FEBRUARY 2006

GBC FILMS GROUP DEMONSTRATES NEW THERMAL LAMINATING SYSTEMS AND FILMS FOR DIGITAL, COMMERCIAL AND WIDE-FORMAT PRINT FINISHING (22.02.06)
at IPEX 2006 – Stand C50, Hall 3
New product line up include:
GBC 8556, Delta Junior, Delta 76, Falcon 3064WF and GBC 2080WF
7100 Metalized PET film, 8600 Silk OPP film, 8300 Scuff-free film

Kerkrade, GBC Films Group Europe, part of Acco Brands Corporation (NYSE : ABD – news) will be exhibiting their latest thermal laminating solutions for commercial, high speed, on-demand and wide-format finishing at Ipex 2006. GBC will demonstrate on stand C50 in hall 3 their equipment and consumables for a variety of printing processes and applications, tailored to meet customer requirements and in-house finishing strategies. GBC management will be able to show customers how they can increase their profits by leveraging the advantages of GBC laminating solutions. The stand at Ipex will be divided into three sections, each addressing a different marketplace.

Section 1 - High Volume Commercial Print Finishing
In section 1 GBC will show their brand new innovative professional GBC Saturn 8556 thermal laminating system, specifically designed for printers and trade laminators. In particular, the GBC Saturn 8556 offers a productivity-increase to existing thermal trade finishers, but with the help of tailored business cases GBC can show trade laminators still working with the wet technology how they can increase their profits by converting to the thermal technology. The GBC Saturn 8556 offers lamination up to 1.12m wide and 1.42m long which also makes this system perfect for luxury package printing.

The GBC Saturn 8556 runs at up to a maximum web-speed of 76m per minute and is designed to process a wide range of film including the GBC Speciality films such as the innovative and newly released 7100 Metalized PET – the first thermal silver metalized printable polyester film to be available in Europe. Furthermore it can process the 8600 Silk OPP film, specifically developed for high speed and wide-format markets. This film provides a silk finish and non-reflective surface. The unique finish is resistant to finger-prints and gives a quality feel to the product. The GBC 8600 Silk offers all the advantages of standard OPP film such as excellent adhesion ensuring consistent quality output. This film is also suitable for further finishing like spot varnish, UV varnish, embossing and foil stamping. Another new development will be the 8300 Scuff-free film, this matte film is three times more durable and scratch-resistant than the GBC 8326 matte film. This film accepts UV-spot coating and creates greater visual impact and accepts both animal- and synthetic based glues, making it ideal for the packaging-industry.

Section 2 – Small to Medium Print Finishing
In section 2 GBC will demonstrate the upgraded GBC Delta 7052 and GBC Delta 6052 laminating systems. These systems are suitable for short runs and offer high quality performances, ideal for mid-range and digital printers with short lead times and lower job volumes looking to have their finishing department in-house. These latest machines in the Delta range are designed to be fast, user friendly and cost effective with the ability to change stock, size and film quickly. The machines are compact and fully integrated operating at speeds of up to 30 m/min and covering a maximum working width of 52 x 72 cm. Another new feature which is included in the Delta is a sheet-counter, which offers the user to pre-set the machine to stop after having laminated the pre-set number of sheets, thus saving waste and increasing productivity.

The upgraded GBC Delta 6052 and GBC Delta 7052 range are designed to process the GBC Lay-Flat and GBC Hi-Tac Lay-Flat films, which offer better Lay-Flat properties and with the GBC Hi-Tac Lay-Flat offers additionally better adhesion to digital prints with fuser-oils. Another new development will be the GBC digital OPP, which will offer digital printers a significant better initial adhesion compared to the GBC 9525 Premium gloss and GBC 8326 matte films at an affordable premium.

In case printers are interested to upgrade their GBC Delta system GBC will launch the GBC Delta 7076, which can laminate up to a max. width of 76cm at a max. speed of 50 to 60m per minute.

Section 3 – Wide Format print finishing
In section 3 GBC will exhibit their wide format range, targeted at the signage, photographic, copyshop and screen print market. Because the wide-format market offers excellent growth-opportunities, GBC will further invest in 2006 in additional resources and solutions to increase their presence in this market. GBC will demonstrate the new GBC Falcon 3064WF professional 1,6m-wide bi-directional wide-format laminator and the GBC 2080WF cold top-heated laminating system up to 2m wide perfect for double sided posters and signage and the print for pay market. The wide format machines are suitable for companies looking for the ideal system to work alongside wide format inkjet printers, affording greater control, saving time and offering beneficial cost savings. On the consumables side, GBC will show new applications to offer increased value to their customer-base by leveraging the advantages of the newly revised cold laminating films for solvent printers.

Advantages of thermal lamination:
As the advantages of thermal lamination become more widely known, commercial printers and trade finishers are receiving increasingly specific requests from customers to use thermal laminating film on their prints. GBC has a distinctive advantage over other suppliers in that it can offer a complete lamination solution in film and in equipment, offering the user the benefits of one-stop shopping and the best possible service and expertise on both film and machines.

W: www.gbcfilm.com

The DigiCreaser is a bench-top model designed to fill the gap between semi automatic creasers, such as the Electro-Creaser, and fully automatic models like the more established AutoCreaser. Although hand-fed, all other DigiCreaser functions are automatic and perforating is a standard feature.

The AutoCreaser 50 is a bigger and faster machine than the earlier model, taking sheet sizes to 500 x 700mm and performing up to 6,500 creases per hour. It will perform up to 16 creases in a single pass and sophisticated controls include a ‘head-up’ display that provides a series of simple prompts to take the operator through the unit’s various functions. Like the DigiCreaser and all other Morgana creasing products, the AutoCreaser 50 uses a blade and matrix technique to provide quality creasing without damage to the substrate.

Morgana will also use IPEX to promote its upgrade path and guaranteed buy-back scheme. At present, this upgrade path finishes with the Morgana DocuMaster, an intelligent feeder, creaser and bookletmaker that takes work direct from the digital printer.

Hall 3

IPEX 2006 will be the worldwide launch pad for Optimus 2020 QuickSmart, which represents a huge step forward in MIS technology and features. Optimus 2020 QuickSmart builds on the 24 years of MIS experience gained by Optimus since it launched the industry’s first MIS modules in 1982, and incorporates several major changes. These include improved auditing and work-in-progress capabilities, greater support for fast turnaround jobs and for group functionality, more access to data for analysis and improved scheduling.

Amongst the other new products to be launched at the show will be Optimus Analysis, a unique method of interrogating the data in Optimus 2020 to provide valuable information in an innovative interactive style that can be used to question strategies and grow the business.

IPEX 2006 will also be the first demonstration of Optimus Connect since it was shown to customers at the company’s user group meeting in the autumn. Connect is a method of obtaining on-going production data from equipment on the shop floor without using JDF or JMF technology. As long as the hardware e.g. press, folder, guillotine etc emits an electronic signal then Connect can use those signals to transmit data to the Optimus 2020 MIS system. Several features have been added to the system during the last few months and Optimus will be demonstrating these at IPEX.

“The last 18 months have been the most exciting in the company’s 24 year history, with major orders won and new products launched,” says managing director Nicola Bisset. “IPEX 2006 is perfectly timed for us to introduce our latest range of MIS products, in particular the new Optimus 2020 QuickSmart, which we believe will set new benchmarks in what can be achieved within an MIS environment.”

W: www.optimus2020.com

The machine combines the four processes of stitching, folding, spine forming and trimming to produce SquareBack books up to 200 pages thick. It has fully automatic setting for different book sizes, including variable stitch leg length for different book thickness.

The maximum book thickness of 10mm (200 pages 80gsm), is double that of many alternative conventional booklet making machines. Since it will also produce books from only a few sheets, it provides a single book making solution for documents from four to 200 pages.

The PowerSquare will be demonstrated online to an Océ VP2110 digital printer producing a wide range of different books. It will also be shown as a standalone offline unit.

Hall 3

IPEX will also see the first European showing of Duplo’s JDF/UP3I (universal printer pre- and post-processing interface) compatible products, with live demonstrations used to prove that product integration and automation can improve printers’ profit margins. But you will need to visit a number of stands to see them all, with link-ups to kit on the Xerox and Océ stand to name a couple.

On its own stand Duplo will be showing smaller printers how easy it is to embrace all-digital workflow, with its JDF compatible DC-645 production colour finisher. Teaming up with greetings card company Moonpig and driven by Symbio software by it will be shown producing slit, cut and creased cards in real time.

Hall 3

“Neo gives correction functionality in a native PDF environment that previously only existed in proprietary non-PDF systems,” said Jan Ruysschaert.

Functions include separation handling, image editing and re-linking, clip path handling and image box handling. All certified PDF sessions remain in the PDF file and edits performed through Neo are simply added to the certified PDF information in the file.

The company has also developed a new screening technology called Concentric screening, which is a halftone dot technology that divides a round dot into concentric rings. These limit plate build-up on the plate. The screening is available with Artwork Systems’ Nexus and Odystar workflows.

Hall 9

“This means HP Indigo customers have the opportunity to easily integrate with offset commercial printers and expand their digital print volume,” said Creo general manager Ronen Cohen. “Work is underway to support additional HP Indigo digital presses with this solution. It provides access to a wider range of variable data printing markets through its support of VDP formats.”

JDF Pavillion

The new KAS machine will handle from CD width to over A4 size, with a maximum speed of over 5,000 A4 packs per hour. The Poly-wrapper will have similar feeders to the Mailmaster 465HS range (also sold via KAS), making them interchangeable.

IPEX will also see the official international launch of the Mailmaster Compact C4 Enveloper, previewed in the UK at Digital Print World. This is an entry level DL to C4 system, that is supplied in a fixed configuration comprising a sheet feeder folder, two insert feeders and a had feed position, with the possibility of one additional feeder. It envelopes at speeds up to 5000 an hour, inserting up to 12mm into a C4 sized envelope, with a duty cycle of over 500,000 per month. It will also be the first international outing for the Creasematic 150 Programmable Card Creaser.

Hall 2

In addition to the demonstrations held in the EFI booth, Fiery technology will be featured on several partner stands: Canon, Fiery-driven systems and Digital StoreFront; Konica Minolta and Océ, Fiery-driven systems and EFI Balance connectivity; Ricoh: Fiery-driven systems and EFI Micropress connectivity and Xerox, Fiery-driven systems and EFI MIS connectivity

Hall 9

The machine has the ability to selectively bind, useful for companies specifying personalisation of their digitally printed material.

Also expect to see new models in the Pit Stop Digital Creaser/Perforator range, including a creasing machine with an integral two or four plate SRA3 MB35 folder.

A Desta PAB800 automatic pressing and banding machine running inline to a Shoei folder.

Hall 2

"With SBE we have introduced wizards, new workflow functionality, and a flexible interface that puts live task-specific data in the hands of the end-user. This will allow for fast decision making in the busy production arena, from sales management through to accounting," said Prism general manager David Dunbavand.

With a number of live JDF installations already in place, Prism will also be demonstrating its expertise in the JDF arena.

Hall 2

W: www.prism-uk.com

Supporting ‘intermediate’ plate sizes over B2 is the PlateRite 6600 thermal CTP system. This is capable of handling plates from 304 x 370mm to 980 x 685mm and has been developed to support the B2+ presses from the likes of Ryobi. There are two models: the 6600E for 18plates/hour and the 6600S for 30 plates per hour, both at 2,400dpi. Upgrade on site is possible.

For those with high volume transactional printing in mind comes the Truepress Jet520, a high speed full-colour variable printing system that unites Screen’s pre-press technology and Epson’s multi-tone piezo-based drop-on-demand inkjet. the Truepress Jet520 is a continuous feed single pass printer that can run at 420 colour pages (or 64m) a minute.

Screen will also be re-categorising its Trueflownet workflow product suites and introducing new modules.

Hall 6

W: www.screen.co.uk

The JobStack 20 model processes products between 1 and 32 mm thickness and, with its 20,000 cph speeds, is designed for use with gatherer-stitchers and perfect binders. At 75,000 cph and paginations between 4 and 96, the JobStack 75 is used with newspaper and commercial web presses, rotary three-side cutters and inserting machines.

Using first-class components from recognised manufacturers in Europe and Japan, which make for a high-quality product, these CE-compliant compensating stackers are built in China with an appeal that is based on simple handling and reliable operation. Service and support are delivered by WRH Marketing AG with its global network of sales companies.

For more information email: productionlink@wrh-marketing-uk.com

See us at IPEX Stand 4-B50 Hall 4

W: www.wrh-marketing-uk.com

“Visitors can see CIP3 processes working alongside manual machines and JDF systems, all in a real time environment to demonstrate how the visitor can implement a living solution within their own operations,” said zone director, Victor Fletcher.

On show within the zone will be the Shinohara Uno 52, a B3 four colour offset press with that uses around 40 per cent of the floorspace taken by a traditional four colour press. It will be joined by Shinohara’s B2 75VPC press, available in up to eight colour and designed for the short-run on-demand litho print environment.

The MGi Meteor multicolour vari-substrate digital printer will also be networked in the zone as will the Akiyama multicolour super-perfector B1 JPrint offset press which can be run conventionally or waterless.

Hall 4

W: www.net-work-flow.com

Cassie’s career history has proved highly beneficial in developing the skills and background knowledge needed to drive forward the Vivid brand, reputation and above all – new innovation.

Prior to joining Vivid, Cassie’s roles have included Product Manager within the Merchandising Department at Office Depot and Product Manager at Findel Education working under the NES Arnold brand.

Cassie will be responsible for all Marketing, PR and website development and is looking forward to achieving fantastic results in 2006, starting with IPEX where Vivid will be exhibiting.

Vivid are confident that they have the foundations in place to not only achieve further success but to set a new standard of excellence with a range of award winning products and market leading new product development.

Visit IPEX - Hall 3, Stand D29.

W: www.vivid-online.com

Making its European debut at the show will be the compact B2-format Ryobi 784E, which will be printing with new Fuji Brillia PRO-T processless thermal plates, imaged on a Screen CTP device. The entry-level Ryobi 784E press is a compact four-colour machine with a printing area of 765 x 545mm (or 765 x 580mm for the XL version).

The press, which has a similar cylinder configuration to the popular B3-format GX Series presses, requires some 40% less floor space than Ryobi’s other B2 offering, the Ryobi 750 Series, yet delivers the same sheet size and a similar production specification. Features include semi-automatic platechanging, Ryobi’s Printing Control System (PCS), which includes a network kit for the Ink Volume Setter, and Program Inking. Prices will start at around £330,000.

Hall 5 (Apex Digital Graphics stand)

W: www.apexdigital.co.uk

Full details are being kept under wraps until Ipex but the company is whetting your appetite by stating that the imagePress X has been designed for integration into an offset environment where more flexibility is necessary, the chief benefit being its variable data printing capability. Canon sees the ImagePress Y largely as a proofing unit with short run print applications.

“Research has shown that 55 per cent of printers who do not have a digital device are now considering making a purchase,” said Per Klavsen, Canon’s director of European Professional Solutions marketing.

Canon has also signed partnerships with EFI and Objectif Lune ahead of the show, deals which bring EFI’s Digital StoreFront and Objectif’s Planet Press Suite workflow packages into its portfolio.

Hall 6

An interesting development on show will be Shuttleworth’s new browser-based data collection module. In its simplest form, it will carry on the process of gathering and presenting real-time accurate factory feedback. However, there is now a wider choice of collection devices and considerable new functionality available such as touch screens, PDA’s, PC’s and Mac’s which can all be used to securely interrogate the job, identify the status of associated transactions and view related images. This is a brand new release and will be of interest to existing customers and prospects alike.

Through its partnership with ROI and integration with its Xralle product, Shuttleworth can now offer a smooth transition from the design and approval of an order online to its direct production. Users of this technology report an 80 per cent reduction in administrative overhead and the complete elimination of human error at the printer side of the transaction. This is proving to be a powerful method of protecting and generating profit margin. While this is a natural progression for Shuttleworth’s digital and ‘on demand’ customers, the company has identified other applications in litho, screen, labels and packaging.

Bar Coded Stock Control is a significant development to Shuttleworth’s tried and trusted Stock Control module. Customers can now use radio frequency bar code readers to record all types of stock movement and location.

Shuttleworth’s JDF links are already in operation at many sites throughout the UK but there is still so much more to be done to help customers understand about the far-reaching benefits of a JDF integrated workflow. Shuttleworth’s strong association with the CIP4 committee and the NGP partnership is evidence of its commitment to the standard and moreover, a sign that the company is determined to proceed forward with JDF in a cooperative manner.

Shuttleworth’s Customer Relationship Management module has seen a giant stride forward in its functionality and importance to printers. While strong on the sales and commercial side of the business, the module has the capacity to manage the proofing process, control all the key job events and ensure that all extra charges are passed on the client. This last function allows users to record customer changes or additional services, confirm via email and simultaneously set aside for future charging. Shuttleworth users report that this process can generate up to £2,500 of additional invoiced items every month.

The company is aiming to provide sanctuary to all of its users and visitors in the form of The Cheetah Lounge. While stopping short of offering camp beds and sleeping bags, the company is keen to offer something of a ‘chill-out’ zone for all those weary visitors.

W: www.shuttleworth-uk.co.uk

At the show, the company will be showcasing its flagship, digital colour production printer: imagePRESS ‘X’, which has been designed to meet the digital colour requirements of the commercial print, graphic arts and corporate markets.

Demonstrations on stand will highlight the brand new technology which offers customers high quality consistency, durability and stability of output.

Also launching, will be the highly anticipated imagePRESS ‘Y’, which encompasses a true graphic arts engine, and offers flexibility for Canon’s customers to adapt and grow into different markets.

The introduction of the imagePRESS ‘X’ +’Y’, which both feature a new product platform and technology, signifies Canon’s highly anticipated entrance into the high-end, high-quality colour digital press market.

Complementing the imagePRESS printers will be the hugely successful black & white high volume production printers that underline Canon’s “complete solutions” approach to the professional printing industry in Europe.

The latest devices will be demonstrated alongside carefully selected solutions that offer printers added functionality and productivity improvements.

Canon’s latest large format printers for the graphic arts and CAD markets will also be on display to demonstrate the rich quality and swift speed of Canon’s ever expanding product range.

W: www.canon.co.uk

• April 2006
• March 2006
• January 2006
• 2005 news