By Digital Output staff
April 20 to 23, 2016, join the International Sign Association (ISA) for its annual ISA Sign Expo. This year, the show is held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. As of mid-February, space on the trade show floor was sold out—promising an expo full of opportunity.
This preview is the first in our two-part series on ISA Sign Expo exhibitors. Be sure to check out the May issue of Digital Output, which includes information on even more vendors. Both the April and May issues of the magazine will be available at the show as well.
ISA Exhibitors
3A Composites USA, booth 1217, showcases Gatorfoam—the original heavy-duty graphic display board. Gatorfoam consists of polystyrene foam bonded between two layers of wood-fiber veneer laminate. This unique construction makes Gatorfoam rigid yet lightweight and warp resistant; its surface is smooth and strong, offering superior dent- and scratch-resistance.
3M Commercial Solutions, booth 1700, highlights 3M Envision Flexible Substrate FS-1, which allows manufacturers to build signs that use less energy and require less maintenance, and also gives graphics manufacturers increased design versatility, with options to decorate with cut vinyl or direct print with solvent, UV, or latex inks. The seamless, widewidth flexible substrate is backed by 3M MCS Warranty, and can be combined with other LED-enabling products in the 3M Envision line of products for illuminated signs.
Advanced Greig Laminators (AGL), booth 1913, exhibits its Patriot laminator, designed to specifically address the issues associated with finishing UV, latex, and solvent printing technologies. With AGL’s proprietary nip roll design and heating and nip pressure design, this laminator solves the problems associated with poor laminate adhesion and silvering. AGL also debuts a new medium-life polymeric adhesive-backed vinyl media/overlaminate solution for indoor or outdoor signage.
AnaJet, booth 2954, invites attendees to discover the next generation mPower i-series from AnaJet, now a Ricoh Company. Print vibrant full-color graphics on light and dark t-shirts and other substrates in as little as 20 seconds for a light shirt or 45 seconds for a dark shirt with the mP10-i model. The industrial strength Ricoh printhead is built for speed and durability, and the AnaRIP and Spark for AnaJet graphics programs make the printer user friendly.
Argotec, booth 492, displays its 2-Part TPU Graphic Films System that consists of ArgoGraph-WHITE, a printable polyurethane (TPU) graphic film ideal for automotive wraps and demanding outdoor applications. Part 2 is ArgoGraph-CLEAR, a protective TPU overlaminate facestock designed to be applied over ArgoGraph-White or other printed vinyl substrates. Both parts are available with or without adhesive coating. ArgoGraph films are recyclable and have no halogens, phthalates, PVC, or plasticizers.
Biesse America, booth 717, demonstrates the Biesse Rover J CNC router with optical registration for cutting and routing printed graphics. The Rover J is the answer to increased production for growing shops processing plastic, wood, non-ferrous metals, and composites. Affordable, flexible, and user friendly, the Rover J combines strength and quality at a great price.
Budget Inks, booth 545, develops the best range of ink solutions for Canon, Epson, HP, Mimaki, Mutoh, and Roland. These plug-and-print solutions do not require any flushing or changes in color profiles. Run them side-by-side OEM or go back to OEM at any time. Stop by the booth to see live demonstrations of these inks in action.
Caldera, booth 2371, highlights a new print software solution dedicated to industrial textile printing. TextilePro offers companies creating long runs of functional or patterned fabrics using digital print technology a powerful, streamlined production suite that guarantees consistency of output despite rapid turnaround. TextilePro harnesses Caldera’s extensive experience in color control while introducing practicalities intended for those creating industrial-scale products.
Catalina Graphic Films, booth 1735, shows Toy Safety Film 4-mil matte white flexible vinyl with removable adhesive. It surpasses most children safety standards and is ideal for use as decals on typical children’s play surfaces. Also on display, Augusta Wall Graphics, a 6-mil embossed vinyl with an ultra-removable adhesive. It is ideal for interior wall marking/decal applications requiring durability, flexibility, low shrinkage, and reduced edge curl, such as wall decorations and point of purchase decals. Both are compatible with offset, screen, eco-solvent, solvent, latex, and UV-curable printing.
Chemica US, booth 659, manufactures many heat transfer films for both plotters and printers. For plotters there is QuickFlex, a thin and stretchy standard HTV with a five second press, and Galaxy glitter that is layerable and stretchy. For printers, choose EasyPrint or HotMarkPRINT, a thin, stretchy, and soft opaque printable film.
Colex, booth 1949, specializes in wide format finishing. The company offers the Colex Sharpcut 5×10-foot flatbed cutter featuring a triple interchangeable tool head, energy efficient six-zone vacuum system, and vision registration camera and software. An optional conveyor model with automatic roll feeder and board loader is available.
Drytac, booth 1079, promotes the JetMounter JM55 Force, the company’s new heavy duty, entry-level laminator designed for users who require durability and functionality over the long term. Excellent for mounting, laminating, and decaling pressure-sensitive materials, it features a maximum laminating width of 55 inches, large 4.7-inch diameter non-stick rollers, speed control up to 20 feet per minute, a maximum nip opening of one-inch, top and bottom auto-grip supply shafts with brake tension control on the operator side, and an interchangeable 110V or 220V electrical configuration.
Epson, booth 2557, brings the SureColor S-Series roll-to-roll solvent 64-inch production S40600, S60600, and S80600 printers. Developed over four years, Epson engineers incorporated 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—to provide unparalleled levels of productivity and image quality, plus improved reliability, to signage, vehicle graphics, and fine art reproduction.
FDC Graphic Films, Inc., booth 1471, adds several new solutions to its product line including 12 direct print textiles manufactured by HEYtex. FDC teaches visitors about textiles, how they can be used, and the benefits they provide to printers. A variety of Aslan’s films for windows, walls, and floors are shown in application, and attendees can see creative garment decorations made using Thermal Advantage heat transfer films.
Foster, booth 1744, offers a complete selection of quality, precision cutters and trimmers for wide format, signmaking, and display graphics production. The company provides a complete line of lifters for handling the large media rolls used in grand and large format printing. Visit the booth for a demonstration of the On-a-Roll Lifter, SteelTraK, Evolution-E2, Javelin Integra, Sabre Series 2, and Rotary Trimmers.
GCC, booth 1245, presents its complete range of products and applications. This includes the GCC i-Craft, Expert II, and Jaguar cutting plotters; in addition, the company exhibits its top-selling laser products—GCC LaserPro Spirit LS and C180 II laser engravers and the latest X500 III laser cutter.
Gfp, booth 2560, previews a new addition to the 300 Series entry-level, top-heat laminator line. The new 363TH is a 63-inch version of the 355 TH introduced last year, featuring integrated rear rewind, quick-grip supply shafts, and a new metal tubular heater. Also on display is the new 563TH-2 ProMax Top heat machine with swingout shafts and new quick-grip shaft design.
Graphtec America, booth 607, operates its full line of flatbed cutters, high-performance FC8600, and professional CE6000 series roll feed cutting plotters. i-DesignR Pro II software for signmaking, print/cut, and garment decoration is also featured. The company encourages visitors to see its quality cuts in person and take advantage of Graphtec’s technical support experts.
Hartlauer Bits, booth 2500, carries a wide selection of high-quality router bits for cutting various materials in an assortment of cutting lengths and diameters. Come see the selection and get technical questions answered to get the most out of your CNC router. In addition to Hartlauer’s technical support team, an LMT Onsrud representative is also available in the booth.
JW Media, also known as 777sign.com, booth 145, is dedicated to combining expertise and technology to provide quality media solutions with the industry’s most competitive pricing. It strives to distribute products in as little time as possible with an unparalleled quality—from oversized prints, displays, and flags to media rolls, printers, and ink.
KAPCO Graphic Products, booth 1427, is a manufacturer and converter with a full line of water-based inkjet and solvent digital media, mounting films, laminates, and backers plus sign vinyl and supplies. Digital products include adhesive-backed, water-proof, and specialty vinyl, banner, canvas/fabric, film, and paper inkjet media; vinyl and banner solvent material; mounting films; PSA UV laminates in four finishes; PSA cold backers; and low-melt and heat-assist thermal laminates.
Keder Solutions, booth 488, prides itself on offering the highest quality Keder products and accessories, servicing tented and tensile structures, billboards, posters and banners, truck sides, and marine applications. It enables sleek, modern, seamless, polished, and impressive finished products, providing a luxury appearance and maximizing a print’s impact.
Kern Lasers, booth 707, showcases its flagship HSE System. The HSE is capable of cutting and etching wood, metal, and acrylic. It cuts ten inches per second and engraves up to 150 inches per second. Each HSE laser system can be custom built.
Laguna Tools, booth 1347, celebrates over 31 years of machinery by offering a selection of quality and affordable CNC machines to take business to the next level. Starting at $6,700, a machine comes with spindles up to 12HP, heavy-duty welded frames, CNC knife cutting systems, and a camera for part registration. Laguna can configure a machine to handle all sign and digital print needs.
Laminators Incorporated, booth 2360, a leading manufacturer for 50 years, offers a complete line of rigid substrates that are the industry standard for professional signmakers. Laminators’ lightweight rigid substrates are strong and durable, and ideal for digital print applications. Manufactured in a variety of colors and sizes, its finished surfaces are flat, smooth, and will not crack, chip, flake, or peel even under harsh weather conditions.
LexJet, booth 2197, highlights WallPro by York wallcoverings. These are some of the hottest products in wide format, thanks to the demand for inkjet printable wallpapers that allow customers to personalize spaces, including residential, retail, and commercial environments. A dozen different textures and finishes, such as pearlized, mylar, and linen, work beautifully in any space with contemporary or traditional décor. Options are available for latex, solvent, and UV-curable inks.
Magnum Magnetics, booth 2701, exhibits DigiMaxx superwide magnetic media. It is a direct printable, flexible magnetic material designed for superwide signage and graphics applications—40 inches and above. Magnum Magnetics offers 24 hour turnaround on stock products, and custom material delivered in days, not months. Rolls and cut sheets are available. DigiMaxx is made in the U.S.
MagX, booth 1871, displays its complete line of magnetic sheeting and custom products. Plus, come see the company’s latest new products and innovations for point of purchase (POP), display, exhibit, and retail environments. MagX Magnetic Receptive products can be used to create affordable changeable graphics and signage for retail environments, promotions, POP, trade show displays, and museum exhibits.
MCT, booth 2927, provides one of the industry’s most innovative grand format digital flatbed cutting solutions, VersaTech. At MGE, having pioneered optical registration with i-cut software, the MCT team now introduces the most intuitive vision software, TigerVision. VersaTech devices are available from 1.6 to 3.2 meters wide with 3.2- to 9.4-meter cutting lengths for laser/routing/knife-cutting applications, most with full automation. Now made/supported in the U.S., MCT also operates CutGuru for blades and bits.
Mimaki USA, Inc., booth 1770, debuts the new Mimaki TX300P-1800 direct to fabric printer, which includes many features found in high-end direct print models, but with a lower cost of ownership suitable for users creating samples or short-run pieces. It includes new printheads with a high gap setting that enables printing on thick or thin textiles, plus woven patterns or raised fiber surfaces. Mimaki original inks deliver exceptional color reproduction onto natural or synthetic fibers for flags, banners, fashion textiles, performance sportswear, and interior décor.
OKI Data Americas, booth 1171, demonstrates its world class printing technology and expanding line of professional digital color printing solutions including its ColorPainter line of wide format devices. OKI Data also hosts live demonstrations, showcasing vehicle wrap applications by Troy Downey of APE Wraps. The company views the sign and graphic segment as a major growth area, and remains committed to delivering printing innovation in service to this market.
Onyx Graphics, Inc., booth 1879, promotes ONYX 12 software, which offers the ability to build an ideal print workflow to obtain maximum efficiency and lower overall production costs. It utilizes the complete 64-bit platform throughout, to harness full processing capabilities, delivering not just faster speeds but greater responsiveness. Specifically developed to make printing more predictable, ONYX 12 software features a simplified user interface and advanced finishing tools to help print operators produce jobs right the first time.
Orafol Americas, booth 2535, offers daily vehicle wrap demonstrations of Oracal 970RA Premium Shift Effect Cast with RapidAir technology and Orajet 3951RA Professional Wrapping Film with RapidAir technology laminated with Oraguard 290. Series 3951RA and 970RA are highly conformable materials designed for challenging fleet applications with complex curves, corrugations, and rivets. Both feature an advanced air release technology that reduces the incidence of bubbles and creases.
Royal Sovereign International, booth 1051, is a leader in the manufacturing and distributing of narrow and wide format laminators, electric trimmers, banner welders, and pressure-sensitive films. In a continual commitment to bring unique solutions to digital print finishing, Royal Sovereign adds a full line of dye-sublimation calenders and module-based Bobis Multi-Applicators to its product offerings.
RTape Corp., booth 1309, presents its portfolio of print media for eco-solvent, solvent, UV inkjet, and latex wide format printers. Durable polyester, metalized vinyl, chalkboard film, and dry erase vinyl make visual communications get noticed and create a lasting impression. Paired with the company’s tapes and premasks, it offers everything needed to create attention-grabbing signage and displays.
Saw Trax Mfg., Inc., booth 901, shows the Saw Trax Sign Maker Series Panel Saw. It offers sign shops a one-stop cutting tool for all cutting needs; eliminating the need to buy a panel saw and a mat cutter. Includes three cutting heads—a circular saw, a pivoting knife, and an ACM cutter. Also, dust collection hook ups, folding stand, and measuring guides are available for the cutting tool.
Sensient Global Inks, a business unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation, booth 245, is a leading pioneer in sublimation printing. Through the acquisition of Xennia, it extended its portfolio to the full range of high-performance inks and solutions for textile and industrial digital printing. At the booth discover its complete portfolio of textile printing solutions; including inkjet inks for HPL and water-based inks for printing on non-porous substrates.
swissQprint America, Inc., booth 2183, engineers and manufactures premium UV inkjet printers in Switzerland. These are true flatbeds with add-on options for roll-to-roll printing and oversized panels, featuring nine color channels, tandem functionality for non-stop printing, a maximum print speed of 2,217 square feet per hour, and special three-dimensional print effects with varnish.
Top Value Fabrics (TVF), booth 1259, introduces the latest in backlit fabrics with Supernova. This high-performance backlit features a smooth, elegant drape and offers a sensational illuminated quality that demands attention. Supernova is Reach compliant, and yields excellence in backlit graphics and extra appeal that is popular in high-end retail and trade show settings. TVF delivers a wide selection of frontlit, backlit, blockout, PET, mesh, and textiles engineered for printing excellence.
Ultraflex Systems Inc., booth 1925, an industry leader in printable substrates, unveils a new two-story booth featuring the launch of Signetics, a new magnetic-receptive media line showcasing traditional and double-sided magnetic-receptive material. In addition, Ultraflex highlights an array of HP Latex Certified Media offering ICC profiles for HP printers.
Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, booth 2399, changes the market landscape with VR5D 4×8-foot and VK300 5×10-foot UV digital printers. Both are field upgradable and boast BandGUARD Technology, a UV industry breakthrough in balancing the carriage with same dot placement in each direction. With two different printhead technologies—Ricoh Gen5 and Kyocera—quality, performance, and production have never been more attainable.
Verseidag US, booth 1723, invites the North American market to experience its new line of seemee Select printable fabrics. These high-quality, economical transfer dye-sublimation and latex printable fabrics include a 5.5 oz Poly Light, 8.1 oz Poly Heavy, 7.5 oz Tri White, and 7.9 oz Blockout. Available in widths of 60 and 122 inches to 126 inches, they offer both NFPA 701 and CA Title 19 fire retardancy.
Vision, booth 823, operates its 2550 CNC router/engraver. Made in the U.S., the 2550 makes ADA compliant braille signs, dimensional letters, print-to-cut applications, and wayfinding signs. Work with wood, metal, plastic, foamboard, and coroplast with a Vison machine.
Zünd, booth 2171, displays its automatic tool changer ARC. This latest automation solution from Zünd reduces setup times for routing applications on Zünd G3 digital cutting/routing systems. In a fully integrated tool magazine, the user can freely combine up to eight different bits. The system automatically selects the correct bit for the job, processing method, and material at hand—ensuring perfect results and ultimate productivity.
To Orlando
We hope to see you in Orlando, FL, April 20 to 23, 2016 for the ISA Sign Expo. Digital Output is located in booth 2745. Be sure to stop by and say hi!
Apr2016, Digital Output
