PrintWeekMENA

Fujifilm launches Jet Press 1160CF in EMEA

Fujifilm has confirmed that EMEA customers are now able to place orders for the Jet Press 1160CF, with installations expected by the end of Q3. The manufacturer introduced the continuous-feed inkjet press to the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region via a special live online event held on 9 and 10 July that was broadcast live from Japan. The new press complements Fujifilm’s existing Jet Press 1160CFG, which was launched at Drupa and also demonstrated at the Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025 event in Lucerne, Switzerland in February. Both machines are inkjet presses designed to deliver “exceptional productivity and print quality” for commercial print applications including direct mail, books, and journals. The Jet Press 1160CF features a unique ink formulation, which enables the press to print on uncoated and matt coated stocks with consistent high quality, and is suitable for transaction, transpromo, books, direct mail, and manuals. The Jet Press 1160CFG, meanwhile, is an enhanced configuration of the CF model and features Fujifilm’s unique paper stabiliser technology, which is suitable for printing on standard offset stocks for high quality commercial applications, books, and magazines. The online event featured live demonstrations of both the Jet Press 1160CF and the Jet Press 1160CFG, alongside new robotic and software offerings, in Fujifilm’s Future Edge Smart Factory. Mark Stephenson, business development manager at Fujifilm Europe, hosted the online event from the UK, while Danny Bakker, digital printing demonstrator and application specialist, and Grzegorz Szymanko, product manager for Jet Press 1160, were both on the ground supporting in Japan. Stephenson said during yesterday’s session that some people in Europe, Middle East and Africa "haven’t seen Fujifilm involved in toner until maybe three years ago, and they haven’t seen us involved in high-speed inkjet – we’ve done sheetfed for a while – until perhaps just the last year, but our story in inkjet goes back a lot further”. The manufacturer started its continuous-feed inkjet business in the Asia Pacific region in 2011 and Fujifilm has installed 200 units there since. During the event yesterday, David Cascarino, who is responsible for industrial print inkjet at Fujifilm in Australia, described how one customer there uses a Jet Press 1160CF to produce menus for a grocery and produce home delivery service. He explained: “That’s a daily task. They receive files at about 10am and they’ve got about 24 hours to turn that around. The reason why it works so well on the 1160 is because the varied amounts of menus that are required differ with every single menu. “With some menus they require 5,000 and for some others it might only be 500. The 1160 itself drives that application but the information is delivered by XMF PressReady, which is key critical in matching and delivering to the engine the information and the data that it needs to produce it efficiently. “And the quality that they’re producing off the 1160 is allowing that to happen. “The quality needs to be realistic and vivid and attractive; all of those criteria that make it a menu that the customers want to produce and want to cook.” As well as press demonstrations, the event featured a video case study from Korean company Twinbell, which operates two 1160CF presses and is considering investing in several more.

Fujifilm launches Jet Press 1160CF in EMEA

Shihab Ahmed Zubair, Sales Manager, Epson ME, in a conversation with PrintWeek MENA, said: “Epson ME is excited to join FESPA Middle East 2024 at Dubai Exhibition Centre. As part of our participation, we will be showcasing some of the latest printing innovations, including the Epson V7000, our debut UV large format printer for vibrant retail, outdoor signage and packaging; the SC-R5010L, our versatile resin ink printer that prints on vinyl, textile, wallpaper, and more; and the F2200, which delivers precise Direct-to-Garment & Film printing. We will also present the SC-F6400H, a six-colour dye sublimation printer for textile producers and promotional goods businesses. Our presence signifies our commitment to innovation and empowering industries with cutting-edge printing technology. FESPA Middle East will provide us with a platform to engage industry professionals and exhibit our diverse range of products, driving new possibilities in the region's print landscape. “At FESPA Middle East 2024, Epson ME will present cutting-edge printing technology and highlight a diverse array of printers that are tailored to meet specific industry needs. We anticipate strong interest in the Epson V7000, our groundbreaking UV large format printer, which is engineered to craft attention-grabbing retail displays, outdoor signage, packaging, and decorative items. We will create an engaging environment at our Stand D10, to enable visitors to experience our printers firsthand and gain insight into their remarkable commercial potential. Our presence at FESPA Middle East will highlight our products’ transformative power, enabling businesses to raise printing standards and explore new opportunities across business sectors. “Epson has actively participated in previous FESPA events around the world, leveraging these platforms to highlight our latest innovations. At the FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, we made a remarkable impact with live printing demonstrations. Along with our partners, we highlighted the diverse applications and impressive outcomes achievable through our range of professional inkjet printers and other key products. Our stand was strategically designed to present various printing possibilities across different areas. In the Promotional segment, we exhibited desktop dye sublimation printers alongside the SC-F2100 DTG printer, demonstrating how small businesses can produce personalised merchandise such as mugs, phone covers, and t-shirts. Our latest Direct-to-Garment printer, the SureColor SC-F3000, offers a complete DTG package for high-volume fabric printing. The expo also featured Epson's advanced printers such as the Direct-to-Fabric digital textile printer Monna Lisa ML-8000 and the dye sublimation printers SC-F9400H and SC-F10000H, which offer applications in fashion, home textiles, and soft signage. Our participation extended to the signage area with printers like the SureColor SC-R5000L, which enables easy printing on various materials. Additionally, we unveiled the SureColor SC-V7000, Epson's first UV flatbed printer, which is ideal for diverse applications on rigid substrates. FESPA served as a dynamic platform for Epson and its partners to demonstrate a wide array of printing applications, demonstrating how businesses can expand into new markets and leverage our innovative technologies to maximise revenue potential. “Epson ME will spotlight the SC-R5010L, our inaugural resin ink large format printer. This versatile machine can print on various materials including vinyl, banners, textiles, wallpapers, and films, offering unmatched printing possibilities. We will also introduce the F2200, a comprehensive solution for Direct-to-Garment and Direct-to-Film printing. Businesses seeking accuracy, speed, and intricate design execution across garments will find the F2200 indispensable. Additionally, we will present the SC-F6400H, a 44-inch six-colour dye sublimation printer that targets textile producers, promotional goods businesses, and photographic studios with its versatility and vibrant output. “In the digital age, the printing industry is experiencing transformative growth, driven by the innovative technologies being highlighted at events like FESPA 2024. Key areas shaping this evolution include: Personalisation and Customisation: Digital printing allows for unparalleled personalisation. Businesses can offer tailor-made solutions for their customers, through personalised merchandise, customised packaging, or individualised prints. This level of personalisation transforms the customer experience, building loyalty and repeat business. Sustainable Printing Practices: Environmental awareness has become a key priority for the printing industry. FESPA 2024 will highlight Epson's commitment to eco-friendly solutions, with printers designed to minimise waste, use recycled materials, and employ energy-efficient processes. Expanding Applications in Textiles and Fashion: Printing technology has expanded into the textile and fashion industries. Digital textile printing offers versatility, speed, and supports intricate designs on a broad range of fabrics, meeting the demand for unique, high-quality garments and home textiles. Industrial Printing Solutions: The shift toward industrial printing, including 3D printing, functional printing, and printed electronics, is transforming manufacturing processes. Epson's participation at FESPA will outline some of the advancements in industrial printing that are enhancing efficiency and accuracy in production environments. Digital Packaging Printing: With the rise of e-commerce and the need for standout packaging, digital printing is playing an increasingly key role. Digital printing enables shorter print runs, customisation options, and quicker turnaround times, which caters to the dynamic needs of the online retail sector. By focusing on sustainability, digital packaging, and a targeted focus on the needs of specific industries, Epson is working to transform the sector. Our presence at FESPA 2024 will demonstrate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of printing technology, catering to evolving market needs, and driving growth in these transformative areas. “Looking at the evolution of the print business in the region, Epson ME anticipates several key trends that will continue to play a transformative role. These include: Technological Evolution: The print landscape is evolving rapidly, with a shift towards more versatile and sustainable printing technologies. There is a strong move towards advanced UV printing, resin ink technologies, and direct-to-garment solutions. Epson is at the forefront of these trends, driving these advancements to meet diverse market needs. Market Diversification: The demand for personalised, on-demand, and environmentally friendly printing solutions continues to grow. Epson anticipates a significant uptick in sectors like packaging, textiles, retail displays, and promotional materials. Our adaptable product portfolio aligns with these expanding markets, offering tailored solutions for various industry requirements. Sustainability as a Priority: Environmental consciousness is increasingly influencing purchase decisions. Epson ME recognises this trend and continues to prioritise eco-friendly printing solutions. Our commitment to sustainable practices, reflected in the full range of products we will display at FESPA, resonates with businesses seeking more sustainable alternatives in the printing sphere. Digital Integration and Connectivity: Digital transformation is propelling the need for connected and automated printing services. Epson's forward-thinking strategies emphasise connectivity and smart printing solutions, catering to the growing demand for digitally integrated printing services in 2024-25. In summary, the region's print business will witness a convergence of advanced technologies, diversified markets, sustainability initiatives, and digital integration soon. Epson ME is poised to lead this dynamic landscape, anticipating and addressing industry needs with innovative, cutting-edge printing solutions.”

Fujifilm launches Jet Press 1160CF in EMEA

How to implement automation in printing operations

It is becoming necessary in printing operations to automate as much as possible to gain efficiencies. But before you begin your planning processes, look at your current state to ensure that you understand how works happen today. Kodak, a global technology company focused on print and advanced materials and chemicals, explains the vital role of automation in printing operations and how to do it properly. Read on. Single system of record that reliably gathers data from business and production systems If you have that system of record, you are in the perfect state to take on end-to-end automation. If you have multiple points of data collection that have never been integrated, there is still a path to automation. Still, your planning may take longer to accommodate identifying the required data and the processes that use them. Standard processes for order taking, job specification, and order management When there are standard processes, planning for automation can leverage them to speed implementation. When the procedures to take orders are different for every sales channel, it is hard to standardize order intake. When the process of capturing job specifications varies by sales team member and orders are managed without a strategic view into machine usage and job deadlines, some work will be required before automating and making those processes more efficient. How many spreadsheets are used to track jobs, components, or processes? Every business has some ad hoc processes tracked on spreadsheets, whiteboards, and notepads to keep mission-critical items front of mind. There is nothing wrong with them, but when they become the sole source of truth about a job or a process, they add risk to production. Some organisations justify using spreadsheets by putting them onto shared-access servers so that all authorized constituents can easily access them. It sounds like a great idea, but over time you may find that copies are sitting on individual desktops, and the shared copy is no longer the reliable source of information. Knowing what you have as you plan for automation will help you size the effort. Moving to that automated environment creates a single system of record that is reliable and can be integrated into adjacent business and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Planning for automation You could find some processes that appear easy to automate, add some new tools, and call that your automation plan, but there is a better path. It starts with knowing what is possible. New options in cloud-based workflows bring the same powerful options to smaller shops as the largest shops enjoy. With minimal investments and immediate implementation, shops with a single digital press can build an efficient workflow that will scale using the same technology as a mid-size shop with a mix of offset and digital devices. And these modern cloud-based production workflow solutions can help in any segment, whether the work you produce is graphically-rich static content or uses data-driven processes to execute variable content targeted to a specific recipient. Today’s automated production workflows are built to integrate MIS and ERP tools, Web-to-Print solutions, and e-commerce options. This approach should be high on your list as you consider automation options because it brings a robust IT infrastructure to the table. Automating individual processes glued together with manual interventions isn’t the accomplishment that brings the most benefit. Considering automation requires a dive into every action involved, from the point of estimation and sale to the final delivery to the customer. Planning is the active event designed to identify the touchpoints and the best approach to reviewing each step, the people involved, and the current tools used. Start by articulating your strategic goals for 2022. You may be looking to expand into a new industry or print segments. Your current workload may require more capacity. You may want to acquire more capabilities, either through buying more equipment, optimising workflows, or buying a company. As you consider your strategic plan, itemize the candidate processes for automation to move you toward those goals. Don’t be surprised if you identify current manual processes as critical roadblocks. Strategic goals are long-term and inform the way the business runs. There will be some work to do to build the bridge from strategy to implementation, and that is where tactical planning becomes essential. Tactical goals are more than solving today’s bottleneck. They work within the strategy to consider implementing new software and processes while keeping production moving. Think of it as changing the tires on a car while it’s in motion. There will be practical concerns as current processes are replaced by automation, including how and when to move off tools that are no longer providing value. Tactics should support the strategic goals and solve the business' specific challenges without adding more hurdles to creating an automated environment. Build the strategic plan for automation to consider the practical implication of automating the current processes, including goals for gaining buy-in from the team members in each department, who may be asked to change how they do their jobs or change positions to accommodate the planned process modifications. Look for onramps to the fully automated business environment for every element in the tactical plan that enables lower cost and higher margins. A part of tactical planning includes your approach to daily operations. To create an efficient environment in 2022, consider a standalone Operational Plan to document the expectations for each department, interface points between departments, and the key performance metrics that will help everyone stay on the strategic course. Automation does not eliminate the need to understand the production touchpoints. The best practice is to document what should happen if you lose access to the automation, too. The last step in planning for automation is to build the appropriate contingency plans. Cloud-based automated workflows protect you from onsite server disruptions and mitigate much of the risk associated with onsite installations when paired with a disciplined backup strategy. What to do next If you plan to automate your print workflow in 2022, look for scalable and easy platforms to integrate with your core business systems. Ensure that your chosen technology partner lets you automate each task within prepress and production and then map those automated tasks together to ensure that each type of job takes the correct journey through each process. Learn your options, and then create a plan that works for you.

admin in News July 22, 2022

Estimable estimators

If they were lucky, the human estimators had an adding machine or desktop calculator to help with the figures. A busy medium-sized printer might have 10 or more full time estimators. Finding and keeping that many specialised estimators could be tricky, as the work was exacting but hardly exciting. Computers were an obvious solution, but the knowledge of how to program for such specialised calculations wasn’t. One of the first UK companies to crack it was what was to become Imprint Business Systems, which is still going strong after 42 years. Today its customers in print and packaging run into the hundreds and many of them have used Imprint systems for at least 25 years. Like most of the early MIS developers, Imprint grew out of the needs of a particular print company, which then used the experience gained to sell to a wider circle or printing and packaging companies. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a lot of computer estimating start-ups, often with printing company roots. Some of Imprint’s original UK competitors from 40-odd years ago have also survived and prospered independently, such as Optimus (originally Optichrome Computer Systems Ltd, or OCSL), DDS (Accura) and Tharstern, while others were taken over by the ever-expanding EFI empire (such as Prism, Radius, Shuttleworth and Technique). A few others have either merged, or closed, or both. Imprint itself was founded in 1978 by Glennys Bourne and Jonathan Richards. Originally the pair had worked together at the art book printer Shenval Press in Harlow. Richards was general manager, later a director of Shenval, but had learned programming skills at college. Bourne went on to run the nearby Caterpillar Press. Bourne says that the reason for writing the original computer estimating program was a shortage of the trained human variety. “You could not get estimators for love nor money,” she says. So the first estimating program was written to suit the needs of Shenval Press and Caterpillar Press. Bourne saw the potential for Imprint beyond the needs of Shenval and Caterpillar, so the latter was sold to concentrate on the new business. “The Imprint name describes the company well and has stood us well over the years,” says Richards. “As for why the name was chosen, it just seemed a good fit at the time.” Both are still very much involved today. Bourne is CEO, while Jonathan Richards says he’s “allowed to be chairman on high days and holidays”. However, time marches on and their children Will Richards and Nick Bourne have also joined Imprint – the latter now being MD. Today Imprint is based in High Easter, in the countryside between Chelmsford and Bishop’s Stortford, handily close to the M11 and Stansted airport. It employs 16 people in an often overlapping mix of management, programming and customer services roles.

admin in News July 22, 2022

Agfa Avinci CX3200

Avinci CX3200 is 3.2 m wide dye sub textile printer capable of printing on polyester-based textiles What is it? Agfa’s Avinci CX3200 is a highly reliable and convenient soft signage printer that can print directly to fabrics and onto transfer paper. It uses an off-line calendar unit to ensure perfect fixation. Agfa’s dedicated dye sublimation roll-to-roll printer will enable you to create vibrant, high-quality prints on polyester-based fabrics up to 3.2 m wide, including a broad range of in- and outdoor soft signage applications, as well as interior decoration. The Avinci CX3200 boasts a rich color gamut and delivers deep black, perfect solids, accurate spot color mapping and smooth tonal rendering that is particularly noticeable in skin tones. The Avinci inks are characterised by their flexibility, image longevity and outdoor resistance. They offer stable jetting performance and deliver the same high-quality results, batch after batch. An off-line calender unit fixes the color deeply into the structure of the polyester-based fabrics while evaporating the carrier fluid. When was it launched at what are the target markets? It was launched on June 22, 2021, and aimed at soft signage industry, sports wear, fashion industry and home décor. Avinic CX3200 is a 3.2 m wide Dye Sub Textile printer capable of printing on polyester based textiles. Does it replace an earlier product? It replaces the earlier model of DX3200. The Avinci CX3200 is driven by Agfa’s Asanti wide-format workflow software. Color accuracy is provided by the easy-to-use color management. Using their Calibrated Print Mode feature, new media can be calibrated and profiled in less than 15 minutes, after which the new profiles can be used to guarantee print quality. Asanti controls and automates the entire printing process from file intake to finishing, maximising productivity. Its comprehensive integration of file handling, color management and preflighting guarantees smooth and error-free jobs. The web-based Asanti Production Dashboard offers a view on your running production. It summarizes the jobs produced and reports on quantity printed, media usage, ink volumes enabling you to control your production and to manage your print shop optimally. What is the USP? It allows you to print directly on textiles and capable of print on transfer paper media as well. Single person media loading and low inks consumptions are another features. High productivity and a robust design for reliable printing at all times, vibrant prints and a wide color gamut; fine detail rendering; extensive applications scope; low ink consumption; convenient operations and a fast changeover between jobs are another features. Avinci produces good results with a minimum of jetted ink. This low ink consumption is based on Agfa’s renowned Thin Ink Layer technology: a smart combination of particular ink characteristics and our Asanti workflow software algorithms that tune the ink quantities perfectly to the required image quality mode. What training and support are available? Full in house training and support available from Agfa UAE and Belgium. Complete and integrated solution are available for printer, inks, workflow software, worldwide service and applications support. How productive is it? It prints at speed of 250 Sqm per hr on express mode. Being able to print directly to fabric is easy and ideal for fast handling and for special applications such as flags, where print-though is needed. Transfer paper allows for super sharp prints, eliminates any set-off, and limits media waste to a minimum. In addition, it extends the application scope to sportswear and fashion garments, as well as home décor prints on non-coated polyester fabrics. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is approximately $220k stand alone printer and requires a separate calendaring unit. How many are in use? Currently, the latest CX3200 are around 11 units around the world. Specifications 3.2m Dye sublimation Printer Kyocera print heads 4 colour printer CYMK Direct to garment capable to print on transfer paper Max speed of 250 sqm Stand alone printer Resolution up to 600 x 1800 dpi Media types: Polyester-based fabrics, or transfer paper used to create banners, indoor wall graphics, shop decoration, outdoor advertising, light boxes, trade show displays, flags and high polyester-based blends “Agfa Avinci CX3200 was launched in June 2021.”

Aug. 2, 2022

Epson – SureColor SC V7000 Flatbed Printer

Epson's first UV large format printer offers exceptional image quality, Shihab Zubair What is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 is Epson's first UV large format printer, offering exceptional image quality. The V7000 is ideal for printing eye-catching retail and outdoor signage, window displays, hoarding panels, packaging, promotional goods, and décor products. It includes Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead with ten newly developed original inks, for accurate colour reproduction for spot and corporate colours. It allows businesses the flexibility to print on a range of media up to 80mm thick including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, glass, aluminium, metal, polyester, foam board, styrene, wood and stone. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing and, with the 4-zone vacuum system, it offers real flexibility for production environments. When was it launched at what are the target markets? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021 within the Middle East region, building on the success of Epson’s award-winning range of SureColor S Series signage printers. The V7000 allows sign and display makers to expand their portfolio of products, to deliver high quality, fast and reliable results on a variety of different media. Does it replace an earlier product? The SureColor SC-V7000 proudly marks Epson’s entry into the UV flatbed signage print market. As Epson’s first UV large format printer, it provides unique features to differentiate and enhance our offering to the signage market. Every feature of the Epson SureColor SC-V7000 has been designed with the customer in mind. This is a robust and affordable UV LED flatbed signage printer capable of fast and quality printing on a wide range of media – any type of surface, despite the size, thickness, or weight. This is in addition to Epson’s successful product solutions such as the Epson SureColor SC Series of eco-solvent and resin ink printers. For instance, for environmentally friendly organisations, Epson’s SureColor SC-R5010 Series has the capacity to include a resin ink solution, offering print service providers and creative design agencies the ability to produce a wide range of signage in a more sustainable way, without compromising on the results. For a larger ink capacity, Epson offers the SureColor SC-R5010L. What is the USP? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 provides exceptional image quality, productivity, usability, and safety. With the unique Epson Micro Piezo printhead, the printer has ten newly developed original inks and 3-layer high-speed printing. It helps print with ease and safety with automatic measurement of media thickness, a multi-zone vacuum, and a printhead crash prevent function, Epson Edge Print, proximity sensors. What training and support is available? Epson manufactures all the components for the SureColor SC-V7000, including printheads, inks and software, in order to reach the consistent quality levels that our customers expect. The Epson Cloud Solution PORT is a cloud-based system from where you will be able to monitor equipment across several sites, or several printers across one site, from the production floor or remotely, and assist the control of production. This enables efficient production planning, increased uptime and enhanced support. Epson Production Monitor is part of the Epson Cloud Solution PORT suite of apps and allows you to examine the production status in real-time. If an issue occurs, it can be corrected efficiently with minimal disruption to the print run. How productive is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 enables businesses to print at high speed with a maximum print area of 2.5 metres by 1.25 metres. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing, with white ink and varnish, without losing productivity. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is around AED 330,563 (US $90,000) and it is sold through authorised partners in the Middle East. How many are in use? Currently two printers have been installed in the UAE, and we are scheduled to install a few more in December and further into 2022. Specifications UltraChrome UV 10-colour inkset Printing resolution of 720 x 1,440 DPI Outstanding print quality High-speed simultaneous printing even when using white, colour and varnish Printheads, ink, firmware and software with an ink tank capacity of 1,000 ml Price from AED 330,563 “Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021.”

Aug. 2, 2022

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