By Digital Output Staff
The International Sign Association’s (ISA’s) International Sign Expo is at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from August 23 to 25, 2020. 20,000 attendees and nearly 600 exhibitors are slated to visit and enjoy the show floor, seminars, contests, and other industry gatherings. Here, we include a roundup of some exhibitors attending the event.
Above: Expand International, booth 1543, features the Expand GrandFabric System.
Visiting ISA Sign Expo
3A Composites USA, booth 3917, displays DISPA graphic display board, its newest sustainable substrate solution. DISPA—a laminated structure of embossed formed paper that is 100 percent recyclable—consists of a patented embossed formed paper core. It is a unique composition that is lightweight yet rigid, strong, and dimensionally stable. Signs created with lightweight DISPA stay flat, yet are easy to handle and hang. Manufactured with 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, DISPA is fully recyclable.
3M, booth 5300, invites attendees to get hands-on experience with its new products. Wrap an Aston Martin in the new Wrap Film Series 2080, apply decorative window graphics to a free standing window, and see 3M films in action while wrapping a brick wall or even laminate floor. Every surface is an opportunity to grow business—let 3M help you.
Agfa, booth 3217, features the newest addition to its wide format portfolio, Oberon RTR3300. The dedicated roll-to-roll 3.3-meter UV LED printer combines productivity and quality with an extensive media scope and unique ease of use. Available as a four-color-plus-white or six-color device, the Oberon RTR3300 hits 1,615 square feet per hour. Its dual-roll option is capable of handling two 1.6-meter rolls, doubling the total output. A number of smart features optimize media use.
AGL, booth 2503, showcases the AGL 64 Fleet Graphics (FG) Finishing laminator, a newly configured laminator for high-volume fleet graphic production facilities. Demonstrations on the AGL 64 FG take place in the booth including automatic print cleaning and laminating as well as how to easily setup and web the laminator. Product demonstrations occur daily.
AirMark, booth 917, provides solutions to the sign making industry since 1991. As a leading equipment distributor for brands like Epson, GFP, Roland, and Summa, it delivers and installs flatbed cutting systems, laminators, and large format printers and cutters across the globe. In addition to its extensive line of sign making and graphics technology, it offers sign making supplies to businesses of all sizes. It exhibits equipment technology including the Summa S2 T160 vinyl cutter, Summa F Series F1612 Flatbed Cutter, and SummaCut D140 RL vinyl cutter.
AnaJet, booth 2535, exhibits the RICOH Ri 1000, which delivers professional-quality direct to garment printing at an affordable price. With high-performance printheads, convenient automated maintenance, interactive touchscreen with smart notifications, and magnetized quick-change platens for printing a variety of garment styles and sizes, the RICOH Ri 1000 is an ideal solution for new businesses or industry veterans looking to expand their offerings.
Budget Inks, booth 5917, offers digital inks for Epson, HP, Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland, and Seiko printers.
Caldera, booth 2530, releases the latest edition of its RIP software, Version 13.1. This version brings innovative features, including new OS support, several new drivers, along with extra features, which are exclusive to CalderaCare customers. With a pre-stated aim of automating double-sided printing production and boosting content tracking, the new version continues to expand the software’s ability to further enhance the user experience.
CET Color, booth 5321, demonstrates the company’s Q5 and K2 Series printers, which are built on CET Color’s proven technology for simplicity, durability, and ease of operation. When compared to similar printers in the market, the K2 Linear Series of printers features high-quality imaging at a considerably lower initial investment cost along with lower long-term operational costs.
Colex, booth 4522, is an industry leader in wide format finishing solutions showing the Sharpcut Flatbed Cutter with Semi-Automatic Tool Station, Fotoba X/Y cutters, roll laminators, and bubble-free flatbed application tables. The Sharpcut SX1732 with Semi-Automatic Tool Station is a game changer in jobs that require multiple router bits. Colex is the exclusive dealer for Fotoba in North America. The Colex Fotoba partnership offers an extensive line of precision cutting equipment together with premier service.
Computerized Cutters, Inc., booth 513, manufactures Accu-Bench Channel Letter Benders, Accu-Cut Routers, and Accu-Clinch Metal Fasteners. The machines are designed and manufactured in Plano, TX. It is a leader in the industry and celebrates over 25 years in business. Machines featured in the booth include the Accu-Bend Model 26, ACE+, and FREEDOM channel letter benders; Accu-Cut KR 4×8 router; and Accu-Clinch 620 fastener plus the new Accu-Clinch SPR designed to fasten aluminum composite and aluminum materials.
Contra Vision, booth 3324, showcases Performance HD Clear for internally applied graphics together with Performance HD White on Black for external application. The HD range delivers perforated graphics that appear like solid vinyl from a few feet away, excellent for fine detail on car wraps and retail windows. The exclusive one-millimeter (mm) diameter holes are 60 percent smaller in area than any standard one-way vision products, offering the sharpest images plus smoothest see through. The new formulation Campaign range delivers excellent value for installations of up to two years.
DAF Products, booth 300, features its full line of Illusion Perforated Window Films in 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 patterns for both first and second surface window mounting. Special attention is given to its double-sided printable materials; Polypropylene 8-mil Blockout Film and Composite PVC/PET/PVC 12-mil banner film. Also highlighted are indoor/outdoor floor graphic products with no lamination required, Speed Vinyl nylon reinforced PVC, and Alumabond Conforming and Printable Aluminum. Several new products include Chrome and Gold PET Digitally Print Rollup Film, SuperFlex 13oz Frontlit Scrim Banner, Metamark MD-X and MD-G seven year Cylinder Cast Digital Wrapping Media with matched gloss and matte laminates, and Miracle Mount siliconized window mounting tape.
EnCore Products, booth 1505, features PrintPro—the new, all-purpose, high-value foamboard. PrintPro is the ideal choice for combining rigidity, value, and high-resolution print performance. It delivers an extra-rigid core, light weight, and easy cutting. In addition to PrintPro, EnCore Products also features diverse foamboard surfaces from its family of Design Boards—Canvas, Embossed Canvas, Cork, Chalkboard, Extreme White, Dry Erase, and Brushed Aluminum. Lastly, half-inch Thick Foam Board is showcased. This sturdy, rigid polystyrene core foamboard is ideal for signage.
Expand International, booth 1543, features its Expand GrandFabric System, a portable fabric back wall, as well as the Expand LightBox Portable, a backlit back wall that features a pillowcase graphic solution. Zip the graphic tight over the outside of the profiles. Multiple sizes and configurations are available. Stop by the booth to see high-quality hardware partnered with the latest state-of-the-art printing technology such as HDR printing.
FDC Graphic Films, Inc., booth 2342, highlights Lumina by FDC products, as well as 3M, ASLAN, and RTape. The Lumina by FDC portfolio contains digital media vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and sign vinyl featuring wall fabrics and canvas, five-second heat transfer vinyl, and newly launched products like ultra-metallic cast vinyl and etched glass film. FDC featured services include striping and sheeting programs.
Fisher Textiles, booth 3731, debuts eight printable grand format fabrics. For backlit silicone edge graphics (SEG), GF33 Prime Backlit is a 5.6 oz., 12-inch wrinkle resistant stretch; SENFA’s Sublimis and Pearl Soft are both 126 inches with enhanced crease resistance and superior flame retardancy. For frontlit SEG, white-back products are GF4020 Nirvana Purity with a matte face and GF4022 Nirvana Purity Shine with a shiny face. Both are 9.5 oz. and 126 inches. Black-backed Nirvana DD9919 is now available in 197 inches for direct print. For gaming tables, GF6095 Gaming Suede is 6.3 oz., 125 inches, and soft with excellent durability. For temporary flooring, GF1850 Rebound Ultra Lite is 32 oz., 126 inches with a rubber basket weave backing.
Fluid Color, booth 5729, captures nature’s colors in UV wide format. Its flatbed, roll-to-roll, and hybrid printers deliver some of the widest color gamut in their class. It showcases the Z105F Flatbed printer with linear motor and symmetrical array and the R63H Turbo Hybrid printer.
Gandy Digital, booth 3438, unveils its new flagship printer, the Gladi8tor. The flatbed printer uses the latest NanoDot Technology Kyocera printheads, printing with a three-picoliter drop size, which results in smooth color and sharp prints. The Gladi8tor’s biggest advantage is its ability to maintain color density with minimal passes, which allows for a more rapid printing speed. The Gladi8tor comes with either one or two rows of printheads and prints good quality at 50 boards an hour.
GBC & SEAL, booth 3506, encourages attendees to race over to find winning solutions for all finishing needs. Test drive the SEAL 65 Pro MD thermal laminator with a two-inch nip, pneumatic rollers for even pressure, advanced speed, and bi-directional operation. Or get behind the wheel of the 62 Base roll-to-roll solution with heat assist and rear power take up. For everyday lamination, see the fully automated GBC Foton 30 in action. Enter a daily drawing to win a Foton 30.
Graphtec America, booth 900, is an industry leader in cutting and finishing solutions for signage, apparel, label, and prototype packaging. The FC9000 series and CE7000 series roll-fed cutting plotters with new DataLink Barcode system, new USB thumb Drive Support for offline cutting, and the take-up system for the FC series, are demonstrated in addition to the versatile FCX flatbed series and the 4×8-foot Optima V250.
Laminators Incorporated, booth 4803, exhibits new 15- and 25-mm high-performance aluminum composite material (ACM) panels that offer rigidity and flatness, making them ideal for applications that require longer, unsupported spans. The new thicker panels have the same attributes as the standard Alumalite and Pro-Lite ACM panels, but with the structural performance of plywood. Easily fabricated with CNC or standard carpentry tools, they are ideal for paints, digital inks, screenprint inks, and pressure-sensitive vinyl. They are also weather resistant and feature a class A flame spread rating.
LogoJET, booth 5237, launches its 15 year anniversary celebration with the UVx40R PLUS, the latest enhanced edition of its UVx40R tabletop flatbed printer. It features a longer print bed of 18×24 inches—providing 25 percent more print area than the original model to accommodate larger media sizes. The enhancement also includes additional printheads to enable increased white opacity and/or clear gloss options at the same time. Those with dark media and requirement for textures specifically benefit from this new feature. Additionally, a rotary attachment is available for the UVx40R PLUS to accommodate printing of cylindrical items.
Mac Papers, booth 942, demonstrates Epson and Roland printing equipment, its exclusive Argent wide format media, and many more leading brands. Whether a commercial printer, sign company, or wholesale printer, count on Mac Papers for all of your wide format needs, from media and equipment to training and expert technical service.
Magnum Magnetics, booth 2524, promotes DigiMaxx superwide printable flexible magnetic material designed for large format signage and graphics applications. DigiMaxx is made in the U.S., featuring world-class product quality and supported by unparalleled customer service. It is available in stock rolls 25 and 50 feet long in widths of 40 and 48 inches, and custom sizes made to order with excellent delivery times. Ideal for magnetic retail signage, point of purchase (POP) displays, menu boards, and wall graphics.
Mimaki, booth 2511, invites visitors to experience the future of print by exploring the various applications that can be produced using the company’s products individually, or together as part of a micro factory workflow. Industry experts share their knowledge on producing traffic signage, vehicle wraps, ADA signage, textile applications, industrial engraving and fabrication, and three-dimensional (3D) commercial signage; as well as color management. On display are Mimaki’s line of UV LED flatbed and roll-based printers, eco-solvent printers and print-and-cut devices, digital textile printers, 3D printers, cutters, and finishing devices.
Multipanel UK, booth 1526, supplies the market with substrates in three materials—aluminium, PVC, and steel—that are suitable for a multitude of applications. New this year, AlupanelFR, a fire resistant panel that offers the user several major advantages over similar products already in the market. It can be rolled, folded, and formed easily; it inflicts less wear on cutting tools; and is considerably lighter than other fire resistant panels, making it much easier to transport, handle, and install.
Nekoosa, booth 4400, highlights industry trusted brands including RTape application tape and premasks, ClingZ, SYNAPS, Hi-Stat, and MagneCote. Nekoosa’s range of products spans application tapes, graphics and specialty print media, carbonless and coated papers, and extruded films. It features its new Sign-Ad Opaque and Sign-Ad Clear Air Egress, compatible with latex, eco-solvent, true solvent, and UV wide format inks.
Newlife Magnetics, booth 5926, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of flexible magnet materials. Its Platinum magnetic-receptive print media is specified as the media of choice for many large brand companies for their advertising campaigns because of its high quality and great value. The new EM Ultrawide Magnet is available in 54- and 60-inch wide rolls and 12-, 15-, and 20-mil thicknesses. Newlife Print-Mag Ultrawide is compatible with solvent, UV, and latex printers.
Onyx Graphics, booth 1717, exhibits ONYX Hub 2.0 business intelligence software that helps business owners answer questions such as “how profitable am I?” or “what’s my actual waste?” and is a unique approach to bringing real production data into a print shop to make better business decisions. ONYX Hub 2.0 introduces data protection with new secure server encryption and active user management controls to protect sensitive print production data and secure customer information. ONYX Hub 2.0 also introduces a new, site-wide job submission capability from one central location, improving print processes and saving valuable production time to print more jobs per day.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, booth 1720, showcases brand new products including the Vector Frame Dynamic Light Box, Vector Frame Essential Light Box, Hype Digital Banner, and several new outdoor signs including Swing Sign, Twirl, Ace-2, and Contour, which is available in six different stock shapes and two different base types. Additionally, portable displays are featured including collapsible back walls Hopup and Backlit Embrace, Blade Lite, Revolution, Orient, Imagine and Giant Mosquito retractable banner stands, and the large and mini Popup Bar.
SA International, booth 3206, unveils SideKick—an easy-to-use job organization tool that helps sign and large format print businesses manage end-to-end production operations from quote creation to invoicing. SideKick comes pre-loaded with a database of predefined products and finishing options, including average industry costs, to rapidly and accurately configure pricing, while factoring in materials, labor, commissions, discounts, and taxes. Via an intuitive quoting system, sign shops and large format print providers quickly create professional and personalized PDF job quotes to send to customers within just a few minutes, based on size, quantity, and finishing of the product.
Sabic, booth 4937, launches new films adapted to the unique needs of digital print like lower ink consumption and improved adhesion. A range of LEXAN (PC) white films are available in different textures and opacity to provide flexibility, uniform diffusion, and lower cost for backlit graphics. The new films provide enhanced adhesion and versatility for a range of UV digital printers in overlaminate applications that use pressure-sensitive adhesives.
Safety Speed Manufacturing, booth 3931, is a one-stop shop for sign cutting machinery. Sign shops utilize its vertical panel saws for processing sign making material since 1958. Over the years, the company diversified offerings for sign makers to now include a full line of substrate cutters, portable substrate cutters, panel saw and router combination machines, as well as its DFC-H5 Vertical Panel Saw and Dust Free Cutter Combination Machine.
Showdown Displays, booth 2430, is an industry leader in lightweight, portable signs and displays. It makes it easy for partners by offering fast lead times, no minimum quantities, and innovative solutions. Showdown Displays is the silent partner you can trust; production of signs and displays is completed in AL and MN. All of its products are backed by an On Target Guarantee, ensuring 100 percent satisfaction on everything produced. The company’s best-selling product lines include table covers, tents, sail signs, floor displays, retractable banners, and custom SEGs.
Signs365, booth 4109, offers a variety of grand format printed products to the trade only. Its vibrant, high-quality printed materials include HD Banner, 3M adhesive vinyl, floor graphics, wall graphics, corrugated plastic, and aluminum. The new Hard Card product is a unique alternative to the standard business card. Stop by and check it out or grab a seat and enjoy a massage.
StratoJet USA, booth 1120, introduces roll-to-roll print solution Falcon XL-3300, along with UV flatbed Shark EFB-2512. StratoJet also exhibits new EcoClean Print Technology on the Hawk 72 EcoClean printer.
Supply55, Inc., booth 831, provides the NEPATA UA1650 ADWS and The Beast heat press by Secabo. NEPATA Converting centers deliver precise material cuts, accurate rewinds, and advanced inventory control, allowing for quick delivery times across a range of media. While avoiding waste, inventory shrinkage, and roll shortage/overage problems take converting to the next level. The Beast by Secabo combines a patented membrane heating system with a heated base plate. Made in Germany, The Beast Heat Press is manufactured using high-quality, precision components resulting in precise accurate transfers even with the most challenging applications.
Tubelite, booth 3900, features Solar Adaptive LED Lighting Equipment, an exclusive solar-powered sign lighting system. It also shows three roll-to-roll printers, a cutter, and a 5×17-foot Rollsroller. The booth features a Camaro Race car wrapped with 3M vinyl throughout the show. It highlights its wide breadth of supply products by demonstrating a flex face stretching system, a solar powered light tower, and LEDs.
Ultraflex, booth 5311, displays its diverse product catalog including VorTex soft signage solutions, Signetics magnetic-receptive media, the Bravura film line, as well as its Flooring solutions. Special attention is given to media HP certified for ink performance and durability. Ultraflex substrates help bring to life billboards and building wraps, outdoor and indoor banners, digital fine art and photo reproductions, wallcoverings, trade show graphics, retail POP, floor graphics, and light boxes.
Vision Engraving & Routing System, booth 5013, boosts revenue by increasing your shop’s sign making capabilities. With the 25 Series CNC Router/Engraver and new V-Touch Multi-Functional Pendant create custom signage in house, make ADA-compliant Braille signs, dimensional letters, and print-to-cut signage. Work with metal, wood, or plastic. Proudly made in the U.S. since 1983, Vision sells small to large, quality-made machines offered at best-in-class pricing.
Vycom, booth 2706, promotes Vycom Celtec DigiLite expanded PVC, which delivers economical design flexibility for sign makers and printers, backed by the same premium print quality as the company’s Celtec premium signboard solutions. This light-density alternative comes through with on-point product formulation and superior UV performance. Available in three- and six-mm thicknesses, DigiLite can be digital or screenprinted, cut, painted, or varnished. It is ideally suited for light-duty practical applications, from retail POP and displays, to trade show graphics and other applications that require a lower density substrate.
Zünd, booth 1400, demonstrates fully configured G3 and dual-beam D3 systems for industrial-level cutting and routing in highly automated, efficient production workflows. Also on display is the Zünd 100W laser module for simultaneous cut and seal textile applications. All Zünd cutters on the floor are equipped with the Over Cutter Camera system for high-speed cut-to-print registration for even greater productivity.
Meet Us There
Digital Output is in booth 1203, stop by and say hi, and pick up the latest issue of the magazine.
Apr2020, Digital Output
