By Digital Output Staff
The International Sign Association (ISA) is in full planning mode for its main event, the ISA International Sign Expo. Held April 12 to 14, 2023 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV it promises to be full of innovation and good conversation.
Attendees can plan a full schedule whether they are at the trade show to stroll the aisles or take part in any of the educational sessions and networking events. On the exhibit floor, special areas to visit are of note, this includes The Wrap Experience at booth 3149.
The Wrap Experience, powered by ISA and The Wrap Institute, is an interactive booth area that surrounds the Never Stop Learning Wrap Contest. The Wrap Experience brings together a range of companies and products to inspire new ways to bring revenue into your business. Justin Pate, an expert in vehicle wraps, hosts the event.
Above: Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities.
Forward Intentions
The March edition of Digital Output includes information from vendors exhibiting at the ISA International Sign Expo. Here, additional companies share their plans.
3A Composites, booth 2729, specializes in the manufacturing of leading composite substrates for signage, display, and graphic arts. Category defining brands like DIBOND, GATORFOAM, SINTRA, and FOME-COR are proven solutions for a variety of applications, while innovative new products such as DISPA offer unique, sustainable, and high-quality solutions for this dynamic and ever-changing industry. This year the booth is dedicated to celebrating the iconic presence and impact of the US National Park Programs, displaying some of the original posters printed by the WPA’s Federal Art Project between 1935 to 1943 that have been brought back to life on 3A’s iconic brands and substrates.
3M, booth 1027, introduces its most technologically advanced film solutions ever—3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G. With unprecedented conformability and lifting resistance, this vinyl solution stays exactly where you want, allowing your confidence to soar. Created for impactful installation and performance, 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Comply v4 Air Release and 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G allows for efficient installations with less rework, helping save time and money. Installers can confidently wrap commercial vehicles with less effort so that every installation is completed quickly without sacrificing quality.
AP Lazer, booth 4715, offers CO2 laser machines that cut and engrave full sheets of material such as wood, acrylic, and plastics. Thanks to the open architecture design, there are no weight or size restrictions. Expand product offerings, explore new markets, and never say “no” to a job again. Build your successful business with AP Lazer’s turnkey solutions, personalized training, 24/7/365 technical support, and engaged online community. It is an innovative, people-centric company. AP Lazer’s customers are like family. Its mission is to build priceless relationships with customers and to meet the emotional needs of all walks of life. Together, we make the world a more precious place to live.
ASLAN, booth 2257, highlights its memoboard, glass decoration, and digital printing film ranges, as well as spray paint and sticker repellent anti-graffiti film MagicProtect Matt ASLAN SL 99, the new extra hard-wearing laminate MonsterLAM ASLAN SL 05, and special effect films like ColourShift ASLAN SE 70 and SE 71—two transparent and four opaque dichroic films for cut or full-surface applications. Other self-adhesive highlights are the new SparkleColour ASLAN SC 123—six glitter films, and CaressColour ASLAN CC 124—flocked self-adhesive decorative films in 19 different colors. Additionally, the scratch-resistant, real mirror film MirrorEffect AntiScratch ASLAN SE 75, available in silver and gold is on display.
Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities. Stop by the booth daily to watch live demonstrations, including how a food trailer can transform into a different business each day from full-color, high-impact graphic films. Avery Dennison experts are on site to welcome and help you experience the full breadth of graphic solutions in person. For additional technical help and advice, visit the Avery Dennison Lounge inside of The Wrap Experience area at booth 3149 to hear from speakers and panels comprised of trainers, Avery Dennison representatives, and shop owners.
AXYZ, booth 4728, demonstrates cutting on the AXYZ Trident CNC router, featuring acrylic routing and knife cutting on printed foam board. It’s optimized for high-performance packaging, point of purchase, and print finishing applications. A spindle, tangential knife, and oscillating knife come standard on the Trident, providing the right cutting tools for virtually all materials used in the industry. Technical specialists are on site to answer questions.
Canon Solutions America, booth 1807/2638, showcases its range of print products including its Arizona flatbed series of printers and the Colorado roll devices.
CET Color, booth 4457, showcases its Q6-500 Flatbed and K2-250 Hybrid unit. Additionally, it plans to unveil its newest product launch and is delighted to share more details.
Colex Finishing Inc., booth 4430, introduces Colex Cut Center 8 – Production Automation, which offers quick response code recognition with an onboard registration camera. It eliminates operator errors of loading and processing the correct job file and confirms jobs are generated with the correct feeds and speeds. A production information system captures and reports on all jobs processed. This provides accurate information on time to process a job as well as linear cut lengths and media usage. Together with the Sharpcut SXC1732 conveyor the Colex Cut Center 8 – Production Automation option preserves the same, proven engineered robust steel welded frame, Triple Interchangeable Tool Head, Energy Efficient Vacuum System, Vision Registration Camera and Software, with the ability to add tools and router options to customize the cutter.
DAF Products, booth 3921, features its full line of perforated window film 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and new options including 80/20, as well as first and second surface applications. Attendees enjoy perforated time saving product install technique demonstrations and experience hands-on testing. Other products on display include DAF Everyday 7-year Cast Wrap Film with matching gloss and matte laminates. It offers a lower entry point price with high-end features installers expect.
DigiFab Systems, booth 2351, is an innovative developer, manufacturer, and distributor of software, supplies, and equipment. Displayed in the booth is the latest StampaJet K2-190x high-speed sublimation printer and DigiHeat D21 64-inch oil press. Additionally, product lines include pre-treated fabrics, inkjet inks, STP sublimation paper, StampaJet inkjet printers, Evolution RIP software, DigiHeat heat presses, laser cutters, and steamers.
Enfocus, booth 1057, enables attendees to experience PitStop, the gold standard for PDF preflighting and editing software, and the powerful suite of features it offers to wide format printers.
Epson, booth 2221, leverages a surf/skate shop theme to display a range of printing solutions ideal for a variety of applications, including indoor and outdoor signage, photography, graphics, and textile applications. Attendees see wide format solutions in action, check out print samples, and speak with product experts about how Epson can help grow their business. The booth includes demonstrations for many industries, including textile applications with the SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation and DTG printers; signage solutions with the SureColor R-Series resin, SureColor V7000 UV flatbed, SureColor S-Series solvent printers; and photography and graphics with the SureColor P8570D printer and SureLab D1070 minilab printer.
Fisher Textiles, booth 4021, showcases its newest print media fabrics for soft signage, up to five meters wide and its Enviro-Tex lineup made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled yarns. Enviro-Tex fabrics contain 32 to 48 recycled PET bottles per linear yard and include ET8050 Super Sonic, ET9410 Soft Knit, and ET9708 Heavy Knit. Five-meter wide styles include DD9930 Nirvana Plus, DD6650 Super Sonic Backlit, and DD7808 Heavy Knit. Fisher Textiles also features its newest fabric media for pillowcase tension displays, DD8800 Silver Back, an enhanced gray-back blockout with blended yarns and a natural stretch.
GBC, booth 3650, displays SEAL precision engineered wide format laminators, which are made in the U.S. Featured at the show is the 65 Pro MD, a high production, versatile laminator that can run both hot and cold applications. The 65 Pro MD has the unmatched capability of running speeds of more than 15 feet per minute without sacrificing quality. Also featured is the 62 Base, which is ideal for mounting and laminating pressure-sensitive graphics up to 61 inches in length; the first fully automated desktop laminator from GBC—the GBC Foton 30; and a flatbed applicator.
General Formulations, booth 829, educates attendees on wrap techniques with special guest installer, Preston Jordan, owner, Digital Precision. Also in the booth, visitors can stroll along floor graphic options and engage with active demonstrations designed to help pick the right material for the application. While at the booth, ask about new transit product, GF 209AE MetroMark with Air Egress Technology or if visiting the ISA Wrap Experience, ask trainer Chad Parrish about new GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology wrapping film.
Gerber, booth 4210, promotes its comprehensive solutions and materials for sign and graphics. Its extensive library provides all the materials needed no matter the application, including its ImagePerfect line, a series of materials specifically designed for digital printing on large format inkjet printers. Gerber’s OMEGA design and output software offers a comprehensive suite of layout, design, output, and conversion tools. OMEGA software is designed to accommodate the cutting and printing of vinyl and specialty materials while also supporting routing applications for dimensional sign making, woodworking, and parts fabrication.
HP, booth 1424, focuses on sustainability, water-based inks, and how it can help you in the sustainability journey. As part of the show, it features new HP Latex 2700 Printer series, the HP Latex R Printer series, PageWide XL Pro 10000, and the HP Latex 315 Print and Cut Plus Solution.
Jessup Mfg. Co., booth 1864, encourages attendees to discover an exciting array of products ranging from graphics media for any application to innovative new product previews—not to mention photoluminscent material, safety signage, and UL 924 exit signs.
Kongsberg PCS, booth 1239, highlights the power, performance, and versatility of its Kongsberg and MultiCam solutions when it showcases four market-leading machines. The world’s first diversified provider of digital finishing and CNC cutting machines demonstrates the capabilities of its flagship Kongsberg C64, its modular Kongsberg X24 table, and the MultiCam APEX 1R and 3R routers. Live demonstrations of all four machines are presented daily, giving visitors the chance to witness the precision, speed, and consistency each delivers.
Lintec of America, booth 1465, offers PVC-free films for glass decoration. They are compatible with the latest UV inkjet printing technology. Customers can choose from films that have scratch-resistant capabilities, 80 percent recycled optically clear features, as well as UV blocking to protect interiors from fading. Lintec’s adhesive technology is offered in permanent, removal, and air egress as well as unmatched optically clarity. The benefits of decorating glass with polyester film are that if printed and installed properly it looks as if the glass was directly printed.
Newlife Magnetics, booth 2213, features Platinum magnetic receptive, printable magnet media up to 60 inches wide; Cling King micro-suction films; and new pre-magnetized Indigo sheets. It currently offers the thinnest, widest, lightest, and strongest magnetic materials on the market. The booth is interactive to demonstrate Newlife’s wide variety of unique products, come and experience the Newlife difference.
Onyx Graphics, Inc., booth 2753, demonstrates the newest version of its RIP and print workflow software and other solutions, including ONYX Go subscriptions, ONYX TruFit automated shape-based nesting, and the company’s business management tools.
Photo Tex, booth 2752, displays how its self-adhesive polyester fabric media is used on walls, windows, doors, and floors. It offers three different versions and 39 different skews to meet all your needs from temporary to permanent applications. Media is LEED certified, fire rated, and “green.”
PRESTOTEX, booth 4727, showcases its reengineered, 10-mil wall media. The textile wallcovering manufacturer also displays all variations of its printable media including white, silver, deep gold, and gold iridescent color options. See in person how the media can be used to wrap trade show booths, transform rooms, and create contour cut decals. The booth also features ten- and 17-mil thick products, installation inspiration, and video tutorials. PRESTOTEX wallcovering media is removable, repositionable, and easy to install.
Roland DGA, booth 1639, exhibits its TrueVIS wide format printers, including TrueVIS AP-640 Resin Printer and advanced TrueVIS LG Series and MG Series UV Printer/Cutters. Also on display is the new VersaSTUDIO BN-20D Direct-to-Film System.
SAi, booth 1230, demonstrates its Flexi software for printing, cutting, print and cut, direct to film, and traffic applications. Witness a demonstration of the newest, time-saving production features available in Flexi 22 including advanced job nesting, color management, and layered printing. EnRoute 23 CAD/CAM software for CNC machining is also featured.
Saw Trax, booth 3830, displays the Sign Maker’s Series Vertical Panel Saw with Makita Saw and Substrate Cutter. The Sign Maker’s Saw uses the Makita 5007 Saw Motor and OLFA Segmented Knife. With the Sign Maker Panel Saw and Substrate cutter, sign shops have one machine for all cutting needs. It is equipped with specialty accessories for cutting in both directions, vertically and horizontally. This cutter is ideal for making precision cuts in sheet goods that are up to 1¾ inches thick.
Stimpson, booth 4111, showcases its entire line of fasteners and offers live demonstrations of attaching machinery. Discover why companies single source all their sign and banner fasteners and machinery from Stimpson.
Summa America, booth 2027, introduces the next step in workflow efficiency and automation. The F1612 flatbed cutter is equipped with a conveyor extension and new Board Feeder. This system is developed to automate loading sheets on the flatbed cutter and boost productivity. The Board Feeder handles various materials but works especially well with cardboard, printed sheets, and other graphic materials for packaging purposes.
Tekra, booth 1125, promotes a variety of print films and adhesives to broaden the scope of your portfolio. Featuring polycarbonate and polyester films for indoor and outdoor signage, Tekra offers a variety of finishes to suit every aesthetic. For digital UV printers, JetView UV films provide ink anchorage that stands up to post processing and adhesives, providing endless application options. Meanwhile, JetView Latex backlit films are a tried-and-true option for bright graphics without hotspots. If you are in the market for signs that make a bold statement, see Tekra’s rigid vinyl for inkjet and HP Indigo printing.
Trotec, booth 3325, invites attendees to witness its high-performance Speedy laser machines in action with Ruby software for improved workflow and watch live laser demonstrations on large format SP laser cutters. These high-performance lasers offer a number of advantages to sign professionals including low maintenance and processing speeds of up to 170 inches per second. Reduce acrylic processing time by producing crystal clear flame-polished edges in a single step, eliminating the need for any additional post processing.
TRUMPF Power Tools, booth 4529, shows off the latest tools for cutting steels, plastics, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer. It plans to demonstrate how to join metals together without the need for any fixings. Visit the booth for live demonstrations of multiple sign production applications.
Ultraflex, booth 1621, highlights its industry-leading fabrics, PVC-free media, and banner material. Featured products include EcoVantage and PVC-free media that meet a range of applications such as frontlit, backlit, and blockout to help enhance your sustainable product line; VorTex Soft Signage is made up of an application-driven variety of fabrics and textiles designed for optimal print performance with unparalleled quality; and Décor Solutions, which make up wallcovering, upholstery, and flooring media.
Vycom, booth 2251, collects printed and unprinted rigid PVC and acrylic sheets for recycling into the company’s residential and commercial products. Designated collection bins are in select exhibitors’ booths—as well as in the ISA Green Recycling Zone—to recapture these materials before they end up in a landfill. Sign shops and print service providers using these materials in their everyday projects are invited to stop by the Vycom booth to learn how to take advantage of Vycom’s PVC Recycling Program, which can benefit their businesses, customers, and the environment.
WARDJET, booth 4728, part of AXYZ, focuses on the WARDJET A-Series, which features the most power per square foot of any machine in its class, and offers a standard 60k pump. The A-Series provides a natural work surface height and easy-to-use MOVE touchscreen controller. Technical specialists are on site to answer your questions.
Zünd, booth 3939, exhibits a full gamut of digital cutting and high-performance routing solutions with the latest in workflow automation. This includes the Robot PortaTable 130, a robotic pick-and-place option consisting of a roller table with a collaborative robot arm mounted on it. The PortaTable does not require fencing and can be quickly and easily moved from one Zünd cutter to another. Creating efficiencies beyond the cut is the goal of all the #LetsTalkWorkflow topics Zünd features in the booth, including the Visualizer projection system, parts labeling, and IoT options.
Register Now
If you are a member of the sign and graphics community, the exhibitors mentioned in this preview as well as a host of others encourage you to attend the ISA International Sign Expo in April. Visit signexpo.org to register today.
Apr2023, Digital Output
