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LexJet - 8/25/2008
Wide-Format Printing Technologies Reviewed and Previewed at
LexJet Event
On Aug. 14, LexJet hosted its 2008 Technology Review at the LexJet Technology Center in Sarasota, Fla.,
for a broad range of companies representing the spectrum of the wide-format digital printing industry, including
commercial printing companies, sign companies, service bureaus, photography studios, and in-house print shops
from the beverage distributor market.
The event offered wide-format printing professionals the opportunity to meet the people driving technological
progress in the industry, learn more about the various printing processes and where they’re headed over the
next few years, see first-hand all the different avenues in which the technology is employed, and engage in
hands-on demonstrations and training.
Attendees at the 2008 Technology Review also got a first look at Digital Equipment Company’s new Legend
98HUV, a 98-in. hybrid (roll-to-roll and flatbed) UV-curable printer, which is scheduled for release in early 2009.
"The event was a great opportunity for us to see different types of wide-format printers operating at the same
time. We went to the event mainly interested in UV-curable, and we were impressed with the Legend 72HUV,"
says John Hart, owner of Hart Graphics, based in Knoxville, Tenn. "We got to see a lot of different aspects of
wide-format printing in a short period of time, and it was interesting and helpful to see the different types of
substrates you can print on all displayed in one place."
Throughout the day, attendees rotated between four educational sessions that focused on consumables,
printers, and software. In addition to demonstrations by industry leaders Digital Equipment Company,
Hewlett-Packard, Canon, FLEXcon, Mutoh, Hahnemuhle, and OKI Printing Solutions, long-time industry
expert Dr. Ray Work presented a thorough and balanced examination of the environmental issues facing the
industry.
As part of his hour-long presentation, Dr. Work gave an overview of the impact each type of ink technology
used in wide-format printing - water-based, solvent, and UV-curable - has on the environment, as well as
practical advice on how best to mitigate the impact of each both inside and outside the work environment.
Another presentation, headed up by LexJet technical support specialist Justin Sherry, focused on the latest
software update from ONYX, Workflow Software Version 7.2. Sherry laid out the tools necessary to build
and maintain an efficient and profitable print workflow using time-saving features like Quicksets.
The focus of the event was to explore, explain, and demonstrate every technology available for wide-format
printers, arming attendees with the information needed to make an informed decision about the right technology
for their particular market. From the high-volume, small-format LED-based signage printers made by OKI Printing
Solutions, to Mutoh’s ValueJet line of solvent printers, and the more industrial UV-curable printers by HP and
Digital Equipment Company, attendees were provided with an in-depth review of all the printer types available
to their businesses. Moreover, various wide-format applications plastered the walls, floors, and windows of the
Technology Center, showing the capabilities of media solutions from FLEXcon, LexJet, and Hahnemuhle.
For Hart, who was already convinced that UV-curable printing was the logical next step for his company, the
event helped him gain more in-depth knowledge of UV-curable technology. Hart Graphics is scheduled to
install Digital Equipment Company’s 72-in. hybrid UV-curable printer, the Legend 72HUV, in early September.
"Having a chance for hands-on time with the printers was a big deal for us, and our print operator benefitted
from learning more about the UV-curable print process, as well as the similarities and differences between it
and solvent and aqueous printing," says Hart. "The opportunity to examine the printer closely made a big
difference, because we were able to see firsthand the robust construction of the Legend 72HUV, and get a
close look at the components that make up the printer. The fact that the Legend uses high-end components,
is solidly constructed, and produces brilliant color in comparison with other UV-curable systems really influenced
our decision."
The 2008 Technology Review was capped with a sunset dinner cruise on Sarasota Bay for a final round of food,
drinks, and networking. Based on the success of the event, LexJet has tentative plans to hold another
Technology Review in early 2009. For more information about the 2008 Technology Review and future events
at LexJet, contact a LexJet account specialist at 800-453-9538.
www.lexjet.com
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