The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) holds its annual expo this year from November 4 to 6, 2015 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. One of the group’s main goals is to educate its members and attendees. Several zones set up throughout the show floor focus on hot topics such as digital textile printing, sustainability, and garments.
SGIA encourages attendees to check out some of the newest and innovative products and solutions in these areas in addition to visiting over 500 exhibitors at their booths. Below we share information from some of these vendors. Be sure to review our October preview of the SGIA Expo with information from different companies.
Visiting the Event
Accura, booth 1335, offers an integrated MIS for small- to medium-sized print companies of all types—wide format, digital, lithographic, label, and web offset manufacturing. Accura is easy to use, scalable, flexible, and affordable. Over the past 27 years, the product has been enhanced with pre-implementation planning, consultancy, full on-site training, and technical support services, with installations in over 600 printing companies worldwide.
AGL, booth 4613, showcases the Patriot laminator. It is designed to address the issues associated with finishing UV, latex, and solvent printing technologies. AGL’s proprietary nip roll design and heating system solves problems associated with poor laminate adhesion and silvering. Fully pneumatic tension control, cantilevered material supply stations, heavy-duty construction, and throughput speeds of up to 30 feet per minute make the AGL Patriot a true high-production laminator.
All Square Digital Solutions, booth 5129, is an authorized professional reseller and leading distributor of Epson and Roland printing equipment, software, supplies, and consumables. From fine art to dye-sublimation to vehicle wraps and direct to garment, All Square has you covered. Stop by the booth and see Jason, Todd, and Max for all the latest industry news.
ATP Adhesive Systems, booth 5319, introduces GP-410 WG G AE2, a low-cost, 4-mil gloss vinyl with air escape liner for bubble-free application. It is durable outdoors for up to four years. ATP Adhesive Systems offers a full line of mounting films, laminates, and self-adhesive vinyl.
Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. (ASTG), booth 1827, opened a new factory offering ultra-wide width coating and finishing. At the show it launches an optimized canvas line designed for high-resolution printing on Epson solvent printers and latex printers. ASTG’s new canvas reduces ink use, energy consumption, and labor while enhancing overall product quality. ASTG also introduces its new eCommerce capabilities.
Budget Inks, booth 3929, announces Eco Maxx ULTRA for Roland printers. For customers wary about making the switch to third-party inks, this premium formulation offers better adhesion, more scratch resistance, and higher gloss levels than original equipment manufacturers, making it a go-to product. Stop by the booth to learn how to save up to 50 percent on consumable costs.
Caldera, booth 4927, showcases the Nexio automation solution. It connects the Caldera RIP and other third-party software using standard JDF/JMF, making it possible to produce automatic sequences of actions that speed up production and advanced reports to improve operations. From ERP and accounting to Web-based applications, Nexio saves time and money throughout production.
Canon Solutions America, booth 3713, demonstrates the newest Océ Arizona and Océ ColorWave solutions as well as a diverse set of finished applications featured in the App Room. Print providers witness firsthand how these newest developments help expand their company’s range of offerings. With the Océ ColorWave family’s unique media flexibility built to provide versatile application offerings and the Océ Arizona’s dynamic technology, guests can learn more about the range of high-margin solutions they can yield with the Canon portfolio.
CASper on the Cloud, booth 3363, unveils the new CRM Knowledgebase feature, which enables quick searching for sales/marketing documentation, sending to any prospect/customer, and keeping vital information and documents on the cloud. Other features from CASper include an industry-specific ERP with Opportunity Tracker, linking to Salesforce; estimating; job and production tracking; scheduling of critical sales tasks; and integrated automatic emailing and reminders.
Catalina Graphic Films, booth 2311, exhibits two products compatible with offset, screen, eco-solvent, solvent, latex, UV-curable printing, and other emerging inkjet technologies. Permovable, a 2-mil 100 percent biodegradable, non-PVC pressure-sensitive film, is developed for short-term, outdoor advertising used for street and concrete graphics in underused, promotional spaces. Augusta Wall Graphics, a 6-mil white, embossed vinyl, coated with clear acrylic pressure-activated, ultra-removable adhesive is intended for high-quality interior wall applications requiring durability, flexibility, low shrinkage, and reduced edge curl.
Clear Focus, booth 4853, displays its complete line of perforated window graphics films; clear, etch, and frosted films; and optically clear overlaminates. New products include 24-Vue, a 70/30 translucent film providing two-way visibility on glass and other clear surfaces, and EconoVue 80/20, which offers 80 percent print surface for maximum image resolution. Designed for point of purchase and retail window signage, both films are compatible with UV-curable, latex, solvent, eco-solvent, screenprinting, and other print methods.
Condé, booth 4314, highlights Sawgrass’ Virtuoso SG400 8.5-inch print width and SG800 13-inch print width dye-sublimation systems. Each features one built-in, 250-sheet paper tray with an optional 100-sheet bypass tray and/or optional 250-sheet bottom tray. Sawgrass’ new SubliJet HD sublimation ink provides about 12 percent more dye and a 26 percent increase in the color gamut.
Continental Grafix USA, booth 5319, promotes 80/20 window perf for color pop, sunscreen, and privacy available in economical Innova 20UV and panoRama 1520 self-adhesive, as well as panoRama Film non-adhesive for inside mount with panoRama Tape. The company’s Universal Print Liners are engineered for latex, UV-curable, and solvent. Media is also available in 50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 perforation patterns and made in the U.S.
Cooley Group, booth 2737, features its line of environmentally conscious, PVC-free media solutions, including lightweight substrates—Enviroflex PE 2.8 Frontlit for poster and banner print applications, Enviroflex PE 4.2 Frontlit for outdoor billboards and banners, and the Enviroflex PE 4.2 Backlit for indoor and outdoor backlit displays. Also featured is Coolflex Blockout—a 13 oz. ultra-smooth, double-sided substrate for indoor and outdoor banner applications.
Cyrious Software, booth 5045, launches a CalendarApp for Control. Accessible via mobile and desktop browsers, users remotely view and add activities to both personal and shared calendars. Shared calendars are useful for employee teams, equipment, or other purposes. Activities can be integrated directly with an order, estimate, and customer information in Control.
Direct LED Frames, booth 1636, manufactures silicone edge graphic (SEG) frames in various configurations and finishes, available unlit or with a choice of four LED backlighting options. See and hear the latest developments in video and sound as the company integrates SEG fabrics in Direct LED frames.
Durst Image Technology US, booth 2927, presents three best-in-class solutions designed for 24/7 production use. The company features the Rho 1312 12-picoliter UV printer, Rho 312R three-meter roll printer, and Rhotex 322 for soft signage production.
E.L. Hatton, booth 1417, displays BravoBanner. It automatically applies adhesive-based BravoTabs and BravoTape along the edges of banners. With adjustable widths and speeds of up to 80 feet per minute, BravoBanner can finish 100 banners per hour with a single operator, dramatically reducing labor costs. Under 50 square feet in size and low power consumption save on space and utility cost compared to sewing or welding.
EFI, booth 3411, highlights the EFI Reggiani ONE 180 printer for fabric soft signage and the EFI Matan Quantum roll-to-roll printer, which offers high-quality grayscale imaging, production-speed LED imaging, and optional flatbed capabilities. The company features the 65-inch roll/flatbed hybrid EFI H1625 LED printer and the five-meter, roll-to-roll EFI VUTEk GS5500LXr Pro. The new EFI Fiery proServer for VUTEk printers is also shown.
EnCore Products, booth 4707, is the manufacturer of foamboard products. The EnCore Foam Board product line includes White, Extreme White Foam Board, Black on Black, Colors, Self-Adhesive, Acid-Free, SingleStep Heat-Activated, PilloCore, MightyCore Rigid, and Design Boards. Add instant dimension to products with the textures of Design Boards—Canvas, Cork, Chalkboard, Dry Erase, and Extreme White for Photography.
Epson, booth 4345, showcases the new SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation transfer printers. Available in 44- and 64-inch models, the SureColor F-Series features the Epson UltraChrome DS ink system with an all-new high-density black ink to deliver improved black density with better tonal transitions and neutral grayscale for improved ink efficiency and high-quality results in roll-to-roll fabric production, customized promotional production, soft signage, and cut and sew.
Esko, booth 2231, exhibits the Kongsberg C, a 3.2-meter system that completes the majority of finishing without losing quality or productivity. More than ten feet across the table, its unique, extremely rigid, carbon-composite traverse assures excellent precision and high-speed; fast acceleration; high-quality cutting; creasing; and powerful 3kw milling capabilities.
Expand Systems, booth 4819, offers its DIVA printer, as well as introduces DuraVibe, its fabric pre-treat for pigment on natural and polyester fabrics. The booth also features Premier Textiles fabrics. Expand Systems is now the exclusive U.S. partner for these digital-ready fabrics.
Falconboard, booth 645, promotes Falconboard paper-based graphic board, which is ideal for wide format, digital, and screenprinting applications such as interior signage, point of purchase, trade show displays, kiosks, framing, and mounting. Its paper-based construction offers multiple structural and environmental advantages over petroleum-based foamboards. Falconboard rigid display board is ideal for applications requiring custom design and superior print quality. Its durable construction is dent, scratch, and warp resistant, which makes it well suited for applications requiring three-dimensional stability.
FDC Graphic Films, Inc., booth 1403, shows several additions to its product line including direct print textiles manufactured by HEYtex. FDC displays some of the most popular textile options and teaches visitors about how textiles can benefit printers. Also on display are new patterned Thermal Advantage films. Employees demonstrate proper application of heat transfer films. ASLAN’s Illustra glass decoration films are shown.
Fisher Textiles, booth 4333, demonstrates its newest backlit fabrics for dye-sublimation, UV, and latex printing. The company’s fabric experts are on hand, as well as its extensive fabric line up. It takes pride in providing some of the best fabrics in digital printing.
Flexmag, booth 4026, presents FlexCoat – EZ, engineered to eliminate the issues associated with conventional flexible magnetic product laminated with a printable surface. FlexCoat – EZ is coated with a printable surface that is compatible with popular printing methods such as digital, offset, flexographic, and screen. It’s easy to cut, eliminating curling, rough edges, and gumming. FlexCoat – EZ is 100 percent recyclable.
Fredrix Print Canvas, booth 2228, is a U.S. manufacturer of canvas for all aqueous platforms and solvent, UV, and latex platforms. All of these products are sold under the Fredrix brand. It showcases its Sunset by Fredrix line of canvases offered exclusively by LexJet.
Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, booth 3113, debuts three worldwide additions to the Inca Onset, Uvistar, and Acuity series of presses. Live demonstrations on the show floor showcase exciting new innovations that improve print quality, increase speed, and expand capabilities to produce a variety of work. Attendees can also see how ColorGATE and Caldera workflow software solutions improve productivity.
Gilman Brothers, booth 1209, showcases Infinity. It is made in the U.S., using 100 percent U.S.-produced raw materials; is recyclable; cold bendable; and features digital grade styrene sheets that maintain color under any light source as part of Gilman Brothers ColorOne White Point Management System. Infinity is available in three-millimeter and 3/16- to one-inch thickness, in sheet sizes 16×20 to 60×192 inches.
Global Imaging, booth 2217, announces the latest in digital textile printing from prepress to finishing like PrinterEvolution’s Eos126 DS. This industrial-built, highly productive, and durable direct-to-fabric printer boasts an on-board calendar and complete print to sublimate capabilities, delivering fast, high-quality results. Also featured is the new Novus Ultra, a ten-foot UV LED flatbed printer with outstanding grayscale print quality and patent-pending automasking, saving users hours of setup time.
GMG, booth 1032, displays the GMG ColorServer tool for automatic color conversions. The solution delivers scaling, sharpening, separation, and optimization of pixel and PDF image data. It assures that art looks the same, no matter which digital press it is printed on. Cloud-based GMG CoZone centralizes content approval and the proofing process into one fully integrated solution.
Graphic Finishing Products, booth 5144, highlights the Gfp 563TH-1 MAXPRO, with operator-friendly Auto-Grip Shafts. Also on display in the booth is the 255C 55-inch cold laminator for sign shop startups, the 355TH 55-inch top heat laminator for entry level businesses, and the 847DH 47-inch dual heat laminator with flexibility for hot or cold operation depending on preference.
HP, booth 2609, features its sign and display portfolio. With heavy-duty roll handling and ten liter ink supplies, the HP Latex 3500 Printer enables more unattended operation, such as overnight printing, for high-volume production. Compatible with the full HP Latex high- and low-volume portfolio, the HP Latex Mobile application is also demonstrated in HP’s booth, enabling the ability to remotely monitor production and supplies.
KAPCO Graphic Products, booth 1227, encourages attendees to inquire about new laminate and digital media for solvent, UV, and latex printers. The company’s recently introduced products include 4 oz. PVC Free, 3 oz. Flag, and 11 oz. Heavy Weight Polyester Fabrics; Canvas Textured Laminate and Printable Vinyl; and three new Wet Strength Papers.
Kern Lasers, booth 2727, exhibits its HSE Laser System. It is capable of cutting and etching wood, metal, and acrylic. This versatile machine cuts ten inches per second (in/s) and engraves up to 150 in/s. Each system can be custom built based on your needs. It also showcases signage, graphic applications, and samples and videos.
Kernow Coatings, booth 5319, promotes HydroSol polyester films like the new 165SSL – 7 mil Satin Coated LightBlock that offers color pop and performance at an economical price. Also displayed, non-curling 100 percent DuPont Polyester Film. Compatible with UV, solvent, and some latex printers, HydroSol offers non-curling, temperature-stable polyester films for roll-ups, pop-ups, backlit and window displays, menu boards, and other signage applications.
Leister Technologies, booth 1509, introduces the SEAMTEK 36 welding machine. It is a versatile hot air welder with three different welding stations and a tape delivery system. The machine allows users to weld overlaps, hems, and pole pockets at various widths. In addition, Leister demonstrates its automatic welders, the UNIPLAN E and VARIANT T1.
LexJet Corporation, booths 1608/2228, shows LexJet WallPro by York, a variety of inkjet-printable specialty wallcoverings. Options include velvet and canvas as well as pearl linen, silver mylar, and stipple. LexJet also displays its line of Sunset by Fredrix canvases, including Sunset by Fredrix Matte Canvas, which recently received certification from Wilhelm Imaging Research to last up to and beyond 200 years.
Magnum Magnetics, booth 4813, offers its new high-energy, double-sided printable magnetic media up to 48 inches wide for interchangeable graphic displays. The new magnetic media works in concert with printed magnetic-receptive pieces to create an interchangeable magnetic display system, featuring a super-strong, reversible magnetic base layer that’s up to 48 inches wide without seams.
Marabu, booth 2627, presents its new UltraJet UV-curable inks in partnership with Engineered Print Solutions (EPS) by featuring EPS’ FJet-24 flatbed UV LED printer using UltraJet UV inks. Marashield, Marabu’s UV-curable protective coatings, run on the Burkle UV coater. Marabu’s ClearShield water-based coatings run on the StarLam liquid laminator. Marabu’s Pad Printing and Screen Printing Inks are featured in the booth as well.
Master Magnetics, Inc., booth 2234, invites attendees to learn how to create easily interchangeable graphics with PrintMagnetVinyl and FlexIRON—the magnetic graphic system from Master Magnetics. Print directly on flexible magnetic sheeting with PrintMagnetVinyl. Compatible with large format solvent, eco-solvent, UV, and latex inkjet printers, PrintMagnetVinyl delivers brilliant color and superior visual images. Layered with FlexIRON, a printable, magnetic-receptive material, PrintMagnetVinyl becomes an interchangeable graphic system.
MCT, booth 3845, demonstrates two fully configured, 3.2-meter finishing systems. The first features 100-watt laser sealed cutting for fabric, using MCT’s proprietary removable aluminum laser belt and motorized roll handling capabilities. The second features traditional knife and routing cutting with the company’s new automatic pallet-based sheet feeder. The company’s uniqueness is that each system is capable of processing the different substrate finishing tasks a shop requires.
Mimaki USA, Inc., booth 3145, unveils the new Mimaki UJF-7151 plus UV LED flatbed printer, designed for high-precision printing on rigid substrates up to 28 inches wide by 20 inches long, and up to six inches high. Unlike conventional models, a print table moves during printing for reduced printer unit vibration, which contributes to high positional accuracy for producing fine lines, edges, and small point text. MAPS4, MFD1, and NCU/NRS technologies are on board; and white and clear inks are available.
MS Printing Solutions, booth 4663, highlights the JP4 and JP7 printers. These particular models are among the most competitively priced printers on the market and provide companies with solutions for future growth.
OKI Data Americas, booth 2427, expands its line of professional digital printing solutions with the ColorPainter line of wide format printers. The wide format printing group of Seiko Instruments joined OKI on October 1, 2015. Debuting in the booth at SGIA is the ColorPainter H3-104s grand format printer, which delivers unmatched speed and quality with low-odor SX inks ideal for sensitive print environments and applications.
ORAFOL Americas, booth 1945, holds daily vehicle wrap demonstrations of new ORACAL 970RA Shift Effect Cast Premium Wrapping Film with RapidAir technology. Become mesmerized by the multi-color shift effect that occurs as the viewing angle changes. Ask the company about its printable reflective film featuring an air-release liner, ORALITE 5650RA. Also, try new Ultra High Bond tapes, ideal for high-performance bonding and mounting.
Pacific Coast Fabrics, booth 4327, celebrates 20 years of providing some of the finest and most innovative fabrics for digital printing. It offers a vast selection of textiles for dye-sublimation, direct to print, UV, latex, and pigment. The company stocks textiles for flag, banner, home furnishing, and exhibit applications. Pacific Coast Fabrics is proud of its growing line of fabrics for sports and fashion apparel. Fabrics are coated and uncoated in wide and grand formats, many styles with Flame Repellant.
Paradigm Imaging Group, booth 755, displays the new Colortrac SC Xpress and SG Series, and the latest flatbed scanner from Kurabo. It is a leading distributor of large format scanners from Colortrac, large format flatbed scanners from Kurabo and WideTek, as well as eco-solvent printers from Mutoh and SID Signs, and cutting plotters from Graphtec.
Piedmont Plastics, booth 2827, showcases Piedmont Sign Grade SupraFLEX banner solutions that meet the needs of today’s print providers by providing the following key benefits—smooth, printable surfaces; four types of banners to meet a variety of applications; a heavy duty core with protective outer tubing; indoor and outdoor durability; stocked in a variety of finishes, weights, and sizes; and purchasing availability across Piedmont Plastics’ more than 40 branch locations.
Presto Tape, booth 4946, exhibits its newest Gold Iridescent and Silver removable and repositionable adhesive-backed print media. CanvasTac is an adhesive-backed canvas and PrestoTex is adhesive-backed polyester. Both materials are ideal for wallcoverings, wall murals, and point of purchase signage. Presto Tape also showcases its Application Tapes for transferring vinyl letters in the booth.
PrintMatics, booth 1351, encourages attendees to get their bottom lines in shape with workflow management software and pump up profits with a solution tailored for large format. PrintMatics is a software solution that streamlines large format workflows by integrating a seamless process that increases profitability by reducing costs and improving productivity.
Prism Inks, booth 5430, is an inkjet ink development and manufacturing company. On an average, it ships over two tons of inks every day. 100 percent of the inks are sold to private label, original equipment manufacturers. 95 percent of the inks are sold directly to printer manufacturers. Prism Inks serves signage, proofing, fine arts, graphics arts, photography, textile, and industrial markets with aqueous, eco-solvent, and UV-curable inks.
Reece Supply Company, booth 1327, promotes Spike, a laser accurate smartphone measurement solution. The Spike device, Spike mobile application, and smartphone work together to change the way measurements are taken and shared. Spike measures an object with a smartphone or tablet. From that photo, capture real time measurements including height, width, area, length, and target location. Measurements and location are saved with the picture, and can be shared as a JPG, PDF, Spike File (XML), and KMZ.
Rollem International, booth 4048, offers the Insignia, which die cuts, kiss cuts, and cut scores high-value products in a number of shapes and sizes. It’s ideal for labels, decals, industrial tags, and cartons. Offered in two sizes, the Insignia 5 handles up to a 20×15-inch sheet, for digital presses, while a second model—the Insignia 7—offers a larger B2 capacity of 24×30 inches.
SEAL & GBC, booth 2051, exhibits Pure Color Monet Light gloss canvas with bright white point and PVC Premier Mesh with Liner. The company also showcases wide format lamination equipment from both its SEAL and GBC brands.
Sensient Global Inks, a business unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation, booth 3763, is a leading pioneer in the field of sublimation printing. Through the recent acquisition of Xennia, it extends its portfolio for textile and industrial digital printing. At the show, learn about ElvaJet Punch EP, the latest addition to its portfolio of digital sublimation ink.
Splash of Color, booth 4926, features dye-sublimation (dye-sub) transfer/fixation solutions. Guardian Calenders are affordable and easy to use for dye-sub paper and direct-to-fabric applications. Solid, all steel construction provides high-quality performance and ensures Guardian Calenders are built to last. Easily produce flags, banners, textiles, and soft signage with rich saturated colors. The calenders are available with an optional Production Table.
Summa, booth 4953, demonstrates its F1612 digital flatbed finishing system. Summa’s advanced S2 series vinyl cutters are also on display, as well as the SummaCut series. Also featured are the DC5 and DC5sx printer/cutters. These machines use thermal transfer ribbon printing technology to provide outdoor durability without costly lamination or harmful fumes. Summa printer/cutters are an ideal solution for print providers producing decals, labels, vehicle wraps, and signage.
Top Value Fabrics, booth 845, delivers a complete line of digital, screen, and dye-sublimation (dye-sub) media in widths from 38 to 197 inches. Mesh and PET continue to be favorites, along with upscale Specialty Textiles with options for UV, solvent, latex, or dye-sub and eight new fabrics that debut in Atlanta. With Frontlit, Backlit, Blockout, PET, Mesh, Polypropylene, and Textiles, TVF Media is engineered for printing excellence.
Trotec Laser, Inc., booth 2553, presents the Speedy 400, which offers maximum usability and flexibility. Trotec’s Speedy 400 laser engraving machine features a 39×24-inch working area and a 12-inch depth to fit larger products while maintaining a smaller footprint. The Trotec Speedy 400 comes with CeramiCORE, a 100 percent ceramic CO2 laser source, ensuring a clear, detailed engraving, even at speeds of up to 140 inches per second.
Ultraflex Systems, booth 2507, highlights Evolve PE 140 Eclipse billboard material and VorTex Back-lit Precision. At the booth, pick up the company’s new Wide Format Essential Media brochure, which is designed and packaged to meet the multiple needs of any print business.
Value Vinyls, booth 5245, invites attendees to discover its family of products. Frontlit, backlit, blockout, mesh, textiles, and vinyl sign media. Value Vinyls has developed and supplied material to the print industry since 1984. Stop by the booth to speak with sales and technical product managers.
Verseidag seemee US, Inc., booth 2019, developed a line of PVC-free flexface products called PURE! The PURE! products include Frontlit, Mesh, and Banner for interior and exterior applications. These products work with solvent, UV, and latex inks. Along with the PURE! Line, the company offers PVC coated and laminated products up to 196 inches for frontlit, backlit, mesh, and blockout.
Visual Magnetics, booth 3827, displays magnetic-receptive retail applications. At the show, the company invites attendees to pre-order a new demonstration kit. Visual Magnetics revolutionized how over 300 top retailers rollout in-store campaigns by drastically lowering shipping costs and eliminating installation costs after the first change out.
VKF Renzel USA Corp, booth 4054, launches its new line of counter-top sign holders like the aluminum Snap Base and the versatile aluminum Slide-In Frame. All items can be made in custom sizes for a variety of applications. The company also showcases its heat bending and routing abilities to offer new signage solutions. VKF’s unique design and manufacturing skills help customers find the best solution for their signage hardware needs.
Xcel Products, booth 2519, debuts XMR DS – Double-Sided Magnetic Receptive. Printing two graphic change outs at one time, users save time in production and cut shipping costs in half. It’s also ideal for bilingual campaigns. One graphic with two languages alleviates administrative and logistical headaches. The Xcel Fixture Shop provides new, affordable magnetic fixtures as well as custom decorated channels and displays.
Enjoy the Show
We’ll be at the SGIA Expo in booth 5009, please stop by and say hi!
Be sure to grab copies of the October and November issues, which are distributed in bins on the show floor and at our booth.
Nov2015, Digital Output
