Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk 36 Adventures in Sign Painting Women in Sign We champion some of the ambitious and award-winning women in sign Page 28 Citiprint reflects on install Installing graphics on a 50m-tall wind turbine has put Citiprint on the map Page 08 ISA-UK launches new guides The Best Practice Guides are key documents for sign businesses Page 06 FESPA Global Print Expo We take a look at some of the features planned for the 2023 exhibition Page 41 Changing your Mindset Joe Arenella offers his tips on changing your mindset and knowing your worth Page 32 Josero to sell Acuity Prime The wide-format kit distributor has been named as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner Page 14 Image: Sam Roberts
3 Industry The latest must-know news from across the sign and display sector Business The lowdown on the latest deals, ventures, and growth in business Applications The projects and completed work that have stood out in the field News CONTENTS Issue 246 April / May 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims explores the wide-format roll-to-roll digital LED-UV printer designed by South Korean manufacturer, InkTec Under the Hood Brian Sims looks under the hood of Mimaki’s 330 Series which comprises of two solvent printers (one with cutter) and a dye-sublimation model Focus On: Women in Sign We champion some of the ambitious, creative, and award-winning women bringing their talent to the sign industry Industry Tips SignTracker founder Joe Arenella offers advice on how to change your mindset and know your worth Market Trends Wide-format Print Kit Pt.1 Carys Evans finds out what options there are in terms of wide-format kit and what applications are possible with them Back to Basics Etching & Engraving Rob Fletcher queries how manufacturers are stretching the boundaries of the tried and trusted technologies Focus On Sign-making Tools Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at the tools used by sign-makers and explores some of the latest solutions available Taste for Success Digital & Interactive Signage David Osgar finds out some of the ways digital signage solutions can be utilised and embraced by businesses Business Opportunities Modular Sign Systems Rob Fletcher looks at what is involved in the production of this popular form of signage, from jigsaws to pole and plank solutions Need to Know Financing & Funding Rob Fletcher delves into the financial support and funding available to businesses needing an extra bit of support Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations Software Reviews and news of the latest software and platforms to be developed People Appointments, promotions, and personal stories from across the industry Company Spotlight Carys Evans speaks to Mike Bichard, director of SEC Works about the company’s fun ethos and creative work Sign Painters: Ten Years Later Sam Roberts speaks with those that appeared in the feature- length documentary a decade ago and explores its impact Q&A: WrapFest Special We speak to master wrappers and WrapFest organisers to find out what we can expect from the inaugural event 06 08 12 14 18 19 45 51 55 59 23 32 34 36 38 28 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 246 - April / May 2023 26 Features Event Spotlight FESPA Global Print Expo Carys Evans highlights the features you can expect to see at the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo in May 41 65 69 Cover image: Josh Luke of Boston's Best Dressed Signs working on a gilded and hand-painted window sign GHOST SIGN CORNER: Warings This impressive ghost sign features the flowing script logotype of ladies’ underwear manufacturer Warings from London Wall. These were their Wilton Factories, supplying shops in the City of London and the West End. The business was established in 1874 as Smart, Black & Waring but by 1914 it was under the sole control of the Waring family. This factory remained open until 1945 and the Waring name lives on at the David Henry Waring old people’s home in Middlesex, housed in a building gifted to the parish council by his widow when she died in 1949. Shepperton Road, London N1 From the book Ghost Signs: A London Story, see ghostsigns.co.uk/book. Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine) Online: www.bl.ag and www.ghostsigns.co.uk Social Media: @betterletters (instagram) @ghostsigns (twitter)
Issue 246 - April / May 2023 4 ISSUE 246April / May 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Lead contributor Rob Fletcher Contributors Brian Sims,Sam Roberts, Joe Arenella Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors to SignLink magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team and Link Publishing Ltd. takes no responsibility for any errors that may have occurred. The publisher also accepts no responsibility for the advertising content, including any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Link Publishing Ltd. retains the right to publish and re-publish any images or information sent to the publication. Link Publishing Ltd, Unit G, Link House, Britton Gardens, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1TF Editor Carys Evans carys@linkpublishing.co.uk Online editor David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Production Shaun Edwards shaun@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Luke Stoneham luke@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn kat@linkpublishing.co.uk Office therapist Skye MEET THE Team The team at SignLink are extremely saddened to announce the death of longstanding colleague and dear friend Julie Twose. Julie joined Link Publishing in November 1999 as Credit Controller and remained with the team until April 2020 when she suffered a stroke and medically retired. Julie was diagnosed with Leukemia in November 2022 and sadly passed away on March 10th, 2023. A straight talker who didn’t take any ‘rubbish’ from anyone, Julie was someone you wouldn’t want to cross! However, she was extremely kind, often looking out for the ‘newbies’ and taking people under her wing. Armed with a wicked sense of humour, she would often keep the office on its toes by 'treating' us to a range of exotic snacks which she would insist we tried. Last month, Julie had 'super spicy ramen noodles', scorpion-flavoured lolipops, and packets of siracha crickets delivered to the office and was sure to check in to see if any had been eaten. An extremely loyal and trustworthy member of staff, Julie was very hardworking hardly ever taking any time off. She loved to watch DVD box sets and was always ready with recommendations, her favourites being Dexter and Luther. Many in the industry and former members of staff will have their own fond memories of Julie having worked with her over the past two decades. Truly one of a kind, Julie will be bitterly missed. Carys t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @signlinkeditor EDITOR'S Note Julie Twose 1959-2023 signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Focus On Sign-making Tools 55 People AV employees reflect on IWD 2023 Need to Know Financing & Funding 69 18 06 Industry Epson partners with fashion designer Kit & Media FPL Signs invests in third VeloBlade 14 Business MacroArt Sustainability Strategy pays off 08
6 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Formerly known as Sign7News, Sign7 has launched to update the look and feel of the well-known video news series. After over ten years of updating the signage industry on the biggest stories impacting businesses and individuals in signage and its associated industries, the video platform has been revamped to meet the expectations of today’s news coverage. After changing appearance and taking many different forms over the years, the team at SignLink are excited to focus their efforts on the businesses, topics, and events that shape the world of signage and wide-format print. The new video format will see Sign7 focus on a different voice and topic within the industry week to week, coinciding with SignLink’s regular trips and news coverage. Videos can be viewed on the ‘SignLink Magazine’ YouTube channel, where viewers can subscribe. ISA-UK launches Best Practice Guides The ISA-UK has launched two guides designed to run alongside the values in the current British Standard and Specification for the design and construction of signs for publicity, decoration, and general purpose (BS559) document. Described as key documents for companies working in the sign and graphics sector, the Best Practice Guides comprise of the ISA-UK Best Practice Guide and the ISA-UK Best Practice Guide – Inspection & Maintenance). Users can access either the full guide for best practice or just the specialist publication for those working within the inspection and maintenance area of the industry. The price for the guides are £25 for ISA-UK members or £50 for non-members. Craig Brown, chief executive officer of ISA-UK, says: “Best practices are important for processes that you need to work correctly. They are simply the best way to do things and are found to be the most sensible way to proceed to help you avoid falling foul of regulations and legislation.” Brown explains that the association will be reviewing and revising the guides regularly and welcomes constructive feedback from both members and non-members. “External signs in particular are subject and susceptible to the seasonal changes, which put the materials used and the structures they are mounted onto through various states of stress. “So in an effort to address the issue the ISA-UK has put together the ISA-UK Best Practice Guide - Inspection and Maintenance, hopefully to help give some pointers,” Brown adds. The ISA-UK has released two Best Practice Guides to be used alongside the preexisting British Standard BS559 document Sign7 has debuted with its first video featuring our discussion with Make it Happen Sign7News relaunches Epson partners with fashion designer Epson has partnered with Japanese fashion designer, Yuima Nakazato, to showcase the possibilities of inkjet and dry fibre technologies used on recycled clothing. Nakazato’s self-titled brand YUIMA NAKAZATO was shown at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring – Summer 2023. Epson’s dry fibre technology, which has been used commercially to recycle office paper, requiring virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The production process was unveiled in Paris as part of a three-year collaboration between Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO, which utilised the process for the first time at Palais de Tokyo runway show on January 25th, 2023. The recent Paris show illustrated how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable solution. The fabric used to create the latest fashion line was derived from material from used garments sourced from Africa, the destination for many discarded garments from around the world. Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO plan to continue exploring the possibilities within sustainable fashion Study shows more obstacles for black entrepreneurs Out-of-home (OOH) company Clear Channel has worked with Channel 4 to look into the challenges faced by black-owned businesses. Clear Channel Compass was launched by the OOH company in 2021 in partnership with Jamii to support black-owned businesses with free outdoor advertising space. So far eight businesses have benefitted from the scheme, with applications for the 2023 scheme now open on Clear Channel’s website. For the latest study into black-owned businesses, Channel 4 worked with Clear Channel UK and the creator of the Black Pound Report, BACKLIGHT, in order to better understand and mitigate issues faced by black business owners. The research included responses from over 500 entrepreneurs and showed 56% of blackowned businesses only receive funding once successful compared to 35% of white business owners. Research was carried out by research company The Good Side, which also reported that 53% of black-owned businesses agreed they had to fight harder to get others to believe in their business. The research study has been described as “invaluable in helping to better understand the challenges that black entrepreneurs face”. Clear Channel UK has reported on the challenges facing black-owned businesses in 2023 By Carys Evans By David Osgar By David Osgar
email: news@signlink.co.uk 7 INDUSTRY / NEWS Issue 246 - April / May 2023 Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Out-of-home (OOH) and digital outof-home (DOOH) supplier Ocean Outdoor has announced a range of partnerships including with charity Pregnant Then Screwed and Premiership Rugby. The rugby partnership means Ocean is the official OOH supplier until 2025 and will broadcast highlights of club matches in association with BT Sport. Ocean Outdoor will broadcast across its DOOH screens for the next three seasons, starting on March 13th and 14th with highlights across screens local to Premiership clubs. Premiership Rugby’s chief commercial officer, Mark Brittain comments: “Premiership Rugby has ambitious plans to grow the elite club game in England and this latest partnership will bring our clubs and Gallagher Premiership Rugby to a new audience. Ocean Outdoor already has several significant partnerships with a number of different sports, so we are delighted to add rugby to the list. This latest partnership enhances Ocean’s association with sporting bodies such as the All England Tennis Club, Team GB, Paralympics GB, and the Special Olympics GB. Recently Ocean Outdoor has used its digital screens, including its full motion screens in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle for a mix of entertainment, charity, and social movement projects. Screens in Manchester have been used for EE’s Stay Connected at Night campaign, offering citizens travel information about safe routes home at night. The project was created by Saatchi & Saatchi London, which won first prize in the brand category of Ocean’s annual Digital Creative Competition 2022. The creative agency has also recently worked with Ocean and charity Pregnant Then Screwed to launch the A Cry For Help campaign which looks to highlight the current childcare crisis. The campaign will use screens to display a message alongside audio of a baby crying, which has been scientifically proven to be impossible for human brains to ignore. Another campaign marked Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 with a powerful series of displays. HMD is promoted and supported by The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), a charity that helps mark January 27th as a day to remember the millions affected by the Holocaust, genocide, or identity-based persecution. In commemoration of the event, the BFI IMAX in Waterloo turned purple for 60 minutes, along with 50 other national landmarks throughout the UK. Messages also appeared on DOOH screens across the country, including the Piccadilly Lights. The Piccadilly Lights was dominated by an 11-minute-long display showing black and white portraits of genocide survivors taken by British photographer and director Rankin. The portraits were followed by 30 original drawings by artists from the age of ten upwards, depicting victims of the remembered atrocities. Ocean Outdoor UK chief executive officer, Phil Hall, states: “Our participation in this annual commemoration reflects Ocean’s purpose and role, using the power of our screens to support the communities where we have a presence.” Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chief executive officer, Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, adds: “Each year on Holocaust Memorial Day, we come together to remember and to learn from genocide for a better future. “Seeing many of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and screens light up in purple at the same time that people across the country are lighting candles in their windows at home is a poignant reminder of the responsibility that we all have to challenge hatred and prejudice today.” To continue its work in supporting the Jewish community Ocean Outdoor is also running an OOH campaign highlighting the issue of antisemitism. Ocean Outdoor kicks off new partnerships in 2023 By David Osgar OOH company Ocean Outdoor has showcased some of its latest projects in 2023 ▲ Saatchi & Saatchi London worked with Ocean and charity Pregnant Then Screwed to launch the A Cry For Help campaign ▲ Ocean Outdoor, Landsec, and Rankin worked together to create a powerful tribute for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023. Image: Ocean Outdoor
BUSINESS / NEWS 8 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Citiprint looks back on staggering install Citiprint, a print and signage company based in London, has looked back on some of its biggest projects in time for its seventh-anniversary celebrations. The company prides itself on its quick turnaround and same day delivery offering, which has led to many of its key projects. The business has created graphics for locations like Harrods, Olympic Village, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, as well as for coverage of the Queen’s funeral last year, and for blockbuster films for the likes of Netflix. When it comes to one of the company’s biggest projects, its installation for Octopus Energy’s ‘Fan Club’ stands out for its uniqueness and impressive turnaround. The project started with the simple question: “Can you brand a wind turbine?”, and founder of Citiprint, Jacob Kent-Ledger, immediately agreed to the project, thinking it would be for a small rooftop turbine. Realising the turbine was actually 50m tall and needed branding within 48 hours, Kent-Ledger quickly got the help of Industrial Abseiling, a company that specialises in working from height, especially for super-large-format graphics. Kent-Ledger comments: “As far as my research has shown, it’s never been done before, and even the turbine manufacturer was shocked we did it. We’re now in the process of getting the project approved by Guinness World Records. “There’s now talk of us completing some offshore work in the future too, so I best get used to choppy seas and even higher turbines.” Speaking about why this project stands out so much, Kent-Ledger adds: “So many calls or emails will begin with ‘You did that wind turbine didn’t you? Bloody mental!’ It’s certainly a job which put us on the map and one we’ll be remembered for, for a long time to come.” Since undertaking the project back in 2021, Citiprint has continued to work with Octopus, and the finished job is even featured on the wall of Citiprint’s new premises and website. Citiprint has looked back on one of its biggest projects of its seven years in business MacroArt Sustainability Strategy pays off Wide-format print, graphics, and branding company, MacroArt, has had its Sustainability Strategy validated with an independent report. The report measures carbon emissions year-on-year and has confirmed significant reductions of these from MacroArt. The key benchmark, the company says, is the measurement of CO2e per m2 of material. This has been steadily decreasing since 2019 and is currently at a 24% reduction. This stands MacroArt in good stead to reach its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Implemented in 2019, MacroArt’s Sustainability Strategy is based on five pillars under the acronym MACRO: Measure, Activate, Change, Recycle, and O which represents its commitment to net zero. Through its own Sustainability Committee, MacroArt has evaluated all operations, from sourcing and production to installation and recycling of materials. The annual report establishes an accurate picture of the company’s overall environmental impact. The report shows a strong programme of sustainability initiatives from MacroArt including more responsible material sourcing, greener production and installation, highly focused waste streams, and fully audited waste management with zero to landfill. A recent example of the company implementing these strategies within its work was its support of the ICE gaming event at Excel London. MacroArt was able to provide graphics with a full turnkey print, install, dismantle, and take back service to ensure all materials used were recovered and recycled correctly. The company has also invested in a number of new software programs in order to minimise waste and maximise efficiency when processing artwork files. MacroArt has also invested in new equipment to reduce waste and maximise efficiencies in material and energy use. David Humphreys, director of Green Circle Solutions which produces the report, says: “It is rare to find a business so open to understanding its true environmental impact and using this insight to establish a basis for continued real change and improvement.” MacroArt, based in St Neots, has had its environmental efforts validated with an annual report By David Osgar By Carys Evans
BUSINESS / NEWS 10 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Global out-of-home (OOH) media agency Talon has revealed the details of its company rebrand which it says reflects its ambitious expansion. The company says a people-first ethos is at the heart of its rebrand, with creativity, effectiveness, and sustainability as core principles to the revitalised vision. The rebrand means all existing Talon brands will be brought together with one voice, encapsulating its creative branch Grand Visual and Plexus. Talon rebrand reflects its global expansion Innotech partners with UK Feather Flags Innotech Digital, a supplier of display hardware print media, has announced a two-year agreement with UK Feather Flags to supply its range of Acrobat Flag Hardware. The agreement also includes supplying through Feather Flags’ new trade-only division, UK Feather Flags Trade. The new division came about due to daily trade enquiries, and a desire to deliver the same quality service to business customers. The new partnership came together due to Feather Flags’ 48-hour guaranteed turnaround, and Innotech’s stock availability and responsiveness. FERO, a provider of services in creative point of sale (POS), production, and fulfilment for retail, has announced it is now a Certified B Corporation, making it the first company in the UK POS industry to obtain the title. In order to obtain certification, the company has to meet comprehensive standards across Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. Certified B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders across these areas, not just shareholders, in order to balance profit and purpose. FERO first POS company to became a B Corporation Make it Happen is reflecting on a series of announcements at the company which coincide with its seven-year anniversary. Make it Happen’s first workshop called the Education Programme (now The Signage Bootcamp) took place in 2016 with February 27th marking seven years in business. Many businesses routinely send new recruits to Make it Happen workshops to improve their knowledge and further develop the overall workforce. On top of the company’s milestones and awards success, Make it Happen has also welcomed back former team member Zoe Wilkins-Read as an account manager to expand product sales. Chief operating officer, Katie Asken, comments: “Zoe is disciplined in procedures and has a keen eye for detail, which are essential qualities for a role in account management. We are confident that our clients will love her and her passion for getting things right the first time. “Zoe will be key in ensuring we continue to offer the level of service that has made us 'award winners' for two years on the trot, something we are immensely proud of!" The company has also recently joined FESPA UK and is already planning a number of collaborations for 2023. The news follows Make it Happen’s existing alliance with the International Sign Association (ISA UK) of which founder Sam Armstrong became president of in 2021, the role she is to hand over to successor David Allen. Armstrong comments: “At Make it Happen, we have delivered our Signage Bootcamp and On the Frontline training to over 3,000 delegates combined. Many of these have large-format print activities within their businesses. “The move opens up further opportunities to learn, co-create, and develop solutions to industry challenges that ultimately benefit those working in the signage, print, and display sectors. We’re delighted to have had such a warm welcome from Suzi and the FESPA team.” One example of a collaboration between FESPA UK and Make it Happen is the attendance of FESPA UK managing director Suzi Ward and creative coordinator Jay Burfield at one of the consultancy’s one-day Signage Bootcamps to see what FESPA members can expect. Make it Happen provides businesses with training in product sales for signage KGK Genix has launched its Student Retail Design & Careers Competition to help school students learn about print. The company has teamed up with the Art and Design department at Hertford Regional College to offer students the experiences associated with a live campaign and creating window display concepts and activations for some of the world's biggest brands. The competition was developed by Matt Walsh, operations director at KGK Genix in Harlow, who says: “As a creative agency, it’s really important that we encourage a new generation of designers with fresh ideas into our industry. The competition provides a platform to showcase just how exciting a career in retail design and print can be.” The six-month programme started in December 2022 and will run until the final stage of the competition in May 2023. KGK Genix will host insight days over the coming months, giving students the chance to work alongside the design, studio, and production teams. This year’s creative brief is for sports brand, Nike, and its Women in Sport campaign. Students will be judged on the concept and activation of their projects for sports brand Nike KGK Genix educates students By David Osgar Make it Happen celebrates success By David Osgar
APPLICATIONS / NEWS 12 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine A financial firm in Canary Wharf has opted for interior film over other options such as paint and new hardware when giving its private-use corporate gym a facelift. Wanting to repurpose a number of large cupboards in the gym area, the client turned to vinyl wrapping specialist Reface Solutions for help. Reface Solutions opted for vinyl from Cover Styl’ which offers a range of colours and finishes with nearly 500 patterns in its portfolio. Ideal for a range of substrates, the vinyl conforms to heat, is not limited to flat surfaces, and can be applied quickly with minimum disruption. Reface hired Dwain from Wraptxture to assist in the installation, which had to be done out of hours and during the break between Christmas and New Year, when the building was closed. Soloman praises supplier William Smith for its availability of stock and its “exceptional” next-day delivery service as this meant Reface could start the project on time and meet the client’s requirements. Reface says the vinyl has completely refreshed the look and feel of the gym. Minuteman Press takes on unique wrap project Minuteman Press Bath produced a unique car wrap project for Bath Painters & Decorators There was an element of trust involved in the project as the client wasn’t familiar with the benefits of wrapping Eco solutions for large graphics By using PVC-free Kavalan banner from CMYUK, Embrace Building Wraps was able to offer a sustainable solution when completing a large internal branding project. Embrace produced graphics for fit-out and finishing business to the construction industry, Lucas UK. A rare ‘inside job’ for the company best known for striking large-scale building wraps, the graphics were produced for Lucas UK’s new purpose-built Centre of Excellence and Innovation adjacent to its HQ in Kent. Tasked with transforming the centre’s main interior with Lucas UK’s ‘Innovation through Collaboration’ campaign in mind, Embrace printed inspirational quotes from Aristotle, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein onto Kavalan Sunlight Weldable material. This material is a PVCfree polyester-based textile that has the same appearance as traditional PVC banner but without the added impact on the environment. The full project involved seven large-scale graphics, five of which were installed in the main central area . Interior film chosen for gym The large scale graphics featured inspirational quotes With its 25th anniversary on the horizon, Minuteman Press Bath is celebrating recent projects such as a unique wrap project using Drytac Polar Cast. The diversified print service provider has previously wrapped a Ford Ranger and Ford Transit van for the same customer, making this another unique challenge for the company. The latest vehicle is a Citroen Ami, one of only six in the entire UK. Bath Painters & Decorators approached Minuteman Press Bath to take on the unique wrap project, which meant working with an unfamiliar and unusually shaped vehicle. Needing a material with reliable adhesion and a high-quality finish, the company chose the Polar Cast which was printed onto using a HP Latex 700W. Kieran Blacknell, operations manager at Minuteman Press Bath, explains: “This vehicle was quite compact, and the body is made of textured plastic, so it is a bit unusual to work with. “We discussed these challenges with the team at Drytac and settled on Polar Cast with the matching Cast Gloss laminate film.” Minuteman Press Bath has used Drytac products since 2018, with Blacknell adding: “We use Polar Premium polymeric vinyl for a lot of our signage work, ReTac for interiors, SpotOn for short term applications and a variety of the speciality films including Polar Chrome and Polar Blockout. “We’re always really impressed with the quality and performance of the products, and we like the fact they are manufactured in the UK. For this project the client was very happy with the results and has already had lots of interest in the vehicle; you really can’t miss it.” Drytac’s various materials have recently been showcased in a number of unique locations such as a Los Angeles cinema, a FRIENDS television show experience in Toronto, and the MUSA exhibition in Miami, Florida. By David Osgar By Carys Evans By Carys Evans
KIT & MEDIA / NEWS 14 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Canon has announced a new solution for large-format printing in small working spaces. The new imagePROGRAF TC-20 is a compact desktop large- format printer than can fit on a desk or shelf, making it ideal for home or office printing. The printer is capable of 100 A4 sheets or 50 A3 sheets of plain paper continuously, or roll paper of up to A1+ sizes. The printer is targeted to the ultra-low volume market, being described as best for the architecture, engineering and construction, education, and hospitality sectors. Canon launches a desktop LF printer Celebrating art with swissQprint Nyala 4 Art publisher and online retailer King & McGaw has installed a swissQprint Nyala 4 in order to deliver the performance and quality required for its business. The Sussex-based company serves end-users via its own website alongside over two dozen white label websites. The Nyala 4 was chosen due to its speed of production, capabilities, and reliability. With over a dozen machines already in-house, it was imperative for King & McGaw to have a machine capable of high-resolution printing in order to maintain its strong reputation. Manufacturer of print hardware, Mimaki, has launched its first direct-to-film (DTF) printer with the announcement being made at its Global Innovation Days event. Aimed at the decorated apparel segment, the TxF150-75 direct-tofilm inkjet printer made its EMEA debut at Printwear and Promotion LIVE! Designed around Mimaki’s 150 Series, the new TxF150-75 has a built-in circulation system and degassed ink pack design to prevent common DTF issues. Mimaki has also produced its own range of water-based pigment inks (PHT50). Mimaki launches first direct-to-film printer Wide-format equipment distributor Josero (a Soyang Europe business), has been named as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner to supply the range to the UK. This appointment follows the news that Soyang Europe began selling the Acuity Ultra R2 in the UK in May 2022. Featuring maximum print speeds of up to 150m2/hr and low energy LED curing, the Fujifilm Acuity Prime can print onto various rigid and flexible media options. The machine also features five dedicated vacuum zones and jettable primer. In terms of consumables, Fujifilm’s Uvijet HM UV LED inks are recommended with this machine and are manufactured in the UK at the world’s largest UV ink plant. “The Fujifilm Acuity Prime is the perfect high production, high quality flatbed addition to Josero’s offering,” says Sarah Winterbottom, group sales director of Soyang/Josero. “It’s a great time for us to be strengthening our partnership, as businesses are looking for versatility, efficiency, and quality in a cost-effective solution.” Andy Webb, UK sales manager for Wide-Format Inkjet at Fujifilm UK, adds: “We are delighted to have Josero on board as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner.” Josero will supply the Fujifilm Acuity Prime flatbed to the UK market alongside the Acuity Ultra R2 By Carys Evans Josero adds Acuity Prime to portfolio FPL Signs has recently purchased its third VeloBlade cutter from Vivid Laminating Technologies. The company has installed a VeloBlade Nexus wide-format digital die-cutting system in order to expand its sign-related cutting and routing capabilities. This will particularly enhance the company’s work using wide-format substrates such as vinyl, Foamex, ACM, and acrylic. Part of the Sandhurst Autoprint Group, FPL Signs’ most recent purchase joins its pre-existing VeloBlade Volta and VeloBlade Nexus digital die-cutting systems. Nick Brooks, operations manager at FPL Signs says the company opted for the VeloBlade Nexus due to its functionality, versatility, and because of the existing Vivid kit already in use within the group. “We felt confident using the system and the fact that the Nexus came in at a cost-effective price point made sense for us to invest in,” he says. Another selling point for FPL Signs was the quality of service received from Vivid and Brooks describes Vivid’s service engineer Matt Milnes as “extremely efficient in his workings”. “Along with the technical support team, we are working towards advanced use of the VeloBlade Nexus’ capabilities,” Brooks adds. FPL Signs has praised Vivid’s technical support team and is working towards advanced use of the Nexus By Carys Evans FPL Signs invests in third VeloBlade Designer and developer of self-adhesive films, APA, has revealed it will present a new limited-edition colour from its ULTRAJET series at the upcoming WrapFest event. Taking place on April 26th and 27th, WrapFest will see leading market suppliers display and demonstrate the latest products for the vehicle and graphics industry. The demonstration of the limited-edition colour from APA comes after the launch of the GEMSTONE series presented at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and also the APA SIGNATURE COLLECTION in collaboration with Paint is Dead. APA’s ULTRAJET line is constantly growing and has over 60 effects including Ultra-Gloss, Matt, Sparkle, Metallic, Carbon 3D, Super Candy, Gemstone iridescent, and the limited edition Signature Collection. Specific colours can also be developed on request. Applicators from APA will be on hand at the inaugural WrapFest to provide visitors with demonstrations. APA will reveal a new limitededition colour in its ULTRAJET range at WrapFest in April By Carys Evans APA to reveal limited edition colour at WrapFest
SOFTWARE / NEWS 18 Issue 246 - April / May 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Producer of remote digital colour proofing software, ICScolor has announced an update to its Remote Director system. The company says the update addresses the critical need for brands to access all perfectly rendered Pantone colours using the spectral values from Pantone, within the Remote Director colour libraries. A crucial part of any branded project, the update to Remote Director’s Pantone Library enables users to see all PMS colours without simulation used in other software. This feature can then be enhanced in Remote Director by importing your own measured spot colours to create custom libraries. Remote Director then provides colour communication with both the proof creator and reviewers about how the colours are rendered and confirms accuracy with the included display calibration. Dan Caldwell, president of ICScolor, says: “Consistent colours are critical in brand identity and recognition. Using spectral data instead of LAB values ensures greater colour accuracy and precision.” The new v.4 update is available for all Remote Director users at no additional cost under their existing service and support licence. Innotech Digital's portfolio now integrated with Clarity Innotech Digital’s entire product catalogue is now available for integration into the Clarity MIS The new update to Remote Director uses spectral data CorelDRAW releases several updates New updates have been revealed in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, a design solution for vector illustration, layout, photo editing, typography, and more. Available via a subscription, the latest features enable users to maximise their creativity and is ideal for a remote working environment. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Web, and iPad, the design solution features creative tools, integrated access to Pantone’s latest colours, and cloud-based templates and personalised practice projects. New features include the ability to create seamless curves with the Variable Outline tool; the ability to ensure colours are accurate with the latest Pantone colours; access to over 200 design templates; and quality and stability enhancements across the suite. As well as the subscription model, users can also purchase a new version of the software, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2023 which includes several updates that were previously released for subscription customers since 2021, and new features launched this month. ICScolor updates Remote Director One of the new features includes being able to create seamless curves effortlessly Innotech Digital’s wide-format print media and display hardware range is now available for seamless integration into the Clarity Management Information System (MIS). Through Clarity MIS, users can access information on Innotech products such as pricing and specifications with virtually no setup. This enables customers to plan project costs and workflow management quicker. Designed for sign-makers and print service providers, Clarity manages all areas of a business and requires users to enter pricing and product details from a range of suppliers to create accurate cost management information. Users of Clarity have access to their own area of the Clarity website and can download Innotech product information from here and import it directly into the MIS. This means that those who are not already Innotech customers can use the information to compare pricing and product specifications. Kieran Dallow, group marketing manager for Innotech Digital explains how the company approached Clarity last year to discuss integrating its pricing structures in the software to make it easier for customers to use the pricing in their systems. “We particularly wanted to work with Clarity because it is one of the main MIS systems for the sign and graphic display market,” he says, adding: “Clarity was very positive and keen to get involved and we have found the whole process very straightforward.” Sam Yarnall, sales and marketing director for Clarity Software Group, adds: “When Innotech approached us, we could see how this would benefit both our collaboration and our customers. There is a clear synergy between us because our core markets are sign-makers and printers, and their product information is exactly what our customers need to access from the system.” Yarnall goes on to say that Innotech’s broad product range and solid supply chain made the collaboration an attractive proposition for Clarity as these are broadly aligned to Clarity’s customers’ day-to-day operations. “We saw that it would be a huge benefit in terms of speed, simplicity, and accuracy to integrate the Innotech product range and price list into our MIS.” By Carys Evans By Carys Evans By Carys Evans
19 PEOPLE / NEWS OOH Capital welcomes Philip Thomas as its new partner Philip Thomas, former co-chief executive officer of JCDecaux UK, has joined OOH Capital as a partner. Thomas has an extensive history within the out-of-home and signage industry having joined JCDecaux in 2002 as the UK’s chief financial officer and later becoming co-CEO. During this time, Thomas oversaw a number of key strategic acquisitions. During his time at JCDecaux, Thomas was also part of the team that created global supply side programmatic trading platform VIOOH and spent three years on the board as a non-executive director. “I am thrilled to welcome Phil as our newest partner, someone with impeccable credentials and a proven track record,” says Tom Goddard, chairman of OOH Capital, adding: “He joins our existing partners in a dedicated client-focused specialist OOH advisory service.” This advisory service extends to OOH businesses, cities, real estate owners, and technology suppliers, and covers the best ways to navigate the rapidly evolving OOH landscape. These global services also include specialist advice on mergers and acquisitions. Other partners of OOH Capital include managing partner Annie Rickard, and partners Philippe Baudillon, Stephen Freitas, Fred Kuhlman, Jim Lui, Sheldon Silverman, and Carlos Viladevall. Gareth Newman joins Soyang Europe/Josero Distributor of wide- and superwide-format digital print hardware solutions, Soyang Europe/Josero, has welcomed Gareth Newman to its team. Joining with almost a decade of experience within the print and sign industries in a number of production, support, and management roles, Newman has taken on the role of Technical Applications Manager. In the role, Newman will offer specialist advice, support, and customer training on new software and hardware products. He will also oversee in-house and on-site product demonstrations and answer any technical queries that arise. In addition to this, Newman will profile machines to Soyang Europe materials and work with the sales and marketing team to highlight the company’s offerings. “We are delighted to welcome Gareth to our team,” Mark Mashiter, managing director of Soyang says, adding: “We are always on the lookout to add talented staff to our team; I look forward to working with him and seeing our customers benefit from his knowledge.” Gareth Newman has joined Soyang Europe/Josero as Technical Applications Manager Philip Thomas has joined OOH Capital as a partner following ten years at JCDecaux AV employees reflect on IWD 2023 International employees of PPDS (Philips professional displays) and TP Vision have reflected on being a woman in the male-dominated audio visual (AV) industry. A 2021 study by AVIXA found that women earned between 79% and 89% less than men in the Pro AV industry. Whilst the context to these stats does include the fact that women are more likely to work part-time due to childcare and other homecare roles, it is still an indication of the imbalance between male and female employees’ pay within the industry. Whilst the industry on the whole is male-dominated, PPDS is a company that champions women in technology with women well represented. Vicky Fox, head of communications EMEA and NA, says: “At PPDS our people from around the globe come together as one team two or three times a year and, for me, it is always a source of great pride that, while we are in a very male-dominated industry, women are well represented, bucking the trend of around 5:1 ratio to around 3:1. “From sales and operations, through to product management and communications, at PPDS women have a strong voice, inspiring the industry and our children into the future. I’m super proud to be a woman working in AV.” Andrea Herczeg-Bakker, head of operations EMEA for PPDS, adds: “Being a supply chain operations leader, as a woman, is a challenging role in itself in our male-dominated industry. In PPDS I feel that women are embraced, empowered, and encouraged to participate in shaping the future of the business.” Clara Guerra ten Broek, lead Europe sales support for TP Vision, says: “I hope to be an inspiration to other women, so they too can embrace the technology world and join us in breaking the underlying myth that this is a male industry.” [Above Left] Vicky Fox, head of communications EMEA and NA at PPDS [Above right] Andrea Herczeg-Bakker, head of operations EMEA for PPDS By Carys Evans By Carys Evans email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 246 - April / May 2023 Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255
UNDER THE HOOD / JETRIX LXIR320 23 April / May 2023 - Issue 246 email: news@signlink.co.uk Following the unification in Germany, there was mountains of work to do, not only to bring two countries together that had diverged in direction for 45 years, but also to find a new identity for the unified Germany to which people could relate. This is not an easy task. Recent history obviously did not give too much inspiration and by reaching deeper into the past the idea to replace the Palast der Republik of the DDR with a reconstruction of the old Berliner Schloss (Berlin Palace) that stood in the same site up until its destruction in 1950 took hold. The old Schloss was built on an island in Berlin which is encircled by the river Spree at the opposite end of Unter den Linden of that of the Brandenburger Tor. The problem was that due to being severely damaged in World War II and then completely removed in 1950, few people had a memory of what it looked like in its grandiose past. The solution, whilst reconstruction took place, was a massive printed drape of the old Schloss which meant that during the seven years of reconstruction work, the building could be ‘seen’ in its completed form by Berliners, as it slowly rose from the ground. When the drape was removed in 2020, the building that stood behind appeared to be an identical stone replacement of the drape and you had the feeling it had been there for years. A great idea, but the first problem the printer faced was how do you produce so much printed material in such detail that it will pass as a real building? InkTec has the answer Whilst the manufacturer was not directly involved in this particular trompe l’oeil , InkTec has the answer should an opportunity arise again. The answer being its recently released extra-wide-width roll-to-roll digital LED-UV printer – the JETRIX LXiR320. This printer is the latest from the South Korean manufacturer which is building a solid reputation for producing high-volume inkjet printers which can match the volume of print with quality. The LXiR320 has a maximum printing width of 3.2m and depending on printing quality, it can produce up to 110m2 per hour which is a significant amount of printed material – enough to cover a Schloss. At the heart of the machine and the key to the productivity level is the clever inclusion of up to 14 Konica Minolta KM1024i print heads. These are cutting-edge technology high-speed heads with four lines of 256 nozzles, in total 1,024. This gives each printhead the ability to place a dot with great accuracy onto Square metres of colour ▲ InkTec has produced a largeformat printer that can deliver highresolution output in the JETRIX LXiR320 South Korean manufacturer InkTec is making a big impact in a colourful way with its wide-format roll-to-roll digital LED-UV printer, the JETRIX LXiR320. Brian Sims takes a closer look under the hood the substrate which you could argue is a necessity on a product that is inspected close up. Even when you upscale to a project the size of the Berliner Schloss, this level of quality is important. This new generation of printhead has an independent drive system which means the drive frequency is three times greater than the previous KM1024 model. The head also has a new inbuilt heater which means it can provide a stable internal temperature so high viscosity inks can be used with no ill effect. To assist with the variable print quality required, the KM1024i heads can deploy ink droplets in eight different ink droplet sizes which ensures there is a greater richness of gradient of colour and high definition. Multi-volume Whilst the ink deployment is handled by the KM1024i heads, there is still the matter of handling the substrate and ensuring it is Printheads: Konica Minolta KM1024i Heads: 14 Resolution: Up to 2160 dpi Colours: CMYK, Lc Lm and white Maximum substrate width: 3.2m Productivity: 18 to 110 m2/hr Statistics ▼Konica Minolta KM1024i print heads inside the JETRIX LXiR320 produce up to 2160 dpi
that it is a straightforward task to apply suction under a sheet, but by the nature of the substrate, it changes across its width so subtle control is needed to ensure it remains evenly flat. Should the job layout be such that a narrower width of roll is needed, InkTec’s JETRIX LXiR320 can hold multiple reels at one time allowing different jobs to be produced on one pass. As for passes, the volume of production varies from an eight-pass single array with a value of 18m2/hr of printed material and up to 110m2/hr with a two-pass double array. The resolution can also alter from 720 x 720 with two passes and 1440 x 720 with eight passes. Colour choices InkTec’s JETRIX LXiR320 uses a wellproven set of Eco-Green inks that give excellent ink adhesion and good scratch and abrasion resistance. This is ideal for a wide range of products such as promotional graphics, fabric banners, and backlit banners for indoor and outdoor signage. Inks are cured by the use of LED UV lamp heads with a strength of 1,200mW which keep the printed substrate cool meaning difficult-to-handle plastics can be printed with more ease. As with a majority of large-format printers, the JETRIX LXiR320 is able to print in the four process colours along with light magenta and cyan. To add to the scope of the printer, white is the final colour available and to overcome the issues with white ink, the printer comes with an ink circulation system. I would imagine a project as large or public as that undertaken in Berlin may only come around every now and again, but there are still challenges in an ever-changing world where large-format, colourful, and quality printed products are needed. Should this be the case for you, a look at InkTec’s JETRIX LXiR320 could provide a very acceptable solution. Brian Sims Principal Consultant, Metis Print Consultancy, www.metis-uk.eu positioned under the printhead accurately. To ensure this happens, InkTec’s JETRIX LXiR320 uses a roll-to-roll configuration that has the capacity to hold rolls up to 3.2m in width. Moving so much substrate accurately is taken care of by the use of a double servo motor system that pulls and draws back the material to ensure it is not only kept taut, but you can index it to the correct position for each printhead pass. There is a suction system at the centre of the printer which provides a balanced vacuum under the substrate. This is an area that is often overlooked. It may seem The Konica Minolta KM1024i printhead has a new inbuilt heater which means it can provide a stable internal temperature enabling high viscosity inks to be used with no ill effect ◄ The printer has a maximum printing width of 3.2m and depending on printing quality, can produce up to 110m2 per hour 24 April / May 2023 - Issue 246 www.signlink.co.uk UNDER THE HOOD / JETRIX LXIR320
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