By Digital Output Staff
The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) holds its annual expo September 14 to 16, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center. According to SGIA, the floor is sold out, ensuring an experience for attendees full of new products and worthwhile information. Here, we share input from some of the vendors exhibiting at the show.
On the Floor
3A Composites, booth 1941, exhibits the Gator line of heavy-duty graphic display boards—including Gatorplast and Gatorfoam. These Gator rigid substrates allow designers and fabricators to create high-performing graphic displays and signage—for installation both indoors and out—through both direct digital printing and screenprinting. Gatorplast consists of extruded polystyrene foam bonded between two high-impact polystyrene cap sheets. Gatorfoam—the original heavy-duty graphic display board—consists of polystyrene foam bonded between two layers of wood-fiber veneer laminate.
Advanced Color Solutions, booth 3581, showcases the Roland Texart XT-640, developed specifically for dye-sublimation (dye-sub) transfer printing. By combining Roland reliability with the latest technology, users can quickly and effortlessly create high-volume sportswear, fashion, soft signage, interior decoration, and promotional merchandise. With its rugged construction and dual printheads, the XT-640 dye-sub printer is built to meet the most demanding production and quality requirements.
AGL, booth 3563, demonstrates it popular Patriot as well as the newly redesigned Encore SH model laminators. These laminators are designed to specifically address the issues associated with finishing UV, latex, and solvent printing technologies. With AGL’s proprietary nip roll design and one of the industry’s best heating and nip pressure designs, this laminator solves the problems associated with poor laminate adhesion and silvering. AGL also highlights its full line of media, adhesives, PSA vinyls, and laminating films.
Arlon, booth 3769, introduces a new Cast Digital Wrap Film, DPF 6100XLP. This product features a smooth finish and low-profile air egress liner making it ideal for commercial vehicle wrap needs. The most notable feature of DPF 6100XLP is its superior bond in channels and compound curves. DPF 6100XLP features a low initial tack making it highly repositionable. This product is compatible with various print systems including latex, solvent, eco-solvent, and UV printers.
BRDR Hansen AS, booth 3869, offers Rollover Flatbed Applicators. According to the company, they generate ideal results obtained in a minimum of time.
Breathing Color, booth 753, highlights Allure Photo Panels, a new metal product that can be printed on directly using Epson or Canon printers and OEM inks. This allows printmakers to sell metal prints without investing in all of the expensive equipment that’s used for dye-sublimation (dye-sub) metal prints, as well as eliminating the waste typically associated with the dye-sub process. Allure is the ideal solution for producing extremely high-quality metal prints at a better cost.
Chemica US, booth 317, presents DuoFlex—a patented puff effect. The heat transfer vinyl requires one cut and one press; yet results in two colors. This allows users to get the perfect outline every time. Stop by the booth to see this and more amazing heat transfer films not found anywhere else.
Continental Grafix USA, booth 143, shows Walk&Wall, a textured vinyl with fabric backing and repositionable adhesive. It is ideal for trade show, retail point of purchase, and wall murals. It applies to concrete, carpet, tile, metal, doors, and even painted walls, indoors or outdoors. Walk&Wall is compatible with solvent, eco-solvent, UV-curable, and latex inks. In addition, it is ASTM wet-slip C-1028, dry-slip D-2047, as well as E-84 fire certified.
CRC, booth 2219, provides a comprehensive business management software created specifically for the graphic arts. Nucleus is designed to maximize a business’ profitability. It provides the core around which a business revolves and includes customizable dashboards, industry-specific estimating solutions, extensive management reports, integrated browser-based CRM, easy-to-use navigation, extensive accounting tools, drag-and-drop production scheduling, comprehensive inventory management, and a complete e-commerce suite.
Drytac, booth 335, features its lineup of print media that keeps you on top of your graphic game. Specialty solutions for window, wall, and floor applications are featured, including high-quality SpotOn, ReTac, and ViziPrint brands. Hands-on demonstrations show how vibrant graphics can be applied and removed with ease and how simple it is to transform any environment.
Eastsign, booth 427/527, displays its entry-level rotary heat press SOT series for sublimation heat transfer. It handles small production of roll-to-roll or cut piece heat transfer. Moreover, the machine occupies small workplace and requires only one operator. It reduces expenses in terms of power and labor. Standard width is 48 or 54 inches. The diameter of the oil drum is eight inches.
Edward Segal Inc., booth 100, creates a smaller platform, fully automatic grommet machine. The 3PGW is fully pneumatic and installs grommets in a range of light- to medium-duty materials. 3PGW is affordable, priced just over 30 percent less than the company’s larger machines.
Epson, booth 1137, showcases its full lineup of digital imaging solutions, including the new SureColor P-Series high-performance printers. Available in 44- and 64-inch models, the SureColor P10000 and P20000 printers leverage an enhanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead, newly developed media feeding system, and reformulated Epson UltraChrome PRO nine-color pigment inks to provide unmatched print quality and unparalleled production for print-on-demand providers, fine art reproduction houses, and indoor display graphics printers.
Esko, booth 954, brings together the entire finishing operation, boosting throughput and unlocking table capacity while taking tasks away from operators. Esko demonstrates two new table families—Kongsberg X and Kongsberg C—each with a range of sizes and configurations. The company’s automation innovations include robotic loading/unloading for non-stop finishing production, feeders for automated loading of board materials, multi-zone operation to keep tables running continuously, and Device Manager software to maintain control over the entire finishing workflow.
Flech Paper Products, booth 3518, invites attendees to see the company’s extensive offering of paperboard substrates for high-quality, eco-friendly printing and mounting boards.
FLEXcon, booth 3751, works closely with customers to provide solutions. Collaborate and draw on the company’s 60 plus years of experience in the pressure-sensitive film and adhesive industry to gain a sharper competitive edge. Whether it’s creating unique self-adhesive products or sharing our experiences with your sales team, we’ve got your back.
GCC, booth 3315, exhibits its complete range of products and applications. Especially, the latest JF-240UV, the innovative A2+ flatbed UV printer. With dual lamps and a one-liter bulk ink system, JF-240UV is the best tool for short runs and on demand printing. With the capability of working on a maximum of 30-centimeter tall object as well as pass through printing ability, the GCC JF-240UV eliminates the limitation of printing and ensures utmost printing possibility.
Gfp, booth 974, previews a new addition to the 300 Series entry-level top heat laminator line. The new 363TH is a 63-inch version of the 355TH introduced last year, featuring integrated rear rewind, quick-grip supply shafts, and a new metal allow tubular heater. Also on display is the new 563TH-2 ProMax Top heat machine with swing-out shafts and new quick-grip shaft design.
GMG Americas, booth 2123, demonstrates GMG ColorServer, which helps achieve automated color management workflows to the highest quality standards. GMG SmartProfiler is a step-by-step software wizard that allows any user to calibrate, recalibrate, and profile digital and large format printing systems easily and without advanced knowledge of color management—with useful presets for different ink types.
GPA, booth 546, shows its comprehensive offering of substrates for wide format presses designed to help customers expand into higher margin specialty applications. Its growing product line is available in a variety of options including Concept pressure-sensitive synthetics and window cling, banner materials, printable fabrics, canvas, AlumiGraphics aluminum foil media, ClingZ wide format UV, and mounting films and laminates.
Graphtec America, booth 1185, displays its full line of flatbed cutters, high-performance FC8600, and professional CE6000 series roll feed cutting plotters. i-DesignR Pro II software for signmaking, print/cut, and garment decoration is also featured. Visit the booth to see high-quality cutting in person and take advantage of technical support experts.
GTI Graphic Technology, Inc., booth 1869, is a leading manufacturer of lighting systems for critical color viewing, color communication, and assessment. Designing a variety of viewing systems based on proprietary daylight fluorescent lamps, GTI helps companies concerned with accurate and consistent color appearance and color reproduction make visual judgments with 100 percent confidence.
HP Inc., booth 1149/1161, highlights its large format sign and display portfolio, featuring the latest HP Latex technology. The new 64-inch HP Latex 560 and 570 Printers enable medium to large print providers to manage a variety of jobs and peaks in production at a low upfront investment. Also on display, the 126-inch HP Latex 1500 Printer offers a robust and affordable superwide format solution, delivering fast turnarounds on a range of indoor and outdoor applications.
ImageOne Impact, booth 1596, introduces new Table Frames and Media Racks to improve production and organize media. The table frames come complete with all the tools to assemble. Media racks for the wall or floor or both to hold every type of roll media. Come see everything to make your job faster, safer, and easier.
KAPCO Graphic Products, booth 3523, encourages attendees to inquire about its laminate and digital media for solvent/UV/latex printers—Canvas Textured Laminate and Printable Vinyl.
Kornit Digital, booth 2261, brings the Kornit Allegro, a single-step solution to printing on rolled textiles. In addition, the company launches a new direct-to-garment platform.
Lawson Screen & Digital Products, booth 1779, exhibits screenprinting presses, dryers, exposure systems, computer-to-screen imaging devices, direct-to-garment printers, and related screen and digital items. Featured products include multi-color automatic printing, flatbed presses, take-off systems, ultra-violet and hot-air dryers, along with auxiliary items.
LexJet, booth 1448, is the one-stop source for wide format printers and media, offering a variety of products for printed applications from windows to walls and beyond, such as LexJet WallPro by York, LexJet Simple Grip Backlit, LexJet Print-n-Stick Fabric, and panoRama Walk & Wall.
Mactac, booth 535, features new and improved products including IMAGin B-free GRUV Cast, PERMACOLOR FloorGRIP, and IMAGin PrintVinyl Gray. GRUV Cast ultra-conformable cast vinyl media for vehicle applications offers stretch and forgiveness. New adhesive options mean PrintVinyl Gray remains ideal for any wide format print application, and FloorGrip is a slip-resistant overlaminate that meets new industry standards.
MCT, booth 716, debuts a number of major improvements to its single-platform VersaTech digital finishing solutions including improved speed and overall quality, improvements to TigerVision software products—TigerPrep for job layout and TigerPack for cutting packaging and point of purchase displays, and a next generation laser belt technology.
Miller Weldmaster, booth 101, holds live demonstrations of its 112Extreme, which has large production capacity for any size job to the Digitran System, an all-in-one sewing and welding solution designed specifically for silicone edge graphics systems. The Automated Solution Center is loaded with samples, products, and specialists.
Mohawk, booth 1597, shares samples of its expanded Wide Format portfolio, which features over 30 different products engineered for vibrant color and durable print quality across a range of applications and ink types. Get more information on the company’s unique tear-resistant fabric, silver, black and clear films, and a variety of lightblock, backlit, and adhesive materials.
NECAL Corporation, booth 3545, is a pressure-sensitive adhesive product manufacturer located in Sparta, WI. NECAL products can be found nationwide and have been used for 40 plus years in major appliance, automotive, consumer electronics, cosmetics, signage, and point of purchase applications. NECAL offers each adhesive at alternative cuts and formats.
Neenah, booth 3415, unveils a more robust wide format portfolio including new Neenah Photo Satin, a bright white photo realistic paper with a smooth, satin finish. Neenah’s Wide Format Portfolio now includes a complete range of paper-based, recyclable rigid board and flexible solutions for all types of retail and marketing solutions. End use applications include signs, posters, banners, murals, wallcoverings, photo papers, blockout banners, and backlit displays.
Newlife Magnetics LLC, booth 861, announces Miracle-Mag along with its standard line of magnetic wide format printable materials. Miracle-Mag is the next generation of magnet materials that combine different technologies to achieve superior holding forces.
Novus, booth 1836, demonstrates the ULTRA UV LED flatbed—affordable, innovative, and upgradeable. ULTRA features UV LED technology for low-temperature curing at sellable print speeds of up to 32, 4×8-foot boards an hour. Dynamic variable dot technology produces vibrant, true grayscale images, with an auto masking bed that saves hours of set-up time.
Orafol Americas, booth 149, invites attendees to see Oracal 970RA Premium Shift Effect Cast with RapidAir technology in action. Series 970RA is engineered with cutting-edge technology that produces mesmerizing multi-color effects. Shift your view and the color change begins. It’s ready straight out-of-the-box with proven quality, superior conformability, and long-lasting results. It is ideal for long-term fleet and motorsport applications.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, booth 2773, features many of the most popular product lines from its 2016 Exhibitors’ Handbook catalog. These include Embrace Push-Fit Collapsible displays, Merlin and Solo retractable banner stands, Formulate fabric banners and monitor kiosks, and four new Slimline LED lights, among others.
Panel Processing, Inc., booth 3273, showcases its printable substrates and now you can be environmentally responsible and replace plastic substrates with Eco-Finish Rigid Print Media. Eco-Finish is a specially formulated coating that provides a crisp, vibrant, bright, white surface for high-definition digital printing. Also showcased is Liquid Chalkboard, ideal for digitally printed menus and signs.
Photo Tex Group Inc., booth 752, debuts a new exhibitor booth with the new patented Photo Tex Opaque Block out self-adhesive fabric and GlassADhere Frost, White, and Optical Clear window media. GlassADhere uses a micro-suction technology that outperforms clings and static versions.
Royal Sovereign International, booth 3141, is a leader in the manufacturing and distributing of narrow and wide format laminators, electric and textile trimmers, pressure-sensitive films, banner welders, the flatbed multi-applicator by Bobis, and an extensive line of dye-sublimation (dye-sub) calenders. This year’s highlights include the PX-180 dye-sub calender, which offers the functionality of roll-to-roll, piece, and piece-to-roll production.
Sawgrass, booth 3791, highlights its Virtuoso 25-inch eight-color HD product decorating system featuring the VJ 628 printer with new SubliJet-HD expanded gamut inks. This latest eight-color set adds orange and blue ink cartridges, delivers a significantly wider gamut of colors, and is designed for product decorators who have color-critical applications, such as sports and corporate logos, school colors, flags, and banners.
swissQprint, booth 359, exhibits its flagship UV printer Nyala 2. This Swiss-made precision printer is versatile when it comes to applications. swissQprint now has a subsidiary in the U.S. The new team is at the show, demonstrating and explaining the features of Swiss printers.
Tara Materials Inc., booth 1068, manufactures Fredrix Print Canvas, made in the U.S. It offers digital canvases for aqueous printing, as well as solvent, eco-solvent, UV-curable, and latex. 24 to 64 inches wide for aqueous and 30 to 126 inches for solvent and latex. Tara also manufactures wood stretcher bars, both in a standard and gallery profile.
Verseidag US, booth 601, offers seemee Premium Backlit B4400, which is developed for LED light boxes and backlit applications using direct and/or transfer dye-sublimation print outputs. With unmatched printability, a tight woven weave, and wrinkle crease resistant yarn, this product is an ideal solution for high-end interior retail, point of purchase, and exhibition applications.
Next Issue
This is a few of the exhibitors attending SGIA. Check back in our September issue for a second preview.
Aug2016, Digital Output
