By DPS Staff
The Digital Solutions Cooperative (Dscoop) celebrates its tenth annual conference. Dscoop is a cooperative of Hewlett-Packard (HP) Graphic Arts users, and its annual conference gathers members to build partnerships, alliances, and relationships that impact their businesses.
This year’s conference, dubbed DscoopX, kicks off March 5 and runs through March 7, 2015 in Washington D.C.
According to the organization, the 2015 event features speaker Jim Stengel, former global marketing officer, Proctor Gamble, and author. Stengel leads the discussion Leading a Growth Culture, showcasing what he has learned about the power of activating an inspiring ideal within companies through cases and stories from his personal experience and those of his clients.
DscoopX features new opportunities for attendees to discover solutions to their toughest business challenges and cultivate deep, lasting relationships with fellow digital print innovators. Building off of last year’s success, this year’s educational tracks include Business Management, Sales and Marketing, Operations, and Technical.
Partner Presentations
DscoopX’s primary sponsor, HP, offers a range of technologies for its users. Immediately preceding DscoopX, HP Inkjet Web Press users gather in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural Jetcomm conference. Formed in a collaborative effort between HP, leading printers, and Dscoop, HP says Jetcomm offers a dynamic learning and networking opportunity for HP production inkjet customers worldwide.
At DscoopX, the company showcases its portfolio of graphics solutions, including HP Indigo, Latex, and Designjet solutions. In its largest technology display since drupa 2012, HP demonstrates the HP Indigo 5600, 7800, and 10000 Digital Presses for general commercial printing applications as well as the HP Indigo WS6800, 20000, and 30000 Digital Presses for labels and packaging applications. Also highlighted by HP, the HP Latex 3000 and 360 Printers, which deliver a range of high-quality indoor and outdoor applications, including wallcoverings and canvases, point of purchase (POP) signage, and vehicle graphics. The featured HP Designjet Z6200 and Z3200 photo printers produce gallery-quality prints with power and precision.
HP also highlights press-driven application possibilities, showcasing innovative customer projects, and offers technology demonstrations led by HP customers, partner booth tours, and a workflow and end-to-end solutions smart bar. INFO#400
Additional DscoopX partners also display the latest technologies in the Solutions Showcase and offer breakout education sessions through the event. Below are several highlights.
Avanti demonstrates Avanti Slingshot in the Solutions Showcase. Avanti Slingshot’s Advanced JDF Framework workflow module provides a platform to easily integrate the industry’s leading workflow offerings into print management information systems environments. This preserves both data integrity and ensures cross-system communication, vital to realizing the benefits of computer-integrated manufacturing. INFO#401
Avery Products Corp. makes its debut as a Dscoop conference exhibitor, where it plans to launch 20 SKUs, including a line of pressure-sensitive, 12×18-inch products specifically top-coated for HP Indigo digital presses. For more than 30 years, Avery Products has been the global brand leader in labels for desktop printing due to unique converting, material, adhesive, and software integration capabilities. Avery developed a number of patented technologies, materials, and products—all driven by extensive consumer research. The company’s new p/s digital media line brings these same differentiating features to the commercial printing market. INFO#402
B&R Moll Inc. demonstrates its new integrated Delta 7 In-Line Rotary Die-Cutter & Folder/Gluer System at Solutions Showcase booth 321. It demonstrates die cutting, stripping, folding, and gluing a two-up process with a straight line carton on one side and a pillow pack on the other. The Delta 7 System is designed to handle short- and long-run jobs whether printed on an HP Indigo 10000/30000 or other commercial press. The Delta 7 and folding/gluing sections can run separately as needed. The Delta 7 is also able to kiss-cut labels/stickers and die cut presentation folders, cartons, and keycard holders. The company also showcases one of its offline Vantage 720 In-Line Systems, demonstrating its ability to produce simple and complex carton folding with an easy changeover. INFO#403
CHILI Publish showcases its CHILI Publisher online document editing solution used among professionals in Web to print, ecommerce, and other application environments. CHILI Publisher delivers power and versatility in an online editor that integrates rapidly and transparently—via a flexible API—with a range of workflows and production platforms. CHILI Publisher’s extensive feature set was previously only available in dedicated, computer- or server-resident publishing applications. Equipped with unique tools such as folding previews and 3D visualization, CHILI Publisher allows brand owners, agencies, franchises, and printers to visualize projects from every angle and collaborate as needed, via any Internet connection, for project creation and review. INFO#404
Convertible Solutions displays new members to its MultiLoft family of products, which includes magnets, clings, soft touch, and e-photo in Solutions Showcase booth 612. INFO#405
Duplo USA exhibits in Solutions Showcase booth 609, featuring the latest in digital print finishing. The DC-646 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser demonstrates its ability to create unique full-bleed applications with more efficiency and flexibility. The new 150Cr System, which integrates the DC-445 Creaser with the DBM-150 Bookletmaker to create shorter run, full-bleed booklets on demand, is also shown along with the 350 Digital Booklet System and folder solutions. INFO#406
Esko exhibits digital finishing and Esko automated workflows for sign and display—Esko i-cut Suite, and commercial print and packaging—Esko Suite 14. The company demonstrates the integration between an HP digital front end and a core Esko automated workflow. To finish printed work from HP printers, Esko displays a Kongsberg XP24 digital finishing table, helping turn short-run point of purchase display work into profitable, value-added jobs, allowing sign and display shops to offer customers on-demand production with just-in-time delivery. INFO#407
FLEXcon’s DigiPRO topcoated films are designed to offer excellent ink receptivity and sharp vibrant image quality for HP Indigo printing. Stop by Solutions Showcase booth 604 to place an order for ready-to-ship roll- and sheet-form products in its store, and receive 25 percent off of your first order. The offer is good only for non-FLEXcon customers. INFO#408
GMG specializes in high-end color management software for graphic arts applications. GMG ColorServer with SmartProfiler supports simple, precise color matching between multiple printers, papers, and color standards. Users can quickly, easily, and precisely match different HP Indigo presses, other digital presses, large format, and conventional print—whether the color goal is GRACoL, SWOP, or an in-house color standard. Based in the cloud, GMG CoZone is a modular production environment that brings together everything required for accurate online media production—content and color approval processes, file conversion, multimedia support, and GMG hard proofs. INFO#409
GPA features its growing line of papers, synthetics, and pressure-sensitive media for HP Indigo 10000 presses, showcasing new ways to use traditional and non-traditional digital substrates for profitable applications on HP Indigo and toner digital presses, and spotlighting its wide format offering. During GPA’s Partner Presentation session on March 5, presenter Brad Karsh shares how individuals work together to create a culture where everyone operates with purpose and tenacity. INFO#410
Harris & Bruno (H&B) showcases its series of ExcelCoat Inline/Offline Coaters for UV and aqueous that combine all of the company’s expertise. H&B is known for providing coating expertise to the printing industry. Decades of innovation in chamber/anilox technology, pumping equipment, automated wash-up systems, and laying down superior UV and water-based coatings make them a preferred supplier for many OEMs. The H&B ExcelCoat is featured inline with a HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press at the DscoopX. INFO#411
Iggesund features its flagship paperboard, Invercote, at DscoopX and enlightens visitors as to why brand owners and the folding carton industry will embrace variable data and digital printing. INFO#412
Imaging Solutions AG (ISAG) presents its new miniFrame system for small canvas production in a world premiere in Solutions Showcase booth #416. The system is a fully automated stretching and framing machine. It features a production time of incredible 25 seconds per frame. INFO#433
International Paper (IP) launches a new digital paper swatchbook, which will feature IP’s five paper brands—Accent, Carolina, Hammermill, Springhill, and Williamsburg—that offer over 200 digital paper items stocked by IP. The company also offers a one-hour session that discusses effective direct mail campaigns and shares statistics on where direct mail is effective in the market, as well as few design and print techniques to help ensure direct mail pieces are impactful. Shawn Lawson, brand manager, and Rick Williams, printing papers digital expert, IP, present the session. Attendees are provided with a quick reference guide to take home with them after the session. INFO#413
JUST Normlicht Inc. demonstrates its LED colorControl viewing booth that uses advanced, patented LED technology to simulate virtually any light source, making it ideal for viewing printed packaging in a variety of light sources for metameric failures. It also shows its soft proof viewing booths and PANTONE Color Viewing Lights. INFO#414
Together with HP Indigo, KAMA presents a complete end-to-end workflow for folding carton production. The company showcases the DC 76 Foil ASB finishing die cutter and reveals the prototype of FlexFold 52 folder/gluer. Due to its automated setup, this cutting-edge folder/gluer provides fast job changes. KAMA has a patent pending on the solution. INFO#415
Karlville Development LLC showcases its K1 model and highlights information on its latest K2 Model. The solutions are designed to convert digitally printed shrink sleeves. The K2 boasts hundreds of machine installs. The newest development is the automatic solvent needle position system, which limits operator intervention by automating the dispensing of the adhesive to the film edge. This is critical during roll changes and slitter stops. INFO#416
Label Traxx is located in the Labels & Packaging area of the DscoopX Solutions Showcase, demonstrating the latest release—version 7.1. Version 7.1 extends support of the digital environment with enhanced estimating for the HP Indigo 20000, frame lead in/lead management to assist in more efficient finishing, and links to AVT Helios inspection systems. INFO#417
LexJet invites DscoopX attendees to play Plinko at the LexJet booth for a chance to win. Prizes include five percent off your next order, ten percent off your next order, free shipping on any primer or LexJet-branded product, or free indicator solution. Tom Hauenstein, technical representative, LexJet, also hosts a breakout session entitled Priming 101: A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Priming Your Own Substrates. INFO#418
Magnum Magnetics hosts a breakout session on insourcing, which discusses the benefits of keeping more projects and profits in house. It reviews tips and tricks to help printers keep specialty jobs they would traditionally outsource in house. The company reviews metrics that help make the financial case for insourcing specialty jobs. They will also discuss the roadblocks that often prompt printers to outsource a specialty job, and how to overcome some of them. Finally, the session suggests improvements and investments users can make to compete on bids for specialty jobs, and ensure that they are equipped to handle them smoothly when they come in. INFO#419
Michelman exhibits in DscoopX’s Solutions Showcase, booth 615. It highlights its DigiPrime water-based primer for use on all HP Indigo presses, including the two new HP-recommended DigiPrime primers formulated for the HP Indigo 20000 and 30000 digital presses. Jan Denies, strategic industry manager, digital printing, Michelman, presents on topics specific to label and packaging applications on HP Indigo with an overview of what applications can be successfully covered today. INFO#420
Mohawk, solutions showcase booth 709, introduces new Mohawk Embedded Premium Polyester Cards optimized for HP Indigo printing. The new embedded cards feature a stronger construction and that are tear proof for long lasting durability. Applications include membership, loyalty, and ID cards for use in education, retail, financial, insurance, medical, and other industries. INFO#421
Muller Martini demonstrates the innovative Mitabook, which delivers reliable, economical, and fully automatic production of ultra-short run digitally printed hardcover books including photobooks, juvenile books, and yearbooks. This technology is designed to fill the gap between manual binding equipment and more sophisticated high-volume machines. The Mitabook has more than 50 installations, including several at Cewe Ltd., Europe’s premier producer of photobooks. INFO#422
PressWise by SmartSoft demonstrates the latest tools and enhancements for its all-in-one W2P/management information/workflow automation system. These include enhancements to PressWise’s Job Scheduling functionality and the addition of new customized reporting tools, to allow staff and management across a print shop to gather insight important to their roles and responsibilities. PressWise by SmartSoft is in Solutions Showcase booth 530. INFO#423
PriscoDigital conducts live demonstrations showing its range of products that are used to produce high-speed production equipment and optimized software from HP Scitex, Caldera, and Esko. PriscoDigital’s booth features the HP Scitex FB700, Caldera GrandRIP+ with files prepared utilizing Esko i-Cut software. Digital finishing of printed products from the FB700 are done at the adjoining Esko booth utilizing the Kongsberg V24. PriscoDigital also demonstrates a complete roll-to-roll workflow featuring an HP Latex 360 and Graphtec FC8600 digital cutter. Visitors purchasing systems at the show can qualify to receive a special purchase bonus. INFO#424
Rollem describes how profitable markets exist in labels, mail, and packaging for die-cut and kiss-cut products. In its DsccopX session, the company discusses the profit potential and benefits of flexo-magnetic die cutting. Learn how to die-cut, kiss-cut, and cut-score high-value products in an infinite number of shapes, sizes, and substrates. The program references live, successful case studies including, retail shelf talkers, school portraits, beverage labels, and personalized candy boxes. INFO#425
Daniel Dejan of Sappi North America, unveils a selling tool for printers in a breakout session. This new tool, Surface, demonstrates to clients how to use creative digital print techniques to elevate and inspire brand loyalty. Dejan explains, and shows how personalization makes communication more relevant to the audience, and ultimately, helps printers demonstrate to buyers that digital print is on par with offset. For those who miss the presentation, Surface is available in the Solutions Showcase booth 731 along with swatches for all digital substrates from Sappi. INFO#426
Spiel Associates showcases The Sterling Digibinder Plus perfect binder. Like the table top Digibinder, the machine is self-adjusting and binds up to 360 books per hour (bph), up to 2.25 inches thick. Also on hand is the new Sterling Coilmaster Jr. TS, an automatic table top plastic coil binder, capable of binding up to 600 bph. The Sterling Digipunch is the first computer-controlled, automatic punch. Its touch screen allows for automatic set up and changeovers. The machine punches up to 72,000 sheets per hour. INFO#427
Standard Finishing Systems partners with HP to demonstrate several Standard Finishing Systems. As a result, Standard finishing solutions will be represented in both the HP and Standard booths. In the HP booth, the company presents the Standard Horizon SmartStacker inline with the HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press as well as the Standard Horizon BQ-280 PUR Perfect Binder. In its booth, the company demonstrates the new Standard Horizon RD-4055 Rotary Die-Cutter and CRF-362 Creaser/Folder and the Standard Horizon HT-30C Single-knife Three-side Trimmer. INFO#428
Sun Chemical showcases its range of digital products, including HP-compatible coatings as well as primers and overprint varnishes. Sun Chemical collaborates with HP to develop innovative products for the digital marketplace and looks forward to showcasing its offerings at DscoopX. INFO#429
Tecnau exhibits the PageReady OL offline page finishing solution for HP Indigo sheet-fed digital presses in the Solutions Showcase booth 939. In addition, Tecnau and its customer Lifetouch present Best Practices: Customer Approaches to Digital Print Finishing in the Photo Market in a DscoopX educational session. INFO#430
Therm-O-Type demonstrates its NSF Excel foil stamping/embossing/die cutting press, Zip-TS2L programmable finishing machine, and RAS-mc+ right angle slitter with auto-adjust slitting and inline scoring in the Solutions Showcase booth 423. Additional product finishing and enhancement equipment are also displayed. INFO#431
Visit the Solutions Showcase booth 801 to see Zünd Total Automation in action. A Zünd S3 M-800 digital cutting system is equipped with automatic sheet feeder and robotic off-load, processing multiple stacks of sheets in random job sequences—non-stop and without operator intervention. This productive digital finishing workflow is powered by Zünd Cut Center and its latest high-productivity feature, automatic quick response code capture. INFO#432
Technology in Action
DscoopX provides an opportunity for HP Indigo, inkjet, and wide format solutions to showcase the latest advancements from HP and its vast range of partners. Stay tuned to dpsmagazine.com as we bring you the latest news from the event. dps
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