By Olivia Cahoon
Graph Expo takes place from September 25 to 28, 2016 in the North Hall at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Featuring more than 70 interactive learning sessions and 40+ co-located events for attendees across 12 key market segments, the event is touted as the most comprehensive exhibition in the Americas of inkjet, digital, offset, flexographic, gravure and hybrid technologies, products and services for the commercial, transactional, converting and package printing, wide format/signage and display, publishing, mailing, in-plant, digital imaging, marketing, and industrial printing industries.
This year’s “Refresh” themed Graph Expo 16 presents the latest graphic communications technologies in live equipment demonstrations across the exhibition floor, plus education on the most in-demand products and newest profit-making opportunities.
Exhibitor Preview
An assortment of companies and fresh products are available at this year’s Graph Expo as print experts dominate Orlando. Here are some of the vendors exhibiting at this year’s trade show.
AccuData Integrated Marketing, booth 1075, showcases its fully integrated suite of data solutions, including database marketing, campaign planning, modeling, analytics, digital solutions, and data resources.
Accura MIS, booth 2366, offers an end-to-end solution that provides a fully integrated customer relationship management with business to business Web to print capabilities from a CORE client database that includes estimating, production, proofing links, delivery notifications, invoicing, quoting, and order history. Accura showcases the latest Accura version 4.74, which continues to grow with enhancements, and offers AccuraOnline v5.0, featuring a complete makeover.
Aleyant, booth 2372, showcases web to print (W2P) ecommerce solutions, including the recently updated Aleyant Pressero cloud-based online storefront solution. Pressero can be enhanced with Aleyant eDocBuilder, a web-based variable data publishing system built specifically to integrate into Aleyant or third-party W2P or MIS solutions.
Avanti, booth 1879, unveils the latest version of Avanti Slingshot, a JDF-certified, cloud-based Print MIS that provides integration with HP PrintOS. Additionally, Avanti’s new Point-of-Sale module enables uses to spend more time servicing customers and less time reconciling transactions with fast order entry, invoice generation, and real-time point of sale reporting.
AveryPRO, booth 2711, expands its offering of 12×18-inch, pressure-sensitive materials that are specially engineered for liquid and dry toner digital presses. The new label stock complements the company’s substrate portfolio with the addition of new materials like Soft Touch and a Durable PET. The new products are ideal for short run, print on demand applications and are available in a variety of full-sheet and pre die-cut shapes and sizes.
BÖWE SYSTEC, booth 2207, highlights the Fusion Cross inserting system, which processes #10 and 6×9-inch envelopes at up to 22,000 per hour, and converts to process flats envelopes at up to 16,000 per hour with an automated changeover. The company’s new EPOD II full-color envelope printer further streamlines operations by printing dynamic messages, logos, and addresses on the outer envelopes using piezoelectric print technology. The MiniBridge inserting system is a modular and intelligent printing and inserting system that securely matches duplex printed variable pages of documents from the document input channel, selectively or redundantly adding enclosures to each group of documents, and provides a finished envelope for mailing.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., booth 1500, unveils the latest additions to its production and wide format solutions portfolio, and encourages attendees to #PrintCanon. A leader in digital imaging solutions, Canon celebrates the imaging capabilities that it provides and displays a variety of workflow, color management, finishing, and end-to-end applications. The company displays the Océ VarioPrint i300 featuring new ColorGrip technology, an inline paper conditioning step enabling high-quality inkjet printing on a variety of media. Also displayed is the PRISMAdirect order and workflow management solution as well as the PRISMAsync print server family, the first DFE-embedded G7 certified system.
CGS Publishing Technologies International, LLC, booth 1873, showcases its digital proofing, color management, and packaging solutions. The company’s iC3D Suite first revolutionizes the process of 3D product design, ideation, visualization, and collaboration. ORIS Flex Pack // Web then ensures fast, easy, and cost-effective production of high-quality proofs or mock-ups.
Diversified Nano Solutions Corporation (DNSC), booth 2838, exhibits digital INKS unlimited. The company offers an array of inkjet inks supporting direct mail, transactional, TransPromo, books, catalogs/magazines, ticket, tags, labels, and graphics printing applications. DNSC debuts X-Series, a new family of pigment powders and dispersions to serve as base components for custom development, and production of ink, paint, paste, dispersion, gel, cream, and powder. The special effect base materials offer photo luminesce, fluoresce, absorb IR, and change color with light or heat.
DocuCopy, booth 610, introduces its exclusive toner-receptive clean release ID card, the latest from Holmberg Company, Inc. It offers a fully printable card along with a clean-release format that makes removing the card a breeze.
Epson, booth 2649, showcases its wide format digital imaging solutions, including the 64-inch SureColor P20000. This printer leverages PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads, a newly developed media feeding system, and reformulated Epson UltraChrome PRO nine-color pigment inks to provide print quality and production for print on demand providers, fine art reproduction houses, and indoor display graphics print shops. In addition, Epson showcases the 64-inch SureColor S80600 solvent printer that incorporates the latest imaging technologies—including fourth-generation Epson UltraChrome GS3 solvent ink chemistry, an all-new precision media feeding system, and a high performance Dual-Array PrecisionCore TFP printhead.
GMC Software, booth 2193, demonstrates Inspire Mobile Advantage, a solution that creates a compliant mobile experience. GMC Inspire Mobile Advantage delivers a digital customer experience for print service providers. It enables the creation and delivery of personalized omni-channel communications from one easy-to-use platform, extending GMC Inspire by integrating with existing core systems to pull data and transform existing documents into mobile experiences in hours.
GPA Specialty Substrate Solutions, booth 2940, showcases its growing offerings for printing platforms. Making their official debuts are GPA’s line of Folex Synthetics for HP Indigo commercial presses, and its new offering of pressure-sensitive rolls for HP Indigo labels, and packaging presses. For print service providers with toner digital presses, GPA introduces a range of specialty fine papers in textures, colors, and finishes. The company highlights additional papers, synthetics, and pressure-sensitive papers engineered for performance.
Graphic Whizard, booth 2601, shows a range of short-run digital print finishing systems. By combining anti-toner cracking impact crease systems with added functionality such as; slitting, cutting, perforating, and folding, it offers a machine to fit every printer’s unique needs. A product highlight is the PT335SCC Multi Slitter/Cutter/Creaser/Perforator, which is an all-in-one finishing system for full-bleed applications. Versatility and efficiency are combined in all machines; whether it is binding, UV coating, folding, creasing, numbering, slitting/cutting, or paper banding.
GTI Graphic Technology, Inc. and Remote Director LLC, booth 2273, demonstrate a series of new soft proofing packages. Each package includes a perpetual license for two concurrent seats of Remote Director Software, a USB instrument to calibrate the monitor, and a GTI iQ enabled ISO 3664:2009 compliant viewing system. The company also features a line of Graphiclite D50 daylight products, including CVX and EVS viewing stations, professional desktop viewers, and large format wall viewing systems.
Harris & Bruno, booth 2060, highlights advanced inking and coating equipment for the offset, flexographic, corrugated, and converting markets. Highlighted is the ExcelCoat series of offline/inline coaters for UV and aqueous. The company’s chamber systems consistently apply UV, soft touch, aqueous, matte, and other coatings with particulates. Various levels of automation are available.
HP, booth 1825, demonstrates three new sheet-fed presses, including the HP Indigo 12000, 7900, and 5900 Digital Presses. The 29-inch HP Indigo 12000 provides general commercial printers and compatibility with synthetic materials as well as canvas, metalized, and colored substrates that extend B2-format application opportunities. The 13×19-inch HP Indigo 7900 offers innovations in print quality, application range, and productivity, as well as priming technology and color-matching capabilities. The HP Indigo 5900 is versatile, expanding possibilities with thicker substrates, a digital front end, special inks, and a new priming technology.
Imaging Solutions AG, booth 862, introduces the new, state-of-the art fastBook Professional system for lay flat photo books. This 100 percent Swiss-made system—from development to production—allows 24-hour production of photobook blocks, catalogs, and brochures in XXL format. Panoramic image layouts up to 18 inches in width, and a 36-inch length can be reached thanks to the LayFlat bookbinding technology. FastBook Professional is a four-in-one solution that provides creasing, folding, pressing, and gluing. It processes ultra-thin paper and colored cardboards. The Hotmelt Gluing Technology reduces production costs. Photo products can be shipped on the day of production, no storage or drying time is required.
Infigo Software, booth 2771, demonstrates additions to its product range including 3D preview, BETA print driver, dynamic theming engine, single sign-on integrations including SAML and CAS, and the introduction of an extensive and flexible MIS interface. In addition, the Symphony solution makes cross-media marketing easy, allowing marketers to launch and track campaigns across print, email, and SMS.
KAMA, booth 2460, showcases the new servo main drive, which allows up to 50 percent more output while foiling, coupled with three foil feeders and a new foil tensioning system. See the DC 76 ASB and discover short- to medium-run packaging at the show.
KIP, booth 1137, features color and B&W wide format systems and software. The KIP 800 Color Series provides a comprehensive solution for a range of wide format printing tasks. The KIP 800 Color Series systems are integrated with KIP System K Software—a diversified software suite that provides print control for any production environment from a range of print submission applications, cloud printing, scan and copy, variable data printing, and fully integrated stacking and folding.
Konica Minolta, booth 1801, encourages attendees to come and “touch the future.” The company provides an overview of its latest innovations in printing, applications, and know how. Konica Minolta offers direction on the future of the printing business, creating new business among existing customers, attracting new customer groups, and increasing profits.
LogoJET, booth 757, is a leader in UV direct-to-substrate inkjet printing equipment. LogoJET offers printing solutions and accessory configurations, using specialty inks and producing custom printing trays. LogoJET’s newest release is the UVx90, offering an expanded print area of 24×36 inches. The flatbed automatically adjusts to fit products up to six inches thick. LogoJET’s UV printers offer full-color decorating capabilities on virtually any substrate—natural or synthetic, rigid or flexible, flat or curved. Special effects like textured imprints and gloss varnishes are added to any design and built-in white ink capabilities allow for printing on dark and clear substrates.
Magnum Magnetics, booth 919, showcases its range of direct-printable magnetic media for multiple printer types including inkjet, digital, and offset presses. Print directly to magnet to create attractive printed pieces. Magnum also features its expanding line of aqueous and UV inks and coatings from sister company, Magnum Inks & Coatings, a full-service ink and coating manufacturer in markets ranging from graphics and printing to flexible packaging.
Masterpiece Graphix, booth 2512, showcases the light-catching properties of metalized board. The company’s Silver Board offers improved printability, low static, and is compatible with dry, and wet toner digital printing presses. As a manufacturer and coating center, Masterpiece Graphix creates printing materials including pressure sensitive, cling, synthetic paper, PVC, styrene, polyester, metalized, wood, and soft touch. These materials are engineered for digital presses, as well as many offset and flexographic presses.
MBM Corporation, booth 2413, provides finishing products to meet the demands of today’s digital and offset print finishing industries. The product line includes triumph cutters, Aerocut digital print finishing systems, folders, creasers, collators, and booklet makers. New to the line of products are air purifiers. Also be sure to check out MBM’s new Aerocut Velocity.
Mimaki USA, booth 2448, shows a variety of printers for the sign and graphics, textile and apparel, and industrial printing markets. These include the popular JFX Series UV flatbed printers, the market redefining dedicated textile TS Series printers, feature-rich UJV roll-to-roll UV Series printers, and other Mimaki products.
Mohawk, booth 2413, exhibits within the Materials Matter pavilion. Attendees can see innovative specialty digital substrates including Mohawk’s expanded wide format portfolio which features more than 100 new items for a range of applications, ink types, and numerous additions to the cutsheet portfolio.
Muller Martini, booth 1849, demonstrates how variable magazines and books contain sheet-fed offset, web offset, and digital printing components and how they can be produced using a fully automated machine line up. The company highlights Finishing 4.0, which encompasses game-changing technology in digital networking, and end-to-end touchless workflow from printing to finished product, which represents the cornerstones of the new age of print production. Live equipment demonstrations show how digitally and offset printed signatures are processed concurrently using a smart, highly automated workflow.
Konica Minolta, booth 1801, encourages attendees to come and “touch the future.” The company provides an overview of its latest innovations in printing, applications, and know how. Konica Minolta offers direction on the future of the printing business, creating new business among existing customers, attracting new customer groups, and increasing profits.
OKI Data Americas Experience Center, booth 1001, demonstrates the five-color C942 with vivid white and color-on-color printing capabilities. The C942 is a light production, graphic arts printer representing digital printing. Expand print offerings with color across a range of media types, sizes, and weights, plus white on color stocks. Combine the C942 with the optional EFI Fiery C9 Server for job management, color matching, and variable data printing protocols to produce personalized marketing campaigns.
OXYTECH SYSTEMS, INC., booth 502, serves the graphic arts with more than 55 years of combined drying and curing experience. The company provides infrared drying and UV curing systems as well as solutions for high speed inkjet applications. Engineering, manufacturing experience, and knowledge allows precision engineered and custom tailored systems to meet specific customer needs.
Prinova Inc., booth 2390, showcases its Messagepoint solution. Messagepoint is a hybrid, cloud-based content management platform serving the customer communications management needs of large enterprise customers. It provides an intuitive and secure environment for business users to directly own and control touchpoint messaging content and business rules driving the pace of change for customer-facing print and digital communications.
PrintVis, booth 2079, handles the daily tasks of print business including estimating, production planning, purchasing, and inventory management, shop floor data collection, and bookkeeping. PrintVis offers a business solution from Microsoft to the printing industry—both on premises and in the cloud. It emphasizes standardization, and reduces the burdens of IT staffing, compatibility, and communication problems.
Profectus, booth 2291, highlights Cost Rates Advisor, which profitability helps users confidently and estimate, price, and cost jobs by calculating the minimum hourly cost rate charged for equipment and services to break-even or recover out-of-pocket costs. The cloud-based software uses industry best practices and formulas to calculate manufacturing and administrative cost rates based on expenses, wages, assets, and production environments. Rates are computed for any equipment or service including prepress, sheet fed, web, digital, large format, flexographic, inkjet, screen, cutters, folders, gluers, binders, mailing, handwork, kitting, and warehousing.
Profold, Inc., booth 1078, provides information on its products and encourages attendees to visit its service partner, Bell and Howell, at booth 849 to see ProFold’s new Hurricane intelligent accumulator feeder/folder paired to a Bell and Howell Mailstar inserter.
Rhin-O-Tuff, booth 2201, introduces an all-in-one electric coil binding system. The COIL BINDING SYSTEM 3000 eliminates the need to own three different machines. The new Coil Binding System 3000 combines electric coil punching, inserting, and crimping technologies into a compact, modern design for office and small print shop environments. Documents are punched, inserted with coil, and crimped without tools. Rhin-O-Tuff debuts an automated collating punch system, the Tornado Autopunch EX. It uses BDT Print Media’s handling technology to automatically feed, collate, punch, and deliver offset book stacks ready for binding in a single platform.
Ricoh, booth 2035, demonstrates its production print portfolio including the RICOH Pro C7110X—high-speed, production-class digital printer with speeds up to 90 pages per minute (ppm) at 1,200×4,800 dpi, a fifth color station for clear or white applications, new textured media printing capabilities, and oversized printing up to 49 inches. Also displayed, the RICOH Pro C9110 is a high-speed, heavy segment production color digital printer with speeds up to 130 ppm and media support up to 400 gsm. For wide format, the company showcases the RICOH Pro L4160 color printer featuring six color processing—including white, eco-friendly, aqueous latex ink, seven-color printing, and output capabilities up to 63 inches wide on a range of media.
Rochester Software Associates, booth 2067, tells attendees how to streamline in-plant workflow with live demonstrations of WebCRD Web to print software. The company also showcases a new releases of QDirect output manager and ReadyPrint 2.0, expanded from universal make ready to a universal prepress suite.
Spiel Associates, booth 2617, offers the Sterling DigiBinder Plus fully automated binder. The pneumatic clamp and the nipper adjust automatically. The roughing blade roughs and notches the entire backbone of the book, allowing the binding of coated and oil infused stocks. Twin glue rollers ensure an even glue application and also side glues. The machine produces pads or book blocks for hard cover binding. It also has automatic vacuum removal, a safety cover, and comes with its own stand.
Tecnau, booth 2335, exhibits its new Stacker s25 in conjunction with the established Cutter c23; this is the first exhibition of Stacker s25 in North America. Stacker s25 features a new gripper technology to provide damage-free handling of heavy-ink-coverage graphic arts applications. Borrowing and updating this technology from high-speed offset web cutting and stacking, contact with the printed surface is minimized, preventing damage to the paper’s sensitive edges. Cutter c23 has dual rotary knives to sheet the web using single cut or variable double strip cut for full bleed color printing or removal of inkjet flush lines.
THERM-O-TYPE, booth 2525, features the new NSF Ultra foil stamping/embossing/die-cutting press, with enlarged maximum sheet size and image area. NSF Ultra provides high production speed, ease of operation, and automation using a 20.5-inch, full-color touchscreen and Windows 10 computer core. The company introduces an inline waste stripping attachment for the NSF Elite press. The RDC-Flex rotary die cutter, RAS-mc right angle slitter, various zip cutter/slitter/creaser models, and Foil-Tech foil fusing equipment is demonstrated.
Ultimate TechnoGraphics, booth 2179, highlights true shape nesting capabilities available in Impostrip Automation v.10. The solution easily connects to a cloud or onsite workflow or storefront, AutoNesting streamlines the placement of shapes on a sheet or a roll. Its template-free approach allows for flexibility and productivity.
W2PPrintShop, booth 3780, specializes in online print solutions for print providers. The company offers a range of technology. Portals and websites are created as business to consumer and business to business portals. It is built to stand alone or complement other products.
See You There!
Graph Expo 2016 promises the latest and emerging technology. Stop by booth 2967 for your free copy of the magazine. Check out the October issue for more show highlights. dps
Aug2016, DPS Magazine
