Creativity, innovation and choice the name of the game at Sign & Digital UK 2016.
Sign & Digital UK has once again confirmed its reputation as the leading exhibition for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industry, with several big brands marking it as their most successful show to date. With strong sales reported across the board, and the impressive visitor footfall, Sign & Digital UK did not disappoint as this year’s best buying show.
The 2016 event was the biggest for nine years, taking up more than 10,000 square meters across halls 17 and 18 of The NEC in Birmingham. The show attracted high quality visitors from a broad range of printing and sign making industries. Alongside a host of UK and European product launches, there was a brand new Digital Signage Theatre and ‘Become a Wrap Expert’ workshop, and drew strong crowds across all three days.
Almost half (42 per cent) of the 2016 floor space was rebooked on site for next year’s big 30th anniversary event. Exhibitors returning in 2017 include Blackman & White, Biesse, CMYUK, Complete CNC Solutions, Digital Blanks, Fairfield Displays, Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT), Inktec/Jetrix, Innotech, Perfect Colours, PrintMAX, Resolute DTG, Rollsroller, Signmaster Systems, Signwaves, Soyang Europe, Ultima Displays and Your Print Specialists (YPS).
Here is a look at just some of the exhibitor highlights and product launches from this year’s show –
Agfa Graphics
Agfa GraphicsAgfa Graphics had the first UK showing of its new Jeti Mira, a 6-colour and white UV-inkjet true flatbed printing system with optional varnish or primer. The two table models are ideal for applications ranging from posters, signage, exhibit graphics and POP displays through to niche applications such as personalized objects.
AXZYRA
AXZYRA launched its new range of innovative flatbeds. The Apache range of multi-purpose flatbed printers has the flexibility to print not only flat vibrant colour graphics, but textures, small objects and even components, using its unique UV cure resin ink technology, varnishes and primers.
Boxlights
Boxlights launched its range of bespoke cardboard light boxes with energy efficient LED light sources. With multiple functions and uses, Boxlights are not only a bespoke sign but can be made into a unique piece of art.
Canon
Canon Canon exhibited the NEW Océ Arizona 1280 GT UV flatbed printer. The true flatbed architecture of the new series has been designed to deliver the most flexible platform in wide format printing, providing superior image quality, ease of use and a wide range of application opportunities.
Colourgen
Colourgen returned for the 16th year running and presented a brand new range of Mutoh large format sign and display printers. The Mutoh ValueJet 1638X (64”) and ValueJet 1624X (64”) incorporate high performance and micro piezo head technology. The ValueJet 1638X has two print heads mounted in a staggered configuration, whereas the VJ-1624X has a single print head. Both printers incorporate Mutoh’s new DropMaster technology for precise media handling.
D & K Europe
D& K Europe had the first UK showing of its new B3 laminator – Neptune. Neptune is a B3 fully automated machine capable of laminating at speeds of up to 15 meters per minute.
Epson
Epson showcased its latest range of professional SureColor printers and demonstrated the new features that combine to deliver superb quality, production performance and ink use efficiency for the signage and display graphics sector. There were live demonstrations of three new professional 64-inch SureColor SC-S large-format printers: the 10-colour SC-S80600, the high speed CMYK x 2 SC-S60600 and the 4-colour SC-S40600. All highlight exceptional print quality on even the cheapest monomeric vinyl and best use of Epson’s new formulation UltraChrome GS3 inkset including red, white and metallic for accurate and consistent corporate colour match signage.
Hybrid Services
Hybrid Services http://www.hybridservices.co.uk
Hybrid Services debuted the new Mimaki printers at the show, including an LED UV printer making its first outing in the sign and graphics industry. The Mimaki UJF-7151plus is a mid-format flatbed printer that features exceptionally detailed output coupled with low running costs. The MTEX Blue all-in-one dye sublimation printer will also be on display.
Impression Technology Europe
http://www.impressiontechnologyeurope.com
ITC launched the GoTx wide format textile-printing machine at the show – this was the machine’s first European appearance. Being able to print onto a variety of static and stretch fabrics gives this machine the edge over the competition.
KIP
KIP launched their new 800 colour series, which offers a comprehensive solution for a range of wide format printing tasks. The system’s workflow provides powerful print control for any production environment from a range of print submission applications, cloud printing, scan & copy, variable data printing and fully integrated stacking and folding.
Roland DG
Roland DGRoland DG’s TrueVIS VG-640 was on display for the first time in the UK. Boasting new printheads, integrated cutter with increased downforce and accuracy, fast drying TrueVIS inks, VersaWorks Dual RIP Software and Roland DG Mobile Panel – the future of print and cut has arrived.
ShimmerDisc Sequin Displays
Never seen before in the UK, the new printing technology and display product Shimmerdisc was unveiled at the show. Shimmerdisc is a blanket of individually printed sequins. Each disc is individually printed creating pixel perfect images. Each module is reverse printed and optically clear. The finished effect presents a display that looks almost 3D and with the most amazing movement.
Soyang Europe
Digitally printable media manufacturer and distributor Soyang Europe returned to Sign & Digital UK this year to introduce its new collection of interior decoration materials, alongside its substantial textile, signage and graphics ranges suitable for printing with sublimation, solvent, UV and latex technologies.
Swanline Paper & Board
Swanline Paper & BoardSwanline Paper & Board made its show debut with a new range of sustainable substrates, including the launch of its Cygnus Display Board. An FSC certified double-sided coated product, the Cygnus board is ideal for digital printing since its unique manufacturing process gives it excellent stability, ensuring the board remains flat throughout the process. Cygnus is a lightweight alternative to similar available boards and is fully recyclable and biodegradable.
You can Tweet, Like us on Facebook, Share, Google+, Pinit, print and email from the top of this article.
