'printing review' january february 2016

Vol. 30 No. 1 | January-February 2016 | New Delhi, India

HYBRID Printing drupa 2016 CROSSING THE FINISH LINE

Cinderella Story All in Print China

2016

PACKAGING

touchpoint man roland WEB SYSTEMS

Sign & Display

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highlights 4 Goss appoints Alles International as agent in South Korea

Worldwide Magazine on Graphic Arts Technology ISSN : 0971-0795 Vol. 30 No.1 | January-February 2016 | Annual Subscription: Rs.2000

6 FedEx Launches FedEx Customized Freight in China 7 Touch the Future -drupa 2016 18 CHINAPLAS 2016 Reaches 30th Edition

Editor

Editorial Advisory Board

Sarvjit

Alex & Lilly - Netherlands

Associate Editor

Andy McCourt - Australia

Reny

Joint Editors Vishwapreet Amrita

Production Rakesh

Marketing & Communications Lovleen

Web Editor Ravindar

Circulation Surekha

Secretary & Legal Advisor Surinder

China Correspondents Ying Wei / Adrian Liu

alex@vanbienen.net UK Representative Mike Steele, MJ Marketing

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20 Increased productivity and premium quality – Hofmann Druck 22 ABP believes in the power of QIPC – EAE 24 Hybrid printing: Offset and Digital join forces for newspapers 26 All in Print China 2016: Connecting the World with Printing 30 manroland web systems – powerful ergonomics in a powerful design 34 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART 36 HP Inc. Reinvents Corrugated Packaging Printing in Collaboration with KBA 39 DOMINO DIRECTOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS ENGINEERING AWARD 43 Enhanced productivity and profitability with KBA Service Select 44 Packaging Touchpoint at drupa 2016: 48 Canon increases market share 52 Fujifilm’s Flenex

Global Print Market

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he global market for printing is forecast to to $724 billion by 2014. In 2008 North American held the largest market share with 31.2 percent. By 2011, Asia is expected to become the market share leader due to emerging markets in the region and it expected to hold 34.9 percent of the market share by 2016.

the printing industry has been undergoing significant consolidation and the process is still ongoing. The number of companies is expected to decrease by 2%-5% per year, depending on the industry. The revenue will hold up somewhat better as the value per print item and revenues from value added services tend to rise, although slowly.

Understanding the number of establishments that produce print, at a cost or for-a-profit, is an important requirement for any printrelated market sizing, planning, and forecasting project. In recent years,

Commercial printers account for the bulk of shipments, with more than half of that revenue. In-house printing sites and packaging printers add about 10% each to the total European revenue, while other

types of establishments contribute significantly less. More than 140,000 establishments are active in the printing industry, although almost all of them are small.

The European printing industry is very sizeable, but dominated by small companies. The competition through electronic channels is taking its toll, as advertising spending is moving to electronic media and printed documents are replaced by electronic ones.

While the impact of the financial crisis in 2009 overstated that

decline, the outlook is not positive despite a short-term rebound.

Nevertheless, many companies thrive in a challenging business environment. With almost •150 billion in revenue, printing remains a sizeable industry. In fact, there are many niches that offer growth opportunities and those can be found in almost all industry segments. Print service providers will need to adapt not only to the competition within the printing industry, but across all media by working on adding value to all of their products.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 3

Goss appoints Alles International as agent in South Korea • New agent for Goss commercial, newspaper and packaging product lines • Remit includes sales, parts and Lifetime Support

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Mr. BS Park, managing director, Alles International.

Goss International has recently appointed Alles International as its agent for South Korea with a view to gaining advantage from the company’s established presence in the market as well as its expertise across a broad range of print disciplines. Alles International will be responsible for the sales, installation, parts and servicing of Goss’ web offset systems and ancillaries for commercial printing, newspaper publishing and packaging print production.

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ccording to managing director Mr. BS Park, the addition of the Goss brand to the Alles International portfolio is a great win for the company.

“Goss has an excellent range of well-established products for this market, offering choice and flexibility in all key areas. Being able to offer a wide variety of technologies purposely designed for 4x1 newspaper production is a real strength, for example. It will help create an open dialogue and exchange of ideas with customers about possibilities for both immediate requirements and future aspirations.”

In addition to those tried and tested press models with longstanding reputation in the market - such as the Goss Uniliner, M-600 and Sunday press systems Park says he and his colleagues are especially eager to start exploring the opportunities of Goss solutions for packaging and label producers in Korea.

“South Korea continues to see steady growth in packaging and is predicted to rank solidly among the world top 10 packaging producers across almost all packaging sectors over the next five years,” he explains. “The versatility of the Vpak platform across film and board applications and its easy integration with other packaging processes and technologies offers great

potential as developments unfold.

What’s more, here as in many other countries, we’re seeing a clear trend towards more package versions or SKUs, which makes us optimistic that the timing is right to introduce Vpak technology to this market.”

Based in Seoul, Alles International was founded in 2012 and promotes itself as a total solutions specialist for print service providers in Korea. The company has carefully selected its manufacturing partners and equipment suppliers over time, according to Park. With a client portfolio that includes Fuji Xerox, x-rite, technotrans, Heidelberg and Agfa, Alles International currently represents leading manufacturers in prepress, digital, sheetfed and web presses, quality control systems and consumables, as well as suppliers to the used press market.

“We have already been impressed by the professionalism and business vision of our new colleagues Alles International,” states Tim Mercy, managing director of Goss Asia Pacific. “Their stated mission is to deliver the best total solution for every customer, encompassing the highest quality, most professional service and the best individual products for each stage in their print production chain. We can supply the latter and we feel very confident that our end customers will be in safe hands regarding the rest.”

touch the future Inspiring ideas for success drupa is the must-attend event in 2016: Starting point of highly promising visions.

Focus of future technologies. Meeting point of ideas that electrify the markets.

Innovative business models and best-practice examples will show the growth potential of the future: print, packaging production, green printing, functional printing, multichannel and 3D printing.

The programme “drupa future visions” is a look far ahead.

Be part of it!

daily news, trends, innovations blog.drupa.com

May 31 – June 10, 2016 Düsseldorf/Germany www.drupa.com Share

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FedEx Launches FedEx Customized Freight in China Premier Supply Chain Management Services Are Now Available For Shipments to and from China

FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, has launched FedEx Customized Freight (FCF) in mainland China, a new service for outbound shipments from China to the rest of the world and inbound shipments from the United States and key Asian markets to China. The service benefits customers with special temperature control, package security and shipping needs, including those in the high-tech, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.

“Customers’ needs are constantly evolving in a changing market, and FedEx is always looking for ways to adapt and innovate our solutions to cater to them,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.

“FedEx Customized Freight is one example of this. This solution is aimed at customers with complex or unusual shipping requirements, who benefit from a tailor-made shipping service combined with FedEx industry-leading supply chain expertise.”

Available across China, FCF brings together the considerable experience of FedEx Express and FedEx Custom Critical. By leveraging the FedEx Express global network and the customized value-added services of FedEx Custom Critical, FCF determines door-to-door routing based on the customer’s special shipping needs, along with integrated transportation management and coordination. The main features include: · Customized solutions and network routing using the FedEx network and aircraft · Dedicated vehicles to pick up and deliver packages · Priority handling and boarding on FedEx freighters · Weekend and holiday deliveries · 24/7 shipment management, including proactive monitoring and nearreal-time transit data · Shipment audit upon arrival to ensure all specifications match the initial solution design and the document audit trail meets regulatory compliance requirements 6 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

· A variety of active temperature-controlled air cargo containers, along with temperature data and quality support · 24/7/365 professional support, including advice on packaging, customs regulations and/or security The launch of FCF marks the latest in a series of service enhancements in China. Last August, the company launched its One-Stop Cold Chain Solution to meet the temperature-control and time-sensitive needs of the country’s healthcare industry. In November, the company announced that transit times for FedEx International Priority® and FedEx International Economy® shipments from six major cities to the US, Europe and other destinations would be reduced by one working day.

FCF is already available in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

About FedEx Express FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date supported by a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of US$49 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 340,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex. com.

Author: Cary Sherburne Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

She was recognised as a 2009 Woman of Distinction by Output Links, was awarded the 2009 Thomas McMillan Award for excellence in journalism and was inducted into the Soderstrom Society in 2015.

Sherburne has written six books, including “Digital Paths to Profit”, published by NAPL (now Epicomm); and “No-Nonsense Innovation: Practical Strategies for Success”, written with the late Bill Lowe, the Father of the IBM PC. The books are also available on Amazon. She has also ghost-written several books for busy executives, for whom she makes the process simple and efficient. In addition, her role as Senior Editor at WhatTheyThink.com, the leading online news and analysis resource for the printing and publishing industry, Sherburne occasionally writes for other printing trade magazines, as well as creating by-lined editorial for private clients.

Crossing the finish line – a Cinderella story Post-press binding and finishing in commercial print, packaging, sign & display graphics and other sectors will be a key attraction at drupa 2016. As they say, it isn’t finished until it is finished … and for many companies, there are still significant opportunities for improving throughput and productivity as well as reducing costs in their post-press departments.

All segments of the market are facing similar challenges. Shorter run lengths, faster time to market, more versioned and variable content – while each segment has slightly different challenges, they are all facing this trifecta, and as a result, are moving to an increasingly digital workflow. While significant focus has been placed on the benefits of digital printing, the analogue technologies – offset and flexo, most notably – are also moving to workflows that benefit from faster make-ready times, less waste and fewer touch points in the manufacturing process. the last hold-out in the analogue-to-digital transformation.

Yoshihiro Oe, General Manager Export, Europe and Africa Business Alliance at Horizon commented, “Many customers are still primarily focusing on investment in the prepress and press areas and less on finishing; this is a challenge we face.”

Alon Gershon, Manager of Workflow Solutions at HP Indigo, pointed out, “Finishing processes – both set-up and operation – are often still highly time-consuming, labour-intensive, leading to high dependency on skilled operators and prone to errors and waste of costly work in process.” The challenge for printers and packaging converters is to implement post-press operations that circumvent these barriers to production efficiency.

However, we believe that is rapidly changing and that we will see many advances at drupa 2016 toward making post-press processes as efficient as the rest of the production workflow as well as a stronger interest in these developments on the part of end users.

Already, prepress and print have benefited from technologies that speed work through the production process, but for many companies, post-press processes are still a bottleneck, perhaps

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Another great example of workflow automation at work post-press is Georgia (U.S.) based Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions who processes 200+ jobs per day. Peter Xierten, Director of Systems and Information Technology, said, “Saving three to five minutes per job on cutting set-up adds up to two or three hours per day saved in cutting time. We now have one operator working one shift (since implementing a finishing automation solution from HP), whereas before we needed two cutters working all day, two shifts and overtime.”

“Historically post-press was always seen as the industry’s Cinderella technology, taken for granted, undervalued and overlooked. But as run lengths fall and turnaround times come under more pressure, advances in post-press automation and integration are becoming increasingly important as printers realise that the latest finishing technologies can not only ease production bottlenecks, but actually generate new opportunities. I’ve no doubt that the headlines at drupa 2016 will be dominated by digital technologies, but the switched-on printers will all make a beeline for the post-press halls because they know that’s where they will see new ways of unlocking digital’s potential,” Darryl Danielli, Chief Editor UK-based PrintWeek.

Begin with the end in mind

How a job will be finished must be taken into consideration from the very beginning of the design and production process. Impositions that are most efficient for the printed sheet may not be the same impositions that are efficient in post-press as each piece of finishing equipment requires a unique imposition; and these two efficiencies must be well balanced for a smooth workflow with minimal waste.

And finally, automation is key. For many companies, there is already significant automation in the prepress-to-print process, but less so in the bindery. Manual machine set-up can be time consuming and error prone, often requiring highly skilled workers and production of “overs” to allow for anticipated waste. To the extent machine setup can be automated based on job ticketing information, bar codes, marks and the like, errors are less likely to occur, the number of overs required can often be significantly reduced, and less skilled workers can be utilised in the post-press area.

Modularity increases flexibility

“You don’t want to be a commodity printer these days, even in short run, and value-added postpress solutions are a good way to move out of the commodity zone,” Jerry Sturnick, Xerox Finishing

It is also important to note that many finishing vendors, especially in the transactional, direct mail and commercial print spaces, including MBO, Mueller Martini and Horizon, offer modular finishing solutions that can be configured on the fly as production needs change. This approach results in more flexibility and better utilisation of and ROI for post-press investments.

Business Manager.

MBO is a great example of modularity at work. The company offers a wide variety of separate but compatible modules that are mobile and interchangeable, creating a mix-and-match finishing department. The company also describes a “Parking Lot Concept,” with an unwinder and sheeter at its core. Lance Martin, MBO’s Director of Sales, North America, said, “With this core in place a printer needs only to purchase the modules necessary for a given job.

It is also an ideal model for printers who expect growth since adding modules to the Parking Lot is more cost effective than purchasing entirely new solutions. With numerous modules on hand, a printer needs only to roll modules into place to create one-step finishing production systems.”

Xerox has played a leadership role in finishing automation since the launch of its ground-breaking DocuTech Production Press in 1990 and the development of its Digital Finishing Architecture (DFA) that now includes unique dual mode configurations which allows the same finishing solution to support both inline and offline workflows. Sturnick reports that Xerox has assembled a diverse portfolio of finishing partners over the last 30 years.

“We are seeing that about one-third of digital page volume is finished inline with the other two-thirds offline,” he adds.

“That’s why we introduced a dual mode feeder at drupa 2012 that uses the same DFA interface to direct sheets to inline or offline finishing with no change in software required.” Xerox is extending its finishing partnerships and automation initiatives beyond its traditional sheet-fed environment into production inkjet and packaging.

While some of the challenges and trends cross segment boundaries, each segment also has its individual characteristics.

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Masters of mail

Technology Innovation for its digital cutting, creasing and laser die cutting machine for converting paper, labels, folding carton and microflute, which was introduced at drupa 2012. Boutwell Owens was the first North American packaging converter to implement the Highcon solution. In addition to enabling cost effective production of small runs and speeding time to market, these types of digital solutions open new doors for brand owners, designers, printers and converters alike.

Direct mail is not going away anytime soon. And while transactional mail has been on the decline in many regions for some time, we don’t see that going away anytime soon, either.

Despite all the hype surrounding digital marketing – and the investments brands are making in digital media – even among younger consumers 92% say they prefer direct mail for making purchasing decisions, with 67% of consumers overall expressing this preference 1. And, according to a Pitney Bowes survey, 76% of small businesses say their ideal marketing strategy encompasses a combination of both print and digital communication. 2

“When you have a structural designer that has been told for so many years that you can’t do certain things, today it is all feasible and the handcuffs are off. The world is open; we are no longer restricted by tooling and cost. People can do things they never before imagined!”

In the direct mail segment, automation is key, both from a cost perspective and to prevent errors. In addition to automated inserter setup, look for inspection and real-time reporting systems such as those from Ironsides Technology, Videk and others, to play a growing role.

Ward McLaughlin, CEO Boutwell Owens.

Both transaction and direct mail have already seen significant automation but there is room for more. A good role model is UK-based Capita Document & Information Services, who has implemented a fully automated, as-near-lights-out-as-you-can-get mail operation. Capita chose to work with Ironsides Technology to implement automated production tracking with an umbrella solution that integrates the end-to-end workflow across the production platform as well as enabling quality control and real-time reporting. This unifying solution enabled Capita to meet its goal of complete traceability from composition through final preparation for entry into the mail stream. And operators rarely touch mail packets, even when reprints are required. Operations managers know exactly where each and every page is in the production process at a given point in time, enabling much more effective management of the overall production process.

High value finishing

Regardless of the print technology being used, there are a growing number of digital finishing solutions that add value to the final printed product along with reduced time to market, reduced waste and cost-effective finishing of short to medium runs. And their value is being recognised by buyers and industry associations alike. High value finishing is one way to decommoditise print, mitigating price-based buying decisions.

Other suppliers that offer digitally-enabled high value finishing solutions include the Scodix family of digital enhancement presses that offer post-print addition of variable density embossing and gloss and now digital foiling; and MGI with coating and foiling options. Others, like Kama, Therm-o-Type, Hunkeler and Standard Finishing, offer die cutting and perforating solutions optimised for short runs. Kama also offers hot foil, embossing and in-register holograms for even more added value.

Digital press manufacturers such as Canon, EFI, HP Indigo, Kodak, Ricoh, Xeikon and Xerox are partnering with these post-press suppliers to offer in-line and near-line laser die cutting, coating and other advanced post-press capabilities designed for short-run and one-off efficiencies as well as medium run length production quantities. In addition, digital presses from these companies also offer clear toners that act as a coating agent as well as adding “pop” to images.

All of these capabilities contribute to the overall value of print, adding to the look and feel of printed pieces with gloss, satin or matte finishes, digital embossing, innovative cutting, foiling and other special effects. Where print itself can often be a commodity, adding these types of specialty finishing increases the value of print, does a better job of catching the attention of recipients, and

Israel-based Highcon was just named a recipient of the prestigious Printing Industries of America 2015 InterTech Award for

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sends a signal about its future intent. Expect to see this trend continue and accelerate. Look to see these companies move upstream as well. For example, the 2014 Bobst annual report contains this statement that provides additional insight into future strategies: “On the Digital Packaging Solutions side, in 2015 we will be installing pre series machines for digital printing at corrugated board sites.”

can help marketers get their messages out in a way that is difficult to do with digital communications.

At drupa 2016, look for these suppliers and many others who will be showing advanced high value finishing optimised to meet emerging market requirements, and expect to see more innovation than ever before in this area.

And look for press manufacturers to move further downstream in the production process. Heidelberg, for example, engineered an outsourcing deal with Chinese manufacturer Masterwork Machinery in 2014, resulting in a new die cutter and additions to its folder-gluer line the same year.

Packaging perfection

Packaging converters are also benefiting from digital workflows.

The digital die cutting and finishing techniques discussed above, combined with digital printing, are making it easier for converters to offer not only small lot finished packages but also faster, more cost effective mock-ups and samples often produced using the same substrates and printing processes that will used for the final product.

Books and beyond

Book printing is an area where digital has made a significant impact, with respect to both printing and finishing. Many book printers have implemented production inkjet printing technology that is replacing offset volumes, especially as the quality of these systems improves and the range of functional substrates increases.

Digital lines for book binding have also made huge strides.

For example, earlier this year at Hunkeler Innovationdays, Hunkeler unveiled its smart book solution for short run book production.

It starts with cold glue pre-gluing of the book block to prevent slippage as the block proceeds through the rest of the binding process. Book sizes are dynamically adjusted, so that each book that comes off the line can be a different size and thickness. Glued book blocks are then handed off to an inline perfect binder, which can be sourced from a variety of different manufacturers. This is just one example of the advanced binding solutions now available to book printers.

There are also a growing number of cutting tables from vendors such as Esko, Mimaki and Zund that are designed to quickly deliver shorter runs of finished goods for use as final product or for samples/mock-ups in the packaging, commercial print and sign/ display graphics markets. These companies also offer sophisticated software, such as Esko’s i-Cut Suite, as well as tool sets that speed setup and make these devices easier and more efficient to use.

“As the continued high growth for these solutions seems to prove, the ability to produce one-offs or short run finishing fast and precise has become a standard need in the graphic arts industry for a wide range of applications,”

Another is Horizon’s stacking solution for B2 digital presses which converts digitally printed B2 sheets into any required sheet size down to A6, collating them in page order to form book blocks, resulting in print to book block with minimal touch points. MBO also offers a fully variable book block production solution capable of variable format, page count, signatures and more. And Horizon, Kolbus and others offer automated digital-conventional-hybrid book finishing lines that can be configured to meet each plant’s specific manufacturing needs, efficiently producing both perfect bound and case bound books.

Jef Stoffels, Director Corporate Marketing Esko.

Some packaging solutions providers such as Bobst are turning their attention to increased efficiency and reduced make-ready times for labels, flexible materials, folding carton and corrugated applications as well as the ability to integrate with other systems converters have in place. Bobst’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in Nuova GIDUE, a company that began introducing digitallyenabled solutions for the labels and packaging market in 2000, 10 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

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those for an ever-growing variety of digital toner and ink types to ensure high quality adhesion.

Israeli book printing company Cordoba added the Hunkeler modular book block solution to its Kodak production inkjet press earlier this year in a nearline configuration in order to address decreasing run lengths as a result of changes in the law in Israel that prevent heavy discounting that was a standard practice in the country. The installation was timely, as the company has seen a 60% to 70% reduction in volume for black & white book printing, making it inefficient for some titles to be produced using offset printing.

Wrapping it up

If post-press is a bottleneck in your organisation, or if you are considering the purchase of new presses, begin with the end in mind.

Be sure to engage post-press vendors throughout the evaluation process to take advantage of their expertise and to make sure that your ultimate configuration is the best possible match to your requirements. Most of these suppliers offer pre-sale consulting services that can help ensure that you make the right decisions in this important area.

Keep in mind that in post-press, it is especially important to ensure flexibility in your configuration – the ability to add and subtract modules, reconfigure on the fly and more – especially as new customer requirements emerge or new technologies come to market that can improve post-press productivity. And at drupa 2016, take the Cinderella story to heart by spending quality time looking at all of the advances in post-press that can make your operation more efficient and effective.

And, of course, especially for perfect-bound books, lamination is important to product printed covers. Providers of laminating solutions such as Neschen and Sihl are working hard to optimise

1. http://expandedramblings.com/index.php/10-print-marketing-statistics-know/

2. http://news.pb.com/press-releases/pitney-bowes-survey-76-percent-of-small-businesses-believe-ideal-marketing-mix-includes-both-physical-and-digitalcommunications.htm

Executive summary

At drupa 2016, expect post-press to emerge as a Cinderella story. Already, prepress and print have benefited from technologies that speed work through the production process, but for many companies post-press processes are still a bottleneck. PrintWeek Chief Editor Darryl Danielli points out, “Historically post-press was seen as the industry’s Cinderella technology, taken for granted, undervalued and overlooked. But as run lengths fall and turnaround times come under more pressure, advances in post-press automation and integration are becoming increasingly important.”

Whether you are talking about transactional printing, direct mail, commercial print or packaging, all segments are facing the trifecta of reduced run lengths, shorter cycle times and the need for more versioned and variable content. While automation in prepress and print production is critical in maintaining an efficient operation that can address these requirements, post-press is arguably even more critical. Consider the cost of errors at the post-press stage – either a substantial number of “overs” must be provided to post-press to accommodate potential errors, or work must be reprinted when errors occur. And bottlenecks in post-press can be the straw that breaks the ability to deliver against strict service level agreements, causing havoc for both buyers and producers of print.

That’s why it is important to begin with the end in mind. Regardless of market segment, a complete understanding of post-press requirements when a job is being quoted, estimated and planned is absolutely critical. And taking as many manual touches out of post-press as possible will also improve the overall ability to deliver against customer expectations. drupa 2016 will be an excellent venue for printers and packaging converters to learn about the latest advances in post-press and speak

to suppliers about their specific requirements. Meanwhile, this article contains an overview of current trends and offerings that provide contact person: a goodcentre baseline drupa visitors.

Press forfor drupa 2016 Monika Kissing/Anne Schröer (Assistant)

E-Mail: KissingM@messe-duesseldorf.de E-Mail: SchroeerA@messe-duesseldorf.de

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Tel.: +49 (0)211-4560 543 Tel.: +49(0)211-4560 465 Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 11 Fax: +49 (0)211-4560 87543

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IDS-3D The double sensors and build-in microprocessors make IDS-3D multifunctional in a revolutionary manner. A unique patented image based solution that combines colour and register control in one camera and that can also be configured for detecting production failures.

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Author: Ron Gilboa Ron Gilboa is a Director of InfoTrends’ Production & Industrial Printing Advisory Service and has been involved in digital imaging and printing since 1980. Ron’s skills and experience span a range of print industry graphics communications segments, including commercial printing, publishing & transaction, sign & display graphics, and industrial segments such as packaging, decorative, and functional printing. These segments are rich with applications that are now digitally enabled. Ron is an expert in translating these trends into actionable market strategies, as well as go-to-market plans based on primary industry research & forecasts. He is a regular contributor of editorial content and industry events in emerging print segments.

Ron has an extensive technological background in workflow processes, digital imaging and printing with a focus on a range of inkjet printing and related technologies. InfoTrends advises a range of companies in the digital printing and imaging arena (e.g., core technology suppliers, material & media suppliers and integrated workflow suppliers) on how to best succeed in their digital strategies.

The digital transformation of industrial printing

Since ancient times, people around the world have been looking to beautify their environment and enrich their lives using decorations. They have used decorative glyphs, paintings, and written words in monochrome and color to reflect their lifestyles and to communicate functional messages (e.g., a green light means go!). Innovators on worldwide basis always seek solutions for the deposition of decorative and functional materials on everyday objects and surfaces. Some of these designs were intended to convey information, while others created a striking visual effect or enhanced functionality. First came early block printing on paper and textiles, and then the game-changing invention of Gutenberg’s printing press with movable type in 1440.

became available to consumers with the help of mass production processes and technologies. Although mass production reduces unit price, it requires a large investment in manufacturing capacity as well as a suitable supply chain to manage the inflow and outflow of materials and goods.

According to InfoTrends’ estimates, worldwide mass-production of decorative products accounted for just under half a trillion dollars in manufactured goods in flat glass, ceramic tiles, flooring/ laminates, textile, and wallcoverings.

Our desire to increasingly customize our surroundings coupled with relentless innovations in materials science and digital material deposition technology is a major driving force in the transition from mass-production to mass-customization. This transition enables consumers as well as institutional buyers to customize their environments with branded imagery, or with decorative surfaces that reflect their tastes and visual sensibilities. Digitally printed output is now increasingly used to enable mass-customization while also providing a range of other benefits, including operational efficiency in manufacturing and a positive environmental impact.

Since the time that Gutenberg revolutionized printing 575 years ago, this manufacturing process has evolved as a precise deposition of colorants or materials as part of graphic arts applications and industrial applications. Graphic arts technology evolved to produce printed matter used for information sharing, promotional activities, education, and a range of utility documents. Industrial printing became a technology used for enriching the decorative elements in everyday surfaces like packaged goods, decorative surfaces, and sophisticated functional materials for the electronics industry. Industrial printing applications have historically been produced using a variety of analog printing technologies, such as offset, gravure, flexographic, and screen printing. The range of applications is dazzling, spanning applications such as textiles, ceramics, flooring, laminates, glass, wood, membrane switches, printed electronics, packaging, and even some bio-medical materials.

Industrial printing in the digital age

Over a generation ago, digital printing emerged with a range of technologies that ushered in new integrated production processes as well as the ability to customize or personalize products.

Although promising, early innovations were often expensive and did not yield acceptable quality for end-users. One of the leading technologies in this space was inkjet printing. For many years, inkjet printing technologies like drop-on-demand and continuous inkjet struggled to gain acceptance due to high costs, reliability issues, and a limited range of available materials (e.g., inks and substrates). These factors hampered the range of applications that could be produced.

The impact of mass customization

The driving force behind these developments was the need to mass-produce printed items like books or packaged consumer goods from leading industry brands. Items such as fashion fabrics, decorated laminates, ceramic tiles, and product packaging

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Packaging

Over the past two decades, surging technological developments in materials and printheads have yielded a crop of products that have effectively transformed industry dynamics to enable masscustomization of graphic arts products using inkjet technology.

These changes are quickly expanding into industrial manufacturing as well. At their core, these inkjet solutions enable manufacturers to produce quality products while benefiting from the operational advantages of digital print.

Packaging is a massive industry, and InfoTrends’ industry assessments estimate that it accounted for over $400 billion in related revenues on a global basis in 2014. Applications span from simple marked corrugated brown boxes to award-winning labels for premium products. Over the past few years, digital color technology has established a critical base of electrophotographic and inkjet solutions. These accounted for about 1 billion square meters in 2014 and are projected to reach 2 billion square meters in 2019, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. Thanks to a new generation of inkjet presses, this market is now reaching folding cartons, flexible packaging, direct-to-shape, and corrugated printing. These systems go beyond proofing into fully integrated production lines. Solutions that are targeted toward corrugated liner manufacturing or sheet fed printing of corrugated boxes/displays are now available from key industry suppliers with print speeds exceeding 200 meters per minute.

As important as operational efficiency may be, it is only one of the ingredients that is driving market growth. The ability to costeffectively manufacture products in short runs is democratizing the creative process. In a market where printing requires less makeready and inventories are significantly reduced, brand owners and designers are now free to explore new products, materials, and manufacturing technologies that do not require as high an investment as mass-produced products. Fueled by the Internet, these products generate demand for a range of applications that were previously unavailable to consumers and businesses.

Compounded with the operational benefits, these market-driven opportunities can spell profitable growth for companies of all sizes.

The industry landscape

The printing technology spans a broad range of industries including graphic communication, packaging, decorative, and functional printing. A common element to all of these industry segments is the need to precisely deposit a range of materials such as ink binders and functional materials. These are deposited on a variety of surfaces from sheets of paper to 3D printed objects. Core technologies typically migrate to adjacent markets; for example, a technology that was initially adopted by one segment will find its way into a related segment and will later be modified based on the new segment’s specific needs. Although the digital revolution has taken several paths, the most prominent to date has been in the graphic communications market. Digital print-on-demand is now well-established in this area, with over 1 billion A4 impressions produced annually. The use of digital technology is now migrating and growing in industrial segments such as packaging, decorative, and functional printing.

Direct-to-shape is another example of an emerging category where graphic arts, technologies, and industry-specific suppliers have come together to meet the demand for customized printing like never before. Examples include a major brand that is now offering digitally printed beer bottles that are fully customized and linked to an augmented reality campaign. This isn’t a completely new concept, except that it is now being done on an industrial scale by a mainstream manufacturer.

To better understand the key trends that are impacting the various industries, we compiled a short description and some examples to illuminate the solutions that are available in these industry segments.

Decorative printing

Decorative printing is a vast market segment with a number of applications that are taking advantage of digital printing capabilities. The digital print volume in this segment is large and growing rapidly. Although many applications exist in this segment, this article will focus on ceramics, textiles, laminates & wood, wallcoverings, and glass, which are leading the digital transition.

Ceramics

The market for ceramic tile is huge, with over 12 billion square meters of tile manufactured worldwide in 2014 based on an InfoTile report. This industry segment traditionally used rotary presses to deposit decorative ceramic inks onto tiles ahead of the 14 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

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The ever-increasing need for improved operational efficiency and the desire to provide consumers with cutting-edge designs was a key driver in the market’s evolution. Since the early 1990s, inkjet technology vendors have attempted to make inkjet a suitable solution for fabric manufacturers. The past few years have seen a rapid growth in inkjet printing on fabric for organizations of all sizes. InfoTrends’ Digital Textile Forecast projects that digital textile fabric printing will demonstrate a CAGR of over 30%, surpassing 3.2 billion square meters by 2019. This rapid growth can be attributed to a reduction in make-ready, cost reductions in environmentally-friendly production, and the democratization of designs that enable brand owners to reach markets quickly and effectively.

firing process, resulting in a cost-effective product that rivalled the permanency of natural stone. At the same time, however, using rotary print cylinders has its drawbacks—pattern repeats are limited and require costly changeovers. Because digital printing has dramatically improved time-to-market, enabled design changes, and reduced make-ready, it now captures the majority of tile manufacturing in Europe and is gaining a rapidly-growing share in China. Moreover, digital technology offers dimensional printing in later firings to add texture in addition to the decorative layer.

Laminates & wood

Within the construction and furniture industries, woodworking products have been making use of printed decorative papers and laminates for decades. With a wide range of designs that mimic natural wood grains, stone, and graphic patterns, laminates are a cost-effective substitute for natural materials. In some cases, laminates are actually preferred because they are more durable.

Typically produced using gravure presses, decorative papers are converted to laminates using a range of processes. This industry produced over 300 million digital square meters in 2014, based on InfoTrends’ document entitled Profiting from Digital Printing in the Décor Marketplace. The pressure to develop short-run or custom laminates is driving an increased demand for mid-range as well as industrial products that rival the printing volumes of traditional gravure presses.

Textiles

Textile printing is a far-reaching industry with a deep-rooted heritage in countries like Italy, Turkey, India, Japan, Korea, and China. Based on InfoTrends’ Digital Textile Forecast, printed fabrics accounted for over 35 billion square meters in 2014—and 800 million of this volume was digital. Although most of these fabrics are produced using silk screens or rotary presses, the use of digital printers is rapidly increasing. This unique industry has been creating dazzling designs since wood-carved blocks were used to stamp fabrics. Great strides have been made since that time, and the prevailing technology for high-volume fabric manufacturing is now rotary screen printing. Now that specialty inks can be used with a wide range of manmade and natural fibers, it is possible to create cost-effective finished products with bright colors and bold designs.

Many leading providers of laminates and décor paper (e.g., Schattdecor, WilsonArt, and Formica) are now offering custom laminates based on end-users’ demands for increased levels of design freedom and customization. These trends follow many years of successful production of laminate flooring as well as a range of decorative trims for the construction industry. Emerging on the heels of laminate solutions are a range of direct printing solutions produced on a variety of wood products such as Medium Fiber Board (MDF), plywood, and natural wood. These do not require lamination and are used for adding a decorative surface to residential and commercial applications.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 15

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Analysis by Lucintel, the flat glass market is expected to surpass $66 billion by 2019 and is starting to adopt digital printing as a means of expanding its reach. With the development of inkjet printheads that are capable of printing ceramic inks onto glass, a number of industries are using digital printing technology to produce long-life decorated glass that is suitable for architectural and industrial uses.

Wallcoverings

Wallcoverings have been in existence since the ancient Chinese decorated their palace walls. More recently, King Louis XI of France ordered wallpaper for his royal dwellings in 1481.

Creator Jean Bourdichon painted 50 rolls of paper with angels on a blue background because King Louis found it necessary to move frequently from castle to castle. Wallcoverings have made great strides since that time, and they are now readily available to everyday residences and commercial buildings. Technologies such as surface printing, offset, flexography, and gravure printing have been widely used to produce standard wallpapers, with volumes estimated at 52 million square meters annually in 2014 based on InfoTrends’ Profiting from Digital Printing in the Décor Marketplace.

Functional printing

Another type of industrial printing is where the printed surface is deposited with material or ink to enable some functionality. These applications take advantage of piezoelectric or continuous drop devices to enable deposition of a variety of materials. Applications include membrane switches, printed electronics, 3D printing, and a range of new innovations in small particle sizes (e.g., nanoparticulates) that are expanding into pharmaceutical and bio-medical applications. This section will highlight some of the developments that enable membrane switch printing, printed electronics, and 3D printing. While there are a number of other very compelling deposition technologies, these are typically limited to specialty industry forums in the life sciences industry.

Digital wide format printing solutions ushered in generations of innovative graphic communication solutions for the plethora of industries that have been migrating to the wallcovering segment. Advancements in digital printing inks (e.g., latex and flexible UV inks) now enable printing on standard industry media that complies with health and safety codes. Applications such as murals and graphically rich wallpaper rolls are becoming increasingly common and are now available from a number of suppliers.

Membrane switches

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines a membrane switch as “a momentary switch device in which at least one contact is on, or made of, a flexible substrate.” These flexible substrates are typically printed on PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is used as a base carrier. They are very common within home appliances, medical devices, games, smartphones, and toys.

Printing technologies are regularly used in the production of the graphic overlays as well as the some of the circuitry where conductive inks are used. Advancements in digital UV printing technology—including flexible inks and Light Emitting Diode (LED) curing—are expanding the range of membrane switch applications and carrier materials to include flexible substrates that can be cured with less energy and heat. In certain higher-volume applications, curing using EB (Electron Beam) technology enables deposition and curing on sensitive materials. In all of these cases, short-run of customized print can take the place of screen or flexographic printing technology.

Glass

Decorative glass has been adorning cathedrals, palaces, and a range of public and private buildings for millennia. Applications span from leaded stained glass to screen-printed glass panes, and these items have been used to reinforce branding, promote artistic expression, or create simple signage. According to the Global Flat Glass Industry Trend, Forecast, and Opportunity 16 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review16

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3D printing

The 3D printing industry is a vast space with many different technologies, applications, materials, prices, and solutions. Current 3D print technologies include binder jetting, digital light processing, electron beam melting, fused filament fabrication, material jetting, selective deposition lamination, selective laser sintering, and stereolithography. All of these technologies have their pros and cons, and it is likely that this list will grow even longer over time as more vendors make their own contributions to this space.

The market is delineated along three product categories: production, professional, and personal. Typical applications created on 3D printers include prototypes, molds & dyes, and end-use products. These applications are being used by almost all industries to create a variety of products from nano-sized research products to airplane parts. This segment is evolving rapidly, and hardly a day passes when we don’t hear about a new innovation that enables another compelling application. The attraction in 3D printing is its additive nature—waste is limited, time-to-market is shortened, and custom designs are possible.

Printed electronics

Printed electronics rely on traditional printing technologies to create electrical devices on various substrates. Electrical circuits have been printed using screen printing, flexography, gravure, and offset lithography for many years, and inkjet printing has been an option for quite some time too. During this process, electrically functional inks are deposited on the substrate to create active or passive devices, such as thin film transistors or resistors. Printed electronics are expected to be used in applications such as flexible displays, smart labels, decorative/animated posters, and active clothing.

Digital display printing is at the forefront of innovation, but digital deposition of functional materials has been in development since the early 1990s and can now be found in applications including Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tags, smart textiles, and many more printed electronics. At the same time, however, conventional printing technologies such as flexography and photolithography are still in use in high-volume manufacturing of printed electronics.

This provides numerous opportunities for growth in this industry for a range of specialty print providers.

One example where digital technology is emerging as an alternative to more complex and costly implementation is the creation of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display components.

Executive summary Industrial printing has been performed using traditional printing technologies for decades, and the product value far exceeds the direct value of printing as a standalone activity. Although it is estimated that printing may account for about 25% to 30% of value, this share varies widely by market segment. The growth in all segments is driven by consumer consumption and demand for durable and non-durable products from packaging, textiles, and the housing market. The main drivers of growth or decline in these segments are thus highly dependent on the global economy and local consumer spending patterns.

This strong base of productivity and demand and a growing desire for mass-customization creates a fertile ground for innovative digital printing technologies. Inkjet printing is the dominant enabler of this transition. Following several decades of technological developments in jetting and materials science, we are now seeing a resurgence of technologies that enable deposition onto applications including packaging, ceramics, textiles, 3D objects, and electronic components. During the drupa 2016 event in Dusseldorf, Germany, the world will converge to explore and observe new technological innovations in print and material deposition. Many of these will certainly take aim at industrial and functional printing solutions.

contact person:

Press centre for drupa 2016 Monika Kissing/Anne SchrĂśer (Assistant) E-Mail: KissingM@messe-duesseldorf.de E-Mail: SchroeerA@messe-duesseldorf.de

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Tel.: +49 (0)211-4560 543 Tel.: +49(0)211-4560 Printing Review | January-February465 2016 | 17 Fax: +49 (0)211-4560 87543

CHINAPLAS 2016 Reaches 30th Edition CHINAPLAS, recognized as Asia’s No. 1 & world’s No.2 plastics and rubber trade fair by the industry, will hold its 30th edition in 2016. To celebrate the reach of the milestone, there will be more attractions and celebration activities at the show for all to join!

CHINAPLAS 2016 is expected to receive 3,200 exhibitors and some 140,000 professional buyers in the exhibition area of over 240,000sqm.

Looking back, when CHINAPLAS was held for the first time in Beijing in 1983, the exhibition area was only 2,000sqm, and 90% of the exhibitors were from overseas. At that time, the production technology in China was still at a very low level, CHINAPLAS visitors mainly came to learn the advanced technologies from overseas countries. Today, China has become a 18 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

big manufacturing country with strong production ability, and is exporting the most plastics and rubber machineries in recent years. In the past three decades, CHINAPLAS has been moving forward together with the China

market, and has developed into a platform for the showcase of both overseas technologies and Chinese machineries for export.

Its international nature attracts overseas visitors from more than 150 countries and regions,

To celebrate the 30th edition of CHINAPLAS, apart from more show attractions at the fairground, a series of celebration activities will be rolled out soon and will last until the next year.

which accounts for nearly 30% of the show’s visitors.

CHINAPLAS will continue to keep abreast of the trends in the dynamic environment, and lead the industry to cope with the changing world.

Greenovation for a Smart Future Like other manufacturing industries in China, plastics and rubber industries are facing transformation to meet the new era of intelligent production. The world’s leading manufacturing countries have launched national strategic plans to meet the challenges in the new era and to strengthen their industrial competitiveness.

Examples include “Industry 4.0” of Germany, “Advanced Manufacturing Partnership” of USA, and “New Robot Strategy” of Japan. China also launched the “Made in China 2025” strategic plan recently to boost its industrial growth, with the aim to comprehensively upgrade Chinese manufacturing industries. It is not hard to find that intelligent manufacturing plays a vital part in all of these national plans in adapting to new market environment. CHINAPLAS as a leading plastics and rubber trade fair always moves ahead together with the industry. The new show theme “Greenovation for a Smart Future” signifies that the show content next year will focus on green and innovative technologies, as well as intelligent manufacturing solutions in response to the development of the industry. With more new and high-end technology on display, the show can better support enterprises to explore business opportunities.

The biggest ever with more attractions The 30th CHINAPLAS will be held from 25 to 28 April, 2016 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, PR China, with an exhibition area over 240,000sqm, and more than 3,200 exhibitors are expected. The show is supported by a number of country and region pavilions, including Austrian, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Swiss, Taiwanese, and USA Pavilions. With broader range of exhibits, the number of theme zones will rise to sixteen, among which the “Automation Technology

Zone”, “Composite & High Performance Materials Zone” and “Recycling Technology Zone” are all new to the coming show in Shanghai. Intelligent production lines and systems, industrial robots, high performance materials, composite materials, the latest and most complete recycling solutions as well as other plastics and rubber technology breakthroughs will be showcased under one roof.

Celebration Activities Rolling Out, Stay Tuned!

To celebrate the 30th edition of CHINAPLAS, apart from more show attractions at the fairground, there will also be a series of celebration activities for all to join. These activities are rolling out soon and will last until the next year. Stay tuned with us by checking out for our latest posts on CHINAPLAS official website!

Limited exhibition space left, reserve now!

Online space application is now available, as response is overwhelming, space is running out fast. Interested parties are advised to submit immediate space reservation on our official website to enjoy the quality and all-round promotion services.

For details, please visit the official show website at www.ChinaplasOnline. com

The “Automation Technology Zone”, “Composite & High Performance Materials Zone” and “Recycling Technology Zone” are new to the coming show in Shanghai.

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Faster, better performance, and lower energy consumption: LED technology delivers several benefits, but most important is its outstanding quality, depicted here in a high-finish furniture magazine.

Increased productivity and premium quality – Hofmann Druck sets new standards with Europe’s first eightcolor Speedmaster XL 106 perfecting press with LED • • •

Target: Sheetfed offset with 100 percent LED technology from the start of 2016 Hofmann Druck creates new “LED Brilliance Technology” brand – specifically for uncoated papers Top quality and rapid delivery times draw in new customers Hofmann Druck Nürnberg GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its printing capacities and installing Europe’s first Speedmaster XL 106 with innovative DryStar LED dryer technology at the start of 2016. The eight-color perfecting press is from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and will be used alongside an LED press from another manufacturer that is already being run in the pressroom.

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Hofmann Druck is a full-service print shop in the web and sheetfed sector that produces primarily high-end magazines and catalogs for exacting customers. The company is part of the Hofmann Infocom GmbH group, which has a workforce of 150 and provides more than 400 customers with media services in the printing and electronic publications sectors.

“Our experience with LED has been great in terms of quality, productivity, extremely short delivery times, and excellent energy

efficiency. By installing the new Speedmaster XL 106 LED, we are pursuing our goal of switching over 100% of our sheetfed operations to this pioneering technology,” says Ralf Büttner, Sales Director at Hofmann Infocom. The current LED press has already produced more than 30 million prints in just under one year. There is still a fivecolor Speedmaster XL 105 with coating unit in the pressroom, but this is to be removed when the new press is installed. “We have been impressed by the technical

Ralf Büttner (right), Sales Director at Hofmann Infocom, and Michael Pilz, Media Designer at hofmann medien, are impressed by the benefits of innovative, LED-based dryer technology. The sheetfed offset system can be used to produce premium quality and win new customers.

performance of XL technology and think it is a great press, in terms of its overall concept and its integration features,” says Büttner. “We want to continue building on our technology leadership in LED printing, which is why we have deliberately chosen two suppliers, so that we can benefit from the developments of both.”

The benefits of LED are particularly striking on uncoated papers, ensuring that neither the brilliance and luminescence of the inks nor the feel are lost.

That is why the company has launched a specialist brand “Hofmann LED Brilliance Technology”. “We are focusing on premium quality in sheetfed offset. We can now offer products and services that we previously would have had difficulty achieving, such as art prints,” says Büttner. “We have already won new customers and will continue to pursue this growth with

the new Speedmaster XL 106 LED.” Heidelberg has been offering LED presses in Asia since 2013 and has already installed more than 20 presses in Japan. Japan was the first LED market for Heidelberg due to the country’s very stringent legal regulations that apply to energy savings. Using the expertise it has gained there, and the positive feedback from users, the company launched the technology onto the European market in fall 2015. The system will be introduced in the USA and Canada at the end of this year.

For further information about the company and image material, please visit the Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg. com.

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ABP believes in the power of QIPC – EAE Some more than one year later, ABP finally took the plunge. The concern is convinced that the combination of products and services provided by Q.I. Press Controls and EAE will be the key to a successful future. Menno Jansen, managing director of Q.I. Press Controls, agrees: “This is not only advantageous for the customer, but for QIPC – EAE too. We will be able to work more efficiently, which helps bring about savings in both time and money, for us and ABP alike.”

Fltr. Mr. Menno Jansen (Chairman Q.I. Press Controls), Mr. Somnath Guha (Corporate Manufacturing Manager ABP), Mr. Vijay Pandya (Managing Director QIPC – EAE India), Mr. Bernhard Schmiedeberg (Vice President Sales EAE), Mr. D.D.Purkaystha (M.D. and CEO ABP), Mr. Snehasis Roy (Associate Vice President - Technical ABP) & Mr. Atideb Sarkar (Associate Vice President, Strategy ABP

Media conglomerate ABP is the first in India to have placed a combined QIPC – EAE order. The efficiency and effectiveness of a ‘combi-package’ made for a persuasive argument with the ABP media group. Recently, the order was successfully installed at ABP: Q.I. Press Controls supplied the mRC-3D for colour register and EAE will carried out a complete retrofit on the Goss Universal 70 in ABP’s printing plant in Kolkata.

Over the years, APB has won many awards for the quality of its printing. For instance, on several occasions the group has been awarded the SNAP certificate (Specifications for Newsprint Advertising Production) and at various periods has been a member of the International Newspaper Colour Quality Club (INCQC). In 2015, ABP was the first nonAmerican organization to receive two top awards for printing excellence, both from SNAP and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) in 2014.

It was at the 2014 World Publishing Expo in Amsterdam that QIPC – EAE first entered into serious talks with representatives from ABP. The organization was looking for an efficient and effective way to improve processing speeds in its printing plants. This included minimization of waste. With its mRC-3D for colour register, which meets all the requirements set by ABP, Q.I. Press Controls was able to offer the ideal solution. It was also apparent to EAE that the press itself was in need of an upgrade. For ABP, this combination of solutions would not only mean optimization of its printing processes, but also provide the guarantee of a high-quality product.

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The order consists of an EAE retrofit for the Goss Universal 70, plus ten mRC-3Ds for colour register which are installed on the five 4/4 printing towers. The Automatic Ink Mist Shield (AIMS) and motorized scanner transport options have been fitted to each camera. Operators

at the Kolkata printing plant will receive full on-site technical training, so that they are able to master the insand-outs of the system.

QIPC – EAE aims to provide its services to other plants in India, since ABP has eleven of these across the subcontinent. Vijay Pandya, managing director of QIPC – EAE India, had this to say: “Our expectations for new orders are high. ABP is keen to invest in automation and efficiency. Because QIPC – EAE continues to develop its products and services, I firmly believe we are the partner par excellence for ABP.” ABP is the first concern of its kind in India to have opted for the QIPC – EAE’s combined package.

QIPC – EAE hopes that ABP will serve as an example for all the benefits it has to offer.

About ABP Pvt. Ltd.: ABP is a media conglomerate which produces eleven leading publications, has three 24-hour television channels and also owns a book publishing company. The group is also active on mobile and internet applications.

Its vision is to inform, educate and entertain its audiences and so raise the quality of human life.

About QIPC – EAE: QIPC – EAE is the result of the acquisition of EAE by Q.I. Press Controls in 2014. Q.I. Press Controls, the number one supplier of innovative, high-quality optical measurement and control systems, joined forces with EAE, the leading supplier of control, automation and software solutions for the printing industry. Supported by a global service network, the QIPC – EAE joint-venture delivers total solutions for web offset presses in the printing industry. From prepress to mailroom, QIPC – EAE provides solutions that not only lead to production reliability, but to enhanced performance as well.

For more information, go to: www.qipc.com & www.eae.com

Star Media Group awards major contract to Ferag Malaysian company Star Media Group Berhad (formerly known as Star Publications (M) Berhad) (“Star Media Group”) has ordered new mailroom technology from Ferag. The media group is equipping two printing centres with four inserting lines, MultiStack compensating stackers and bundle evacuation technology. Star Media Group is placing its trust in Ferag and the development opportunities that come with Ferag mailroom technology.

Group photograph when signing the contract: Wong Chun Wai, CEO and GMD of Star Media Group Bhd, and Jürg Möckli, CEO of Ferag AG (centre), flanked on the right by Mohamed Hassan bin Mohamed Ali, Senior General Manager, Technical Services (Star Media Group); Yeo Eng Siang, General Manager, Corporate Office (Star Media Group); Cindy Gee, Finance Reporting Manager (Star Media Group), and flanked on the left by Soh Sze Jean, General Counsel (Star Media Group); Marcel Binder, Sales Director (Ferag AG); Michael Büchel, General Manager (WRH Global Asia).

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tar Media Group, based in Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), will replace its 15-year-old mailroom technology with four inserting and production lines from Ferag beginning in the spring of 2016. For its printing centre in Shah Alam near Kuala Lumpur, Star Media Group has ordered two MultiSert inserting systems, one EasySert inserting line, MultiStack compensating stackers and a bundle evacuation system. Ferag will also deliver an EasySert inserting line with MultiStack compensating stackers plus a bundle evacuation system to the Penang printing centre, some 300 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur.

Ferag systems free up space The decision in favour of Ferag is a testament to the customer’s confidence both in the Swiss company and the quality of its technology. Working with Star Media Group’s project team, Ferag came up with a convincing concept that provides important development opportunities for the future, says Mohamed Hassan bin Mohamed Ali, Senior General Manager, Technical Services at Star Media Group. The space-saving design of the equipment was another key factor in the decision, according to Mohamed Hassan. The change will free up space in both printing centres, which Star Media Group may use for technical upgrades relating to new business models.

Ferag will connect the inserting and production lines to existing components

in the Shah Alam and Penang mailrooms. The customer rates the option to integrate the new technology into an 15-year-old, system as evidence of Ferag’s solution-oriented approach. By selecting the inserting technology, compensating stackers and bundle evacuation technology, Star Media Group is initially replacing the key components that are crucial when it comes to meeting future demands on production capacity.

Star Media Group publishes the English-language daily newspaper The Star and Sunday Star. The production of the newspaper product is split between Shah Alam (250,000 copies) and Penang (70,000 copies).

Ferag sponsors NiE programme The goal of Star Media Group’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme is to inspire young people to read newspapers. Star-NiE is directed at schools in Malaysia and not only promotes the reading of newspapers, but also helps children and young people learn English.

Ferag AG’s support for the Star-NiE programme is of course also in its own interest. When signing the contract for the new Ferag inserting and production lines in Petaling Jaya, CEO and General Managing Director of Star Media Group Wong Chun Wai accepted a cheque for 250,000 ringgit (around EUR 55,500) from Jürg Möckli, CEO of Ferag AG. Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 23

Hybrid printing: Offset and Digital join forces for newspapers manroland web systems presents modern and visionary options for economic newspaper production

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ffset and digital printing are linked ever closer. Hybrid newspaper printing offers many advantages. This goes far beyond inkjet imprints and the insertion of digitally printed newspaper supplements. Entire production lines containing both offset and digital printing presses are set to increase the economic viability of print production.

Hybrid developments can already be found everywhere, especially in the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The crucial advantage of this approach is the flexible selection of the most appropriate technical solution, such as the use of electrical engines or combustion engines depending on the specific application. However, nowadays the same flexibility is also required when it comes to the production of print products, using the same printing system to produce multiple products at the lowest possible cost. manroland web systems is the first printing press manufacturer to offer hybrid newspaper press systems.

In addition to the established print finishing systems for digitally printed newspapers, manroland web systems also focuses on its expertise in workflow integration, for example with the DigiLink module. DigiLink allows planning of offset and digital productions from a central workstation, including parallel monitoring of production during printing and in the mailroom. With this unique capability of integrating various print systems with a shared data base, the German printing press manufacturer aims to advance the development of hybrid newspaper printing systems. In line with this strategy, a number of new business and publishing models offer companies numerous opportunities for economic newspaper production and market diversification.

IMPRES SIVE INTEGR ATED INKJET IMPRESSIVE INTEGRA Integrated Inkjet caters to creativity, whether in the information and entertainment sector or the development of business models. Made famous by the Springer publishing house and its daily pass for the Internet version of the German Bild newspaper, the imprint of highly variable inkjet data in ongoing newspaper production has been proven effective.

The contents may include lottery numbers, current news, QR codes, or areaspecific personalized advertising. As an OEM partner of the Kodak Stream Inkjet technology, manroland web systems can equip and integrate inkjet functionality into web offset print systems of all major manufacturers. The scope of services ranges from providing inkjet print heads up to comprehensive project management for fully automated solutions. In this case, the inkjet module is completely integrated into the press control system.

INSERTING DIGIT ALLY PRE-PRINTED SECTIONS DIGITALLY Fully digitized – completely digitally pre-produced advertising and newspaper sections are inserted into offset newspapers. Dynamic, time-saving job changeovers contribute to the economic production of these short-run advertising, topical, and local supplements. Local journalism is upgraded not only through pre-printed sections; some publishing houses have also started to digitally print entire local issues of newspapers. This pays off for small print runs and offers a logistic advantage: in vast countries, the product reaches the customer quickly while lowering shipping costs.

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FINISHING DIGIT ALLY PREDIGITALLY PRINTED REELS Division of labor – digitally preprinted reels are processed into advertising and newspaper products in web offset presses. The process allows for flexible scheduling of the reels’ digital pre-print and ensures optimum utilization of the digital printing press’s capacities.

Precise register stability is a prerequisite to allow the offset printing press to produce first-rate quality from the prepared reels. manroland web systems’ specialists handle the technical coordination of the digital offset workflow.

FULL-FLEDGED HYBRID SYSTEM – DIGIT AL AND OFFSET DIGITAL Continuous hybrid workflow – the combination of a digital printing press with an existing or new web offset printing press is known as a genuine hybrid system. The outcome: perfectly efficient newspaper production. It offers the best cost per copy ratio for every requirement – purely offset printing for high print runs without job changeovers, hybrid productions for part editions of the daily paper with short production cycles and variable formats, and purely digital production for print runs starting from a single copy. The hybrid mode in particular offers a wide range of options – changeovers from one edition to the next are eliminated, for example for a daily where the 4-page jacket for various editions is printed digitally. This lowers the required time, plate, and paper consumption. The lower press speed of the digital printing system is balanced out by eliminating downtimes for changeovers between editions.

WHEN DOES HYBRID PAY OFF? The ROI for the digital investment in a hybrid system can be achieved within a few years, especially if additional print orders are produced during the day.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 25

All in Print China 2016: Connecting the World with Printing 6th All in Print is on the right track All in Print is charted for success: roughly one year before it kicks off on 18 October 2016 more than 400 renowned companies from the international print suppliers industry have already confirmed their participation at the 6th edition of All in Print, already occupying over 80,000 m2 at this early point in time. The list of exhibitors includes such global players as Dupont, Daetwyler Graphics, Epson, Siemens, Asian brands like Daqiao Packaging, Focusight, Mclantis Group, Masterwork, STS Machinery, UP Group, Weng Cheng Machinery, Yilee, Yoco and the Austrian upstream supplier B&R Industrial Automation, to name but a few.

Joint participations from the USA and Germany have also signed up to exhibit.

Underscoring the relevance of All in Print Project Director Evian Gu says: “These excellent interim results reflect the major importance of the Asian market.

According to studies carried out by SmithersPira, Asia is by far the world’s most important growth region for the printing industry. By 2018 Asia’s market share in the global print suppliers industry will rise from 38.8 % in 2013 to 43 %. All in Print is the key to these important future markets,” and goes on to say; “fortunately key players like Bobst, Canon, Fujifilm, Komori, Konica Minolta, Ricoh and Xerox have already booked exhibition space at the forthcoming All in Print. This is definitely further confirmation of the relevance of All in Print.”

Under the heading “Discover the Future of Printing” All in Print 2016 in Shanghai will bring some changes in its conceptual cornerstones: the duration of the trade fair will be prolonged from four to five days (18 to 22 October) while its frequency was already increased to every two years as early as 2014. In addition to this, the six exhibition halls in Shanghai will all be themed – “All in Press”, “All in Digital”, “All in Label”, “All in Packaging”, “All in Creativity” and “All in E-business”.

Over 700 national and international exhibitors will present - on a total 90,000 m2 of exhibition space. The exhibitors’ ranges are rounded off by a technical supporting programme boasting well over 30 forums and seminars.

The Messe Düsseldorf Group and its flagship fairs drupa (No. 1 for print and crossmedia solutions) and interpack (International Trade Fair for Packaging Machines and Appliances, Packaging Materials and Auxiliaries, Confectionery Machines) develop promising growth markets throughout the world with the help of regional trade fairs. Only recently did the debut of swop, the Shanghai World of Packaging (17 to 20 November 2015), draw to a successful close. The dates for the second edition have already been fixed (7 to 10 November 2017).

And preparations for Pack Print International (International Packaging and Printing Exhibition for Asia) from 20 to 23 September 2017 in Bangkok are also in full swing. “With this international trade fair network we offer global suppliers to the print industry matching tools for addressing selected regional markets,” says Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa and Global Head for Printing Technologies, summing up the strategy of Messe Düsseldorf.

For more information about the 2016 All in Print China, please visit www.allinprint.com 26 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 27

manroland web systems – powerful ergonomics in a powerful design New features for single and double-width newspaper press series from manroland web systems

N

ewspaper printers want to maintain their competitive position. manroland web systems supports them with constant improvements for both new and retrofitted newspaper press systems. The new ControlCenter operating system from manroland web systems is a popular solution that is now available for all current newspaper printing systems.

Which additional new features are offered for the series?

“CROMOMAN, UNISET, and GEOMAN are now on a par with the COLORMAN sisters. We have developed ergonomics and design features for our single and double-width newspaper press systems that are sure to please operators and business managers alike.” Dieter Betzmeier, Order Processing and Technology Director manroland web systems, looks forward to offering all newspaper press customers the new ControlCenter operating system. Within just a short period of time, the new system has been sold more than 30 times to web offset customers around the world. The UNISET at the Chinese People’s Daily will take up operation with the new ControlCenter in late 2014. In addition to substantial automation functions, a touchscreen offers all relevant information at a single glance and the operator can interact intuitively with the press of a finger on the MobilPad, at any place and at any time.

Available to everyone – IROLOC and integrated web edge control IROLOC stands for a stable print image and thus reduced waste. An automatic print width control for the rubber rollers in the inking unit with IROLOC roller locks is now available for all newspaper press systems. This almost entirely eliminates the need for frequent readjustments and maintenance. Instead, spring systems that only need to be set once provide the high reliability and durability required. The print width remains constant under dynamic operating conditions such as thermal expansion and media influences. Another welcome feature – IROLOC reduces maintenance costs by 65%, extending the service life of the rollers by up to 20 percent.

The integrated web edge control enhances product features. It allows highquality applications on newspaper presses by controlling the side alignment of the reel via the chucks. This inexpensive and space-saving solution eliminates the need for a rotary frame. It is available for all newspaper printing systems from manroland web systems. The resulting print stability opens up new production options in the commercial sector.

New folder superstructure A new folder superstructure for up to 4 sections in collect mode was developed for all double-width printing presses such as GEOMAN and CROMOMAN 4-1. The key advantage of this new component is its low height which contributes to space-saving installation in existing buildings.

Exclusive for CROMOMAN 4-1: Pre-inking function Quick inking translates into limited waste. Pre-inking the rollers on the CROMOMAN 4-1 is now possible while the press is at a standstill. This ensures that the correct amount of ink is immediately available at the right place on start-up. The newly developed feature quickly produces ready-forsale print products and limits start-up waste, which lowers costs while being environmentally friendly.

30 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 31

STRATASYS 3D PRINTING SOLUTIONS INTEGRAL TO LAUNCH NEW LIGHT-WEIGHT, SOLAR POWERED ‘E-FLOATER’ ELECTRIC SCOOTER "We would have not been able to take this product from development to launch without using Stratasys 3D printing to develop a working prototype - it's as simple as that," Oliver Risse, Floatility's founder Fully-functional 3D printed prototypes produced 50% faster using both FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technologies from Stratasys in comparison to silicon molding Baden Baden, Germany, December 15, 2015 - Stratasys EMEA, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, today announced that German start-up business, Floatility GmbH, has developed a first-of-itskind, lightweight, solar-powered, electric scooter using both Stratasys PolyJet and FDM 3D printing technology.

With the objective to ‘redefine the modern way of travelling in cities worldwide', the ‘e-floater' scooter houses an electric-motor and drives on three wheels, enabling users to stand upright and ride freely without physical exertion. As an ‘intelligent' vehicle, the e-floater is also able to communicate to its owner in real time where it is located and the condition it is in.

In order meet the product's launch date of November, Floatility utilized both Stratasys FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technologies throughout the product development phase to create a working prototype. An

additional benefit was that this was achieved significantly more costeffectively than using traditional methods.

"The need to build prototypes that exactly resembled the final product and that would enable us to test everything thoroughly was vital to the successful launch of this product," says Oliver Risse, Floatility's founder. "3D printing was essential in this regard as it allowed the team to physically test the design and concept of e-floater as if it were the final product. This not only sped up the product development cycle, but dramatically reduced our product development costs. We would have not been able to take this product from concept to launch without using Stratasys 3D printing solutions to develop a working prototype it's as simple as that."

Developing an advanced prototype that accurately resembles the final product As well as improved time and cost efficiencies, the decision to use multiple Stratasys 3D printing technologies was also based on the capability to combine different materials in one print, which enabled the prototype versions to comprise both soft and hard materials.

This saw the team produce soft components such as the tail- and front lights, wheels and grips on the PolyJet-based Objet500 Connex3 Color Multi-material 3D Printer, while the super-tough components were

32 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

3D printed using the mechanically-strong and UV stable, FDM-based, ASA material on the Stratasys Fortus 450 3D Production System.

According to Risse, the less favourable alternative would have been to use silicon molding to create the prototype. "This was not ideal for a number of reasons," he says. "Not only would it have entailed an assembly of up to 20 parts, but the costs would have been significantly higher and the production time would have been double to that achievable with 3D printing."

"The e-floater is a perfect example of how 3D printing enables designers and inventors to turn their concepts into fully-operational products quickly and cost-effectively," concludes Andy Middleton, President, Stratasys, EMEA. "In this case, the blend of both our core 3D printing technologies proved instrumental in bringing another exciting and innovative product to market and, as a company, we're delighted to play a part in helping Floatility - and other start-up businesses like them - bring their ideas to products."

STRATASYS EXTENDS PROTECH’S ROLE TO INCLUDE DISTRIBUTION OF POLYJET-BASED RANGE OF 3D PRINTERS IN THE NORDICS multi-material 3D printing technology, optimised for prototyping, tooling, manufacturing and different vertical applications such as medical and dental.

The extension to include Stratasys' PolyJet-based 3D printers significantly enhances Protech's offering, which as well as existing systems like the flagship FDM-based Stratasys Fortus and Dimension family, now adds solutions that include the popular Objet range of 3D printers.

Protech will also continue to sell Stratasys' MakerBot line of 3D printers and scanners, as well as high precision Solidscape 3D printers, which is designed to offer significant production gains for the jewellery industry.

"As well as providing logical advantages for both Protech and Stratasys, this appointment, importantly delivers increased benefits to Protech's customers,"

Reseller strengthens existing portfolio which already includes Stratasys FDM-based, MakerBot and Solidscape line of 3D printers

Protech Nordic AB, has extended its

resellers of professional 3D printers,

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portfolio to include Stratasys'

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businesses."

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 33

SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART ACQUIRES ‘GEMINI’ CHAISE WITH STRATASYS 3D PRINTED ACOUSTIC SKIN The purchase follows a series of Stratasys 3D printed art piece acquisitions by landmark museums, including MoMA New York, Centre Pompidou Paris, Science Museum London, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) and MAK Vienna

S

tratasys, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, has announced that the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has acquired the much-acclaimed ‘Gemini' chaise designed by Prof. Neri Oxman for its permanent collection.

The purchase of Gemini, designed in collaboration with Professor W. Craig Carter with the 3D printed skin

by Stratasys, is the most recent in a

series of 3D printed art accessions by prestigious museums across the USA and Europe, which also include MoMA New York, Centre Pompidou Paris, Science Museum London, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and MAK Vienna.

Gemini is a semi-enclosed, stimulation-free environment designed to enhance vocal vibrations, which are thought to be healing, throughout the body. A biologically-inspired 3D printed skin lines the beautiful wooden chassis.

The skin's texture is an intricate design of tiny knobs, which provide comfort while maximizing sound absorption. The combination of a CNC milled wooden shell and the 3D printed lining creates an ideal acoustic setting for a single individual.

As the first project unveiled using Stratasys' unique Connex3 triplejetting technology, the 3D printed ‘skin' that lines Gemini was created in myriad colors and materials.

Combining three base materials Stratasys' rubber-like TangoPlus, rigid VeroYellow and VeroMagenta - the acoustic chaise included 44 different materials properties in varying shades of yellows and oranges with differing transparencies and rigidities, all produced simultaneously in a single 3D print.

Surfaces that are more curved than others were assigned more elastic properties, thereby increasing sound absorption.

34 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

The materials, shapes and surfaces of the 3D printed ‘skin' enable a unique vibrational acoustic effect for a quiet, calming environment (read more about the World Premiere of Neri Oxman's Gemini Acoustic Chaise at Le Laboratoire, Paris on the Stratasys blog).

"No other manufacturing technology is able to provide such a variety of material properties in a single process. This makes Stratasys color, multi-material 3D printing technology very compelling for artists," says Naomi Kaempfer, Creative Director Art Fashion Design at Stratasys. "And that's just one influencing factor in the recent growth we are seeing in museums advocating 3D printed artwork. We believe that the technology has substantial cultural impact and expect it to have a significant influence on buying habits and manufacturing industries.

As museums strive for public engagement with art, this progressive technology provides an important cultural reference, which should be celebrated."

Prof. Neri Oxman also explored the concept of varying material properties in a collaborative project with fashion designer Iris Van Herpen, along with Professor W. Craig Carter, Keren Oxman and Stratasys. Anthozoa: Cape & Skirt, which creates movement and texture through the use of Stratasys hard and soft 3D printed materials,

debuted at Van Herpen's show "Voltage" at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 and now resides within the permanent collection at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (see video: 3D Printed Dress on the Catwalk at Paris Fashion Week and read more on Stratasys blog). The work will be on view this spring in the exhibition techstyle (March 6-July 10, 2016).

MoMA New York, Centre Pompidou Paris, Science Museum London and MAK Vienna have similarly incorporated Stratasys 3D printed designs from Prof. Neri Oxman into their permanent collections in 2014, this time from the Imaginary Beings: Mythologies of the Not Yet collection, also produced in collaboration with Professor W. Craig Carter and Stratasys (watch video: 18 Prototypes of the Human Body a look at Neri Oxman's stunning 3D printed works).

According to Kaempfer, the trend for museums adopting 3D printed design affirms the longevity of 3D printing as an artistic medium and reflects a wider movement of artists celebrating the unique capabilities made possible with this technology.

"3D printing is at the very cusp of innovation, and Stratasys leads the way with new developments of its technology and a wealth of diverse materials. As such it provides an expression of novelty and a source of wonderment for many artists," Kaempfer concludes.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 35

HP Inc. Reinvents Corrugated Packaging Printing in Collaboration with KBA

H

P Inc. revealed the first HP PageWide Web Press T1100S, co-developed with KBA, which reinvents corrugated packaging printing for high-volume, digital pre-print applications.

Digital printing is the fastest growing segment in packaging with a projected annual growth rate of 17 per cent in a market expected to be worth $19 billion by 2019.(1) Digital packaging solutions enable costeffective short-runs and unlock the ability to make every box different.

"Converters and brands alike need to create more targeted, effective packaging while reducing costs," said Eric Wiesner, general manager, PageWide Web Press (PWP) division, HP Inc. "HP Inc. and KBA have combined forces to bring the world's most productive press to market, (2 offering more value to high-end converters with the efficiencies of pre-print and digital in one press."

DS Smith Packaging is the first customer to install the 2.8 metre width (110-inch) press, which can deliver significantly higher productivity and production flexibility than traditional analogue technology.

"We selected the new HP PageWide Web Press T1100S as the next step in our ground-breaking digital PrePrint programme," said Stefano Rossi, CEO, DS Smith Packaging Division. "Our co-development with HP has resulted in the first digital machine able to print at the speed and width we need for high-volume corrugated production. It will provide our customers with unprecedented short-run flexibility and quality consistency."

Reinventing corrugated printing While current analogue printing technology is limited to printing multiple copies of one box design all boxes look the same and are the same size - the HP PageWide Web Press T1100S, with Multi-lane Print Architecture (MLPA), creates an immense paradigm shift in the production of corrugated board.

HP MLPA splits the web into multiple print lanes, so different jobs, with different box sizes and run lengths, can be printed in the individual lanes. Multiple ultra-short or short runs can be queued and printed together, with no make-ready in between jobs, while a long run is printed in another lane.

HP MLPA, coupled with all the advantages of digital printing, allows cost-effective customisation and personalisation of corrugated packaging, meeting the demands for shorter print runs without having to create inventory. Corrugated converters can now print only what is needed, when it is needed.

MEETING BRAND DEMANDS FOR FAST, HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTION As more brands pursue customised and personalised packaging, converters must accommodate faster turnarounds and shorter run lengths, while producing highquality printed solutions at lower costs.

Printing at speeds up to 183 linear metres (600 linear feet) per minute and 30,600 square metres (330,000 square feet) per hour, the HP PageWide Web Press T1100S helps corrugated converters quickly take

36 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

on new, complex jobs at speed. With enhanced priming options, including a combination of HP Bonding Agent, HP Priming Agent and four-colour HP A50 aqueous pigmented CMYK inks, customers can print offset-quality on standard uncoated and coated liners from 80-400 grams per square metre (GSM), for greater cost savings, versatility, productivity and quality with high colour saturation, dark black optical density and crisp text. In-line and nearline coating solutions for HP Priming Agent and aqueous overprint varnishing

also provide outstanding print quality to help meet the highest brand standards.

Optional configuration features such as auto-splice/turret rewind, primer and over-print varnish coating solutions, as well as the KBA PATRAS "Automated Paper Logistics System," result in even greater efficiency of the overall solution.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 37

SAI UPDATES MOBILE APP TO OFFER UNIQUE PRODUCTION MONITORING FOR SIGN AND WIDE-FORMAT BUSINESSES

N

ew features include smartwatch support and production trends dashboard for instant information access SA International (SAi), the leading provider of software solutions for the professional sign making, wideformat digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining industries, has announced an update to its popular SAi Cloud mobile app that offers sign and print business owners greater production overview and productivity management.

daily production rates along with monthly and annual totals compared to previous months, quarters and years, as well as estimated predictions on the company's future performance. With the ability to determine whether their production is increasing or decreasing, business owners can make more informed decisions.

"The nature of smart technology invariably means that, like all of us, business owners have become reliant upon it as a means of accessing information 24/7, wherever they may be," says Dean Derhak, Senior Product Director at SAi. "A number of sign shops today are probably unaware of how their true production output is trending month-to-month.

The updates to our SAi Cloud mobile app allow our customers to draw direct comparisons either weekly, monthly or annually and spot areas that could help them improve throughput.

The free SAi Cloud app is available now in the Apple App Store and Android Google Play stores. The app works exclusively with Flexi version 12 - industry-leading software for wide-format print and cut production.

Working in conjunction with SAi Flexi version 12, the SAi Cloud mobile app is designed to provide business owners with remote access to valuable production information and job reports while on the road or away from the office.

Importantly, the update adds new features that include innovative smartwatch support and an informative production trends dashboard - a first of its kind for wide-format RIP software.

Smartwatch support for Apple and Android devices Available now on the Apple Watch and Android Wear, the smartwatch support uniquely helps business owners of SAi Flexi to quickly view recently completed jobs, regardless of the owner's location. This reduces the need to be in the office or workshop and enables owners to instantly update customers during on-site visits.

New production trends dashboard Exclusively available on the mobile app, the production trends dashboard provides an evaluation of 38 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

DOMINO DIRECTOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS ENGINEERING AWARD

R

achel Hurst, Group Operations Director at Domino Printing Sciences, has been presented with an IET Achievement Medal, one of the key prizes of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) 2015 Achievement Awards, in recognition of her distinguished contribution to manufacturing and engineering.

The IET Achievement Awards recognise the world’s top engineering talent, acknowledging individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of science, engineering and technology in any sector, whether through research and development in their respective technical fields or through their leadership of an enterprise.

“I am thrilled to receive this

recognition from the IET and very touched to have been nominated by my peers,” comments Hurst.

“Although the accolade is a personal one, I believe I owe it to the skilled and talented team at Domino who excel in what they do and help to ensure we remain at the forefront of our field.”

Naomi Climer, IET President added: “Our awards are a way for the engineering industry to recognise the truly talented individuals within the sector. The IET is passionate about promoting engineering excellence and the Achievement Awards showcase some of the world’s best engineering talent.”

DOMINO PRINTING SCIENCES About Domino Domino is the leading business

within Domino Printing Sciences.

Founded in 1978, the company has established a global reputation for the development and manufacture of coding, marking and printing technologies, as well as its worldwide aftermarket products and customer services.

Today, Domino offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of complete end to end coding solutions spanning primary, secondary and tertiary applications designed to satisfy the compliance and productivity requirements of manufacturers.

These include innovative ink jet, laser, print & apply and thermal transfer overprinting technologies that are deployed for the application of variable and authentication data, bar codes and unique traceability

codes onto product and packaging, across many industrial sectors, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial products.

Domino employs 2,600 people worldwide and sells to more than 120 countries through a global network of 25 subsidiary offices and more than 200 distributors.

Domino's manufacturing facilities are situated in China, Germany, India, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA. Domino’s continued growth is underpinned by an unrivalled commitment to product development. In 2012, Domino was awarded the Queen’s Award for Continuous Achievement in International Trade.

Domino became an autonomous division within Brother Industries on 11th June 2015.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 39

GRAPHICS WORKS ADDS THREE MORE FUJIFILM ACUITY LED 1600 PRINTERS FOLLOWING SUCCESS OF FIRST MACHINE “The Acuity LED 1600 is a very versatile printer, which opens up a lot of options to move into new applications in the future. We were also drawn to the white ink and varnish options that enable us to widen our creative parameters,” continues Barham. “In addition, we can print on the roll – which is vital for the majority of our products, as is the accuracy and consistency across a wide range of different materials.”

Graphics Works invested in its first Fujifilm Acuity LED 1600 following a two-year consultation, once satisfied that UV ink had got to a point where it was capable of rivalling the quality of solvent, while also delivering a more durable product.

L

eading UK graphics and display business Graphics Works has recently invested in three additional Fujifilm Acuity 1600 LED UV hybrid inkjet wide format printers. The investment follows the success of its first foray into the LED UV ink market in January 2015 with its first Acuity LED 1600 printer, which doubled its production speeds and cut production costs by 20 per cent.

The Milton-Keynes based company – which specialises in producing and installing premium wallpaper coverings for high-end brands

across a range of sectors, from hotels to the high street – invested in its first Acuity to create robust and visually appealing applications that didn’t require a time and costintensive post-press coating process.

Such was the immediate impact of the first Acuity that Graphics Works invested in the two additional Acuity LED 1600 printers in July and another in October to further enhance its capacity and enable it to meet growing customer demand. The latest three printers will share the workload for all applications – such

40 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

as wallpaper, large format graphics, promotional vinyl and window graphics – while the first Acuity will now focus on short-run carton packaging.

“We had been watching developments in the UV LED ink market for many years, and felt it was the right time to invest,” says Barham. “We ran stringent tests on a number of technologies and the Acuity stood out with its UV ink and LED curing capabilities, which ensure stable and consistent print, especially on delicate or difficult materials.”

“Our core focus was to beef up our capacity to meet the demand and tight timescales we were facing on the back of a big uplift in work following our first Acuity LED 1600 investment,” explains Peter Barham, Director, Graphics Works. “Customers have been impressed by the output quality of Fujifilm’s LED UV technology and demand has dramatically increased as a result.

Barham is also quick to highlight the benefits of working with a partner such as Fujifilm: “Fujifilm’s support and service is excellent, and with multiple machines, they were also very willing to provide service training to allow us to manage most predictable maintenance issues inhouse. This helps ensure maximum uptime, which is crucial for our continued business expansion.”

FESPA EURASIA 2015 CONFIRMS ITS POSITION AS LEADING REGIONAL EVENT growing number of exhibitors.

In addition, there was an extended programme of educational features which covered the Wrap Masters professional wrap event, where individuals competed to win the prestigious title of Eurasia Wrap Master; the signage demo where a number of different signage applications were covered such as signboard painting, neon sign making and LED’s, while dedicated textile seminars offered insights into textile and garment design and decoration.

LARGEST EXHIBITOR AND VISITOR ATTENDANCE TO DATE FESPA Eurasia 2015 has delivered its most successful edition so far. Held from 10-13 December 2015 at CNR Expo Istanbul, this regional platform saw an 11.5% increase in unique visitors (over 9,200, which is unique individuals and excludes exhibitors or revisiting attendees) compared with the last show.

With floor space 7% greater than it was in 2014, exhibitors demonstrated how confident they are in the FESPA Eurasia brand, and that the calibre of visitors to the show was worth investing in. Participating companies represented all industry

segments, including international exhibitors from Belgium, South Korea, China, Sweden, UK, France and Germany, and feedback has been extremely positive.

In addition to large format digital printing solutions, innovations in textile printing, commercial applications and finishing equipment were high on visitors’ agendas. The exhibition saw the strongest textile presence of any FESPA Eurasia show to date, covering both digital and screen printing throughout the halls.

FESPA Group Exhibition Manager, Michael Ryan, comments: “FESPA Eurasia is now firmly on the calendar.

This year’s edition attracted 65% of

senior company representatives and high level decision makers, which is extremely encouraging for us. It demonstrates that we have pitched the event and the educational sessions to the right level.

We are delighted that we have delivered yet another successful event, in conjunction with our partner ARED, and look forward to the 2016 edition, taking place from 8-11 December.”

With 8% more revisits to the show over the four days than in previous years, this figure highlights how comprehensive the display of products and services available was for visitors to explore from the

Ryan continues: “Every single day of the show was busy, as visitors attended our new textile sessions and discussed the numerous possibilities in signage, looking for the opportunities to enhance their business. This is yet another positive endorsement of the event and what we are trying to achieve in the region.”

Halil Eligur, President of ARED adds: “This year, ARED’s 15 year experience of the Turkish print and signage industries, combined with FESPA’s exceptional history as a global show organiser achieved the best FESPA Eurasia show yet. We are extremely happy to be collaborating with FESPA on this tremendous event, which we believe will change the industry’s standards of exhibitions in Turkey for years to come.”

For further information about FESPA Eurasia 2016, 8-11 December, visit www.fespaeurasia.com

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 41

SUCCESS IN SHANGHAI FOR FESPA CHINA 2015 designs.

Roz McGuinness, FESPA Divisional Director comments: “FESPA China 2015 was our third event in China and second in Shanghai and was once again a vibrant, buzzing exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and solutions, and providing an excellent business platform for local and international companies. The feedback we’ve had so far from exhibitors and visitors alike has been extremely positive, particularly the many opportunities for knowledge sharing. We always endeavour to meet the requirements of today’s printers and inspire them with opportunities for growth and diversification, and are delighted that we have achieved this once again.”

FESPA China 2015, which took place from 21- 23 October in partnership with CSGIA at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai proved to be yet another success for FESPA, with 9,447 unique visitors attending over the three day period.

Visitor data showed that nearly 50% of those who attended were the main decision-maker for their business, demonstrating the high calibre of attendee that the event attracts.

With 357 exhibitors, this year’s event was 14% bigger than the inaugural FESPA China 2013 in Shanghai, with new products and technology across digital, screen and textile wide format printing on show. 10% of attendees returned on multiple

days, with significant interest shown by overseas visitors as well as Chinese PSPs. 12% of visitors came from outside mainland China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, Korea, India, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia among others, with 81 countries in total represented.

The post show survey highlighted that 54% of respondents in the region are involved in textile printing.

This was backed up by the level of interest shown in the ‘Opportunity and New Dream’ forum and textilefocused conference sessions which took place on 22 October in both Chinese and English. Visitors attended session to hear from businesses such as Ningbo

42 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

Shenzhou Knitting Co. Ltd, Southtec Fine Chemical and Watts Polyurethane.

Highlighting opportunities for expansion and diversification as key to business success is high on FESPA’s agenda, and Ole Solskin, World Wrap Masters Judge held popular demonstrations on the potential of vehicle wrap as a lucrative new opportunity for PSPs in this region.

In addition, the T-shirt screen printing workshops run by President of Taublieb Consulting and screen print guru, Charlie Taublieb brought in large numbers of visitors wanting to learn the latest techniques and screen print their own T-shirt

FESPA China 2015 show highlights are available for viewing here. For more information on FESPA, visit www.fespa.com.

Exhibitor testimonials William Barker, Sales Manager, Watts Urethane Products Ltd comments: “As we expected, FESPA China & CSGIA 2015 was a real success. It pulled in many international visitors from around the world, and we had the opportunity to meet with current customers as well as generating new business. We will certainly be back!”

Benoit Lombard, Director for AsiaPacific, Chemic comments: “Fespa Shanghai has been a great success for us with many international visitors and potential distributors, exactly what we were looking for.”

Enhanced productivity and profitability with KBA Service Select KBA Radebeul kicks off the year with

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customised accordingly. A further

service programme often pays off in

a press manufacturer KBA knows

offset presses started

benefit of KBA’s service portfolio

a short time. Nevertheless,

every machine inside-out, has well-

afresh: with an expanded line of

from a user’s point of view: service

preventative services offer even

trained and experienced profession-

products, updated services and a

contracts are by no means essential

more advantages: optimum press

als, and offers original spare parts

fresh site on the KBA website (http:/

in order to profit from these high-

settings and regular maintenance cut

with spare part warranties.

/www.kba.com/en/sheetfed-offset/

quality services.

press downtime and deliver a

service/service-select/). KBA

KBA offers the following services:

constant high level of production

The service team in Radebeul http://

Radebeul has pooled all of its

- Service programmes (basic,

quality. Higher press availability

www.kba.com/en/sheetfed-offset/

services regarding sheetfed offset

advanced or full)

boosts productivity, press output

service/service-select/contact-form/)

together under the name Service

- Inspections and maintenance

and print quality.

and the service teams at KBA’s sales

Select. The goal of the flexibly

- 24-hour hotline and remote

selectable service programme is to

maintenance (available since 1995,

KBA advises each Rapida user

answer any questions users may

enable a high and constant level of

KBA is a pioneer in this area)

individually ensuring that preventative

have.

availability of the Rapidas in

- Performance checks

measures can be planned systemati-

operation on the market.

- Measuring technology checks

cally. The services allow press

Regular checks and maintenance

- Upgrades

capacities to be better utilised,

prevent unscheduled press stops

This is in addition to prolonging their

- Training

process steps to be optimised and

and have positive impacts on

machine lives with excellent cost-

- Press relocations

costs to be reduced. Potential for

availability and cost efficiency

efficiency, maintaining print quality at

- Spare parts

optimisation also becomes obvious.

KBA offers a raft of upgrades, such

the same level delivered by new

- PressConsum (consumables)

ROI calculations, such as those

as LED-UV curing shown here, to

presses, retrofitting technological

subsidiaries are always available to

made for possible upgrades or

boost economy, productivity, print

improvements with a clear focus on

A series of short checks was added

retrofits, facilitate the decision-

quality and production flexibility

user benefits where possible and

to the list of offerings recently. Users

making process.

minimising waste levels.

therefore have the chance to tailor

From the line of services available

Original spare parts for presses offer

service packages to their individual

By using Service Select extremely

more reliability, as is the case with

requirements.

large investments can be secured

cars

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 43

Packaging Touchpoint at drupa 2016: The packaging of tomorrow – experience the future, now

O

ne of the key highlight topics at drupa 2016 will be packaging

production. Papers with outstanding sensory appeal combined with excellent finishing techniques turn packaging into first class

advertising media. Electronic displays and sensors make packaging intelligent; digital printing permits personalisation and versioning. As a result, according to current forecasts the packaging market will increase to 975 billion euros by 2018.

A separate special show, Packaging Touchpoint, reflects this market relevance. "Our aim is to use the visionary Touchpoint to identify potential in packaging design and production and address important vertical markets", says Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa, highlighting the idea behind this part of the show. Packaging Touchpoint is aimed at brands, packaging designers and service providers already operating in the packaging sector or who want to enter the sector.

This special forum in Hall 12 is being designed and implemented in close collaboration with the European Packaging Design Association (epda), Europe's leading association of brands and packaging agencies. "We will be covering the whole spectrum of the packaging world: technical/functional requirements, cultural and ethical considerations, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, the wide range of substrates through to the technologies used", explains Claudia Josephs, Project Manager at epda.

To be in a position to fulfil the special needs of the various user industries better, Packaging Touchpoint is divided into four "future labs" – specifically into "food & beverage", "non-food", "pharma" and "cosmetics". Successful practical examples as well as potential future production solutions will inspire visitors and leave a long-lasting impression. A special programme in the Forum itself will cover very specific topics.

The Packaging Touchpoint gives companies from the packaging design and production sector the opportunity to present their innovative technologies, inspiring solutions and visionary concepts. This offering is free of charge for drupa exhibitors. As the number of partners is very limited, immediate registration via epda is required.

44 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 45

EMEA print service providers show significant demand for new Canon imagePRESS C800 Series Over 900 orders received to date Europe-wide.

Customer feedback points to ‘exceptional quality of colour reproduction’ and ‘high productivity’ as central to its popularity

C

anon has experienced a remarkably high level of demand for its new colour production cutsheet imagePRESS C800 Series since its launch at the ‘Canon For Business 2014’ event in Germany in May this year. Orders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the imagePRESS C800 have exceeded 900 units in a variety of configurations, with interest coming from print service providers (PSPs) and in-house print departments throughout EMEA. Positioned between the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C9000 Series and the imagePRESS C6011(S) in Canon’s colour digital press portfolio, the imagePRESS C800 Series produces high quality output at a market-leading level of productivity.

reproduction, flexibility and the high levels of productivity achievable as some of the key benefits contributing to the popularity of the new C800 series.

Peter Moes, business owner of two franchises of print and marketing services provider MultiCopy|The Communication Company located at Almere and Lelystad in The Netherlands, has been a participant in the lead customer programme and has already profited from the benefits the Canon imagePRESS C800 is bringing to his business.

“We are very impressed with the excellence and consistency of colour output, even at high production speeds,” comments Moes. “In addition, thanks to the flexibility and ease with which the press handles a range of substrates, including label stock, we have been able to introduce extra services and applications for our customers, enabling us to take the business into new markets.” MrVolker Dörfel,

“This high level of interest and the significant number of orders we have already received for our new C800 series demonstrates that customers recognise the possibilities of such a versatile, productive and high quality device for their business,” comments Adrian Campomanes, European & UK Product Marketing Business Developer, Professional Print, at Canon Europe.

Feedback from participants in Canon’s lead customer programme has highlighted the quality of colour

46 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

printroom manager at NOW IT GmbH, the corporate reprographic department of German statutory pension insurance scheme Deutsche Rentenversicherung, has also added to the positive comments received. “We are extremely pleased with the overall performance of the imagePRESS C800 Series. It is easy to operate thanks to its intuitive interface, but what has impressed me the most is its exceptional print quality and the ease and consistency by which it handles higher grammage stock, even at high production speeds.”

Since introducing the imagePRESS C800 Series to his department and using it for a host of applications, Mr Dörfel has been able to decommission two smaller printers, which has further reduced costs and increased efficiencies.

Comprising two models – the 70ppm imagePRESS C700 and the 80ppm imagePRESS C800 – the new imagePRESS C800 Series incorpo-

rates cutting-edge technology combined with new and enhanced proven technology from the flagship Canon imagePRESS C7011VP(S). This has enabled the C800 Series to deliver advanced levels of print quality, productivity and versatility in both commercial and in-house print environments.

Campomanes continues, “With the imagePRESS C800 Series, Canon is setting a new benchmark in terms of quality, productivity, media handling and flexibility, allowing print professionals from the graphic arts and CRDs markets to offer new highvalue applications across a wide range of media, all at outstanding speeds.” “The extensive range of automated in-line finishing capabilities and third party in-line devices available for the imagePRESS C800 Series also ensures end-to-end productivity and opens up a further range of business opportunities. We look forward to receiving more feedback from our customers in the future.”

Printing & Packaging News source: drupa.com

3D Systems discontinues the Cube 3D System is focusing on professional and industrial 3D printers. The company announced that it will discontinue its consumer model, the 3D desktop printer, the Cube. The online platform Cubify will be closed on January 31, 2016. The CubePro designed for desktop engineering, educational and professional applications will not be affected by the decision.

German trade association voices optimism about plastic packaging The German trade association for plastics packaging converters, IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, has said that the German plastic packaging industry is confident about the upcoming year. 70 % of IK member companies now see the economic situation as good; that is almost double the percentage of 37 % from a year ago.

2016 CMYK manifesto outlines opportunities and challenges for print After a lot of speculation about its demise, print media has taken its place in the multichannel marketing world along side digital media, mobile media and social media. But to be successful, print businesses have to remain proactive. Print Media Centr provides five ways to push the print media agenda in 2016.

Changing Technologies turns CT scans into 3D prints CT scans used to be one of the few ways to catch a glimpse into the human body. But the two-dimensional images had clear limitations. Unlike 3D prints, they don’t show complex structures in a way that helps surgeons

to practice the procedures beforehand. Changing Technologies has now developed a method that turns CT scans into 3D prints, thus helping doctors better understand the special anatomy of patients who require difficult procedures.

Wine in a can could be the newest fad For most wine connoisseurs, good wine belongs into glass bottles sealed with a cork. But recently, there have been a lot of experiments with other kinds of packaging including Tetra Paks and screw caps. The newest addition: Wine in a can. It is still to early to say whether this packaging invention will catch on.

Conductive ink creates connections to the electronic world Nectro, a company that originated from the Bio-Nano Technology Lab of the University of Western Ontario, has developed a pen that writes with conductive ink, thus allowing its users to draw wires on paper and other surfaces. The conductive materials are silver and some silver complex; a special film is available to make the wires durable and waterproof.

Apples are packaged in new ways Packaging for food and beverages are constantly evolving. One field where we have seen innovations recently is the packaging of fresh fruits and apples in particular. New and popular fresh apple packaging include totes, clamshells, foam nets, consumer-sized boxes, individually wrapped, sealed and resealable pouches and insert liners, among others. Food safety, the need to reduce bruising and environmental concerns are some of the drivers behind the inventions.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 47

Canon increases market share THANKS TO EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND FOR IMAGE PRESS C800 SERIES, NOW FOGRA CERTIFIED

C

anon, world-leader in imaging solutions, has shipped over 1,400 units of the imagePRESS C800 series to customers across Europe in the ten months since it began taking orders for the production press in July last year. Thanks to this exceptional demand, Canon secured the leading share of the cutsheet colour production press market in Europe in the last quarter of 2014[1].

Comprising two models – the 70ppm imagePRESS C700 and the 80ppm imagePRESS C800 – the C800 series incorporates a combination of proven technology from the flagship Canon imagePRESS C7011VP(S) with innovations, such as, Consistently Vivid (CV) toner, Compact Registration Technology (CRT), Auto Correct Colour Tone (ACCT) and a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). This has enabled the presses to deliver advanced levels of print quality, productivity and versatility in both commercial and in-house print environments.

Feedback from satisfied customers across Europe indicates that the success of the devices is due to a number of factors - the quality of colour reproduction, flexibility and the high levels of productivity achievable.

Rob Exton, the owner and managing director of UK commercial printer, Print by Design, added: “Seven years ago, I was one of the first Canon imagePRESS owners in the UK. I’ve had a number of models since and for me the C700 is the best yet - the print quality is superb, the back-toback registration is stunning and consistently so, and because of its

small footprint, I’ve saved a significant amount of money on rent and rates. The C700 is also very reliable – we’ve done a substantial volume of SRA3 in two months and only needed to call out a technician once.”

Braulio Sánchez, a partner at SPRINT FINAL Publicidad, an advertising and public relations agency in Madrid, commented: “The Canon imagePRESS C700 delivers a level of quality I’ve never seen before from toner-based digital print technology.

What’s more, its productivity as a light production press is second to none, especially on heavier paper.”

Christian Sønderby, Director of ABC Print in Denmark, remarked: "We can put 50, 60 or 70 envelopes into the cassette of the imagePRESS C700 and the engine just prints them at 70 per minute, so it’s a real pleasure. It is probably three to four times as fast as our last machine. The paper handling is better and it very rarely jams. The machine is more robust than the old one we had. To date we have run 300,000 pages and had only one error. It’s the first time I’ve had a new machine with as few difficulties.”

Presenting an even more attractive proposition for print service providers, the series has now been certified a FograCert Validation Printing System by German research association, Fogra, in line with the requirements of ISO 12647-8:2012¹.

Certified in four configurations (imagePRESS C800 with imagePRESS Server F200/PRISMAsync controllers; imagePRESS C700 with imagePRESS Server F200/PRISMAsync controllers), users of any of these workflows can be confident of repeatedly

48 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

producing output of the highest quality, colour accuracy and consistency.

Commenting on the success of the imagePRESS C800 series, Mark Lawn, Director, Professional Print Solutions, Canon Europe said, “From the conversations we’d had with customers, we knew that the market was in need of a device offering the superior print quality, reliability and flexibility of the imagePRESS C800 series. The remarkable sales of the series to date and the subsequent wave of positive feedback we’ve received, confirm that Canon

has again delivered on its promise to help customers to meet the changing demands of their own customers and to maintain a competitive advantage.

“To add even greater value, we’ve also worked with Fogra to have the series certified as a FograCert Validation Printing System. Using any one of the four certified configurations, customers can be assured that their press will produce consistent and measurable quality and allow them more easily and profitably to meet the demand for high quality print.”

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 49

Interplastica 2016: Arburg demonstrates automated production • • •

Efficient production of a ready-assembled part in a single process step Perfect coordination of injection moulding machine and robotic system Cost-efficient entry-level automated injection moulding production exhibit will provide proof of the performance capability of the proven Golden Edition series. An Allrounder 420 C Golden Edition with a clamping force of 1,000 kN and a size 290 injection unit will use a 1+1+2-cavity family mould to produce all parts in a single step. The cycle time is around 30 seconds.

Following the injection moulding process, a Multilift Select robotic system removes the sprue and the four individual parts - the roof, chassis and two axles with overmoulded wheels - and assembles these on an assembly table to produce the finished buggy.

An Allrounder 420 C Golden Edition will use a family mould to produce all components in a single step at the Interplastica 2016. A Multilift Select robotic system will assemble the individual parts to produce the finished buggy.

At the Interplastica, to be held in Moscow from 26 to 29 January 2016, Arburg will be presenting a practical example of productionefficient, cost-effective automated production.

Visitors to exhibition stand C11 in Hall 3 will see a Golden Edition series hydraulic Allrounder and an integrated Multilift Select robotic system produce a toy buggy and assemble it ready for use in a single process step.

50 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

This system is an excellent example of how injection moulding companies can increase their efficiency in a targeted way, competitively producing plastic parts at minimal unit costs. The technical features of the exhibit are precisely tailored to the market needs of Russian plastics processing companies.

Toy buggy produced in a single injection moulding cycle Arburg will demonstrate the high quality, automated and costefficient manufacturing of standard products based on the example of a toy buggy. In addition, the

Energy-optimised Allrounder The Allrounder is equipped with the Arburg productivity package.

This comprises the Arburg energy saving system (AES) with variable speed pump drive and watercooled drive motor. This makes operation with two control pumps even more economical, allowing two simultaneous movements to be realised. The benefits of the productivity package are the reduction of the energy requirement by up to 20 percent, the shortening of the dry cycle times by around five percent and the minimising of emissions.

Arburg will use an energy-optimised hydraulic Allrounder 420 C Golden Edition to produce toy buggies at the Interplastica 2016 in Moscow.

Cost-efficient entry-level automated production The Multilift Select is the entry-level model among the linear robotic systems from Arburg. It has servoelectric drives and is fully integrated in the Selogica machine control system. For the operator this means: only one data set, a familiar approach during programming and perfect synchronisation of robotic system and machine. In addition, the teach-in function means that the Multilift Select is extremely easy to program.

This configuration allows companies to take their first steps in automated injection moulding production thanks to the proven technology and the ease with which the system can be programmed and operated, as well as the optimum price/performance ratio.

About Arburg German machine manufacturer Arburg is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of injection moulding machines with clamping forces between 125 and 5,000 kN. This is complemented by robotic systems, customer- and sector-specific turnkey solutions and further peripherals. An innovative additive manufacturing system was added to the plastic processing range in 2013.

The company places the topic of production efficiency at the centre of all its activities, taking into account the entire value-added chain. The objective is to enable the Arburg customers to manufacture their plastic products, whether one-off parts or high-volume production, in optimal quality and at minimum unit costs – e.g. for the automotive and packaging industries, communication and entertainment electronics, medical technology or the white goods sector.

An international sales and service network guarantees first-class, local customer support. Arburg is represented by its own organisations at 32 locations in 24 countries and by trading partners in more than 50 countries. The machines are produced exclusively at the parent factory in Lossburg, Germany. Of a total of roughly 2,500 employees, around 2,050 work in Germany. About 450 further employees work in Arburg’s organisations around the world. In 2012, Arburg became one of the first companies to gain triple certification: to ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 50001 (Energy).

Further information about Arburg can be found at www.arburg.com.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 51

Fujifilm’s Flenex FW WATER-WASHABLE FLEXO PLATE MAKES ITS OFFICIAL European debut at Labelexpo 2015

F

ollowing successful North American installations, the highquality plate will take centre stage within Fujifilm’s label offering at the show Fujifilm announces that it will use Labelexpo Europe 2015 (September 29th - October 2nd, Brussels) as the European launch platform of its advanced new water-washable flexo plate, Flenex FW. On its stand (A34 - Hall 9), Fujifilm will demonstrate how label converters can benefit from this high quality and low cost-in-use flexo plate.

Flenex FW is a photopolymer plate containing a special rubber-based compound that is not oxygen sensitive, minimising the effect oxygen has on the dot shape. As a result, Flenex guarantees reduced dot gain and better ink transfer for cleaner and brighter print results.

The plate delivers longer runs for label converters, while producing a consistent 200lpi at 4,400 dpi, 1% flat top process dot structure for superb high quality. Improved durability and reduction in plate swell are further benefits offered by the new Flenex FW plate.

Visitors to the Fujifilm stand will see how Flenex FW reduces platemaking processing times to less than 40 minutes, 3 times faster than leading solvent systems and 1.5 times faster than current thermal and water-wash technologies.

This enables label businesses to increase the number of plates they can produce in a given time, and also achieve a faster turnaround.

Fujifilm will also be highlighting how

Flenex FW eliminates the expense of higher-cost solvent and thermal processors, as well as potential upcharges on associated consumables, and why it represents the lowest cost-in-use flexo plate production system.

Compatible with the leading flexo platesetters and water-wash processors, the Flenex FW plate will be part of an integrated production environment at the show, which will also include a dedicated label workflow solution on Fujifilm’s stand.

Peter Verryt, strategic business development, Fujifilm Graphic Systems Europe, comments: “Labelexpo Europe is the world's largest event for the label printing industry and we are keen to showcase the advanced features and high performance delivered by Flenex FW on this stage.

The plate has been very well received in the US since its introduction there 18 months’ ago, with installations increasing by the week. As such, we are delighted to officially introduce this plate into the European market and we’re confident European label converters will also immediately recognize its business advantages.”

Label converters visiting the Fujifilm stand will also have the opportunity to explore the company’s comprehensive range of Uvivid narrow web inks and ancillaries, all designed to maximise throughput and simplify the label production process, as well as guarantee high quality printed applications.

Fujifilm’s hybrid inkjet printer, the Acuity LED 1600, will also be

52 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

featured on the stand, and will be used to highlight how users can produce outstanding prototype packaging samples and short-run labels and stickers quickly and efficiently, taking advantage of the printer’s spot varnish capability.

Peter concludes: “Fujifilm has extensive experience in the label and packaging market, with the company already a major supplier of aluminium plates to offset packaging printers and UV ink to narrow web label converters.

At this year’s Labelexpo show, we’re aiming to build on our respected position in the market with the official European launch of Flenex FW, a plate we believe has the potential to make a significant impact on the label and packaging sectors. We look forward to demonstrating how all our Fujifilm solutions can help label and packaging converters enhance their operational efficiencies and production capabilities.”

Ink researchers find magic in algae source: drupa.com

industry and academia. His research was directed at understanding the scale-up process in algae cultivation for biofuels and bioproducts.

During his work, Fulbright realized that algae had many characteristics that would make them well suited for ink. There are naturally occurring strains of algae with different colors such as yellow, red, orange and blue. Additionally, algae can be coaxed into changing colors either by exposing them to environmental stresses or through bioengineering.

Scott Fulbright, co-founder and CEO of Living Ink, has long been fascinated by algae. His interest was sparked when he was working in undergraduate. “My friends thought I was weird, but the more I was really enjoyed it and realized how influential algae is”, he remembers.

Fulbright decided to focus his PhD work on algae. He then spent industry, where he led research and development projects in both

food, which is the case, for example,

by Fulbright and co-founder Steve Albers are really small, they are well suited for printing.

exposed to at the job, the more I

10 years in the algae bioproducts

renewable and don’t compete with with soy. Since the algae cells used

an algae ecology laboratory as an

There has been a lot of talk about sustainable ink lately, which mostly referred to soy-based inks. Now, a startup called Living Ink from Fort Collins, Colorado, is taking a radically different approach. Its inks are made from algae.

And: Some of the inks disappear and reappear when exposed to sunlight, allowing for designs with a touch of magic.

Since algae grow fast, they are

Living Ink is currently working on methods to print algae cells with traditional printers; the algae specialists are also teaming up with a company to develop sustainable packaging inks using algae cells.

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 53

While more research is needed to produce algae ink

potentially with high impact”, he

special watercolors for artists. The

for printers on a commercial scale, there is one algae

says. Since then, Living Ink has

pens come with special paper and

ink product that has captured the imagination of the

raised more than 100,000 USD

a closed glass frame that serves as

founders, the team, and the Kickstarter community:

of funding through business pitch

a greenhouse. Even after the algae

The Living Ink pen that reveals what people write,

competitions including The United

cells have died, the drawings remain

draw, sketch or paint over several days. With a few days

States Department of Energy, SXSW,

intact. The company expects to start

to go, the Kickstarter campaign has resulted in almost

University of Colorado, Colorado

shipping the Living Ink Pens in

60,000 USD in funding, four times as much as Living

State University, and the Blue Ocean

mid-2016.

Ink originally aimed for.

Enterprise Challenge.

While the color changing drawings

The idea for the time-lapse bio ink came from an

Living Ink uses living algae cells and

are fun, Fulbright and his colleagues

observation in the lab. While Fulbright was researching

cyanobacteria for its Living Ink Pen.

have a larger goal in mind. “A

and developing sustainable algae ink to replace regular

The cells are diluted in the liquid

priority is that we make the pens

ink found in everyday printers something unexpected

and can’t be seen by the human eye.

cheap enough that Living Ink gets

happened—the ink changed from one day to the

What the ink is exposed to sunlight,

into schools so kids will get exposed

next. The observation was interesting but at first,

the cells multiply and become so

to fun science,” Fulbright says.

Fulbright had no plans for turning this observation

dense that they become visible to

And who knows, maybe the algae

into a product. That changed when Fulbright was

the human eye and the writing or

ink pens will inspire a few kids to

shopping for his grandmother’s birthday in July

drawing reveals itself. Living Ink has

start researching sustainable inks

2013. He thought of a birthday card with algae ink

manufactured two kinds of pens, one

during their years at school for the

that could reveal messages and festive drawings over

with ‘slow’ ink, with a lower density

next generation of green printed

time. “It was pretty cool that first day driving home

of cells and one with ‘fast ink’ with

products.

knowing that we were on to something really fun and

a higher cell density in addition to

54 | January-February 2016 | Printing Review

GOVT. OF INDIA | REGD. NO. F2(P)PRESS/87- RNI 45915/987