Fespa has revealed the shortlist for its annual awards. It includes UK companies Augustus Martin, McGowans, Signbox and Digital Plus (full list at: www.fespaawards.com/2018-shortlist). The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 16 May during Fespa 2018 in Berlin.
Spandex is to host the Sign and Digital UK show feature, the Wrap Revolution. Over the course of three days (24-26 April) wrappers will demonstrate the latest techniques using materials from 3M, ImagePerfect, Avery Dennison, Orafol and Arlon - products supplied by Spandex.
A £6,000 bursary fund is up for grabs to students looking to undertake the BPIF MSc in Management. The Stationers' Foundation - the charitable arm of The Stationers' Company - supported by The Printing Charity, is offering the Postgraduate Bursary Scheme to either a single student or to be shared between several students for whom funding would be a barrier.
Entry to the Stevie Awards business competition is now open. Early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is 11 April. The final entry deadline is 9 May, though late entries will be accepted through to 13 June (with payment of a late fee).
A set of new software screens that add the ‘final polish’ to output produced on inkjet printers is now available from Global Graphics Software. Advanced Inkjet Screens - which can be added to inkjet machines already on the market or to those still on the drawing board - smooth out imperfections caused by the physics of jetting ink onto substrate.
Drytac will use ISA Sign Expo 2018 in the US later this month to showcase new products, including three OptiTac mounting adhesives and Polar Burst print media. The new products will be available in the UK later this year.
Shropshire-based Signmaster Systems has been made an authorised reseller for Mimaki’s wide-format sign and graphics product range by the manufacturer’s exclusive UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services.
Sabur has added the Korean-made Fabrijet FT-1604 sublimation printer to its DGI portfolio, which already includes the FT-3204X, FD-1908, FD-1904, HSFT and the HSFT II.
PPB, an independently owned national distributor and convertor of PoP substrates, has acquired NE Plastics, a flat sheet plastic supplier and bespoke fabrication specialist. The latter is based in the south of England, an area where PPB it has been looking to build upon its Thurrock operation. The acquisition of NE Plastics will enable PPB to expand plastic sales in the London area.
New from Innotech Digital is the Gallant Roller Banner. Designed to withstand heavy handed, every day usage while maintaining its tension properties, it is available in sizes up to 850mm wide. It weighs 2.5kg without graphics and coms in a drawstring bag.
Sign and Digital UK in April will be the UK launch platform for the Jetrix KX6U-LED printer from InkTec. Joey Kim, MD, InkTec Europe, said it “heralds the arrival of a new suite of LED printers where we are looking to offer a range of various sizes and formats.”
The BPIF calling for volunteer mentors for a new peer mentoring service it expects to roll out later this year. By pairing new apprentices with existing apprentices, the federation hopes that new learners will benefit from having an increased support network providing a relatable source of guidance, personal and professional development back-up, and a platform to share ideas and experience.
Image Reports
Supporting the wide-format digital print sector