The ISA International Sign Expo is held this year from April 24 to 26 in Las Vegas, NV at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The event is set to host over 20,000 attendees looking to interact with peers and vendors.
Educational sessions are held Wednesday and Thursday and include tracks on design, digital signage, marketing, and relevant technology. If you aren’t looking to plan your experience that acutely, another option is to take advantage of the Lounge and Learn area located right on the show floor. Attendees are invited to sit in on free, 30 minute express talks on topics like outsourcing, digital marketing, fabric printing, color management, and sign permits.
Networking events include ISA Rocks, held Wednesday, April 24 at the Luxor Hotel Pool. Attendees need a show badge to enter and join in on music, dancing, and fun festivities. And don’t forget the last hour of every day at the event is happy hour—bars are set up throughout the trade show floor, so enjoy a free beer on ISA.
Above: Tekra’s media portfolio is on display in booth 1165
Vendor Plans
Now let’s get down to what’s on the show floor. Vendors shared their plans for the show with us and we include this information here. Additional vendors are included in our March issue, so don’t forget to look through this edition as you plan your visit to Las Vegas.
3A Composites USA, booth 1327, showcases Sintra ECLIPSE—the latest offering in the PRO Series line of graphic display boards featuring enhanced printing surfaces. Designed for the easy production of graphics that pop on black PVC, Sintra ECLIPSE is comprised of moderately expanded PVC in a homogenous black sheet with low-gloss thin white PVC on one surface that is specially designed for screen and digital printing applications. Sintra ECLIPSE is available in three-, six-, and 12.7-millimeter thicknesses in 48×96-inch sheets in one white facer/one black facer/black core color combination. INFO# 470
3M Commercial Solutions, booth 4235, invites attendees to take a variety of films for a test run. From brick and cinderblock surfaces to vehicles, walls, windows, and floors, 3M experts offer tips and tricks on transforming spaces with graphics. Daily full vehicle wrap applications are featured at the booth, along with products like 3M Wrap Film 1080-GC451 Gloss Silver Chrome and 3M’s lineup of translucent color films for illuminated signs. INFO# 471
Agfa Graphics, booth 1734, hosts two popular Anapurna systems in its booth. The FB2540i LED is a high-speed UV-curable inkjet system on a moving gantry flatbed. The H3200i LED is a wide format hybrid for print providers looking to combine board and roll-to-roll jobs. An optional automatic board feeder increases productivity. Agfa also shows many applications and demonstrates its Asanti workflow designed for inkjet printing. INFO# 472
Airmark, booth 4859, demonstrates the versatile Summa F1612 digital flatbed finishing system. Summa’s advanced S2 Series vinyl cutters are on display, as well as the performance-priced SummaCut Series. Also featured is the popular Epson SureColor S-Series sign printers. The SureColor S‑Series solvent printers enable print professionals to gain advantages in turnaround time, image quality, and total cost of ownership. INFO# 473
AnaJet, a Ricoh Company, booth 1117, encourages attendees to customize clothing, accessories, and keepsakes with vibrant, high-resolution images. The next-generation RICOH Ri 1000 is a full-featured direct to garment (DTG) printer that delivers professional-quality DTG printing at an affordable price. With high-performance printheads, convenient automated maintenance, a built-in Interactive Operation Guide, 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 sign shops looking to expand offerings. INFO# 474
Banner Ups, booth 2103, introduces the SEGDesign modular silicone edge graphics (SEG) frame system. Made of non-aluminum composites, SEGDesign frames are modular for the creation of any frame size from a few parts. Lighter and lower total cost than aluminum frames, they are 100 percent made in the U.S. of tough ABS plastic that can be custom cut in minutes with any ordinary saw. Plus, SEGDesign is easily paintable for custom styling. INFO# 475
Bantex Digital Media, booth 1947, features information on expanded national availability of Bantex products. Existing distribution channels and the Bantex Partners program are growing for 2019. Bantex is one of the leading premier flexible composite textiles for vinyl banners and signs with exceptional color and image clarity and guaranteed curl-free performance. INFO# 476
Caldera, booth 4247, launches a new version of its RIP software, Version 12. It is configured to offer an enhanced user experience by bridging the gap between design and business. The suite also includes Digital Licences and CalderaDock, new tools that allow users quick access to what they need. On the functionality front, faster processing speeds and better colors enhance productivity, for an extended range of user applications. INFO# 477
Canon Solutions America, booth 2143, shows the latest in its large format printing solutions. The Océ Colorado 1640 printer offers high print speeds, unattended operation with new levels of automation, low cost of operation, and the ability to print on most common media as well as specialty media. The new Océ Arizona 1300 series delivers great print quality and productivity. It features productive print modes, optional light and white ink support, optically clear varnish, and enhanced screening to deliver outstanding print quality. INFO# 478
Coastal PRO, booth 954, supplies attendees with the education required to ensure advancement in business endeavors. Many companies base reputations solely on helping with equipment purchases, but Coastal PRO knows there’s more to running a successful high-volume business than having good gear. Visit its team of experts to help evaluate your production needs and find the best solution to make success a reality. INFO# 479
Colex, booth 819, is an industry leader in wide format finishing solutions. The Colex Sharpcut Flatbed Cutter offers versatility, speed, and price—the ideal combination for affordability and productivity. Models are available in 5×5, 5×10, 10×5, and 10×10 feet. INFO# 480
Corebridge, booth 2809, highlights the CoreBridge Management System, which enables sign and print businesses to quickly and profitably estimate jobs, manage production queues with visual boards, automate communication and daily tasks, collect payments, manage accounting, integrate shipping, and sell products online with ecommerce. With a new interface built for ease of use, users take control and dive into their workflow from day one. INFO# 481
CutGuru.com, booth 1035, supports over 1,200 customers worldwide with application know-how and better than OEM pricing for everyday cutting blades, router bits, mats/conveyors, and spindle replacements. Supplying industry-standard products to popular machine manufacturers, it is able to buy in much higher volume and pass on the savings to customers. Looking for something that no one else offers? CutGuru offers a specialty order catalog or can design a specialty tool from scratch to meet your exact specifications. INFO# 482
CWT Worktools USA, booth 943, displays its complete line of finishing equipment. The affordable APEX and APEX PLUS digital flatbed cutting systems are designed with accuracy and speed for cutting, trimming, routing, and creasing of flexible or rigid media and substrates. The NOVA and NOVA PLUS are high-performance automated XY cutters of flexible materials from rolls and sheets of vinyl or fabric with an optical sensor for registration and accuracy. The high-performance Express and Galaxy laminators with heat-assisted top rollers are designed for reliability and ease of use. CWT Premium and Platinum Application Tables are ideal for laminating and mounting finished graphics. INFO# 483
Denco Sales, booth 1717, asks attendees to take advantage of special equipment promotions. The supplier of equipment in visual communications offers great show specials on various pieces, including CWT flatbed laminating and application tables, HP Latex printers, Roland eco-solvent printers, plotters, laminators, and a variety of other equipment options. It also showcases its Window Film technology. INFO# 484
DigiFab Systems, booth 2753, develops and integrates digital textile printing equipment and supplies. Its range of products include Evolution software RIPs; premium inkjet inks—Vibra dye-sublimation, pigment, reactive, and acid and dyes—for use on a large range of printers; StampaJet, Mimaki, and Mutoh printers; DigiHeat oil and electric rotary heat presses; sublimation papers; and printable fabrics. INFO# 485
Direct Color Systems, booth 2425, offers UV printing ADA-compliant/Braille signs with patented technology that saves time and costs when compared to other production methods. A new solution is available for those looking to get into the ADA/Braille sign production market. Every Direct Jet 1800BG Braille and Graphics printer package includes a vacuum table and ADA Software Module. INFO# 486
EFI, booth 535, exhibits the EFI VUTEk h5 LED inkjet printer, at 126 inches wide with a 1,200 dpi maximum resolution and throughput of 109 boards per hour. The company also debuts its Fiery proServer Premium digital front end, offering twice the RIPing speed for jobs produced on EFI superwide format printers. EFI partners Nazdar and Ricoh feature hybrid and roll-to-roll printers from EFI’s wide format portfolio in their booths. INFO# 487
Epson, booth 1334, demonstrates the SureColor T5470 36-inch wireless printer delivering precise printing within a compact, robust design. Ideal for high-production output of blueprints, line drawings, and posters, it produces A1/D-size prints in as fast as 22 seconds. It features an intuitive touch screen and advanced network security and encryption designed to safeguard information. Leveraging a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead it achieves outstanding clarity and reliability. INFO# 488
Esko, booth 2125, highlights its Automation Engine, an automated production workflow server that automates prepress tasks. It ensures increased efficiency and throughput while increasing quality. Also on display, the multi-function, superwide Kongsberg C cutting table, which is an ideal companion to faster large format printing presses. It handles all types of substrates. INFO# 489
FDC Graphic Films, Inc., booth 4835, showcases Lumina by FDC products. The portfolio contains Lumina Digital, Lumina Heat Transfer Vinyl, and Lumina Sign Vinyl. Stop by the booth for a relaxed environment and a cup of coffee. INFO# 490
Fisher Textiles, booth 4017, displays an extensive selection of printable knit, stretch, and woven fabrics. The F7 Certified Fabric line—specially designed for direct print—is made with a multi-chemical treatment process dialed-in for thorough and consistent application to facilitate outstanding print quality and control of ink migration. These fabrics undergo a comprehensive manufacturing process to ensure reliability and consistency on every roll. INFO# 491
Gans Digital, booth 2303, celebrates nearly 70 years of experience supporting and offering wide and grand format solutions along with its traditional commercial print customers. Gans brings to market a number of products, such as Holographic Window Perf, iDot, and Duravibe’s line of latex-printable fabrics. INFO# 492
GBC/SEAL, booth 2825, features its fully automated laminator that allows for feeding up to 30 sheets at one time. The Foton 30 changes the way you approach everyday lamination. For signage and other wide format graphics, the SEAL 65 Pro MD showcases advancements in optimizing productivity including bi-directional operation, pneumatic rollers, and infrared quartz heated rollers. INFO# 493
Gerber Technology – MCT Cutters, booth 4107, hosts a 3.2×3.2-meter device laser cutting digitally printed textiles and 1.6×3.2-meter solution routing and knife/creasing rigid materials with full conveying and automation. All-new ImagePerfect large format media, EDGE READY heat transfer textile film, and GERBER EDGE FX printer and envision 375 cutter are showcased alongside Gerber’s small format design-print-cut system powered by OMEGA software. INFO# 494
Gfp, booth 816, previews the new 663TH Top Heat laminator. This system features digital electronics; touch screen display; operation, service, and help tutorials; roller tension sensors; and electronic roller gap and pressure adjustments. Also on display, the FT60 Finishing Table featuring a roller ball transfer surface for feeding boards and reversible backlit cutting surface, for use with any laminator. INFO# 495
GMG Americas, booth 861, demonstrates PrintFactory, integrated with GMG ColorServer. The software offers the professional job preparation and file correction tools needed to maximize productivity and profitability. Centralized GMG color management and smart profiles deliver color control to guarantee consistent, high-quality color reproduction across multiple devices. INFO# 496
GSG, booth 2509, combines a unique understanding of digital printing technologies with a half a century of knowledge and experience in traditional sign, digital printing, screenprinting, embroidery, and textile decorating. Stop by the booth to see the latest offerings for the digital printing and sign industries. INFO# 497
Gyford Décor, booth 2418, designs and manufactures precision aluminum and stainless steel decorative mounting hardware. It offers six complete product lines that include a variety of standoffs, rod hardware, and wire suspension systems. Gyford hardware is used for awards, graphics, signage, shelving, retail displays, gallery installations, exhibits, architectural, and elements. INFO# 498
Leister Technologies, booth 4828, offers the HEMTEK ST banner welder. According to the company, the stationary welder is one of the most efficient and affordable banner finishers of all time. Capabilities include hem welds, pole pockets, and hems with rope. Quickly weld promotional banners or tarps from corner to corner with ease. INFO# 499
Lintec of America, booth 1254, manufactures optically clear and VisionControlFilms for window and glass decoration. Digital print companies have used its products to decorate stores, conference rooms, as well as galleries for more than seven years. VisionControlFilms are specialty privacy films. When adhered to glass the layers of film provide a frosted effect that can appear and disappear as the viewing angle changes. INFO# 500
Magnum Magnetics, booth 1946, introduces DigiMaxx EnGage—an easy to install, printable magnetic-receptive media that is durable and features excellent adhesion. EnGage media is engineered with an optimized surface for superior print quality and a neutral white point. It offers an impressive array of benefits including large format printer compatibility and no edge chipping without sacrificing performance at an affordable price point. INFO# 501
Marabu, booth 2324, encourages attendees to discover the doors Marabu’s UltraJet UV-curable digital inks can open at zero risk. Marabu launches DI-TV, a new ink for Roland TrueVIS large format inkjet printers and highlights ClearShield and ClearJet liquid laminates. ClearShield water-based liquid laminate and ClearJet solvent-based laminate in aerosol and liquid form are specifically formulated to offer optimal protection. INFO# 502
Miller Weldmaster, booth 3753, exhibits fast heat sealing machines for any size sign company. Eliminate seaming bottlenecks with the T300 Extreme for high-speed finishing. Finish a banner in under one minute. The Digitran is a sewing system designed specifically for silicone edge graphics systems. See options for smaller sign shops like the T3 Extreme that is a robust tabletop welder and the newest and affordable T2 Extreme. INFO# 503
Mimaki USA, booth 3935, highlights an array of digital printing solutions. This includes the expanded UCJV300 Series—now available in four efficient sizes. In addition, the TS55-1800 dye-sublimation printer with optional units, the UJF MkII Series tabletop flatbed printers, and the CF22-1225 wide format cutting plotter are on display. INFO# 504
Miratec Systems, booth 2325, brings its most recent innovation—an invisible way to join two pieces of clear vinyl using PureColor Technology. The Miratec Systems Super Splice gives the stability needed to prevent light leaks, and most excitingly causes the splice line to disappear when backlit. INFO# 505
Montroy, booth 753, showcases the latest in print and finishing technologies from HP, Graphtec, Roland, and Summa. It shows rigid substrate applications using 3A Composites, Cyro, Lexan, and UltraBoard. Montroy features traditional print media applications from 3M, Avery, and Arlon and backlit from Sihl. INFO# 506
MultiCam, booth 3007, demonstrates the APEX3R CNC router that offers speeds of up to 2,000 inches per minute. Designed and built in the U.S., the APEX3R is constructed from a robust single-piece welded steel frame. INFO# 507
Mutoh America Inc., booth 3035, displays its newly released products like the PerformanceJet 2508UF 4×8-foot flatbed UV LED printer and 1627MH 64-inch hybrid multi-purpose printer, which prints on both rigid and roll material along with many of its hottest and top selling favorites like ValueJet 1624X, ValueJet 1938TX, and VJ1948WX. INFO# 508
Nekoosa, booth 2422, adds eight new color/pattern combinations to its VinylEfx portfolio. New colors include champagne, rose gold, copper, and bronze and are available in both smooth and fine brush finishes. VinylEfx is a series of metalized, adhesive-backed vinyl used for cut-lettering applications, decals, printed graphics, and decorative displays. INFO# 509
Newlife Magnetics, booth 3926, launches its new 60-inch wide printable magnet sheeting. This is the widest printable magnet sheeting available in the U.S. Newlife also introduces its new premium line of wide format magnetic-receptive printable films. INFO# 510
OKI, booth 1545, knows that when it comes to color vibrancy, print durability, and production speeds, ColorPainter wide format printers lead sign and graphics in their class. Utilizing advanced print technologies, industrial printheads, and low odor, eco-solvent ink, ColorPainter printers produce vibrant, glossy graphics with exceptional color saturation. INFO# 511
Onyx Graphics, Inc., booth 2347, features ONYX 18.5 software, which takes print production to the next level with the distinction of being the first wide format RIP solution with Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) 5.1. With APPE 5.1, users benefit from technological advancements including high-impact color rendering, smoother edges for graphics, and enhanced Unicode support. INFO# 512
Palram Americas, booth 4205, exhibits Palboard 3D. It features a bright white, rigid, ultra-smooth PVC surface with a black or white foam PVC core. Rigid exterior layers offer better structural strength than standard foam PVC. Palboard 3D is almost 50 percent lighter than aluminum composite material with easier workability. INFO# 513
Piedmont Plastics, booth 2719, is a national distributor of plastic sheet, rod, tube, and film products with over 40 locations across North America. Print materials include rigid substrates, flexible media, and accessories from its Piedmont Sign Grade product line. Sign materials include polycarbonate, acrylic, ACM, aluminum coils, and LEDs. INFO# 514
Ricoh, booth 735, invites attendees to take a look at the RICOH Pro TF6250 flatbed and RICOH Pro L5160 roll-to-roll wide format printers in action alongside the EFI Pro 16h and a Colex Sharpcut flatbed cutter, showcasing diverse, flexible options. INFO# 515
Roland DGA, booth 1419, debuts new digital imaging technologies. See Roland’s next-generation TrueVIS VG2 series printer/cutters, the new VersaUV LEF2 flatbed printer, and new VersaSTUDIO BT-12 desktop direct to garment printer. The company’s most popular inkjets, cutters, and engravers are also on display. INFO# 516
Safety Speed, booth 4711, shows its DFC-H5 Panel Saw and Dust Free Substrate Cutter Combo. Additionally, Safety Speed offers its first look at its new and improved line of Vertical Substrate Cutters. Visit the booth and learn about the products that have kept Safety Speed running strong for over 60 years. INFO# 517
Saw Trax, booth 2667, highlights its Sign Maker Panel Saw and Substrate cutter, providing sign shops with one machine for all cutting needs. The Rack & Roll is a sheet cart designed to carry multiple substrates for signs. It can easily separate substrates by section, while being faster and safer to load. INFO# 518
Sawgrass, booth 2571, brings its Virtuoso HD Product Decorating Systems, featuring SG400, SG800, and VJ 628 printers. It shows new sublimation print applications that enable product decorators to offer prints for outdoor use and cotton fabrics. INFO# 519
Stimpson, booth 4606, founded in 1852, is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer and supplier of grommets and washers, eyelets, snaps, hole plugs, and attaching machinery. Over 160 years later, its 278,000 square foot facility in Pompano Beach, FL is furnished with advanced, state-of-the-art, high-speed automated equipment. INFO# 520
Summa America, booth 2255, demonstrates roll cutters with True Tangential Technology, to Summa’s latest and largest asset in the F Series range—the F3232. More focused on cutting dye-sublimated shirts and apparel, the L1810 from the L Series makes its debut at the booth, equipped with advanced laser cutting technology. INFO# 521
Tekra, booth 1165, offers a portfolio that contains films for UV, latex, and solvent inkjet printing, as well as HP Indigo and traditional print methods. At the booth, learn about new JetView Latex Clear Polyester Film as well as backlit and blockout films and 3M bonding solutions. See Tekra for details on selecting the ideal substrate for your next project. INFO# 522
Trotec, booth 3853, displays the SP2000 large format laser, which combines a robust, ergonomic, and low-maintenance design with high-speed precision processing. It features a working area of 66×98 inches, processing speeds up to 6.5 feet per second, and laser power up to 400 watts—empowering businesses to improve production efficiency, broaden product offerings, and increase product quality. INFO# 523
Ultraflex Systems, booth 3653, showcases popular products in its range of flexible, semi-rigid, and specialty lines. In addition to front lit, backlit, blockout, mesh, textiles, film, and specialty media, printable wallcoverings, HP-certified media, and magnetic-receptive solutions are displayed. INFO# 524
Vision Engraving & Routing System, booth 2918, suggests giving your business a boost of revenue possibilities by increasing signmaking capabilities. With a Vision Engraving 25 Series CNC router/engraver you can make a variety of custom signage in house including ADA Braille signs, dimensional letters, and print to cut. INFO# 525
Vista System LLC, booth 1554, offers a range of wayfinding signage solutions. Vspec is a complete sign schedule, including location plan, BOQ, and unique design features. The service is provided to sign professionals, architects, designers, contractors, entrepreneurs, and project managers. INFO# 526
Vycom Corp., booth 4853, invites visitors to see what’s new in durable display graphic and sign building materials. Featured is the Celtec signboard line, a premium rigid substrate that improves throughput in finishing, enabling print providers to consistently and confidently produce high-value display graphics applications. INFO# 527
Yard Sign Ninjas, booth 2771, provides custom printed yard signs and point of purchase work to the trade only at wholesale pricing. Stop by the booth to see how to increase margins and wow customers with the company’s full-color gloss finish. INFO# 528
Zünd, booth 3907, presents fully configured G3 and dual-beam D3 cutting systems equipped with the high-speed Over-Cutter Camera system. Various automated production workflows are on display for cutting a full gamut of substrates. INFO# 529
See You in Vegas
We look forward to visiting Las Vegas, Digital Output is in booth 4411.
Apr2019, Digital Output
