increasing demand for high-quality and more efficient printing,” said Gu. “With that, there is also a trend for print processes to be more automated.”

“Due to high costs and relatively slow printing speeds, digital printing still represents a huge gap in the Chinese market compared to offset.

While some big printing houses purchase digital presses to have a more comprehensive printing solution in their factory, some small printing companies purchase the smaller digital printers to only do proofing,” said Jane Gu, marketing manager, manroland China.

With demand for high quality print, comes rising costs of labour, which have surged almost 20% within the past couple of years. According to the AmCham China report, 47% of respondents stated rising labour costs as one of the major challenges, matched only with the Chinese economic slowdown. Ranked third and fourth in the survey is shortages of qualified employees and managers respectively.

A main driver for this increasing popularity in UV systems is the increasing focus on green printing: “Green and eco-friendly printing is also becoming one of the biggest trends in the industry as printers are looking for presses that can help them get the sustainable profitability.

The Chinese government is also becoming more concerned about pollution and hence actively promoting green printing,” added Gu.

“Digital offset printing has had some successes, but for most applications and printers, it is still regarded as ‘too expensive’ or ‘too slow’,” Partridge agreed. “The offset printing industry emerged as analogue and has stayed mostly analogue because in a country where unskilled labour costs are still relatively low compared to fully developed countries, that is the most costeffective option.”

This might be bad news for businesses in China, but for the print industry, it points to an encouraging sign for quality growth and development: “Certainly the market is highly competitive, but it has been interesting over recent years to see that the price, quality and service balance is less dominated just by price than before,” said Partridge, pointing out that over costs, service, reliability and quality are becoming more valued.

Quantity Over Quality By population, China holds the world’s largest.

At its manufacturing peak, the country could leverage on cheap labour. Over the past 3 decades however, the country’s one-child policy, has played a part in causing a sharp decline in manpower. This, alongside China’s dedication

“Within China, the best printers have now learnt to understand what ‘competitiveness’ really means, and to them, it no longer means just the cheapest price. The new breed of Chinese printers look for ‘efficiency’ and ‘cost of ownership’ in their new investments, not just the cheapest machine using the cheapest ink – which always has many hidden costs in downtime, labour and rejected jobs,” Partridge concluded.

UV Becomes Trendy China’s print industry may be dominated by offset print, but UV inkjet is fast gaining in popularity. The wide format advertising industry, particularly for outdoor applications, started with digital airbrush systems and moved straight into inkjet printing. Currently, there are about 40 OEM’s and 70 to 80 brands of wide format inkjet printers manufactured within China itself.

“One of the most surprising trends within China has been the speed at which UV inkjet has suddenly become ‘fashionable’,” observed Partridge. He noted that in 2013, tradeshows for the wide and grand format digital printing such as Shanghai APPP Expo and D.PES Guangzhou, were still dominated by solvent inkjet printers, although there may have been about 11 OEMs that were showing UV inkjet on their stands. At D.PES Guangzhou in February 2014, however, UV inkjet was dominant, with more than 60

www.visionmagazine.asia

“It is clear that in terms of future direction, many of the solvent inkjet printers used in China today are going, over the next few years, to be replaced by UV systems. There is a growing environmental awareness in China, most focused today on atmospheric particulate pollution and smog, especially for the northern cities. And in the printshop, Chinese workers are just like those from any other country; they don’t like breathing in solvent odours,” said Partridge.

A Creative China China’s infamy is in copy-and-pasting products; its own technology rarely considered cutting edge. Soon, this may be a thing of a past, as China has been committing increasingly large investments to R&D, fast propelling itself as a breeding ground for innovation.

“Most interestingly, the Chinese are now copying less and innovating more. The opening up of China in the last 25 years has led to an explosion of growth, manufacturing, development and infrastructure on a scale and at a speed which has never been seen before in the history of the world,” said Partridge.

A recent report by the US National Science Board (NSB) showed that China’s share of the world’s high-technology manufacturing recorded an increase from 8% in 2003 to 24% in 2012.

China’s overall R&D is also growing at an impressive 18% per year.

“But underlying this all, China is China. The Chinese have different tastes in food, culture, design and lifestyle from the West, which mean they are asking manufacturers to produce different stuff,” Partridge continued.

“That fact, combined with the tendency of Chinese entrepreneurs after a business crash, to dust themselves off, stand up and ask ‘what business next’, the can-do attitude that always infects countries during their industrial revolution, is turning China into a hotbed of innovation.

If you thought what Japan accomplished was impressive, and it really was, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

News

VISION

21

Xeikon Document Suites for Wall Décor

Xeikon’s Document Suites, designed for large format and wall decoration applications, was launched at Fespa Digital 2014 with the company showcasing its functions by exhibiting innovative wall-coverings.

personalised, high-quality wall decorations for commercial, retail and residential purposes.

An ‘all-in-one’ solution, it integrates four major components that customers can tailor to meet their own specific requirements.

speed of almost 20 m/min, Xeikon’s 3500 is the fastest digital printing press on the market.

The new Alpine fuser drum guarantees a “matte” finishing for the print needed for wall-covering applications.

The company said it has developed a suite of components including print media, equipment, software, tools and consumables, that are designed for the creation of bespoke wall coverings with the company noting that wallpaper and wall decoration is a very exciting and growing market that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

These four components consist of the Xeikon 3500 digital press with its ability to print on the widest media range available, dedicated workflows and software, application-specific toners and process optimisation tools plus preand post-press equipment.

Xeikon toners are odour-free and comply with EN15102, while the inline finishing systems available with the Wall-Covering Suite ensure accurate cutting in both process and cross directions.

Xeikon’s Document Suite includes the WallCovering Suite, which allows production of

The ability of the 3500 to print full-rotary and endless makes it ideal for producing any kind of wall coverings, from short-run wallpapers of standard lengths to large murals. With an output

Also included within Xeikon’s Document Suite is the Large Format Production Suite, which provides a means of transforming a simple roll of white paper into a finished printed product using the Xeikon 8000 Series print engine.

Stratasys CrownWorx and FrameWorkz 3D Dental Printers low cost entry to advanced digital dentistry

3D print and additive manufacturer Stratasys launched their CrownWorx and FrameWorx 3D dental printers at the LMT Lab Day West Show, California in mid May, saying their new printers allow dental labs fast, accurate production of crowns, bridges, stone models and a range of orthodontic appliances, by combining oral scanning, CAD/CAM design and 3D printing.

Stratasys CrownWorx uses WDM Technology to jet micro-drops of TrueCast material that builds resolution based dental wax-ups, layer-by-layer, to create crown, bridge and coping wax-ups. Stratasys FrameWorx uses WDM Technology to jet micro-drops of TrueCast material onto the build tray to create a denture wax-up layer-by-layer.

Both printers use the wax deposition modelling process, a jetting technology designed for reliability and quality using an automated method of producing superior-fitting wax-ups for crown, bridge, coping and denture frameworks.

These wax-like materials produce a smooth surface finish and minimise post-processing. The materials burn-out with no residue, material shrinkage, cracking or expansion and allows precision casting of gold and other precious metals.

TrueSupport is an automatically generated and easily removed, low melting point true wax blend material which protects delicate restoration wax-ups during printing. It is sprayed around the casting of partial denture wax-ups as they require more support material than crowns and bridges. TrueSupport is fast, easy to use and dissolves for a smooth detailed wax-up finish. TrueCast is 100% castable for any alloy and is a firm but flexible material that mimics real wax and prints any dental wax-up with extreme accuracy. www.visionmagazine.asia

22

VISION

SOFTWARE

CMA Imaging new ColorPortal and ColorControl proofing software

CMA Imaging has introduced its new proofing software solutions, CMA ColorPortal and CMA ColorControl. The new software solutions are targeting at different colour proofing market segments such as proofing for offset and gravure printing, the sign and display market as well as for packaging applications.

CMA ColorPortal is RIP software and integrates three proofing methodologies, Hard Copy Proofing, Soft Proofing and Remote Web Proofing. CMA ColorPortal is supporting all colour standards like FOGRA, GRACol, SWOP and others. Equally it is accepting a wide variety of industry standard formats like PDF, PostScript, JPEG and TIFF-IT. CMA ColorPortal has a number of workflow functions included such as automatic preflighting and control, remote job submission and remote control of measurement devices integrated into printers.

Enfocus Connect 12 Enfocus has released Enfocus Connect 12 that incorporates a set of new features designed to make the application a resource for cross-media publishers, production houses and designers by ensuring that they create and receive high quality files corresponding to specific display or print settings.

Enfocus management said that input from crossmedia publishers around the world indicate that up to 50% of the PDFs they receive have serious issues involving colour formats, fonts, bleeds, images and more and that new features in Connect,which is available in a variety of configurations to meet almost any production requirement, are designed to give users the ability to define, manage, and create Connectors.

Production administrators and publishers are able to control settings by including them in a Connector - they can then create Connectors that only block the time-consuming obstacles such as low resolution images or missing fonts, or use the embedded PitStop Engine which performs a comprehensive check.

Once a Connector is created, all of the settings for job delivery, PDF creation, and PDF verification and correction are built in. The file is automatically checked against the output settings and sent to the print or electronic display producer. www.visionmagazine.asia

CMA ColorControl is a web-based colour quality control system. This software generates CMYK colour bars for the different and latest colour standards like SWOP, GRACoL, FOGRA and others.

It is possible to add in-house developed printing standards as well as customisable colour bars and also verification of spot colours. The user can access the software from anywhere via an Internet connection and will see instantaneously all the job information from proofing to print.

Both CMA ColorPortal and ColorControl are commercially available.

Besides the traditional software license model, CMA Imaging is offering a SaaS model with a monthly fee- for a minimum period of 24 months- including the maintenance and optional media and inks.

New capabilities in Enfocus Connect 12 include: 1. Multiple delivery points

Users can define up to two unique delivery points for Job Files, Preflight Reports or Job Tickets. This “miniworkflow solution” is built into the Connector.

2. Delivery Flexibility

Connect 12 provides automatic job delivery to a variety of destinations and server types, including the Enfocus Switch automation solution, FTP, sFTP, HTTP, HTTPs, Email, Dropbox, or a local or network folder.

3. Job Ticketing

Connect 12 collects customer and job information as part of its customizable job ticketing function. Delivered in XML, CSV or text-only, job ticket fields can be defined and organized to integrate with just about any other workflow. Additionally, when Connect is integrated with a workflow solution such as Enfocus Switch, or an MIS system, “smart” data exchange speeds the overall job delivery process, eliminating unnecessary rekeying of job information.

4. PDF Creation and Control (Connect YOU and Connect ALL only)

Easily deploy remote PDF creation on any workstation using Connect’s built-in Adobe® Normalizer engine.

Using standard or custom PDF Settings, all PDFs are generated according to the specifications defined within Connect YOU or Connect ALL. To create PDFs, simply print to the Connector as you would to any printer, or use Connect’s plug-ins for the Adobe® Creative Suite® or Creative Cloud™ to utilize special features found in InDesign® or Illustrator®. This functionality includes control over bleeds, marks and printing spreads.

5. Variable File Names for PDFs

During processing, Connect 12 can automatically modify PDF file names by using the PDF’s own metadata in conjunction with custom text values. For example, files can be named according to the Connector, and therefore, the production path for which they are destined.

As part of it’s ongoing service and support commitment, Enfocus offers current Connect YOU 11 customers a free incentive upgrade to Connect YOU 12, valid until September 30th, 2014, on completion of a Connect YOU user survey. Enfocus Connect 12 has been developed to streamline document processing from creation to print or electronic display.

SOFTWARE

EFI Fiery FS150 Pro has most advanced DFE yet EFI has launched its newest Fiery platform, the Fiery FS150 Pro digital front end (DFE) for cutsheet digital production systems saying that the new platform has faster processing, better image quality, seamless MIS/ERP integration and even easier to use automated workflows.

The Fiery HyperRIP simultaneously processes a print job on four processor cores for a full colour digital print job completed up to 55% faster than Fiery Driven presses without HyperRIP. The FS150 has the same imaging features as its predecessor and has a ‘first print’ output matching capability - including a new unique grayscale composite overprint feature for correct monochrome printing of overprints, drop shadows and transparencies.

Fiery ImageViewer, is an application allowing users to view full resolution raster data in real time and adjust the final raster output before printing.

It now includes the ability to save last-minute colour adjustments so future jobs requiring the same type of colour correction can be produced faster.

The latest version of Fiery Command WorkStation software included with the Fiery FS150 Pro DFE has automated production controls allowing operators to produce jobs in fewer clicks and with reduced errors.

The Fiery FS150 Pro DFE integrates with EFI’s MIS/ERP software, eCommerce/Web-to-Print products and scheduling tools. Customers can select print load and track expense and profit in a complete, connected business operations workflow.

VISION

23

PANTONE 2,100 colours in one portable passport sized pack

Additional features and benefits: • Support for APPE 3.0, Adobe’s latest PDFnative rendering platform.

• Fiery JobMaster, allows users to tackle complex tab layout, produce a unique job and print multi-bank and bleed-edge tabs • The free Fiery Go app for iPhones and iPads allows users to monitor and manage print jobs from anywhere in the print shop • An expanded colour library that includes the 84 new colours recently issued by Pantone Plus Series • Fiery Integration Manager integrates Job Definition Format (JDF) configuration settings • Fiery API support for development of custom applications and tools to meet specific user needs The first DFEs based on the Fiery FS150 Pro system platform will be available from June 2014.

Pantone’s newly redesigned compact accordionstyle format Cotton Passport features the complete Fashion + Home Color System – including all 175 new colors added in 2011 – in a new chromatic arrangement.

Cotton Passport has been created for a home office, smaller studio or satellite workspace. It is a companion to Pantone’s larger format colour products and because it’s easy to transport will suit client consultations, vendor meetings, fashion shows, trade events – even trendspotting and shopping.

Global Vision ArtProof - artwork inspection software for Mac OS and Windows

ArtProof offers industry leading artwork and proof inspection technology for the graphic design and pre-press industry Global Vision have released ArtProof with the claim that it is the world’s first 64-bit artwork inspection software compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Developed with enhancements for the graphic design, pre-press and printing industry, ArtProof inspects artwork with pixel precision, dramatically increasing packaging accuracy while reducing approval times. ArtProof quickly detects and identifies missing or added text, graphics, incorrect fonts and text sizes, as well as colour deviations.

The benefits of ArtProof include native Mac OS and Windows support and the capability to inspect artwork files and supplier proofs to ensure accuracy.

The software lets users catch errors early, hence reducing approval cycles and a shortening the time to market. Users can also avoid costly errors for file revisions and proofs.

“Working with our pre-press clients, we have designed ArtProof using our new 64-bit architecture, making this solution capable of handling very large files with ease. We have seen dramatic increases in speed and file size handling,” explained Reuben Malz, President, Global Vision. “By also making ArtProof available for Mac OS and Windows environments, we have given the prepress industry a flexible tool needed to ensure artwork accuracy.”

ArtProof Technologies include: • Supports 1-bit TIFF files • New 64-bit architecture • Inspects imposition files (step and repeat files) • Inspects colours, graphics and copy • Supports live and outlined text • Auto-locates repeats • Automation for booklet inspection (multi-page) • Die-line management • Dynamic reporting • Difference classification Global Vision’s solutions are widely interoperable and have been integrated into the packaging workflows of consumer packaged goods companies, printing firms and over 72% of the major pharmaceutical industry worldwide. www.visionmagazine.asia

24

VISION

TECHNOLOGY

Pushing boundaries with augmented reality C&C has included augmented reality technology as part of their smart packaging solutions offerings for the Asian market.

C&C also demonstrated the usefulness of augmented reality on perfume bottle packaging.

Without having to open the box, customers will be able to view how the bottle looks like by simply pointing their device at the box. Normally perfume boxes are sealed. Without opening up the box, customer can view the design.

C

&C Joint Printing recently launched its augmented reality division, in the hopes of capturing a new market segment.

The Hong Kong-based company’s smart packaging solutions already include radio frequency identification (RFID), UV printing and security printing.

Digital has long been lauded as the killer of print, but the development of augmented reality has provided a ray of hope for print providers. The technology has the ability to combine print and digital, allowing users to experience high levels of interactivity.

“We’ve just started development on this technology.

We have departments in our factories to specially develop the technology in-house. Design work, technology integration, we do it all in-house so it’s advantageous not just for us, but for our clients as well,” Gordon Yuen, assistant sales manager, C&C Joint Printing Co.

www.visionmagazine.asia

Often abbreviated as AR, augmented reality is a technology that allows data to be embedded in printed material. When viewed through specialised mobile applications, the data translates into interactive experiences for the customers.

“The AR technology is very interactive. Not only animation, the use can even play games with it. It’s extremely reactive and makes the buying process more interesting for the buyer,” Yuen continued.

The procedure seems simple enough. Customers need to scan the QR code, which will lead to the download page of the app. After the download, consumers can launch app, point it at the printed image, and that’s when the magic happens. Not only animation, customers can also click on the animation for different functions, even games. The aim is to increase interactivity and offer better brand promotion.

“A property company in China has already shown interest in this, for their current project, which is a resort. Their clients just need to hover their phone over the property plan, and a video will pop up to allow them to view the property in real time. It assists in the purchasing process for the buyer, and learn more about the realty before purchase,” said Yuen.

It is typical for a new technology to be tagged with a high price, and the same goes for AR. According to Yuen, development of the AR technology from the beginning to end production can cost a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

“Of course, it depends on how elaborate and complicated you want the design and functions to be. The cost may look high, but if you consider that the one design development project can be used for perhaps thousands of packaging, the divided costs can come down to just 10 cents per packaging. The final price versus the final quantity is worth it,” said Yuen.

Another technology the company has found success in is RFID. Mainly used for identifying and real-time tracing of items, a completed RFID system includes tag, reader and back-end system.

The reader sends a radio wave to a RFID tag, which gets transferred to the back-end system.

The back-end system will generate information according to different requirements.

Each packaging has a chip with an antenna that can give information on the product. This comes useful for medical products, where authentication is crucial. The chip will be able to show medical information, expiry dates and even promotional tools. Suppliers will find RFID useful for tracking of products too. Should there be a product contamination, it will be an easier and faster process to do a recall.

media & INK

Bordeaux bespoke ink technology

Bordeaux Digital Printink used Fespa Digital 2014 to launch new custom made inks and solutions compatible with most wide and grand format digital printers. Bordeaux emphasised its ability to provide specific solutions for the most recent Eco solvent-based Epson, Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland and other printers with chips to fit particular printer models. The company says its full line of Fuze Eco solvent Mix & Match inks are environmentally friendly, support high printing speed and can deliver superior results.

At Fespa, the company also launched its newest 700ml cartridge with dedicated chip on an Epson

VISION

25

J-Teck3 new inks for Kyocera and Ricoh

SureColor S printer. The solution uses Fuze Eco SC ink, a Mix & Match with the original ink for ink quality and allows the user to swap from OEM to Bordeaux cartridges quickly, one colour at a time, without prior or post preparations and is aimed to replace Ultrachrome GS2 ink.

Fuze Eco SC is available in 1000ml bags, which provides 40% more ink than OEM cartridges.

Used with Ink on Demand’s Smart Cartridge System, this Eco solvent solution is designed to provide longer uninterrupted printing cycles and enables users to monitor the ink level and receive real-time ink changing alerts.

J-Teck3 launched its new J-Cube inks for Kyocera and Ricoh heads items at Fespa Digital 2014.

J-Cube inks were originally launched at Fespa 2013 and the new formulation, manufactured in direct-to-fabric versions named J-Cube PK for Kyicera heads and J-Cube PR fro Ricoh heads, have been designed for large format industrial applications such as fashion and home decoration.

J-MelaMine MM30, launched recently at InPrint 2014 in Hannover, will also be demonstrated.

MM30 is a water based CMYK pigment developed for digital printing on very thin melamine paper layers that have been saturated with resins. The ink is solvent and scratch resistant and designed to cover panels and laminates, so it is well suited to the graphic decor market such as furniture, walls and floors.

Sappi expands Algro Sol release liners portfolio Following the refurbishment of the company’s Alfeld Mill’s PM2 machine, Sappi Fine Paper Europe is chasing new markets with an expanded weight range in its Algro Sol portfolio of release liners.

The development of the Algro Sol lightweight liners has been made possible by the new 135 ton, 6.4 meter diameter, MG cylinder recently installed on PM2 at the Sappi Alfeld mill which results in a product with high dimensional stability and surface properties that favour converting.

In addition to the existing 120gsm and 135gsm Algro Sol DN media weights, Sappi is launching 70, 80, 85, 90 and 98gsm weights suitable for office use, tape and industrial applications with all grades available in different shades.

Sappi says that one of the main benefits of dimensional stability is performance reliability which complements

New markets targeted with broader weight range following Alfeld Mill PM2 rebuild the products lay flat properties. With some substrates, paper cross sectional dimensions can expand by 2% or 3% as a result of temperature changes but with these new grades the expansion rate is only 0.4%, ensuring consistency and machine runability.

The company said that the machine rebuild was designed to allow flexibility in the production of a wider range of grades and this new production capability will enable Sappi to develop media grades for opportunities as they arise.

Other additions to the range will be Algro Sol CN comprising lighter grades in the 50 to 60 gsm weight category making the papers suitable for pressure sensitive adhesive office material applications.

www.visionmagazine.asia

26

VISION

Media & inks

Ricoh Europe Pro-Graphic media upgrade

Aslan Ultra Tack DFP07 strong adhesive polymeric digital printing film for difficult surfaces

Ricoh Europe has upgraded its Pro-Graphic paper range designed specifically for use with Ricoh Pro digital printing presses and toners. The media is available in grades ranging from 90gsm to 300gsm; in sizes A4, A3 and SRA3; and in wood free coated, gloss, silk and uncoated forms, making it suitable for everyday printing.

Tailor-made silk, gloss and uncoated ProGraphic grades have been enhanced using a new ingredient mix that assures offset-level high whiteness, optimal and consistent print quality.

They also deliver sharper contrast, vibrant images, and problem-free two sided printing with excellent runability and image permanence. In addition, the Ricoh papers absorb less humidity from the environment, which enhances the print quality and feed performance on Ricoh Pro digital printing presses.

Strict performance criteria have been applied to the manufacture to ensure ideal print quality for everything from direct mail, brochures, catalogues, magazines, books-on-demand and manuals to marketing and corporate communication material including letterheads, business cards and transpromotional documents. The performance criteria include blocking, feed performance, fusibility, optimum stacking, exceptional image

quality and minimisation of paper curl. There is also a consistency across the range as a result of one paper making machine being used for coated and one for the uncoated grades.

Pro-Graphic media is produced from sustainable sources to comply with Ricoh’s stringent environmental criteria. Now FSC as well as PEFC accredited, it is manufactured by mills that use materials sourced from sustainably managed forests, have a low carbon footprint and hold ISO 14001 (1996) and EU Eco-Label (2009). In addition, the Pro-Graphic line carries the European Union Eco-Label. This designation helps identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the extraction of raw material through to production, use and disposal. Recognised throughout Europe, EU. In the future, the new packaging designs will carry the Clickable Paper logo on all size reams. Clients will be able to scan the Pro-Graphic logo with their tablet or smartphone, and be given a range of options including ordering new stock online and watching video material with innovative application recommendations.

Soyang open factory and demo media at Fespa The Soyang Group, a supplier of wide and grand format digitally printable textile, PVC, wall and floorcoverings, recently opened a state-of-the-art factory located in Haining, close to its headquarters in Hangzhou City in addition to commissioning their new 80,000sq ft European Distribution Centre. The company celebrated by showcasing a selection of core products from its UV and dye sub printable textile signage range at Fespa

Digital 2014. Soyang say their portfolio of digital print media will be of interest to those with a wide format, superwide or grand format digital printer as the company produces a substantial range of PVC and textile media including substrates for production of banners, signage, wall coverings, exhibition stands and billboards with latex, solvent and other ink technologies.

Aslan say their newly developed Ultra Tack DFP07, is an acrylic pressure adhesive polymeric, white glossy digital printing film designed to be a solution for long term (7 year outdoor durability) applications on rough, smooth or curved surfaces and on difficult synthetic materials.

The double-sided silicon cardboard, PE-coated 75 µm thick, 144 g/sqm release liner offers an excellent flatness, moist stability and ensures consistent feeding of printers and should accept all major solvent, eco-solvent, latex and UVcurable inks.

The strong adhesive makes this film ideally suitable for 3D doming stickers as well as heavy wear items such as bins and trailers.

Drytac new ReTac peelable media range Drytac have used Fespa to launch new additions to its ReTac permanently peelable media range ReTac 75, ReTac 200, ReTac Chalk and Drytac WipeOut.

adhesives with a tendency to form a strong bond over time. ReTac 75 is a 75µ white polymeric PVC film coated on one side is pressure-sensitive, lowtack and repositionable.

The company’s says its new Polyacrylate self adhesive technology suits wide format applications and, since ReTac will not change its bond strength over time, it can be removed without damaging to the underlying surface, unlike traditional removable

It’s suitable for use with eco/solvent and UV inkjet printers and can be used on ceramic tiles, PVC flooring, sealed wood and sealed concrete.

ReTac 200 is a more rigid 200µ high density polyethylene substrate to suit graphics which

www.visionmagazine.asia

conceal the wall’s profile for a smoother image.

ReTac Chalk is a 180µ PVC chalkboard film. It has a green finish which can be applied to virtually any surface. It will suit hotel and restaurant menus, instant reminder note-pads and childrens’ walls.

Drytac WipeOut is a a 50µ Polyester film with a hard coat dry erase surface coating that works well with the majority of dry-erase marker pens.

media & INK

VISION

27

Sun Chemical new edition of Low Migration Guide and New Packaging Manifesto

Sun Chemical introduced its Packaging Manifesto, setting out the ten most significant challenges and opportunities for brand owners where packaging is concerned, at Interpack 2014. The company also released the fourth edition of its low migration guide entitled, “Designing Packaging with Certainty - A Best Practice Guide”.

Packaging Manifesto Based on intensive dialogue with brand owners worldwide, Sun Chemical’s team of packaging specialists has crystallised the most pressing issues as follows: 1 Compliance 2 Brand Protection 3 Sustainability 4 Late Stage Differentiation 5 Lightweighting 6 Colour Consistency 7 Shelf Impact 8 Shelf Life 9 Packaging Plus 10 Consumer Experience The Sun Chemical Packaging Manifesto sets each challenge against its market context, and summarises possible solutions from Sun Chemical’s portfolio, available to download from the Sun Chemical website: www.sunchemical. com/concept2consumer “Brand owners are performing a complex juggling act, balancing the desire to optimise the physical and promotional performance of their packaging with the need to manage costs and ensure that

their packaging meets or exceeds legislative requirements and consumer expectations for safety and sustainability. Across our global business, we see that there are many common threads to the complex issues which brand owners bring to the table to discuss with us. However, we also tend to find that it can be difficult for brand owners to understand how innovations in inks and coatings are relevant to their commercial concerns,” said Felipe Mellado, chief marketing officer, Sun Chemical.

“We wanted to summarise the leading issues in the language of the brand owner, and use the Packaging Manifesto to offer brand owners reassurance and proactive solutions. Not only are their issues common to many other brands, but we can help solve these problems now, at a global level, through even the most complex multiterritory, multi-process supply chain. Brand owners rely heavily on their packaging designers and converters to help them address these pressing issues. As a global leader in packaging solutions from concept to consumer, working closely with every link in the supply chain, we can offer a broad portfolio of product innovations, backed by deep technical capabilities, to help brand owners achieve their goals and optimise all the key performance aspects of their packaging.”

4th Edition of “Designing Packaging with Certainty - A Best Practice Guide” The fourth edition Best Practice Guide represents a summary of the key challenges faced by the packaging development supply chain and has been prepared by Sun Chemical using in-house knowledge, and after discussion with many industry

experts in the printing and packaging industries.

The newest edition of the low migration best practice guide has been expanded from previous editions to include low migration printing in the narrow web market and the UV flexo print process.

It also amends the legislation section by covering the newest European and key national regulations.

The guide provides a more current product selection and recommendation status.

Jonathan Sexton, European Product Manager Energy Curing, Sun Chemical said: “With the increase in the number of food packaging migration alerts in recent times, our updated low migration best practice guide can be a great support to the packaging development workflow in the production of safe packaging for food and sensitive applications, such as tobacco and pharmaceuticals. While market awareness about migration issues has been increasing, Sun Chemical has promoted the use of low migration offset printing technology for more than 25 years and we can be a very supportive partner with brand owners on this issue.”

In 2004, Sun Chemical introduced the first edition of “Print for Packaging—A Printing Low Migration Best Practice Guide,” which has proved to be useful and popular for converters and end users alike.

Approximately 5,000 copies have been shipped to date. The guide’s second and third editions were published in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

To order a copy of the fourth edition of “Print for Packaging—A Printing Low Migration Best Practice Guide,” visit www.sunchemical.com/lowmigration-inks-and-coatings. www.visionmagazine.asia