Esko and Scodix collaborate to streamline addition of packaging enhancements

Esko and Scodix announces a collaboration to include Scodix packaging enhancement applications within the Esko Studio suite including, Scodix Foil, Scodix Embossed Foil, Scodix Sense for UV embossing and Scodix Spot for varnish applications. Scodix presses bring unrivalled and unique digital enhancements to printed materials for both commercial print and folding carton in a post-print process including multiple premium quality applications on one platform. Both the Scodix Ultra2 series and the

Staff Writer, 18 September 2018

Flint Group Narrow Web introduces products and services

This year at Label Expo Americas, Flint Group Narrow Web introduces the most complete portfolio of food compliant inks for short-run flexible packaging, the “Fastest Ink for Shrink,” and the new benchmark for colour management, VIVO® Colour Solutions. Each offering is designed to simplify the converter production process and enable higher productivity and efficiency.

“This year, our ink portfolio for short-runs of food compliant flexible packaging includes new UV curable and water borne inks

Staff Writer, 18 September 2018

OneVision and Screen announces new workflow for label printing

The collaboration entails the integration of the OneVision automated label printing software solution, DigiLabel, working seamlessly with the Screen Equios Workflow, which streamlines production time and helps achieve cost and production savings.
The integration of the two software solutions with the Screen high-speed Truepress Jet L350UV and L350UV+ inkjet label presses ensures smooth production workflows. In addition to streamlining the prepress stage, DigiLabel optimises the entire process

Staff Writer, 12 September 2018

Esko CDI Crystal 4835 XPS further automates

The introduction of an Esko CDI Crystal 4835 XPS platemaking solution has helped further automate the entire prepress workflow of German packaging specialist Schur Star Systems GmbH .
For more than 10 years, Schur Star Systems GmbH has been working with Esko’s technology to produce flexo plates in-house. It chose CDI Crystal 4835 XPS to further automate prepress. The system combines all the advantages of Crystal technology, including ease of use, reliability, consistency and quality, with the

Staff Writer, 12 September 2018

Lucky and Agfa join hands

Lucky HuaGuang Graphics Co. Ltd. and Agfa Graphics announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance in the graphics prepress business. The strategic alliance aims to allow both companies to grow their respective businesses by optimizing their respective strengths in manufacturing, technology and distribution of graphic prepress products and services.
Under the collaboration, Lucky will provide manufacturing capacity for printing plates in Nanyang, China, with Agfa Graphics’ support and

Staff Writer, 12 September 2018

SAi joins partners with Avery Dennison for RIP software

SA International (SAi) has partnered with Avery Dennison to develop specialised software for the company’s TrafficJet Print System. The FlexiSIGN & PRINT Avery Dennison TrafficJet and FlexiPRINT Avery Dennison TrafficJet software will feature on the new system, which is designed to allow the production of certified output for the highly-regulated global traffic signage market. As well as incorporating the TrafficJet large format digital printer, the bundle includes the specially-designed

Staff Writer, 11 September 2018

Avery Dennison introduces recycled PET liners

Avery Dennison has claimed itself as the first pressure-sensitive labeling material supplier to introduce liner made from recycled PET (rPET) commercially in Europe.
The new rPET liner uses carefully selected post-consumer waste and will be introduced in October 2018 across a number of self-adhesive constructions.
This move reflects the firm’s commitment to finding more sustainable options for the labeling industry, as Jasper Zonnenberg, the supplier’s global director for films, explained.
“Avery

Staff Writer, 26 August 2018

New ultimate vehicle visibility solutions from Avery Dennison

Among the materials science innovations Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions premiered at FESPA 2018 was a full range of reflective films designed to provide the highest possible vehicle visibility.
Oliver Guenther, senior director, marketing and channel strategy for Avery Dennison, said that Avery Dennison’s V-8000 Series of reflective films is one of the new range’s star performers, with six colours that use a unique, all-in-one prismatic technology: “The extreme, omnidirectional reflectivity

Staff Writer, 13 August 2018

Aslan’s new laminating film to protect UV inks

Aslan has introduced a new laminating film in matt and gloss especially for the protection of UV-curable inks.
The German company is manufacturing the self-adhesive PVC film in rolls 1.35m wide and 50m long.
Key account manager René Bourgeois said the product, which was launched in the UK last week, will be available from Doro Tape and Papergraphics, but did not give pricing details.
The special adhesive of UV-PrintProtect Aslan SL 27 and matt SL 28 offer “excellent adhesion” on UV-curable

Staff Writer, 13 August 2018

EyeC integrates measurement

With EyeC inspection systems, print shops and their customers can now measure their print products. In one inspection cycle, EyeC solutions for PDF proofing and sample testing can automatically check any relevant distances across all items. With this, companies can guarantee correct positioning of all print elements and adequate distances for clean die cutting. Even products with special shapes, such as labels for technical devices, can be measured automatically.
According to the company

Staff Writer, 13 August 2018

Enfocus launches new reporting module for Switch

Enfocus, an Esko company, has recently announced the release of the Reporting Module for Switch 2018, the latest version of its automation solution for the professional print market.
According to company spokesperson, “Building on our promise of offering Switch users more production transparency across their workflows, the new module will not only provide more visibility but also offer a fully customizable experience to users. This new tool can be used across the whole organization, providing

Staff Writer, 12 July 2018

Esko, AVT, X-Rite and Pantone combine for workflow

Esko has joined forces with Danaher sister companies AVT, X-Rite and Pantone to integrate its automation and collaboration systems with the X-Rite and Pantone colour technology and AVT’s camera inspection technology.
These three integrations, that digitize and connect the most advanced technologies of Esko, AVT, X-Rite & Pantone, were demonstrated during EskoWorld, the annual Esko user event taking place in San Antonio. The integrations are designed to preserve the digital flow of data

Staff Writer, 09 July 2018

Mactac unveils new colours

Mactac Europe has unveiled 16 new colour choices and faster colour-matching for the popular MACal 9800 Pro range — including six new colours inspired by Mondrian’s palette. It means an even wider range of choices for long-term vehicle marking, window graphics, decorative & signage panels, and other branding applications.
Oliver Guenther, senior director marketing and channel strategy for Mactac Europe brand, said: “MACal 9800 Pro is one of our most important premium-quality films with

Staff Writer, 09 July 2018

Epson qualifies Herma materials for production

Epson has qualified Herma self-adhesive materials for production of economic short runs of colour labels printed digitally using its water-based inkjet equipment.
Epson has performed extensive tests with its ColorWorks C7500 and C7500G water-based inkjet colour label printers. Results from these tests showed standard self-adhesive materials from Herma achieved ‘very good’ print results with ‘outstanding efficiency’ on these industrial colour label printing systems.
“Our product HERMAwhite (grade

Staff Writer, 09 July 2018

Agfa Graphics releases InkTune and PressTune software

Agfa Graphics announces the release of InkTune and PressTune software to reduce the production costs. These tools are part of Agfa Graphics’ ECO³ offering and give print houses complete control over all printing elements, from ink use to compliance with ISO, G7 and client-specific standards, while reducing production costs. Real-time data insights into print quality drive these capabilities, independent of printing technology and press manufacturer.
According to the company spokesperson

Staff Writer, 01 July 2018

Esko and Asahi partner to streamline flexo platemaking

Esko and Asahi are partnering to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in flexo platemaking through the combination of their respective technologies.
Stephan Doppelhammer, business development manager at Asahi Photoproducts Europe, explained: “In our fast-paced and rapidly evolving industry, efficiency, waste reduction and speed to market are critical. By partnering with Esko, we bring together solutions from two world-class companies to create a faster, more efficient and more

Staff Writer, 11 June 2018

200th Anniversary for Sun Chemical in 2018

Throughout the remainder of 2018, Sun Chemical plans to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
“Beginning with the inspiring legacy of Lorilleux and Samuel Morris in the early 1800’s, Sun Chemical has delivered 200 years of colour expertise, innovative technology and an ongoing commitment to quality and service for our customers,” said Rudi Lenz, president and CEO, Sun Chemical. “Having held close to 10,000 worldwide trademarks and over 3,000 granted patents in various global jurisdictions in its

Staff Writer, 11 June 2018

EFI DFE for Ricoh Digital presses

Electronics For Imaging, Inc., has announced a new EFI Fiery digital front end (DFE) designed to drive the new RICOH Pro C9200/C9210 Graphic Arts Edition series of high end digital colour production presses. Based on the latest Fiery FS300 Pro software, the Fiery Colour Controller E-85 ensures unparalleled productivity, exceptional colour and seamless workflow integration.
“Our customers have come to depend on the exceptional performance delivered by the combination of our award-winning presses

Staff Writer, 11 June 2018

PitStop 2018 launched with advanced features for everyone

PitStop Pro 2018, which is available as an Adobe Acrobat plugin gets more new features. The latest version is all about making life easier, saving time and providing additional advanced editing functionality for images, graphics, text and even shadings. From gaining detailed production insight through the new dashboard feature, to simplifying Action List creation and editing, PitStop 2018 users will have the most advanced PDF preflight and editing tool on the market.
“These are major releases

Staff Writer, 11 June 2018

Enfocus releases Switch 2018 with added new features

Enfocus, an Esko company, announced the release of Switch 2018, the latest version of its automation solution for the professional print market.
After looking into the market requirement, Switch 2018 was modified. With the new release the limitations within a workflow are now a thing of the past and diversification is key to the survival of print service providers.
“When automation is driving your business, it is essential that you have a solution that provides full control and transparency of

Staff Writer, 14 May 2018

MagnaColours launches new glow-in-the-dark ink for market

Water-based textile inks supplier MagnaColours has bolstered its range of special effects products for the screen printing industry with the launch of a new glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent ink.
MagnaPrint Glow FX is a ready-to-use printing paste created by MagnaColours for intense, glow-in-the-dark print effects. The product builds on the firm’s existing Glow ink, which will also remain available for those that wish to continue using it.
The product, which is commercially available with immediate

Staff Writer, 14 May 2018

Kodak renews certification

Kodak’s  quality management system to ISO 9001:2015 was introduced at their plate manufacturing facility in Osterode (Germany) back in 1995; it was followed in 2001 by an environmental management system to ISO 14001:2015 and in 2005 by an occupational health and safety management system to BS OHSAS 18001. ISO 50001, the energy management standard, has been implemented since 2013.
The official certification of the 9001, 14001 and 18001 management systems was renewed in March 2018 to take account

Staff Writer, 14 May 2018

Flint and X-Rite form global partnership

Flint Group’s Paper & Board business has entered into a partnership with X-Rite that leverages its eXact and NetProfiler technologies to meet the colour management needs of each stakeholder in the package print value and supply chain.
Ray Cheydleur, printing and imaging product portfolio manager at X-Rite, added: “This partnership will benefit Flint Group’s customer base of printers around the world. Utilizing X-Rite’s NetProfiler software for verifying device performance, along with the

Staff Writer, 14 May 2018

Kodak upswing forward with process free plate technology

Kodak’s process free plate technology takes another leap forward with the introduction of the Kodak SONORA X Process Free Plate. SONORA X builds on all the advantages of Kodak’s process free technology, while adding significant technology advances that remove the barriers to process free that previously existed for printers that have demanding performance requirements.
 Kodak estimates that up to 80% of the offset print market will now be able to go process free, including large commercial

Staff Writer, 18 April 2018

GIS releases new kit for Fujifilm Dimatix Samba GMA printheads

Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) has launched a new GIS Head Management Board (HMB-FD-GMA) to support the Fujifilm Dimatix Samba GMA printhead product line. The company said, an HMB-FD-GMA can drive up to four Fujifilm Dimatix Samba GMA printheads in either the 33 or longer 99 variants. The HMB-FD-GMA is based on GIS’s Ethernet platform. It integrates datapath buffering, printhead management and fire waveform generation and enables the full binary and greyscale capabilities of the Samba GMA

Staff Writer, 18 April 2018

UPM Raflatac launches Premium Gloss UVI

UPM Raflatac’s recently launched Premium Gloss UVI product is now one of the highest quality premium-gloss paper labelstock for UV ink-jet printing on the market. For this innovative product development, UPM Raflatac collaborated with a number of industry-leading printing press manufacturers to ensure it would achieve excellent print quality on their machines, including Mark Andy.
“UPM Raflatac’s new Premium Gloss UVI has incredible print definition and fine details using our UV ink-jet Digital

Staff Writer, 18 April 2018

ASLAN unveils new products

ASLAN, Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, introduces several new self-adhesive solutions for special applications at this year’s FESPA in Berlin. From 15 to 18 May 2018, the German manufacturer puts the spotlight on expansions of its digital printing and glass decoration portfolio as well as on two new special laminates.
Showcased for the first time at FESPA will be a glass decoration film ‘EtchedBoard Dyrapply ASLAN EBL 300’. ASLAN extends both the UltraTack digital printing series and the range of

Staff Writer, 18 April 2018

Epson appoints Forefront Technologies as its new partner

Epson Middle East will expand the reach of their document imaging solutions in the region with a strategic partnership with UAE based Forefront Technologies.
According to Jason Whiley, director of Sales, Epson Middle East, “We focus on delivering cutting-edge business solutions that change the way people work. Our imaging solutions enable companies to securely capture, share and edit their documents, saving time and avoiding errors. We also have specialized scanners for retailers

Staff Writer, 15 March 2018

EFI Optitex unveils 3D Design Illustrator for garments

EFI Optitex has declared the launch of the Optitex 3D Design Illustrator, a plug-in tool allowing designers the freedom to validate and customize 3D garments in Adobe Illustrator.
The company claims that through working in the native design environment on a PC or a Mac, designers can visualize 3D garments, with accurate proportion and scaling, and customize the garment’s fabric, texture, print patterns and graphic placement without waiting for a printed sample.
The plug-in works by importing 2D

Staff Writer, 15 March 2018

Konica Minolta to partner with CBK Soft

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East has signed a channel partnership agreement with CBK Soft, a subsidiary of leading information management solution provider InfoFort.
Kazuo Kobayashi, managing director, Konica Minolta, said: “With digital transformation changing every aspect of today’s business, our customers are keen to embrace new integrated workflow technologies that will support the bi - directional development between paper and digital.”
Abed Shaheen, CEO, InfoFort, said

Staff Writer, 15 March 2018