Hardware - Wide Format Print

Elements Finance simplifies investment in green printing solutions

With present-day restrictions on bank lending continuing to affect established businesses as well as start-ups, IGS UK has announced Elements Finance, an integrated finance package for purchasers of its Elements range of environmentally friendly printers, software, inks and materials. Underwritten by a leading industry financing specialist, tax efficient and flexible solutions can be provided which are tailored in a variety of leasing, purchasing or contract hire options at competitive and attractive rates.

By remaining independent from bank borrowing, flexible finance solutions benefit companies* by being able to free up their cash from being tied into depreciating business assets. Elements Finance is tailored to enable customers to structure the purchase of an entire new solution, with payment terms designed so that the system pays for itself with the income and cost savings it generates.

Payment options from Elements Finance are designed to minimise the impact on working capital and are future-proofed so that customers can upgrade when they want to take advantage of new solutions as and when required. Flexibility is key within the wide-format digital printing industry so payment terms are arranged to suit specific budgets and cash-flow forecasts.

Nick Wintle, managing director of IGS UK, comments: “All too often growing and start-up businesses are being refused finance from normal channels because there is still a general lack of knowledge about digital printing and the equipment involved. High street banks and lending houses don’t understand the value of today’s systems or how they are used in business, with the result that many applications for funding are declined without consideration because they are technology based."

“With Elements Finance we have completed our turnkey approach by being able to supply printer, software, ink and media complemented by a flexible finance package which is tailored specifically to our systems and their users,” Wintle continues. “Our intention of simplifying the market for easy-to-use green production solutions is now augmented by tailored funding to suit every size and type of company, from start-ups through growing businesses to established organisations who want independent options when purchasing new equipment.”

The Elements family of green wide-format printers incorporates totally solvent-free, durable ink formulations, complemented by a dedicated RIP and materials that are produced to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. Low running costs via a standard power supply are augmented by the fact that these systems can be used in normal office and working environments without any need for special ventilation.

Elements printers will be available from selected UK resellers, with end-user shipments beginning in October 2010. Full information is available on all Elements products by visiting www.igsuk.net and www.elementsps.net

* All finance is subject to credit approval

HP today announced that Mark Bric Displays AS of Norway, has installed an HP Designjet L25500 Printer to offer an outdoor signage service and to win business from environmentally conscious blue-chip companies.

Mark Bric was founded in 1999 and quickly moved into digital printing. Today, the company exclusively uses HP printers, operating a fleet of equipment including, two HP Designjet Z6100 Printers, an HP Designjet Z3100 Printer and an HP Designjet 9000 Printer. Mark Bric Sweden has global presence and branches in eighty countries. Mark Bric Displays AS, a subidary of Mark Bric Sweden, has installed the HP Designjet L25500 Printer at its headquarters in Rud Norway outside Oslo.

Printing 15,000m2 per year, the company specialises in producing indoor signage for event and exhibitions. The HP Designjet L25500 Printer delivers exceptional versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications, allowing Mark Bric to offer its customers an outdoor signage service, printed with the same high-quality as its indoor products.

"We have worked hard to build up a reputation for excellence, providing practical solutions for all our customers' printing needs," said Tore Strand, technical director, Mark Bric. "Up to 65 percent of our business is made up of work for the trade show market and is sold to blue-chip companies, print buyers and traders. When offering our customers a new service, we need technology that is not only reliable, but that we are confident offers the best print quality. With the HP Designjet L25500 Printer, colours are extremely vibrant and text is sharp. Initial feedback to our outdoor work has been very good."

Mark Bric's HP Designjet L25500 Printer uses durable HP Latex Inks, with a water-based formulation, to reduce the impact of printing on the environment. HP Latex Inks provide many of the benefits of solvent-ink technology without the environmental, health and safety considerations. They emit extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds, so no special ventilation is required1. In March 2010, HP Latex Inks were added to the official list of those that meet the chemical requirements of the Nordic Ecolabel (also known as Nordic Swan).

"The Nordic Swan approval of HP Latex Inks, has proven to be a massive advantage when looking to win new business," said Strand. "More and more customers are becoming aware of the environmental impact of printing, and are requesting this credential before placing work. It also has the added benefits of creating a more pleasant working environment for our operators. In fact, the only thing that smells is the media!"

Mark Bric plans to build on the success of its new HP Designjet L25500 Printer by making future investments in HP Latex printing technologies.

HP today announced that it is a partner and sponsor of the Brighton Photo Biennial 2010 (2 October 2010 to 14 November 2010), and will provide access to the latest HP professional photo solutions for production of all exhibits shown at the UK photo festival this year.

Now in its fourth year, Brighton Photo Biennial comprises of nine exhibitions presenting the work of international artists from a range of cultural backgrounds, premiering recent work and exhibiting historical work in new contexts.

Internationally renowned photographer, editor and Magnum member, Martin Parr, will be curator of Brighton Photo Biennial 2010. The main theme presented by Parr will be 'New Documents', a body of work designed to reflect the immediacy and vibrancy of contemporary documentary practice, the eclectic passions found in collections of historic and vernacular photography and new commissions informed and inspired by the diverse communities and contexts of Brighton and Hove.

For the production of each exhibit, HP has supplied the use of HP Designjet Z3200 photo quality printers, HP Inks, HP Media, and an HP DreamColor Monitor and DreamColor Advanced Profiling Solution. This complete HP workflow is enabling Martin and his team to produce professional photo quality black and white and colour prints, for the festival exhibits.

Martin Parr comments, "As curator, I want to make this festival fresh, distinctive and focused on Brighton and Hove. Brighton Photo Biennial 2010 will be the first frame-free photography festival in the world: it will reflect the immediacy and vibrancy of contemporary photography. The images will be pinned onto walls, and many other different surfaces. We shall work with commercial partners such as HP, manufacturers of state-of-the-art digital printers, who will make all the prints.

"By presenting the very best new work in an exciting and imaginative way, Brighton Photo Biennial 2010 will continue to put photography in Brighton and Hove on the national and international map."

Philippe Serenon, HP Experts & Mentors Manager, HP, comments: "We are delighted to be a part of this festival, and share in the celebration of this town. It's a great opportunity for people of all ages to share and explore their passion for every form of photography, in a creative and engaging way."

PSPs can find local printers offering similar innovative applications by visiting www.hp.com/go/pspnetwork

Epson will be launching three additions to its professional printing range on Stand B13 at Photokina this year. The printers will join Epson’s existing professional printer line-up that will be showcased through a variety of demonstrations during the exhibition.

On stand, Epson will draw from its relationships with high profile nature photography initiatives; ‘Red Sea 2010: World of Underwater Images’ and ‘Wild Wonders of Europe’, by printing selected photos using Epson large format and professional photo printers.

Epson will also support the Photo Industry Association in its world record attempt to construct the world’s largest globe created from photographic images, which will take place during the show.

When: 21 – 26 September 2010

Where: Photokina, Cologne, Hall 2.2, Stand B13

Canon, a leader in digital imaging, has announced the achievement of three "BEST" distinctions for the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 large format printers from BERTL, Inc. as part of the industry analyst firm's 15th Annual Awards. Based upon their extraordinary image quality, enhanced image processing capability and advanced printing technologies including the new LUCIA EX pigment ink set, the BERTL "BEST" recognition builds upon the recent Five-Star "Exceptional" ratings earned by the new models as the imagePROGRAF line continues to establish its position as leading solution for end-users serving the most demanding customers.

"Canon U.S.A. is proud to receive the BERTL BEST award for providing large format solutions that meet the color quality, precision and workflow needs of graphic arts and photography professionals, " said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manger, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. "Since its launch, the imagePROGRAF line has established itself as the preferred choice for professionals seeking a highly-versatile, easy-to-navigate solution capable of delivering extraordinary color-intensive output."

To deliver extraordinary image quality across an expanded range of media types, the new imagePROGRAF models feature a Media Configuration Tool that enhances the precision and quality of output achieved with third-party and genuine Canon-branded applications. Additional print options and improved photographic output capabilities are delivered through bundled print plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop® and Canon's Digital Photo Professional that support Adobe's Color Management Module. These functions enable features such as Black Point Compensation, which affects the way Photoshop displays and works with colors to improve color conversions that are critical for reproduction in the graphic arts. Each new model allows 16-bit RGB images, edited in Photoshop, to be sent directly to the imagePROGRAF printers – preserving smooth and high gradation.

The imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and iPF6300 printers are compliant with U.S. ENERGY STAR energy-saving standards and RoHS compliance standards. To learn more about Canon's full line of ENERGY STAR qualified and certified products and other environmental initiatives, please visit www.usa.canon.com.

BERTL, Inc. is an independent analyst firm and testing lab that reviews current product lines and new product introductions bestowing performance-based ratings to devices based on 11 testing criteria: Build Quality, Network Administration, Security, Workflow, Finish, Ease of Use, Media Handling, Printing, Image Quality, Features, and Price.