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Atlanta, October 15th - 18thClearstar Coatings Corp./Marabu, Booth 2123

Düsseldorf, October 21th - 25thHall 12, Booth 12 B 55

Ultragraph

UVAR: Versatility

at its best !

Go towww.marabu-inks.com

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- quality of screenprinting, capacity of offset

- effecienty drying of inksand disperse varnishes

- for UV or conventional inks- parameters under request

- for UV, solvent based and waterbased inks

- for combined drying

- carousels, intermediate dryers, dryers

- with immediately start

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The materials include new vinyls, papers, polyester fabrics, cotton fabrics and digital wallpapers, as well as an environmentally-friendlybanner material, which is made from 100 percent corn.

SEAL’s Solvent Corn Banner offers an excellent inkjetcoating, enabling it to offer the same print quality achieved with polyesters. As well as corninks, it is printable with allcurrent solvent, eco-solvent and UV-curable inks.

Other newly available textiles, such as Solvent CottonCoarse and Cotton Fine feature100 per cent cotton fabrics in either a heavy or light linen weave, that offer fast dryingtimes, a soft touch and brilliant colour reproduction. They, too, can be printed using solvent,

eco-solvent and UV-curableinks.

Notable among the newvinyls and polyester films isSolvent Vinyl Quickmount, an 80 micron, monomericvinyl with a dot-structuredadhesive that enables fast, easyand bubble-free appliance tovirtually any surface. Designedfor rigid indoor applications,such as exhibition walls, the unique dot coating of the glue also makes it extremely easy toremove at the end of its life.

For outdoor use, SEAL Graphics’ new Solvent MeshPVC offers durability and stability, as well as vibrant colour rendition. It is an excellent choice for buildingwraps and banner applications.

Returning indoors, the Stoplight backing film rangehas been complemented with Solvent Stoplight 400, a new 400 micron addition that combines the unique light-blocking properties of Stoplightwith a universal coating, thus making it suitable for all kindsof solvent, eco-solvent and UV-

curable inks. Besides excellentprint qualities, this scratch-and water-resistant polyesterprovides the rigidity and opacity required for Pop-Up and flexible indoor displays.

SEAL Digital Wallpapershave been designed for wideformat digital print applications. They consist of a white PVCcoating on a woven fabricbase and can be used with solvent and eco-solvent, as well as UV-curable inks. Besides superior print quality and vibrant long-lasting colours,they offer scratch-resistanceand come with a NFPA 701fire rating. They are available in four contemporary textures: Soft Satin, Crushed Rock, Raw Silk and Venetian Plaster. All are easily applied wallpapers, requiring no special skills or tools. For additional protectionand longevity in heavily traffic-ed areas, they are also ideal forfinishing with liquid lamination using the range of AquaSEAL coaters and liquid laminates. ●

A compact integrateddesktop disc duplicationsolution, which enables businesses to createprofessional qualitycustomised CDs or DVDson demand, it can burnand print up to 100 copies of the same disc or unique discs, in a single, fully automated process.

Equipped with Epson’s patented AcuGriprobotic technology,Discproducer’s robotic arm ensures highlyreliable single disc pick up. It also incorporatesa built-in, six colour,inkjet printer that delivers high quality print. UsingEpson’s patented MicroPiezo inkjet technology,the printhead providesprecise control of the ink droplets, ensuring labels with sharp text and vibrant graphics.

The high capacity,individual ink cartridges increase ink efficiencyand can produce over1,000 discs. Each cartridge includes a low-ink sensor and LEDindicator to ensure that operators have adequateink to complete a fullrun. Combined withEpson recommended Taiyo Yuden Watershield discs, the glossy prints are instantly smudge and water-resistant. ●

HP has developed a uniquecertification program to ensure the compatibility of the HPhardware with different RIPsoftware solutions. The test program ensures that the highprintout quality and speed of the Designjet Z6100 is achievedand supported by the evaluated RIP software.

PosterPrint v.2008 wastested for compatibility with the printer’s hardware using different criteria, such asverification of productivityand printer status reporting in comprehensive tests. Various

image types were printed on the Z6100 and the printout’squality and the overall performance of the RIP were then evaluated.

ErgoSoft’s new RIP software, PosterPrint v.2008 met thedemanding requirements for the HP Designjet Z6100 certification program. The product even received full points (three of three possible stars) in the evaluation category “Productivity”, “HP media support”, and “Printer statusreporting”. PosterPrint v.2008also supports the internal spectrophotometer of the HPDesignjet. ●

Developed for solvent-basedpiezo inkjet and electrostaticprinting processes andfor application to flat surfaces, the new film offers a number of visible advantages to both graphicconverters and end users.

The inclusion of 3M’s patented Comply adhesive performance feature assists bubble-free applicationwithout affecting thesmooth appearance of theface film. With Comply,special channels in the pressure-activated adhesive allow trapped air to escapeto guarantee fast and easyapplication every time.

3M Scotchcal Graphic Film Series IJ40C is a white calendered 75-micron film featuring a grey pigmentedand pressure-sensitive solvent-based acrylic adhesive and polycoated paper liner. It is available in a choice of white gloss and white matte formats

incorporating either a permanent or removable adhesive and provides excellent hiding powerfor opaque films. It also carries 3M’s renowned MCS (Matched ComponentSystem) warranty of up to three years for intermediateapplications. Developedfor both interior and exterior locations, typicalapplications include signsand displays (includingback-illuminated manifestations) and fleet and window interiorgraphics.

For graphics that arelikely to be exposed toabrasive washing cycles (typically, commercial vehicle fleets) and harsh environmental conditions, the performance of 3MScotchcal Graphic Film Series IJ40C can be furtherenhanced by the use of anappropriate overlaminatefilm (also available in therange) and to thus ensure compliance with the 3M MCS warrantyrequirements. ●

GCC StellarJET 183UVK provides a standard heavy-duty roll-fed system which is capable of carrying 154lb. (70Kg) rollers. In addition tothe optional roller take-up system, the heavy duty roll-to-roll system can carry more double-volume weight thanother machines of similar class.

It provides an ideal solution toapplying a bigger roll at a lower unit cost for operations using flexible printable media. ●

The addition of four and six colour configurations to theQS2000 and QS3200 family of printers offers ease-of-entry options for companies who wish

to add digital UV production totheir product mix.

The QS2000 and QS3200 offer superior image quality at 1080 dpi on both rigid and flexible substrates up to3.2 metres wide and up to5.1 centimetres thick, withchangeover from flexible torigid substrates taking less thana minute. The printers use EFI’s QS Series UV inks. With thisexpanded offering, customers

can now choose from systemswith four colours, six colours, or six colours with white ink for a superwide format printing solution that best meets theirfinancial and production needs. Additionally the QS 4C and 6Cmodels are field upgradeable, thus enabling customers to enhance printer capabilities as required. ● The Discharge ink can be used

as a stand-alone, as an under-base, or in combination withother inks for a variety of textures and looks.

The ink system is extremely versatile and complements the printers’arsenal of printing toolswhen striving to achieve special effects or the “no-hand feel”designs, which are currentlypopular in the marketplace. Thedischarged area has virtually nohand, even on black fabrics. In fact, use of the Discharge systemcan improve productivity andprint quality when working on dark fabrics.

The 3707 Discharge Baseand 3709 Discharge Activator can be mixed with discharge-compatible pigments to leave a bright colour tint after discharge, or can print over adischarged area with plastisolor water-base inks to create even more varied effects. Forcompletely unique results, theDischarge system (tinted orplain) can be sprayed over aprinted design. ●

As the latest offering inGBC’s Arctic range forindoor/outdoor applications, these films are processedat a temperature between40-50°C, and are considered by GBC as a ‘cool’ solution for heat-sensitive inkjet output. The full range of Arctic films address thegrowing industry trend towards cold lamination, to ensure optimal colour andfinishing for banners, signs or trade show displays.

GBC is well known forits hot lamination films

and systems, but has alsodeveloped a broad selectionof cold lamination films for its range of entry-level laminators up to theprofessional GBC Tuscan-1.For several years now, it has owned a manufacturingfacility for cold pressuresensitive films in the US and the low dollar ratehas enabled the company to provide its Europeancustomers with a complete range of lamination films at a competitive price.

The biggest advantagesof using cold lamination are the low maintenance requirements and ease of use. As cold laminators donot use heat, no electricity

is required to operate the machine, resulting in nowarm-up time and fastermovement of the material through the laminator. Thereis no need to adjust the rollertension or thermostat, as coldlamination machines usepressure sensitive adhesives to bind the laminationfilm. GBC’s Arctic Pressure Sensitive cold lamination films ensure high colourdensity and brightness, enhanced contrast and a top quality professional finishing.

The full range of competitive GBC films is currently available and readyfor immediate delivery. ●

“Over the last few years, automatic screen cleaning has changed considerably. Whereas the standard for earlier screen cleaning units was based onthe chamber system, now‘In-line screen cleaning units’,which incorporate individualtreatment sections for ink removal, circulatory water rinsing, screen decoating,high pressure water rinsing, degreasing/preparation,clear rinsing and drying arebecoming more popular. Cleaning times and chemical usage can thus be kept to a minimum during continuous screen cleaning. Nevertheless, some consideration must be given to the choice of screencleaning chemicals to get the best cleaning results.

For reasons concerning explosion protection,chemicals compliant withEN 1010 / BGI 801 with aflash point of 55°C must be used in non-explosion proof,continuous screen cleaningunits. The screen-cleaningagents are rinsed during thecleaning process with water and may be carried over intothe screen decoating section, where they must be easily biologicallydegradable and notcontain any aromatic oraliphatic hydrocarbons.

It is recommendedthat specially formulated

screen cleaners are used, as the ink cleaning resultsare significantly improved and usually last longer (effective usage time of thescreen cleaning agent) than conventional screen cleaners.

In in-line units, thecleaned screens are usually sprayed with water from the circulatory system or withaqueous screen decoating solutions. Therefore it is important that the ink,which is softened during thecleaning process, can be easily removed from the screen withwater and is not re-absorbed into the screen mesh.

Due to circulation of thescreen-cleaning agents in the washing section, the amountof residual ink increases inthe cleaning agent. If thereis insufficient rinsing of the contaminated screencleaner, residual ink, or haze, will remain in the cleaned screen mesh. This will harden during the subsequent screendecoating process and canusually only be removed withvery aggressive haze removal agents. However, the use of specially formulated cleaning agents means theamount of residual ink is

kept to a minimum during the cleaning process and the haze formation on the screen is thus significantly reduced. Filtration of the cleaningagents further extends their usable life.

Two different screen-decoating methods are commonly used incontinuous units. In thefirst, the screen decoating chemicals are mixed in a reservoir and from there, therequired amount is delivered. Thus, a fresh screen decoating solution is used each time.

There are also circulatory systems used for screen decoating. Here the screendecoating solution is preparedin a tank and fed into the jets. Since photoemulsion and

screen cleaning

agents accumulate during the decoating process, it isrecommended that specially formulated decoating agents be used, as conventionaldecoating solutions may not be fully effective.

For the most part, mesh degreasing is not usuallynecessary when an in-line system for screen cleaning is used, due to the emulsifying agents in the cleaning agents.However, it is recommended, in order to make the screen surface hydrophilic. This will improve water flow on thescreen and the subsequent coating and printing results will usually be greatly improved. Depending on theconfiguration of the unit, an automatic mesh preparationstation can normally beretrofitted as an in-line

module”.

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Chemicals in action.

was in China recently for a FESPA supported event, leaving Shanghai the day before the earthquake. My visit

now seems somewhat insignificant in the light of the events on 12th May, but it is in honour of, and with the agreement of ourmany friends in China, that this report isbeing published.

However, I must first of all reflecton the earthquake, which has causedimmense loss and suffering to so many Chinese people. In addition to the terribledeath toll, thousands remain homeless with inadequate shelter or clothing and at high risk of disease. The images on our televisions have been shocking, but theresponse of the Chinese government andthe assistance provided by other countries and organisations such as Red Cross, Unicef and WHO has been tremendous. On behalf of all FESPA Associations, the FESPA Board and all FESPA staff, I’d like to express our deepest sympathy to all Chinese people atthis difficult time. Hopefully, with the real support of friends everywhere, they will be able to overcome this terrible disaster and, in time, pick up the pieces of their lives.

The symposium was held in the city of Hangzhou, which is located 180 kilometressouthwest of Shanghai and is one of the

most important tourist cities in China,being famous for both its natural beautyand historical and cultural heritage.Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiangprovince and is also its political, economic and cultural centre, as well as producinggreen tea and silk.

It has a subtropical monsoon climate, covers a total area of 16,596 square kilometres and has a population of 6.08 million, including 683 square kilometresof actual city, which is home to 1.69 million people.

Having agreed to support a special effects screenprinting symposium in China, my first task was to identify a printerand ink specialist who could deliver an interesting and entertaining programmefor an audience of 150 Chinese printers. So who better to involve than Michal Kridel from Pasja in Poland (one of the companies that printed Sensations) and Dak Patel from Small Products (one of the sponsors of Sensations, who probably produces more special effect inks than any other ink manufacturer). We also invited our oldfriend Stewart Partridge from Nazdar to participate, so the stage was set for a very informative conference.

Michal, Dak and I flew from London toShanghai, arriving at the most impressive Pu Dong airport, followed by a three-hourdrive in torrential rain to Hangzhou. We

arrived to a warm welcome by CSGIArepresentatives, who laid on a wonderfullunch. In the afternoon, we inspectedthe conference room and equipmentand ran through the presentations withour translator, before attending a specialdinner, organised by CSGIA, in recognition of the event. It was a truly memorableevening, with lots of JianNanChun (a very strong, gin like, white spirit)and conviviality, which due to our long journey, finished in good time for anearly night.

The symposium started at 08.30am on Friday, to a full conference room. After formal introductions, Michal and Dak started the proceedings, using Sensationsas a reference tool and, for over three hours they explained how the effects were achieved and the pages printed, while also discussing the various properties of the different inks used. The audience was both enthralled and inspired and many questions followed, with Dak and Michal advising as to type of mesh used, threaddiameter etc. in respect of the samples. Dak had also brought along some othersamples to illustrate effects not used inthe Sensations portfolio and these alsoattracted much interest and provokedgreat debate. During the morning break,

intrigued printers surrounded the sample table and kept Dak and Michal busyanswering further questions. Later Stewart Partridge joined them for a question and answer session, during which many interesting technical issues were raised, somuch so, that the Vice President had towrap things up, as lunch was being served!

In the afternoon, I provided an updateon current FESPA activities, after which Stewart Partridge made an informative and, as always, entertaining presentation entitled “Digital Printing for Screenprinters – threat or opportunity”.

In the UK we were faced with a similarchallenge a few years ago and now,although screenprinting is diminishingin terms of market share in Europe,the two technologies often go hand inhand for many printers. Stewart drew attention to the fact that there are hugedifferences between each region/country in terms of their adoption of differentanalogue and digital printing/imaging technologies for wide format applications, which are dependent on multiple factors,such as market history, strength of suppliers, market maturity, demands andapplications. He said:

graphic screen printing activity, mainlyto service POP and outdoor applications

the outdoor advertising industry has allowed ink jet to emerge as the dominant process

combined with limited long-runretail advertising, means the graphic screenprinting sector is much weaker than others.

Textile printing is rapidly progressing, with Mimaki leading the way, but now many new high productivity, high capital cost inkjet printers are also emerging with Reggiani introducing an Industrial textile machine capable of printing 150sq.m(1600sq.ft) per hr, or half a million metres per annum. Stewart added that it was now possible to print acid dyes on leather, reactive dyes on cotton, disperse dyes onpolyester and reactive and acid dyes on viscose, cotton and silk. Much of this work is being pioneered in Italy. A growth in UV curable inkjet platforms with capabilities for flatbed, hybrid and roll to roll fromleading manufacturers of equipment hasseen an increase of sales from 206 flatbedmachines purchased globally in 2002,to 2480 purchased globally in 2006, an incredible increase.

Now inkjet solutions are appearing foruse in conjunction with home furnishings,packaging, ceramics and glass decorationand 3D applications, as well as in industrial flatbeds. Stewart concluded:

printing, screen and inkjet are partly competitive, partly complementary – and probably the level of competitionwill increase;

in Asia and USA – but not in WesternEurope;

are mostly viewed as complementary processes with different strengths and capabilities;

will grow;

base;

investing in both technologies.

Liu (a colleague of Stewart from Nazdar) undertook translations for everyone with total ease and professionalism. It was a pleasure to work with him and if we

will be willing to work with FESPA again.

At the end of the conference, Mrs Pei,

visit and we were taken to see Maxim

Luo welcomed us. The company, whichoperates from an 18,000 sq.m factory, employs around 700 people in total andspecialises in the printing of stretchedcanvases, art plaques, art mirrors and frames, waspecialist a

It has a bigcustomer base in the USand it was clear fromthe manysamples wsaw, thatquality is hon its list opriorities. Wonly had tto visit theshowroomthe quanti

well as quality of the work produced, was most impressive and the one-hour visitwas very worthwhile. Mr Luo is clearly acapable and successful businessman, withgreat ideas, who presides over a competent,professional workforce.

Following this visit, we were taken to an excellent restaurant at West Lake, which is renowned for its scenic beauty andwhere we enjoyed yet another splendid

is also famous for its many historical and cultural sites, including Solitary Hill,

Temple, although, as it was getting dark,we were unable to see them all. Howeverwe did see a fantastic fountain and light show performed to music, which was anenthralling experience.

Saturday had been reserved forsightseeing and we were fortunate to experience rafting on the Fuchen River,

visit to a silk factory, where three floors of the most beautiful silk products (clothes,bedding, curtains etc.) were on display andavailable for purchase. We enjoyed another wonderful lunch and a very memorable last day

welcome and extended the warmest hospitality throughout our stay. Many

the arrangements, but in particular Mrs

Editor, deserve special thanks for their support, help and friendship.

and I sincerely hope that I’ll have another chance to see this amazing country. ●

all decorations and other applications.

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with the aim of expanding it under a new brand – FESPA Mexico WorldExpo – and has assumed fullresponsibility for all sales,marketing and operations,

although ST Media will remain involved with the show in a consultative capacity over a five-year period.

Regarded as Mexico’sleading trade show for the signmaking, screenprintingand digital imaging industries, the show, which will be held at Centro Banamex, Mexico City,on 21st-23rd August 2008, hasalready attracted the support of such prominent industry brands as Canon, EFI VUTEk, FujifilmSericol, Gandi Innovations andHP. In addition, FESPA hasalso expanded the available

floor space by 25 percent to accommodate demand fromfirst-time exhibitors.

FESPA Mexico World Expowill be co-coordinated by FESPAEvent Manager Michael Ryan, who will be supported locally by Humberto Garcia, ST Media’s local representative for the show,who will continue to handle Latin American advertisingsales for Signs of the Times andScreen Printing en español, theregion’s leading publication forthe sign and graphics sectors.Michael and Humberto will both have the support of FESPA’s

exhibition organising team,based in the UK. At the sametime, FESPA board member and former president, Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado will take onan ambassadorial role for FESPA in the region and will focus oncultivating relationships with the local printing community,including trade bodies, vendors,distributors and serviceproviders.

Members of FESPA’s national associations are entitled toreceive a copy of the survey results free-of-charge. The datais also available to non-member companies and industry suppliers for a fee of €1500 and can be obtained direct fromFESPA.

Conducted by leading worldwide graphic arts industry research and consulting firm InfoTrends, the web-basedresearch comprises data from 400 respondents in over 66countries, across six continents. The overall aim of FESPA’sresearch was to determine the state of the wide formatgraphics market in Europe and to try to measure the outlook for businesses operating on a number of levels within thesector. The research thus provides valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the European screen anddigital wide format market and enables companies to plan successful business strategies for the future.

, whenthe FESPA stand was themed around it, FESPA’s new website,www.fespa.com, has gone from strength to strength. During the show, visitors were ableto gain hands-on experience of all the new features using plasma touch-screens and

many FESPA members took theopportunity to register for thenew FESPA Community and the chance to network with othermembers across the globe. Inaddition they can also accessthe technical information in the FESPA Academy, as well as search through archived issues of FESPA World magazine for articles relevant to their

business and interests. Features accessible to all, include FESPA TV, a section containing interviews and insights from FESPA personalities and opinionleaders drawn from the worlds of screen and digital printing, plus a brand new discussionforum, where visitors can ask questions, gather information or just make contact with like-

minded people.The hard work and

investment in the website has been rewarded with a marked increase in traffic, with visitors, who originate from more than160 different countries, also spending longer on the site whenever they visit.

with responsibility for communicating regularly with FESPA’s national associations and members in Asia-Pacific, strengthening existingrelationships and forgingnew ones within the printcommunity.

He will also help to support and encourage local printerswith knowledge-based initiatives, and help to organise specialisedtraining schemes and workshopstailored to the needs of printers in the region. Adhiwatra, who will be based in Bangkok, where he will be easily accessible tothe whole Asia Pacific market,

will report to Asia-Pacific EventDirector Marcus Timson.

Adhiwatra brings over18 years’ combined sales and management expertise to his new role, having previouslyworked for large multinationalcompanies over the last 15 years. Prior to joining FESPA, he workedas General Manager for Dermal Concept Co., Ltd. in Bangkok,where he was in charge of promoting and distributing the leading Dermalogica brands to the Thai market, experience that has provided him with a uniqueinsight into selling retail productsto the consumer market.

rism used the occasion of Sign &Digital UK 2008, the UK’s premier trade show for graphic providers,

to launch its new identity and to unveila series of exciting new member benefits and initiatives. These have been designedto support market changes and address theneeds of all businesses operating across the supply chain. They will also help Prism members to increase their businesscompetitiveness, productivity, profitabilityand performance.

In the first instance, Prism is openingup its membership to include all practitioners within the digital, screen andpad printing sectors throughout the wholeof the UK, but the association also intendsto host a seminar, tackling industry-related ‘hot topics’ and to participate in variousevents and exhibitions. Two of the firstinitiatives on its agenda, are the staging of summit, which will look at the whole issueof cost versus value and a special ‘green’forum, both of which will be supported

by HP, who has agreed to become theassociation’s sole Digital TechnologyPartner.

Prism’s Business Manager, JohnKeith, explains that whilst the industry isenjoying the fruits of a period of startling growth and innovation on one the hand, itis also wrestling with the problems causedby over-capacity and the growing greenlobby, as well as the well-documentedcredit crunch. He says: “We recognise that both current and potential membersare facing very challenging times atpresent and thus believe that we must do everything we can to help them enjoy continued success. With this in mind wehave unveiled a new, very cost effectivemembership package, which also includes such incentives as discounted energypackages.”

John continues: “At a time whenthe bottom line is all important, we are very conscious that we need to deliver arange of benefits that represent real value for money. Happily, as a part of FESPA we are also able to offer easy access to awhole host of global resources too, suchas events, market reports, project funding,best practice and industry expertise andtraining, in addition to our own memberactivities and support.”

John remarks that, as the associationof print specialists and manufacturers,Prism represents a market with a value in the region of £2.1billion. He says:“This market spans a wealth of differentapplications in the graphic, industrial and textile sectors. It’s our job to represent the interests of all of the many different companies who provide print for thesesectors and to represent them when newlegislation is being formulated, in order to safeguard their interests, as we have overthe past 74 years, when the association

was originally launched under the banner DPSPSA (Display Producers and Screen Printers Association). Of course, there have been substantial changes to all areas of the industry since then, which is one of the reasons why we were keen to re-establishourselves with a new identity.”

He adds, that this isn’t the first time the association has undergone a change of name, as it became the Screen Printing Association in 1991 and more recently, the DSPA. John concludes: “We like to feelthat we have established something of atradition for moving with the times and inthis, our latest incarnation, we intend to preserve everything that is good whilst also redefining our offering to suit the needs of today’s screen and digital printers. ●

KALA SAS - 35410 Nouvoitou-France / Tél. : +33 (0)2 99 37 64 64Web site : www.kala.fr / Information & contact : info@kala.fr

YEAH !!!

Laminator made in France

Cold laminatorsThermal laminatorsCutting devicesDisplay systems

Designed to bring the region’s screenprinting and digitalimaging moguls together under one roof,the event covered three key themes and hot topical issues: the environment, marketingand technology. Taking as its premise the fact that when industry is constantlychanging and evolving, the only way forprint companies to survive and effectively tackle the challenges that lie ahead is to becreative and innovative, the Summit themewas, “Setting the Agenda for the Future.”

The event thus provided a unique, high-level forum for discussions about the future of screen and digital wide-format printing industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants exchanged news and views on all of the trends, issues and challenges facing the industry, while the reception dinner provided a unique pan-regional networking opportunity. FESPA President,Anders Nilsson opened the event with words of welcome before introducingMarcus Timson, Event Director, FESPA Asia-Pacific; Pirach Thampipit, President, Thailand Screen Printing and GraphicsAssociation (TSGA); and AdhiwatraChanapokakul, FESPA Ambassador, AsiaPacific.

, who also actedas the forum moderator, was the firstspeaker and provided some compelling insights on how marketing, branding and communication can be enhanced. In total,he made four presentations during the two-day conference, comprising: The BigScreen/Big Picture; Beating Overcapacity;De-Mystifying Marketing; and The Wide Survey, thus providing delegates with ahost of valuable tips to help them increasesales and maximise profitability (Thesepresentations are available online via www.fespa.com).

, whose FESPA Presidency runs until FESPA Munich 2010, revealedthat his key goals are to further extendFESPA’s value proposition to its national member associations and their members, to intensify the dialogue between FESPA and screen and digital print service providers and to expand FESPA’s global membership.In his presentation, which was entitled“Digital – The Printers’ Perspective,” he asserted that screenprinting in Europe is not dead and suggested that, for best results, printers must combine the best of screen and digital printing as well as developing a strong network with other printers.

, one of the foundersof FESPA, said that the versatility of screen printing has enabled him to print thousands of fine art original serigraphs and reproductions, earninghim the title ‘Art Master Screen Printer’in the process. He is actively involvedin the development of sophisticated improvements in screenprintingtechnology, particularly in the fields of UV, very fine line halftone printing, high screen tension, inks, squeegees and muchelse besides. According to Caza, increasing environmental awareness has spurredmost consumers to take a second look at the products and services they buy. Thereare many ways in which companies can become more eco-friendly and any steps that they take in this direction are certainly to their own benefit as well as being goodfor the planet.

of PDS Consultingproposed that printers take a more creativeapproach. According to Kiddel, logic alonecannot solve all business problems andneither can it provide all of a company’sopportunities. He suggested using the following formula: Innovation + Market Need + Company Resources = New BusinessOpportunity, stating that innovation is the way that companies can differentiate

themselves and really stand out in a crowd. On the technical side, he offered the opinion that since screenprinting is a mass imaging process, the key to success lies in reducing the variables by maintainingprecise process control. Inks, stencils and curing may be different, but the principle remains the same.

Market Segment Manager,Hewlett Packard Large Format Printing Division, discussed how things have changed in the field of marketingcommunications – moving from massmarketing to multiple touch points through integrated campaigns.

explained whymarketing is an integral part of businesstoday, while pointing out that in 1990,there was no Internet, laptops, DVDs,websites, or digital printing. Now, lessthan 20 years later, a seismic shift hastaken place, but despite this massive technological change, brand messages can remain consistent, as customers’ needs andaspirations remain more or less the same.The only real difference is that they expecta better return for their time, money,energy and attention.

FESPA’s own Wide Survey researchrevealed that print customers’ priorities arequality, new and imaginative ideas, price,turnaround time and project management.In an increasingly competitiveenvironment and a challenging economy,marketers need creative ideas in order toeffectively sell their products and servicesin a crowded marketplace. The need forvisibility and a strong brand identity are also key. Experiential and aspirational designer brands realise 20 percent to 200percent higher profits than their mid-range competitors.

Timson also offered some adviceto printers on how they can improvetheir interaction with today’s buyers. He recommended that they appeal to the buyer’s emotional instincts, tailoring their pitch accordingly. In Timson’sview, the key to success centres oninitiating excellent, focussed and clearcommunications with customers, meeting their specification and exceeding their

service expectations. However, he alsocautioned against spending too much time with overly demanding, yet low- yielding customers, citing the 80/20 rule (80 percent of profit usually comes from 20 percent of the client base). He advised printersto identify that key 20 percent, in order to help them overcome the challengesresulting from overcapacity and to helpmaximise profitability.

In today’s environmentally conscious climate, corporate sustainability is nolonger a marketing buzzword.

, FESPA Consultant, a memberof the United Kingdom Health & Safety Executive’s Printing Industry AdvisoryCommittee and advisor to the EuropeanUnion Environmental Agency on best environmental practices, informed delegates that more European companies now require suppliers to have green credentials to support environmentalpolicies. One of these is legal compliance to REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Machin’s presentation set outwho will be affected by REACH and themeasures that they need to take in order tobe compliant.

FESPA’s Wide Survey, the proprietarypan-European research project into the digital wide-format printing marketplace,indicated that the top three features that buyers look for in new wide format printers are: Print Quality (89 percent); Reliability (63 percent) and; RunningCosts/Cost per Square Foot (60 percent).

, Xaar’s MarketingDirector, discussed in-depth how Xaar’s

inkjet technology delivers profit by offering flexibility, choice, quality, reliability and productivity.

, Sales Director, FujifilmSericol, analysed print technology trendsincluding mass customisation with shorterlead times and run lengths and opined thatinks have helped to propel digital growth by offering everything from solvent to UV and multiple ink technologies (UV Screen + UV Flexo and UV Digital, Digital + Screen).According to Jackson, analogue printersmust include digital technology in theircurrent and future plans.

, Sales Director Asia-Pacific, Nazdar, concluded that althoughscreen and inkjet complemented each other, they were still competing processes and thelevel of competition is likely to increase. Nonetheless, graphic screenprinting is stillgrowing in Asia and the USA, although not in Western Europe. He also advised that industrial printers should consider investing in both technologies. ●

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ESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific, which will take place at Bangkok’s BITECCentre on 28th-30th November

2008, is the first FESPA exhibition for screenprinting, sign and wide format digitalprinting to be held in the Asia Pacificregion. The show has already attracted the participation of the world’s leading brands,thus providing the region’s printers withthe perfect event at which to source new products and innovations that will helpthem improve both their performance andtheir profitability.

With an average GDP of six percent, theAsia Pacific region is home to some of theworld’s fastest growing economies, whichin turn has fuelled the growth of wide format digital printing and thus createda real thirst for the calibre of information and education that only a FESPA eventcan provide.

According to FESPA research,screenprinting, digital printing andtextile printing can all provide printerswith exciting opportunities in a regionwhich has become the accepted global manufacturing hub.

This is reflected in exhibitor bookings, with all of the leading brands from the digital, screen and textile printing sectors eager to meet a printing community that has never previously been brought together before.

Despite expanding the available space,the show is already over 70 percent sold,and features HP as its Corporate Sponsorand Xaar as its Global Technology Partner.The exhibitors will represent Australasia,Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France,Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan, the UK and the USA- making it a truly international event. Key industry playerswho have recently signed up include Canon, Epson, Konica Minolta, NAZDAR,Bordeaux Inks and GCC.

More than 7,500 image-makers will attend the show and these will comprise digital printers, signmakers, industrial screenprinters and garment decorators,thus amply reflecting the three core categories of exhibitors. And whilst this show is located in Thailand, visitors willalso travel from China, Japan, Vietnam,Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand and Australia in order to source new products,swap ideas, solutions and techniques.

“FESPA is unique in the respect that profit is not its primary motivation,” commentedthe show’s Event Director, Marcus Timson.He continues: “Our aim is to deliver worldclass events that stimulate markets but alsoleave a legacy of reinvestment, which inturn, provides member associations and visitors with the opportunity for further business growth. FESPA has now been organising events since 1962 and since 2002 the FESPA community has virtually tripled in size, as the world’s printers begin to appreciate the value of being part of the FESPA movement.”

FESPA’s track record for running market leading exhibitions, along with its unrivalled ability to launch highly successful shows, such as FESPA Digital and FESPA World Expo India, has attractedboth significant support from exhibitors

and a rewarding level of interest from visitors. Now, printers in Asia no longerhave to travel all the way to Europe; theyhave their own FESPA event and they willdiscover what other FESPA visitors havealready learned – that the FESPA brandguarantees a high quality show!

FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific will offer screen and digital printingequipment, consumables and ancillaryservices from across the world. All of the leading global brands will be present under one roof, thus enabling visitors to compareall of the available options.

Visitors will find it easy to navigate their way around the show as the hall will be split into three sections focussing on:Sign & Graphics, Digital Printing, Pre-Press and Finishing; Screenprinting, Pad Printingand Industrial Decoration; and finally,Garment Decoration.

As well as attending the exhibition, visitors are also invited to take part in theFESPA Inspire educational conference,which will include expert speakers. The fullconference programme will be available forview later in the year at: www.fespaasia.com

There will also be a concurrent awardsprogramme - “FESPA Lotus Flower Imaging Awards 2008”, which is designed to recognise and reward excellence in screenand digital printing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Not only is Thailand the most hospitablelocation in Asia, it also offers a splendidarray of facilities, including a world classvenue, a superb partnership with TSGA and an established and dynamic printing community, all of which combine to make it the natural choice for the event.

The show will take place at BITEC, a state of the art international exhibition centre, which is conveniently located inclose proximity to the airport and thecity centre. Bangkok itself is a vibrantand dynamic city with excellent travelconnections and a plentiful supply of first class hotel accommodation. ●

he name Mutoh has long beenassociated with the wide-format sideof the industry, and the company is

an important player in the market withits machine families, which are popularthroughout the display sector. What many people don’t realise, however, is the majorrole played by its European headquartersin Belgium, with many customers being under the misapprehension that its Ostendfactory is merely home to sales and service departments.

In fact, Mutoh Europe is a whole

production plant in its own right, withresearch and development, manufacturing and administration facilities all on site. Having started with 16 employees and a single building, Mutoh now has around275 staff, and occupies more than 15,000 square metres, with much of this dedicated to engineering and production.

The majority of Mutoh’s product portfolio for the digital market ismanufactured in Belgium and ManagingDirector of Mutoh Europe, Arthur Vanhoutte, explains: “The ValueJet and

the Osprey are both produced in Japan,but all the rest of our inkjet machines aremanufactured here, in Ostend. We sell to each other but unlike in the old days whenboth Japan and Europe were responsible for producing the original Rockhopper series, today we concentrate on our productswhich are supplied world-wide through ourdistribution channels.”

Recent developments from Mutoh, which have also helped to make itsproducts easy and logical to use, include its i2 technology, which is pronounced “eye-

squared”. This is now incorporated into printers throughout the current portfolio with the intention of bringing simplicityand improved results to users.

This technology bucks the trend of putting down layers, or ‘passes’ of ink instraight lines. Instead of working to theconventional algorithms employed by most printers, i2 uses intelligent interweaving which, in simple terms, means that theink is laid down in optimised waveforms.Stephan Heintjens, Product MarketingManager at Mutoh Europe, describes its benefits. He says: “Our intention was tobe able to improve print standards and to make it easier for customers to output thebest quality for the type of jobs they are producing.

“Thus, i2 removes many of the problems inherent in many inkjet printers,such as banding, ink mottling and bleed. And it also takes away the visible effects caused by misfiring or missing nozzles, saving on costly reprints.”

The i2 technology was developed by Mutoh to bring to users vastly improvedprint quality amongst its benefits. But italso saves on set-up times and simplifies workflow. There is an increase in the density of the ink put down onto thematerial, as the formation of the wavepatterns superimposes thin layers of the ink and these create an even coating. Heintjens says that the end results show noticeable improvements in clarity and a better colour gamut.

The inherent problems associatedwith digital printing and banding led toMutoh’s development of an improved method of laying down ink by removing the hard edge between passes made by the printhead. By using a wave form technique, it’s easy to appreciate that any slight intolerances can be concealed inthe way in which the ink is applied to the substrate. Formerly, machines had to be run in slower modes with a greater number of passes, in order to achieve the quality levels demanded bymany end customers. In theory, i2 lets users work at higher rates with fewer numbers of passes, with the obviousbenefits of overall greater throughput. The intelligence element of thisinterweaving process is also clever

enough to know when there’s a likelihood of banding or bleeding and it’s able toadjust its dot placement and flow of ink toeliminate poor results.

The other inherent benefit of i2 is thefact that it has enabled Mutoh to simplify the user-to-printer interface, removingthe hit-and-miss element when choosingoutput resolution, number of passes and speed. The accuracy and reliability found in intelligent interweaving has eliminated many of the variables encountered when printing to different types of materials, coated or uncoated. Instead of an operatorpainstakingly having to pick through oftencomplex menus and options on-screen, Mutoh has developed its own method of making sure the best mode is selected foreach job. Factored in are options such as optimum viewing distance, image type and content and overall quality requirements.

Heintjens explains: “For displayswhich contain large areas of solid colours and text and, perhaps, graduated tints,we have configured a ‘Sign’ option. This concentrates on higher quality, necessaryfor blocks of colours, graphics and text. For faster output which is well suited to the output of half-tones and photographic elements, there is the ‘Picture’ option.” However, despite this facility, Heintjens points out that many advanced operators want to maintain full control over the settings they plan to use. Thus, manual configuration is also available.

With intelligent interweaving now incorporated into a growing numberof printers in the Mutoh portfolio, it originally coincided with the launch of the Blizzard machines that were launched in 2007. This product line incorporatesthe company’s latest eco-solvent ink technology as well as i2, but it has theadded benefit that users can upgrade these

printers to accommodate mild-solvent inks if preferred.

Commercial Marketing Manager for Mutoh Europe, Nick Decock, states:“This potential two-stage investmentprogramme is extremely valuable for businesses entering into solvent production for the first time. Initially, they mightnot be certain of their overall potential or requirements and, for example, they could be operating from premises not equippedwith ducting and extraction units.However, once their production volumesincrease, instead of having to buy a newprinter, users can upgrade to mild solvent-based inks to give them the benefits of longer and more regular production.”

Mutoh’s solvent family printers includethe Rockhopper, its original eco productrange, which has continued to retain its popularity with its ability to print to coated and uncoated materials. But the company has been adding steadily to its portfoliowith machines that cater for most types of application. For example, its Spitfire isdesigned to use mild solvent-based inks and comes in a choice of three widths,plus optional bulk ink cartridges. At the budget end of the market, the ValueJet ismade by Mutoh in Japan but is, of course,available worldwide. Interestingly, a newdevelopment which is currently coming to fruition is a flat-bed option called the

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FESPA MÉXICO WORLD EXPO ’08

FESPA