Issue 248 - August / September 2023 www.signlink.co.uk Sign Painting Corner Sam Roberts highlights some of the training available for sign painting Page 33 Print donated to fundraiser A Minuteman Press owner has donated posters and flyers to aid a fundraiser Page 08 Ashby passes on reductions Ashby Trade Sign Supplies will pass on price reductions to its customers Page 07 Company Spotlight: Citiprint We find out how the company achieves its ambitious same-day offering Page 27 The Print Show Preview We take a look at what the industry can expect from the 2023 show in September Page 37 Vivid launches hybrid laminator Vivid Laminating Technologies has launched a patented hybrid laminator Page 12
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 Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations Events All the details you need on recent and upcoming shows and conferences News CONTENTS Issue 248 August / September 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims looks under the hood of Liyu International’s Q2 & Q3 Hybrid inkjet printers for the point of display and advertising sectors Under the Hood Brian Sims takes a closer look at Epson’s SC-F6400 and SC-F6400H models and the high-quality inkjet printed textiles they produce Need to Know LED Signage Rob Fletcher explores what role LED signage plays in drawing the attention of passers-by, and looks at some of the latest technologies Focus On Web-to-Signage As companies communicate digitally more and more, David Osgar speaks with some experts in this field to see what works for them Market Trends Vehicle Wrapping Rob Fletcher analyses the vehicle wrapping market and picks out some of the latest and most important trends in this sector Business Opportunities Behind the Scenes at ISA-UK Carys Evans chats to Craig Brown CEO of the ISA-UK to find out what the role entails and what’s been going on at the Association Back to Basics Floor Graphics Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at the wall and floor graphics sector to analyse some of the key growth areas for sign companies Company Spotlight We catch up with Jacob Kent-Ledger, founder of Citiprint to find out how the company achieves its ambitious same-day offering Industry Tips Joe Arenella provides some tips and advice on managing clients’ expectations in order to retain business and avoid costly mistakes Sign Painting Corner Sam Roberts provides an overview of some of the routes into the sign painting industry and the courses and training available 06 08 12 13 49 53 58 17 30 33 27 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 248 - August / September 2023 23 Features Event Spotlight The Print Show Preview Carys Evans speaks with event organisers and exhibitors to find out what the industry can expect from The Print Show 2023 Taste for Success Wide-Format Print Kit Pt.2 David Osgar looks at some more of the brands and hardware making waves in the wide-format print sector in recent months 37 62 Event Spotlight The Print Show 37 Focus On Web-to-Signage 53 63 Business Opportunities Behind The Scenes at ISA UK Adventures in Sign Painting Sign Painting Education Today 33 Industry Hybrid Services opens showroom 06 Business Graphtec becomes UK distributor of Mutoh 08 67 Company Spotlight Citiprint 27 Need to Know LED Signage 49 43 ISSN 2976-9213
Issue 248 - August / September 2023 4 ISSUE 248August / September 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 t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @signlinkeditor EDITOR'S Note signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Hello and welcome to our August/September issue. We say this every year, but wow these months are flying by! The SignLink team has been lucky enough to be out and about, visiting the many amazing businesses, small and large, keeping things running smoothly with printed graphics, displays, point of sale, wayfinding signage, and more. In this jam-packed issue, we find out what went into the creation of a special wayfinding signage job by Carousel Lights for the Young V&A museum in London. This was a unique job brief led by children who wanted the space to have a joyful feel (P06). As businesses continue to navigate current industry challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, energy price hikes, and more, we have a positive news story as Ashby Trade Sign Supplies is once again passing on price reductions to its customers (P08). In other positive news, 25 jobs have been saved following the purchase of family-run Sygnet Group by Hollywood Monster (P10); a number of investments in new hardware have been made, signalling the continued growth of our industry (P14); and the sale of long-standing industry exhibition SDUK will see it co-locate with Printwear & Promotion LIVE! for the 2024 edition, receiving mixed views from the industry (P16). Over in our Specials section, we cover a range of topics from Sign Painting training and courses (P33), to how to best communicate with your customers to avoid costly mistakes or misunderstandings (P30). As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and please do get in touch with any news you have to share! Carys Business Guandong expands into digital textiles sector 08 GHOST SIGN CORNER: Hovis / R. Hogben In the UK, Hovis is the brand most frequently found on ghost signs. This was due to its strategy of having its name and slogan painted on the walls of bakeries that used its flour. These ‘privileges’ were a win-win for the bakery and the millers, each benefiting from their respective local and national reputations; the same can be seen on today’s newsagents, adorned with branding for newspaper and confectionery brands. In this case, the baker was Reginald Hogben, who was active here throughout the 1930s and 1940s. That more visible layer is now fading to reveal another beneath, with a different iteration of the Hovis logotype, perhaps painted for the former occupant, baker and confectioner Frank Smith. The presence of more than one ghost sign on a single wall is quite common, and these are called ‘palimpsests’, a term borrowed from the study of ancient manuscripts. Barden Road, Tonbridge, Kent 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)
Register at: www.theprintshow.co.uk | 0117 980 5049 | sales@theprintshow.co.uk @theprintshow The Print Show THE UK’s ONLY EVENT DEDICATED TO SHOWCASING THE LATEST PRINTING TECHNOLOGY Gala Dinner Birmingham Town Hall September 20th Golden Ticket WIN TUI holiday vouchers worth £3,000 1st PRIZE PRE-PRESS•DIGITAL PRINTING•LARGE FORMAT•FINISHING•PAPER•SOFTWARE•KNOWLEDGE ZONE NEC BIRMINGHAM | HALL 17 SEPTEMBER 19-21 | 2023 PRINT WITHOUT BARRIERS 2023 19-21 SEPTEMBER 2023 Hall 17 | NEC, BIRMINGHAM To put it simply, no other event in the UK offers the experience of The Print Show. From a Golden Ticket competition offering a host of fantastic prizes, including TUI holiday vouchers worth £3,000, to a Gala Dinner event and an evening of fun and laughter, The Print Show 2023 is THE place to be. Print without barriers Bring this ticket to the show so you can enter the prize draw worth £10,000+ REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY AT www.theprintshow.co.uk
6 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Carousel Lights supplies wayfinding British signage company, Carousel Lights has recently produced a series of illuminated wayfinding signage for the Young V&A museum in London. Following a three-year renovation, the Young V&A (formerly V&A Museum of Childhood) was officially re-opened by HRH The Princess of Wales on July 1st, 2023. Young V&A is a new national museum for 0-14-year-olds and their grown ups, and has been designed in collaboration with children, who challenged the museum to create ‘the most joyful museum’. Carousel Lights had an important part to play in this as it produced wayfinding signage that met all the specific criteria for the museum. The company’s experience in supplying wayfinding signage to the museum and heritage sector was crucial for this having worked on projects for The Royal Academy, The National Trust, the O2, and hospitality clients such as Malmaison hotels. Carousel Lights' experience enabled the company to advise the designer on the best technical product to bring the vision to life, and a key factor was to ensure the lighting solution for the V&A signage was an efficient and cost-effective option. To meet this brief, Carousel used LED neon replica product ‘Neon Ultra’ due to its energy efficient properties, versatility, standard and RGB colour solutions, DMX animation, Pixel programming, and the ability to replicate a number of different fonts and graphic styles. Designed to be relatable and appeal to children, Carousel Lights says the toilet sign in particular gathered a lot of attention. The sign has pre-programmed DMX controllers wired to the Neon Ultra which was animated to give the appearance of the toilet handle being pushed down and the cistern filling with water and emptying again. With the animation on loop, the sign provides a functional wayfinding solution but with a fun and playful twist, which was the criteria for the children’s museum. (Above left) The brief was to produce functional wayfinding with a playful twist for the children’s museum. (Above right) This toilet sign which gives the impression of the toilet flushing has garnered a lot of attention Hybrid Services opens showroom From Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st July, Hybrid Services opened the doors to its newly refurbished showroom. Located in Crewe, Cheshire, the new, extended showroom houses a huge range of Mimaki hardware with a number of applications on display, as well as remodelled meeting areas and upgraded hospitality facilities. On show at the showroom is the JFX600-2513 8" x 4" high production flatbed printer; the brand new TxF150-75 direct-to-film printer; and the recently launched 330 Series production range of machines which offers dye-sublimation and solvent solutions. Brett Newman, managing director of Hybrid Services, comments: “[the showroom] is the perfect opportunity to explore and truly appreciate the game-changing solutions that exist in the Mimaki line-up.” The opening of the showroom was commemorated by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday 17th July. Mimaki Europe CEO Mr Takakiro Hiraki and the Mayor of Chesire East, Cllr Rob Fletcher were joined by UK&I resellers for the celebration. Visitors to Hybrid’s newly opened showroom had access to deals on hardware as well as a number of prizes In response to new European Union (EU) restrictions, Intertronics, a producer of adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment, has launched a new solution that doesn’t require EU-approved training. From August 24th, 2023, the European Parliament’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) restrictions will mean industrial and professional users of certain diisocyanate products must be trained and certified to handle them. In response to this, Intertronics has released Point-One, Structural Polyurethane Adhesives which are based on micro-emission technology. Intertronics supplies adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment to customers working with lighting/LED, display, electronic, plastic bonding, and medical applications. The new REACH restrictions will mean users of products with a total monomeric diisocyanate concentration of >0.1% must be trained and certified in handling diisocyanates. The change has been made in order to minimise the adverse health effects induced by exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace which can cause respiratory sensitisation, skin irritation, and occupational asthma. Intertronics has released new polyurethane adhesives to help recent health and safety concerns Carys Evans By David Osgar By David Osgar Adhesive manufacturers combat new EU training requirements
email: news@signlink.co.uk 7 INDUSTRY / NEWS Issue 248 - August / September 2023 Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Provider of hardware, inks, and media for the large-format printing sector, InkTec has reported issues with its long-length media deliveries. InkTec manufactures the JETRIX range of flatbed and roll-to-roll printers; inks compatible with Mimaki, Roland, Epson, Canon, and HP; and solvent, aqueous, latex, and speciality media. However, due to one of its courier partners entering administration, InkTec reported disruptions with deliveries. Apologising, the company said: “You may or may not be aware that one of our many courier partners has gone into administration. Unfortunately, the knock-on effects are that our long-length media deliveries have been disrupted resulting in some not arriving as planned. “We have already set up alternative means with our other delivery partners, however we are conscious that some delivery delays may be experienced. We are also working hard to ensure we have a long-term solution.” Pride billboard in Bristol vandalised A billboard in Bristol City Centre detailing Bristol Pride Weekend was vandalised within 24 hours of being installed. Taking place from June 24th to July 9th, Bristol Pride saw a host of events, comedy, music performances, films, history events, a Trans Pride Picnic, and the Parade March take place. Less than 24 hours after being erected, the billboard was set alight in what is being assumed as a targeted action against the LGBT+ community. In a statement on social media, Bristol Pride says: “Considered acts of hatred like this are the reason why Pride remains a protest, as well as a celebration of visibility. It only gives evidence as to why we need Pride and to show up supporting each other. “More than ever, we need allyship, we need to call out hate and prejudice, and remember that our freedoms must be protected, rather than taken complacently.” This incident was the second homophobic attack in Bristol in one month following the removal and defacing of rainbow doormats in Bedminster. Susie Day and her partner who have recently moved to the area put a rainbow doormat outside their home in time for Pride in Bristol only to have it stolen, and then the replacement sprayed black. In support and solidarity of their new neighbours, members of the street later went out and purchased their own rainbow doormats with many doors in the street being brightened up by them. A Bristol Pride billboard was vandalised in Bristol City Centre. Image: Bristol Pride InkTec has reported issues with its long-length media deliveries after one of its couriers entered administration Courier disruptions at InkTec Ashby passes on price reductions Following a volatile period within the market, Ashby Trade Sign Supplies has revealed it will be passing on reductions to its customers once more. The company cited a credit crunch, price increases, the cost of living, interest rates, inflation, Brexit, the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and energy prices as all having contributed to a volatile market. As a result, Ashby, like many other suppliers has been forced to pass on the cost of raw materials. “As our costs went up, we promised that we would not profiteer and raise our prices to make more money, and as soon as was commercially viable, we would reduce our costs and pass any savings back to our customers,” the company comments. “Finally, it would appear amidst all the doom and gloom the global markets are starting to stabilise, and we are more than happy to announce that this saving is being passed on to you, our customers.” Ashby Trade Sign Supplies has announced it will be passing on price reductions to its customers JS group serves up pizza-style project JS group which includes Jonsigns, The Orange Company, Trade Sign, and HJC Specialist Coatings, has worked with pizza chain Papa Johns to design, manufacture, and install brand-new store designs. The project came about when Papa Johns decided to rebrand all of its stores to reflect a more minimalistic and bold aesthetic. JS group has worked with the pizza chain for a number of years and had all the capabilities to produce numerous types of signage and graphics, including various pizza-themed displays. Digital marketing executive, Jake Lisle, explains: “We created an in-house mock-up Papa Johns store so that we could show Papa Johns the work we’ve been doing and how a store would look in the flesh. “The mock-up meant we were able to give Papa Johns options for different bits of signage so they could also see any changes that they felt would be beneficial to the endeavor.” JS group produced projecting, fascia, LED neon, and built-up signs to embrace and demonstrate Papa Johns' new branding. Jonsigns has over 25 years of experience creating signs for a variety of projects Carys Evans Carys Evans By David Osgar
BUSINESS / NEWS 8 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Print and signage contractor, Hollywood Monster, has acquired Sygnet Group with the company’s entire workforce retaining their employment. This move will see a total of 25 jobs saved by Hollywood Monster, the largest wide-format printing and signage contractor in Birmingham. Following the acquisition, Hollywood Monster now has 65 employees, a turnover of £12m, and capability to produce over 15,000sq m of signage daily. The company says the latest business move will enable it to expand its trade offering further, due to Sygnet’s extensive permanent contract experience in property, construction, events, exhibitions, and retail. Both family-run Midlands-based businesses, Hollywood Monster and Sygnet Group are said to share a common background with strong manufacturing heritages that span decades. In addition, both companies are described to have a “pioneering spirit” and a culture that puts people at the heart of what they do, priding themselves on strong customer relationships. Describing this time as an exciting period of growth for Hollywood Monster, Tim Andrews, chairman of the company, comments: “We’re delighted that Sygnet, which has contributed so positively to the print and signage industry over the last 45 years and which shares our values, can continue to deliver quality, cutting-edge projects as Sygnet Fabrications. “We are especially pleased that the acquisition will lead to the retention of 25 members of staff, who have tremendous knowledge of the industry and have shown unwavering loyalty throughout their time at the company.” According to Andrews, Hollywood will be investing a significant amount into the business over the next few years. Hollywood Monster acquires Sygnet Hollywood Monster has acquired family-run Sygnet Group, saving 25 jobs Graphtec becomes UK distributor of Mutoh Mutoh Europe is a fully owned subsidiary of Mutoh Industries based in Tokyo, Japan Wrexham-based company, Graphtec GB, has become a UK distributor of Mutoh’s sign, display, and UV LED product range. Mutoh offers a range of specialist equipment and has unveiled a range of hardware in the past year which services the wide-format print sector. Recent releases include the XpertJet 1682SR Pro and the XpertJet 1462UF, a wide-format machine engineered for CMYK, white, and varnish UV applications. The machine has a moving gantry and a print bed of 1,470mm x 740mm which can print on products up 150mm in height. Graphtec will deliver complete wide-format printing and finishing solutions, giving national coverage for the Mutoh brand. Amit Patel, owner of Minuteman Press in Edgware, donated posters and flyers to a GoFundMe campaign for seven-year-old Jasmine to access clinical trials abroad after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. Patel was alerted to the cause by RVP Mark Jones who told him a friend of his, Sam Frost, was completing a ‘Peak to Peak Challenge’ to raise awareness and money for the ‘Jasmine The Warrior Princess’ fundraiser. Patel was quick to offer his support in the form of £400 worth of graphic design and £1,000 in printed marketing materials. “Anytime I hear about fundraisers or charities that are doing genuine good work without wasting money, I want to give back,” explains Patel. Print shop donates posters to fundraising campaign Technical fabrics specialist Guandong used the recent 2023 FESPA Global Print Expo event in Munich, Germany to announce its entry into the digital textiles market. In what is its 60th year in business, Guandong has reached an agreement with Giovanardi to enter into the shareholding structure in the European market. The agreement with Giovanardi will allow Guandong to expand its offering with new lines of fabrics, accessories, and services specifically developed for use in visual communications. Following the announcement, Guandong will continue to operate independently with its commercial network, while Giovanardi will focus on the new venture. Guandong displayed products such as Revita Pure Tack and Textured Dotty Satin at FESPA 2023 Patel donated posters and flyers to the 'Jasmine The Warrior Princess' fundraising campaign Guandong expands into digital textiles sector Fedrigoni has agreed a deal to sponsor Salvatore Tavano, an Italian motor racing champion in the Gran Turismo Endurance. Tavano has been driving a BMW M4 GT3 in the current Gran Turismo Endurance season, which began last month at the Pergusa circuit. Fedrigoni branding has appeared on his car in each event so far this campaign. A new addition to the BMW Italia-Ceccato Racing team, Tavano, won three titles in a row in 2018 in the TCR Italy with the Cupra of Tarcisio Bernasconi's Scuderia del Girasole. “We are delighted to be alongside a multi-medallist champion like Salvatore Tavano,” says Marco Nespolo, chief executive of the Fedrigoni Group. Fedrigoni races ahead with new sponsorship deal Fedrigoni branding now appears on Salvatore Tavano’s car By Carys Evans
Three companies have formed together in order to demonstrate the power of print, signage, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Dragon Signs and Route Media, based in Cardiff, Colour Studios currently operating in Bath and sports publication Sportin Wales have come together to form Dragon Group which will be led by managing director Rhys Harrington. After a period of significant investment, rebranding, and new focuses on sustainability, innovation, and advances in technology the organisation believes it is now in a position to offer cutting-edge experiences to customers. The group has also partnered with carbon calculation company CarbonQuota to develop a decarbonisation plan for the business as a whole. Harrington comments: “This is of huge importance as we move forward. Lowering our carbon footprint is pivotal, and CarbonQuota will help us to identify our output, and that of the supply chain.” Speaking about the formation of Dragon Group, Harrington says: “There is so much synergy between the businesses that it made sense to bring them together, incorporating the strength of Dragon Signs and Route Media's digital advertising capabilities with the rapidly growing audience of Sportin Wales.” Harrington has used this opportunity to thank the group’s loyal customers and promises more exciting plans will be coming in the future. Rhys Harrington, managing director of the newly formed Dragon Group By David Osgar OOH, signage, and print come together Fujifilm Europe has officially announced the opening of the Fujifilm Print Experience Centre (PEC) which has been created to bring together technologies and products from the company’s Graphic Communications and Photo Imaging divisions. The PEC is a 1,200sq ft design space located at Fujifilm Europe and Fujifilm Deutschland’s premises in Ratingen, Germany. The divisions moved to their new headquarters in May 2022, after a series of construction-related delays. Yoshiki Kimura, president and managing director of FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, states: “It is with great excitement that I am kicking off the activities of the Print Experience Centre, a unique concept dedicated to the world of the printed image, which complements the experiential equipment of our European headquarters in Ratingen, which was inaugurated last year.” Printing systems at the PEC include the Jet Press 750S, Revoria Press PC1120, Revoria E1 Series, ApeosPro C Series, Imprinting systems, and Acuity Prime. The new Print Experience Centre will include Fujifilm’s latest Revoria, ApeosPro, and Acuity Prime print systems Fujifilm Europe opens Print Experience Centre A trailblazer in sustainability within the signage and wide-format markets, MacroArt has further bolstered its commitment to sustainability within events with the launch of a new banner rental service. According to analysis by Green Circle Solutions, banner rental provides significant environmental benefits. For example, renting a 10m x 4m x 1.5m hanging box frame banner creates around 33% less carbon footprint than a traditional purchased system that is used twice. Banner rental solutions also offer cost savings and durability with many creative designs still achievable. This latest offering is part of MacroArt’s full turnkey offering which includes graphics, framing, installation, and recycling all under one roof. 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. The banner rental offering forms a key part of this strategy. MacroArt launches banner rental service The new banner rental solution forms part of MacroArt’s wider Sustainability Strategy Manufacturer of laser systems, Trotec, has announced the opening of a new demo room in Edinburgh. The 153sq m laser demo room is located in Newbridge, Edinburgh, after the company relocated from Stirling earlier this year. Trotec’s new demo facility provides a larger space to house its range of laser cutters, engravers, marking systems, and materials. At the demo site, customers can receive tailored advice and inspiration when looking to invest in laser equipment. Trotec opens new laser demo room ArtSystems’ Brindley nominated for honour Lorna Brindley, technical service manager at ArtSystems, has been nominated for the ‘Manager of the Year’ award at the 2023 Women & Diversity in Channel Awards. The annual awards champion, recognise, and celebrate women and diversity in business. The event pays tribute to companies and individuals that are tackling gender issues and making diversity a priority. Brindley will face competition from a number of other talented nominees at the awards. In her role at ArtSystems, Brindley heads up all the technical services with a team of over 16 field engineers and an internal service team of nine. Innotech Digital has been announced as an authorised UK distributor for Continental Grafix, a provider of graphic solutions. Based in Switzerland, Continental Grafix has locations in Germany, France, Spain, and the US. The company is known for its non-adhesive and self-adhesive products, as well as floor films for sports competitions, parking, and various live events. Derek Shedden, managing director of Innotech, comments: “With this partnership, Innotech aims to expand its offerings and provide UK customers access to Continental Grafix's exceptional range of products.” Innotech Digital named Continental distributor Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 BUSINESS / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk 9 Issue 248 - August / September 2023
KIT & MEDIA / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk 12 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 www.signlink.co.uk Your Print Partner (YPP) has purchased a second HP Stitch S1000 in less than a year. The Lincoln-based company made the purchase to produce high-quality jobs and fulfil large, custom orders in shorter lead times. Offering a range of textile printing such as flags, event merchandise, exhibition displays, and banners, YPP needs its print quality to be of the highest standard. That being said, less than a year after investing in its first HP Stitch S1000 which was installed by RA Smart, YPP purchased a second at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023. YPP purchases second HP Stitch S1000 Very Displays invests in first Agfa kit for dye-sub Very Displays has invested in its first Agfa printer with the machine having been installed in February. The demand for dye-sublimation has always been a big part of Very’s print arm which is partly due to the growing trend for soft signage and has become a core area of Very’s own print expertise too. Simon Boswell, managing director of Very, adds: “Buying a new dye-sublimation printer was the biggest single investment I had made since I joined the business four years ago, so our diligence during the buying process was robust.” Mimaki Europe has announced the launch of its new Tiger6001800TS sublimation transfer roll-to-roll inkjet printer. Shown for the first time at ITMA 2023, the machine has been designed to accelerate the analogue to digital transformation within the textile print sector. Key features include a maximum printing speed of 550sq m/hr, which places it 14% faster than the previous model due to a renovated high-speed printhead. The printer’s size has also been halved, with the paper mounting and winding system both now located at the back of the machine to allow for a smaller footprint. Mimaki launches new sublimation printer Nettl has taken order of a new Veloblade Nexus from Vivid Laminating Technologies as part of wider investment in infrastructure and equipment. Having previously outsourced most CNC and cutting work, Nettl decided to invest in a Veloblade Nexus to keep control of its own production with in-house services and to fulfil the growing sector of sustainable print and signs. Having been a customer of Vivid for many years, Nettl had investigated other manufacturers for flatbed cutting and CNC and having tested the Veloblade Nexus in action, decided its build quality, range of functions, and value for money was the best option for the company. Ben Gregory, director at Digitprint Nettl, describes the technology as a “robust, versatile, and affordable piece of kit”. Nettl Digiprint has invested in a Veloblade Nexus to bring its CNC and cutting work in-house Nettl Digiprint takes on a Veloblade Nexus Trade supplier Brownings has announced a new partnership with German start-up MAGNWALL which provides magnetic lighting solutions for retail and exhibition spaces. The unique technology from MAGNWALL allows the magnetic positioning of lights, monitors, shelving, and more on a range of textile surfaces without the need for a grid or any wires. The technology has previously been showcased by Service Graphics at the VM & Display Show 2022 where it was exposed to retailers and marketing companies. Brownings and MAGNWALL will now collaborate on the development and marketing of a new line of tension fabric systems that includes this unique technology. MAGNWALL will now be incorporated into Browning’s TexSign tension fabric system, turning what was originally a predominately 2D structure into something more 3D. Brownings forms new partnership with MagnWall The new MANGNWALL tension fabric systems are expected to be available from August 2023 Stibo Complete, a graphic company based in northern Europe, is the first customer of Vanguard’s new VK3220T-HS printer in collaboration with Antalis. The high-production LED UV digital flatbed printer with 15 printheads was first unveiled at FESPA Global Print Expo in Munich this year. Installed at the Stibo Complete headquarters in Horsens, Denmark, the deal with Vanguard Europe and local partner Antalis is predicted to ‘significantly increase’ sales and reduce outsourcing for Stibo. Providing up to 70% higher output, Stibo went for three rows of CMYK and three white printheads with its new machine. Henrik Mølgaard, production manager at Stibo Complete says the VK3220T-HS came out strong in all tests – quality, productivity, and on the drying characteristics at high output. [L to R] Henrik Mølgaard, Complete Production Manager and Andreas Balleby, print operator of Stibo Complete Vanguard VK3220T-HS 1st customer revealed Vivid Laminating Technologies unveiled a brand new Easymount Hybrid flatbed laminator at FESPA Global Print Expo. Lewis Evans, product and sales manager of Vivid describes the new launch as a “multi-patented innovation with unique hover technology and roll-to-roll technology for long-run and roll-fed laminating”. A modular system, the hybrid laminator can be configured according to specific production needs and incorporates both a traditional rollfed laminator and a flatbed applicator. “This combines the benefits of both applications into one easy-to-use flatbed laminator and saves the need for two systems,” says Evans, adding: “The patented floating rollers on the Easymount Hybrid laminator save time and keep substrates in perfect condition.” Vivid also demoed its VeloBlade Nexus range and the award-winning Matrix systems for lamination, foiling, and special effects. Vivid launches hybrid laminator at FESPA 2023 Vivid unveiled its new hybrid laminator at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich
Faversham House sells SDUK to Datateam Business Media ide-format print and signage exhibition, Sign & Digital UK (SDUK), has been acquired by Datateam Business Media, owner of fellow print exhibition Printwear and Promotion LIVE! After a period of speculation from visitors and exhibitors, the news was announced in the wake of many trade shows wrapping up ahead of the summer. Amanda Barnes, Faversham House’s chief executive, states: “We’ve been honoured to have been part of the sign-making industry for the past 23 years. “It’s a great sector and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with so many passionate and creative people over the years. I’m sure SDUK will go from strength to strength under Datateam’s ownership.” The latest company to own the show has a wide array of businesses under its umbrella including online and digital publications in the retail, building services, and healthcare sectors. Datateam Business Media also runs many events including industry awards and exhibitions like Future Robotics Live, Electronics Live, The Vending Industry Awards (Vendies), and MCV Women in Games Awards. Parvez Kayani, Datateam Business Media’s managing director, comments: “We are delighted to have acquired the SDUK brand and look forward to building on the success that Faversham House has achieved with the show over the last 23 years.” Datateam’s most well-known exhibition in the print and signage industry is the previously mentioned Printwear and Promotion LIVE!, which runs each year in February at the NEC. SDUK’s 2022 and 2023 shows were noticeably smaller than previous years and focused on more specific areas of the print and sign market. Many visitors had attended hoping to see certain exhibitors who weren’t in attendance like in previous years. Speaking on LinkedIn, managing director of Format Digital Marketing, Marc Burnett, says: “Perhaps if the shows are combined we will see it rebranded as a broader Creative Production event pitched to a target audience beyond the traditional niches that were served. “Certainly, there is a whole new generation of enthusiastic Etsy creatives, young hobbyists, and gig economy entrepreneurs out there, and they would almost certainly find a combined P&P / SDUK event inspiring and thought-provoking.” Speaking to SignLink at the VM & Display Show in April, Ian Hoole, finance manager at The Sign Group said: “For years we did SDUK, but we feel it lost its way and so coming here and being involved with decision makers in the retail and display space we hope we can take a lot away to market our products for our customers.” Next year marks SDUK’s 35th edition, which will celebrate its role as the UK’s longest-running trade show for the visual communication sectors. Following the acquisition by Datateam, it has now been confirmed by the organisers that Printwear & Promotion Live! and SDUK will run alongside each other in Halls 1 and 2 of the NEC between February 25th and 27th, 2024. Printwear event director Tony Gardner, states: “The co-location will be a first for the UK’s sign, display, and garment decoration markets. There is a real synergy between the two shows with around 1,000 of the 5,000 visitors to Printwear also attending Sign & Digital, and several exhibitors traditionally exhibiting at both shows. “We are very excited about the opportunity that the co-location creates to enhance the two events. Visitors will have more compelling reasons to attend, with the added benefits that a two-show experience will bring, and exhibitors will benefit from an increased audience across the two shows.” The latest change means that SDUK will change from its original dates of February 27th to 29th and now take place on a Sunday for the first time, hopefully opening up new visitors and buyers for the show. Gardner adds: “The Sunday at Printwear & Promotion Live! is always the busiest day, with well over 2,000 visitors regularly in attendance. “Our 2023 exhibition was our first show since Covid-19 back in our traditional February slot, and following its success, together with the planned co-location, the 2024 show is already well on course to be a bigger event. The majority of the industry’s major suppliers have committed to exhibiting, including the return of a couple of the big names that were absent this year.” More details and changes will undoubtedly unravel over the next year ahead of registrations opening in Autumn of this year. It is hoped the new co-running shows will complement one another and lead to more collaborations and bigger/more financially viable exhibitions in the future. The long-running exhibition has been purchased by the owners of P&P Live! ▲ Sign and Digital UK gives visitors a chance to see the latest kit, materials, and topics in the industry EVENTS / NEWS Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 email: news@signlink.co.uk 13 Issue 248 - August / September 2023
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UNDER THE HOOD / EPSON SC-F6400/F6400H 17 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk Printed textile production post-Covid-19 has started to see large gains and the retail and commercial sectors have seen the capacity for printed materials growing strongly in terms of demand. There are a number of machines in the market but two that can very suitably provide the resources to provide high-volume, wide-format capacity. The Epson SC-F6400 and F6400H have a substrate width of 1,118mm (44”) with both able to produce superior quality printed textiles with reliability but with a keen eye on the cost of ownership and production. The difference between the two models is mainly the ink configuration you need. The SC-F6400 comes with a bank of process colours (CMYK) whereas the SC-F6400H comes with the process set but with the ability to print light cyan and magenta. The SC-F6400H can extend the colour gamut to include fluorescent pink and yellow along with capacity for orange and violet ink as it is a six- opposed to a four-colour printer. The ink capacity of both printers is 45% larger at 1,600ml but more importantly they come in easy-to-use ink packs. There is no need to transfer the ink from container to printer, as users can simply shake the pack to agitate the product and insert it into the printer. The increased size of ink pack not only allows for longer uninterrupted running but also reduces waste and improves the green footprint of the machine. Regardless of which printer you choose, both come with inkjet heads containing the now proven Epson Thin Film Piezo (TFP) technology. The technology contained in the head is deemed by Epson to be a market leader and is in a large number of the manufacturer's printers. In 2007, Epson came to the market with this new concept TFP technology which is used across the complete range of printers and is now truly tried and tested. The Piezo element of a printhead is common to all printers using this technology and has to be produced in very thin sections. Epson chooses not to follow this path and instead actually uses a proprietary process to form a dense piezo crystal element that is just one micron thick on a silicon wafer. The heads are produced with what Epson calls Micro Electro Mechanical SysThe Epson SC-F6400/F6400H are two printers that can deliver high-volume inkjet-printed textiles and promotional goods. Brian Sims takes a deeper look at what makes this claim sustainable The increased size of ink pack doesn’t only allow for longer uninterrupted running but also reduces waste and improves the green footprint of the machine Colourful Textiles ► The UltraChrome DS inks used with these printers can print on a wide range of substrates also needed for point of sale Printheads: Dual PrecisionCore TFP Colours: SC-F6400 4 colours & SC-F6400H 6 colours Resolution: 600 x 1,200 dpi (max) Statistics
18 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 www.signlink.co.uk up to 98.2% of the Pantone solid-coated colours which greatly enhance the printer’s ability to produce the eye-catching effects needed for advertising products. UltraChrome DS inks can print on a wide range of substrates also demanded for point of sale (POS) products such as canvas and other similar POS substrates. Colour and the accurate deployment of dots is nothing without the substrate itself being controlled. Ease of Operation All printers in the range come with Epson Edge Print which is a software solution to make preparation and production as simple as possible. The main interface shows you a list of the current and past jobs for you to review and edit if needed. A set of tools sit in the toolbar at the top of the page and to the right of the split screen is a pane to allow the manipulation of the image needed for the job under preparation. Each Epson Edge Print can control up to four printers at a time, with tabs at the bottom of the screen detailing what each is doing. The Epson Edge Print Dashboard is an integrated product where you can download up to 250 different media profiles ensuring the printer is set at an optimum performance level so the most demanding client is satisfied. Wrapping up these two printers, they come packed with trusted and reliable Epson technology, it is a copper bottom purchase should you be looking for a dye-sublimation printer. The printers do not cost you vast sums to own and operate, Epson as always has the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in mind with easy maintenance and access meaning downtime is kept to a minimum. Brian Sims Principal Consultant, Metis Print Consultancy, www.metis-uk.eu tems (MEMS) which means elements of the head are placed 84.7 microns apart on silicon or glass. With ink channels and nozzles produced by the MEMS process, Epson claims the PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads can produce almost perfectly round dots with great precision. The PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads have the print chip less than one hundredth the width of a human hair in thickness, and by using materials this small you can have a relatively small print engine and large ink deployment. The PrecisionCore TFP printhead can place dots extremely accurately in both size and position in the colour gamut which is why Epson claimed the raw specification of DPI is now an “obsolete way to compare print systems” in its 2013 PrecisionCore White Paper. Epson also argues that resolution measured in dots per inch (DPI) is not necessarily the best way now to quantify print quality. The manufacturer does however agree that DPI is part of the methodology with greyscale and accurate dot placement also a key consideration. Wrapping up the printhead technology is Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) which ensures the optimum condition of the printhead itself. NVT monitors the signals sent to each nozzle; it expects to see no resistance to the impulse squeezing the Piezo Electric film. Should it detect a rebound signal from the drive impulse, this is almost certainly due to the nozzle being blocked and the NVT technology adjusts the nozzle pattern to override the blocked nozzle, maintaining print quality. Supporting Ink Technologies The dot is laid onto the substrate with the help of patented technology called Look-up Table (LUT). LUT technology has been developed in collaboration with the Munsell Color Science Laboratory at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the US. The purpose is to increase the colour fidelity and gives a smoother gradation between colours. The Piezoelectric printhead uses the well-proven specially developed inks which are known as the UltraChrome DS range. This range of inks are developed to be Nickel-free and low odour meaning the SC range of printers can be installed in office environments which mostly now have air conditioning for airflow. The UltraChrome DS range of inks are also developed with the ability to print ▼ The demand for printed and personalised textile prints has increased since Covid-19 The main interface shows you a list of the current and past jobs for users to review and edit if needed UNDER THE HOOD / EPSON SC-F6400/F6400H
19 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 email: sales@signlink.co.uk Get the latest news, views and in-depth features on our website news | features | archive | comment www.signlink.co.uk REGISTER NOW NEC BIRMINGHAM | HALL 17 | SEPTEMBER 19-21 | 2023 THE UK’s ONLY EVENT DEDICATED TO SHOWCASING THE LATEST PRINTING TECHNOLOGY Register at: www.theprintshow.co.uk | 0117 980 5049 | sales@theprintshow.co.uk @theprintshow The Print Show 19-21 SEPTEMBER 2023 Hall 17 | NEC, BIRMINGHAM The Print Show 2023 will play host to a special Gala Dinner event, serving as a celebration of print and allowing visitors and exhibitors to relax away from the show floor. Taking on the evening of day two, the Gala Dinner will offer attendees the chance to let their hair down and enjoy a night of live entertainment and top-quality food at the historic Birmingham Town Hall in the heart of England’s Second City. Print without barriers Gala Dinner Hosted at Birmingham Town Hall on September 20th GALA DINNER 2023 REGISTER NOW FOR FREE ENTRY PRE-PRESS•DIGITAL PRINTING•LARGE FORMAT•FINISHING•PAPER•SOFTWARE•KNOWLEDGE ZONE
UNDER THE HOOD / LIYU Q2 & Q3 HYBRID 23 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk ▲ Both machines have been designed with a sturdy overarch which carries the printhead Liyu International is a name that may not be immediately known, however, the company is one of the new up-and-coming Asian manufacturers of a range of computer-based equipment. Prior to this over the past 20 years, Liyu has focused on the production of wide-format printers. Originally founded in 1993, Liyu Company started producing computer equipment and this experience and product knowledge gave it the option to produce the first Chinese plotters with the company priding itself on producing all parts for this equipment in-house. As stated, in 2004 Liyu decided it had the relevant experience to produce large-format printers for the high-end products used in point of display, marketing, and many other applications requiring large coverage with high-quality printed images. Two decades on and Liyu International has distributors over many European countries and throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Showing dedication to building markets far to the west of China, Liyu International now has headquarters in Ankara, Turkey and a large showroom in Milan, Italy. This certainly demonstrates the view that the product has a place up against the better-established manufacturers. Liyu International has over 15 different machines all under the branding of ‘Platinum’ and the two printers this article will review are the Platinum Q2 Hybrid and the Platinum Q3 Hybrid, both being high-volume hybrid inkjet printers. All In One Liyu International describes the two printers as ‘all in one’, and when you look in detail at the specification, you can easily see why this phrase is used. Both machines have been designed with a sturdy overarch which carries the printhead spanning 2,050mm for the Q2 printer and 3,200mm for the Q3 model. The printhead is driven precisely by servo-motors and you can see the quality of the build in the use of linear bearings ensuring the printhead does not deviate from the designated position. Only by building with this depth of quality can you be sure you can reach the elevated resolution of 2,880dpi. Liyu has not only focused its attention on moving and supporting the printhead, but the manufacturer has paid particular attention to the way the material is either transported or held when being printed. Both machines can print on roll or sheet substrates up to 50mm in thickness and Liyu has designed what it calls the strong ‘quadro’ local vacuum. This grasps the substrate firmly to the machine bed to ensure when the printhead passes over the substrate, it is in the same place every time. Obviously, you can have the architecture but the deployment of the ink is the vital component and Liyu has gone for some of the best printheads on the market; either the Konica Minolta 1024i, Ricoh Gen5 or as recently announced the Ricoh Gen6 updated version of the Japanese giant’s printhead. Ink droplet deployment is available in four different volumes; 13, 7, 6 and 5 picolitres. Colourful Print The Q2 and Q3 come with various resolutions, the highest being 2,880dpi but lower output at higher speed is possible at 2,400dpi and 1,220dpi respectively. This is accompanied by the printers having eight colours available which would be expected Liyu International has been producing high-quality inkjet printers for the point of display and advertising industries for nearly 20 years. Brian Sims takes a look at two of its hybrid models The Promising Newcomer The Platinum Q2 Hybrid and Platinum Q3 Hybrid inkjet printers both use Ricoh Gen6 printheads Printheads Konica Minolta 1024i - Ricoh Gen5/Gen6 Colours CMYK + Lc + Lm + W + V Resolution 2,880dpi - 1,200dpi - 2,400dpi Print Width (Q2) 2,050mm (Q3) 3,200mm Statistics
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