Kodak NexPress ZX3900 NexPress has new offerings like opaque white ink and can support up to 530gsmpage 46

Gecht, EFI : “AI is accelerating at unbelievable speed” Pg 3

February 2017 US$2.75

COMPANIESAgfa Graphics .........12AMS...................... 22Avery Dennison ..... 10Azonprinter ...........17Baldwin ............... 22Canon ................... 9Cimpress ............... 22Color-Logic ...........20Coveris .................20Drytac ...................17Efi ..................... 3, 15Felix ..................... 19FINAT .................... 19HP......................... 5hubergroup ..........20JHF........................ 9Kernow .................12Kodak .................. 23Komori ..................12Kornit Digital ........ 23Lecta .................... 10Mepco Gulf ........... 19Mimaki ..................17Mohawk ...............20Mutoh .................. 15Ndigitec ................. 6Nilpeter ................. 5Onyx Graphics ....... 15Plastivision ............ 5Polar .................... 22RadTech ................ 22Sappi ................... 19SBA ....................... 5SGP ...................... 10Stora Enso ........19, 20Sun Chemical ....10, 22SwissQprint........... 15Tech-ni-Fold .......... 3Vetaphone ............. 5Wohlers ................. 5Xaar ......................12Xeikon ............. 20, 23Xerox ................... 15Zünd .................... 23

News ..................... 3Comment .............. 25Analysis ................30Features ...............42Product Portfolio ...46Post Script ............50

REGULARS

Nayar sees growth in digitalGM-Zabeel backs reinvestment into the printing business PG 27

PROFILE

REGIONAL NEWS

NEWS

Age Graphics, JHF host eventManufacturers JHF organized the event in Thailand pg 9

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

400 exhibitors from 36 countries at SGI’17The 20th edition of the Sign and Graphics Imaging show was inaugurated by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, director general, Dubai Media Office page 31

The annual office supplies and office paper exhibtion - Paperworld Middle East will be held between 14th -16th March this year at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt, the show will have participation from manufac-

turers and distributors of office equipment, paper shredders, engrav ing machines, presentation aids, organisational aids (includ-ing organiser, timer), mail-ing, adhesives, stamping, office accessories, writing and drawing utensils and full-range suppliers.

This year will be the 7th edition of the show. In 2016,

Paperworld and Playworld attracted 6,774 trade visitors from 101 countries while 304 exhibitors from 36 countries showcased their latest wares, from office supplies, paper, school, party and gift articles, to toys, games, wrapping paper, printer consumables, and arts and craft supplies.

EFI chief executive Guy Gecht h ighl ighted Ar t i f ic ia l Intelligence (AI) as the next big thing for the industry in his opening address at EFI’s annual user conference, Connect.

Gecht had actually worked on an AI project when he was at university 30 years ago, which involved attempting to make a computer recognise different handwritten letters.

“It was very difficult for a computer to do that, and the key thing was could it learn over time. It was so tough [for the computer to achieve this], I thought ‘this isn’t going to happen in my lifetime’. But something happened and the AI space is accelerating at unbelievable speed.”

He said the AI revolution

Annual conference EFI Connect kicks off with AI address

was being powered by big data, the “unbelievable com-putation power in the cloud” and the computing power in everyday devices.

“Technology everywhere is helping us to do more with less people,” Gecht stated. “Machine learning will watch the habits of customers.”

He said the often-talked-

about ‘lights out’ print factory was becoming a reality.

He cited Printflow as EFI’s first learning software, and said the company was invest-ing in other AI projects such as Smart Print Production, which has a major focus on preventive diagnostics and a goal of improving uptime by 20-25% and to improve the

first time fix rate on service calls by 50%.

He quipped: “The robot that will make the keynote address in two or three years will introduce you to even more happy customers.”

However, he also shared research involving a survey of 1,000 people that showed how widespread people’s concerns are about the possible dangers of AI – the younger demo-graphic of 18-34 year-olds were actually more concerned about its likely affect on jobs and the potential for ‘bad peo-ple to use AI to harm others’ than the general population.

Gecht’s address kicked off the event in Las Vegas, with some 1,000 customers from around the world in attendance.

Creasing experts Tech-ni-Fold and its sister-company, digital finishing solutions provider, CreaseStream, have joined the roster of exhibitors at this year’s Gulf Print & Pack show in Dubai.

After focussing its efforts on seeking the right partner in Turkey during 2016, Tech-ni-Fold turn their attention toward the Middle East to expand its distribution net-work even further. After 18 years in business Tech-ni-Fold has assembled an expert team across more than 40 countries to promote and sell its world-renowned products.

Tech-ni-Fold’s leading prod-uct, the Tri-Creaser, is a retro-fit tool that has revolutionised the way creasing and folding is performed in print finishing houses and binderies around the world.

Tristan Owen, Tech-ni-Fold’s International Business Manager, said: “We are com-mitted to identifying those dynamic individuals and com-panies who are knowledgeable about the full range of finishing machines, systems and process and who are ambitious enough to introduce a new product to market.”

Digital creasing machine manufacturer CreaseStream, are set to share stand alongside Tech-ni-Fold during Gulf Print & Pack 2017, which runs between 26th–29th March.

7th edition to start in March

Launched its largest soft signage printer: Vutek FabriVU 520

Paperworld to be held between 14-16 March

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 3

UAE NEWS

Tech-ni-Fold targets ME

STOP PRESS Cisco has released the findings of a global study indicat-ing that while cloud adoption continues to accelerate,

few organizations are maximizing the value that cloud can offer. According to the study, nearly 68 percent of organizations are using cloud to help drive business outcomes, a 61 percent increase from last year’s study. The increased cloud adoption is being fueled by cloud-native applications, including security and the Internet of Things (IoT) cloud-based solutions. On average, the most “cloud advanced” organi-zations see an annual benefit per cloud-based application of $3 million in addi-tional revenues and $1 million in cost savings. These revenue increases have been largely the result of sales of new products or accelerated ability to sell into new markets. The study also reveals that 95% of those organizations with optimized cloud strategies have built a hybrid IT environment that uses multiple private and public clouds based on economics, location and governance policies.

PrintWeek MEA Editorial t: +971 4 2399955 e: shilpa@printweekmea.com Subscriptions and advertising t: +971 4 2399955 e: thomas@printweekmea.com

* All featured prices are approximate and correct at time of going to press For a full contacts listing go to page 50

THE MONTH IN PRINTNilpeter hosts an event with new distributor VetaphoneEvent held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai on 8th January Page 5

Delta Group unveils state-of the-art facility in DubaiDelta Group has invested around 200m for the new facility Pg 6

Fortune7 becomes thepartner of Wit Color for GCCDeal finalized during SGi event Pg 9

Agfa launches 3.2m, 6 colourRTR 3200 LED printerJeti Ceres RTR 3200 LED is available with immediate effect Page 12

Mepco Gulf with its Europeanpartner conducted an eventSpecial conference held at Shangri La Hotel, Dubai on 26th of January Pg 19

hubergroup developssheet-fed printing inkMGA NATURA for food packaging Pg 20

www.printweekmea.com

REGIONAL BRIEFS Dubai Police UL discuss the risks of 3D printing

Bahrain is heading towards the adoption of a new press and e-media law that would p rese rve the r ight s o f journalists and media persons and would c r iminal i ze whoever assaults a journalist. During a Cabinet session held earlier this week, Bahrain’s ministers discussed a draft press and e-media Law that would replace Law 47/2002 on the Organization of the Press, Printing and Publishing. Bahrain Minister of Information Affairs Ali Al-Rumeihi told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that the new law would guarantee press and media freedoms in line with ethical and professional standards.

UK will be the ‘country of honour’ at Sharjah Book Fair. The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the United Kingdom (UK) will be the ‘country of honour’ at the 36th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The announcement is part of UK/UAE 2017, a year of bilateral cultural exchange between the two countries organised by the British Council. Ahmad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA, said: “The selection of the UK as ‘country of honour’ at SIBF 2017 exemplifies the deep-rooted historical ties binding the UAE and the UK and our long-standing relations based on mutual cooperation and common interests in various domains.”

Plastivision Arabia, will be held along with 4th Arabia Mold and 3rd Print Pack Arabia at Expo Centre Sharjah from Dec. 1 1- 14 , 2017, organized by Expo Centre in association with All India Plastics Manufacturers Association and the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The exhibition is going to break new ground this time. The launch of special focus areas will be another advantage that will be adding immense value to Plastivision Arabia 2017, which is part of an exclusive multi-industry trade event for the regional plastics, mold-making, printing and packaging industries,” said H.E. Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah.

HP Inc. awarded their channel partners during Sign and Graphics Imaging - 2017. UAE – Best Pagewide Partner for Al Suwaidi, Saudi Arabia – Best Partner in All Across Products for Al Eqtessad. A lucky draw on Latex partner was conducted and the winners were Kuwait – NAF and Lebanon – CIS Buro. Elie Saab and Najib Kfoury from CIS BURO together, said, " We feel excited and proud for receiving this award. Our efforts has been recognized and we feel proud for it. We represent 17 brands and in HP we do business for all printing related products. HP latex 2016 award." Nedal Odeh, GM of NAF, said, "Since 15 years we are having relationship with HP in LFP segment and this is our fourth award and first in Dubai."

By Venkat Raghavan

Nilpeter hosted an event with their new distributor Vetaphone at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai on 8th January. Customers and media persons attended the event. During the event, they explained how Vetaphone helps the clients to increase the surface adhesion on plastic and metalized films in Extrusion or Converting processes through Corona & Plasma systems.

Talking about their new dis-tributorship with Vetaphone for GCC, Shyam Babu, direc-tor of Nilpeter commented, “Nilpeter always wanted to deal only with the best suppli-ers in the market and since Vetaphone, a global leader in the corona segment and the inventor of corona, was look-ing for a partner, we thought it's a good match and went for

it. Apart from this, Vetaphone has been doing business in the region without agents so they too thought it is the high time to establish genuine sales team and after sales efforts in GCC region.”

He further added, “Nilpeter will be covering the GCC area and to some extent of the Middle East markets where Vetaphone don’t have any rep-

resentation. Through this dis-tributorship, we will be selling Surface Corona & Plasma Treatment systems for coating, lamination, extrusion, narrow web & wide web printing machines. In addition, we believe that with our strong network and good reputation in the GCC market, Vetaphone will attain all their growth ambitions in the region.”

Nilpeter hosts an event with new distributor Vetaphone in Dubai

Dubai Police is collaborating with 3D printing experts to out-line the risks posed by 3D print-ing with a two-day workshop covering the emerging indus-try, processes, materials and quality as well as the various safety considerations.

According to Wohlers Associates, the global 3D print-ing market – or additive manu-facturing as it is also known – is expected to reach $21 billion by 2020 with safety equipment, toys, construction and manu-facturing products among a range of goods that are expected to be provided locally through the world altering technology.

However, alongside the many potential benefits there are also very serious potential dangers and risks, including the possibility of criminality in terms of counterfeit and untested goods.

With many GCC countries

confirming that they intend to invest heavily in the world altering technology in the next ten years, safety sciene firm, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is encouraging a diligent and responsible approach to ensure the technology is understood and adopted in the correct manner.

Colonel Badran Al Shamsi, deputy director of the General Department of Training at Dubai Police said: “3D printing

technology is advancing rap-idly across the world and Dubai Police are committed to being forerunners in the 3D genera-tion by highlighting the world’s best practices adopted in the public safety industry.”

Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced that by 2030 25% of all of Dubai’s construction will be 3D printed.

3D printing experts outlined the risks posed by 3D printing

The event held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 8th January

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 5www.printweekmea.com

UAE NEWS

4JHF

The new facility is around 4 times bigger than the

current facilitypage 9

800Lecta

The new machine has awidth of 2,450 mm and a

speed of 800 m/minpage 10

94Agfa Graphics

Jeti Ceres RTR 3200 prints at a speed of up to

94sqm/hr in productionmode

page 12

206SwissQprint

The Nyala 2 4x4 model can print speeds of up to 206sqm/hr in production

modepage 15

200Azonprinter

UV Matrix can print on objects up to 200mm in

heightpage 17

111Polar

Polar to offer gifts on 111th anniversary

page 22

PRINT BY NUMBERS

Open House event held at Hexxa Flexible Packaging Solutions

With its new MPS flexo press, the company is set to achieve higher productivity in shorter print runs, as Raja Gandhi, managing director of Hexxa Flexible Packaging explained: “We needed a nar-row web flexo press to offer more competitive prices on shorter print runs. This is why we chose MPS as our flexo

Open House event held at the premises of Hexxa Flexible Packaging between January 24 and 25 which was attended by senior management executives across the label industry including Kimoha, Pacman – CCL, Future Pack, Sigma Labels, Matrix Pack, Medad, Nuplas, Emirates Printing Press, Express Group, Repotronics, Namma Digtech and Repro Flex 3 (R3). Apart from this, the event was attended by few media persons from the industry. During the Open House the new MPS 430 MM press was shown to all the visitors. Recently, Anoop Plastics who is the local MPS representative for the Middle East has sold this machine. The Open House was a joint effort by Hexxa, MPS and Anoop Plastics.

NDigitec opens new facility

NDigitec has announced its decision to open a new, dedi-cated facility within Dubai Production City aimed at fur-ther enhancing its overall fab-rication competency amidst a surge in demand for its fabri-cation solutions and services in the UAE region. The new facility will offer a range of services.

Vatche Kavlakian, CEO of NDIGITEC, commented: “NDIGITEC is witnessing a sharp growth across all its competencies, making it a one-stop destination for all creative production needs. The concept of selling ready-made exhibition stands on our web-to-print platform, Dubaiprint.com will be implemented in 2017 and we believe this will be game changer in the industry.”

MPS 430 MM press was shown during the Open House

partner.” He added, “The Open house was a good platform for the entire fraternity of the UV narrow Web industry to come together for exchange of ideas and information.I would like to thank the sponsors Zeller Gmelin, Weilburger, Avery Dennison, Kurz and Taghleef Industries for extending their support for the event.”

Delta Group unveils state-of-the-art facility in Dubai

hub, not just attracting busi-ness from within the region, but also from Europe. Not only are we very pleased to offer our clients this new facility, but it also allows us to significantly expand our production capacity and operational capabilities into newer segments and mar-kets,” said Kabeer Jalaluddin, chairman and managing

Group’s new facility expects to redef ine industry standards for integrated workflows.

“Innovation and quality are the key principals by which we operate and 2017 will be an important year for us. We plan to continue scal-ing our operations with fur-ther expansion and also venture into new verticals. This will allow us to offer more allied services across the MENA and European markets. The print industry is continually evolving, and with increasing digitization, traditional printing has pro-gressed immensely. We have constantly evolved to keep pace with rapid industry advancements, and by investing in the finest tech-nology and infrastructure we are able to offer robust effi-ciency and fast turnaround times,” Jalaluddin added.

Delta Group has announced the inauguration of a new multi-service facility which will host several of its sub-sidiaries. Located in Dubai’s National Industries Park (NIP), the 250,000 sq.ft. facility will offer a compre-hensive range of end-to-end solutions under one roof. This includes the Group’s Delta Printing Press as well as Brandscape Advertising, Magic Screen, Pulp, Delta Labels and Delta Interiors. Equipped with the latest technology, the fully inte-grated facility is the first of its kind to be set up in NIP, said Delta. The annouce-ment was made in front of media persons and special guests at JW Marquis Hotel, Dubai on 1st of February.

“As a home-grown busi-ness, we are very proud to be based in the UAE. The coun-try serves as a regional print

director of Delta Group.Housing several of the

Group’s subsidiaries under one roof will offer unparal-leled convenience to clients and enable cost optimiza-tion. This will especially benefit projects and cam-paigns which span different media. From advertising and marketing, to printing, labelling and interiors, Delta

Delta Group has invested around 200m for the new facility

NEWS

www.printweekmea.com6 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

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Contribute to your company’s growth with KYOCERA MDS!Source: *Photizo Group

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A PRINTER AND ADATA BANKALL-IN-ONE!

New facility is around 4 times bigger than the current facility

2017 JHF kick off meeting held in Thailand along with partners

Canon ‘Room to Read’ books reach African schoolchildren

Gulf Print Pack next month

Fortune7 becomes the partner of Wit Color

Beijing JHF Technology Co., Ltd held their kick off meet-ing to celebrate and acceler-ate at Thailand on last 19-20th January. The event was attended by media per-sons and channel partners. Along with the other part-ners, Age Graphics who is the distributor of JHF for GCC, also has attended the meeting.

JHF announces closure of another successful year in 2016. Company completes first phase of establishing its international operations along with the announcement of its demo facility in Bangkok.

According to the company spokesperson, “We are pleased to announce yet another very successful year in 2016 having which wit-nessed a growth of 70 % over

2015. 2016 is also the year where we decided to proac-tively go international with our highly acclaimed JHF range of industrial solutions which are being OEMed by some leading international brands. As a result of this engagement JHF ends the year 2016 with approximately

10 channel partners on board in the Asia and ME regions and with over 3 dozens of machines in this category installed, outside of China. Internally the company also structured to meet this chal-lenge. An International team, to handle the sales outside of China was formed under the

The first books printed by Canon as part of the Room to Read literacy programme have reached school children in South Africa. 3,300 books have been delivered to 176 schools across South Africa as part of the Room to Read lit-eracy programme, in partner-ship with Canon.

Canon began working with Room to Read and German-based publisher Goloseo, who initiaited the scheme at Drupa, in a bid to eliminate waste from print samples at trade shows. Canon sustaina-bility director Stuart Poore said: “We are really proud to have been able to support Room to Read and their vision of transforming the lives of millions of children, by focus-ing on literacy skills and gen-der equality in education.

“The book printing took place live at Drupa 2016 and was used to showcase how

books can be produced on demand in an integrated man-ner.” Text pages for the books were prepared using Canon partner Ultimate Techno-graphics’ Impostrip book imposition software and were printed on Canon’s Océ ColorStream 6000 at Drupa. Cover pages were printed on a Canon ImagePress C10000VP and the books were then per-

fect bound and trimmed on Canon partner Tecnau’s Libra 800. The three picture books being sent were translated by Goloseo from German into English and two African lan-guages, Sepedi and Xitsonga.

Poore said that since comple-tion of the project, Canon has already delivered a similar pro-ject for a partner printing bro-chures for children in Zambia.

Gulf Print & Pack, slated to be held between 26th - 29th March in the Za’abeel Halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is expected to be 10 percent bigger in 2017, say organizers. The exhibition will be used to showcase the latest technolo-gies and consumables from across the entire field of print-ing. Confirmed major players exhibiting in 2017 includes: AFRA, Ali Alhashemi Trading Co, Bobst, Canon, Heliozid and Prestige Graphics. The lineup of first-time exhibitors features Barberan, Holoprint Security Solutions, Imaging Care, Konica Minolta, PACFORT Packaging and Sun Papers & Labels. Displaying the newest in multi-substrate presses, ink systems, wide and narrow format digital presses, laser die-cutting, 3D printing, smart labels and packaging, web-to-print software and product decoration.

leadership of Victor Tse. Hong Kong based Victor brings to JHF his many years of indus-try experience of interna-tional business, having been involved with leading compa-nies like HP, HongKong.

“In 2017 we planned to consolidate our position in these regions, as well as initi-ate it’s thrust in other areas like Latin America, Europe and the USA. As a first small, yet very significant, step in this direction the company is proud to announce that a state of art demo facility for international customers would be operational in Bangkok within next Quarter. This facility is approximately 4 times the size of the current facility,” commented spokesperson.

He further added, “We always wanted to promote the ‘Made in UAE’ concept so through this we can enhance the concept and in addition the customers will get an opportunity to deal with a neighborhood manufacturer of large format printers rather than depending an unknown Far East supplier. Mainly we target to manufacture the Eco Solvent/Solvent/UV Based LFP’s with Epson and Ricoh Gen5 Print Heads.”

Fortune7, the company which believes in Made in UAE concept gets the distrib-utorship of WIT COLOR for GCC. The partnership knot happened during the SGI Dubai 2017. In addition, they are distributors of Lami Corporation - Japan for their large format Laminators. Also, they produce LFP’s with two year warranty.

Talking about their partner-ship, Sree Kumar Rangan, MD of Fortune7, said, “Normally, the traders, bring any of the cheaper printers from far East (especially from China) and address them as distributor/dealer. The tie-up that I made is more tactical where the Chinese themselves partner-ing with me and I too an inves-tor for them in their factory which assures a long-term association where the end user can feel more confidence in after sale support.”

3,300 books have been delivered to 176 schools by Canon

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 9

GCC/LEVANT/AFRICA NEWS

www.printweekmea.com

Distributorship goes for GCC

SunTex Encore is suitable for pigmented textile inkjet inks

Sun Chemical launches water-based pigment inks for textile

Lecta ups production capacity of recyclable metallized papers

SGP sets goals for industry

Avery Dennison prints catalogue on FSC paper

Sun Chemical is presenting its portfolio of SunTex tex-tile inkjet inks to the interior decoration and home fur-n i s h i n g s m a r k e t s a t Heimtextil 2017.

SunTex Encore is a multi-colour ink set that combines CMYK, red, green, blue and grey which is suitable for pigmented textile inkjet inks. According to the man-ufacturers, SunTex Encore also delivers very good adhe-sion to a range of substrates including natural and syn-thetic textile fabrics such as cotton, viscose, silk and poly-cottons. In addition, its wash and wet-rub resistance as well as its high levels of durability to colour and light fading makes SunTex Encore particularly suited to the printing of a range of soft

furnishings and interior décor applications.

James Gould, product manager, digital aftermarket at Sun Chemical com-mented: “Inkjet is definitely growing in popularity for use with home furnishings and interior décor applica-tions due to its quick turna-round times and ability to

provide customised designs, trending colours and sea-sonal designs. This highly versatile ink benefits from the cost-efficient and flexi-ble production capabilities of inkjet print technology, which eliminates the need for additional and complex post treatment processes. This increases output,

In accordance with Lecta’s plan, a new coating and lac-quering line made by the S w i s s m a n u f a c t u r e r Polytype was recently put into operation at the Leitza mill (Spain).

The new machine has a width of 2,450 mm and a speed of 800 m/min. This will allow for increasing the production capacity of metal-lized papers at the Leitza mill from 25,000 to 40,000 tons as well as expanding the cur-rent range due to the techni-cal advances that the machine embodies.

Its implementation has been accompanied by other improvements at the Leitza mill aimed at optimizing the production process of metal-l ized paper, including enlargement of existing spaces for raw materials, intermediate product and finished product stock. This

results in better customer service, reaffirming, in addi-tion, Lecta’s commitment to the most cutting edge tech-nology and a high degree of specialization.

Metalvac is Lecta’s high-vacuum, 100% recyclable metallized paper designed for the production of labels, inner liners, wrapping paper and flexible packaging. Its gloss and finish offer excel-lent printing results.

In the manufacture of metallized papers, it is nec-essary to apply specific coat-ings to ensure paper quality: first thing which is needed is a proper fixing of the alu-minum on the paper and then the optimum printabil-ity of the metallized coat. The new coating and lac-quering machine incorpo-rates the latest technical developments in the appli-cation of these coatings.

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), one of the authority in sus-tainable printing certifica-tions for print manufacturers, has elected a new board of directors and hired Brittany Sutphin as Executive Director to help the organization achieve an ambitious set of objectives for 2017. SGP antic-ipates certifying more than 50 new facilities this year, dou-bling the number of certified sustainable printers in the United States and Canada and continuing the Partnership’s drive toward a fully sustaina-ble future for the industry.

Supported by patrons including 3M, International Paper, and Hewlett-Packard, SGP is recognized as a global leader in eco-friendly innova-tion and best practices for the printing industry. With its new board and Executive Director, SGP is committed to aggressive goals this year.

reduces additional finishing costs and also allows for the cost effective production of bespoke or personalised applications as well as ena-bling smaller print runs to take advantage of changing fashion and seasonal trends.”

At Heimtext i l , Sun Chemical also displayed SunTex Sonata - a series of dye sublimation transfer inks and disperse-dye direct print inks for polyester and polyester-rich substrates. And SunTex Concerto RDE - a range of reactive dye inks for direct printing onto nat-ural fabrics such as cotton, viscose, silk and wool.

For more information on Sun Chemical’s SunTex tex-tile inkjet ink portfolio visit www.sunchemical.com/product/suntex/

market segments. “This col-lection has been designed to give converters what they need when they need it. Innovative materials, low minimum orders, quick quotes and fast shipping make these products a valu-able addition to any con-verter’s business. This new edition covers innovative solutions in segments as diverse as heavy industrial labelling at extreme tem-peratures through to recy-cled papers and intelligent labelling.”

Avery Dennison highlights emerging opportunities with i ts latest Select Solutions catalogue, that was printed on recycled paper, made from 100% FSC- certified paper, includ-ing release liner waste. The catalogue reveals mar-ket trends as well as devel-opments and solutions across many different mar-ket segments. The cata-logue’s key feature story focuses on Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) and Near Field Communication (NFC) – technologies that are already common in the apparel segment and which are now moving into other relatively untapped markets. Jenny Wassenaar, product line team director Select Solutions, said that the cata-logue helps converters to identify and leverage oppor-tunities offered in various

New machine has a width of 2,450 mm & speed of 800 m/min

Includes release liner waste

ENVIRONMENTNEWS

www.printweekmea.com10 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

3M™ Envision™ Print Film 48CNaturally versatile.Product range includes:3M™ Envision™ Print Film 48C-20/-20R, 48-20/-20R, 3M™ Envision™ Gloss Overlaminate 8048G

nmatc ed versatility or use indoors and outest er orming lm in its class00 rinter com ati le

Fire certi ed or indoor and trans ortation a licationsoug er t an vinyl and more tolerant to ig er tem eratures

Easier and aster installation or aster turnaround timesFaster and cleaner removalGreener solution - non-P C - at an a orda le rice

WWW.3M.COM/GRAPHICS

Lithrone GX44RP has a maximum sheet size of 840x1,150mm

RTR 3200 LED is commercially available with immediate effect

Doug Edwards from Xerox

Agfa launches 3.2m, 6 colour RTR 3200 LED printer, Jeti Ceres

Komori launches new one-pass double-sided press

Kernow’s new KIP Range

Xaar inks partnership with Xerox

Agfa Graphics has laun-ched a new roll-to-roll printer with UV LED curing aimed at mid- to high-end applications.

The 3.2m-wide Jeti Ceres RTR 3200 LED is commer-cially available with immedi-ate effect. The six-colour plus white and primer machine prints high quality on single- and dual-roll media at speeds of up to 186sqm/hr in express mode or 94sqm/hr in production mode.

The UV LED curing lamps are said to save costs, increase eco-friendliness, broaden the printable media range and eliminate lamp-based downtime.

The device uses Agfa’s UV LED-cured inks which can

print on heat-sensitive media such as self-adhesive sheets and PVC without warping or wrinkling them.

“Our Anapurna portfolio is aimed more at mid- to low-end applications whereas the Jeti Ceres is aimed at the mid- to high-end. There are quite a number of customers

in this market who want to have a high-end roll-to-roll machine,” said sign & display high-end marketing product manager Reinhilde Alaert.

“The Jeti Ceres is further thinking on our Jeti Titan machine, which is a flatbed but you can also do roll-to-roll printing with it. With

Komori has expanded its Lithrone product portfolio with the launch of a larger format one-pass double-sided offset press.

The Lithrone GX44RP, which is commercially avail-able with immediate effect, uses the same technology as the manufacturer’s existing B1 GX840RP press but has a maximum sheet size of 840x1,150mm.

The 15,000sph machine, which can be equipped with either an H-UV or UV drying system, is said to deliver high quality, short turna-rounds, high speed, stability and reduced waste in dou-ble-sided printing.

Front-to-back plate imag-ing is in the same direction, just as with single-sided presses, which Komori said increases efficiency in pre-press.

A new system on the press

eliminates sheet reversal and features single-edge gripping. Eliminating sheet reversal is said to ensure sta-ble sheet transport that is capable of handling either light or heavy stocks through the use of four double-size transfer cylinders.

“Because you’re not turn-ing the sheet over halfway through the press you only need the gripper margin at that single edge so you potentially have a saving in substrate,” said Turner.

“In the packaging sector reducing the amount of board required for the job can be a significant benefit.”

According to Komori spokes team, the press can also be optionally specified with the A-APC Asynch-ronous Automatic Plate Changer, the PDC-SX Spectral Print Density Control SX Model and the PQA-S Print Quality Ass-essment System for Sheetfed to further boost quality and productivity.

Kernow Coating ltd has been producing synthetic media for the digital industry. From large format Aqueous, Solvent, Latex, UV curable to Dry Toner and Design and repro media, used by printers for graphical, packaging, sig-nage, advertising or technical-drawing applications.

Sales and marketing direc-tor, Bosy Colak, said, “It was a natural path for us to offer a product range for the KIP Colour print system. Our years of expertise in produc-ing high quality dry toner and reprographics synthetic media, combined with the extraordinary print quality from the Kip Colour Print sys-tem, has allowed us to deliver KIP users a truly unique col-lection of media.”

KernowPrint KIP is a range of durable material suitable for manufacturing, architec-tural and technical drawings.

this we developed a machine that has the Titan technology on board but just with the roll-to-roll so that you don’t have to buy a complete flat-bed to use the roll-to-roll.”

She added: “This machine offers the speed, precision and efficiency required by intensive print firms – and the UV LED curing process only adds to its business-boosting capacity.”

The device, which is pow-ered by Asanti workflow software, will be shown in public for the first time at C!Print Lyon. It will also be shown at Fespa in Hamburg in May. Pricing for the machine was not disclosed.

In December 2016, Agfa launched the Jeti Mira LED flatbed printer.

elements of each company’s platform.

“It’s an important first step. The starting point is the Xerox solid ink printhead. A lot of experience and investment has gone into it, and we will be building on that along with our 25 years of investment at Xaar.”

Xaar will source products from Xerox, “tweak them” for specific applications, and then resell them. “We will probably launch a product in the mid-dle of the year,” Edwards added.

Xaar has signed a new part-nership agreement with Xerox for the development of bulk piezo inkjet printheads.

Xaar chief executive Doug Edwards told PrintWeek that the partnership was similar to the co-operation over thin film technology with Ricoh, which the Cambridge-headquartered manufacturer announced at Drupa.

“It mirrors what we’ve done with Ricoh, but in bulk piezo, where our platform is getting on for 10 years old,” Edwards explained. “We’re at a point where we’re going to have to invest, and our strategy is to do that with partners – jointly we can effectively spend more than we can do on our own.”

Edwards said more details would be available in March, when the £93.5m turnover group will announce its 2016 results. But he said the inten-tion was to combine the best

12 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

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The Nyala 2 4x4 prints at up to 206 sqm/hr in production mode

SwissQprint launches 2 new 4xCMYK flatbed printers

Mutoh marks Heimtextil debut with new dye-sub printer launch

Xerox and EFI Partner support

Onyx Graphics unveils Onyx 12.1 software

SwissQprint has launched two new “4x4” flatbed printers that come configured with quadru-ple CMYK printheads.

The 4x4 models of the Nyala 2 (3.2x2m flatbed) and Impala 2 (2.5x2m flatbed) series are said to retain the same quality as the existing 2xCMYK models, but are around twice as fast.

The UV machines, which are said to be suitable for screen printers as well as booth builders and large-scale digital print firms, can be used to produce high-qual-ity POS items, displays, post-ers and banners.

The Nyala 2 4x4 model prints at up to 101sqm/hr in quality mode, which the manufacturer said results in “brilliant” colours as well as

rendering of fine detail. Fine art mode enables applica-tions such as backlit graphics to be printed at up to 57sqm/hr while the device can print at up to 206 sqm/hr in pro-duction mode.

The Impala 2 4x4 model prints at up to 180 sqm/hr in production mode, 89 sqm/hr

in quality mode and 51 sqm/hr in fine art mode.

“These machines offer more speed but with exactly the same quality as if you were using the 2xCMYK models,” said SwissQprint marketing services specialist Petra Fetting.

“They’re suitable for com-

Mutoh is marking its first par-ticipation at Heimtextil by launching a new dye-sublima-tion transfer printer suitable for home textile and interior decor printing.

The 1.9m-wide ValueJet 1948WX is being premiered this week at the textile and garment manufacturing trade fair in Frankfurt and is expected to be commercially available by March/April.

The machine integrates a staggered four printheads setup and a large built-in dual heater, which the manufac-turer said enables high speed printing and improved pro-ductivity, delivering a top speed of 117sqm/hr.

Mutoh said the device, which uses its new high-den-sity and medium-density dye-sublimation inks, is suitable for businesses looking for a high-volume production printer for roll-to-roll digital transfer

prints. Roll holders for light-weight roll media up to 30kg come as standard while an optional heavy-duty media feed and take-up system main-tains stable media transporta-tion on roll media up to 100kg.

The ValueJet 1948WX can print onto fabrics or dye-subli-mation paper, which can be transferred to polyester for applications including uphol-stery, curtains or cushion fab-rics. The machine can also be used for fast fashion, soft sig-

nage and textile banners.Mutoh commercial market-

ing manager Nick Decock said: “We already have dual-head printers which are micro staggered but if you double the amount of heads – as we have done with this machine – then you can go even faster.

“Typical production speed for sellable production quality on this machine will be above 80sqm/hr, which is doubling up the speed we currently have with the 1638WX.”

Xerox Corp. & EFI announced a strategic partnership to bring to market a next generation digital front end (DFE) to drive Xerox digital production presses. The agreement includes the sale of Xerox’s FreeFlow Print Server (FFPS) DFE business to EFI. Under the terms of the deal, EFI will con-tinue to produce and support FFPS so current customers do not experience interruptions in sales or service.

“Customers will gain a pow-erful solution with more effi-ciencies, performance and quality to meet the most demanding production requirements,” said Andrew Copley, president, Graphic Communications Solutions, Xerox. “EFI is an industry leader and has a proven track record with performance, ease of use and seamless integra-tion with industry workflow solutions.”

panies that have a high out-put, such as large digital printers that need to produce a lot of material with high quality. Stand construction is an interesting field, for exam-ple, because those businesses tend to be short of time and have to produce quickly.”

The 4x4 models of the Nyala 2 (3.2x2m flatbed) and Impala 2 (2.5x2m flatbed) series are said to retain the same quality as the existing 2xCMYK models, but are around twice as fast.

The UV machines, which are said to be suitable for screen printers as well as booth builders and large-scale digital print firms, can be used to produce high-qual-ity POS items, displays, post-ers and banners.

user’s profit margin by as much as 30%.

On average, processing times in Onyx 12.1 are three times faster than in Onyx 12 for halftone processing. Data transfer speeds to many grand-format printers are also up to three times faster.

Onyx said users can also achieve a higher level of col-our consistency across multi-ple devices with integrated G7 correction, verification and iterations, making it eas-ier to match colour and build output consistency.

US-headquartered software developer Onyx Graphics has launched Onyx 12.1 software, the latest version of its wide-format print workflow and RIP product.

The software builds on Onyx 12, which was shown in Europe for the first time at Fespa Digital last year, by offering accelerated speed and performance, a simpli-fied user interface, enhanced automation and advanced finishing tools.

Onyx 12.1 is available for the full Onyx software prod-uct line including Onyx Thrive workflow, Onyx ProductionHouse, Onyx PosterShop and Onyx RIPCenter RIP software.

Highlights of Onyx 12.1 include the ability to process more files in less time with a full 64-bit platform for RIP and applications, with speeds that Onyx said can improve a

Mutoh’s 1.9m-wide ValueJet 1948WX can print at up to 117sqm/hr

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 15

DIGITAL NEWS

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Users can get more profit

Azonprinter’s UV Matrix can be used to print onto USB drives

Azonprinter launches Matrix, wide format UV curable inkjet

Mimaki adds Kebab option to UJF MkII printers

EFI misses $1b target

Drytac launches a film for short-pile carpet

Croatian manufacturer Azonprinter has launched what it claims is the only wide-format UV-curable inkjet flat-bed printer on the market that can print on objects up to 200mm in height.

The UV Matrix is available with immediate effect in sizes of 600x1,200mm (S) and 600x1,800mm (M) while the bed size of the UV Matrix Pro is 1,100x2,500mm (L).

The device, which has a res-olution of up to 2,880dpi and can handle heavy materials up to 100kg, is suitable for pro-ducing a range of printed applications including USB drives, smartphone cases, lighters and pens.

The manufacturer said the UV LED lamp curing system instantly and efficiently

adheres ink to any kind of sub-strate including PET, ABS, polycarbonate, TPU, wood, stone, glass, canvas, ceramic, aluminum and leather.

The machine’s zoned vac-cum bed holds material flat and steady to ensure stable printing and enable printing on soft and thin materials.

Azonprinter sales and mar-

keting manager Žaklina Begi said: “We believe this product will be popular in the furniture industry, with graphic design-ers and in the sign industry.

“We will see how everything will go regarding the market but we believe this machine will find its niche once custom-ers have a chance to experience everything it can offer, espe-

Mimaki has made its Kebab module for printing cylin-drical objects available for its new UV flatbed printers.

The Kebab, which uses rotary rollers, was first launched for the UJF-3042HG small-format flat-bed LED UV printer in 2014.

In October last year that device was replaced by the UJF-3042 MkII while the UJF-6042 MkII replaced the UJF-6042.

Th e U J F-3 0 4 2 M k I I , which has an A3 format bed, is compatible with the new Kebab MkII model while the new MkII L model Kebab is suitable for use with the UJF-6042MkII, which has an A2 format bed.

The Kebab module is optional and sold separately to the two MkII printers. The Kebab MkII costs £2,495 while the MkII L model costs £2,995. The

standalone printers are priced at £20,995 for the UJF-3042MkII and £35,995 for the UJF-6042MkII.

The Kebab is said to ena-ble high-quality printing on cylindrical products with diameters from 10mm to 110mm, including wine and water bottles, seals, candles and cosmetics bottles.

Mimaki said the Kebab makes it possible and afford-able to produce on-demand original products in short or

individual runs and opens up revenue streams in sec-tors such as the cosmetics industry, where regulatory r e q u i r e m e n t s d i f f e r between countries.

Commercial availability for the new Kebab modules is expected in February 2017. In additin, Mimaki participated in SGI Dubai event on January and show-cased their latest printers including the MKII series models.

EFI has reported record full-year sales of $992.1m follow-ing a record fourth quarter but fell just short of its $1bn annual turnover target. For the quar-ter ended 31 December 2016 the company recorded sales of $266.7m, up 4% on Q4 2015 revenue of $256.5m. Its sales were up 12% year-on-year for the full-year ended 31 December 2016 – in 2015 it recorded total revenue of $882.5m.

EFI chief executive Guy Gecht said: “All year we have stressed our focus on improv-ing execution, especially around financial metrics, so it is very encouraging to see that our team’s work is showing great results.

“Having said that we are obviously disappointed that we did not deliver better top-line numbers, even when accounting for all the effects of FX.”

cially regarding high-quality resolution and reliable print.”

The Matrix comes with a bulk ink system using six 500ml ink tanks. Azonprinter’s ink recirculation is said to pre-vent the pigment in white ink from settling, which provides more consistent white layer. As a result, ink tanks can be refilled from ink bottles, ink waste is minimised and print-ing can be continued without interruption.

Ink configuration comes in CMYK plus two white chan-nels and two clear channels.

A separately available rotary adapter, Rotax, also enables the device to print onto cylindrical and cone objects with diame-ters that range from 41mm to 127mm and on objects up to 279mm high.

but it will remove cleanly.“The tack of our existing

Hi-Grab carpet product was a little bit too tacky so we had to work around this to get adhe-sives that would stay down, but not so aggressively that it would pull all the pile up on a carpet.”

Bristol-based Drytac, which was founded in 1976, makes products for a wide variety of markets including wide-for-mat display, commercial printing and sign making. Last summer the company released an updated version of its Emerytex laminating film.

Self-adhesive materials manu-facturer Drytac Europe has launched a new printable film suitable for indoor floor graphic applications.

The product is said to easily adhere to short-pile carpets, making it suitable for short-term indoor floor graphic advertising for tradeshows and retailers such as furniture stores.

The maximum lifespan of Polar Carpet, which is com-patible with solvent, eco-sol-vent, UV and latex printers, is around eight weeks.

Drytac said the product can be used with its slip-certified laminating films – including Interlam Pro Emerytex and Protac ScuffGuard – to pro-vide slip resistance.

Drytac Europe sales direc-tor Steve Broad said: “Polar Carpet has been developed to allow users to create sticky graphics for flooring applica-tions. It’s a high-tack adhesive

The Kebab module prints on cylindrical objects

Suitable for indoor floor

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 17

WIDE FORMAT & POSTPRESS NEWS

www.printweekmea.com

Conference held at Shangri La Hotel, Dubai on 26th January

Mepco Gulf with its European partner conducted a conference

Sappi, Felix Schoeller will jointly develop sustainable packaging

FINAT will host event in Berlin

Stora reconsiders plan for chemical pulp mill

Mepco Gul f wi th i t s E u r o p e a n p a r t n e r International Paper con-ducted a special conference at Shangri La Hotel, Dubai on 26th of January and pre-sented their specialty prod-ucts in Digital papers and how they can further enhance the image of HP. The presen-tation included a presenta-tion of International Paper company, the HP range, Colorlok technology and environmental credentials.

In t e r n a t i o n a l Pa p e r Worldwide was founded in 1898 and they are one of the world’s largest producers of paper and packaging. Their two key platform businesses are uncoated paper & pulp and packaging. HP and International Paper relation-ship begins with the launch

of first item in 1996. Apart from this, HP Papers will be celebrating its 20th anniver-sary in Europe.

Fadi J Baaklini, managing director, commented about the Mepco Gulf, “Everyone knows that Mepco is a lead-ing paper & board trader in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian sub-conti-nent.” ColorLok may seems

not on the customer’s radar but with the exposure, it makes an impact! Exposure to the benefits or ColorLok reveal its ability to further elevate HP brand percep-tions,” he added about the product.

He further added about The ColorLok Challenge: The participants of the demo pre-sented with a blind selection

Sappi Europe and Germany-based Felix Schoeller Group have entered into a collabora-tion agreement that includes the joint development of sus-tainable barrier paper solu-tions for flexible packaging applications. The two compa-nies will be combining com-petencies in their respective business fields in the future in order to provide brand owners with more sustaina-ble packaging solutions for their products.

Sappi is a leading global manufacturer of speciality paper and carton board. In recent years, Sappi has evolved from a pure substrate supplier to a provider of com-plete paper and carton pack-aging solutions.

“Felix Schoeller Group is the ideal partner to help us further enhance the function-ality of our high-quality speci-

al i ty papers,” explains Thomas Kratochwill, Vice Pres ident o f Sa les & Marketing at Sappi Packaging and Speciality Papers.

Global manufacturer Felix Schoeller Group produces high-quality papers for ana-logue and digital photo-graphic and digital printing, nonwovens for the wallpaper industry as well as release lin-ers and decor papers. In addi-tion, the company has been developing flexible food

packaging and has built par-ticularly strong process tech-nology expertise in the production of photographic and digital printing papers.

“Our collaboration with Sappi creates many synergies. We will be integrating our specialist expertise to pursue the development of unique packaging solutions that will benefit the industry and the environment,” says Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO of Felix Schoeller Group.

The international labelling association, FINAT will be hosting its prime annual event, the European Label Forum in Berlin. The event will be held between 7th-9th June this year.

It will bring together a spec-trum of industry leaders, from label converters to raw mate-rial suppliers, media and stake-holders, to debate major business topics, gain in-depth market knowledge, and be inspired by a programme of top international speakers. It also hosts FINAT’s annual General Assembly, and the presentations to the winners in the association’s FINAT International Label Com-petition and FINAT Recycling Awards. FINAT will also par-ticipate in Europe’s biennial industry exhibition, Labelexpo Europe -- the largest labelling event in the world -- which takes place this year in Brussels, 25-28 September.

of HP ColorLok and store brand paper print outs. Everything was printed on the same printer by using the same inks. Participants were asked to identify their prefer-ences between the two. The outcome of the result unim-aginery. Participants unani-mously and independently - expressed preference for the HP ColorLok paper.

According to International P a p e r s p o k e s p e r s o n , “ColorLok ‘wow’ factor serves to build value for HP. On average - with our sample of 44 respondents - we see an expected price that is $2.35 higher per ream for ColorLok versus non ColorLok. While few are willing to pay this high of a premium, many express openness to paying ~30% more for ColorLok.

market has been negatively impacted by new investments in hardwood pulp production. At the same time, we consider the wood costs to supply the potential chemical pulp mill to be too high, which reduces the competitiveness of such a mill. Therefore, sourcing the chemical pulp to Beihai Mill from the market or uti-lising our current captive global hardwood supply is a v iable opt ion for us,” Sundström said.

Stora Enso has initiated a pro-cess with the Government of Guangxi, China with the tar-get to remove the authorisa-tion for the hardwood chemical pulp mill from its investment permit, reported PaperAge.

Stora Enso has previously announced that it considers building a chemical pulp mill at its Beihai Mill site, once the consumer board machine is up and running. The final decision is yet to come in.

“The market demand for high-quality food packaging board will continue to grow in China and neighbouring Asian markets. Our invest-ment in a consumer board mill in Beihai is ideally placed to serve this market,” said Stora Enso’s CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström.

“Meanwhile, the supply-demand of the global pulp

Agreement that includes the development for flexible packaging Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO

CONSUMABLES AND PAPER NEWS

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 19www.printweekmea.com

NEWS

Color-Logic, iC3D take software to new level

Packaging giant Coveris has invested £3m in its carton-board division. The interna-tional packaging manufac-turer invested in a raft of new machinery, site refur-bishment, upgrades to existing equipment and a new staff training programme for 2017. The new machinery, which includes a six-colour Komori GLX-640 with coater, two Jagenberg Diana glue lines, a Heiber & Schröder win-dow patcher and an Iberica cutter-creaser, should all be operational by summer 2017. A spokesman for Coveris said that relocation and refurbishment of other equipment would make the business more efficient. The cartonboard division manufactures cartonboard packaging for a variety of sectors in the food industry. It also has CAD and platemak-ing facilities.

Xeikon is creating a dedicat-ed sales, service and support operation in Australia and New Zealand. The new divi-sion will be fully operational in February 2017. The decision follows the acquisition of Xeikon by Flint Group follow-ing a thorough review of synergies between the companies. Bent Serritslev, managing director Asia Pacific explains: “After assessing the opportunities for both companies we have decided the time is right to establish a direct sales and ser-vice organization in Australia and New Zealand. It will handle the full range of Xeikon digital presses and solutions for labels, folding cartons and commercial printing.” In 2015, Xeikon joined Flint Group to create a new “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media indus-tries. Flint Group develops and manufactures a portfolio of printing consumables and employs some 7900 people. At the same time, Xeikon will cease its collaboration with dealer Absolute Electronics.

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial a n d d i g i ta l p r i n t i ng , announces a new minimum order quantity for non-stocked envelopes. Beginning imme-diately, customers can order as little as 1,000 envelopes in standard sizes, even if that envelope is not in stock. “Now designers, printers and end users can improve a client’s image and enhance direct mail response rates while staying within budget with smaller envelope orders and Mohawk’s one-stop shopping convenience, fast delivery and superior envelope converting quality,” said Ted O’Connor, senior vice president and general manager, Mohawk Envelope and Converting. Premium non-stocked envelopes can be ordered for a minimum of 1,000 or one carton (whichever is greater). The kit features a variety of digital substrates including paper, envelopes, polyester, PVC, vinyl, pressure-sensitive, magnets, embedded, and dimensional products to showcase market-ing solutions that are attractive, durable, and can be pro-duced quickly, using variable data and tailored messaging.

IN BRIEF

then production. The two technologies save brands a huge amount of time and cost in getting to market faster."

Creative Edge Software's iC3D is the first all-in-one soft-ware for generating 3D photo-realistic packaging mockups in real-time. "Users are able to visualize their ideas allowing brand owners to increase the effectiveness of their packag-ing before ever going to print," explains Trevor Haworth, managing partner at Creative Edge Software.

Color-Logic has announced the support of their process metallic colour system by iC3D from Creative Edge Software for prototyping labels and packaging.

Discussing the certifica-tion, Color-Logic CTO Richard Ainge commented: "The Color-Logic Design Suite (plug-ins and palettes for Adobe) was developed to ena-ble designers to create decora-tive effects at a fraction of the time required to do so manu-ally. Because time to market is a critical factor in the packag-ing and label market today, with Color-Logic and the iC3D software brands, design-ers and prepress personnel can visualize the Color-Logic effects on the package or labels across a broad spectrum of environments or on a wide variety of metallic stocks before going to proofing and

Stora Enso announced the divestment of its 100% share-holding in its Finnish subsid-iary Formeca Oy, a provider of machines for automated packaging lines, to Amitec Oy, an engineering and machine construction com-pany based in Finland.

Following this transac-tion, Stora Enso will become a reseller of Formeca machines and retain the abil-ity to support and consult customers on packaging automation solutions.

“Supported by Amitec's dedicated competence in this field, Stora Enso will be able to serve customers even more effectively,” said Peter Torstensson, SVP and head of Corrugated Nordics, D i v i s i o n P a c k a g i n g Solutions. “In addition, Amitec has the necessary strength to further develop Formeca and ensure its busi-ness progress.”

Stora Enso has divested

The new ink is suitable for producing food packaging with good organoleptic properties, especially when fast post-print processing is required. All components in the formulation are evalu-ated and the production process is subject to checks and controls, which means MGA NATURA contains only substances that either do not migrate or that have been assessed for food con-

Printing ink manufacturer, hubergroup has announced that it has developed sheet-fed printing ink for high-vol-ume printing of food packaging. NATURA GA series with its latest MGA NATURA series starting 1 February 2017.

MGA NATURA will be available as process inks, as spot inks in line with the classic colour guides and also as bespoke corporate design colours.

All components in the for-mulation are evaluated and the production process is subject to thorough checks and controls, which means MGA NATURA contains only substances that either do not migrate or that have been assessed for food con-tact announced hubergroup in a statement.

MGA NATURA will be available as process inks

hubergroup develops sheet-fed printing ink

Software to visualize ideas

tact. Brand owners and printers will then be assured that no impurities or unde-sirable substances will be implemented in the produc-tion process.

A family-owned enter-prise, hubergroup consists of 40 companies and 130 sites. 2016 saw the Group, with its global workforce of more than 3500, gener-ate sales worth over €820 million.

20 PrintWeek MEA February 2017 www.printweekmea.com

PACKAGINGNEWS

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Cimpress has embarked upon a major restructure to decen-tralise its operations that will see thousands o f jobs devolved into its business units and the departure of a number of senior executives. The Netherlands-headquartered web-to-print giant announced the changes alongside its Q2 results. Around 3,000 employees that previously worked in central teams will move into its various business units, while some 160 positions – circa 1.6% of the 10,000 workforce worldwide – will go altogether. Cimpress is also decentralising its manufacturing plants “into the business units for which they most often fulfil orders”. This will render the role of chief supply chain officer redundant. Total sales in the group’s second quarter (to 31 December) rose by 8% on a like-for-like basis, and by 16% including acquisitions, to $576.9m.

RadTech, The Association for UV&EB Technology, has opened a new area on its website www.RadTech.org devoted to educating printers about the use of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies. The Radtech UV+EB Resource Guide for Printers is a compilation of more than 50 articles, archived webinars and fact sheets developed by industry experts and specific to the use of UV/EB technology in printing. The guide was developed to better inform new and existing users in the printing industry who would like to learn more about the technology and how it can benefit their opera-tions. The guide, located at http://www.radtech.org/uv-eb-resource-guide-for-printers, has nearly 20 categories of infor-mation. It includes an overview and introduction; sections for all print processes (flexography, lithography, grauvre, digital and screen); and areas that focus on applications, curing, equip-ment, LED, food packaging, radiometry, regulatory benefits, RFID and sustainability. RadTech will continually update the guide with new information.

Sun Chemical has entered into a partnership with Document Security Systems, Inc. (DSS) to cross market and sell one another’s anti-counterfeiting products. The strategic part-nership allows Sun Chemical to market and sell DSS’ suite of anti-counterfeiting technolo-gies that include smartphone authentication, hidden images and copy protection. DSS will also market and sell Sun Chemical’s wide range of anti-counterfeiting solutions, including multiple covert taggant-reader systems, special effect inks and smart sensor technology. Jim Reiman, director of Brand Protection for Sun Chemical said: “This partner-ship with DSS offers even more anti-counterfeiting options for our customers to choose from. We’re particularly excited by DSS’ advanced smartphone authentication capabilities and how they complement our own product portfolio.” “We’re pleased to have the Sun Chemical name associated with DSS,” said Mike Tobin, VP of marketing at DSS. “We have made significant investments in brand protection solutions like AuthentiGuard and this partner-ship with Sun Chemical, one of the most respected companies in the market, helps to validate our strategy.”

IN BRIEF

graphic presentation of the sheet, process visualization shows the operator how to move the material being processed. Polar will give customers who decide to buy a hydraulic D-model cutting machine a 111 euro

Celebrating its 111th anni-versary, Polar has recently announced to everyone in a press statement that it will give away various ‘perfor-mance-enhancing options’ with new orders booked from February - September 2017. The promotion is lim-ited and applies to deliveries in 2017.

Customers opting for the top-of-the-line model N PRO HD will be given the Compucut software for their high-speed cutters free of charge. The N PLUS high-speed cutter model has pro-cess visualization integrated free-of- charge. Based on a

voucher for buying a Guillo-Crease, a creasing system that converts the cutting machine into a creasing machine. Every Transomat Unloader TRE will be equipped with an extra OPP. OPP is an optical pallet pointer and helps to align the pallet easily.

The Polar webshop (www.mohr-shop.com) will also be celebrating the anniver-sary throughout the year offering promotional cam-paigns. The Guillo-Crease creasing system, for exam-ple, will be available at a special-offer price with an 11.1 percent rebate.

Polar to offer free gifts on 111th anniversary

Two major players in the UV curing systems industry, Air Motion Systems (AMS) and Baldwin Technology Company are merging their expertise to create the premier provider of UV and LED curing technology across the globe.

Baldwin, a leader in highly reactive UV, LED UV and IR dry-ing systems, has acquired Air Motion Systems leading provider of LED UV curing technology for the graphic arts industry, expand-

ing its position within the market. The new entity of Baldwin,

part of the $2 billion Barry-Wehmiller family of companies, will rebrand as AMS SPECTRAL UV and combine AMS with Baldwin’s UV division.

“This acquisition marks the beginning of a new era in provid-ing high-performance solutions for the UV industry,” said AMS Spectral UV president Steve Metcalf. “We’re bringing the top industry minds, technology and

experience together to tap an unprecedented opportunity in LED and UV, and to serve an ever-widening range of markets and applications.”

Complementing this technol-ogy, Baldwin’s UV division has experience in highly reactive UV curing and numerous LED appli-cations outside of traditional print markets. Further, the new curing-technology entity will leverage a massive base of experience serv-ing OEM and industrial markets.

Baldwin has acquired Air Motion

Fespa 2017 to be held in HamburgFespa 2017 campaign mes-sage, ‘Dare to Print Different’ strapline is part of the multi-channel marketing campaign for the print expo. Slated to be held between 8th to 12th May 2017, at Messe Hamburg, Germany, the show includes three distinct zones devoted to screen, digital wide format and textile printing, encour-aging printers and sign-mak-ers to explore the full spectrum of applications including graphics and soft signage, industrial print, gar-

ments and promotional items, interior décor, surface decora-tion and vehicle wrapping.

“Dare to Print Different is a statement of our confidence in the entrepreneurialism of our

global speciality print commu-nity”, explains FESPA divisional director, Roz McGuinness. “When printers head to FESPA 2017 in May, we want them to arrive with the ambition to explore and identify something that could expand their bound-aries and give them fresh impetus. Every feature we incorporate into FESPA 2017 is designed to show PSPs the many avenues of opportunity available to them, and to leave them invigorated with new ideas to apply in their business.”

Free gifts from February

GLOBALNEWS

www.printweekmea.com22 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

Event between 8-12th May

chase price multiple equal to approximately seven times Wisdom’s fiscal 2016 EBITDA on a post-synergy basis. H.B. Fuller expects the transaction to be modestly accretive to earnings in the first year. The

H.B. Fuller has acquired the industrial adhesives business of Wisdom, a provider of adhe-sives for the packaging, paper converting and assembly mar-kets. Founded in 1875, Wisdom has been privately owned and operated by five consecutive generations of the Wisdom family.

The acquisition value of 122 million USD is expected to generate annual run rate syn-ergies of approximately six million USD, starting in 2018, which would make the pur-

Zünd has launched the new high-performance RM-L rout-ing system for the sign and graphics market. The new router option is designed to handle a more challenging range of materials including MDF, acrylic, PVC, Dibond or aluminium. With the exception of carbides and stone the new tool can route, engrave and polish almost any material, according to the manufacturer.

business will be included in H.B. Fuller’s Americas Adhesives operating segment.Jim Owens, H.B. Fuller presi-dent and CEO, said the acqui-sition will strengthen the company’s position in this market segment within the Americas adhesive business, as well as the delivery of its 2020 strategic plan commitments. Wisdom’s highly successful go-to-market strategy, based on a focused product line, ultra-fast delivery and virtual service, will complement H.B. Fuller.

A key feature of the new RM-L module, which is availa-ble immediately, is its power-ful, water-cooled spindle with pneumatic collet, which deliv-ers 3.6kW of processing power and a maximum torque of 0.7Nm enabling greater speed and cutting depth. Described by Zünd product manager, graphics, Lars Bendixen as “a complete rout-ing system”, it includes auto-matic router bit changer ARC

HSK, Minimal Quantity Lubrication (MQL), a set of bits, a gantry, the ZCC option or a sealgrip underlay.” Zünd product manager for graphics, Lars Bendixen said: “The automatic router bit changer is a key feature, which can accommodate up to eight different collet holders. This allows a fully automated tool changing and significant increases of production auto-mation and throughput.

Zünd unveils new routing system

Jim Owens from H.B. Fuller

Kornit Digital (KRNT) has received new system orders at Heimtextil 2017, the world’s leading exhibition for home textile design and manufac-turing, which took place in Frankfurt, January 10-13. The Company’s booth showcased a live demonstration of the Allegro, utilizing its unique single step, dry process, which led to high customer interest and system orders. The Allegro, which utilizes Kornit’s proprietary NeoPigment print-ing process, is the only industrial solution that can print with high quality on multiple fabric types, with no separate pre or post treatment required. At only seven meters in length, the Allegro offers a unique proposition with an impressive seven-colors, photorealistic print quality, an ability to print on multiple fabric types without changing inks, minimal infrastructure requirements and practically no water consumption.

FESPA Eurasia 2016, which took place from 8-11 December 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey had 8,232 individual visitors, with total attendance across the four days reaching 9,774 visits. There was an increase in International attendance compared with FESPA Eurasia 2015, claimed the organizers. The top 10 countries attending outside Turkey include: Iran, Bulgaria, Algeria, Greece, Tunisia, Jordan, Ukraine, Iraq, Lebanon and Germany. For more information on FESPA and its global exhibi-tions visit: www.fespa.com.

At Heimtextil 2017, SPGPrints

presented its digital inkjet tech-nologies for varied home textile applications including the new 3200mm-wide JAVELIN inkjet printer for bedlinen, curtains and upholstery that debuted at the show, and the 700mm-wide PIKE Decor printer, a digital solution for furniture and panel laminate applications. The JAVELIN printer operates in scanning mode with an array of 36 Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads jetting ink in variable drop sizes (2pL-10pL) at resolutions of up to 1200 x 1200dpi. SPGPrints’ Archer Print Head Program provides a two-and-a-half-year guarantee on the print heads in combination with the use of accredited inks. JAVELIN can use reactive, acid or disperse inks manufactured by SPGPrints.

Lucien De Schamphelaere, the founder of Belgian digital press manufacturer Xeikon, has died aged 85. De Schamphelaere passed away on 20 January. Born in Gijzenzele, Belgium, in 1931, De Schamphelaere graduated as an engineer in electronics and started working in the same year for NV Gevaert, which merged with Agfa in 1964. De Schamphelaere founded Agfa’s Electronical Imaging Systems department in 1979 and within three years his team had presented its first digital black-and-white printing press, the P400. In 1988, he founded Xeikon, after being given the presidency of Agfa’s venture capital fund to seek out the most promising applications in digital imag-ing. Agfa took a minority participation in Xeikon and the rest of the equity was bought by six additional investors.

IN BRIEF

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 23

Kodak to incur charges on restructuringKodak has announced the streamlining of costs on its Prosper business, which could incur hefty charges of up to $17m as efforts to sell the inkjet operation continue.

Kodak announced in late 2016 that hopes for selling its Prosper business before the close of the year had faded and that discussions with potential buyers would now continue into 2017.

As a result of this latest restructuring decision, Kodak expects to incur charges of between $12m and $17m.

These will include $5m-$7m relating to separation benefits, $5m-$6m of non-

cash related charges for inventory write-downs, $2m-$3m of non-cash related charges for asset write-offs and up to $1m in other cash-related charges associated with the action.

In order to account for the charges, Kodak expects that

approximately $3m of total charges for separation benefits will require cash expenditures and the remainder will be pro-vided from the company’s pension plans in the form of special termination benefits.

In a statement, Kodak said: “As announced in December, Kodak is streamlining its com-mercial inkjet operations to maximise performance and address market opportunities in publishing, high volume direct mail and packaging. In addition, the company is plan-ning to refocus the business to emphasize print head compo-nents and the development of Ultrastream technology.”

Kodak to streamline costs

www.printweekmea.com

H.B. Fuller acquires Wisdom

GLOBAL NEWS

PRINTER’S DEVIL

Where will the industry stumble and where will it thrive?The current situation about the printing industry is in big alarm for a while. Many of the researchers and experts are saying their own opinions but they cannot give an appropriate suggestion to the owners. However, everyone has to follow their own style and provide a better service to the existing clients. We even would have witnessed a lot of presses doing manual work and in turn consumes more time as well as labour. To overcome this, they should make use of the available technologies to make good profit. Some corporates say that this is the correct time for them to show their potential to capture the market share from the small players. So whatever it is, we all believe that the printing industry will survive as long as readers are there.

If you have an interesting print story to share, an incident that made you smile or an occurrence on the shop floor, email us at venkat@printweekmea.com

FLASH POINT

Last autumn, as the UK print industry began to settle down after the initial uncer-tainty of the post-EU referendum era, the first reports of impend-i n g p a p e r p r i c e increases began to

trickle though. By the end of 2016, that trickle became a torrent as a whole host of manufac-turers announced increases, largely set to come into force last week.

Fedrigoni was one of the first papermakers to show its hand, announcing price increases of 5% to 8% from 21 November. But it was far from alone, with a steady stream of other manu-facturers making similar announcements in the following days and weeks, and by mid-Decem-ber virtually all had signalled their intent to raise their UK rates, with most increases in the 5%-10% range, but in some cases higher.

But is Brexit simply to blame and how can the industry do its best to overcome the seem-ingly inevitable price increases?

“Any paper pricing increase is normally led by mills, not merchants,” explains Denmaur Independent Papers managing director Mike Gee.

“Some grades went up in 2012/13 but then drifted back down. What we’ve had over the past five years is a situation where prices have gone up marginally but then tended to drift down over time because of supply and demand or markets weakening.”

Skelton agrees, considering that customers will be keeping a close eye on exchange rates and will have no inhibitions in pressuring mer-chants to lower prices once they improve.

JO FRANCIS - PRINTER’S DEVIL

Can the suppliers stick this time?

Jo Francis is associate editor, PrintWeek. To read the full transcripts of these blogs, visit: www.printweek.com/jofrancis

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 25

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Make sure you advertise in the industry’s most reliable print title

Olden days printing: Generally, the olden days printing press has a less number of space to work and there are less of jobs to do. So they are well disciplined and well occupied with what they do and what they want to do. However, things got to get changed in the years by years like, the people started to rely more on the machineries rather than humans and that is why the trend in the printing industry has seen this massive growth. Being specific is a matter of interest when it comes to the “old” days of printing. The “old” days, however, can be generally bookmarked if printing on a transportable material (past that of a smaller stone) is used as a defining element. Once this has been decided, one might start to think about a timeline for printing and the approximate time lines put forth by those supposedly in the know. The development of printing has made it possible for books, newspapers, magazines, and other reading materials to be produced in great numbers, and it plays an important role in promoting literacy among the masses.

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SHILPA JASANI

Curtains fall on the 20th edition of SGI show

And yet another Sign and Graphics Imaging show (SGI) con-cludes, with most exhibitors and visi-tors expressing satis-faction in general, with the visitor turn-out and visibil ity factor. While the

number of exhibitors from the East has increased significantly; a lot of big names from the UAE were missing this year. It could be a strategic or ‘budget-constraints’ decision, since 2017 will host another major exhibition - Gulf Print and Pack.

Non-participating exhibitors expressed the price increase by organisers to be the decisive factor in their decision to with-draw. Participating exhibitors though expressed satisfaction at the visitor turn-out, especially on the first day of the show

itself, while also expressing that it would be better if the timing of the show be moved to the last week of January. On their part, the organisers introduced some initiatives this year like the SGI Hall of Fame and hosting a delegation from African nations.

The first issue of PrintWeek MEA -2017 features exclusive interviews from the Sign and Graphics show, and our Better Business article examines the ways of adding value to a digital printing job, dwelling on the increased affordability of embellishments like texturing, embossing, metallic and other exotic finishes.

Our Star Product features the hand oper-ated, lever-pull, vertical platten type Caslon Adana 85C and Kodak’s NexPress ZX3900 digital, colour production press.

Shilpa Jasani is the editor of PrintWeekMEA magazine.

First in

Arab world

to go Berliner

Océ

VarioPri

nt

DP Line

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e mono print

demands of commercia

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Nataraj

an: “F

or EPP

, both

offse

t and pack

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July

2012

US$2.75

COMPANIES

KBA .......

........

........

3

Gallus..

........

........

.. 4

3M ...

........

........

..... 4

HP........

........

.4, 13,

19

Xerox

.......

........

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.......

........

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.......

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........

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........

........

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........

........

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........

........

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.......

........

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.......

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........

........

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........

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........

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.......

........

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........

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........

........

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........

........

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........

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........

........

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........

....18

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........

........

.. 18

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........

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.......

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ch .......

....19

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........

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........

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........

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sis ....

........

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.......

........

26

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........

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REGULAR

S

SAUD

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INDU

STRY

Detai

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page

25

GM of Al Maw

rid

backs packaging

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awrid believes

in slow and ste

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PROFIL

E

REGIONAL

NEWS

NEWS

Atlas lo

oking at

newer av

enues

Radia invests AED 20 millio

n on

transpromo business page 5

PRODUCT

OF THE M

ONTHGulf N

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t newspaper in the region to change fro

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rinting to be handled by KBA’s Cortin

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Kannath: “Gone are the days when anybody could survive” pg 7

COMPANIES

GM alarmed with

rising prices

Menon of Dubai Printing Press,

explains the price dynamics pg23

NEWS ANALYSIS

PROFILE

3 ME installations

within 2 months

Goss Community presses bought

in Bahrain, Oman, Egypt page 7

NEWS

Innovation awards

presented to digital

printers in UAE

Substrate manufacturer, MACtac gave away 20 awards to digital

printers in UAE. JcDecaux won the first prize in the regional category,

while The Designer walked away with the second page 3

REGULARS

Efi Fiery

Dashboard

Keep an eye on your costs and

productivity from anywhere in the

world with this cloud-based data

analysis and information

collection tool page 32

Preparing to meet

B2B needs-Canon

Canon’s new 400 sqm showroom

to display about 25 products pg 4

NEWS

PRODUCT OF TH

E MONTH

August 2012 U

S$ 2.75

Al Manhal ..........

.... 3

API ...........

............

18

Autobond ...........

.. 15

Bemis .........

...........

17

Bobst .........

.......... 16

Bodoni ..........

........ 11

Canon ...........

.....4, 9

Coca-Cola ............

...17

Combibloc ..........

.... 9

Domino ...........

.....19

Drupa ...........

........ 18

EFI .......

............

.....13

Epson ...........

......... 4

Evolis ........

............

4

Gidue ...........

.........17

GMC .........

............

19

Gmund ...........

..16, 18

Goss .........

............

..7

Heidelberg ..........

7, 18

Henkel ..........

....... 15

HP............

..........5

, 9

Informa ...........

.....19

Kodak ...........

....11, 18

Konica Minolta ....... 5

Lexmark ...........

.....3

MACtac ..........

........ 3

Manroland ...........

. 18

Metsä ...........

........ 16

Mondi ..........

.........17

Poli-Tape .....

.......... 3

QuadTech ...........

....17

Samsung ...........

.... 4

Satbir .........

...........

3

Schawk ...........

.....19

Sistrade .....

............

4

Smurfit ......

...........

17

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3

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........ 15

UPM ...........

.......... 16

Videojet...........

......13

Wasatch ...........

.....11

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....... 13, 18

Xerox ...........

.....3, 15

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......... 11

Zevrix ...........

........ 19

News ..........

...........

3

Comment ...........

....21

Analysis .....

...........

23

Features ..........

.....24

Product Portfolio ... 32

Post Script ....

........38

TECHNOLOGY

REPORT

Colour Calibrati

on

page 28

y could ssurvive”

in

novation awa

presented to dig

printers in UAE

Substrate manufacturer, MACtac gave away 20 a

printers in UAE. JcDecaux won the first prize in t

while The Designer walked away with the seco

Efi Fiery

Dashboard

Keep an eye on your costs and

productivity from anywhere in the

world with this cloud-based data

analysis and information

collection tool page 32

PRODUCT OF TH

E MONTH

32123

..24

... 32

.....38

YOLOGY

PORT

r Calibrati

on

page 28

Mukundan, Liberty PP: “Markets have recovered from the slump” pg5

COMPANIES

Chairman plans to

forward integrate

Abdulrahman of Dar Akhbar Al

Khaleej shares his vision page 23NEWS ANALYSIS

PROFILE

DigiMatrix gets

good response

Laser cutting machines popular

with regional printers page 7

NEWS

President of Seiko

Epson on ME visitMinoru Usui, president of Seiko Epson backs the industry in the region

during his maiden visit page 3

REGULARS

Fujifilm

UvistarPro8K A super-wide format

printer developed for POP

and outdoor advertising on

flexible and rigid media

page 32-33

Col.Art celebrates

20th anniversary

Digital printer looks ahead with

expansion plans in GCC, India pg 4

NEWS

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

September 2012 US$ 2.75

Al Bayader .......... 7, 17

Antalis ................. 19

Arjowiggins .......9, 19

Canon ............... 4, 13

Chromolux ............ 16

Col.Art ................... 5

DigiMatrix ...............7

Durst .................... 19

EFI .................... 11, 13

Epson .................... 3

Esko ..................... 19

Evolis .................... 4

Fespa .................... 9

Flint ......................17

Heidelberg ......... 3, 19

Heytex .................. 9

HP......................4, 11

ICMA ..................... 15

Informa ................ 18

IP ......................... 16

Ipex ..................... 19

Jacky’s .................. 4

Kern ..................... 15

Kodak .................. 19

Konica Minolta ...... 15

Lombardi ............... 5

Manroland ............ 19

Mimaki ................. 19

Octal .....................17

Pitney Bowes ........ 15

Prati ......................17

Presstek ................ 5

QuadTech ..............19

Schawk ................. 11

Sharp .................4, 5

Smurfit .................17

Stora Enso .............17

Sun .......................13

Sun Chemical .........17

Technique ..............11

Vastex .................. 15

Xeikon ..............13, 19

News ..................... 3

Comment ...............21

Analysis ................ 23

Features ...............24

Product Portfolio ... 32

Post Script ............38

TECHNOLOGY

REPORTE-books

page 28

”pg5

airman plans to

rward integrate

dulrahman of Dar Akhbar Al r

aleej shares his vision page 2ge 23

ILE

DigiMaDigiMagoodLaser cuttin

with regional printers ppa

NEWS

Col.Art celebr 20th annivers

Digital printer looks ahe

expansion plans in GCC

NEWS

Farook Int’l installs region’s first SX-52

Horizon SmartStackerCompany says the press is ideal for B2 magazine printers who don’t want to invest in a B1 press page 33

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

Remote Service

page 30-31

Verton, HP: Regional printers want affordable printing Pg 4

October 2012 US$2.75

COMPANIESAdobe ................... 3Al ola ................... 25Antalis .................. 8APP ......................24Arbros .................. 25Arjowiggins .......... 16AV Flexologic ..........17Canon .................. 19Drupa ................ 13,19EFI .................... 11,19Epaon ................... 4Esko ......................17Ferag ................... 15Flint Group ............ 8Global Graphics ...... 6HP...................4,8,18Inpap ................... 25Intec ..................... 5ITC .......................24Kama ................... 15KBA ...................... 18Kimoha ................. 4Kodak ...................13komori ................. 19Mepco Gulf ........... 25Mimaki ................. 19NEC ....................... 11Oki ........................ 4One Vision ............. 3Orient...................24Primera .................17Roland .............. 13,18Samsung ............... 4Seiko .................... 19SKB ......................24Spectrum ............... 4Stora Enso ............ 16Sun Chemicals ........17Tech-ni-fold ......... 15Toyo Ink ................ 8X-rite .................... 11Xerox ................... 13Xiekon................... 11XOL ....................... 6

News ..................... 3Comment ...............21Analysis ................ 22Features ...............24Product Portfolio ... 32Post Script ............38

REGULARS

We see good scope and possibilitiesThomas, CEO of Eiffel Printing Press will update infrastructure page 23

PROFILE

REGIONAL NEWS

REGIONAL NEWS

Spectrum buys new Ricoh printer Razian backs ‘reliable machine with low operating cost’ page 4PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Farook International Stationery has invested in sheetfed offset printer from Heidelberg, the SX 52-4H, the first such machine sold in the region page 5

lls 52

e printingPg 4

We see good scopeand possibilitiesThomas, CEO of Eiffel Printing Prewill update infrastructure pagage

PROFILE

REGIONAL NEWS

Spectrum bunew Ricoh pRazian backs ‘reliablwith low operating c

rinter region

Gulf Print & Pack to be held in April 2013

GidueMX labelpressFor serving the label market, is it

really easy to use and a low cost

option? find out on page 30

Alex Li, VP: “ME is the most strategic region for Pantum” Pg 4 November 2012 US$2.75

COMPANIESAdobe ....................7

Al Ahli ................... 5Arjowiggins ........... 9Bosch ....................17

Brother ................. 4C.P Bourg ...............13Canon .............. 4,7,12CMC Machinery .......17

Drupa ................... 19EFI ....................19,18Enfocus ................ 18EPA ....................... 3Esko ......................17FedEx Kinko ............7

Flint ......................17Fujifilm ..............11,12Gallus.................... 5Giffin Graphics ....... 4Gitex ..................... 4Gulf Print............... 3HP..................4,5,7,19Ilford .................... 9Inca Digital ............12IPEX ..................... 19Kodak ................17,18Labelco .................. 5Manroland ............ 18Memjet ................. 19Metsa .................... 9Mondi .................. 16Obeikan ..................7

Océ ................... 13,18Pantum ................. 4Papers worldwide . 16PI Benford ............. 4Primedia ............... 3Quark ....................12RR Donnelly .......... 18Samsung ............... 9Schawk ................. 11

Sinapse ..................7

SisTrade ................. 4Vediojet .................17Xerox ................ 13,18X-Rite ...................12

News ..................... 3Comment ...............21Profile .................. 23Features ...............24Product Portfolio ...30Post Script ............38

REGULARS

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

Green consumables page 28-29

Fair competition enhances creativity

GM of QPress plans machinery

upgrades in 5-year plans pg 23

PROFILE

REGIONAL NEWS

REGIONAL

Labelco invests in 8-colour Gallus

Printshop to also expand offset

capacity at a later date page 5

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

The launch event of the expo was hosted at Al Bustan Rotana on 5th

November page 3

t & Pack to April 2013

st strategic region for Pantum”Pg 4

Fair competition enhances creativity

GM of QPress plans machinery

upgrades in 5-year plans pgg 233

PROFILE

REGIONAL NEWS

Labelco invests in 8-colour Gallus

Printshop to also expand offset

capacity at a later date paage 5e 5

sted at Al Bustan Rotana on 5th

Shah, Al Borj: ‘Automation in packaging is need of the hour’ page 5

COMPANIES

Mazrooei advises

financial prudence

‘Start printshop with own funds,’

says chairman of Dar Al Fajr pg 23

NEWS ANALYSIS

PROFILE

Multinational buys

Kodak’s NeXpress

Digital production press installed

in Lagos, Nigeria page 5

REGIONAL NEWS

Kwality invests AED

15 m in expansion

Dubai-based print shop, Kwality Printing and Stationery invests AED

15 million in machinery and larger premises in DIP page 3

REGULARS

Bobst Mobile Portal Enabling users to track problems as

and when they occur page 32

Kodak ME launches

Arabic OCR module

Manufacturer also showcases

high speed scanners page 4

REGIONAL NEWS

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

December 2012 US$ 2.75 Adobe ................... 3

Akwa Ibom .............7

Al Kifah ..................7

Al Nasher ................7

Al-Borj .................. 5

Arjowiggins ........... 9

Aslan ..................... 4

Benford ................. 9

Blue Rhine ............. 4

BQFP ......................7

Canon ................ 3,13

Creazy .................. 15

EFI ........................ 11

Epson .................3,16

Esko .................. 11,16

Explorer ................ 4

ExxonMobil ........... 16

Fespa ................ 13,19

Fujifilm ..............11,13

Gitex ..................... 4

Goss .......................7

Heidelberg ............ 18

HP......................4,16

Kern ..................... 15

KonicaMinolta ....... 19

Kodak .............. 4,7,16

Kwality ................. 3

Macmillan ............. 18

Manroland .......... 7,18

McAfee .................. 4

Mondi .................. 16

Neilpeter .............. 16

Presstek ............... 19

Ricoh ..................9,18

Seal...................... 15

Sona ..................... 3

Spandex ................17

Unibind ................ 15

Videojet................. 4

X-Rite ................... 11

Xaar ......................13

Xerox .................4,18

XOL ....................... 9News ..................... 3

Comment ...............21

Analysis ................ 23

Features ...............26

Product Portfolio ... 32

Post Script ............38

TECHNOLOGYREPORTPRE-MEDIA page 29-31

419, City Bay Business CentreAbu Hail Road, DubaiT: +971 4 239 9955E: printwk@eim.aeW: www.printweekmea.com

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PRODUCE 6 & 8 PAGE APPLICATIONS WITH 1 METER LONG SHEET CAPABILITY

PRINTERS, PREPARE FOR THE DIGITAL-DOUBLE-TAKE.You’ve seen it … the look of surprise your smaller-run customers get when they realize how far they can push their designs with the NexPress Digital Platform. A powerful front end provides fast, on-demand, variable data support while producing photographic image quality. Stunning specialty inks and finishes like gold, opaque white, high gloss, dimensional and matte enhance printed collateral— making your customers’ work, and you, stand out.

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ZERO PROCESSING MEANS LOWER COSTS AND LESS WASTE

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Process free platemaking has a positive impact on the environment, the workplace and your bottom line. That’s why the plate scientists at KODAK continue to improve upon the technology behind process free. Their commitment to sustainability is seen in the advanced capabilities and increased applications of SONORA Process Free Plates.

For the economic and environmental benefits of process free without sacrificing productivity or print quality, choose KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates.

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Offset printing, consistent color reproduction and runs to suit almost any need - all for a very practical price. We mostly focus towards the school jobs and it is not that much easy for a new printing press to enter into this segment. There are lots and lots of input required to do a single schoolbook like number of pages, graph pages and many more. Since we know all the requirements of every curriculum we are able to meet their requirements.”

Speaking about the changes in the technology, printing indus-try and the trend, he added, “The industry always welcomes the new technology and without the technological development we cannot grow so the technology is growing rapidly. Now, everyone in the industry is scared to invest and this has to be changed immediately. The region business for us has been the same from 2013 and we didn’t see any decline in our business. Since we focus more in the school books, we are having a steady business altogether. Printing is a capital intensive and highly competitive industry. However, digital will continue to be the main focus and this is where I see growth. Another major advantage in UAE is that the presses don’t need to own big warehouses, as all the materials are available instantly. The small printing press in the market are closing their presses as they are unable to meet the breakeven cost which is horrible and affecting the suppliers faith on other presses. I would request the presses to reinvest the money earned from the press in the same industry rather than the other industry.”

Speaking about the employee benefits, credit period, and company plans, he further says, “We haven’t felt any difficulty in retaining the employees but however, with our services like accommodation and other benefits, our employee are much happy with us and that is why we have reached this good posi-tion along with them. In addition, we have planned to give insurance and employee bonus in the coming year. The credit period is the one critical point to be considered and we always prefer to give the clients between 60 to 120 days but so far we haven’t faced any hurdles while collecting the money. We don’t have many plans towards expansion and we will wait for the correct time to invest.”

ailing from Coimbatore and raised in Kerala, India, Madhusudanan Nayar completed his schooling in St. Thomas Higher Secondary School in K K Pudur, Coimbatore and after completing it their family moved back to his hometown in Kerala. As soon as he landed,

he started to pursue Bachelors of Arts degree in Accountancy at PTM Government College Perinthalmanna. While he was pursu-ing his studies he got a job in Nestle as sales executive and did education and degree together. In 1998, he arrived in UAE to ven-ture into the printing industry career.

Madhu says, “My career started while I was pursuing my edu-cation in Kerala. My first job was in Nestle as a sales executive and I was there in that company for around one and a half years. After resigning from Nestle, I joined Ponds India Pvt. Ltd as sales representative for North Malabar Area. I worked there for around two years and after that I joined Ramtirth Brahmi Oil as marketing manager for Kerala. Since I was desperately looking for good opportunities, I immediately got a job in Cycle Agarbatti as Kerala manager and worked there for the next 3.5 years. During that time, I worked hard and invested in a property in my hometown which was a big accomplishment for me. After some period again I got a very good opportunity in Natraj Pencils as regional manager for Kerala and Tamilnadu where I worked for 4 years. After resigning the job I was looking for some overseas opportunity and somehow I come to know that Ali Alhashemi Trading was recruiting for their one of their company. I attempted the interview and got selected for Printing and Stationery Industry, Sharjah (PSI) in 1998 and came to UAE. Since I am quick learner I learnt almost everything about the diary manufacturing, custom made exercise books, mailing machine envelopes and many more. During that time, mailing facility was available only in UAE. Since I was the in charge for many important division, it gave me a good opportunity to learn all these things. I worked there until 2010 and while resigning I was the sales manager. After resigning, I started looking for some better opportunities and luckily during the same time, the owner of the printing press was looking for a responsible person to take care of the whole printing press. Since both of our ideas managed to be the same I got this opportunity to work as a general man-ager for Zabeel Printing Press LLC.”

Talking about the press, he added, “We are one of the most innovative and trusted printers in UAE. Our reputation and our obsession with quality is second best to none. We are manufactur-ers, offering you a range of school paper stationery products, very high quality and competitive price. Some of our products are Ex. Books, Teachers Plan Book, Attendance Register Book (Staff & Student), Progress Card, Report Sheet, Drawing Book, Children Activity Book, Practical Record Book, and many more. Quality

Madhusudanan Nayar, general manager of Zabeel Printing Press LLC, Ajman in conversation with Venkat Raghavan, shares his experience towards the printing industry as well as the other industry and how he is handling the current market

The money earned from the press has to be reinvested only in the printing

Madhu: Our suppliers has been continuously offering a very good support on all circumstances

H

HIGHLIGHTS Printing press does most of their business with schools in UAE

They have received ISO certification 9001:2008

MADHUSUDANAN NAYAR PROFILE

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 27www.printweekmea.com

The UV print market is predicted to grow over the next few years because newer technologies are reducing operational costs and therefore encouraging growth in the commercial, mainstream market.

Even though UV has been around for a while, more and more of Kodak’s customers are considering it and asking which solution best fits their needs.

KODAK PLATE SOLUTIONS FOR UV PRINTING

Kodak’s plate scientists have developed new plate techno- logies to withstand the harsh pressroom chemicals needed when printing with UV curable inks, while reducing environ- mental impact and operational costs.

PROCESS FREE FOR UV

SONORA XP Process Free Plates are the most sustainable solution from Kodak for UV printing. Zero processing not only simplifies prepress, but it lowers costs and reduces waste. You may have heard that process free plates don’t work for UV printing, but SONORA XP Process Free Plates are uniquely different. They are qualified for run lengths of up to 10,000 impressions for UV applications, and some customers are reporting even longer runs.

The plate scientists at Kodak continue to improve upon the technology behind process free and are extending the plate’s UV capabilities even further with the launch of SONORA UV Process Free Plates in 2017.

NOT READY FOR PROCESS FREE?

The new ELECTRA MAX Thermal Plate is a traditionally processed plate that offers maximum chemical resistance, with unbaked run lengths of up to 150,000 impressions for UV applications. The positive-working ELECTRA MAX Plates offer low chemistry usage and long developer cycles—without having to invest in an expensive, new processor. The plate’s other unique features include 10-micron FM and 450 lpi AM capabilities.

NEED A NEGATIVE-WORKING PLATE?

The TRILLIAN SP Plate offers the same significant chemistry savings and durable chemical resistance for UV Printers needing a negative-working plate.

S I X R E A S O N S W E

LUV UV 1. FEWER EMISSIONS OF VOCs

2. INKS CAN DRY ON PLASTIC AND

OTHER NON-POROUS SUBSTRATES

3. INKS DO NOT HAVE TO ABSORB

INTO THE STOCK/DRY FAST

4. IF YOU CAN GET IT THROUGH THE

PRESS YOU CAN PRINT ON IT

5. INK DOTS ARE LEFT SITTING

ON THE SUBSTRATE, WHICH

REDUCES CONTAMINATION

AND DELIVERS MORE VIBRANT

COLOR AND DETAIL

6. HIGHER GLOSS LEVELS AND

SUPERIOR RUB RESISTANCE

ARE POSSIBLE

SUSTAINABLE AND DURABLE.PLATE SOLUTIONS FROM KODAK FOR UV PRINTING.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KODAK’S PLATE SOLUTIONS VISIT GRAPHICS.KODAK.COM

VISIT KODAK AT BOOTH H10

THE PLATE

KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates completely eliminate the processing step, without requiring Print-ers to make sacrifices on productivity or print qual-ity. They are imaged on a platesetter and mounted on press just like any other plate, and work with manual or auto load systems. During the normal pre-dampening process, the fountain solution swells the coating. The pre-damp is kept to a minimum to prevent removal of the coating. Then, when the inking rollers are engaged, the un-imaged coating is “stripped” from the plate by the tack and shear of the ink—a purely physical interaction, rather than a chemical process. The plate coating is carried away on the substrate with the ink, typically within the first few sheets.

THE PLATESETTER

The compact TRENDSET-TER Q400/Q800 Plateset-ter with the Single Cassette Unit (SCU), can automate

plate loading and unload-ing for up to 120 plates with uninterrupted operation. Its small footprint reduces ship-ping waste and costs, as well as space requirements. And, the new cooling system yields up to 30% power savings from its initial design —using only 770 watts while imaging.

NEW IN 2017

Kodak announced several advancements in its plate- setter and process free plate technologies.

Kodak’s plate scientists are pushing process free capa- bilities even further with the introduction of the KODAK SONORA UV Pro-cess Free Plate. The new plate design allows Printers using UV—including the newer low-energy UV presses—to achieve higher run lengths than with any other process free plate available today.

Productivity is amplified with the addition of the Multi-Cassette Unit (MCU) to the TRENDSETTER’S list

of capabilities. The MCU option features online access to four cassettes of 120 plates each, for a total of 480 plates—avail-able without any manual intervention.

Automated platemaking with the TRENDSETTER Q400/Q800 can be accomplished with less than half the space requirements, and up to 80% less power usage than com-parable MCU’s on the market today.

KODAK CREATES THE WORLD’S FASTEST PROCESS FREE CTP

The new ultra-fast W speed option significantly increas-es TRENDSETTER through-put to 68 plates per hour on an 8-up plate and 75 plates per hour on a 4-up plate when imaging KO-DAK SONORA XP Plates— creating the world’s fastest process-free CTP. This confi- guration delivers more ef-ficient, compact and faster plate making—all without chemistry or processor use.

PROCESSING IS COMPLETELY ELIMINATED – NO PROCESSOR, CHEMISTRY, OR WATER NEEDED

NON-ABLATIVE, SO A DEBRIS REMOVAL SYSTEM IS NO LONGER NEEDED

GOOD IMAGE CONTRAST – HIGH ENOUGH TO READ 10 PT TYPE

THROUGH A PURELY PHYSICAL INTERACTION ON PRESS, THE UN-IMAGED COATING IS REMOVED FROM THE PLATE AND CARRIED AWAY ON THE SUBSTRATE

WORKS WITH SHEETFED, HEATSET WEB, COMMERCIAL COLDSET WEB, OFFSET PACKAGING, NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING AND UV PRINTING

SONORA Process Free Plates

JUST STICKING TO THE FACTS …TRENDSETTER Q400/Q800 Platesetter

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT GRAPHICS.KODAK.COM

TRENDSETTER AND SONORA:

CTP AND PROCESS FREE PLATE COMBO

DELIVERS MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY AND

SUSTAINABILITY.

AUTOMATED PLATE LOADING AND UNLOADING FOR UP TO 120 PLATES WITH THE SINGLE CASSETTE UNIT (SCU) AND 480 WITH THE MULTI CASSETTE UNIT (MCU)

SQUARESPOT THERMAL HEAD DELIVERS UNMATCHED QUALITY

SHORTER NON-ROTATOR UNLOAD TABLE CREATES AN EVEN SMALLER FOOTPRINT

AUTOMATIC SLIP SHEET REMOVAL

IN-LINE PUNCH SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC 3-POINT REGISTRATION AND ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION

NEW COOLING SYSTEM PROVIDES A 30% INCREASE IN POWER SAVINGS WITH SCU, AND UP TO 80% WITH MCU

JUST STICKING TO THE FACTS …

Need to know...Get over it: Madrid gets world’s first 3D-printed footbridge; desktop 3D printer is (mostly) 3D-printed, runs on batteries, says Venkat Raghavan

The Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has designed the world’s first 3D-printed p e d e s t r i a n b r i d g e . Installed in the urban park of Castilla-La Mancha in Alcobendas, Madrid, and made up of eight separate 3D-printed parts, the bridge spans 40 ft (12 m) and meas-ures 5.7 ft (1.75m) wide.

Developed in collabora-tion with a multidiscipli-nary team of architects and engineers, the bridge is constructed out of a fused concrete powder micro-reinforced with thermoplas-tic polypropylene. Enrico Dini, a pioneer in giant 3D-printing techniques, was a principle collaborator with his D-Shape printer allowing for the creation of this novel structure.

Large-scale 3D printing has become more wide-spread in recent years and many types of materials are currently being experi-mented with.

A 3D -pr inted of f ice building was constructed in Dubai in 2016 utilizing cus-tom-built printers that exuded a cement mixture, while an Italian engineer-ing company has been working on massive 3D printers that can build structures out of mud, clay or natural fibers.

Dutch printing firm, MX3D, is even planning on building a steel bridge across a canal in Amsterdam using an innovative robotic 3D-printing technology that allows structures to be created on-site, in mid-air.

The IAAC designers a p p e a r t o h a v e b e e n inspired by the organic works of Spain’s most well-known architect Antoni Gaudi, but the final prod-uct, which was inaugurated

Non-printed compo-nents include motors, PCB, wires and a 2,000 mAh LiPo battery that’s reported to offer more than an hour’s printing for every hour on charge.

Open source software runs the printing show, with Marlin firmware, Cura slicing software and Pronterface printing soft-ware taking care of busi-ness. Supported print file formats include STL, OBJ and GCODE and can be loaded in over USB from a connected computer or via SD card. A premium ver-sion of the printer will also allow wireless file transfer over Bluetooth.

The printer has a 6 x 6 x 6 cm (2.36 x 2.36 x 2.36 in) bed, and will come w i t h a n o n - p r i n t e d extruder head for plastics and the option of another for printing chocolate cre-ations.

The Poly 3D project is currently in the pre -release prototyping stage, with its design team due to launch a crowdfunding campaign to fund produc-tion in March. The base model is expected to retail for €249 (about US$260) (Source: 3DRap).

Sign Istanbul 2017

Sign Istanbul is a 5 day event being held at the Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey. This event showcas-es products like MediaPost Communications is an inte-grated publishing and content company whose mission is to provide a complete array of resources for media, marketing and advertising professionals etc. in the Media & Advertising industry.Date: 4-8 October 2017Venue: Tuyap Fa i r Convention & Congress Center, Istanbul, TurkeyContact: +90 (212) 275 75 79, www.en.signistanbul.com

Saudi Print and Pack 2017

The 14th edition of the Saudi Print and Pack brings together industry profe-ssionals from around the Kingdom, the region and the world. The events keep pace with the growth of the packaging, printing, plastics, and petrochemicals industries in the Kingdom and present a unique opportunity for attendees to advance the growth and development of these sectors and increase their contribution to the national economy. Together, the Saudi P las t i c s and Petrochemicals will take place.Date: 27 February – 2 March 2017Venue: Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Saudi ArabiaContact: +966 11 2295604, www.saudi-pp.com

SGI Dubai 2018

International Expo Consults organizes the 21st edition of SGI Dubai. SGI Dubai is the anticipated event of the year in the MENA region for exhibitors and visitors in the Signage, Digital Signage, Retail Signage Solutions, Outdoor media, Screen and Digital printing industries. It brings gathering of both exhibitors and visitors from

across the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, East Africa, and other countries from the MENA region. Date: 14–16 January 2018Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, Dubai, UAEContact: +971 04 343 7744, www.signmiddleeast.com

PaperWorld ME 2017

The 6th edition attracted over 6,774 trade visitors from 101 countries, 11 percent up on the previous edition that look to source for products and services offered by international and local companies, while 305 exhibitors from 36 countries showcased their latest wares, from office supplies, paper, school, party and gift articles, to toys, games, wrapping paper, printer consumables, and arts and craft supplies. With all this expectations the 2017 event would be better than before.Date: 14-16 March, 2017Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition, UAEContact: +971 4 389 4500,www.paperworldme.com

Gulf Print & Pack 2017

Gulf Print & Pack is a plat-form that has attracted manufacturers and distri-butors within the print & publishing domain from across the ME, Asia, Europe and the US. Computer-to-plate and digital printing technologies are just making their way into the area, and equipment m a n u fa c t u re r s a n d distributors are working to educate the market while enjoying healthy sales. The last year edition has attra-cted most visitors by posting a 26.7% rise in visitor num-bers with a footfall of 11,918.Date: 26-29 March, 2017Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition, UAEContact: +971 4 603 3315,www.gulfprintpack.com

DIARY

3D-printed pedestrian bridge sits in Madrid(Credit: IAAC)

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCEANALYSIS

last month, does look a lit-tle like a styrofoam prop from a Lord of the Rings movie.

It may not be the most elegant looking large-scale 3D-printed structure we’ve seen, but it is certainly one of the strangest and is likely to be a sign of things to come.

There are now a good many desktop 3D printers vying for dominance in the home office, making it difficult for newcomers to stand out from the crowd. Italian digital prototyping labora-tory 3DRap is looking to make its mark with a 3D-printed 3D printer that makes use of open source software and will retail for just over $250.

Details are in short sup-ply as of writing but we definitely believe that we do know that the Poly 3D printer is constructed using 3D-printed biode-gradable PLA material. 3DRap says that PLA should remain solid and stable at room tempera-ture, but will start to degrade at temperatures higher than 65° C (149° F) and more than 20 percent humidity.

www.printweekmea.com30 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

S G I 2 0 1 7

SGI 2017

32 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

REVIEWS

20th edition of SGI hosts 400 exhibitors from 36 countries

HP

www.printweekmea.com

3M3M participated at the SGI along with its distributor Signtrade. Talking about their range of products on display, Khalil Fakhouri, market development manager, graphics architectural markets - CEEMEA said: “We are launching sustainable, green solution products that is non-PVC products - printable films, car wrapping films and illuminated signage. This year we are announcing a new category that is micro comply - premier and intermediate category for digital printing. Our 8548 overlaminate car wrap is the new launch in the region. The other product goes by the name 48C-1, intermediary digital printing product that is non-PVC used for fleet application, office branding. Another new product is the 40C-114 budget range, transparent product and the 780 micro comply for traffic safety. These solutions are useful for end users like automative, interior decoration, banking or hospitality industries. We have also launched glass finish and fire retardant products. Our range of products are good for indoor and outdoors and come with guarantees. For us the key market now is the hospitality industry, with 64,000 rooms coming up, its a huge opportunity. We have various solutions for this segment like for example we have films to refurbish doors, without the hassle of remov-ing the door. Merely apply the film and you have a new door. Since we use latex inks and our adhesives are also very environmentally friendly and hazard free. The signage industry which traditionally used flex is now moving towards LED and sustainable.”

SGI 2017

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 33

REVIEWS

www.printweekmea.com

Heliozid Oce Emirates

Epson

Canon

Epson relaunched its signage and fabric printers with latest edition printheads - Precision Core TFP, with enhanced features. The manufacturer also launched fine art and graphic large format printers SureColor P10000 and P20000 at the show. The machines are availa-ble in the region and are already being shipped out.

Explained Shihab Zubair, regional sales manager, professional solutions: “Epson has had a good year in 2016, doing very well in textile printing machines and signage industry. We are launching the textile machine in Egypt very soon. We are offering special prices at the show and would like to send out a message to our customers that you can do every thing with a couple of machines. As an innovation company we have many new products in the pipeline, and shall announce at the right time. Though Espon does not have a very wide sig-nage range, we are targeting value-added signage. Talking about the regional signage indus-try, we feel there is room for growth and our Micro Piezo technology is used extensively. We are the biggest projector manufactuers in the world. At Gitex we launched our high-end laser projector. I agree that digital signage is very important and one need to have static as well as interactive solutions for marketing and advertising. On the subject of the show, I feel such a show should be organized in Saudi Arabia as well.”

SGI 2017

34 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

REVIEWS

Jacky’s

Graphic International Centre LLC (GIC)

www.printweekmea.com

SignmaxSignmax Advertising Materials Trading LLC participated in SGI for the second consecutive time by showcasing variety of items in printing media like CAST PVC Film, Stone Guard, Carbon film, transparent, floor graphic, plotter series, and digital printing series.

Talking about their participation, Usman VK, managing director from Signmax, com-mented, “We took double the size of the booth from last year by believing that we will get more revenue through the event. The visitors were very positive and even they were better than last year where we even received several serious enquiries. On first day, we saw cus-tomers from outside and on the second day we saw the customers from the local market so it’s a mixture of them. Since, last year was our first participation we had our booth which was located away from our competitors and this year we are located in between them and it seems we are in a learning curve. During the show we have showcased our own products and our partners products. Some of the products are Unifol, Unicast, neonpro, LED strips, Halco adhesive tapes, and Nesto machines. The Nesto Aluminium Composite Panels Cutting and Grooving Machines can be used for aluminium panels which are widely used in facade works and advertising industry. Overall, the organizers did a tremendous job and we strongly believe that we will get more enquiries through the event to make our year suc-cessful.”

SGI 2017

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 35

REVIEWS

www.printweekmea.com

Sign ChinaSign China, who has attracted buyers from over 130 countries and regions for eight years, participated in SGI event. By participating in the show, they elaborated the visitors that their event will be a good platform to reach out to both domestic and international markets.

Speaking about their participation, Anna Pan, marketing manager from UBM, said, “Participating in the SGI event is a positive step for us and even few of our exhibitors are already exhibiting here. During the show we have received several enquiries for exhibiting in China as well as few of them have asked for the procedures for visiting the event and for them we said that we will be giving an invitation letter which would allow them to get the visa easily. We have come here not only to pro-mote the show but also to let the exhibitors know that the initiatives we are taking to promote the event as International show. There are some bad perceptions going in the mind of some countries like that if they are showcasing their products then the Chinese manufacturers will replicate it at a cheaper price and they can easily sort this by having patent rights or a partner in China. Our show is entirely different and we focus on one stop-sourcing platform for the exhibitors through our two shows Sign China and LED China. The exhibitors showcase the products starting from raw materials to finish products as well as LED material or components to final product. Overall, SGI event is a good one for us and we learnt many things like on how to have a cordial relationship with the exhibitors and the media persons.”

Agfa Graphics

SigntradeLargest exhibitors at the SGI, Signtrade operated a busy booth. Occupying an entire hall, owner and managing director of Signtrade, Yasin Merchant said: “We are showing new products like UV printers, CNC machines at the show and have entered into new partner-ships with various manufacturers. Dubai has a lot of potential and its leaders are very dynamic. By next year, we will have more products to exhibit like fully automated CNC machines, we plan to go strong with textile printers and plan to bring 3D printers as well. We already have machines for indoor decoration, stone carving among others. Signage market is diversifying towards LED. We do have plans to bring in 3D printers and will announce details at the right time. Though if I may add, 3D printing is more suitable in the architecture, medical and education sectors. All our overseas branches are doing well, but our business in African countries is still developing. As a sign that we are optimistic, we are increasing staff and have employed engineers. It seems as if there are increased partici-pants from China and Far East, but those customers who require quality still prefer European technology.”

Signing off Merchant added that next year Signtrade will participate with an even bigger booth.

Agfa participated in the exhibition with its range of wide format printers, upgrades to existing machinery, and new technology. Said Moataz Salah Eldin, general manager-Agfa MEA inkjet: “We have a wide range of products - our Anapurna range, the Jeti range, and we will be bringing in textile machines this year. Our main expertise is ink. Since this is a mature market, the growth opportunities lie in industrial applications. We have started making inroads into the home furnishing and interior decoration. “

Earlier this year, Agfa launched the 3.2 meter, roll-to-roll, UV LED curing printer -Jeti Ceres that can print on diverse single and dual roll media at speeds of up to 186 m²/hr. The printer can also print on heat-sensitive media such as self-adhesive sheets and PVC without warping or wrin-kling them, announced the manufacturer. The Jeti Ceres with Asanti (Agfa Graphics’ wide-for-mat printing workflow software) are also compatible with Agfa Graphics’ cloud-based PrintSphere. Added Frederik Dehing, vice-president, EMEA, Australia, Japan and Korea: “Afga stands on 2 legs - offset and prepress which is the traditional business. We are strategising to consolidate our position in the MEA region. We have always applied a total solutions strategy - we provide the CtP, plates, ink, workflow, service.”

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REVIEWS

Al Shabak General Trading

TheMagicTouchTheMagicTouch participated in SGI and educated their customers about the applications avail-able in their existing machine. Along with this, they have launched the Ball Press machine.

Talking about their participation, Rifki Hussain, director – operations from Magic Touch Advertising LLC, commented, “Earlier the event was very small and people hesitate to partici-pate but now it has become mandatory. The event is being organized in such a way to cover the whole region. All our partners were they’re in the event and we all utilized the show to see our customers. In the event I saw visitors from Nigeria, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman. However, only the local market people hesitate to invest but the other people open for invest-ment. Our growth in the last year was good where some sector like promotional printing went well and machine selling had some decline. During the show we have showcased the large for-mat INSTA 828 which comes with a life time warranty. Along with this, Doming Automatic Machine was showcased. We believe that adding more products related to the same product line will help the customer and that is one of the reasons we unveiled the Ball Press Machine. Since, we have a complete range of printers, papers, flex ranges and many more so the show went well for us. Earlier we do demonstration on the show but nowadays we wanted to let the customers come to our office so that we shall spend more time with them.”

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Magic Trading Co. LLC

Al Shabak General Trading participated in SGI event by showcasing their products like MacTac Flexchrome, wallCHALKER, optically clear vinyl and many more.

Speaking about their participation, Govind Unni, sales manager from Al Shabak, commented, “In the event we have showcased the products from multi-fix, JM Technical Textiles for Fabric printing, Folex, Endutex for wide format fabrics, and MacTac. MacTac Flexchrome is one of the products we are promoting in the event which is a tuning film and low tack bubble free repositionable adhesive. The next one is the MACtac wallCHALKER which is a unique intermediate film designed specifically for chalkboard applications. We have textured laminating and we long term floor graphics lamination and through this we recently done a project in Oman Airport. Now everyone in the industry is talking about fabric and even the Chinese are producing them at good rate so sooner or later PVC will be replaced by fabrics. Earlier, there was some talk about the green initiatives and it didn’t do well as no one is ready to provide the green inks and media at a cheaper price. Since, the fabrics are currently doing well so the green concept may shift towards fabric. The industry currently facing some problem with the collection so we are taking some kind measure to secure our payment. Al Shabak strongly supports customers and that is why we use to train our customers regularly on the applications and even offer onsite training. Apart from this, we have a colour profiling specialists to help the customer to have correct output. Earlier we were scared to participate in the event due to the market slowness but now we are happy. Finally, we are glad to let the customers know that we are expanding in Iran.”

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System Middle EastSystem Middle East participated in SGI by showcasing the products from Mutoh: Large format Digital Printers, cutting plotters & specialty printers, Polyprint - Direct to Garment Printer, Sawgrass - Photo realistic Sublimation solution on Rigid substrates, Caldera - all machines will run on Caldera RIP platform demonstrating variety of features of the RIP on various applications, Lamidesk, Sawgrass, and Ampla.

Talking about their participation, Khalid Gamal, general manager from System Middle East, said, “It’s as usual important for us to participate in the event and it has become important show for the whole region. We have not seen much new customers during the event but we used the show to create awareness about our new products and offerings. Even though the market is little slow the crowd was gathered well and even we saw potential customers in the event. The people are ready to invest and break the slowness in the market which is a good sign for everyone. The customers are looking for solutions which could allow them to gain good margins. The signage industry is well-established one in this region and 2020 expo will have less impact in the machineries but it will have more impact in the consumables from 2018. In 2016 we are able to sell the machines what we sold during the last few years but the price of the machines has been decreased to compete with the market price. We are the master distributors of Mutoh and they are growing on year on year where they around 30% market share on eco solvent business. In general, we are selling a good service through our range of products where customer satisfaction and word of mouth are our primary reason for our sales.”

Al Mahir Printing Equipment Trading

Worldwide DigitalWorldwide Digital participated in the SGI by showcasing the products like Neotitan RTR3204D-W2 superwide 3.2m UV roll-to-roll with 4 colours (plus white), Neotitan Mini 1604D, Avalon Maxima 3.2m Eco Solvent Printer, Swift 1820s 1.8m Eco Solvent Printer and few more.

Talking about their participation, Bishnu Mahato, senior sales manager (ME&A) from WorldWide Digital, said, “We have been continuously participating in the SGI for the last four years and we are witnessing evident growth from all the editions. Earlier we use to work on the solvent and eco solvents only but now we started to look futuristic by focusing more on textile and UV segments. UV is a vast market and that is the one which is going to have good future. Our Superwide 3.2m UV roll-to-roll with 4 colour plus white from Neotitan has been the most economical product in the market. It allows you to achieve maximum speed with photorealistic printing quality. In the current market, we strongly believe that customer ser-vice is the most important factor and we need to offer them whenever it is necessary. In addi-tion, to avoid the credit backlogs we started to work on a strategic plan which would allow us to overcome any issues. Overall, the event went well for us and expecting to participate in the next edition too.”

Al Mahir Printing Equipment Trading participated in SGI event by showcasing the products like Lei Quan Laser cutting and marking machine from China, Apex UV digital printing machine from China, portable laser marking machine from China, T-shirt automatic folding machine from India, Grafica Nano print plus auto take off, Nano UV dryer 24”, heat transfer machine, Drawer type heat press machine hydraulic style ST-4050A, pen transfer printing machine, pad printing machine and few more.

Dilawar Dalwai from Al Mahir, commented about their participation, “The first day of the show was very good and the other days was better. The response was very good, we found that we have received more African visitors compared to the last few editions, apart from this we saw visitors from GCC, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and Pakistan. We have received good leads from the event and even sold few machines. The 2016 was steady one for us and there were some growth in printing services, printing, corporates but there were some decline in machine trading and we are positive for this year. This year we have introduced two new products like Vinyl PU and tshirt folding machine. We believe that these products will do well for this region. We always help the customers in all way that is why whenever we are selling machine we use to give on job training for them. Screen printing may not be doing great like digital but with the new available technol-ogies and machines, the customers started to consider the screen print.

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38 PrintWeek MEA February 2017

REVIEWS

Mutoh

Avery DennisonAvery Dennison showcased SWF colorflow, 5600LD, MPI8000 wall films and more at Strings booth.

Talking about the products, E. Kaan Erdogan, sales manager, MENA, said, “This year we have show-cased SWF colorflow series. This is a special series with satin film finish enhancing the colourswap effect. Next is the 5600 LD translucent film that is compatible with LED lights. The product was launched 6 months ago and is having a good response so far. In addition to the 14 standard colours, a fast colour matching service is available with a minimum order quantity of just one roll - allowing end users to customize or match brand colours with the greatest of ease. Another product we are focusing is MPI 8000 wall series that was launched in Europe last year. The product gives design flexibility for even the most ambitious indoors wall vinyl printing applications – with new, three-dimensional tex-tures, rapid application and reliable print performance. Since, this country is a place where people give preference to indoor life, we believe that this product will have a good response as well. Finally, Digital cast MPI 1104 – our superior 3D product is another one that we are focusing in the event. The product allows you to apply it easily to the most demanding substrates and it is printable across all platforms. Last year we have been able to meet our target in UAE and this year we hope to realize the same. In the second quarter we are planning to launch monomeric digital easy apply with bubble free in economic series and in the third quarter we will be introducing digital clear cast. At this time, I would like to emphasize that since our products are in the high end of the sign industry we want to focus more and more on high value products rather than entering a price war. Since, Middle East is quick in adaptability we believe that we will have more growth here.”

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OKI

Mutoh showcased the entry level VJ1604X printer for the Eco Solvent market, Direct Textile Printer VJ1938 TX and the Direct-to-Garment Inkjet Printer VJ405 GT along with other Mutoh products at Graphic International Centre LLC (GIC) booth at SGI. Apart from this, Mutoh products were show-cased at the System Middle East booth during the event.

Speaking about the participation at the SGI, Paresh Patel, MD of GIC commented, “This year we have launched the VJ 405 Direct-to-Garment Inkjet Printer which offers both CMYK + White print-ing possibilities for digital production of dark and light coloured garments. It can be equipped with different sizes of easily interchangeable print platens for the different T-shirt sizes.” He added that, “The pricing structure for the Mutoh 405 GT printer is attractively priced for short run T-shirt pro-duction for customer looking for quick turn arounds. GIC has a professionally qualified team of engi-neers, who are trained at Mutoh to handle the after-sale service efficiently.”

Nick Decock, commercial marketing manager at Mutoh Belgium nv said that, “Since, the market is not as robust as it used to be, we are tracking trends each quarter to develop strategies and plan better. We are glad to have a relationship with GIC as they have experience in the entire Large Format Print market segment. We are happy with the SGI as it is an international event and its outcome will help us plan our marketing activities in the region. Mutoh has a wide range of printers like textile, solvent, traditional, small format, direct T-shirt and many more which positions us well above our competitors in the Middle East market.”

OKI Europe Limited participated in SGI by showcasing their wide range of industrial printers to let the end users aware about their solutions.

Talking about OKI, Terry Kawashima, managing director of OKI, commented, “OKI has been providing office solutions which was our original solution and three years before we have decided to expand ourselves in the graphic arts segment to offer new solutions and this made us to land on Seiko. While we started to speak with Seiko we clearly understood that we both are in the same position and there is no much difference in wide format division. Now our strategy is more enhanced so we call it industry print. The LED technology features very precise and high definition printing together with the straight paper path that in return offers to manage more variety of media. We have established industry print division headquartered in Japan which not only helping us to sell the machines but also helping us to reestablish our portfolio. As a first thing we introduced E64 new wide format product that is the best one for the price. We strongly believe that this product will allow us to expand our standing in the industrial printing market. In addition, we are excited with the Middle East opportunities and with the leadership of Mathias we believe that we will grow a lot. We are now working on the next generation platforms for the industrial printer which would allow us to offer the best solutions to the end users. As always, we wanted to work with our partners and customers to solve their problems and we did the same even in this event too. Finally, we had a very good growth in the last year and expecting more on this year.”

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February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 39

REVIEWS

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MimakiMimaki participated in SGI event and showcased MK II series UJF 6042 and UJF 3042 for the first at Signtrade booth. Apart from this Mimaki has showcased products like WJF-7151 PLUS, CG-130 FXII – Cutting Plotter, CG-160 FXII – Cutting Plotter, CG-130 SRIII – Cutting Plotter, CG-60SRIII – Cutting Plotter, CF2-1215, ME-500 Engraving Plotter, SWJ 320 S4 Inkjet Printer, SIJ 320 UV, CJV150-160, JV150-160, JV300-160, TS300P_1800, CFL-605RT, UJF 3042FX, UJF 6042, UJF 3042 HG, JFX 200-2513 and many more.

Talking about their participation, Mike Horsten, general manager, marketing EMEA, commented, “In the last year event we have showcased our 7151 small format industrial printer which has received very good response. Likewise, this year we are launching two new models UJF-3042 MkII and UJF-6042 MkII flatbed LED UV printers bring increased productivity and ease of use to on-demand, direct to object printing. In 2012 we have launched 12 new products and product release depending upon the market requirement and this year we may release few more new products too. On average we are growing between 12 through 15% and we are happy with that. We do see an upward trend in Dubai with more investment and also 2020 is coming so everything is expected to rise. Recently, we have introduced Tiger model machines and it is doing well. Mimaki is successful in small and large format flatbed, solvent business, print cut machines, and the next step for us is to be extremely successful in textile where everyone knows that we are the one who introduced textile printing in 1999. The SGI event has become a International show and four years back the event looked like interesting trade show and it is a awesome show this year so they are growing.”

Fortune7

COLORJETColorJet, India based manufacturer of wide format digital inkjet printers participated at SGI and showcased their new solution through JWEI flatbed cutters.

Talking about their participation, “Pavan Gupta, director Colorjet, said, “In this edition we are not exhibiting any new product as such but there are some increase in the print speed and the perfor-mance of the machine. We have recently got a strategic tie-up with the company called JWEI flatbed cutter manufacturer and through them we are demonstrating more of a total solution where you can print on our machine and cut on JWEI machines. The reason for opting this brand is because this machine allows the users to cut any media like acrylic, MDF, aluminum, stickers and many more. Apart from this, the machine allows you to do V-Cut, kiss-cut and many more so that you shall make any items easily. Since, we are an OEM partner for this product so the users can directly purchase from them or through us. As a company, we strongly believe that rather than introducing new prod-ucts we should provide solutions to the users where they could make more profit with the existing product. Even though we have started to move away in the last few years but expanded ourselves to more than 20 countries and we did a very good job last year in the global market. We have distributors in countries like Australia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and also we are strongly expanding in Europe. Again, we strongly believe that we should grow along with the partners and that’s why we select our partners after a long study of them. Finally, I would like to tell that we are very economical affordable solution provider for the rigid media printing and the fabric printing.”

Fortune7 participated for the third time in the SGI event. In 2015, they participated along with Sam Inks and from 2016 they started to participate on their own.

Talking about their participation, Sree Kumar Rangan, managing director from Fortune7, com-mented, “In the last edition we participated and showcased our 3D UV printers and eco solvent printers which comes with a low price with two years warrants. Since, the product has received very good response from the last edition so we took bigger booth to showcase our new ranges. We basically import parts from the countries and assemble it in our Ajman factory so I could proudly say that we are one of the manufacturers to provide 2 years warranty. Apart from selling the machines here I also have distributors in Saudi Arabia and Doha. In this year event, we have intro-duced F2000 UV hybrid printer with Ricoh Gen 5 print head. The product has received over-whelming response in the event where I have received around three orders within two days. Apart from this, we have introduced print and cut solution starting from 20,000AED. Some may say that threat in using the assembled products is the spare parts and consumable availability but in ours we have a complete setup and technicians available for everything. In addition, we are having complete range of spare parts for CNC, laser and inkjet printers. In the event, we have got the distributorship of Wit-Color Eco-solvent Ink from China for the UAE so with this we believe that we will grow at least 50% compared to the last year revenue of 30% growth. The organizer has done a very good job and we believe to participate on the next edition too.”

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HP aims to open up new market segments for their customers

ERNEST AZZAM

quality and high fade resistance indoor. While other long last-ing printing solutions use solvent or low-solvent agents that are not suitable for indoor use. Decoration is a new growth market now available to customers because of HP Latex solu-tions. Wallpaper, Canvas prints, furniture and more can now be customized, printed and used safely indoor. Worldwide, this segment is 83% analogue/commercial printing and only 17% digital. In our region, the ratio is even lower for digital. The opportunity for growth is huge and profitable.

What are HP goals for 2017? Where did those goals come

from - did you devise them yourself, or in collaboration

with your team, or did they come from higher up in the

organization or emerge another way?

The main goals for 2017 are customer success and of course growth. Our goals include making sure we provide the tools and programs for our partners to grow profitably while pro-viding the best service and business model to our customers. We need to make sure our customers are competitive and have new opportunities to grow their business. These goals are not only set by HP, but they are set by listening to the cus-tomers and the market and understanding their needs.

What major events or trends in the organization or in the

recent past shape your 2017 plans? And what major events

or themes do you envision coming to the fore over the next

12 months?

Our plans are set based on trends, new solutions and tech-nologies launched as well as market evolution. The Middle East is a very dynamic region and the segments we provide solutions to are very diverse. So the plans always adapt to each segment and the developments in the market.

In this exclusive interview, Ernest Azzam, HP’s Regional Business Manager Large Format Printing MEMA, shares his thoughts on the HP’s current stand in the market and their plans to handle them

There are a handful of sellers like Canon, Océ, Ricoh, Seiko,

so how would you like to differentiate HP from others?

HP focuses on delivering the best technology and service to our customers while providing the best support to our part-ners. HP has the largest portfolio in the industry for outdoor and indoor printing. The technologies and solutions launched by HP have always revolutionized the market starting with the Designjet portfolio launched 25 years ago for technical applications and Indoor graphics, to the Latex printing solu-tions providing high quality prints for outdoor/indoor graph-ics. And the recently released PageWide XL production printers replacing old LED based technologies in the market. Our aim is to provide opportunities and open new segments for our customers to grow their business.

What is special in the page wide technology and can you

elaborate about its growth in the ME region?

The PageWide XL portfolio provides the fastest large-for-mat monochrome and color printing with substantial savings in total production costs. HP PageWide Technology consists of more than 200,000 nozzles on a stationary print bar and spans the width of the page (40 inch), enabling breakthrough printing speeds of up to 30 A1/min. The PageWide XL goes beyond printing mono line drawings expanding to colour lines and is suited for Geographic Information System maps and Point-of-Sale posters. It also prints on a wide range of media from bond and coated paper to polypropylene and glossy media. HP PageWide XL was awarded Red Dot Best of the Best Design Award for outstanding and ground-breaking design quality.

The technology has been a great success in the Middle East. The PageWide XL 5000 and 8000 series, available in the Middle East as of the end of 2015, achieved a market share of 63% in 2016 in its category (jumping from 0% in 2015) based on IDC. It has been adopted both in the corporate and the PSP/Copy Centre segments.

In your experience, what would you say about the future of

the printing industry?

The printing industry in general is evolving from analogue to digital in all of its segments, commercial printing, outdoor/indoor printing and packaging. New technologies are opening new business opportunities for customers, diversifying their offering. Customers need to adopt new technologies that allow them to address new market segments in order to have profitable growth.

What simple things can HP do right away to address the

current market?

Our aim is to open up new market segments for our cus-tomers helping them to grow. An example is HP Latex Ink that is water based. It allows customer to use prints with high

HIGHLIGHTS HP’s main goal for 2017 are customer success and ofcourse growth

HP’s aim is to open up new market segments for our customers helping them to grow

HP

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 41www.printweekmea.com

Embellishment is the fashionable term. This means what used to be called special effects, such as spot gloss (or matt), texturing, embossing, metallic and other exotic finishes.

There has always been the option to add these with traditional analogue pro-cesses, but we’re now seeing more and more embellishment methods that share digital print’s advantages of no mak-eready and no plates or dies. This allows for economical short runs and even vari-able data applications. Some are being built into digital presses, others require dedicated stand-alone systems, but both are becoming more common and often more affordable.

Extra coloursFor on-press effects, it’s usually necessary to have at least one extra print unit on your digital press, beyond CMYK.

HP Indigo liquid toner presses have had up to seven colours since the late 1990s, but other manufacturers were slower to follow and so far nothing else offers more than five units. Often the extra ‘colours’ are white, clear and metal-lic, but special gamut-extending and security inks are also sometimes availa-ble. HP remains the only digital press manufacturer to allow users to mix their own special coloured inks. These can be loaded to print in any order, in a way that emulates non-digital presses.

Fifth colour units are growing more common on dry toner presses too (includ-ing Kodak NexPresses, Ricoh ProC7100X, Xerox iGen5 and Xeikon 3000 models).

There’s a growing number of ‘neon’ (UV-fluorescing) inks available for large-format sign and textile inkjets, but so far the only dry toner equivalent seems to be the specialist CMYK neon-only A4/ban-ner OKI Pro6410 NeonColor desktop model, at just £1,300.

White Opaque white ink has been increasingly common on large-format and narrow-web UV inkjets for almost 10 years, though it’s still quite new to digital pro-duction presses. It is very useful for use with pre-coloured or clear media as the white can form a reflective undercoat that allows coloured inks to show with normal brightness.

HP Indigos have had a white ink option since 2012, available on all current presses. Unlike most dry toner presses, the liquid ElectroInk works on metallised sub-strates such as Mirri board. Here a varia-ble spot-foil effect can be made by printing an overall white and leaving ‘holes’ for the foil to show through.

Digital white is available on a handful of toner presses, such as the five-unit Kodak NexPresses and the Ricoh Pro C7100X (sold by Heidelberg as the Versafire CV). Unlike Indigos, white must be last in the sequence, so a double pass is required for

an undercoat (Kodak and Xerox next-generation machines will have interchangeable sequences).

Xeikon can print white on its web-fed simplex 3000 presses for label work. OKI also offers white on its low-cost A4/banner Pro7411WT (about £2,000) and the older A3/banner Pro9420WT (about £3,500).

EmbossingEmbossing, the production of an impressed mark in paper, has been popular for centuries, originally using metal dies. Raised print to simulate embossing first appeared in digital presses with the Kodak NexPress SE series in 2009. Its Dimensional system uses a special clear dry toner that swells under the heat of a modified fuser unit to form a raised image up to 40 microns high. The height of the effect can be varied within the image (using greyscales to control it), to create textured surfaces.

How to raise your profile or make an impressionNow that colour digital printing is ‘good enough’ for the sort of things most people want to do with it, attention is switching to the twiddly bits that catch the eye and add value to the print job, Simon Eccles

42 PrintWeek MEA February 2017 www.printweekmea.com

BETTER BUSINESS

printed sheets. It’s since expanded the range to six models in sizes from B3-plus to B1, and speeds up to 4,000sph.France’s MGI Group introduced its B2 UV spot varnisher, JetVarnish, at Ipex 2010. Two years later at Drupa 2012 it introduced JetVarnish 3D, with similar raised imaging effects to Scodix (though not with the same maximum thickness).

The Czech manufacturer Komfi appeared at Ipex 2014 with a B2 variable-data spot var-nisher called Spotmatic 54, available (together with an older B1 model) via UK agent Friedheim. This can produce modestly raised effects by multiple passes. It costs about £160,000, compared to about £250,000 for a B2 MGI JetVarnish 3D (or nearer £700,000 for the B1 Evolution) and anything from £250,000 to £1.2m for the various Scodix models.

Large-format UV inkjets offer a lower cost, though much slower route to raised effects. Roland DG was the first to announce this as a standard feature with its LEC range of roll-fed LED-UV inkjets in 2008, but similar effects can now be achieved with other UV inkjets from manufacturers such as Mimaki and Mutoh.

Metallics and foilsMetallic finishes are among the most eye-catching effects you can incorporate in print. Achieving them digitally is steadily becoming easier and more accessible.

Metallic ink or toner is one way to do it. Large-format inkjet makers Mimaki, Mutoh and Roland DG all have metallic eco-sol-vent inks in their range. It’s much the same story for dry toners. Kodak has been selling a gold toner for NexPress fifth units since 2013 and Xerox introduced gold and silver for its Colour 800i/1000i presses a couple of years ago.

While these inks and toners really are metallic, they are fairly dull by comparison with metallised papers or foil blocking. They can be eye-catching though and seem to work best if used sparingly as highlights.

Foils remain the gold standard in metallics, so to speak, and digital application tech-niques have advanced rapidly in the past few years. The major advantage is they don’t need metal dies, so very short runs and personalisa-tion are possible.

The original method has been around for a couple of decades: dry toner (or HP Indigo) print can be heated up to the point where it activates the adhesive on hot foil, which is pressed onto it with the waste peeled off. Black works best. You can print the toner on top of other pre-printed materials such as off-set and inkjet.

Caslon has sold US-built FoilTech machines based on this process for years: these start at about £2,000 for a 340mm-wide manual- feed model but go up to £4,360 for

an auto-feed machine. More recently the Japanese company Uchida has been selling U-Coater foilers that work slightly differently and include a burnisher. Prices range from £3,500 to about £11,000.

Now the toner-foiling process is increas-ingly being adopted for larger formats and higher capacities by laminating machinery makers. The Korean manufacturer GMP added foiling to its laminating machines as a process it calls ‘Sleeking’. This is available with GMP Exceltopic-380 and Q-Topic lami-nators, priced from around £6,000 and £9,250. Intec sells own-label versions of these as the ColorFlare range. Vivid has also been selling add-on foil units for its Matrix thermal laminators (aimed at small offset and digital press users) for a couple of years. Both GMP and Vivid say they can also work with black toner printed onto a protective overlaminate. MGI offers an optional toner-based foiler inline with its latest Meteor digital dry toner presses. It calls this Unlimited Colours, point-ing out that foil can be spot colours and dif-fraction effects as well as pure metallics.

Cold foil can also be applied to part-cured (so sticky) UV varnish or special adhesive primers. The Scodix and MGI raised-image UV inkjet varnishers have been adapted with inline foilers, giving a raised foil blocking effect that’s very convincing.

Laminator maker Autobond makes flat inkjet UV varnishing units called SUV for sizes from B3 to B1, that can run inline or as a standalone system. It has likewise adapted these to run cold foil applicators for about £15,000 extra. Alternatively a hot foil-toner option can be added to a standard £43,000 Micro B3 laminator for about £7,500.

Leonhard Kurz, the German foil maker, offers a toner-foiler called DM Liner, costing about £115,000 for B3 and £144,000 for B2. At Drupa 2016 it introduced a dedicated spot UV inkjet foiler called DM-Liner UV Ink: it’s B2 format, runs 3,600sph and costs about £330,000.

Cold foil can also be applied to prints from some of the Mimaki UJF series small (A3 to B2-plus) UV flatbeds and the much larger 2.5m JFX200 flatbed. The Digi-Foil system has been developed by i-Sub Digital and com-prises either a modified Vivid Matrix lamina-tor with cold foil applicator, or (for JFX200) a hand-held applicator for spot effects.

Inevitably, there’s Landa too. At last year’s Drupa it showed a brand new process called Nano-Metallography. This applies minute metallic particles to a spot varnish, giving a mirror finish. It says the first machines will be add-on heads for third-party digital label presses and will ship this year.

Embellishment lets you move beyond utili-tarian CMYK for digital print and adds capa-bilities that were never possible in the past. As ever the main challenge will be to explain the potential to customers.

www.printweekmea.com

BETTER BUSINESS

So far no other dry toner press maker has produced an equivalent to Dimensional. However, since 2012 HP Indigo liquid toner presses have been able to build up raised and textured images by re-passing the sheet through the press up to 20 times to build up multiple clear ink layers – it works but can be pricey as each pass counts as a chargeable click. A curious variation on this is a facility to pre-print raised images onto a liner paper on the impression cylinder. When the print sheet is sent through on top it creates a true embossed impression.

Other embossing simulations use dedicated inkjets and UV-cured inks to build up raised images of very respectable heights. Scodix pioneered this, first appearing at Ipex 2010 with a B2 inkjet with an opti-cally clear polymer ink which can register onto pre-

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 43

Manufacturing a cure for toxic errors is getting simpler

Likewise, the Swiss Ordinance: the definitive set of regulations determin-ing materials deemed safe for use in food packaging. Among any number of global and local equivalents are guide-

lines issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in the UK; and with espe-cial reference to print, the European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA). Common to all are exclusion lists prohibiting the use of chemi-cals with known or suspected toxicity.

While we are ultimately what we eat, that outer packaging of much of our food-stuff is the delivery mechanism on which we depend to validate its sourcing and viability. Nothing compromises brand integrity more rapidly – and sometimes irreparably – than an inability to live up to its promise.

Consumer protection may be the primary intention of all of these initiatives, but argua-bly undermining it are commercial realities that can be far more compelling spurs to com-pliance; not least fears of legislation resulting from an unfortunate food safety mishap.

As a result, enactment can be a cumber-some and not wholly satisfactory process, viz

Swiss-made is synonymous with a meticulous atten-tion to detail, reli-able performance and unimpeacha-ble standards. Think watches, chocolate, bank-ing, the Red Cross and Roger Federer. Words by

Des King

the FDAs’ recent banning of three perfluori-nated compounds (PFCs) used in grease-proof coatings for fast food paper packaging 10 years after the potential risks had first been identified. The more cynical observer might detect partiality in favour of a large US tax-paying corporation. There may, however, be a more straightforward explanation.

Inks have been relatively slow in showing up on the regulatory radar, says Pulse Print Products technical director David Morris. “There’s no very clear regulation about print-ing inks for food. It wasn’t really thought about as being an issue until it was realised that the printed material on the outside of food packaging isn’t necessarily isolated from the contents, and that there can be some transfer of constituents throughout the packaging.

“There are a lot of chemicals that can be found in ink, and if you’re going to start test-ing how safe they all are it’s going to take a long time and cost a lot of money.

“Because that work hasn’t really been done, the limits that have been set by the Swiss Ordinance are very low indeed. It could well be that were those chemicals to be properly

“There are a lot of chemicals that can be found in ink, and if you’re going to start testing how safe they all are it’s going to take a long time and cost a lot of money.”David Morris,

Pulse Print Products technical

director

44 PrintWeek MEA February 2017 www.printweekmea.com

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

assessed they’d be a lot less potentially harmful than might currently be sup-posed.”

Bearing responsibilityIn the meantime, though, better to be safe than sorry. The general consensus within the UK is that inks for food packaging should only contain raw materials that are listed on the Swiss Ordinance positive list. The underlying objective is to reduce or eliminate the risk of migration from the outer surface of the pack and coming into direct contact with its contents.

Compliance, however, can be just as dependent upon competence as chemistry; indeed, while an accredited ink formulation may be low-migration-capable, there can never be any guarantee of its efficacy if used incorrectly. “It’s not good enough for a con-verter to just say ‘I’ve bought a low-migra-tion ink, therefore job done’,” says Sun Chemicals’ global business director for digi-tal, Peter Saunders. “In the event of there being an issue, they’re the one responsible for the brand integrity of their customers.”

While the financial buck might end up on the converter’s factory floor, the longer-term damage to the brand owner can be more wide-reaching. Selling over a billion prod-ucts worldwide each day, Nestlé is acutely aware of the importance within its business model of consumer trust, and under no illu-sions about the negative fall-out if it’s breached.

Having suffered the full force of con-sumer opprobrium in 2005 when the photo-initiator isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX) inadvertently found its way into their baby-milk product – the converter had failed to properly cure the UV offset ink used to print the cartons – it was one of the first to phase out Bisphenol A (BPA) five years later despite inconclusive scientific opinion.

“Obviously we have to follow the highest food safety initiatives, and consider every market with equal importance irrespective of size,” says Bruce Funnell, head of pack-aging at Nestlé’s UK product technology centre.

“We have to think global and local. We demand full transparency and insist upon a declaration of regulatory compliance and a full disclosure of all chemicals used in pro-ducing our packaging.

“If suppliers aren’t appropriately accred-ited we conduct our own GMP audits.”

Costs incurred are borne by Nestlé, although anecdotally other food manufac-turers and retailers can be less forthcom-ing; a bone of contention with some converters, who may be faced with a bill of £2,000 for the privilege of being included on an official roster.

Nestlé also binds itself to non-disclosure agreements to protect supplier IP and that

of their suppliers. It’s indicative of a commitment towards developing more equitable working relationships with greater probability of deliv-ering safer outcomes.

“While the inks we use do not contain any materials listed on the EuPIA exclusion list they are generally designed for ambient or chilled storage and use.

“However, special care is required when the end-product requires either direct food contact inks or the packaging is used in an elevated temperature environment such as microwave, retort, boil or cook in the pack,” says Parkside Flexibles new product development manager Mark Shaw.

“An understanding of the final product application is crucial to selecting the safest ink system.”

Taking the cureIrrespective of whether they are thermal-based (solvent or water) or energy-curable (UV) based – the regulation-approved ink chemistries – the performance of low-migration inks is governed by the drying or curing process they undergo. “Whilst there are a lot of good reasons to use energy-curable inks, there’s also space for other formulations,” explains Saunders. “Water-based tends to be cheaper with fewer envi-ronmental concerns to address; solvent-based inks give excellent print quality when used for flexible packaging.”

While UV inks provide a high-quality printed effect, concerns over their use centre on their inclusion of potentially harmful monomers and photo-initiators. These, however, are mitigated by continuing advances in the curing process; for example, Flint’s newly introduced EkoCure Ancora UV LED-curable low-migration ink for narrow-web flexo food packaging applications that contrasts positively with the downtime associated with mercury lamp inefficiencies, and can run at 150m/min.

Targeting the same market sector as LED is the newer electron beam curing (EB). It can be a real alternative to UV, says Ebeam Technologies business development manager Elsa Callini. “Electrons are particles, so the physics behind the curing process it facilitates is intrinsically differ-ent. There is enough energy to achieve polymerisation without recourse to triggers such as photo-initiators, which it seems will eventually be banned. It’s my opinion that brands won’t wait for the legislation to take effect now that there’s a more secure option.”

Ebeam Technologies has partnered with ink manufacturers such as Collins Inkjet to develop and test EB-curable inks that are ready for immediate use. Whereas the process was initially offline, Ebeam has developed an electron beam with a life expectancy of at least 8,000 hours that’s sited at the end of the line and can easily keep pace with presses running at 300m/min, according to Callini.

Meanwhile, the company has linked up with Edale and AB Graphic to incorporate EB into the Digicon 3000 mid-web finish-ing solution for digitally printed flexible packaging and labels on systems such as the HP Indigo 20000.

Jetting into a water-based futureAlthough inkjet accounts for less than 1% of the food packaging market the consen-sus view is that, in its ability to provide short-run, personalised capability at speed, it’s time is nigh.

That latter attribute in conjunction with the low-viscosity droplet size of inkjet inks has hitherto posed particular chal-lenges in terms of controlling migration – albeit efficiently addressed by UV curable formulations developed notably by Agfa Graphics.

But while UV curable is the de facto standard for digital inkjet devices such as Screen’s increasingly adopted 50m/min Truepress L350, other solutions are lin-ing up. On track for commercialisation sometime in 2017, the high-speed Landa W10 flexible packaging offset press out-putting at a top speed of 200m/min will use a hot-air dried water-based solvent-free ink, which although containing some pigments can claim the lowest migration values.

The direction of travel, however, could be via hybrid ink technologies; for exam-ple, Sunjets’ Aquacure that combines UV for adhesion and printability with an 80% proportion of water to deliver an odour-free lightweight film, and with a signifi-cantly wider colour gamut.

According to Saunders, majoring on the formulation’s low-migration properties weren’t originally the main focus. “While there’ll always be an area for 100% solid UV curable ink, one of the concerns is that can put down too thick a layer.

“Water-based gives the opportunity to reduce the cost of these higher-grade inkjet specific materials, while addition-ally lowering the risk of migration.

“We know that as inkjet is increasingly adopted there will be more water-based solutions. However, there’ll also be a need to supplement it with other materials, not only to protect that coating but simply you because an ink that’s just water and pig-ment won’t stick to anything.”

“We demand full transparency and insist upon a declaration of regulatory compli-ance and a full disclosure of all chemicals used in producing our packaging.”Bruce Funnell,

head of packaging at Nestlé

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 45www.printweekmea.com

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

AlternativesXerox iGen5Rated speed of 90 to 150 ppm with sheet size of 364 x 660 mm and can print on substrates of 60 to 350 gsm

HP Indigo120 four-colour 8.5x11 pages per minute (two-up); sheet size 13x19 in maximum; Paper weight Coated: 55 lb text to 130 lb cover; Uncoated; 40 lb text to 130 lb cover; Thickness 3 to 16 pt

What does it do?The ZX series is the latest in Kodak’s NexPress offering. This new digital press supports thicker paperboards and select heavy weight synthetic stocks that will open new opportu-nities for printers, including short-run pack-aging applications like labels, tags, and small folding cartons, as well as differentiated com-mercial and publishing products.

When was it launched globally and here?Kodak first debuted its new NexPress ZX3900 Digital Production Colour Press at Drupa 2016. It became commercially availa-ble in October 2016 for all regions.

What market is it targeted for?Digital PSPs will benefit from Kodak’s advancements in this industry-leading elec-trophotographic NexPress portfolio, whether they’re investing in a new press or upgrading their existing model. It can serve to critical client needs for surface finishes like, matte, CMYK, UV coating and gloss. The new front end software can handle complex jobs such as photo services, high-end direct mail, and demanding variable data jobs without slow-ing down the press.

How does it work?The core imaging technology is electropho-tography which utilizes multi-bit LED image writers exposing 5 imaging cylinders, which in turn transfer the image blankets onto the substrate. The imaging LED technology can enable 256 levels of exposure on one 600x600 dot and can be adjusted to maintain

consistency, thus resulting in photographic image quality beyond offset quality. The NexPress Front End handles files up to 3 times faster than previous versions for jobs with image-intensive variable data that is recurring. Papers can feed into the press from either one of the 4 drawers or the external feeder, it passes through sensors that check to prevent misfeeds and double sheets. The paper is aligned in track to ensure accurate registration. As paper moves from the feeder to the Automatic Sheet Positioner (ASP), it adjusts for any skewing before it hits the imaging path.

How does it differ from the previous models?The NexPress ZX includes new capabilities to expand the range of print applications. The NexPress Opaque White Dry Ink comple-ments the already available 9 specialty inks, delivers superior opacity in a single pass com-pared to multiple passes on other devices, delivering increased productivity and higher quality short run production for applications such as packaging, signage, labels and invita-tions. It has more than 20% higher opacity in a single pass compared to multiple passes on competitive presses.

What are the options?High-capacity paper input and output permit longer uninterrupted printing. Add a roll feeder, long sheet pile feeder or delivery mod-ule for even greater paper capacity, and in-line finishing modules to complete jobs in fewer steps. With the optional business-building Kodak NexPress Fifth Imaging Unit

Star product

Kodak NexPress ZX3900 Digital Production Colour Press

SpecificationsPrint rate: 7854 sph (131 ppm)

Maximum sheet size:

356 x 1000mm

Minimum sheet size:

279 x 200mm

Feeder: 4 standard feed-ers, 11,000 sheets

Imaging: Dry electro-photography, 600 dpi, multi-bit

Substrates: Standard, 60 to 350 gsm, with kit, up to 530 gsm

Contact: Kodak Near East, +971-4-3444910, pratik.sardesai@kodak.com

Solutions, you can print gold, opaque white, dimensional raised print, accurate spot col-ours, clear, security features with red fluoresc-ing dry ink or MICR, watermarking or a protective coating. These solutions can be swap in and out within 10 minutes with no need of mask, learning and contamination risk. Laminate like gloss can be achieved with glossing unit to create higher impact on cards, photo books, brochures, menus etc.

How fast and productive it is?The ZX3900 can print up to 131, A4 pages per minute in 5 colors with duty cycle of 4,400,000 sheets. With new substrate expan-sion kit, NexPress can print on up to 530gsm substrates. The press comes with new system software, v16, which has new tools to control image quality while maintaining quality. The Intelligent Calibration System automates the process of checking and maintaining print uniformity to get consistency from first to last sheet. The Environmental Control System is a built-in system that maintains the tempera-ture and moisture automatically. This means the press can run in any environment inside a print shop.

What is the USP?The ZX series offers great flexibility to pro-duce a wide range of applications with excel-lent registration on standard offset substrates, with operator-friendly tools to provide great reliability and consistency. Its modular design allows future expansion as business evolves.

What supports and offers available for this region?The NexPress ZX Platform is designed with an unprecedented level of user serviceability. 90% of press maintenance can be performed by the operator because of the easy to replace Operator Replaceable Components and the NexPert operator support system. The press is available with optional customized vinyl wrap so the printers can have their own design.

“Machine is commercially available for all regions from October 2016.”

PRODUCT PORTFOLIONexPress has new offerings like opaque white ink and can support up to 530gsm, Words by Pratik Sardesai

46 PrintWeek MEA February 2017 www.printweekmea.com

AlternativesThe main alternative for a new Adana is a used/refurbished one. There are small £100-plus hobby machines that can print with rubber stamps and even emboss with thin metal dies, but they’re not in the same quality league. There’s a lively secondhand market for letterpress. The first port of call is probably eBay, but there are also specialists, eg urbanfoxde-sign.co.uk or enthusiast websites where people offer used presses and other items. Heidelberg’s powered ‘windmill’ platens and flat-bed cylinder letterpress machines haven’t been built new for 40 years. They’re still in demand for cutting and creasing and foiling in modern print works, so prices may be high. Chris Bottomley, managing director of Letterpress Services in Wakefield, says that models that still have inking rollers, so can print, are in high demand: www.letter pressservices.com.Alternatively, you could build your own Gutenberg-style mini-press from wood, angled steel and a hydraulic car jack. Vancouver printer Charles Morgan

What does it do?This is the only letterpress machine you can buy brand new. It is a hand-operated lever-pull vertical platen type, small enough to fit a desktop, with an 8x5in (203x127mm) print area. It takes standard height metal type, blocks or photopolymer plates. The new press is based on the 1970s Adana 85 MkIII but with thicker, stronger frames to suit today’s craft letterpress fashion to ‘deboss’ print, i.e. indent it into the paper surface. The Caslon name dates back to William Caslon, an engraver who in 1720 created and named the serif typeface that remains popu-lar today. A Caslon family still owns the firm, albeit thanks to a name change in the 1800s. Richard Caslon is managing director. His father Roy Caslon remains chairman and demonstrated the new Adana at the compa-ny’s St Albans HQ.

When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?Adana was founded in Twickenham in the 1930s. It introduced the 85 (pronounced ‘eight-five’) hand-operated press in 1953, priced at the equivalent of £16.80. Caslon acquired Adana’s business and good-will in 1987 and the last all-new press was sold in 1999. Since then Caslon has refur-bished old presses with new parts to high standards. Richard Caslon says that demand for the refurbs grew so high that it became more cost-effective to build all-new ones. New presses are called Adana 85C, with C

standing for ‘Caslon-made’. A trial batch of 20 machines sold out almost immediately. The next batch will arrive in January with no limit on future numbers.

How does it work?It’s a small clamshell platen press with all operations controlled by a double-armed lever. Ink is applied to the circular top plate and the lever is part-operated several times to run twin inking rollers over the plate, which rotates to spread the ink evenly. After that the lever is advanced further to ink up the type or plate on the vertical bed. Finally a sheet of paper is placed on the tym-pan (a resilient paper sheet that covers the platen) and held by a movable stop and small gauge pins. The lever is fully depressed to press the platen against the inked type bed, and the ink transfers. Releasing the lever opens the clamshell, the printed sheet is extracted and replaced by a blank. You can put in a different plate/type and ink colour and run sheets through again, but very close register isn’t feasible.An extra few cm of movement on the lever arm is new and applies enough extra pres-sure to indent the type into soft paper if you want to. Tissue paper can be put on the platen to increase pressure still further.

The bed takes letterpress type with the stand-ard 0.918in (23.3mm) height, or it can take metal or photopolymer plates mounted on blocks to bring them to type height. Caslon can supply metal type fonts from 6pt

Star product

Caslon Adana 85C

SpecificationsPrint area 8x5in (203x127mm)

Substrates Thin paper, napkins, business cards, up to beer mats

Speed around 500sph depending on operator

Impression Media standard letterpress type, blocks or dies

Type/block height

0.918in (23.3mm)

Footprint 619x330mm

Weight 15kg

Price Starts from £1,299

Fonts Monotype cast metal in 6pt to 72pt, priced from £5.10 to £128

A renaissance in craft print prompts the return of a favourite, Words by Simon Eccles to 72pt (made on a Monotype caster) or a vacuum exposure unit to make your own photopolymer plates. Lith film negatives are best for plate exposure, so Caslon offers a basic processing kit. Films are contact-exposed to laser/inkjet printed positive sheets in the exposure frame.

How does it differ from previous models?Thicker side frames and extra travel on the lever now allow an over-pressure stage. Kiss-impression print is still possible, but many of today’s users prefer the debossing effect; there’s also a security aspect, as photocopies can’t reproduce indents. If you want raised type, Caslon sells thermography powders and heaters.

What’s the USP?It’s the only hand-operated desktop letter-press platen that you can buy new. “It’s a small but very versatile letterpress machine that can be used by enthusiasts as well as pros,” says Richard Caslon.

How easy is it to use?Anyone could learn to print in about five minutes. The challenge is the pre-press. Purists will use traditional metal type, set upside down and back to front in composing sticks. Pragmatists will use computers, film and photopolymer plates. Caslon can supply the lot.

“It’s a small clamshell platen press with all operations controlled by a double-armed lever”February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 47www.printweekmea.com

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

There are more ways to grow your print business than ever before, you just need to know where to find them. Gulf Print & Pack 2017, the only dedicated commercial and package printing event in the Middle East and North Africa returns to Dubai this spring.

Come and see hundreds of live demonstrations of print machinery in action. Discover amazing opportunities made possible by recent technology advances. Learn why digital is a new beginning for print. Gain the power to grow your business.

26 - 29 MARCH 2017 | DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N V I S I T W W W . G U L F P R I N T P A C K . C O M

SERVICES DIRECTORY

February 2017 PrintWeek MEA 49www.printweekmea.com

INKING ROLLER

STANDARDUVCOMBI

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Mobile: +971 50 70 20 043, +971 50 45 41 032

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Mobile: 050-7749185P.O. Box 8028 Dubai - U.A.E.

E-Mail: saifway@emirates.net.ae

IMPORTERS &STOCKISTS OF:

IN BRIEF ETCHINGIn pure etching, a metal (usually copper, zinc or steel) plate is covered with a waxy ground which is resistant to acid. The artist then scratches off the ground with a pointed etching needle where he or she wants a line to appear in the finished piece, so exposing the bare metal. The échoppe, a tool with a slanted oval section, is also used for “swelling” lines. The plate is then dipped in a bath of acid, technically called the mordant or etchant, or has acid washed over it. The acid “bites” into the metal where it is exposed, leaving behind lines sunk into the plate. The remaining ground is then cleaned off the plate. The plate is inked all over, and then the ink wiped off the surface, leaving only the ink in the etched lines. The plate is then put through a high-pressure printing press together with a sheet of paper. The paper picks up the ink from the etched lines, making a print. The process can be repeated many times; could be printed before the plate shows much sign of wear. The work on the plate can also be added to by repeating the whole process; this creates an etching which exists in more than one state.

POST SCRIPT

Editor: Shilpa Jasani +971 50 354 7436/shilpa@printweekmea.com. Junior Editor: Venkat Raghavan +971 55 5825030/venkat@printweekmea.com. Graphic Designer: Saleem Akhtar Marketing Manager: Mammen Thomas +971 50 873 4029/thomas@printweekmea.com. Advertising Consultant: Dilip Kumar +971 52 7583758/Dilip@printweekmea.com. Office Coordinator: Sajeena +9714 2399955 atn@emirates.net.ae Printed

By: Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing House, Dubai © ATN Media Publishing FZ LLC. PO Box 502090, 419 City Bay Business Centre, Abu Hail Road, Dubai, UAE. Email: feedback@printweekmea.comNo part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

Q&A HOSSAM AL KASABANY

Hossam Al Kasabany, production print specialist, Corporate Connection General Trading LLC, Member of Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group

How did you get into printing?Started as a graphic designer & started to love from that moment

What do you like most about your job?Challenge spirit which is a sales nature

What is the worst thing about your job?Sometimes you need to take a rest, and you cannot

What would be your dream job?Volunteer work

What was the best deal you pulled off?Every time I win a deal, I feel it is the best one

Whom do you admire in print?Frank Romano

What makes you laugh?My son

What do you like about living in this region?Everything

What is your favorite phrase or saying?You get what you give

If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?Bad minds

Which superpower would you like to have?Flying

Where would you go if you could time-travel?Ancient Egypt (Pharos)

If you could invite anyone to a party, who would they be?All my grandparents since the beginning of creation

What genre of music do you like?House

What is your greatest fear?Traffic jam

What is your greatest luxury?Persistence

What is your most embarrassing moment?When I cannot help someone

How would you like to be remembered?A good friend

Life is....? Too short, live every moment like it is your last

Memory Lane54 YEARS AGO... In 1960s Xerox introuduced the xerographic office photocopying and over the following 20 years it gradually replaced copies made by Verifax, Photostat, carbon paper, mimeograph machines, and other duplicating machines

220 AD AGO... China is the early survivor of woodblock printed fragments among the whole world which is of silk printed with flowers in three colors from the Hyan Dynasty

139 YEARS AGO... Robert Barclay from England has developed the first offset print on a tin in 1875 which is the first of its kind where the second version was later introduced by Ira Washington Rubel of the United States for printing on paper in 1904

While 3D printed warfare may be seen by some as a negative techno-logical use, the role of the technology could play in healthcare, particu-larly surgery, is undoubtedly one of its best. The technology could allow for the printing of body parts for artificial replacements, far quicker and cheaper than is currently possible.

For example, US researchers at Cornell University have already used silicon in a 3D printer to produce an ear while many other universities are already using the kit to create anatomically accurate models of human body parts for students to practice and hone their skills on. Since the model is a facsimile of the patient’s actual physiology, sur-geons can use it to precisely shape metal inserts that fit along a patient’s residual bone. Also, the use of such biological models drasti-cally improves the accuracy of operation.

This can be on everything from arms that need breaking to be reset to facial surgery - all allowing doctors to produce accurate versions of the bones they will be working on to consider the best course of action and practice, rather than only having the chance to do this while the patient is on the operating table.

Got an interesting publishing idea? Email venkat@printweekmea.com

3D-printed warfare in Healthcare

50 PrintWeek MEA February 2017 www.printweekmea.com

Supremely consistent colour every time you print. Xerox Con dent Colour makes it simple.

xerox.com

©2014 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox®, Xerox and Design® and Ready for Real Business® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

With Con dent Colour from Xerox, colour management is a thing of beauty—no matter how straightforward or complex the job. With the broadest portfolio of digital colour printers and presses in the industry, we offer a spectrum of colour management technologies. This, along with our consultants and training support, ensures you can embrace digital colour with con dence that satis es every customer from page 1 to 1,000,000.