Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk Mimaki CJV200 ▲ Michael Walker takes a look at Mimaki’s new entry-level printer Page 24 New hardware from Epson Epson has launched its long awaited first DTF printer Page 16 Accreditations & Certifications The BSGA talks through the importance of accreditations in signage Page 38 Wrapping Materials Jonathan Pert looks at new material options in vehicle wrapping Page 57 Libby Clifford Q&A We learn all about Make It Happen’s newest signage workshop Page 32 The School of Wrap The Sign Show has announced an exciting new exhibition feature Page 22 Under the Hood 24Page
3 NEWS Industry 06 Business 08 APPLICATIONS 12 kit & media 14 ENVIRONMENT 20 EVENTS 22 We detail The Sign Show's latest feature which is dedicated to the world of wrapping SPECIALS Under the Hood: Mimaki CJV200 24 SUPPLIER SPOtLIGHT: Nova Aluminium Systems 28 Q&A: Libby Clifford, Make it Happen 32 We find out about the First Drill, Make It Happen's newest signage workshop for newcomers Event Spotlight: European Sign Expo 2025 35 Accreditations and Certifications 38 Finance and Funding 41 FEATURES Direct-to-Object Printers 45 Large-Format Board 49 Exhibition Stands 55 Rob Fletcher looks at the opportunities in exhibition graphics following the effects of the pandemic Wrapping Materials 61 CONTENTS Issue 258 April / May 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 ISSN 2976-9213 IN THIS ISSUE 06 08 22 28 49 10 32
Issue 258 - April / May 2025 4 ISSUE 258April / May 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk signlink signlinkmagazine Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Production Shaun Edwards Contributors Michael Walker, BSGA, Michael Ryan Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.signlink.co.uk Socials 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 MEET THE TEAM Signlink SignlinkMagazine Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 Editor David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Jan Thomas jan@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Features Writer Rob Fletcher rob@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn kat@linkpublishing.co.uk Office Therapist Skye Multimedia Journalist Jonathan Pert jonathan@linkpublishing.co.uk Hello and welcome to SignLink April / May! I’m sure many of you having been enjoying the return of blue skies and sun as Spring has officially arrived in the UK to bring longer days and warmer temperatures. The change in weather and scenery is always a great way to give people more energy, which is something the signage industry has been brimming with as of late. In this issue we learn about many of the exciting players and suppliers to the UK sign industry, including Nova Aluminium Systems, which is celebrating 20 years in business this year. In our Supplier Spotlight (Page 28) Nova talks about the importance of developing young people into the next generation of sign-makers, something echoed in this edition’s Q&A with Libby Clifford from Make it Happen Signage Consultancy (page 32). Clifford is a fantastic example of someone who has come into the industry with heaps of enthusiasm and fresh ideas to help teach newcomers to signage everything they need to know in order to succeed. While recently there has been a lot of emphasis on the next generation, it is also important to acknowledge those in the industry who share with us their years of knowledge and experiences. With that in mind, I want to highlight the work of Brian Sims, someone who up until this issue has written Print Monthly & SignLink’s Under the Hood special for over a decade. After consistently writing about the latest pieces of machinery in print and signage, Brian has decided to embrace retirement and handed over the reigns to a new writer to SignLink. I want to thank Brian for all his fantastic contributions and the commitment and care he put into his work. I’m sure I speak for all previous editors who worked with Brian in saying it was a pleasure to work with you and I hope you enjoy your retirement. Picking up the pen from Brian is wellknown editor and writer, Michael Walker, who is debuting this issue with a breakdown of the recently launched Mimaki CJV200 (page 24). Ever since I joined the industry Michael has always been a source of information and experience so it’s great to have him onboard. With all that, as well as news and previews for upcoming events like The Sign Show’s new School of Wrap and the upcoming European Sign Expo, there’s plenty in this issue to sink your teeth into! Dave EDITOR S NOTE Carys Evans VIDEO COVERAGE Scan the QR code to watch our video coverage over on our Sign7 YouTube channel
6 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS FESPA UK launches Next Gen internship scheme FESPA UK has announced the launch of its Next Gen Supported Learning project, the next stage of its Next Generation project for young professionals. The trade association’s new initiative is designed to connect young people with career opportunities in the print, signage, and graphics industries. The fully funded programme offers a six-week work placement at a relevant company, followed by a one-year internship. The initiative is designed to be flexible, combining two to three days per week of workplace experience with two days per week of college learning. Goals of the initiative include bridging the skills gap, supporting employers in filling key job roles, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people with disabilities to gain work experience and progress into employment. Each intern will be supported by a dedicated job coach, who will provide guidance to the employers as the learners settle into their new role. The colleges taking part in the scheme will provide additional support including staff awareness training. FESPA UK aims for interns to secure permanent positions at their respective companies at the end of the scheme. If either the intern or the employer decides not to proceed with employment, the intern will continue their college education, and the employer will have the opportunity to hire another young person taking part in the initiative. Employers across England and Wales have been encouraged to contact FESPA UK directly to register their interest in taking part in the initiative. All participants in the scheme will be awarded a FESPA UK recognition certificate at the conclusion of the internship. Sign Trade Supplies debuts new educational resource Sign Trade Supplies (STS) has launched a new educational resource for the signage industry, the Sign Industry Knowledge Base. The Knowledge Base is designed to be the industry’s go-to resource for helpful information on signage. On the site, information is provided about the latest sign materials, design tips, and facts about the best tools to use for different jobs. The resource, available to the industry via the STS website, gathers articles on a wide range of sign-related topics and will be consistently updated with new information and articles. Topics covered include sign materials and components, design for signage and vehicle wraps, and manufacturing and fabrication techniques. Also included in the resource will be installation and fixing solutions, industry regulations and compliance, sales strategies, and marketing tips. UK out-of-home reports “best ever year” Outsmart, the trade body for the out-ofhome (OOH) advertising industry, has announced that UK OOH revenue in 2024 was the highest ever recorded. According to Outsmart, overall OOH revenue for year end 2024 saw a growth of 7.7% year-on-year, with total revenues of £1.4bn, the highest calculated amount for the industry. The figures, collated by PwC, show that digital out-of-home (DOOH) grew by 10.2%, with classic OOH up by 3%. This means that DOOH’s share of total revenue is now at 66%, a slight increase from 65% in 2023. However, according to Outsmart, Q4 2024 revenue was impacted by some uncertainty and a dip in business and consumer confidence surrounding the Labour government’s October budget. Year-on-year, a 2.2% decline in overall Q4 revenues was reported, with total revenues of £387.3m. Outsmart has reported that this impact may continue into early 2025. Last year Outsmart reported that UK spending in OOH for 2024 had reached £1bn in December, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. Cross-party meeting held for the protection of neon A formal meeting took place in February with a cross-party parliamentary group on the legal protection of neon sign-making. Catherine and Tony Spink of Neon Creations were invited by the UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Craft to Portcullis House in London where they delivered a ten-minute presentation on preventing the misuse of the term 'neon sign' and other derivatives by companies that are selling LED alternatives and labelling them as neon. The meeting reportedly included representatives from the House of Commons and the House of Lords. According to Spink, who spoke about the meeting on LinkedIn: “Everyone agreed that something needs to be done. “Whether this be through legislation or a certification mark, changes will be happening one way or another as this misleading marketing has been going on for far too long. We were really pleased with the feedback we received on our presentation, so watch this space.” Since starting in January 2023, the Next Gen project has invited over 130 young professionals to industry and networking events Digital OOH revenue grew by 10.2% in 2024, now representing two thirds of all OOH revenue Neon Creations founders, Tony and Catherine Spink, have lobbied for better representation of traditional neon sign-making for several years By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert signlink signlinkmagazine
Canon UK appointed as Kongsberg distributor Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has appointed Canon UK to distribute its products across the UK. As of February 2025, Canon UK’s Large Format Graphics sector will promote Kongsberg cutting solutions in conjunction with its Arizona flatbed and Colorado roll-to-roll wide-format printers. All cutting tables distributed by Canon UK will be installed and serviced by Kongsberg’s dedicated UK team. In addition, Kongsberg PCS engineers will offer customers on-going technical, application, and maintenance support. As part of the agreement, a Kongsberg PCS X24 cutting table will also be showcased at Canon UK’s Birmingham Customer Experience Centre, aiming to give UK customers a chance to see how Kongsberg and Canon solutions can be integrated. Speaking about the new partnership, David Preskett, vice president (EMEA and APAC) at Kongsberg PCS, says: “Canon is known for its high-quality, ultra-productive print production systems, and this agreement is testament to Kongsberg’s ability to deliver market-leading cutting solutions that match those output capabilities. This agreement will increase our reach to print and converting businesses across the UK and Ireland and marks an important step in our established relationship with Canon.” Kongsberg’s cutting solutions include a range of tools specifically developed for the signage industry. Its core research and development facility is located in Kongsberg, Norway, with its main production facility located in Brno, Czech Republic. Other Kongsberg cutting solutions include its RotaCut Tool, which is specifically developed for cutting textiles, canvas, mesh, and other air transparent materials where the vacuum hold-down system of a cutting table is often less effective. Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems was established as a standalone business in 2021 after originally being founded in 1965 in Kongsberg, Norway UPM Raflatac purchase Metamark in £146m deal UPM Raflatac has acquired UK sign materials manufacturer, Metamark, in a deal worth a reported £146m. Manufacturer UPM Raflatac, which is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, has purchased Metamark to accelerate its growth into the graphics sector, particularly for its recently developed UPM Graphics unit. Metamark’s existing graphics business was also seen to strengthen UPM Raflatac’s overall competitiveness, significantly boosting the company’s market value. UPM Graphics is a new strategic self-adhesive business unit within UPM Raflatac which was formed when the company acquired AMC AG and its graphics business in 2022. The acquisition is part of a wider strategic decision by UPM to pursue global growth in graphics in recent years, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. Metamark provide a range of sign materials and vinyl for the sign-making and digital media industries Matic Media rebrands to Graphic Warehouse Matic Media Services has completed its transition to its new name, Graphic Warehouse, revealing a range of significant operational advancements and sustainability efforts alongside the revamp. The rebrand follows a £1.1m investment in a new facility alongside an update to its printing technology. Investments include a Liyu Platinum Q3 wide-format printer, as well as the installation of a line of solar panels on the roof, which reportedly generated over 500KW of energy in the first month of installation, despite it being winter. The company aims to significantly reduce its dependence on grid electricity as part of its wider sustainability goals. Pictured: The newly-renamed Graphic Warehouse facility in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire Tecna unveils new brand identity Modular event and exhibition display specialist, Tecna, has officially launched its new brand identity. The company’s previous red and grey branding has been replaced with a bold purple, magenta, and white design, with a more simplified text only logo. The website has also been fully revamped, with new videos, interactive elements, and graphics, all emphasising the company’s new brand colours. The rebrand follows the appointment of Robert Andersen as Tecna’s new head of creative in January. According to the company, the rebrand was made in response to the changing landscape of the exhibitions and events industry, where bold designs are a focus, and brands have to work harder to stand out. Tecna’s website has been fully revamped as part of the rebranding 8 Ocean Outdoor secures new contract for Piccadilly Lights Real estate investment trust, Landsec, has extended its partnership with Ocean Outdoor to manage the digital out-ofhome (DOOH) contract for Piccadilly Lights in London. Under the terms of the new longterm agreement, Ocean will continue to manage content for the 783.5m2 DOOH screen into the 2030s. Long term partners of Picadilly Lights include Coca-Cola and Samsung. Ocean has also announced that it plans to work with Landsec to elevate The Venue, the event space which sits beneath the Piccadilly Lights screen. The Venue, originally called Below the Lights before a rebrand by Landsec, is often used to extend DOOH campaigns into in-person experiences. For L’Oreal Paris’s Worth It Experience, Paris Fashion Show was streamed on the Piccadilly Lights screen Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk BUSINESS / NEWS By Jonathan Pert signlink signlinkmagazine
APPLICATIONS / NEWS 12 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 Tesla dubbed “Swasticar” in out-of-home actionist campaign The actions of billionaire owner of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk, have been likened to fascism in an outof-home (OOH) project from a UK activist group. During the inauguration celebrations of American president Donald Trump, Musk twice gave a one-armed salute akin to the ‘Sieg Heil’ salute of the Nazi Party. Supporters later claimed that the gesture was a ‘Roman salute’, with Musk saying on his self-owned social media platform, X: “The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired." In response, an OOH poster mocking Musk and Tesla has appeared in Bethnal Green, East London, with the slogan: “Goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds,” along with a picture of Musk saluting from the rally. In the same billboard, Musk’s Tesla vehicles are dubbed “The Swasticar,” with people encouraged to stop purchasing the luxury electric vehicle brand. The campaign is the work of a UK activist group called ‘Everyone Hates Elon’. A video the organisation posted of a man in high-vis clothing erecting the sign has garnered millions of likes and views. Everyone Hates Elon also installed a sign on a London underground train, with the photo of Musk saluting alongside a graph representing Tesla’s falling stock price. A caption reads: “Hate doesn’t sell. Just ask Tesla.” Between December 2024 and March 2025, the stock price of Tesla fell from a high of $479.86 (£379.39) to a low of $222.15 (£172.12), although this is still higher than the low of $142.05 (£110.08) reached in April of 2024. New DOOH network targets “luxury developments” ABODE Media, a newly-formed digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising network announced its UK launch in partnership with car manufacturer, FIAT. The network showcased a new limited-edition FIAT 500e ‘Armani’ car model across a range of London locations including Battersea, Soho, The Strand, Chelsea, and Canary Wharf. The campaign was designed to coincide with London Fashion Week, as a nod to the Armani fashion brand. ABODE has been created with a focus on targeting what it labels as premium residential developments. The company has already installed over 100 screens in residential areas where the average household income is over £121,000. By Jonathan Pert Astra Group secures six-figure signage contract Signage solutions provider, Astra Group, has secured a contract to deliver the signage for Arnold Clark’s network of ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs. The reported six-figure brief includes delivering signage for over 500 chargers at 100+ EV hubs across the UK, all part of the Arnold Clark Charge network. The contract is part of Arnold Clark’s wider plans to create a nationwide network of ultra-rapid EV charge points. The vehicle retailer, currently Europe's largest independent, family run car company with over 200 car dealerships in Scotland and England, has reportedly invested £23m to date into the scheme. Work to design, manufacture, and install of the signage is already underway, with the work having started in 2024. The target completion date is Spring/Summer of 2025. Among the products Astra Group has already produced to date are 102 dual-purpose canopies, designed to provide users with weather protection while also displaying information on how to activate the EV chargers. FASTSIGNS celebrate Birmingham sports star with new plaque A Birmingham signage company has helped Basketball England unveil a plaque for a local sports star in Hamstead. The plaque, which was unveiled at the newly refurbished basketball court at Hamstead Playing Fields, was created by FASTSIGNS Birmingham to celebrate the achievements of basketballer, Myles Hesson, a native of Hamstead. The 1m x 1m plaque created by FASTSIGNS features a commemorative message, designed to memorialise Hesson’s impact on the community. In order for it to withstand outdoor conditions and general wear and tear, the plaque was created using flat cut aluminium, overlaid with cut vinyl letters, and mounted to the fence using a stainless-steel channel. UK activist group, Everyone Hates Elon, is behind the OOH campaign By Jonathan Pert FASTSIGNS Birmingham’s services include custom signs, building signs, digital signage, vehicle signage, and car wraps ABODE Media plans to extend to 650 screens by the end of the year signlink signlinkmagazine As of 2024, less than 10% of the UK’s EV charging units are classed as ultra-rapid (150kW or higher)
14 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS Mimaki launches two new textile printers Mimaki has announced the launch of two new direct-to-textile (DTT) printers, the Mimaki Tx330-1800 and Tx3301800B. The new DTT solutions will be introduced to the UK market by Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s distributor for the UK and Ireland, later this year. The Tx330 series has been designed to print on a variety of materials with minimal wastewater. The machines work in contrast to many textile printing processes that require pre- and post-processing equipment, aiming to streamline production into a more space-efficient solution. The Tx330-1800 allows for printing on both fabric and paper in one machine, supporting the production of both textile signage and interior fabrics. Mimaki says the Tx3301800B uses a belt conveyor to print on fabrics with varying thicknesses and elasticity, designed to produce short-run and varied apparel in small spaces such as offices, schools, and retail stores. Both printers are equipped with dual ink set capability, allowing operators to switch between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks. Unlike conventional dye inks, the solutions offer a simplified and combined printing and heat fixation procedure. This aims to eliminate the need for facilities for water supply, drainage, and wastewater treatment. The procedure has also been developed with easeof-use in mind, reducing the dyeing expertise needed to operate the machines. Recently Hybrid Services added two new authorised partners to its existing channel of Mimaki resellers. The company has appointed Colourbyte in England and Trimwel in Ireland to its channel, bolstering an established network of reseller partners which already includes Soyang Hardware, CMYUK, and Signmaster Systems. The Tx330-1800 hybrid model enables printing on both fabric and paper Inkcups’ Nano Pin Curing technology released to market Direct-to-object (DTO) print manufacturer, Inkcups, has announced the commercial availability of its Nano Pin Curing technology for the Helix range of cylindrical DTO UV printers. The patent-pending technology debuted at the PRINTING United Alliance trade show in September 2024, receiving a PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award in the technology category at the event. The technology enables printing on transparent cylindrical vessels such as glassware, clear plastic bottles, wine and spirit bottles, candle holders, and assorted drinkware without the need to first fill the vessel with a UV-blocking substance or stuffing agent. The removal of this process aims to reduce production time and maintain a sterile environment on the inside of the bottle. The Nano Pin Curing technology was first demonstrated at PRINTING United Alliance 2025 KGK Genix expands into small-format printing Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK has partnered with design and print specialist KGK Genix, to add small-format print production to the company’s in-house offerings. Chiefly known for its retail graphics and display activations, KGK Genix has expanded its offerings to include a range of brand projects such as corporate brochures and packaging designs. Konica Minolta supplied and installed an AccurioPress C12000 at KGK Genix’s recently expanded production facility in Essex, as part of the company’s new production line. Along with finishing equipment from Morgana, KGK Genix’s investment in the C12000 enables it to control small-format jobs on-site, delivering a new revenue stream alongside its core wide-format production. [L to R] Hayden Cooper and Kyle Plumridge, from KGK Genix with the new Konica Minolta press Fine art printer installs swissQprint to boost output Fine art specialist, Harwood King Printmakers, has installed a new swissQprint Nyala 4 at its production facility, to handle growing demand for high quality fine art prints. The family-owned East Sussex-based firm first installed the machine at the start of January. Harwood King has opted for a six-colour white, varnish, and orange version of the Nyala 4 incorporating six-inch diameter roll-to-roll shafts. The version was chosen by the business to more accurately handle thicker paper stocks designed for the fine art market. The Harwood King team first saw the Nyala 4 at a visit to swissQprint’s demonstration site in Bracknell. Harwood King’s managing director, Casper Harwood-King, was impressed by the machine’s quality, flexibility, and efficiency. Casper Harwood-King, managing director of Harwood King Printmakers, with the newly-installed Nyala 4 MUTOH releases new roll-to-roll printer MUTOH Europe has announced the release of the HydrAton 1642, a 64-inch roll-to-roll printer featuring its latest water-based UV technology. First showcased at drupa 2024, the HydrAton 1642 utilises a new ‘AQUAFUZE’ UV-curable ink technology. AQUAFUZE has been designed to adhere to a wider range of substrates including non-porous materials, without the need for primers or adhesion promoters. The ink film has been developed to offer high scratch resistance without requiring an overcoat, making it ideal for wallpapers, retail décor, indoor signage, and public space applications. The printer is powered by MUTOH’s VerteLith RIP software and includes a range of automation features. The HydrAton 1642 operates at relatively low temperatures of 30°C to 50°C By Jonathan Pert signlink signlinkmagazine
16 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS New hardware from Epson, including first DTF printer Epson has announced the release of its first directto-film (DTF) printer, the SC-G6000, marking its strategic entry into the DTF market. Epson’s development of the SC-G6000 was reportedly in direct response to market demand with what the company sees as an increasing preference for DTF over conventional textile and garment printing techniques such as DTG, heat transfers, and screen printing. Epson has billed the new roll-to-roll DTF solution as “a strong alternative in the marketplace”. The new press comes with an automated fabric wiping system, which is designed to eliminate the need for regular manual maintenance unlike traditional systems that often require manual cleaning. Also announced recently by Epson was the SureColor S7100 wide-format printer and a new direct-to-fabric digital textile printer designed for jacquard fabrics, the Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ. The SureColor S7100 builds upon the previously released SC-S40600, which has reportedly sold over 11,000 units globally. The press, which uses UltraChrome G3 inks, comes with an upgraded PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead to facilitate faster printing and an expanded print width in a single pass in comparison to previous models. The printhead upgrades translates to an increase in the number of nozzles from 360 to 400. The ML-16000JQ prints with a resolution of up to 1200dpi and a maximum print width of 180cm. The solution aims to meet the needs of fashion designers looking to enhance their creativity by integrating print designs with intricate woven patterns. By Jonathan Pert HP has announced a range of new wide-format solutions, which have been unveiled for the first time at the HP Amplify Conference 2025. The Amplify Conference, which opened on March 18th in Nashville, USA, delved into AI's transformative impact on the future of work, employee fulfilment, customer experiences, and company growth. HP used the event to launch a range of new solutions to market – among these was the HP Latex R530 printer, a compact, all-in-one solution designed to enable rigid and flexible printing. The R530 aims to simplify rigid printing without the potential space constraints or high investment costs of traditional flatbeds. It features a hybrid design, HP Latex Inks, and HP’s latest Pixel Control technology, designed with ease of use and sustainability in mind. The press boasts automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning which are designed to reduce maintenance costs, as well as a single-phase power system to enable easier installation in constrained spaces. HP launches a range of wide-format solutions at annual conference Signage company, Tri Signs, has purchased a Veloblade Nexus digital cutting table from Vivid Laminating Technologies, citing the solution’s competitive pricing, and low running costs. Starting in a small workshop, the company has since expanded into larger, more modern premises and invested in additional equipment including two large-format printers. Tri Signs primarily serves the housing market, producing and installing development signage such as stack signs, hoardings, marketing suites, and health and safety signage across the UK, from their base in Hampshire. According to Vivid, outsourcing complex cutting jobs became a major bottleneck for Tri Signs as the company expanded. Increasing demands for folded trays, monoliths, and cut letters meant relying on third-party suppliers. The team reportedly recognised that investing in a cutter was essential to maintain competitive pricing and meet delivery expectations. Tri Signs installs Veloblade Nexus from Vivid Liyu England announces new printers Liyu England has announced new devices within its X Line range with a new Hybrid UV printer, UV flatbed, eco solvent roll printer, and digital cutting table. The latter three releases come after the February launch of the X Line Hybrid, a 2.1m hybrid printer which offers 2400dpi resolution, 5pl drop size, and compatibility with a number of inks and nearly ‘unlimited’ substrates. The latest additions to the range are the X Line Flatbed Printer (2512 and 3020), the X Line Digital Cutting Machine, and the X Line Eco Solvent Roll Printer. The flatbed printer is available in two sizes – the 2512, which is 2.5m x 1.2m, and 3020, which is 3m x 2m. Liyu England says the latter includes advanced Ricoh Gen6 printheads for sharp, high-quality output. The new X Line Solvent Roll Printer has been built for print professionals looking for speed, precision, and reliability. The new presses and cutter are now available through Liyu England as well as its resellers Atech and Perfect Colours. The X Line Hybrid UV printer was announced in February By David Osgar signlink signlinkmagazine
ENVIRONMENT / NEWS 20 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 Moss UK release ‘industryfirst’ carbon calculator Moss UK has launched a new Carbon Calculator tool which provides a detailed carbon emissions report for each graphics and branding project commissioned by its clients. The Carbon Calculator, which is reportedly the first of its kind for the UK wide-format industry, will be provided at no extra cost. The tool aims to precisely calculate the carbon emissions of each material, vehicle, and installation process used in every one of its print projects. Clients will be given detailed summaries of their project’s entire emissions footprint from the outset, facilitating the evaluation of potential alternatives. The tool calculates the impact of each material selected, its printing, installation, and transportation, all expressed in CO2e. As part of the development of the tool, data has been mapped to Moss UK’s material stock system, which has been independently checked and verified by sustainability consultants, Green Circle Solutions. The carbon emissions report is designed to ensure clients have the necessary Scope 3 data required by government carbon reporting regulations, rather than the companies having to spend additional finance to produce this information themselves. Moss UK aims to use the Carbon Calculator to both raise awareness of sustainable solutions and initiate new conversations about how to reduce carbon emissions across branding and print projects. In its statement on the release of the tool, Moss highlights the carbon benefits of using solutions such as its SustainaTex Ocean and SustainaBacklit materials, made from recycled ocean plastic, compared to virgin products. It is hoped that the carbon calculator tool will highlight sustainable solutions such as these. Recently Moss has also acquired Rocket Graphics, a UK-based large-format printer serving creative agencies and live event organisers. Launched 25 years ago, Rocket Graphics focuses on providing eco-friendly graphic solutions for exhibitions and events. Michael Green, managing director of Moss UK, will lead the combined business with Rocket Graphics director and co-founder, Tim Porter, joining the senior management team as group account director. Commenting on the purchase, Green says: “These two businesses make for a great strategic fit – a shared passion for transforming our environmental legacy, imaginative and creative teams, and a customer-centred ethos that make us a trusted partner in our fast-paced, fast-moving industry. “We look forward to welcoming Tim, our new colleagues, and our new clients to Moss”. Kavalan materials tested in new strategic partnership Kavalan, a manufacturer of PVC-free wide-format materials has shared details of its strategic partnership with Matic, a manufacturer of cutting, welding, and sewing equipment for the textile manufacturing sector. Kavalan’s range of banner materials, which were recently granted a protective patent, are designed as an environmentally friendly alternative for the advertising materials market. They feature a composite layer structure which provides fireproofing, waterproofing, and ink absorption capabilities, designed to ensure performance while reducing environmental impact. A base layer is made of high-density polyester fibres to provide high tensile strength. The product is also designed to not produce toxic emissions when incinerated and is suited for waste-to-energy conversion processes. As part of the tests of the materials, a Matic Perseo 4000 Impulse welding machine was used to weld Kavalan’s sunlight weldable and industrial fabric. Additionally, a Cronos 4.0 sewing machine was used to sew Kavalan’s Moonlight River material. By Jonathan Pert Antalis’ sustainable substrate used for Net Zero Festival Antalis has revealed how its ‘environmentally responsible’ Xanita Print material was used at the Net Zero Festival 2024. The festival, which took place in October of 2024, brought together thousands of senior business executives, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and campaigners over two days to explore how companies can work together to accelerate industry transitions to net zero emissions. Creative wide-format printer, Onward Display, which is located inside London’s Business Design Centre (BDC) where the Net Zero Festival was held, was tasked with producing a variety of signage and wayfinding solutions for visitors. Both Moss UK and the wider Moss Group have released official statements committing to sourcing sustainable materials, minimising wastage, and seeking carbon savings Pictured: Pascal Goiran, area manager at Matic, with a Matic Perseo 4000 welding machine signlink signlinkmagazine Xanita Print reportedly has good moisture and humidity strength in indoor environments
21 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 email: sales@signlink.co.uk
22 EVENTS / NEWS Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk New industry event, The Sign Show, has announced details of a special feature ahead of its debut later this year – the ‘School of Wrap’. Free to access, this area, located at the heart of The Sign Show 2025, will cover everything from vehicle wrapping to architectural wraps, offering valuable insight into these markets. While the full timetable will be revealed closer to the event, visitors can look forward to live demonstrations from wrapping specialists, Q&A sessions with industry experts, as well as the opportunity to try out wrapping vehicles, furniture, and various other items first-hand. The School of Wrap will be hosted in partnership with several wrapping specialists. CVi Group, a provider of industry-specific training programmes and contract labour within the wrapping sector, will be leading the vehicle graphics area, while All Print Supplies and Space Architectural Interior Films will showcase opportunities in architectural wrapping. In addition, FESPA UK will support the area through its Waste Accreditation initiative, the industry standard for print, signage, and graphics in the UK. FESPA UK will be on hand to recycle any waste material that is generated from the demos and hands-on experience taking place across the area. “The School of Wrap will serve as the centrepiece of what is shaping up to be an incredible debut event,” says The Sign Show event director, Chris Davies, adding: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with some of the leading names in UK wrapping talent and opening visitors’ eyes to opportunities within this creative sector. “It is also fantastic to have the support of FESPA UK and their Waste Accreditation initiative, showing that sign businesses can carry out wrapping work and are able to hit their sustainable goals.” Valuable Insight Vehicle wrapping highlights at the inaugural edition of the School of Wrap include sessions on wrapping theory, such as preparation, film capabilities, and the key factors to consider, as well as a closer look at the particular properties of vehicle wrap film. Visitors will also gain insight into installspecific tools and vehicle preparation methods, as well as the opportunity to view live demonstrations of tricky applications including wing mirrors. As for architectural wrapping, highlights include an introduction to the sector and the many opportunities for growth, a look at the type of products used in these applications, and expert advice on what tools to use. Attendees can also learn about substrates and preparing surfaces for wrapping, and view live demonstrations of specialist corner finishing. THE SIGN SHOW TO HOST ‘SCHOOL OF WRAP’ School of Wrap will be hosted in collaboration with leading wrapping specialists CVi Group, All Print Supplies, and Space Architectural Interior Films, as well as FESPA UK ▼ CVi Group, All Print Supplies, Space Architectural Interior Films, and FESPA UK will run the area signlink signlinkmagazine
23 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk EVENTS / NEWS Driving the Industry Forward Commenting on the new feature, Scott Davis, sales director of All Print Supplies, one of several experts who will be on hand throughout, says it will help to educate people about opportunities in wrapping. “The Sign Show is a fantastic platform for collaboration, learning, and networking, and we are proud to be part of an event that continues to drive the industry forward,” Davis says. Tiffany Parkin, architectural manager at SPACE Architectural Interiors, adds: “This event is all about celebrating innovation, creativity, and the latest advancements in architectural signage and interior branding – something we’re truly passionate about. We’re excited to collaborate with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to an event that continues to drive the sector forward.” Chris Edwards, director at CVi Group, will also be in attendance, showcasing his skills in vehicle wrapping. He says: “For me, it’s about helping educate people that don’t have the knowledge but want to learn, or those that feel they should know more but are not confident enough to ask for help. We want to spread the word on our industry to get younger people coming through.” Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK, and Jon Hutton, director at FESPA UK, add: “We are delighted to support The Sign Show and this exciting feature. As part of our ongoing Waste Accreditation initiative, we will work closely with the show to capture and responsibly dispose of material waste generated throughout the School of Wrap.” The School of Wrap will serve as the centrepiece of what is shaping up to be an incredible debut event Scott Davis, sales director, All Print Supplies Chris Edwards, director, CVi Group Jon Hutton, director, FESPA UK Tiffany Parkin, architectural manager, SPACE Architectural Interiors Suzi Ward, managing director, FESPA UK The School of Wrap will be a dedicated area allowing visitors from all backgrounds to learn about wrapping. Covering everything from vehicles to architectural wraps, the School of Wrap will offer valuable insight into some of the most vibrant areas of the industry. In partnership with leading wrapping specialists CVi Group, All Print Supplies, and SPACE Architectural Interiors, as well as with the support of industry association FESPA UK. ▼ The School of Wrap will cover both vehicle and architectural wrapping
UNDER THE HOOD / MIMAKI CJV200 24 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk With the growing attention to waterbased inks for signage and display applications, now even including UV, it’s easy to overlook the fact that solvent and eco-solvent printers are still very much around and represent the backbone – and indeed the starting point – of many small sign shops, with low entry costs, long-proven technology, and an improving environmental story to tell as inks and PVC-free media continue to develop. This is the space that established Japanese printer manufacturer Mimaki, and its UK and Ireland exclusive distributor, Hybrid Services, is targeting with the CJV200 line of print-and-cut machines, launched in the UK at last year’s Print Show, and validated by more recent launches from its competitors. The company said at the September 2024 launch that the new model is designed to be more accessible to printers of varying levels of experience in terms of operation and maintenance, while also bringing some new functions and offering a choice of ink sets. Target applications for the CJV200 include vinyl banners, stickers, signs, vehicle graphics, window graphics, and other wide-format applications. Mechanically the CJV200 is a roll-to-roll print-and-cut machine available in three variants that support printable widths of 80, 137, and 161cm, the latter two billed as 1.3 and 1.6m respectively. Mimaki says that the new models use the same piezoelectric printhead assembly as its more productive CJV330 series models. This offers a range of resolutions from 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200dpi, with drop sizes down to 3pl, allowing speed and quality to be traded off according to the work in hand. The single printhead design is said to simplify maintenance, requiring less time to be spent on cleaning and subsequent adjustment. Mimaki’s Dot Adjustment System adjusts automatically for different media types, again saving time when changing media in the typical job mix likely to be found in smaller sign shops where one printer has to do a bit of everything. Further ease-of-use features that are new with the CJV200 include a wide-opening cover for easy access to the printhead and an upwards-facing control panel for easier viewing and operation. The CJV200 printers are complemented by a choice of ink sets. There is the BS4 Taking a look at the Mimaki CJV200 A recent addition to Mimaki’s range of roll-to-roll printers is the CVJ200, an entrylevel solvent print-and-cut machine that aims to combine attractive pricing with ease of use, productivity and print quality. Michael Walker takes a look Michael Walker is a trade journalist, technical writer, and editor with over 37 years’ experience in the print, prepress, photography, and digital imaging sectors, with a particular interest in the digital transformation of processes. In addition to editing Desktop Publishing Today and Digital Printer magazines, he is co-author with Neil Barstow of Getting Colour Right (Ilex Press, 2004) and Practical Colour Management for Photographers and Digital Image Makers (2009, self-published e-book) and winner of a Communicators in Business Gold Award.
‘light’ colours can improve tonal rendering in subtle graduations such as skin tones, avoiding graininess, in both colour and greyscale images. The orange ink should not only help hit brand colours in that part of the spectrum but will add depth and vibrancy to reds and adjacent hues in general. Mimaki also claims ‘minimal streaking and unevenness in solid colours’ via its MAPS4 (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) technology. In terms of raw productivity, Mimaki quotes standard output at up to 17sq m/h. That means 600 x 1200dpi with six-pass printing in regular four-colour mode. Maximum speed is 22sq m/h at 600 x 1200dpi with four passes, while top quality at 1200 x 1200dpi maximum resolution and six passes gets you 10.1sq m/h. All these figures are for the 1.6m largest model with two sets of CMYK inks loaded; all of them are halved in eight-colour mode. Standard media handling on the CJV200 accommodates rolls of up 180mm diameter, weighing up to 25kg. A 45kg adapter is available as an option, as is a bulk ink supply, though machines in this category are not typically used to run unattended overnight printing, for example. All Cut Up On the cutting side, the CJV200 offers a maximum cutting speed of 300mm/s and cut force of between 10 and 450g. This supports kiss-cutting for labels and stickers, while through cutting reasonably heavy vinyls and similar materials. An overall accuracy of ±0.2mm is quoted, which should be quite sufficient even for smaller items such as stickers. Included with the printer is Simple Create software which allows template-based design and set-up of common items such as labels, stickers, and wobblers. This is complemented by Mimaki’s RasterLink 7 RIP, which handles PDF and other common file formats and Mimaki FineCut, which works with the RIP to integrate the design, print, and cut processes into one workflow. FineCut can work with layered Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or PDF files to recognise, extract and execute vector-based cutting paths, either immediately after printing or following a separate finishing process such as lamination, with orientation and alignment automatically checked via a standard CMYK set, supplied in 600ml cartridges, which is aimed at the most cost-conscious operations. It is priced to compete with third-party inks, while meeting Mimaki’s warranty conditions. There is also a new expanded gamut set that adds light cyan, light magenta, orange, and light black to the standard process colours. Called SS22, the new ink has been developed from the existing SS21 ink which Mimaki claims has achieved the industry’s highest level of outdoor weather resistance. SS22 ink is free of increasingly tightly-regulated ingredients such as GBL (gamma-butyrolactone, used in some illegal drugs) and is supplied in 440ml cartridges, made using a paper-based design to reduce the plastic content. The additional 25 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk UNDER THE HOOD / MIMAKI CJV200 CJV200-75 CJV200-130 CJV200-160 Max. Media Width 810mm 1,371mm 1,620mm Print/Cut Width 800mm 1,361mm 1,610mm Inks Mimaki SS22 Sustainable Ink: CMYK, Lc, Lm, Lk, Orange (440ml cardboard cartridge) Mimaki BS4 Budget Solvent Ink: CMYK (600ml ink pack) Print Head On-demand piezo head Print Resolutions Y: 600, 900, 1,200dpi X: 600, 1,200dpi Print Speeds (based on CJV200-160) High Speed: 22.0 sq m/h Standard: 17.0 sq m/h Quality: 12.5 sq m/h High Quality: 10.1 sq m/h Statistics
UNDER THE HOOD / MIMAKI CJV200 26 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk newly-added barcoding function. There is also a variable ink saving function that Mimaki says can cut ink consumption by up to 50% while maintaining overall colour balance, though overall density and colour saturation are typically traded off. This can be accessed with only a couple of clicks in the RIP software. The printer can also be connected to PICT, Mimaki’s Cloud-based monitoring and management software. Prices start from £7495 plus VAT for the 80cm model and are £10,995 and £11,995 respectively for the 1.3 and 1.6m versions. These are all based on a £2000 trade-in on a qualifying device; the pitch is that replacing an older machine that may be nearing the end of its life buys you Mimaki quality and reliability, with similar consumable costs to third-party inks if you opt for the BS4 inks, or the extended colour capabilities with the S22 ink set. The CJV200 also benefits from a twoyear warranty (extendable to three years) via UK and Ireland Mimaki exclusive distributor Hybrid Services, which also reports a high level of demand since the printer’s introduction. If you’re looking for a more capable printand-cut machine that can meet seasonal peaks in demand and which offers some extra capabilities in the colour and quality department that might expand your service repertoire into more lucrative areas, then the Mimaki CJ200 range is certainly worth a close look. The company said at the September 2024 launch that the new model is designed to be more accessible to printers of varying levels of experience in terms of operation and maintenance
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT / NOVA ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS Founded in 2005 by Paul Harvey, Nova Aluminium Systems was formed from extensive experience within production and design to provide improved systems for signage and glazing. Having been involved in the design of many industry-standard systems across the country, Nova give its founders the platform to go back to the drawing board and implement feedback from installers and users in order to make aluminium systems that are more modern and easier to fabricate. Having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and gained recognition at The Sign Industry Awards, SignLink takes a look at this supplier of essential sign-making materials. Quality Customer Service Nova was originally formed by Paul Harvey, recent winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award at The Sign Industry Awards, who with Paul Vickery and three other directors created a solid foundation of experience in sales, purchasing, accounts, and processing. Following the departure of the other directors, and the early retirement of Vickery, Harvey continued to helm the ship though the aftermath of the pandemic and reshape Nova to the business it is today. Primarily focusing on providing aluminium signage systems that cater to sign-makers and printers, the company’s flagship offerings include illuminated lightboxes, rigid panel frames, overhead lighting systems, flex systems, as well as internal signage systems, including a range of soft signage extrusions. Lisa Sperring, sales and marketing manager at Nova, who has been with the company since the early days of its formation, says: “Our expertise extends beyond signage to designing, extruding, and stocking bespoke aluminium extrusions for various applications. “As a fully integrated operation, we handle manufacturing, powder coating, and delivery in-house, ensuring quality and reliability at every stage.” Recently the company has made significant investments in its operations in order to expand its products and ensure production can happen in-house. In 2023, Nova invested in a powder coating facility that featured the longest oven in the Bristol area. “This upgrade has significantly reduced lead times by allowing us to maintain full control of production processes,” says Sperring. In 2024, the company added a 3m x 2m flatbed CNC router and a blind rivet machine to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Nova renovated its offices with new desks and PCs, in order to reflect its commitment to providing a modern and efficient workplace for its staff. “The addition of Paul Harvey’s sons, Ben and Jamie, has injected fresh energy into the business,” adds Sperring. She A Blend of Experience, Innovation, and Customer Focus 28 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 www.signlink.co.uk In line with its 20th anniversary, SignLink speaks to Lisa Sperring, sales and marketing manager at Nova Aluminium Systems, about the company’s beliefs, history, and offerings By simplifying designs and processes, we help customers save time and resources without compromising on results
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