Features

Nessan Cleary looks at just what sort of print quality you can expect from this entry-level latex printer.

The HP Latex 260 is an entry-level latex printer that offers an alternative to solvent printers, particularly for more office-alternative to solvent printers, particularly for more office- based type users. It's based on the same chassis as HP’s T7100 CAD and Z6200 graphics printers, albeit with additional heaters to cure the latex inks.

With recruitment high on many a print company agenda, Jonathan Malyon, MD of executive search firm M Associates, provides his take on the key considerations/issues/actions needed to find the right people for the right price.

Cutting tables are a must-have accessory for a flatbed UV printer but does it make economic sense to plump for an attractively priced import?

Sooner or later most people who buy a flatbed printer also find that they need a cutting table, if only to cut down the large rigid boards to more manageable sizes. But, inevitably, most budget for the printer and look to save money on the cutting table. Step forward the Dyss X7, a solid but affordable cutter that’s been pitched as an alternative to the main suppliers.

Is Genesis founder Andrew Owen’s marketing know-how enabling him to push the envelope and put new wide-format print ideas in front of marketers?

While many printers are trying to evolve into ‘marketing service providers’, Cardiff-based Genesis Marketing is making that journey in reverse. Formed in 2005, Genesis is built on founder Andrew Owen’s marketing expertise, now reinforced with in-house wide-format capabilities thanks to a Roland VersaCamm VS540i print and cut machine.

Perspex Distribution are continuing to fly the flag for UK print and manufacturing. In a first for the UK print market, it will now be possible to purchase UK manufactured aluminium composite sheets with Perspex Distribution stocking Alupanel® aluminium composite. Following the opening of a new multimillion pound production facility by multipanel UK, Alupanel® is the only range of aluminium composite to be produced in the UK.

To promote the power of print to the creative community and stimulate continuous innovation...

As a leading player in the printing industry, Fujifilm recognises it has a key role to play in the future of the industry and is committed to raising awareness of the unlimited potential of print among a wider audience, including print service providers, marketers and the creative design community. With a focus on increasing the understanding of print as a powerful communications medium, Fujifilm decided to supporting the ‘Think Bigger Report’, as it recognised its potential to serve as a platform from which to showcase some of the most original ways in which the power of print can be exploited to maximise communications campaigns.

The European Digital Press Association (EDP), representing Europe's 20 trade magazines on digital production including Image Reports in the UK, is seeking submissions for the next round of its EDP Awards.

In 2014 we'll be asking a number of vendors about what they’re doing to help educate possible would-be users of wide-format print about its potential. For this first report we put the question to Simon Addinall, market development manager EMEA, HP.

Print service providers have not been alone in facing the choices and challenges that rapid changesin printing technologies have brought - they have been felt along the entire length of the supply chain, from the brand managers, designers and marketers, to distribution companies.

Nessan Cleary kicks off the first of a series of independent tests by looking at Agfa’s most popular wide-format printer in the UK.

The Anapurna M2050, which is Agfa's most popular model in the UK, is targeted at the entry level to mid range user, where its flexibility is suitable for a broad range of jobs.

Excuse the pun, but Watford- based Rocket is blasting off. Having secured contracts that increased its turnover by 25% in 2013 it is on an upwards trajectory, hiring new staff, investing in new kit and expanding its factory space to secure what it anticipates being double digit growth again in 2014. Image Reports Editor, Lesley Simpson, met with former Service Graphics and McKenzie Clark man Antony Rider, now Rocket’s commercial director, to discuss the company’s rise and vision for the future. Here’s what transpired.

Tony Hodgson, director of PODi for Europe, provides a heads-up on marketing initiatives you should note for 2014.

In theory GMG ProductionSuite separates the prepress from the ripping for greater production efficiency, so what’s it like in practice? Nessan Cleary asked users.

We've long been advocates of using workflow programs to organise production departments more efficiently, so it seemed like a good idea to look at one such system – GMG's ProductionSuite – in more detail. This should separate prepress functions from the output in order to squeeze the maximum efficiency from both halves of a job. It can oversee multiple printers so that jobs can be routed to the most appropriate device, even late in the production process. It can take care of difficult issues such as colour management and finishing marks and offer centralised management of every job in production.