SGIA 2009 Wrap Up

SGIA 2009 Wrap Up

Products Seen on the Show Floor

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) hosted its annual SGIA Expo in New Orleans, LA at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on October 7 to the 9. The following is an overview of products shown at the three day event, which attracted approximately 14,000 attendees. Click on the DOdirect.net logo below and type in a company�s INFO# to request information on products mentioned.

3M Graphics Market Center unveiled Wall Decorating Film IJ86E, a 6-mil product designed for interior wall graphics created with UV printing. Due to air release channels in the adhesive, installation is fast and bubble free, but also allows for repositionability. Also at the show, 3M launched the 3M MCS Warranty Program, which involves a registration process that verifies users of 3M inks and media and provides them with tools to market their capabilities. INFO# 210

3P InkJet Textiles AG showcased IQ-IJ603 Value Premium Flag, used in sublimation printing. It features a 100 percent print-through when created with sublimation transfer or direct. It is ideal for banners, flags, exhibit booths, and more. INFO# 211

Advanced Greig Laminators, Inc. exhibited its Encore series of laminators, specifically the Encore Maxim. Able to laminate prints up to 62 inches wide, it features dual-heated rollers�top and bottom. INFO# 212

Agfa Graphics demonstrated two of the newest additions to the :Anapurna family of UV inkjet systems�the :Anapurna M²and the :Anapurna Mw. The :Anapurna M² handles roll-to-roll and rigid 63-inch media. It features increased productivity and prints at speeds up to 247 square feet hour. The :Anapurna Mw allows printers to add a single-pass pre-white and multi-pass post-white, ideal for applications such as printing on transparent material and backlit applications or printing white as a spot color. INFO# 213

Alcan Composites USA featured a variety of its print media products, including Dibond, an aluminum composite material with a polyethylene core. Dibond is used in POP displays, kiosks, exhibits, and other signage. INFO# 214

Arlon, Inc. recently announced new short rolls available for print media products. The company offers the following products in 54-inch by 20-yard rolls, DPF 6000XRP and DPF 6000X Cast Vehicle Wrap Vinyl and Series 3220/3230 Overlaminate. Arlon is also offering the following short roll products, DPF 2400 Printable Reflective Vinyl and Series 3200 Optically Clear Overlaminate in different sizes. INFO# 215

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc. showcased the new Northern Lights Printable Textiles swatch book, which contains a complete collection of fabrics for digital inkjet solvent, UV-curable, dye-sublimation (dye-sub), offset litho, and screenprint technologies. The swatch book was resized for ease of mailing and quick reference and includes two new styles, RePlay2 and Premium Poplin FR. Aurora also showed Malibu Canvas GF, a soft bright white canvas. INFO# 216

Avery Graphics promoted its "Be Outstanding" theme by introducing Greenline GP Promotional Films. Designed for high performance with low environmental impact this line includes GP 3400 Gloss white film with permanent adhesive, GP 3401 Gloss white film with removable adhesive, GP 3420 Matte white film with permanent adhesive, and GP 3460 Gloss clear film with permanent adhesive. Also shown, MPI 6121 Street Graphics, a non-PVC film engineered for outdoor graphics where an authentic, paint-like finish is required. Micro-fracture technology allows the film to conform to rough surfaces by fracturing and conforming. Avery also added four new calendered films to its high-performance MPI white opaque film line. INFO# 217

Bienfang showcased MightyCore Foam Board, available in white, black-on-black, white-on-black, and white-black-black. Thicknesses include one-half and a quarter-of-an inch. Applications include mounting images, roller laminating, die-cutting for open edges, shadow boxes, vinyl lettering, and more. INFO# 218

Caldera Graphics showcased GrandRIP+, a fast, flexible, and powerful production workflow dedicated to wide and superwide format print and print-to-cut applications. Flow+ was also shown. A workflow solution that works well with Caldera RIP products, Flow+ is a combination of a management information system, enterprise resource planning system, and customer relationship management system. INFO# 219

CET debuted the "$100,000 Print-&-Cut System." The system consists of the X-Press F512 flatbed printer and the X-Press CNC router and proprietary software. The flatbed printer is available in 72 and 120 inches, with production print speeds of up to 850 square feet per hour (sf/h). The CNC router is available in four- by eight- or five- by ten-foot table sizes. INFO# 220

Clear Focus Imaging, Inc. displayed EconoVue, an economy-grade, 6-mil black/white composite PVC with 1.7 millimeter perforations and a clear removable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is available with a clear PET solid release liner or an unperforated solid paper release liner. INFO# 221

Clearstar LP showcased the company�s StarLam 1600R roll-to-roll liquid laminator. Also on display, Clearstar ClearShield water-based liquid laminate. These clear, urethane, acrylic, or acrylic-urethane coatings, feature excellent exterior durability, are non-yellowing and highly flexible. INFO# 222

Coldenhove Papier introduced Jetcol TA digital dye-sub transfer paper. This new thermal adhesive product adheres to fabric during transfer, eliminating ghosting and lost of detail, which increases the quality of end products and reduces waste to a minimum. Jetcol TA is available in 52- and 64-inch rolls. INFO# 223

Cond� Systems displayed ArTainium printers, which are inkjet sublimation printers, turnkey systems built off of Epson Stylus Pro printers. The DyeTrans 7880 and 9880 Sublimation System utilize ArTainium sublimation ink, ideal for fine art, photography, and proofing. INFO# 225

conVerd LLC highlighted its Enviroboard MR, a moisture-resistant product used forindoor and short-term POP displays. Also on display, Blox-Lite, a "green" alternative to PVC banner. It is printable on both sides, 100 percent opaque, and used in window and hanging displays. INFO# 226

Cooley Group featured EnviroFlex, lightweight and recyclable digitally printable materials for billboards and banners. Products in the line include seven-ounce EnviroFlex Frontlit Lite, five-ounce EnviroFlex Lite High-Res, 5.5-ounce EnviroFlex Polyflex Lite, 3.8-ounce EnviroFlex Poly-Poster, and 3.8-ounce EnviroFlex PolyPoster HighRes. EnviroFlex is up to 60 percent lighter in weight than an industry standard 12-ounce substrate. INFO# 227

Corel showcased the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4. The software helps grand format designers create graphics for a variety of applications including billboards, and building wraps. INFO# 228

Coroplast displayed Coroplast Smooth, a polypropylene copolymer co-extruded twin-wall fluted sheet. It is ideal for digital flatbed printing. Water and stain resistant, the applications using this media include POP displays, indoor graphics, retail signs, real estate signs, campaign signs, bus signage, special event advertising, and trade displays. INFO# 229

Creative Banner Assemblies exhibited bamboo banner displays, an eco-friendly alternative. Over 90 percent of the retractor version of the display is made up of bamboo. The retractor version holds 31.52x78.72-inch graphics. INFO# 230

Cyrious Software showcased the latest release of Cyrious Control, an estimating and business management software for the sign and graphics industry. INFO# 231

d.gen International displayed the Artrix textile printer. Attendees witnessed the products possible with this printer including a fun couch with fabric printed on the Artrix. INFO# 232

DaVinci Technologies, a distributor of conVerd� Enviroboard MR, exhibited the multi-ply alternative to traditional foam board and corrugated plastic in its booth. Enviroboard is 100 percent recyclable and FSC-certified. INFO# 233

Dreamscape exhibited Bling!, a metallic-enriched media. Ideal for wallcoverings or POP displays, the product carries Type II certification for scrubability and tensile and tear. Bling! is Class A fire-rated and meets NFPA ratings for smoke development. INFO# 234

Drytac Corporation focused on the company�s UV Liquid Coater line and application training. Also on display, the DES4-Foam Edge Finishing System, which enhances substrates with decorative edging. INFO# 236

DuPont Nonwovens showcased Tyvek, as well as its newest offshoot�Tyvek Vivia. Vivia is engineered for wide format printing and is recyclable. The product offers superior drapeability and low memory. Vivia is available in rolls up to 116 inches wide. INFO# 235

Durst Image Technology introduced the new Rho 900 large format UV inkjet printer, a 98-inch printing platform. The printer is equipped with Quadro 30D Array printhead technology to deliver high speed, improve efficiency, and create exceptional image quality. The Rho 900 prints up to 72 four by eight boards per hour. In addition to CMYK, the printer can also print white, varnish, and light colors. On display for the first time in North America, the Rho 500R printer is a five meter device also utilizing Quadro 30D Array printhead technology. It prints on roll media at speeds up to 4,300 sf/h or three independent images from three separate job queues on three different 1.6 meter rolls simultaneously. INFO# 208

EFI displayed the VUTEk GS3200, GS5000r, QS3220, and QS3200r superwide printers; Rastek H650 and T660 printers; and an array of workflow solutions. One of the newest additions to the superwide line up, the GS3200, is a 3.2 meter hybrid UV printer reaching output speeds of up to 2,400 sf/h between 600 and 1,000 dpi. EFI Rastek�s T660 flatbed printer is five by four feet and generates photographic image quality on a wide range of rigid and flexible media including glass and aluminum. EFI PrintSmith Sign, a print management information system for sign shops and print providers, was launched at the show. PrintSmith Sign is a complete sign shop management system that offers estimating, point of sale, account management, production management, receivables, and sales analysis tools. INFO# 205

Epson debuted the Stylus Pro 7700/9900 series, targeting the CAD/GIS and POP/in-store signage markets. Focused on speed and quality, five-color UltraChrome aqueous-based inks are used with two channels per color. INFO# 203

EskoArtwork exhibited SignUp Auto, a fully automated nesting solution to help companies operate a nearly lights out workflow. Also on display, the Kongsberg series of automated digital finishing systems. INFO# 237

Expand International displayed the outdoor MediaScreen 2 banner stand. Expand MediaScreen 2 outdoor features a resilient support pole for flexibility when windy. The foldable pole has locking technology in the bottom to prevent rotation. It handles wind speeds of up to 22 miles per hour. Also on display, the Expand MediaWall, a lightweight, pop-up mural wall available in eight, ten, or 11 feet. INFO# 238

Expolinc showcased the Roll Up Classic banner display, which is available in silver or black in widths ranging from 27 to 57 inches and heights from 57 to 96 inches. For customers looking for a more professional look, they can turn to Roll Up Professional. Others needing a one-time use product can utilize Roll Up Promotion. INFO# 239

Fisher Textiles introduced 110-inch Silver Flag Liner and GF 4915 Pro Knit. GF 4915 is a similar, but less expensive, version of Fisher Textiles� GF 4417 Soft Knit for dye-sub and UV printing. INFO# 240

FLEXcon added FLEXmark floor art 4652 and 4655 to the company�s floor advertising product line. Both are engineered to resist tearing and abrasion and each have removability of up to 180 days following installation. 4652 is compatible with UV and solvent screenprinting, UV inkjet, and UV offset. 4655 is printable with UV and conventional offset. Also on display, WALLdeco 6770, a polycoated white fabric film for removable indoor graphics. At 6-mil, the film is ideal for retail, trade show, and POP advertising. FLEXcon also showed FLEXmark floor art OV6604, a 25-mil clear safari overlaminate. INFO# 241

Fredrix Print Canvas showed Encore solvent inkjet canvas�available in roll widths ranging from 54 to 64 inches. 901GSJ Encore is the premiere product in this solvent canvas line. INFO# 242

Fujifilm Sericol highlighted the new UVISTAR series of printers, the UVR 5032 and 3532, 5 and 3.5 meters, respectively. With print speeds capable of 3,800 sf/h, the printers handle both roll and rigid media including self-adhesive vinyl, mesh, blue-back paper, backlit, flag, Tyvek, and more. The company also showcased Uvijet EF UV-curable inks, made for Inca digital printers. INFO# 206

Herculite displayed its Bantex line of digital media products. These include 10-, 12-, 14-, and 18-ounce two-sided banner products, as well as Wallcover and Billboard media used in wallcoverings and large format applications. INFO# 243

Hewlett-Packard (HP) unveiled the HP Designjet L25500 printer with HP Latex Inks in its North American debut. Available in 42- and 60-inch models, the printer is targeted toward small and medium digital print shops. The printer�s introduction is bundled with the release of six new HP printing materials, which are compatible with HP Latex Ink. These products include HP White Satin Poster Paper, One-View Perforated Adhesive Window Vinyl, PVC-free Gloss Adhesive Film, PVC-free Wall Paper, Light Textile Display Banner, and Air Release Adhesive Gloss Cast Vinyl. IFNO# 204

HumanEyes Technologies Ltd. showcased Producer3D, an end-to-end solution for producing 3D print projects. The process covers the lenticular image production workflow from content creation through interlace and prepress. A variety of printers now utilize Producer3D including Mimaki�s JFX-1631 large format UV LED printer, the EFI Rastek T660, the Oc� Arizona 250 GT and 350 XT printers, Fujifilm�s Acuity Advance HD 2545, and Gerber�s Solara ion flatbed printer. INFO# 244

Innova Art introduced the D�cor Art ES and D�cor Velvet ES papers designed for eco-solvent printing. Art ES features a watercolor texture with a satin finish. A 13-mil paper, it is available in widths up to 60 inches. Velvet ES has a slight texture and satin finish. At 19-mil it also is available up to 60 inches wide. Also shown, the JetMaster Gallery Wrap solution. Used in both exhibition and display, no special tools or skills are required to mount canvas, paper, or textiles to this lightweight frame. INFO# 245

INX Digital International displayed fast-curing BIL UV inks specifically designed for high-speed production on HP Scitex XP5300 printers. The flexibility of the ink allows for 30-sheet recyclable polyethylene posters to be folded and shipped without surface cracking. These UV-curable inks provide a high chroma magenta and clean yellow. INFO# 246

KAPCO Graphic Products highlighted several products in the booth, including water-based inkjet waterpoof 11-mil Tyvek banner, 7-mil gloss white block out film, and solvent PSA 6-mil matte white vinyl in permanent, removable, or ultra-removable. INFO# 247

KIP America exhibited the KIP Color 80, a 36-inch wide format printer. With a 600 dpi resolution, the printer is compatible with band, film, and gloss media. INFO# 248

Lintec of America showcased their digital printing products including overlaminate and mounting films. INFO# 249

MACtac Graphic Products launched the new REBEL series for both the screen and digital print markets. Available in a range of multi-print media, the REBEL series targets indoor and outdoor applications, including POP, retail, and general signage. One of the many unique features to REBEL is the product�s opacity is created with the face film, not tethered to a gray adhesive. INFO# 250

Magnum Magnetics highlighted the DigiMag series of flexible, printable wide format magnetics. DigiMag PAPER is for aqueous printing and DigiMag VINYL is for solvent. INFO# 253

MagX America Inc. displayed XTRUmag, a multi-purpose, flexible magnet available in 24- and 40-inch widths. INFO# 252

Master Magnetics, Inc. featured flexible magnetic sheeting. The new 42-inch wide material is ideal for larger applications, eliminating the hassle of piecing smaller sheets together. The product is available in a variety of thicknesses, laminates, and in ten-, 25-, or 50-foot rolls. INFO# 253

Mimaki USA, Inc. demonstrated the UJV-160, a hybrid roll-to-roll/flatbed that utilizes ultra-low heat emitting UV-LED curing technology. Also on display, the JFX01631, which uses UV LED. INFO# 254

Mitsubishi Plastics exhibited Graphic-al signage panels, a series of aluminum composite panels for indoor and outdoor display. Graphic-al DP is a great fir for flatbed printers using UV-curable ink. INFO# 255

Mondi showcased release liner products for the graphic arts. Mondi release liners offer lay-flat characteristics, dimensional stability, and degrees of rigidity. INFO# 256

MultiCam, Inc. demonstrated the Digital Express System, which includes high-speed, digital registration with routing and knife cutting capabilities. It is powered by the MultiVision digital registration system. INFO# 257

Mutoh America, Inc. exhibited the ValueJet 1628T/2628T aqueous-based printers specifically designed for soft signage printing on polyesters and dye-sub paper. Available for shipping beginning in April 2010, both reach draft quality speeds of up to 447 sf/h and 154 sf/h in production mode. INFO# 209

Neschen Americas showcased Apollo Flag, part of the Pure Color Media line of products. Apollo Flag features a paper backing that allows printing without the use of a mesh printing kit. It is available in 42, 54, and 64 inches. Also on display, the SolvoPrint line, with new products including 13-ounce Daytona PVC Banner, 13-ounce Gotham PVC Blockout, and 8.7-mil Easy Panel 220. For banner stands, Neschen offers Printex Easy Banner Heavy and Easy Banner Light. Heavy is a 11.2-mil polyester fabric base and Light a 7.5-mil. INFO# 258

Oc� North America displayed the Arizona family of UV flatbed printers. The newest version, Arizona 350 XT, produces rigid prints as large as 98.4x120 inches. INFO# 259

ONYX Graphics, Inc. exhibited the latest ONYX RIP solutions, support offerings, and PrepEdge software. INFO# 260

Oracal USA provided samples and demonstrations of popular digital media films in both the booth and at the PDAA Graphic Application Zone. DT digital media, ORALITE 5600, and ORAJET Series 3165GRA were all on display. INFO# 261

Orbus displayed the Orient banner stand in two colors, black and silver. It is available in 800, 920, and 1,000 millimeters. A leader strip mounting system is used to install graphics. INFO# 262

Piedmont Plastics showcased Permovable Technologies� new GF40 and GF50 line of specialized graphic films. These are non-PVC products developed for promotional surfaces including asphalt, concrete, hardwood floors, and ceramic tiles. They are designed for most eco-solvent, mild-solvent, and solvent inkjet printers. INFO# 263

R Tape Corporation displayed Claritex digital print polycarbonate films for eco-solvent printers. This 10-mil 95 percent opaque white product allows for heavy ink saturation. Both clear and white is available in rolls of 35, 54, and 60 inches. This media is perfect for trade shows, banner stands, and POP displays. INFO# 264

Roland DGA Corporation previewed the SOLJET PRO III XC-540MT 54-inch printer/cutter featuring Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink, which was officially announced October 26. The new printer features six colors, including CMYK, metallic silver, and white. Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink can be printed as a spot color or combined with inks to produce metallic effects including gold, silver, and pearlescent colors. The XC-540MT achieves maximum print speeds of 441 sf/h and a resolution of 1,440x1,440 dpi. INFO# 207

SA International launched Sign Tracker, an online management system that helps shop owners keep track of business operations. Users can manage customers and projects, create estimates, track inventory, and generate sales reports. INFO# 265

Sawgrass Technologies, Inc. featured SubliM products, such as its SubliM dye transfer sublimation ink and SubliM Direct direct print sublimation ink. INFO# 266

Seiko I Infotech debuted EG-Outdoor LX mild-solvent inks for the ColorPainter V-64s printer. The inks feature outdoor durability, outdoor light fastness, as well as outstanding color density. Packaged in 500 ml cartridges, the new inks are available in six colors. ColorPainter V-64s users are now able to choose between EG-Outdoor LX inks or EX, which offer low volatile organic compounds and virtually no odor. INFO# 267

Sihl Digital Imaging introduced Sihl 3175 Tornado Self Adhesive Vinyl, a pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed vinyl with an outdoor durable matte coating compatible with aqueous inkjet printers. The product is based on a calendered vinyl film base and available in 24-, 36-, 42-, 50-, and 60-inch widths by 40-foot lengths. Also shown, Sihl 3198 Instant Dry Solvent Block-Out Film�a white polyester film with a 100 percent gray light block layer, top coated specifically for compatibility with solvent inkjet printers. A 7-mil film, the white top layer is fused to the gray block out layer during the polyester base manufacturing process so the film will not split, buckle, or warp. INFO# 268

SpectraJet spotlighted SilverBack universal sublimation paper, completely developed in the U.S. The paper operates with solvent, oil, and water-based sublimation systems. Media is available from 17 to 198 inches wide. It is a high-release, fast-dry paper that allows for consistent base paper construction and coating technology. INFO# 269

Summa displayed its series of printer/cutters, including the 54-inch DC4, 24/30-inch DC4sx, and more. Winners of the What Can You Do with a Summa Photo Contest were also announced. The grand prize winner was Jeff Swartz of Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing in New Middleton, OH. INFO# 270

Tex Visions LLC featured the new Barrier System BS200, a display solution used as a divider, directional tool, and more. The frame is made up of aluminum poles. The entire BS200 set includes aluminum poles, connectors, plastic clips, and spring snaps. Also shown, the new Bowflag 200 flag system is made up of aviation-grade fiberglass poles. The Bowflag hardware withstands winds reaching up to 63 miles per hour. INFO# 271

Teckwin International launched the entry-level roll-to-roll UV TeckPro UV, with production mode printing reaching 968 sf/h. The maximum media width is ten feet. INFO# 272

Tri Vantage exhibited Main Street Digital Plus, designed for printing with UV-curable and solvent inkjet systems for applications including awnings, banners, and POP displays. Available in 54- and 60-inch widths, the fabric meets NFPA 701-2004 Large Scale Flame Retardant standards and resists UV rays and mildew. A five year warranty covers fabric only. INFO# 273

Ultraflex Systems, Inc. showcased StripMesh Plus, which replaces a previous porous paper-like backer on StripMesh. An unlined version of this mesh is called UltraMesh Plus. INFO# 274

Universal Laser Systems displayed the VersaLASER Series, Professional Laser Series, and Industrial Laser Series of laser cutting systems. Products span from users looking to utilize the machinery at an entry-level to professionals. The Industrial Laser Series consists of customizable, large format systems featuring opening side doors for pass-through capability. INFO# 275

Value Vinyls highlighted EcoLogic, a PVC-free, 100 percent recyclable frontlit material for solvent and UV printing. INFO# 276

Z�nd America, Inc. exhibited two models of the G3 digital cutter, M2500 and 3XL-1600. Both can cut through a variety of materials. INFO# 277

Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.

Nov2009, Digital Output

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