This year’s Graph Expo, which takes place at McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL, September 28 to October 1, 2014, offers a floor full of digital devices to delight the graphic arts provider. Whether you are visiting to browse or buy, over 550 exhibitors spread throughout the expo are sure to showcase something that meets your needs.
Of note to Digital Output readers are the Inkjet Candy Store and BIG-The Wide Format Pavilion. Attendees can conduct side-by-side comparisons between wide format inkjet technologies from various vendors in the Inkjet Candy Store.
BIG-The Wide Format Pavilion displays the hardware, software, media, ink, and applications found in wide format. Inside the pavilion are International Sign Association (ISA) sponsored presentations, held in the ISA Wide Format Innovation Theater.
Exhibitors at Graph Expo
Here, we preview some of the vendors exhibiting at Graph Expo that offer products and services in the wide format space.
Avanti, booth 651, showcases Avanti Slingshot’s Advanced JDF Framework workflow module, which provides a platform to easily integrate workflow offerings from Xerox, Ricoh, HP, Kodak, and Konica into your print MIS environment. This preserves both data integrity and ensures cross-system communication. It gives any shop the ability to connect their islands of automation and send automated job instructions to a machine using JDF. The machine can then send information back to Avanti using JDF and/or the Job Messaging Format.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., booth 613, debuts the 36-inch imagePROGRAF iPF785 MFP M40. The versatile, large format imaging system provides fast and effective printing, archiving, and distributing of maps, drawings, renderings, and posters. This device scans documents up to two millimeters thick; comes with SmartWorks MFP software to simplify scanning, copying, filing, and sharing to the cloud; and features a standalone computer, touch screen monitor, and 320GB hard drive.
Colter & Peterson, booth 3617, highlights the Microcut COLOR WS and Microtrack II automated back gauge control systems for paper cutters. Microcut is fast, automated, flexible, and adaptable to any brand paper cutter from 20 to 150 inches, including the company’s Prism and Saber lines. Also on display, the B-65 clamp/cut control system.
Cyrious Software, booth 4446, demonstrates Cyrious Online. With Cyrious Online, users set up online ordering Web sites for each major customer or group. Features include an artwork designer, print-ready PDF output, integrated approvals, and chat integration. Customers can order exactly what they need 24/7. It is ideal for repeat users, multi-location businesses, and corporate customers.
DGS – Digital Graphics Systems, booth 4061, displays digital table cutters, including the DYSS V-PRO X5 1325C and the Samurai GPX 4500. Professional point of purchase, packaging, and trade show booth design software—KASEMAKE—is demonstrated as well.
EFI, booth 1902, features tools to fuel business growth, including inkjet offerings featuring EFI’s UltraDrop 7pL grayscale printhead technology, plus the high-volume EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro press, and the entry-level EFI H1625 LED printer. It also exhibits the new EFI Fiery FS150 Pro digital front end, Web to print products that include the recently acquired EFI DirectSmile software, EFI IQuote estimating software, and MIS/ERP technologies.
Epson, booth 1243, introduces a new SpectroProofer in-line spectrophotometer for its 17-, 24-, and 44-inch Epson Stylus Pro printers. Developed jointly with X-Rite, and driven by industry leading supporting RIP technology, these optional SpectroProofers provide automated color management and verification-related tasks for a variety of proofing applications. The new SpectroProofer-UVS models support the M1 measurement standard, are UV selectable between M1 and M2 standards, and support up to 50 percent more patches per scan.
Fujifilm North America Corp., Graphic Systems Division, booth 3213, unveils the new Acuity F Series, a dedicated flatbed UV press specifically designed for volume sign and display print service providers with a high demand for rigid media. It produces exceptional print quality at speeds of up to 155 square meters per hour, and is available as a six- or seven-channel model. The new Inca Onset R40i is the latest addition to the Inca Onset series. The R40i delivers a 14 picoliter drop size and genuine 400 square meters per hour or 80 full-bed sheets per hour, with automation.
GBC, booth 838, encourages attendees to find products from SEAL and GBC to produce any application. The booth features the new 44-inch thermal GBC Spire III 44T with all-steel construction, two-inch mounting gap, and speeds up to 20 feet per minute, proving that performance doesn’t need to be expensive. From the SEAL line, try the 65 Pro MD manufactured in the U.S. and equipped with roll-to-roll capability. Plus, the booth showcases best-in-class media and films from both brands.
GMG, booth 648, highlights ProductionSuite, which offers all the functions for wide format production. Modules cover prepress-preflight, PDF file editing, job preparation, color management, RIPping, and printing and cutting—supporting over 1,000 devices. Users can accurately profile any combination of printer, media, or ink, with guaranteed quality and repeatability—even with spot colors. GMG ProductionSuite also includes layout tools for true-shape nesting, combining print jobs, and an interior decoration option for textiles and wallpapers. Additional functions include variable data printing.
Graphtec America, Inc., booth 4845, manufactures imaging products for the sign, garment and apparel, reprographics, and design and packaging industries. From print and cut applications on Graphtec’s line of roll-feed cutting plotters to cutting intricate designs on vinyl, photo-masking films, and cardboard with a Graphtec flatbed cutter—any size project can be accommodated. The LCX603 is an all-in-one label printing/finishing system that includes printing, contour cutting, laminating, automatic weeding, and cross cutting.
GTI Graphic Technology, Inc., booth 542, exhibits its Wall Viewing Systems, which are ISO 3664:2009 D50 compliant and can be configured to fit any requirement from any user. Key features include the use of a parabolic lens and geometry design, wireless remote control, LiteGuard II System monitoring to assure proper maintenance, custom wall panels, and the flexibility to order with single-, dual-, or multi-source lighting fixtures.
HP, booth 1913, demonstrates its portfolio of graphics printing solutions, featuring the HP Latex 3000 Printer that delivers consistent image quality at high speeds with the HP Latex Optimizer. On display for the first time in the U.S., the HP Indigo 7800 Digital Press offers direct printing on synthetic substrates and a new color management experience with an in-line spectrophotometer, while the HP Priming Solution helps HP Inkjet Web Press customers expand media versatility.
Image One Impact, booth 4450, manufactures and supplies sign mounting, installation, and banner hanging systems. It provides shop tools, safety tools, cutting equipment, wrap tools, banner finishing tools, and installer tools.
IT Supplies, booth 3048, showcases the latest printing technologies from Canon, Epson, and HP. It exhibits printers that create t-shirts, metal prints, wallpaper, and upholstery.
Magnum Magnetics, booth 1179, introduces DigiMaxx, a new superwide printable flexible magnetic material designed to provide maximum yield from a wide format press. DigiMaxx is made in the U.S., meaning better lead times, outstanding product quality, and unparalleled customer service. It is available in stock 25- and 50-foot long rolls in widths of 40 and 48 inches. Custom material made to order is delivered in days.
Master Magnetics, Inc., booth 4441, features wide format printing directly on to flexible magnetic material up to 40 inches in width, with custom cutting and slitting. PrintMagnetVinyl allows for high-resolution printing using solvent, eco-solvent, UV, and latex. For aqueous inks, PrintMagnet is available with a paper topcoat. FlexIRON magnetic receptive is available up to 48 inches wide. Flexible magnet and magnetic assemblies provide cost-effective and simple solutions.
Mimaki, booth 2644, demonstrates the new Mimaki JV300 Series high-productivity printers. Available in 54- and 64-inch models, each printer features eight ink channels and nine eco-solvent ink colors to create a range of applications—point of purchase displays, posters, exhibits, backlits, banners, window graphics, and vehicle wraps. SB53 dye-sublimation inks are available for textile-based applications. All JV300 Series printers shipped in North America include two-liter bulk ink—except white.
MultiCam, booth 2458, announces it will feature its Digital Express. The Digital Express combines high speed and contour-cut accuracy for a powerful digital finishing system.
Mutoh, booth 4241, exhibits the VJ1626UH UV LED hybrid printer, with an MSRP of $49,995. Users can print on rigid substrates and roll media using white ink and varnish for an embossed effect. Its hybrid design saves valuable floor space and is ideal for printing packaging prototypes, point of purchase displays, and indoor signage. The VJ1626UH is equipped with Mutoh’s VSM application for remote printer management, half-inch print height, and an optional SpectroVUE VM-10 spectrophotometer.
PressWise by SmartSoft, booth 352, unveils new features for PressWise, the all-in-one print MIS, workflow automation, and Web to print solution. Highlights include new reporting tools within PressWise that take MIS data and turn it into custom reports, providing business owners and production managers with greater business insight. PressWise also introduces new drag-and-drop job scheduling functionality, providing greater flexibility for production.
Prisco, booth 3207, through its PriscoDigital division, which is an HP Graphic Specialist for the commercial printing market, demonstrates complete design-to-print-to-cut digital workflows, incorporating Esko i-cut Layout, Caldera GrandRIP+, an HP Scitex FB700 flatbed, HP Latex 360 printer, Esko Kongsberg V24 digital finishing system, and Graphtec FC8600 automated cutting device.
Ricoh Americas Corporation, booth 1931, presents the Ricoh Pro L4240/L4160 wide format color printers with seven color printing that offer fast printing speeds and an increased color gamut for creating signs, banners, wraps, and point of sale displays across all of today’s substrates, including clear and backlit. Ricoh’s cross-media campaign solutions including 1to1Create Marketing Services and PTI’s MarcomCentral are also on display.
Roland, booth 4253, showcases its next-generation VersaCAMM VSi series wide format printer/cutters, along with its flagship Pro 4 XR-640 and XF-640 inkjets. The company also demonstrates its VersaUV LEJ and LEC series UV LED printers, as well as the VersaStudio BN-20 desktop printer/cutter. Additionally, attendees can check out Roland DisplayStudio, a complete, turnkey digital sign system.
Rollem, booth 2640, demonstrates the new Delta Die Cutter, which allows users to die cut, kiss cut, and cut score an unlimited number of products. Also on display, the Jetstream for high-volume slitting, scoring, and perforating. It features a quick job changeover function from 36-up business cards to four-up greeting card sheets. The Mailstream, a versatile finishing system that features cutting, scoring, gluing, tip-on, and folding all on one machine, is shown at the booth as well.
Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd., booth 2649, highlights the Easymount EM-1600SH, a wide format laminator that laminates posters, graphics, signs, trade show stands, roll-up banners, and vehicle graphics up to 63 inches wide. Many sign makers and print firms outsource their lamination. With the Easymount installed, laminating in house saves time and money. Featuring a lift-up feed table, magic eye safety feature, and patented pressure gauge handle, the EM-1600SH runs at up to 20 feet a minute.
Xanté, booth 431, showcases the Excelagraphix 4200 Inkjet Print System. It features Memjet Waterfall Printhead Technology that delivers print speeds at up to 12 inches per second. It prints on a variety of media and sheet sizes up to 5/8 inches thick by 42 inches wide by eight feet long. The digital system is driven by the iQueue Ultimate Prepress Workflow.
Zünd America, Inc., booth 3202, introduces a completely automated production workflow based on automatic quick response code capture and a robotic off-load system. Capable of processing one or, depending on size, multiple stacks of sheets with randomly nested print jobs, the system automatically and instantaneously retrieves the corresponding cut files and finishes them—all while the robotic arm continually picks up and stacks the cut/finished parts.
See You There
Digital Output exhibits at booth 3751, so be sure to stop by and say hello. You can also pick up copies of the August and September issues at the trade show.
Sep2014, Digital Output
