Each year, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) hosts one the largest and well-attended trade shows in the graphic arts. The event, held November 4 to 6, 2015, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, focuses on a variety of topics from digital inkjet, garment decoration, and screenprinting to wide format.
241,000 square feet of floor space will be occupied by hundreds of vendors promoting their solutions and products. Here, we provide insight from a small selection of companies exhibiting at the SGIA Expo. Our November issue also includes a preview of the trade show with information from additional vendors.
To the Floor
3A Composites USA, booth 1819, introduces KAPA tech—a hybrid graphic display board that combines the lightweight characteristics of a foamboard with the durability of an aluminum composite material (ACM). It consists of two pre-painted sheets of .008-inch aluminum bonded to a polyurethane foam core. This allows KAPA tech to perform in both indoor and outdoor graphic displays with the durability of ACM but at half the weight. KAPA tech is stocked in a sheet size of 49.21×98.43 inches.
3M, booth 1815, invites attendees to achieve a competitive advantage with 3M Graphics Installation Programs. Installers who complete 3M installation testing programs are designated as the best in the business. Learn how to get the skills needed to achieve 3M Preferred or 3M Endorsed installer designations or to become a 3M Certified Installation Company. Once achieved, promote yourself and your business as a leader in installations, and 3M promotes you on its website and social media.
A.W.T World Trade, booth 5053, with 40 years of engineering refinement, Graphic Parts International’s (GPI’s) custom retrofit vacuum tables provide long-term functionality and versatility. GPI’s Smart Retrofit ensures that a flat part is held tightly and perfectly in place on a router or gantry-style CNC machine, making mechanical hold down unnecessary. Not only does this free up the machining area, but provides faster set up and take down. Proprietary Stay-Flat technology provides high-tolerance flatness and years of dependable performance.
Agfa Graphics, booth 3127, demonstrates the Anapurna M2540i FB, a 100-inch wide, six-color plus white high-speed, UV-curable inkjet printer that runs up to 1,001 square feet per hour. Its moving gantry architecture’s Print and Prepare mode allows non-stop printing so one side of the table is loaded while the other is printing. Borderless printing avoids an extra finishing step, also saving time and money. The multilayer feature prints several layers in one run, delivering high-quality prints on practically any rigid or sheet material.
Beaver Paper & Graphic Media, booth 4115, delivers a selection of TexPrint Sublimation Papers for digital inkjet sublimation print platforms for water- and solvent-based printers. Widths range from sheeted papers, mug-sized sheets, and grand format. A lineup of TexStyles Graphic Fabrics for sublimation direct, transfer, UV, and latex printing platforms is available as well as cost-effective protection tissue for calendar heat presses, ProTex. All products are compatible with OEM inks, printers, and heat presses.
Bordeaux Digital PrintInk, booth 1627, unveils its new printer-specific solutions with dedicated inks for printers. In addition, live demonstrations of dye-sublimation inks showcase high-quality prints. Bordeaux’s inks are Mix&Match to OEM inks for simple, zero downtime installation and excellent image quality and adhesion.
Colex, booth 4515, exhibits its flatbed cutters. The Sharpcut Conveyor is one of the most productive and valued solutions for automated finishing. The conveyor system is designed to speed the process of cutting soft to rigid board by utilizing the automatic board/roll feeder, allowing for faster production runs. The Sharpcut Conveyor is designed to operate with minimal operator intervention, providing users with an affordable digital cutting automation system.
Colter & Peterson, booth 4364, promotes its large format 137-inch Saber X15 paper cutter and Microcut automated back gauge control system. Saber is outstanding with solid substrates such as styrene and corrugated plastic sheets, and has the ability to deliver a precise cut within 1/64 of an inch. Microcut eliminates work bottlenecks and five user-friendly programs memorize cutting sequences instantly so the back gauge automatically positions itself for each cut.
Contra Vision, booth 4257, is where see-through window media was invented over 30 years ago and continues to offer printers innovative products for creating unique printed graphics on one side of the glass while remaining see through from the other side. The company offers products with the widest range of transparencies for both inside and outside applications.
Coveris Advanced Coatings, booth 3405, features interactive product application stations for its Magic line of products. Write or draw on RITETAC UV —the company’s new dry erase product —and be amazed at how easily it wipes clean and does not leave any ghosting behind. Visitors also have the opportunity to install a sample of SLEEK wallcovering and discover how quick and easy it is to use. Plus, attendees can observe how STICK 2 paired with PROTECT 10 MIL textured laminate makes ideal adhesive tabletop advertisements.
Drytac, booth 3536, showcases its newest offerings and teaches attendees how its products can transform any environment. In addition to the JetMounter roller laminator, print media for window, wall, and floor applications are prominently featured alongside specialty solutions, including WipeOut dry erase overlaminate, ChalkMate chalkboard film, and Reveal backlit film.
Eastsign, booth 3505, presents a new high-end rotary heat press—RTR-1742H roll to roll and MOT-1742H cut piece. Features include an automatic aligning blanket, surface temperature detection, a 100 percent full oil drum, precise control of temperature, minimal maintenance effort, higher blanket coverage, and daily automatic power on/off.
Expolinc, booth 1429, highlights Expolinc Fabric Wall, a system that involves a patented spring-loaded frame where a silicone edging strip is sewn onto the upper and lower edge of the fabric and then clips into the Fabric Wall profile. A frameless look is reconfigured from eight to over 30 feet, with setup by a single person. Fabric Wall creates 90 degree corners as well as curved and straight shapes. Expolinc bills it as an easy-to-use alternative to heavy frames and pop-up systems.
Foster, booth 2205, is one of the world’s leading brands of manual cutters and trimmers for signs, point of sale, wide format graphics, and displays. See the 98-inch SteelTraK that handles full-size 4×8-foot boards. Plus, the On-A-Roll Lifter allows operators to move wide and heavy rolls of media from the warehouse to the printer. Visit the booth for a demonstration of the SteelTraK, Evolution-E2, Javelin Integra, Sabre Series-2, Rotary Trimmers, and On-a-Roll Lifter.
Gans Ink and Supply Company, booth 3863, debuts a new line of printable materials for large format print providers ranging from banner materials to fine art canvas. The company is now serving some of the best material solutions in the industry when it comes to backlit, trade show, window, wall, fine art, floor/sidewalk, poster, and adhesive vinyl graphics; pressure-sensitive laminates; and mounting adhesives.
GCC, booth 4155, displays its range of products and applications. This includes the latest JF240 UV flatbed printer, AR-24 and RXII vinyl cutters, and T500 laser cutter. In addition, the company exhibits its top-selling products including GCC LaserPro Spirit LS and C180 laser engravers, the GCC Jaguar IV, and i-Craft cutters.
Geo Knight & Co. Inc., booth 5109, demonstrates the MaxiPress Air automatic press, available in 32×42- and 44×64-inch heat platen sizes. A high, ten-ton 20,000 pounds force capability with fast push-button activation repeatedly provides consistent results and efficient production. The MaxiPress Air features a rigid twin-station loading table option for dual productivity, capable of pressing full beds of tile, signage, and textiles. Bottom heat is another option available on the MaxiPress Air for all-over sublimation printing on double-sided finished garments.
GoVivid, a Rowmark division, booth 2255, invites attendees to discover the vibrant world of DTS UV LED digital printing technology. Get inspired by the creative application samples on display to support project brilliance and enjoy a live GoVivid UV LED printer demonstration.
GPA, booth 846, showcases its comprehensive offering of substrates for wide format presses designed to help customers expand into higher margin specialty applications and engage with customers in a range of vertical markets. The company’s product line is available in a variety of options—white, clear, and translucent vinyl; static cling vinyl; floor and carpet graphics; interior and exterior wall graphics; vehicle wraps; window and perforated graphics; pressure-sensitive paper; and mounting films and laminates.
GTI Graphic Technology, Inc., booth 5044, offers products that provide an ISO 3664:2009 D50 compliant viewing environment for large format output. Wall Viewing Systems combine overhead luminaires, wall panels, and mounting brackets to produce a customizable viewing area. VPI Vertical Inspectors are available in widths of 40, 52, and 64 inches. Both utilize GTI Graphic 100 lamps, which provide the best replication of CIE D50.
INX International Ink Co., booth 3426, features Triangle-brand ESC wide format inks for the Epson SureColor S30670 series inkjet printer. This color and chemically compatible eco-solvent product, coupled with a refillable cartridge system, offers significant cost savings with fast dry times and low odor. With compatible output to OEM inks, new color profiles are not required. ESC inks are supported by INX’s Worldwide Outdoor Durability and Ink Train warranties.
IT Supplies Inc., booth 4465, suggests unique ways to grow business. The company showcases four different printers. Each printer demonstrates a variety of new possibilities for print service providers, including dye-sublimation, solvent, latex, and direct-to-garment technologies.
Jack Richeson & Co, booth 1018, manufactures one of the best finishing solutions for stretching canvas and vinyl material. The company offers museum-quality stretcher bars from eight to 144 inches and beyond. Custom frames, boxed bars, and bundled skids are available.
KATZ, booth 3963, exhibits KATZ Display Board—a premium alternative to composite substrates. It features a solid core that doesn’t warp or curl. KATZ Display Board uses a high-white, low-static liner that makes high-quality printing easier and delivers excellent cutting results through drag knife, routing, and die cutting. In addition to these benefits, KATZ Display Board is 100 percent recyclable and all natural.
Kornit, booth 4027, promotes the Kornit Paradigm II, the digital add-on solution engineered to give industrial screenprinters the ability to print digitally on textiles. The Paradigm II expands application versatility and enhances print portfolio potential with no screen preparations and endless design possibilities.
Lintec of America, booth 2107, presents its Digital Window Graphics product line, formerly known as WINCOS. The products feature properties and combinations such as scratch resistant, optically clear, textured, topcoated, UV blocking, and permanent and/or removable adhesives. When printed and installed properly the product gives the impression that the glass was printed on directly. In addition to its Digital Window Graphics line, the company features a new air egress dry apply film at the show.
Mactac, booth 3805, invites attendees to experience technology that sticks. Visit the booth for interactive, hands-on demonstrations, show specials, and a preview of the Mactac exclusive application, DesignScape3D. Also, join the company for a first look at the newest products making their debut at this year’s show, including new IMAGin WindowVIEW Cling, IMAGin B-free Frosted, REBEL Clear, IMAGin HTO, IMAGin StreetRAP, new PermaFlex FloorGrip, IMAGin DecoFresco, IMAGin DecoMural, REBEL H Series, and wallCHALKER.
Miller Weldmaster, booth 4735, highlights some of the fastest and easiest seamers for banners, signs, and billboards. Its 112 Extreme features large production capacity for any size job, the T300 Extreme Edge is for all high-speed finishing needs, and the AES1900 is for automated banner production. Also on display is the Digitran System, an exclusive, all-in-one sewing and welding solution designed specifically to sew silicone edge graphic systems.
MultiCam, booth 2007, advises powering creativity with its Digital Express digital finishing system. One of the fastest production machines on the market, the affordable Digital Express represents a major breakthrough in productivity. Use this versatile, configurable platform for high-speed digital finishing at speeds up to 7,000 inches per minute. A wide format, sheet-fed, or conveyorized cutting platform, the Digital Express combines high-speed digital registration with powerful routing and knife-cutting capabilities.
Mutoh America, Inc., booth 4627, meets metallic with its new 24-inch ValueJet 628X and 64-inch ValueJet 1628X high-performance printers. With Smart Printing technologies including Mutoh’s exclusive Drop Master print automation technology, fast print speeds, and up to eight-color capability, the possibilities for creative output are endless for wrapping, signage, trade show graphics, banners, and labels.
My Press Needs, booth 1212, displays Widemouth technology, which redefines how the industry die cuts thicker substrates. The Crest Clamshell Widemouth die cuts point of purchase, plastic corrugated, and structural board by quickly changing die heights from .937 and two inches at the push of a button, with no plates added.
Newlife Magnetics LLC, booth 2117, features its MACO-brand product line of digital wide format products that include magnetic wall system components, micro-suction technology cling materials, and printable wide format magnet sheeting.
Novus Imaging, booth 2217, offers high speed, high quality, and highly affordable UV LED flatbed industrial printing. Coming soon is the ULTRA. This new flatbed offers return on investment that is out of the box with a print speed at approximately 1,000 square feet per hour, the best price-to-performance ratio in the industry, and is manufactured in the U.S.
ONYX, booth 4219, debuts ONYX 12 software, which is built on the proven platform of ONYX 11 RIP software and ONYX Thrive workflow software. It utilizes the complete 64-bit platform throughout—in the RIP as well as modules—to harness full processing capabilities, delivering not just faster speeds but greater responsiveness. Specifically developed to make printing more predictable, ONYX 12 software features a simplified user interface and advanced finishing tools to help print operators produce jobs right the first time.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, booth 1709, exhibits some of the most popular product lines from its 2015 Exhibitors’ Handbook catalog. Featured are the Merchandise Express Portable P.O.P. system, Xclaim SEG fabric pop up systems, Phoenix and Phoenix Mini economy retractable banner stands, and Vector Frame Edge fabric poster frames.
Palram Americas, booth 4936, showcases PALSUN flat polycarbonate sheets and roll stock, which are UL listed and appear in the SAM manual; the PALIGHT family of products, foamed PVC substrates, which include Premium, EPS, and Outdoor; SUNLITE multi-wall polycarbonate sheet, lightweight and impact resistant, it is used for decorative signs and displays; and PALCLEAR, a flat, water-clear PVC sheet for indoor applications.
Penguin Exhibits, booth 237, provides a full line of lightweight, easy-to-assemble, modular display systems. The company carries everything from a simple roller-banner system to fabric structures up to 20 feet wide. It celebrates 15 years of full printing and finishing capabilities on site so customers are confident in making Penguin Exhibits their trade show and display specialist.
Perception Wide Format Media, a brand of Worthen Industries, booth 2753, introduces its new Canvas 2.0, a latex, eco-solvent, solvent, and UV printable fabric. This unique fabric with a polyester cotton blend is made from Repreve. The eco-friendly feature combines a new chemistry formula that is formaldehyde-, phthalate-, VOC-, APE-, and chlorine-free. Canvas 2.0 is one of the most environmentally sustainable canvases available on the market.
Photo Tex Group, booth 2445, demonstrates the original, blockout, and high-tack versions of its proprietary self-adhesive material. Photo Tex is known for its ease of installation and removal. With over 150,000 rolls sold and now holding three U.S. patents, it’s a must see. At the show, the company also introduces the new GlassADhere clear and white window film that is not an adhesive, cling, or static install.
Pixta, booth 1539, releases PixtaFlow Version 3. It offers dynamic job scheduling; an updated user interface; quick per square foot pricing; the ability to upload files to a central, secure, file store; simple cost-plus pricing; updated QuickBooks and FedEx connectivity; updated eJobBoard and device overview; and API to access PixtaFlow programmatically. It is offered at a price of $165 per month, which includes the first three users.
Quality Media and Laminating Solutions, booth 1637, displays the feature-packed Kala Mistral 1650 65-inch high-performance laminator. Kala provides a high level of excellence in finishing operations, reduces wasted materials during set up, and only requires a small workspace footprint. A top heat-assisted roller, unique patented Auto-Calibration function for perfect tracking, five shafts, an LED light kit, and roll to roll are among the many standard features that set this laminator apart from the competition.
Ricoh America Corporation, booth 1027, promotes the Mimaki JFX500 inkjet flatbed printer. This high-performance device prints on virtually any substrate up to two inches thick and 6×10 feet. Ricoh’s six printheads provide 300 to 1,200 dpi resolution, resulting in high-quality prints. Along with CMYK and white, the JFX500 features clear ink for gloss coats and a newly developed UV LED unit for fast, low heat curing of prints.
Roland DGA, booth 3626, unveils several new and exciting introductions to its innovative product lineup. The company’s most popular wide format inkjets are on display, along with other advanced Roland digital devices. Visitors can also pick up a wealth of useful tips on everything from vehicle wrap installation to dye-sublimation by attending Roland’s daily in-booth presentations.
Screen, booth 4617, shows the Truepress Jet (TPJ) W3200UV wide format printer. A joint development between Inca Digital and parent Screen Graphic and Precision Solutions Co., the TPJ W3200UV provides versatile production-class printing for point of purchase, signage, décor, and industrial. This 5×10-foot flatbed printer with three-meter roll capabilities supports a selection of inks and digital front ends to produce sellable print to nearly any substrate at speeds exceeding 1,600 square feet an hour.
ShopWorks Software, booth 1614, specializes in developing business software specifically for the embellished product industry. OnSite 8 delivers a more powerful, intuitive, and collaborative way to track and manage orders. OnSite helps eliminate risk by showing business owners and their employees the status of all orders and related information with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems, booth 4034, invites attendees to learn how to generate revenue with the 2550 CNC router/engraver. The 2550 includes options like an engraving head, 3hp router, oscillating knife, raster Braille inserter, digitally aligned cutting system, Unist Misting System, and a NSK high-frequency spindle. Vision has manufactured high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable CNC machines in the U.S. for over 32 years.
Web to Print Shop, booth 927, highlights W2PShop.com, an advanced and modular Web to print technology made simple and affordable. Features include corporate ordering portals for retail websites, branded online catalogs and product menus, print and promotional product capabilities, design online interactive canvas, wide format/sign products, multi-functional shopping cart, online product calculator and estimates, a related product upsell feature, multi-level hierarchy and gatekeeper functions, XML punch outs, third party integration payments, shipping and MIS, and a branded PDF print driver and upload portal.
Zünd America, booth 4045, demonstrates the Zünd Automatic Router Tool Changer – ARC, which automates bit changes. With ARC, Zünd introduces an automation solution that reduces setup times for routing applications on Zünd G3 cutting/routing systems. In a fully integrated tool magazine, the user can freely combine up to eight different bits. The system automatically selects the correct bit for the job, processing task, and material at hand, guaranteeing optimal results. This eliminates the potential for operator error in higher volume routing applications and maximizes productivity.
See You There!
We hope to see you at the SGIA Expo come November! Visit Digital Output at booth 5009.
Oct2015, Digital Output
