By Digital Output Staff
The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) held its annual SGIA Expo in September 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The organization reports that this year’s trade show floor was the largest in SGIA history, clocking in at 272,700 square feet. 562 vendors showcased their newest products and services to over 24,000 registrants, according to SGIA. 46 percent of the attendees experienced the event for the first time.
At the Show
We highlight some of the notable products seen on the show floor.
Arlon Graphics, LLC displayed DPF 510G and 510M window media. Both are ideal for short-term signage, real estate signage, point of purchase, trade show graphics, and kiosks. They are compatible with eco-solvent, latex, and solvent ink.
Caldera highlighted Webshop, a Web to print (W2P) solution developed with wide format printing in mind. The software as a service product integrated with Caldera’s RIP software creates a complete sales-to-production solution. The company also recently released Version 11 of its RIP software.
Canon announced new UVgel printing technology. It is a UV-curable ink that instantly gels on contact with media. The company plans on debuting roll-to-roll printers featuring this ink, the first of which, a 64-inch device released in Spring 2017.
CET Color entered into the finishing space with the introduction of a new 4×8-foot cutter, with plans to sell a 5×10-foot model as well. The Andes Series features a cutting thickness of 1.96 inches and maximum cutting speed of 47.24 inches depending on the material. CET also announced the new Mosaic ink set for its printers, offering increased flexibility.
Colex debuted the Sharpcut Flatbed Cutter 3232. It is designed for automated finishing of wide format media 10×10-feet and textile applications.
DigiFab Systems, Inc. announced its new DigiHeat 6763-XO and 7571-XO oil heat presses. The devices are designed to transfer dye-sublimation (dye-sub) prints to polyester and poly-blend fabrics reaching up to 75 inches in width.
Durst Image Technology US LLC exhibited the Rhotex 500 for the first time in North America. The five-meter soft signage printer utilizes the company’s water technology, which features eco-friendly, water-based, and odorless dispersion inks.
EFI showcased several products in its booth. Of note, it announced EFI eCommerce for Soft Signage, an offering that includes Digital StoreFront W2P and eCommerce software, Fiery proServer SE DFE, and an EFI VUTEk FabriVu 340 printer. The bundle is designed to get users quickly up and running in soft signage.
Fisher Textiles debuted six new fabrics. These included 4585 Natural Cotton Canvas, DD 7276 Supreme Knit, DD 8881 Opaque White, and GF 6180 Table Cloth. Existing Silver Flag Liner and GF 7176 Supreme Knit are now available in wider widths.
Fujifilm North America Corporation announced the new Acuity Select HS 30 series. It is capable of print speeds of up to 620 square feet per hour, nearly double the speed of the Acuity Select 20 series. The flatbed UV printer is available with a roll option.
HP Inc. unveiled the new HP Latex 300 Printer series, made up of the HP Latex 315, 335, and 365 printers. They offer increased media versatility, high-quality production printing, and continuous printing capabilities for print service providers looking for an entry-level device.
Lintec of America, Inc. announced its new VisionControlFilm. From one viewing angle, the film appears clear, but if seen from a different direction the glass changes its opacity until a frosted effect is achieved. Made from environmentally friendly PVC-free materials, eight viewing angle options are available.
Mactac Distributor Products announced expansions to several of its media portfolios, including the IMAGin PrintVinyl Promotional Media Series and IMAGin B-free Gruv bubble-free digital media. In addition, a newly enhanced version of IMAGin RoughRAP wall wrapping film was displayed—offering better conformability and adhesion.
Mimaki USA, Inc. showcased a number of products in its booth. Notably, it highlighted its JFX200-2531 dual-bed UV LED flatbed printer, which was announced earlier in September. This ten-foot flatbed printer can accommodate oversized sheets with a total printable area of up to 98.4×122 inches.
In addition to displaying a full portfolio of products, Mutoh America, Inc. provided a sneak peek of its newest dye-sub printer, the ValueJet 1948WX. The four printhead device is touted as coming soon.
Oki Data Americas showcased a new entry-level product—the ColorPainter E-64s. The new printer uses low-odor, eco-solvent SX inks, which achieve high-density colors and details in dark areas.
Onyx Graphics, Inc. highlighted ONYX 12.1, the latest update to its ONYX 12 solution. On average, processing times in ONYX 12.1 software are three times faster than in ONYX 12 for halftone processing.
Orafol Americas promoted its multiple wrap options including Orajet 3981RA with up to ten years durability. It won’t yellow, fade, crack, or peel, according to the company. Orajet 3751RA offers up to eight years durability and as a high-value wrapping film is ideal for everyday wrapping applications.
Roland DGA Corporation exhibited its new TrueVIS 30- and 54-inch SG series printer/cutters in addition to the rest of its product portfolio. Debuted at the beginning of September, the SG-300 and SG-540 are equipped with Roland FlexFire printheads and TrueVIS INK.
swissQprint promoted its new U.S. sales and service team—now based in Elgin, IL. The company moved to this location in August and it boasts a showroom with its Nyala 2 and Impala 2 UV flatbed printers.
In 2017
Next year, SGIA Expo 2017 is held in New Orleans, LA from October 10 to 12, 2017 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Stay with Digital Output as more information becomes available. DO
Nov2016, Digital Output
