Returning to the NEC Birmingham from 24 to 26 April 2018, the industry leading trade show will once again bring a range of innovative technologies and equipment aimed at the visual communications sector.
The 2018 show theme, Creativity Brought to Life, will see the event’s legacy of innovation continue; presenting visitors with new interactive features, an enhanced free-to-attend seminar programme and practical live demonstrations showcasing the latest technologies, products and services.
Sign & Digital UK will give visitors the opportunity to gain industry insight from experts and inspirational speakers including celebrity retail consultant, Mary Portas.
Event director, Rudi Blackett, said: “If you are looking for ways to stand out from the competition, Sign & Digital UK 2018 is a business-critical event.”
Here is a preview of the many product launches and prize giveaways you can expect to see at this year’s event.
Product launches and showcases
Antalis (L10)
The Antalis stand will be modelled as a luxury retail store with a spring theme and will showcase Antalis’ full portfolio of visual communications solutions through a tasteful seasonal design. The ‘store’ will be split into three distinct collections – vehicle and wrapping, POS and signage and décor – designed to showcase Antalis’ full range of rigid and flexible media in application.
Bergman / Art Neon (G42)
Bergman / Art Neon will display the new LED Neon Flex on Stand G42. A high flexibility, professional solution for indoor and outdoor use with horizontal and vertical bending, high dust and waterproof protection (IP67) and high UV and salt resistance.
CADlink (E42)
CADlink will bring a newly updated version of the Digital Factory RIP printing software to the SDUK show, featuring direct to garment editions and release a newly updated version of the EngraveLab software for the engraving market.
CMYUK (J10)
CMYUK (J10) will be showcasing the Massivit 1800 3D printer – a 3D printer of unique size capability, and of commercial speed performance that the company says is “unrivalled”. The Massivit 3D printer will enable specialists within the format graphic display market place the opportunity to create huge high-impact models.
Colourgen (L40)
Colourgen (L40) will feature the Mutoh’s LED UV printers, the ValueJet 426UF (A3+) and ValueJet 1638UH (64” flatbed and roll to roll). Its printer demonstrations will show just how diverse and profitable the applications can be using this technology – from art to awards, industrial applications, consumer gadgets and more.
Corel Theatre (D44)
Corel will showcase CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2018, the latest version of Corel’s industry-leading design collection, packed with powerful features and highly anticipated updates to help graphics professionals transform their creative ideas into professional, visually stunning designs.
D&K Europe Ltd (A40)
D&K Europe Ltd is celebrating over 30 years in the European market, and is due to bring the new B3 Neptune laminator and the latest double-sided Neptune PB to the SDUK show this year.
D&K Europe Ltd will also launch a new range of digital foils for use with automated laminating machines. The initial range will include Gold, Silver, Blue and Magenta and will be available in a variety of widths. These will be demonstrated on laminators at the A40 stand.
EPTANOVA (K34)
Eptanova will showcase its Light Diffusing Ink, a product for screen printing on optically transparent glass, PC and PMMA panels that is visible only through a dedicated LED illumination. The potential of this product and its practical applications will be of particular interest to signage and décor industries.
Eurobond Adhesives Ltd (G66)
Eurobond Adhesives Ltd will launch the MagneTape range of self-adhesive backed magnetic tapes for mounting printed media in retail, POS, warehousing and offices.
Grafityp UK Ltd (J30)
GRAFITYP UK Ltd will showcase the Océ Colorado 1640, which is a 64″ roll-to-roll wide format printer built on the revolutionary new Canon UVgel technology. The Océ Colorado 1640 boasts excellent printing capabilities, with speeds up to 159m2/hr for applications such as billboards and outdoor banners.
Hybrid Services Ltd (E10)
For the first time ever, Hybrid will be showing the entire range of Mimaki’s UCJV Series LED UV printer/ cutters, with both the UCJV300 and UCJV150 on display together at the exhibition. Mimaki’s key solvent printers and printer / cutters will also play a starring role with a number of innovative and popular systems on display.
InkTec/Jetrix (G22 & H20)
InkTec, a leading international manufacturer of printers, inks and media, will showcase its ground breaking JETRIX LXi8 LED-UV flatbed printer and also the latest addition to the JETRIX portfolio – the KX6U-LED. These innovative printers will sit alongside some stunning new additions to its range of consumables.
I-Sub (J36) & Josero (C22)
I-Sub will showcase the new Agfa Anapurna H1650i LED. With the ability to print onto virtually any material at high speed, as well as photographic quality, this machine is guaranteed to benefit any production room.
ITC Ltd (E50)
ITC Ltd will debut 1001 Series – a single flute router manufactured from an ultra-wear resistant micro-grain carbide. The 1001 Series is a balanced tool for use on high frequency spindles that are commonplace on modern digital cutting tables.
Alongside the 1001 Series will be an innovative line of knife and blade tools, extended with new cutting geometries being added for the efficient cutting of vinyl, corrugated board, foam board and other materials.
Keencut Limited (L30)
UK manufacturer Keencut will launch its new sign cutter, the Excalubur 3S, at Sign & Digital UK. The new product is a junior version of the company’s market-leading Steel Trak. The Excalibur 3S is designed to cut PVC foamboard up to 13mm and Dibond up to 3mm and can score Plexiglas up to 6mm.
Listawood Trade Supplies (G36)
Listawood Trade Supplies will launch a selection of new products and technology; all designed with sublimation decoration in mind. Showcasing an extended collection of Duraglaze sublimation mugs at the exhibition, sublimation decorators are invited to view 50 different styles featured in Listawood’s new collection.
Modular Grid Signs.com (C14)
Modular Grid Signs will have a beautifully illuminated, light-focused stand where they will launch Modular Grid Signs; a new and innovative form of Business Signage.
Quality Print Services (K2)
Quality Print Services will run a live Nazdar Ink Answers event, joined by experts from Nazdar Ink Technologies, where visitors will be welcome to ask questions about inkjet inks, applications and machines. QPS will also be offering a free introductory ink cartridge to new customers who register at the show.
RA Smart (C11)
RA Smart is launching the brand new Impres digital printing solution which comprises of industry leading technologies from MS, JK Group and Caldera. The new solution is specifically aimed at the dye sublimation and soft signage sector, for customers looking to invest in a solution which provides impressive levels of productivity and reliability. RA Smart will also launch REXframe into the UK market – an innovative silicone edge graphic signage system.
Stadur (K50)
Stadur will showcase the VISCOM MAGNETIC, a lightweight foam board. This new product consists of VISCOM SIGN SF with a magnetic foil on one side. The magnetic side allows the adherence of ferrous paper/ foil and is therefore suitable for easily exchangeable advertisements and long-standing applications, especially for shop design.
Prize Draws
• CADlink (E42) will run a prize draw to win a free software license. Simply drop off a business card or fill in a form at the CADlink stand for the chance to win.
• CMYUK (J10) will give away 1,000 Material Sample Binders for free.
• Eurobond Adhesives Ltd (G66) will host a business card draw. One lucky winner will receive an iPad.
• Justprint Ltd (E72) plans to offer a special discount to anyone who makes an online registration at cheapestbanners.co.uk during Sign & Digital UK.
• Roland DG (H30) will run a prize draw to win three exclusive prizes:
First prize: Win an exclusive Renault Sport Formula One Team experience for two during the 2018 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix (26th – 29th July). The package will include an additional insight with the team’s head of paint and graphics on Thursday evening. Flights and hotel accommodation included.
Second prize: Win an exclusive Renault Sport Formula One Team experience for two during the 2018 Formula 1 Rolex British Grand Prix (8th July 2018). Parking and overnight stay at Whittlebury Hall included.
Third prize: Money can’t buy signed memorabilia plus a VIP factory tour and lunch for two.
Live Demonstration Sessions
Automatic Letter Bender (C52)
Automatic Letter Bender will hold a letter bending demonstration using the ALB- 02 Combo machine. Automatic Letter Bender will also showcase the accuracy and precision of the CNC Router Black Series MTC with hybrid servo machine with a metal cutting demonstration.
Textile Printing Live in partnership with Hybrid Services (D11)
Textile Printing Live has been designed to respond to the design industry’s ever-increasing interest in printing textiles. SDUK visitors will be able to try their hand at creating printed textile products that they can personalise and take home.
Onyx Graphics (G30)
Onyx Graphics will run sessions to help printers increase profit margins, reduce waste and improve their understanding of print workflow techniques using the Onyx HUB as a solution.
Vehicle Wrapping Live in partnership with Spandex (E32)
Vehicle Wrapping Live Spandex will host wrapping demonstrations throughout the show. Visitors will be able to see and ‘have a go’ at wrapping with a wide range of colours and textures from 3M, Avery Dennison, ORAFOL, Arlon and ImagePerfect.
Décor Live in partnership with Antalis (L12)
Covering vinyl, wallcovering and magnetic substrates, these two live demonstrations are aimed at companies who have large format Inkjet technology and who are looking to get a complete overview of all aspects of use and application as well as practical hints and tips on installation from the experts.
Roland DG (H30)
Roland DG will be hosting demonstrations of its TrueVIS VG-640, TrueVIS SG-300, SOLJET PRO 4XR-640 and VersaSTUDIO BN-20 printer / cutters, each designed to accommodate the needs of different graphics professionals.
Entry to the show for visitors is free – pre-register at www.signanddigitaluk.com.
Show Opening Times:
Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 26 March: 10.00 to 17.00
Thursday 26 March: 10.00 to 16.30