29 Mar 2024

Inca Onset S20 from Fujifilm drives growth at SPS Group in strategy to double turnover by 2014

A year ago the SPS Group in Ferndown, Dorset, invested a large-format, flatbed Inca Onset S20 inkjet printer from Fujifilm as an important part of its strategy to double turnover to £20m by 2014. MD James Martin and operations director Karen Beadle-Rich had a very clear vision about the effect and benefits the Onset S20 would have on its business and world-class retail clients. Today, they have absolutely no doubt that the decision was the right one, as the company is on track to achieve this ambitious target.

Originally a mainly screen printing operation, SPS has invested in an XXL MAN Roland litho press, the Onset S20 digital flatbed printer with automation and the latest Esko Kongsburg cutter over the past four years. This complementary multi technology line-up has brought huge flexibility, added impressive additional capacity, and expanded the range of POS products the company can produce. “The aim was to maximise quality on a wide range of materials, cut turnaround times and improve short-run production efficiency – which we have on all counts,” says Karen.

“Since the XXL press and the Onset S20 came on stream, our capacity and productivity have gone through the roof,” adds James. “As you would expect, the retail industry is very demanding. Their ideal production partner is one that can handle all their creative POS requirements under one roof, with the best quality and to tight deadlines. That’s where SPS is today and we are generating new business and driving growth as a direct result of these strategic investments.”

Before Fujifilm installed the Onset S20 at SPS, only 10% of jobs were printed on a flatbed digital printer, with 40% screen printed and 50% printed offset. Today, 40% are printed on the Onset S20 and 10% screen printed.

To ensure production is ultra efficient, SPS has streamlined several manufacturing processes, such as the print and manufacture of 3D display units. By adding a Kongsburg automated cutter alongside the Onset S20, 3D products can be built only a matter of minutes after printing. Plus, to ensure colour is consistent across screen, digital and litho, GMG ColorServer and GMG SmartProfiler software centralises colour management and profiles jobs to suit each specific press or printer.

Karen explains: “Most projects involve elements printed on a combination of digital, offset and screen so it’s important that the colours are comparable however they are printed.”

The Inca Onset S20 prints edge to edge on substrates up to 3.14 m x 1.6 m at production speeds of up to 310 sq m/hr (62 beds/hr). It also features a selectable gloss control to produce finishes from matt, through satin to gloss, depending on the application, to bring massive versatility in the printing of POS material.

As versioning and personalisation grow in popularity throughout the retail sector, batch run lengths are becoming smaller and digital printers are perfectly positioned to handle these. “Digital print technology has matured greatly and the Onset S20 combines everything we need to produce high volumes of small run jobs at the best quality and with minimal waste,” says Karen.

Because of the Onset S20’s ability to print onto virtually any flat standard or pre-cut material up to 50mm thickness, SPS has been able to push its design and production boundaries. James concludes: “The POS industry is always on the look-out for eye-catching materials to stand out from the crowd and our customers have quickly taken the opportunity to try new designs.”

Ever-Art'-Design increases digital printing services with HP Scitex FB500 printer

HP today announced that Ever-Art'-Design, of Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium, has installed an HP Scitex FB500 Printer to supplement existing sign printing capabilities and to offer innovative printing services on a wide variety of rigid materials.

The installation of the HP Scitex FB500 Printer marks another landmark in the development of Ever-Art'-Design from its beginnings as a Mac-based prepress house in the late 1980s to a modern print service provider (PSP) providing comprehensive services that include prepress and proofing, sign and display printing, commercial printing, print management with web-to-print facilities, and in-house finishing.

“We now have fourteen people working here,” said Willy Everaerts, founder and general manager, Ever-Art'-Design. “We’re a very flexible workforce, which suits the breadth of our production capabilities. At the moment, we’re testing a wide variety of substrates on the FB500 printer. We are particularly interested in its ability to print white(1), and that fits in with our ability to print white with our HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press and other sign printing equipment.”

Ever-Art'-Design recently held an open house on the theme, “White is a Colour” which demonstrated how white ink can be used to produce new effects and heighten the impact of commercial and sign and display products.

Ever-Art'-Design’s web-to-print facilities, automated workflow and digital printing capabilities has enabled it to achieve production levels of more than 15,000 jobs during a two month period on more than one occasion. Jobs included printing and finishing photobooks, greetings cards, calendars and notebooks for customers throughout Europe.

“We moved into sign and display printing to be able to offer existing customers more services,” Everaerts explained. “Of course, this also gave us the additional tools to attract new customers.”

“We chose the HP Scitex FB500 Printer not only because of its print quality and versatility, but because of the great experience we’ve had with HP,” said Everaerts. “With technologies that are leading the way, we think we have a great future with HP.”

The HP Scitex FB500 Printer is a versatile device designed for the production of indoor and outdoor graphics on virtually any rigid substrate up to 48 x 64in (122 x 160cm) and 2.5in (64mm) thick. Using low maintenance piezoelectric printheads, the FB500 printer offers a level of versatility that can help businesses grow. The six colour printer has a number of options including white ink, roll-to-roll, and space-saving folding tables for handling larger substrates.

The Ever-Art'-Design team has tested its HP Scitex FB500 Printer printing canvas and board, cork, floor materials, and less conventional substrates including lavatory seat lids.

“My son runs a computer shop and he has sent his customers here to have us print images on their laptops. The industry has gone wider than paper and conventional substrates, and we’re preparing for the future,” Everaerts concluded.

More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts or follow HP on www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts.

(1) Use of white ink requires a separate purchase of the HP Scitex FB500 White Ink Upgrade Kit.
 

Roland’s new compact UV-curable printer brings low-cost high quality textured output to the desktop

Continuing to drive wide-format production techniques to the desktop, Roland DG (UK) has announced the new VersaUV LEF-12 which incorporates UV-curable production and LED curing technology in a cost-effective compact solution. Designed to handle two- and three-dimensional applications up to a maximum size of 334 x 310mm, this innovative new unit can be used to create and generate decorative, promotional and specialist jobs for a broad range of commercial and industrial requirements.

Based on the company’s award-winning VersaUV technology integral to its wide-format LEC and LEJ machines, the LEF-12 has been designed for the quick and easy production of applications such as name tags, labels, logos, photographs, industrial marking and promotional items. With none of the chemicals required for pad printing, and instantly dry and durable output, the machine is also ideal for short runs of small batch items which formerly could only be produced using a screen process.

Roland’s VersaUV LEF-12 features its Eco-UV flexible UV-curable inks with their CMYK capabilities enhanced by the additions of white and clear varnish. These enable the machine to be used for applications where a tough, durable and high quality finish is required. Special effects include matt and gloss options to highlight specific areas or for flood coating, and it is easy to reproduce unusual textures such as faux leather, crocodile skin and tactile output, including Braille.

The advanced inks and long-life, low energy LED curing technologies in the Roland VersaUV LEF-12 result in the highest quality print and attractive, specialist finishes. Instant curing means that drying is immediate and permanent, with no lamp warm-up time necessary. A wide variety of substrates can be handled including plastics and their derivatives, polyester based media, wood, leather and aluminium composites as well as conventional display materials, papers and films.

Ideal for retail, office and creative environments, as well as for commercial print houses, the Roland VersaUV LEF-12 has a flat table area of 335 x 310mm and a height of 100mm so that users can output direct to a broad range of both conventional and unusual substrates.

Roland’s white ink circulation system is designed to ensure that the pigment never settles nor clogs the print-heads, ensuring perfect results every time. The CMYK and white inks are formulated for bright, crisp text and graphics and makes the machine ideal for use with transparent and coloured materials.

The Roland VersaUV LEF-12 also incorporates built-in safety features so that the system can be used within any environment. A safety hood shields the operator from light generated during the UV curing process, and an integrated screen prevents dust from falling onto the material surface during the printing process.

Supplied complete with Roland’s VersaWorks RIP, the VersaUV LEF-12 benefits from 72 ready-to-use finishes in the included Roland Texture Library; users can also create their own special effects quickly and easily by adopting easy-to-use plug-ins available for both Adobe CS Illustrator and CorelDraw. Precision spot colour matching is incorporated in the Roland Color System to enable the creation of printed reference tools, swatch tools and colour charts.

“This new addition to the growing Roland portfolio of innovative products is another example of how the company’s solutions are extending into new and niche market areas where businesses need low-cost, high quality options which incorporate our ink-jet technologies,” states Adam Wyles, Business Manager – Promo, Screen and Textile of Roland DG (UK). “We are increasingly acknowledging the demand for easy-to-use desktop units that incorporate the benefits of our wide-format digital expertise. Our VersaUV LEF-12 is just one example of how we’re bringing practical production options of all sizes to every sector of the printing industry.”

Roland DG scores a world’s first with its VersaSTUDIO BN-20 desktop metallic ink printer

Roland DG (UK) has announced the arrival of its VersaSTUDIO BN-20 print and cut solution which sits on a desktop yet offers many of the proven benefits of the company’s renowned VersaCAMM VS series. This new and innovative system brings durable Eco-Sol Max inks, a versatile metallic option and integrated precision contour cutting to a compact and affordable solution which is easy and profitable to use.

“This is the very first low-cost print and cut desktop machine in the world, and its inclusion of metallic ink brings all the advantages formerly only found in a wide-format system within reach of everyone who wants to create and produce innovative output,” states Adam Wyles, Business Manager – Promo, Screen and Textile at Roland DG. “Competitively priced, very low running costs and simplicity of operation are certain to make the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 an instant best-seller across the board. Anyone can use it – it really is that simple to design and generate high quality professional results that easily match the results from far more expensive platforms.”

With a maximum print width of 20 inches (51cm), the Roland VersaSTUDIO BN-20 is a rugged plug-and-play solution that produces very high quality output with smooth graduated tints and strong, dense solid colours, making it ideal for photographic and vector output. Available in two options of four-colour and CMYK plus metallic ink, users can generate graphic output onto a vast range of coated and uncoated materials, with precision contour cutting making it ideal for the production of labels, stickers and other applications where complex designs and shapes are required.

Roland’s renowned Eco-Sol Max inks feature fast drying of output with a wide colour gamut and tough scratch and scuff resistance. Low costs per square metre are complemented by odourless prints and a three-year outdoor life without lamination, and the BN-20 can be operated in any commercial, retail small office or home office environment.

The addition of metallic inks to the CMYK ink set means that value-added applications can be produced quickly and easily direct to a wide range of materials. Pearlescent and metallic colours can be produced via Roland’s VersaWorks print production software which incorporates the ability to reproduce more than 1,000 standard shades and 512 metallic options.

Plug-and-play connectivity makes it simple for both novice and experienced users alike to benefit from the high quality output produced by the VersaSTUDIO BN-20. Its long-life inks and fine results, plus its metallic options and integrated precision cutting, combine to open the doors to a vast number of users who, until now, haven’t been able to justify the purchase of an advanced inkjet printer.

The extremely low investment point and tough construction also make the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 an invaluable workhorse for businesses who want to reap the benefits of producing smaller format applications. By adding this compact system to existing print shops, production from their larger inkjet units doesn’t have to be disrupted, resulting in greater efficiencies and optimised printing schedules.

Despite its low purchase price, Roland’s VersaSTUDIO BN-20 benefits from the features found in the VersaCAMM VS series, including the company’s award-winning Eco-Sol Max inks which offer up to three-year outdoor durability, fast drying times and a very broad colour gamut.

The addition of metallic effects and finishes matches those which formerly could only be achieved via hot foil blocking, screen-printing or offset litho production. Lengthy make-ready and cost penalties incurred when setting up special colours is eradicated as the BN-20 can print one-offs and short runs just as quickly and efficiently as personalised multiples and repeat batches.

Included with the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 is Roland R-Works design software which creates photographic and vector-based jobs quickly and easily for perfect output every time. Roland’s VersaWorks professional print management software also enables users to benefit from variable data printing for customised production which is ideal for labels, invitations, name cards, badges and other items where individual data is required.

Brett Newman, Technical Director of Roland DG (UK), comments: “Market trends show us that there is a new level of end user that wants the convenience of being able to produce high quality, full-colour jobs and metallic finishes in-house. These people, and others, have simply been waiting for the right technology to become available and we’ve developed the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 to address the growing demand for bringing the benefits of wide format technology to the desktop.”

The Roland VersaSTUDIO BN-20 is a true plug-and-play solution that enables users to be up and running immediately, producing a vast range of colour and metallic effect products. Typical applications include labels, decals, heat transfers, promotional signs and displays, point-of-sale and fine art, although the final output is limited only by the imagination of the user.

For further information on the new VersaSTUDIO BN-20 click here to visit the Roland DG (UK) website.

HP presents new versatile and productive solutions for print service providers at FESPA Digital

HP is presenting the latest additions to its latex printing technologies portfolio to boost productivity and expand application versatility for print service providers on its stand, Hall A4/Stand C40-C41 at FESPA Digital.

The new offerings, showcased on the stand, deliver high image quality while lowering the impact of printing on the environment. These include:

  • The HP Scitex LX850 Printer, a 3.2m (126in) latex ink printer that delivers maximum versatility and productivity with multiple workflow features, including dual-roll, roll-to-free fall and roll-to-collector handling and an ink collector
  • The HP Scitex LX820 Printer, a 3.2m (126in) latex ink printer that offers high productivity at a lower price in a roll-to-roll configuration
  • HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks that produce rich blacks and glossy results on banners and self-adhesive vinyl, and offer improved water resistance on fabrics(1,2)
  • HP PVC-free Wall Paper (availability scheduled for June 1) is now made with FSC®-certified(3) paper from well-managed forests and is GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified, enabling customers to offer bold, colourful indoor murals without distracting odours(4,5)
  • HP also offers new software to help streamline workflows, including HP SmartStream Designer Version 5.1 for creating, preparing and collating personalised campaigns from HP Scitex printers and the GMG ColorServer Suite, a colour management software from HP Solutions Business Partner GMG for HP Scitex large format printers.

“These additions to our portfolio mark the next development in what has proven to be a revolutionary technology platform for the sign and display market,” said Yariv Avisar, vice president and general manager, Scitex Large Format Solutions, HP. “With more than 5,000 HP Latex Ink systems installed worldwide, HP is offering customers the competitive advantages needed to differentiate their businesses and capture new growth opportunities.”

HP Scitex LX850 and LX820 Printers boost productivity

Delivering high image quality at fast production speeds, the HP Scitex LX850 Printer allows customers to accelerate their large format workflows. The device also enables customers to expand their application versatility with a built-in ink collector for direct-to-fabric printing(2) on flag fabrics. A scaled-down version of the HP Scitex LX850 Printer, the new HP Scitex LX820 Printer, is available with an optional dual-roll kit upgrade.

“We print approximately 4,000 to 5,000 square metres a month, and while we didn’t lack output capacity, competition remains fierce and profit margins have been squeezed,” said Jose Año, general manager at Marc Marti, a Valencia, Spain-based print service provider. “The HP Scitex LX850 Printer’s versatility gives us extraordinary image quality on a range of economical, uncoated media and substrates, while differentiating our products from those using solvent-based inks.”

Both the HP Scitex LX850 and LX820 Printers work together with the new HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks. Alternatively, customers can install HP 3M LX600 Specialty Latex Inks(6) to offer graphics backed by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. The warranted durability period for vehicle graphics made with the HP 3M LX600 Specialty Latex Inks and 3M media has been extended from four years to five years by 3M, and the 3M Panagraphics™ III Wide Width Flexible Substrate has been added.

The HP Scitex LX850 Printer is now available and the HP Scitex LX820 Printer is expected to be available on June 1.(7) 

HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks offer proven quality, durability

Capable of producing eye-catching images with rich blacks and glossy results on banners and self-adhesive vinyl, the new HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks continue to set the standard for high-quality sign and display output. The inks produce prints with display permanence and scratch, smudge and water resistance comparable to low-solvent inks.(8) Plus, the new formulation offers improved water resistance(1) on fabrics,(2) further expanding high-value soft signage application capabilities.

“The advantage of being able to print on textiles with the HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks is that, unlike dye sublimation, it’s just print and go,” said León Gateño, owner, Target Graphics, a Mexico City-based print service provider. “The upgrade process was very easy and we were printing right after the HP technician finished.”

Customers with HP Scitex LX600 or LX800 Printers(9) can benefit from the new inks – as well as double-sided printing capabilities(10) for blockout banners – by purchasing the HP Scitex LX610 Inks Upgrade Kit.

The HP Scitex LX610 Inks Upgrade Kit is available now and can be installed by an HP technician in one day.

Workflow solutions from HP and GMG facilitate VDP, colour management

HP SmartStream Designer is an easy-to-use application that generates variable data elements for marketing campaigns, such as images, text and colours, and is also a simple imposition tool for HP Scitex printers. The new HP SmartStream Designer Version 5.1 includes key improvements, such as HP Photo Enhancement to automatically improve variable images and the best fit feature, which optimises paper usage.

Designed for customers with complex requirements like multipress uniformity and colour standards, the GMG ColorServer Suite simplifies colour conversions between colour spaces using predefined HP Scitex printer settings for the HP Scitex FB7500, TJ8300 and TJ8500 Printers. GMG SmartProfiler software calibrates the output device and creates colour profiles for wide format printers. The GMG ColorServer Suite for HP Scitex printers is now available through GMG distributors and resellers.

In addition, HP’s Graphics Solution Business has extended its Print Care services to include the HP Scitex FB7500 and HP Scitex TJ Industrial products. HP Scitex Print Care is a set of tools and services that helps customers maintain uptime and smooth operations by anticipating technical issues, enabling remote diagnosis and providing performance information(11).


More information about HP’s sign and display printing solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/gsb, through the HP Graphic Arts Twitter feed and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts.

(1) Water resistance testing by HP Image Permanence Lab on a wide range of media using the ISO 18935 method. Results may vary based on specific media performance.
(2) For best results, textile applications should be printed on fabric that does not stretch. Performance may vary depending on media. Compatibility details are available from media suppliers.
(3) Trademark license code FSC-C017543.
(4) HP PVC-free Wall Paper printed with HP Latex Inks is GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified. Additional information is available at www.greenguard.org.
(5) Some substrates may have inherent odor.
(6) With HP 3M LX600 Specialty Latex Inks installed, the printer will no longer be compatible with HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks and double-sided printing capability is no longer available.
(7) Availability date may vary by region and is subject to change.
(8) HP image permanence and scratch, smudge and water resistance estimates by HP Image Permanence Lab on a range of media including HP printing materials. Additional information is available at www.hp.com/go/supplies/printpermanence.
(9) Compatibility with HP Scitex LX600 and LX800 and HP Designjet L65500 Printers requires service installation of the HP Scitex LX610 Inks Upgrade Kit. With the upgrade, the printer will no longer be compatible with HP 3M LX600 Specialty Latex Inks.
(10) For best results use blockout banner media intended for double-sided printing.
(11) HP Scitex Print Care is also available with the HP Scitex LX600 Printer, HP Scitex LX800 Printer and HP Scitex FB500 Printer.
 

Epson brings simple profiles solution to users of its Stylus Pro GS6000

Responding to customer requests, Epson has developed a Media Qualification Programme to create a database of recommended substrates and optimised ICC profiles.  The solution offers users of the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 a ‘click and go’ solution for identifying recommended profiles, eliminating the need for creating profiles themselves or re-contacting the RIP vendor each time a different media type or brand is selected.
 
Working with independent profiling, qualification and testing company, Color Concepts, Epson has invited all media manufacturers producing products suitable for use with the Stylus Pro GS6000 to have their materials tested in order to create ICC profiles for each substrate. 
 
Color Concepts will test the substrates using RIP programmes suitable for use with the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000, with the test results then qualified by Epson. The results will form a live database that Epson customers can access at http://epson.color-base.com to instantly reference their media choice and to download the recommended profile settings for its use.
 
Martin Johns, Epson UK, said: “In developing this media database, Epson is striving to save its Stylus Pro GS6000 customers considerable time and effort when setting up profiles for selected media. 
 
“The database will also help ensure that our customers are getting the very best possible results from our printers.  By using qualified media and the recommended profiles associated with it, users will be able to ensure that their output is high-quality and accurate every time.”