Launches HP Indigo Flexible
Packaging Digital Print Services
with Customer Open House Event.
Wipf held a customer open house at its premisesSwiss based Wipf Group has held a customer open house event at its headquarters in Volketswil to officially launch its HP Indigo digital printing capabilities for flexible packaging.
Founded in 1914, the company has a number of divisions, one of which is the production of flexible packaging for the food, pharmaceutical, hygiene and construction industries. The family-owned business attributes much of its continued success to high-quality production methods, as well as its ability to adapt to changes in the marketplace.
One way in which Wipf maintains its competitive edge is by supplying cutting-edge products and services. Most recently it launched new digital printing services with the installation of an HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press to allow it to offer customers shorter runs and quicker turnaround times. The company demonstrated the benefits of its new services at the customer open house event, held in association with HP.
“Print runs are getting shorter, as are turnaround times for delivering products to customers,” said Christian Wipf, owner and chairman of the board, Wipf. “In order to fulfil these requirements and not compromise on quality, the HP Indigo WS6600 was the clear choice. The ability to match PANTONE® Colours was a particular selling point for us and our customers have been extremely impressed with the results from the HP Indigo press so far. In fact, we are already winning new business as a result of our new HP digital capabilities.”
Wipf highlighted how clients who have started to embrace its digital services are already reaping the benefits.
“A customer recently asked us to produce pouches for a confectionery product” commented Mr. Wipf. “However, the packaging was required in a short run and within an even shorter deadline. They needed to be supplied within two weeks, which would have been too short a timeframe and expensive for the customer using our previous technology. However, we were pleased to accept this job knowing that we could now deliver the packaging within the deadline, to our usual high standard and at an acceptable price.”
As a result of the positive success Wipf experienced after it made its first step into digital printing services, the company has now revealed plans to expand these capabilities and become the second European beta site for the recently announced 762mm (30in) HP Indigo 20000 Digital Presses (available in 2013). Wipf believes that the larger format of this recently launched HP Indigo press will allow it to offer new applications and more importantly from the company’s perspective, explore new market opportunities not previously achievable with digital technology.
“Our mission statement is ‘Innovative Packaging Solutions’, and the new 762mm (30in) digital press will help us deliver on this promise in 2013, “ added Mr Wipf. “We consider HP to be the leader in digital printing solutions, and I have no doubt that our move into digital has a positive future, aligned with a supplier that like us is always seeking innovation.”
More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts
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Wipf held a customer open house at its premises
SKAG gets its ‘Dream Machine’.
L R Dror Danai Scodix, Beky Shemer 3 Print, Kostas Skagias President SKAG, Nir Katz 3 Print, Stavros Tzanis SKAGScodix, a provider of digital enhancement solutions for the graphic arts industry, has released details about its first press distribution to the Greek market. The installation was made to international stationery and marketing supplies provider SKAG.
Athens based SKAG installed the B2+ sized Scodix S74PRO along with the modular Scodix Rainbow station in September this year and is reported to have seen significant success with the range of special-effect enhancements. Scodix commented that its Scodix Rainbow™ Station is unique in providing an in-line glitter impact to enhance the Scodix SENSE™ experience.
SKAG’s principle business is the printing of commercial marketing materials such as children's school items, books, greeting cards, notebooks, folders and more. The company invested in the Scodix Rainbow because it fitted their strategy, which is to offer customers short runs, per-demand work, based on the ability to change and adjust jobs at the last minute.
Popy Skagia, SKAG Marketing Manager, said: “The Scodix Press and Braille station are the ‘dream’ products for this company. They allow us to add enhancements and special effects on a digital press that saves us time and money. There is no other technology on the market that represents unique opportunities for us to enhance and promote our existing product range, along with adding a few that were not possible before.”
The company, established in 1956, exports its products to more than 35 markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Canada and Japan, and has won numerous national business awards for its work.
The press was sold and installed by Scodix distributor 3 Print who’s CEO Beky Shemer added: “SKAG purchased the Scodix press to produce unique and special items that stand out and bring outstanding value to its customers. For print service providers that wish to differentiate and enhance their offset and digital output, Scodix solutions make the big difference.”
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Installation at company’s new showroom to serve
as the European Highcon demonstration centre
for the Staples group.
Plantin, a Staples company based in Brussels, Belgium has just taken delivery of the Highcon™ Euclid digital cutting and creasing machine.Plantin, a Staples Printing Systems company based in Brussels, Belgium has just taken delivery of the HighconTM Euclid digital cutting and creasing machine. It has been installed at the company’s new demonstration showroom which will serve as the European Highcon demonstration centre for the Staples group of companies.
Hans Huyghe, the Managing Director of Plantin stated, "We are very excited to have the first installation in Europe following the Staples Printing Systems group distribution agreement signed at DRUPA."
Oscar Pakasi, Director Business Development of Staples Printing Systems stated:” In addition to producing samples and demonstrating the Euclid to interested Benelux convertors, we are now able to support all our group companies, including Macchingraf in Italy, Hartman in Spain, Tetterode in The Netherlands and BTI-Hellas in Greece.”
Highcon has announced that on December 4th it will be hosting a European training session at the Plantin demonstration facility for all the Highcon European Channel Partners, covering 14 countries. This will be followed on the 6th December by a Plantin Open Day for selected packaging customers and prospects from the Benelux. Hans Huyghe continued, "The installation has been remarkably smooth and we will be ready to demonstrate the full flexibility of this unique digital solution".
Chris Baker, Highcon VP Sales and Business Development said, "We are delighted to be working with Staples and for their commitment in this new technology and market. The development of the Euclid has been rapid. From the formation of Highcon in late 2009 to the DRUPA live demonstrations and now to our first installation in less than 3 years. Additional installations will now take place in the New Year as we ramp up production to fulfil the demand."
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Latest technology developments to be unveiled.
Classic car 3d printed in multi-materialsObjet Ltd., a leading innovator in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, has announced that it will once again take to the floors of EuroMold (World Fair for Moldmaking and Tooling, Design and Application Development) to reveal its latest technology developments. This year has seen Objet launch the world's only professional desktop 3D printer offering up to seven different materials, the Objet30 Pro, along with the release of a further 39 digital materials. According to Andy Middleton, Objet General Manager EMEA, EuroMold can expect to see Objet continue its drive for innovation within 3D printing:
"As the year draws to a close, our ethos of leading innovation within 3D printing has never been stronger and we see EuroMold as the ideal platform to demonstrate this, by bringing our latest developments to the fore. Visitors can expect to see an expanded 3D printing portfolio. 2012 has already been a very significant year for Objet - not only have we launched the most versatile 3D printer in the professional desktop market - but we have also invested heavily in developing further digital materials taking the Objet range of 3d printing materials to a record-breaking 107."
In the spotlight on the Objet stand this year will be the widely-acclaimed work of leading artist and designer Neri Oxman from MIT's Media Lab who will present a selection of stunning 3D printed models printed using Objet's unique Connex multi-material 3d printing technology. Both parties collaborated earlier this year in a union of art and 3D printing, with the finished models showcasing Objet 3D printing and how Connex multi-material technology has the potential to help push the boundaries of creative design. Object stated that it was this ability to print different rigid and flexible material combinations which enabled Oxman to convey the true artistic nature of her designs with extremely fine detail and accuracy.
Another feature at the show will be a diverse range of exceptionally realistic prototypes, demonstrating real applications from Objet customers across a variety of industries ranging from automotive to defence, aerospace to education, consumer goods and electronics, animation and film, right through to the highly-specialised world of digital dentistry and medical devices.
"Objet 3D printing has always been about delivering the highest quality rapid prototyping solution for each industry-specific requirement," commented Middleton. "We continue to provide our customers with an unrivalled range of materials varying in physical and mechanical properties - from rigid to rubber-like materials, opaque to transparent and ABS-like simulation plastics - always striving to support our customers in achieving true product realism, whatever industry they operate in."
Objet's full range of 3D printing solutions for the professional user will be represented at Euromold:
- The Objet Desktop range provides high quality 3D printing to professionals requiring an entry-level, desktop solution, along with one of the most versatile range of materials available in this market.
- The Objet Eden range is designed for designers and engineers who require high-precision, surface finish and productivity. It provides the ability to print on a range of materials, including specialized materials for dental and medical applications. The Objet Eden V line of 3D printers is upgradable to Objet Connex platform.
- The Objet Connex series, billed as the world's only multi-material 3D printing technology, enables users to print parts comprising of up to 14 different materials in a single print job, with no assembly. Users also have the ability to combine material properties from rigid to rubber and opaque to transparent, to create new digital materials better suited for specific prototyping requirements.
See Objet at EuroMold 2012 from 27th- 30th November, stand D90, hall 11 in Frankfurt, Germany.
- Video: Objet260 Connex in action
- Video: Objet30 Pro | With 7 Different Materials
- Video: Objet 3D Printer with 107 Materials
- Video: 3D Printing | Enabling Dreams to Reality
- Video: Revolution in Art & Design using 3D Printing | Objet for Neri Oxman
- Video: Amazing Models by Objet Connex 3D Printer
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Investment made to handle longer run lengths and strengthen service capability.
TB Screen AB, of Västerås, Sweden, has purchased an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press after the company stated that it was “the most complete solution on the marketplace.”
L R David Adamson HP Scitex_Xavi García HP Scitex_Jonas Bergstrom MD TB Screen_Nachum Korman EMEA Large Format Sign & Display Industrial Sales Director and Jesper Skantze CEO SchneidlerTB Screen, which also has four other HP large-format printers, serves a host of retail, outdoor events and advertising clients throughout Scandinavia. It made the investment to strengthen its service capability and fulfil an increasing requirement for larger run lengths, particularly in relation to POS/POP print jobs.
Jonas Bergstrom, managing director of TB Screen has no doubt that the attributes of the HP Scitex FB7600 set it apart from other industrial printing systems.
“The HP Scitex FB7600 has everything and in our opinion delivers the perfect blend of output speed and print quality,” he explained. “We wanted to keep an open mind before committing ourselves, but upon looking at one or two competitor offerings, the FB7600 stood out as the obvious choice to meet our needs.”
The purchase was made through HP’s Swedish channel partner, Schneidler, and included the recently announced Hostert Automatic Loader.
Bergstrom said the device was a major factor in the decision to install the FB7600 because it allows high-volume print shops that produce long repeating runs to reduce production costs, improve turnaround time and create an automatic working environment with pallet-to-pallet operation.
“We anticipate the new loader contributing to the FB7600’s overall capability to enhance production workflow and enable us to shorten delivery times for our retail customers,” he continued.
With four other HP large-format solutions installed, Bergstrom also acknowledged Schneidler’s important role in the buying decision.
“Once again, we worked closely with Schneidler, whose customer support team is first-class, so it’s reassuring that a professional back-up team is there, should we need it,” he said.
TB Screen AB grew sales by 30 per cent last year and with the continued expansion of its large-format print portfolio, Bergstrom and his 28-strong team will soon relocate to a new, custom-built, 5000m2 facility.
“The fact that we have outgrown our current space is indicative of the way TB Screen is developing,” he added. “This relocation, together with our investment in innovative print technology like the HP Scitex FB7600, reflects our ambitions for the future and shows our customers that we have the capability to meet their changing print requirements.”
The Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press can print up to 95 full-size sheets/hr in production speed and up to 55 full-size sheets/hr with POP quality on a wide variety of media up to 25mm thick. HP pointed out that the six-colour UV-curable HP FB225 Scitex Ink set provides excellent dot gain and an impressive colour gamut up to 600dpi resolution. In addition it said a new edge-to-edge printing feature can produce final-size sheets, which eliminates the need for trimming, saves substrates and reduces product damage caused by additional handling.
More information is available at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts
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New ValueJet 2638 premièred at the event
VJ-1638WMutoh has announced that it was represented at Viscom Sign Spain 2012 exhibition, held at Ifema, Madrid, on the 17th to 19th October, by its authorised resellers for Spain – CPS Cutter Printer Systems, L.I. Distribuciones and Tecno Hard.
At the event the companies latest Mutoh ValueJet printer models and Mutoh’s proprietary print-to-cut technology were exhibited.
Mutoh’s has said that its showstoppers on display at Sign Spain were the new 64” wide ValueJet 1638 line, including the ValueJet 1638 high speed Eco printer for sign & display applications and the ValueJet 1638W printer for dye sublimation applications. The company also confirmed that it premièred for the first time in Spain the new ValueJet 2638, the first 2.6 metre wide ValueJet Eco Ultra printer. For roll and rigid printing applications, visitors had the opportunity to attend live demonstrations of the ValueJet Hybrid 1608HS printer.
Mutoh’s new ValueJet 1638 Line
The new ValueJet 1638 (64”/165 cm) model is capable of production quality speeds up to 36 m2/h at 720 x 720 dpi, and is targeted at the sign & display market.
The printer utilises Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks and is intended to address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution.
The ValueJet 1638W (64”/165 cm) model was designed specifically for the sublimation transfer market. Printing on the thinnest available transfer papers and using Mutoh water-based dye sublimation inks, this new Mutoh printer model boasts production speeds up to 65 m2/h.
Première for Spain: Mutoh ValueJet 2638
Mutoh’s new 2.6 metre ValueJet 2638 model is geared to address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution where media rolls up to a width of 2.6 metre are required.
VJ-1638The company commented that the 4-colour high speed printer features a staggered dual head setup with the latest generation 1440 nozzle 8 channel piezo print heads, offering improved productivity.
Using Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks, the VJ-2638 will print directly onto a wide range of uncoated and coated substrates and is suitable for indoor and outdoor graphics. Rated production speeds for this new 104” wide printer is up to 40 m2/h at 720 x 720 dpi.
ValueJet Hybrid 1608HS
The ValueJet Hybrid 1608 printer utilises Mutoh’s Bio inks which the company said delivers high quality prints on a wide variety of roll and rigid media. The printer is being marketed particularly at print providers who supply customers demanding “green output” (recyclable media). Mutoh pointed out that the printer is suitable for start-up companies as well as established print businesses wanting short run production of roll prints and panel creation for close viewing distances.
http://www.viscomspain.com/en/Home/
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VJ-1638
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VJ-1638W
Radical Direct-to-Pack finishing solution
to create new opportunities for both companies
Representatives from Highcon and new channel partner Baumann at a recent training session.Highcon and Heinrich Baumann Grafisches Centrum GmbH & Co.KG have announced an agreement for Baumann to market the HighconTM Euclid digital cutting and creasing solution in Germany. The deal will also see Baumann offer full support and service on the machine.
Since 1930 Baumann have focused on supplying the printing industry with equipment and machinery and its close connection to the packaging sector in particular was a key factor for Highcon to ensure that its customers received the best service and support in Germany.
With 400 employees, the Baumann group is today a well known supplier for the graphic arts industry. It is recognised as a leading sales and service company with several subsidiaries in Germany. Baumann represents well known manufacturers in the printing industry like AGFA, Kodak and manroland and has its own manufacturing companies Baumann Maschinenbau, Wohlenberg and Perfecta which develops and produces cutting and perfect binding solutions for the printing world.
Christian Baumann, owner of Heinrich Baumann Grafisches Centrum, said "The concept from Highcon for a Direct-to-Pack finishing solution is amazing. It will create new opportunities for our customers, make short-runs profitable and will change the industry. We are very proud to become Highcon's channel partner in Germany to promote and support this idea to our German customers."
Nigel Tracey, Highcon International Sales Director added, "We are looking forward to cooperating with Baumann and are excited about introducing the Highcon Euclid into the German market which is known for its appreciation of advanced technologies. We believe the Highcon Direct-to-Pack digital finishing solution will be very well received by folding carton converters here."
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Printing systems for soft signage and direct-to-textile printing on display.
Mutoh Belgium has said it will be demonstrating several sustainable print solutions at EcoPrint Europe 2012 (booth 7-1), that can help print providers become greener and at the same time explore new business opportunities in digital print. The exhibition is the first event entirely focused on sustainability in the print industry and is receiving wide support from many international machine and product manufacturers.
Arthur Vanhoutte, President of Mutoh’s European Operations commented: “At Mutoh, we have, for a long time, been committed to sustainability and creating solutions that add commercial and environmental value for our customers and EcoPrint 2012 provides us with the focus and platform, in which to tell our sustainable story. We look forward to explain the key considerations to make for greening print production. The company intends to display several sustainable print solutions available from Mutoh including our printing systems for soft signage and direct-to-textile printing that offer considerable environmental credentials.”
Vanhoutte continued: “We think that the print company is under pressure to change and become sustainable, “he added. “There are still plenty of products that pretend to be green when they are really not so green. We hope EcoPrint 2012 will contribute to discussion about issues affecting the effective adoption of sustainability in a print business. Our core philosophy related to sustainability and ecology is to manufacture and supply greener print solutions which are economically viable and which help reduce waste, energy consumption and emissions, whilst simultaneously meeting the print provider’s required performance and application needs.”
ValueJet 1638W printerWhite Paper Mutoh – How Green is Green?
Already in 2011, Mutoh released a white paper, which is available on its website, titled 'How Green is Green?' highlighting the complexities of implementing sustainability and explaining the perils of 'greenwashing'. See http://www.mutoh.be/01/MyDocuments/White_Paper_How_Green_is_Green.pdf
For additional info on Mutoh Belgium at EcoPrint Europe 2012:
Mutoh Belgium – founding exhibitor at EcoPrint
http://www.ecoprintshow.com/ecoprint-exhibitors/mutoh
Arthur Vanhoutte – EcoPrint Ambassador
http://www.ecoprintshow.com/ecoprint-ambassadors/7574
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HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press bolsters production
HP Indigo 7600 Digital PressThe Dutch print company, VG Print B.V., has announced the installation of the first non-beta HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press in the world. The company says it made the investment to bolster its digital production capabilities.
VG Print has a diverse customer base of small and large companies and just under 50 per cent of its business is as an out-sourcing provider for print buyers and agencies.