By Digital Output staff
The International Sign Association’s (ISA’s) big event is held every Spring, alternating between Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, FL. This year the ISA International Sign Expo is at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from April 2 to 4, 2020. ISA’s main organizational team hopes that if you attend the show—through either exhibits, seminars, or demonstrations—you venture home with ideas on how to empower your company, employees, and future.
Above: ORAFOL Americas, Inc., booth 5512, presents a range of new, game-changing graphic marking films.
Visiting the Show
20,000 attendees and nearly 600 exhibitors are slated to make their way to FL. Here, we include a roundup of some of what you can expect at the show.
Arlon Graphics, booth 2517, invites attendees to test the latest additions to its architectural range in the Demo Center, an interactive experience combining hands-on demonstrations with tips and tricks for installing on a variety of surfaces. The Wrap Dash contest is back, but with an architectural twist. Contestants are judged on speed and quality of work to determine who takes home the daily prize. To reserve your time slot, stop by Arlon’s booth during show hours.
AXYZ, booth 1911, provides live demonstrations on the Trident and Infinite CNC routers. The Trident combines three different cutting technologies to provide maximum versatility. Choose from a selection of routing spindles and two knives, which can be either tangential, oscillating, or a combination of both. The Infinite is suitable for one-off, small-batch production as well as high-volume applications. From an aluminum vacuum deck to next-generation machine control, the Infinite Series includes features designed for ease of use, reliability, and high productivity.
Banner Ups, booth 4923, asks if you ready to start making banners faster, stronger, and easier. The Banner Ups Starter Kit is ideal for easy custom banner finishing. The kit contains 100 Banner Ups Clear BravoTabs, one 1.5-inch by 36-yard roll of Banner Ups Clear PowerTape, and one Banner Ups EZ Punch. Enough for about 20 banners, the Starter Kit is 20 percent off at the show.
Canon Solutions America, booth 5317, demonstrates its large format roll-to-roll, flatbed, and cutting and finishing solutions. See major products such as the Canon Arizona 1380GT with the roll media option, Canon Colorado 1650, and the Colex SXC-1717 cutter.
CutGuru, booth 1508, supports over 1,000 customers worldwide with application support, cutting blades, router bits, and mats/conveyors. The company brings diverse knowledge of almost every printable material and digital finishing system used. Through immediate help—and significant stock positions—CutGuru.com can have consumable parts to you before others even reply to your inquiry. It tests all consumables in house to ensure the best quality for your needs.
CWT, booth 4626, displays the Evolution flatbed applicator, a complete workstation for applications and cut works. Optimize and improve existing finishing process and results for lamination, mounting, and pre-masking no matter which cut or printing technology is used. The CWT Evolution offers electronic pressure settings of rollers and heated rollers. Also displayed is the Apex Plus digital flatbed cutter designed for producing digital graphics, packaging, prototypes, signage, and two- and three-dimensional (3D) displays with high precision. The Apex Plus features a large selection of tools for cutting, creasing, punching, and routing with an optional conveyor table for a cut-to-finish workflow solution.
Durst, booth 5521, features its newest, most innovative software solutions. Visitors to the booth have the opportunity through product demonstrations to learn firsthand about Durst software product offerings. The Durst Software Ecosystem includes Durst Workflow, a streamlined solution for managing print production. Durst Analytics is a web-based monitoring tool for collecting job statistics and relevant production data. Durst Smart Shop is a realistic 3D preview and print-specific product configuration. Lift Software ERP is a single integrated platform to run and streamline every aspect of your print business. Durst software solutions are designed to unleash the full potential of process automation and digitization from pixel to output.
Eastman Machine Company, booth 5335, manufactures handheld cutting machines, automated cutting systems, and spreading and material handling systems. It recently expanded its market reach with the Hawk automatic cutting system. The Hawk is a modern solution specific to professionals working in the advanced printing, packaging, and graphics sector as well as industrial applications like gaskets, foam, and insulation that require special cutting applications. A high-speed, precision cutting system, it is equipped with a multi-functional tool head.
Esko, booth 202, showcases its integrated software and hardware solutions, connecting with converters across the industry and guiding them on their digital transformation journey. Software solutions including Automation Engine, ArtPro+, and newly launched cloud-enabled Share & Approve, which boosts productivity and reduces waste are featured. The Kongsberg C24 is the first multi-function superwide digital finisher and the new, fully upgradeable and versatile Kongsberg X Edge is displayed. The latest in digital finishing tables, the X Edge combines productivity, flexibility, and best-in-class reliability.
GCC America Inc., booth 1903, displays its latest laser engraving system, the GCC LaserPro S400. The dual-laser technology of S400 simultaneously engraves, cuts, and marks on both organic and metal. S400 features a high-speed 140 inches per second DC servo motor for precise and rapid movement of the laser carriage, which helps users save time and costs while increasing productivity. GCC dust protection technology and SmartLID make maintenance easier. With a 40×24-inch extra-large working area, S400 possesses 100 percent performance present the highest throughput and precise laser quality.
Gerber Technology, booth 5041, invites attendees to experience unmatched versatility with the Gerber MCT Cutter’s robust tool offerings, including a high-powered laser. Get a look at the latest materials for sign and graphics including all-new ImagePerfect large format media, EDGE READY heat transfer textile film, and lexEdge Wide Format Specialty Media materials. Witness how easy it is to create high-quality graphics with the GERBER EDGE FX production system.
Graphic Finishing Products, booth 5707, unveils three new products; the FT60 Finishing Table with reversible surface for feeding boards or trimming prints, which rolls up to any laminator; new Janus Linerless Polyester film with five year durability for wide format graphics; and the next generation 663TH Top Heat Laminator, with touch screen controls and digital electronics. Also on display is the 563TH-4 Production Top Heat Laminator with swing-out shafts, the 363TH Professional Top Heat laminator, and 255C Cold Laminator.
HP, booths 2700/3200, is looking to disrupt the show this year with new applications, displays, and the HP STITCH Printer Series. Check out what you can do with both HP Latex and HP STITCH printers. Known since its start as an innovator, stop by the booths, especially for happy hour on April 2, and find out why the theme this year is Reality Unlocks Imagination.
JDS Sign Supply, booth 1728, offers hands-on demonstrations of digital print vinyl for wraps, walls, and floors. It also demonstrates new banner stands with a connector system that easily creates customized, modular displays. Try your hand at applying new Sef heat transfer material onto a show souvenir to take home. JDS Sign Supply also showcases its inventory of tools, stand-offs, ADA signs, frames, and Gemini plastic sheet stock. And if you like swag, visit the booth for free squeegees, banner material swatch books, and the company’s new 2020 catalog.
Leister Technologies, booth 2728, introduces the new UNIPLAN 500 automatic banner welder. The UNIPLAN 500 is not just capable of welding hems, pockets, and overlaps. Switching between hem and overlap welding takes just a few seconds. Integrated material lifting and automatic, single motion engagement of the nozzle make the work easier and increases reliability. The UNIPLAN 500 also has a brushless blower motor, making the tool nearly maintenance free. Additionally, users can save their welding profile on the machine to be recalled at any time.
LexJet, an S-One company, booth 1139, showcases the best and brightest new media options suited to help print service providers optimize their equipment in a variety of markets, such as sign and graphics, décor, and retail. At the show, it features buzz-worthy media like Squid window textile, Fredrix Metallic Pearl Canvas, and the new customer cult favorite—HP Adhesive Vinyl, the cost-effective option for bread-and-butter applications. LexJet features highly trained account specialists, free and unlimited product and technical support, and extensive educational resources. It is one of the wide format industry’s premier, one-stop shops for imaging products, equipment, and support.
Master Magnetics, Inc., booth 5213, encourages attendees to transform their business and attract new customers with the Magnetic Graphic System. This innovative, cost-efficient display system can be used indoors or outdoors for retail displays and menu boards. Magnetic sheeting and receptive are interchangeable as a base or printable graphic layer. Each material—PrintMagnetVinyl, ThinFORCE, and FlexIRON—is compatible with solvent, eco-solvent, UV, and latex ink systems. All three substrates are available with an adhesive backing to go on a wall or baseboard.
MultiCam, Inc., booth 2100, displays its full range of versatile high-speed cutting and rigid routing solutions priced to fit any budget. The Celero 5 HS (High Speed) series is a full production digital cutting platform with knife cutting speeds of up to 6,000 inches per minute (ipm). The Celero 7322 is the 3.2-meter wide format cutter equipped with full conveying and automation with cutting speeds of up to 7,800 ipm. APEX3R is a versatile and robust router with the ability to cut everything from aluminum to wood to acrylic with a single set up.
Mutoh America, booth 4900, presents the new XpertJet 661UF, which is a small format UV LED printer that meets all of your production demands. Print signs, awards, gift items, and name badges. Increase your profit margins by utilizing new Local Dimming Technology, which allows for more control of the LED lamp to achieve gloss and matte finishes in one pass. Whether you are looking for a large format printer for banners, wraps, sublimation, and textiles or a small format printer workhorse like the new XpertJet UV LED printers, Mutoh has what you need.
ORAFOL Americas, Inc., booth 5512, highlights a range of new game changing graphic marking films. The new ORALITE 5600RA – Fleet Engineer Grade Reflective is a 54-inch wide printable reflective film with RapidAir that is now easier to install and remove. The new ORAJET ProSlide Wrap Films deliver speed, accuracy, and durability. The new ORAJET 3952F with ORAGUARD 252F is a printable optically clear architectural window film with protective laminate with up to seven years outdoor durability. The ORAFOL team is also located in the Wrap Experience booth 753.
Photo Tex Group Inc., booth 1617, exhibits the Photo Tex peel-and-stick, multi-U.S. patented, adhesive material made of 100 percent polyester fabric. There are several different versions of Photo Tex to meet all inkjet and install surface needs. Its dependable, non-toxic adhesive can be removed and reused multiple times without any alteration or damage to the surface. Photo Tex material does not shrink, curl, rip, or wrinkle in any climate. It can be installed for a day or a decade and is easy to remove at your discretion.
Polaroid Large Format, booth 5128, demonstrates three versatile models of Polaroid large format printers available in the U.S. The Polaroid Micro UV LED printer is a small flatbed machine ready to print photo-quality designs on promotional items, including glass, acrylic, wood, adhesive vinyl, photo paper, and cylinders. The Polaroid GUV printer is a 71-inch roll-to-roll device that prints banners, adhesive vinyl, backlit, and Samba fabric. It uses gel ink, which allows for a wide color gamut and fast prints. The Polaroid T-Rex is a flatbed printer that combines great quality with state-of-the art technology with a customizable printhead configuration.
Roland DGA Corporation, booth 2817, shows several new products including the IU-1000F high-volume UV flatbed printer, TrueVIS SG2 wide format printer/cutters, VersaUV LEC2-300 UV printer/cutter, and LV series laser engravers. Booth visitors can also see the company’s TrueVIS VG2 series printer/cutters and Texart RT-640M multifunction dye-sublimation printer in action, as well as next-generation VersaUV LEF2 series flatbed UV printers, and the VersaSTUDIO BT-12 direct-to-garment printer. All this, plus live vehicle wrap demonstrations daily featuring the experts from Digital EFX Wraps.
swissQprint, booth 5526, presents all-new application possibilities in flatbed and roll-to-roll printing. The Nyala 3 flatbed printer and the Karibu roll-to-roll printer are in action in the swissQprint booth, producing samples live.
Tekra, booth 2736, highlights its full portfolio, which contains films for UV, latex, and solvent inkjet printing, as well as HP Indigo and traditional print methods. This year features include JetView Backlit films as well as window graphics, RPVC, and 3M bonding solutions. The company’s experienced team is available to answer all your plastic questions and help find the best solutions for your next project.
Trotec, booth 4122, exhibits the SP2000 large format laser, which combines an ergonomic and low-maintenance design with high-speed precision processing capabilities, packaged in the largest safety class 2 laser cutter on the market. It features a working area of 66×98 inches, access from all four sides, 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. Purchase a Trotec laser system at the show and receive a $1,000 credit on Trotec’s line of laser and engraving materials.
We’ll Be There!
Digital Output is in booth 1203, stop by to say hi and pick up the latest issue of the magazine. While this edition’s ISA Sign Expo preview includes the aforementioned companies, the April issue shares information from additional exhibiting vendors.
Mar2020, Digital Output
