fespa world issue 45 - english

FESPA WORLD AUTUMN/06 3

Fespa WorldThe membership magazine of theFederation of European Screenprinting AssociationsIssue No.45Autumn 2006

Published byFESPA Ltd

Editorial officeFESPAAssociation House7a West StreetReigate, Surrey RH2 9BLTel: +44 1737 24 07 88Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70E-mail: [email protected]

PublisherMarcus Timson – Group CommercialManagerTel: +44 1737 24 07 88

AdvertisingMichael Ryan – Group Sales ManagerJames Ford – Sales Manager Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70

EditorVal HirstTel: +44 1623 88 23 98E-mail: [email protected]

Graphic Design Bate Brand Communications8 St Leonard’s Square, WallingfordOxfordshire OX10 0ARTel: +44 1491 835835www.batebrand.com

PrintingThe MANSON Group LtdReynolds House, 8 Porters WoodValley Road Industrial EstateSt Albans, AL3 6PZTel: +44 1727 848 440www.manson-grp.co.uk

NEWS ROUND-UP

4 SUPPLIER NEWSThe latest news from aroundthe industry

8 PRODUCT NEWSNew launches and Innovations

14 CHRIS’S COLUMNWhat’s happening within theAssociations

16 ROHS AND WEENew regulations will affectscreen and digital printers

SPECIAL FEATURES

28 INNOVATION -SOMETHING DIFFERENT– Wild Card Creative explainswhy it is opting to producedisposable exhibition stands– Polish Screenprinter Pasjauses special effects to addvalue

MAIN FEATURE

32 FULL STEAM AHEAD FORNAZDARThe US Ink mnaufacturerexplains how it is broadeningits scope following itsacquisition of digital inkspecialists Lyson. Val Hirsttalks to Stewart Partridge andJames Macdonald

36 SHOWCASE– some of the latestapplications reviewed

38 PERSONAL CHOICE– an occasional feature inwhich companies explainwhy they have selectedequipment and materials

44 THE PETER KIDDELLCOLUMN– In this issue, Peterencourages screenprinters toreview their processes in orderto achieve greater profitability

INFORMATION

22 FESPA NEWSLETTER– Looking forward to FespaBerlin 2007

24 FESPA DIGITAL PRINTAWARDS 2007– Call for entries

48 FESPA CONTACT LIST

AND FINALLY…

50 This month, Martin McMahon,Group Technical SupportManager, Xaar steps into thespotlight

Editor’s letterAfter a long and sleepy summer, it’s back to business witha vengeance, as the usual plethora of Autumn shows getunderway. A good time then, to re-examine currentbusiness strategies and to implement any new ideas thatyou have honed to perfection during the holiday period.However, if you need a little further inspiration, turnimmediately to our Something Different feature on pages 28 to 31, which detailshow two companies, one an exhibition specialist and the other, a screenprinter,have taken alternative routes to profitability, by offering, in the first instance, anovel concept and in the second, by carving a special niche market. Theirexperiences are bound to provide food for thought.

The new RoHS and WEE regulations, due to come into force in 2008, will affecteveryone operating within the screen and digital sectors, since they relate to boththe equipment you buy and its disposal when it comes to the end of its useful lifespan. Chris Smith provides everything that you need to know about this in hiscolumn, which begins on page 14.

Nazdar, is probably still regarded first and foremost as a supplier of screen inks.However, the company’s digital portfolio received a welcome boost earlier this yearwith the acquisition of Lyson, the UK-based manufacturer of digital inks. On pages32-34, Nazdar explains how the two separate entities have been seamlesslycombined and reveals some of its plans for the future.

In his second column for FESPA World Peter Kiddell advises how the screenprocess can be streamlined to save time and eliminate unnecessary waste, whilstin Personal Choice on pages 38-42, companies explain why they have chosen theequipment and materials they are currently using. In the Opinion slot on pages 26-27, Past President Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado offers a thought provoking view onthe future domination of the digital sector by a few large companies. If you wouldlike to respond to this, or indeed any other item featured within this issue, I’d loveto hear from you.

Finally, since this issue is being distributed at SGIA in Las Vegas, I’d like to takethe opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our new readers in the US and inviteeveryone to visit the FESPA team on our stand at the show. Until then,

Val Hirste-mail: [email protected]

Fespa World. Designed by Bate Brand Communications. Printed by The Manson Group Ltd. Editorial photographssupplied courtesy of the companies they feature. The publishers accept no responsibility for any statement madein signed contributions or those reproduced from any other source, nor for claims made in any advertisement.Fespa World is available to individuals who qualify within the terms of a controlled circulation and by subscription.

Fespa World

OPINION

26 GLOBALISATION– Trick or Treat? HerbertFrintrup, Chairman of Germanscreenprint company,FrintrupSiebdruck-Service, considerswhether globalisation isproviding screenprinters with achallenge rather than a thread

4 FESPA WORLD AUTUMN/06

NEWS ROUND-UP – SUPPLIER NEWS

CPS Chemical Products and

Services, a leading European

manufacturer of environmentally

friendly chemicals, solvents and

associated products for the screen

and offset print industries, has

announced that it is to open a

new UK manufacturing facility at

the European headquarters of its

sister company, MacDermid

Autotype. Based in Wantage,

Oxfordshire, the new facility will

produce the full range of CPS

products as part of a longer term

programme of European

expansion, designed to further

improve the quality and choice

of its products.

In addition, CPS has also

appointed a new Commercial

Manager, Simon Jones, formerly

with MacDermid Autotype. He

explains: “The new plant will

include a full-scale production

operation, with bulk formulation,

blending, mixing and packaging

of solvents and aqueous

products, and will also enable us

to strengthen our research and

product development resources.”

Simon Jones continues: “The

new manufacturing facility will

form our headquarters from

which we can support our

customers via our extensive

European dealer network. We

have relocated and retained key

staff from other CPS sites and

will be recruiting as required to

strengthen the team still further.

In addition, we have retained the

services of one of the founders of

CPS, Dr Charles Hansen.

Recognised throughout the

industry as a leading expert on

the formulation of

environmentally friendly

chemistry, Dr. Henson will assist

in the development of a new

generation of products that will

improve the screen and offset

print working place still further”.

DataLase (formerly Sherwood

Technology), originator of the

award winning DataLase process,

has opened a new North

American Headquarters under

the name DataLase Inc. The

facility is strategically located in

Atlanta’s Technology Park, which

houses the area’s high tech

community and is just 30

minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson

International airport.

The new headquarters will

function as a sales office,

manufacturing, technical

support and

distribution/warehousing facility,

supporting all new and existing

North American customers and

license partners. The facility will

also house a high-tech

applications laboratory to

demonstrate the wide range of

possibilities for laser marking,

enabling current and potential

licensees and end users to test

the final results of DataLase’s

innovative colour change

technologies.

AWA and Stirling Consulting form allianceAWA Alexander Watson

Associates bv and Stirling

Consulting Inc -- two well-

known market research and

consulting firms in the paper,

packaging, and converting

industries -- are coming together

to form a business alliance.

The two organisations will

leverage their expertise and work

together to support customers

and enhance their products and

services. Stirling Consulting's

specialty papers market research

and related consulting activities

have merged with AWA

Alexander Watson Associates,

and will operate under the AWA

name and brand. Stirling

Consulting's non-paper and

related activities are not a part of

this alliance.

Full details of AWA

Alexander Watson Associates'

services and currently-

available multi-client market

reports, and of AWA

Conferences & Events'

activities are available via the

website, www.awa-bv.com

BASFcompletesacquisitionof JohnsonPolymer

GretagMacbethoffers colourtraining

BASF has now completed its

acquisition of resins

manufacturer Johnson Polymer,

in a deal which includes Johnson

Polymer’s production sites in the

United States and the

Netherlands, as well as technical

centres and offices in Asia Pacific.

BASF thus now has a range of

water-based resins that

complement its existing resins

portfolio and strengthen its

market presence, particularly in

North America. The former

Johnson Polymer business, which

employs a total staff of 430

worldwide, will become part of

BASF’s Performance Chemicals

division.

CPS announce new facility

GretagMacbeth Global Services

has released details of its colour

training opportunities in Europe

for 2006. These include touring

seminars, customised on-site

Colour Expert training and a

range of workshops at its Centres

for Colour Excellence in Zurich,

Frankfurt, Birmingham, Paris,

Florence and Milan.

For further information on

upcoming dates and prices for

the workshops visit:

www.graphintel.com/news/eu

rope.html and for seminars

visit: www.graphintel.com/cwl

DataLase opens new US Headquarters

A photograph of an Epson inkjet

head in action has won this

year's Cambridge University

Engineering Photo Competition.

Taken by Dr Steve Hoath, a

Research Associate at the Inkjet

Research Centre, the photograph

is entitled 'Tails from the Nozzle

Bank'. The image illustrates the

symphony of the inkjets as they

hit the page and the accuracy in

each droplet.

Epson sponsored the 2006

Engineering Photo Competition

and provided £1000 worth of

professional printers as prizes.


SUPPLIER NEWS

Cametrics, a leading software

development consultancy based

in Cambridge has successfully

launched its first spin-out,

Ixpressia, into the industrial

inkjet market, following two

years of intense research and

development

“Cametrics has developed

particular expertise in the

industrial inkjet printing arena,

and we are delighted to be

launching Ixpressia, our first

product-based venture,” says

Cametrics and Ixpressia

Managing Director, Jim Taylor,

adding: “We are developing a

series of products with Ixpressia’s

SureJet software being the first.

Early indications from existing

and potential customers are very

encouraging. There is a

recognised need for a single,

industry-wide solution that

overcomes the requirement to

repeatedly write new and costly

software programmes for

printheads. We believe that

SureJet provides that solution.”

Ixpressia is led by industrial

inkjet specialist Nick Geddes who

says: “One of SureJet’s key

attractions is its ability to allow

hugely expensive printers to

become fully commercially

operational within time frames

that were previously thought

unachievable,” A generic software

solution, designed to drive all

industrial inkjet systems, SureJet

will, for the first time, allow the

seamless integration of multiple

printheads, thus reducing

development time and costs

associated with the introduction

and integration of new industrial

inkjet printers.

Cametrics launchIxpressia

Biscor Ltd. the Bradford based

company who is the UK’s leading

manufacturer of PTFE (Teflon)

coated Glass and Kevlar fabrics,

celebrated its 30th Anniversary

with a move into new premises.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, who

unveiled a plaque presented by

DuPont to commemorate the

event, officially opened the new

facility. The launch party also

included brief speeches from Gil

Wilkinson, a member of the

Biscor Management Team and

Gerry Sutcliffe, Parliamentary

Under Secretary of State for

Employment Relations and

Consumer Affairs, prior to a

buffet lunch.

As well as manufacturing the

base fabric, Biscor, who exports

55 percent of its products is one

of the world’s most innovative

converters of high performance

coated fabrics.

Biscor celebrates 30thAnniversary in style

Epson inkjet imagetriumphs

FEFCO updatesStandards Library

FEFCO, the Brussels-based

European Federation of

Corrugated Board Manufacturers,

will introduce a new, updated

version of the commonly called

FEFCO standard (officially the

FEFCO – ESBO Standard) this

Autumn. The FEFCO Library is

used as the standard guide and

reference work by all converters

active in the corrugated and solid

board packaging industries. The

federation has been assisted in

this endeavour by both Esko and

Arjuna, who have both invested

their time and expertise.

The standards guide, which

dates back to the late 60’s and

was last updated in 2000, has

previously been available only in

a printed format but the new

guide will be available

electronically. Esko, a world

leader in packaging pre-

production solutions, has

provided the necessary software

tools, development and training,

whilst Arjuna, a multimedia and

web development company, has

designed the user interface.

Ludwig Anckaert, Technical

Director at FEFCO comments

“The standard reference guide for

the corrugated packaging

industry became the worldwide

reference for our industry. This

new version of the FEFCO

standards, in electronic format

and with an innovative

visualisation tool utilising 3D

drawings with a folding

sequence, will provide a

tremendous added value to the

corrugated packaging industry.

Furthermore, we also see it as a

communications tool that will

help to demonstrate the

adaptability, creativity, and

versatility of corrugated and solid

board”. Following an industry

request, Mr. Anckaert, initiated

the project with the help of the

FEFCO standards committee,

developer and “guardian” of the

standard.

An initial preview of the new

FEFCO Standard Code book was

provided at the FEFCO Congress

in Dublin in June with final

availability planned for

September 2006.


SUPPLIER NEWS

DataLase, has appointed

Christine Mest as Sales and

Marketing Coordinator for its

new US-based headquarters,

where she will support the

North American sales channel

for the DataLase PACKMARK

coding and marking solution,

as well as the launch of the

DataLase CASEMARK label

replacement system. She will

also be the primary customer

relations contact.

Christine Mest brings over

10 years of business

development and marketing

experience, having previously

held various business

development, sales support

and marketing positions with

NTS, Inc., RETX and Mirant, a

division of the Southern

Company.

Presstek, Inc., a leading

manufacturer and marketer of

high-tech digital imaging

solutions for the graphic arts

markets, has appointed Klaus

Schleicher as Director,

International Business

Development. Previously

Director of Sales and

Engineering at Consul Risk

Management, Inc., he will lead

the company's efforts to

expand its presence worldwide.

Graphics Manager.

David Blake has many years

experience in the screen sector,

having previously established

two screenprinting shops, one

based in Haiti. In 1992, he

became International Regional

Sales Manager for an M&R

distributor and since 1998, has

been International Sales

Manager for Rutland.

From 1987 to 1999, Marco

Bergomi was previously

employed by SIAS in a sales

and technical support capacity,

before founding IST in 1999.

The company, which is based

in Milan, specialised in

multicolour gripper presses,

and was recently acquired by

M&R. Marco Bergomi will

remain at the Milan location,

from where he will manage

M&R’s International Graphics

Department.

Digital print specialist Leach

Colour has recently appointed

Graham Evans as Sales and

Marketing Director. Evans

whose extensive industry

experience, gained at Coates

Screen Inks, HP Indigo and,

most recently, Durst, will be

working out of both the

company’s London sales office

and its head office in

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Development Manager he will be

responsible for the customer-

tailored service packages which

the Huddersfield-based company

provides for Thieme, SPS and

Datascreen/Dataprint machines.

Nazdar has appointed Liu

Jingsong as the company’s

screen and digital inks Territory

Manager for the Asia-Pacific

region, which includes China,

Japan, and Korea. Previously, Liu

Jingsong, who has 10 years of

experience in the screen and

digital print sectors, served as

Senior Chemical Engineer for Ink

Dezyne and Techncial Manager

for Jinan Dezyn Screen Printing

Inks Co., a joint venture in

China between Ink Dezyne and

Nazdar. In his new position, he

will be responsible for supporting

the company’s current

distribution, along with

identifying and developing new

channels for distributing

Nazdar’s screen and digital

printing products.

M&R has appointed David

Blake as its new International

Sales Manager and Marco

Bergomi as new International

Nazdar Ltd. has announced the

appointment of Jamie Moores as

Director of Operations for its

Stockport, UK facility, formerly

the location of Lyson Ltd.

Jamie Moore’s operation

experience in the European inks

and coatings industry spans some

20 years, having previously

worked for Fuji Film/Sericol, as

Operations Director Europe,

where he was responsible for

overseeing supply chain

operations as well as customer

service and manufacturing.

H. G. Kippax & Sons has

appointed a senior manager with

a long and accomplished history

within the PoS industry to head

up its customer services division

– which also acts as the service

arm for sister company, Thieme

KPX.

Graham Rowett joins Kippax

following 19 years with the

major in-store marketing services

enterprise now known as Bezier,

as well as having gained

considerable experience of

machine and sundry sales. As

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NEWS ROUND-UP – PRODUCT NEWS

Gandinnovations has recently

completed its higher resolution

research and development on

the Jeti 3150 UV Flatbed and

Jeti3324 UV Roll To Roll model

printer, by recently offering a

true 600 dpi resolution upgrade

on all Jeti models. Now with

further R&D, it can offer a true

1200 dpi solution for all Jeti

3150 Flatbed and Jeti3324 UV

curable printer models.

The company began using 80

Pico liter (300 dpi) Spectra print

heads offering true 300 dpi

quality, and has since also

offered 50 (600 dpi) Pico litre

heads. Now customers can get a

taste of the highest quality

currently available, 1200 dpi.

and will be able to chose the

resolution most suitable for their

businesses. The new 1200 dpi

option will not increase the price

of the Gandinnovations printers,

but will provide customers with

a better selection. All

Gandinnovations solvent

printers offer up to 600 dpi.

The Jeti1200 dpi 3150 Flatbed

and Jeti3324 UV is available

immediately to world-wide

customers and will be shown

at SGIA 2006 in Las Vegas.

The company who launched the

Jeti printerline in 2002, is, it

claims, about to shake-up the

world of printing yet again, with

the introduction of an invisible

product. Gandinnovation’s Jeti

Liquid Laminate, is a clear

coating of protection, designed

especially for use with grand-

format signs and displays such as

POP, vehicle wraps and oversized

banners.

Resistance to scratches,

chemicals, fade and pollution are

amongst the high levels of

protection that the Jeti Liquid

Laminate provides. It is also very

easy to use, and can be applied

with a simple sponge brush,

sprayed or using a liquid

laminator.

The clear coat dries to the

touch in minutes and is totally

cured after just 24 hours. Water-

based, water soluble and a non-

hazardous air pollutant (non-

HAP) Jeti Liquid Laminate does

not have any volatile organic

compounds (VOCs) and is thus

environmentally friendly.

Competitively priced, a gallon

covers anywhere from 600

square-feet to 1,100 square-feet of

sign space, depending on the

material and thickness of the

coating.

For further information visit:

www.gandinnovations.com

The KIWO ScreenSetter 2820

CD/DVD, which has been

designed for digital screen

making, shows the huge savings

which can be achieved when

investing in the newest digital

screen making technology. The

system, which offers digital direct

imaging, uses

conventional UV light

as a light source for

the direct exposure of

the stencils at a very

high speed.

Advantages include

high throughput of up

to 60 stencils per hour

and direct exposure of

both conventional screen stencils

and offset printing plates in one

machine. Quick and easy to set

up, the KIWO Screensetter 2820

CD/DVD uses all conventional

emulsions, and PCF.


www.kiwo.de

Digital screen making isquick and easy with KIWO

Jeti Liquid Laminateadds vibrancy

Gandinnovations offers more

TEPEDE has recently introduced

two new media for solvent inkjet

printing: Cling White Gloss and

Vinyl OVS 17 Adhesive.

Cling White Gloss is a static

film, suitable for short term

applications on smooth surfaces,

for both indoor and outdoor use,

such as glass. Because of its static

character, the film can be

attached to the surface, with

both sides without the necessity

of adhesive and is easy to

remove and re-apply, without

leaving any residue.

Vinyl OVS 17 Adhesive is a

perforated adhesive vinyl,

especially suited for vehicle and

window advertising, as it doesn’t

obscure the view from the

interior.


www.tepede.com

New media from Tepede

PRODUCT NEWS


According to Harlacher, screens

are the be-all and end-all of

screenprinting, as no matter how

excellent the graphics, or how

modern the printing machine, a

bad quality screen will never

provide good quality prints!

Thus, the company claims, its

range of PrePress equipment is

superior in both its ability to suit

individual needs and in the

production of quality screens.

However, Harlacher also

acknowledge that although the

quality of the screen and thus the

final product is of paramount

importance, productivity and

financial aspects cannot be

ignored in today’s price conscious

marketplace. The company’s

tensioning equipment therefore

strikes a happy balance between

quality and cost. The current

generation of HARLACHER H35-1

pneumatic tensioning systems

combines the advantage of

pneumatic tensioning without

compromising on flexibility, at a

most competitive price.

The mechanical base-frame

allows various frame formats to

be tensioned without having to

entirely re-size the systems and

due to the ingenious design, the

unit can be slid into place for

frame sizes from 500 x 500 mm

up to 3000 x 3000 mm.

Tensioning several frames

simultaneously, or tensioning

single frames up to 50 N/cm with

a pre-bow effect on the frame,

can easily be accommodated by

selecting the most suitable

version. The control unit can

either be pneumatic or electronic

and based on a single or double

circuit system depending on

individual requirements.

Harlacher will also shortly be

introducing a new range of

pneumatic clamps which will

both meet strict quality

requirements as well as offering a

very good price/performance

ratio.


www.harlacher.ch

A unique software algorithm that

facilitates higher quality printing,

resulting in less banding and

much smoother image

reproduction has recently been

introduced by HP.

A feature of the HP Scitex

XL1500 printer, the ‘multi-layer’

screening algorithm, addresses

problems common to inkjet

printing including banding, and

graininess of printed images.

These are essentially mechanical

phenomena that HP Scitex has

found a way to reduce using its

proprietary software.

The HP Scitex XL1500 offers

high quality wide format print in

2m, 3m and 5m widths. With

speeds up to 124m2/hr, at

resolutions up to 370 x 740dpi

and the ability to print in four,

six and eight colours, the HP

Scitex XL1500 offers speed,

quality and versatility.


www.hp.com

HP Scitex Technologysmoothes the way

P2i Ltd, the nanoscale enhancer

of products using its proprietary

cold plasma ion-mask process, is

setting its sights on the printer

head market. Initial trials on a

range of heads have produced

dramatic results, improving de-

wetting properties and reducing

clogging of the head itself.

Ion mask works by applying a

protective layer, just nanometres

thick, over the entire surface of a

product by means of an ionised

gas or ‘plasma’. This layer is

molecularly bound to the surface

and will not leach away. This

transforms the surface of the

product to display ultra low

surface energy values down to

one third that of PTFE (Teflon),

displaying low liquid retention

properties, whilst leaving the

other properties of the product

unchanged. All surfaces are

enhanced, reducing binding and

liquid loss whilst maximising

sample recovery. Treated items

display enhanced repellency to a

wide variety of reagents, virtually

eliminating liquid retention.

For further information

contact: Dr Stephen Coulson

on

tel: 01235 838282 or

alternatively, email:

[email protected]

Enhanced printer heads

The JetSpray humidifier from JS

Humidifiers, which was

developed to combat water

contamination in print and

paper humidification systems 25

years ago, has recently been

redesigned to incorporate

advanced anti-Legionella

features.

Unlike previous spinning disc

humidifiers, which had open

water tanks, the JetSpray is

designed to be a completely

sealed system, preventing any

possible contamination of the

water, prior to it being sprayed

into the air. However, the

JetSpray has now been

developed further to incorporate

auto-purge cycles and an

ultraviolet sterilisation system.

The purge cycle will drain the

system regularly to ensure the

water cannot become stagnant

and therefore develop any

bacteria such as Legionella. The

UV steriliser acts as an additional

safety device to kill any bacteria

that may develop prior to the

water being released into the

atmosphere.

Even though Legionnaires

Disease has never been linked to

a JetSpray system, these features

have been developed to

maintain its position as a leading

humidifier for the print and

paper industry. Fitted as standard

to every new system, these

additional features can also be

retrofitted to the many existing

JetSpray systems in operation

around the world.


www.jshumidifiers.com

Humidifer offersLegionella protection

Screen making theHarlacher way


PRODUCT NEWS

Hurtz has been manufacturing

precision steel frames for over 40

years and now offers a range of

profiles up to 185 millimetres

and frame sizes up to 4 x 8m.

Its range of SLOPE profiles,

which were developed especially

for the higher fabric tensions,

necessitated by modern

Computer-to-Screen-Systems

(CTS), coating machines and

direct projection are particularly

popular. Crafted from

aluminium, which is highly

durable, non-corrosive and

weatherproof, the frames rugged

construction minimises the

possibility of deformation and

thus poor print quality. Due to

their lightweight, SLOPE profiles

are also easier to handle and,

because the inside of the frames

is bevelled, they can be cleaned

quickly and easily without

leaving any residue.

Another special Hurtz

innovation is its Corner Lock

System (HCL) which uses a

novel dowel-pin arrangement

enabling frames to be installed

with the minimum of fuss. The

largest frame size, 4 x 8m can

now be delivered in component

parts, providing significant

savings on transportation costs.

Hurtz offers a full service,

including a special software that

enables customers to select the

most suitable frame for their

application.


www.hurtz.de

Continental Grafix Ltd, the

European manufacturer of

perforated printing media, has

enlarged its product range.

Following numerous requests for

an adhesive to be used in

conjunction with the company’s

non-adhesive one-way products,

Continental Grafix has

developed PanoStick – a tape

upon which features tiny water

soluble adhesive dots. When

applied in stripes on to the

media to be fixed to the window,

using the squeegee supplied, the

dots are transferred to the media,

thus transforming it into a self-

adhesive. Since the transferred

adhesive will only stick on to the

media, but not the holes, the

media can be mounted on to the

window from the inside, so that

the image is visible from the

outside. The adhesion of the

product has been conceived in

such a way that it can be easily

re-positioned if necessary and its

impressive transparency ensures

that the image is not impeded in

any way.

PanoStick can also be used in

conjunction with non perforated

products. It is presently available

in roll size 125 mm x 25 linear

metre, but a 250 mm width will

also be available shortly.


www.continentalgrafix.com

It’s a stick-up!

Spectra, has certified new ink

formulations from Inkware, a

division of EFI, Sericol, a division

of Fujifilm, and SunJet, a division

of Sun Chemical. These ink

formulations are extensively

tested with specific printhead

configurations under the auspices

of Spectra’s Ink Certification

Program. Inks are rigorously and

extensively tested, both

internally and in the field, to

ensure optimal printing

performance and maximum

printhead life and meet a

comprehensive suite of test

requirements defined by Spectra.

The newly certified Inks,

which range in type from

solvent-based to ultra-violet

curable, are designed for use in

display graphics, packaging and

other digital, high speed,

printing applications requiring

an extensive colour palette, good

adhesion and efficient ink

drying and curing characteristics.

They now come under the

auspices of Spectra’s

comprehensive 18-month,

comprehensive warranty.


www.dimatix.com

New ink formulationscertified by Spectra

Top qualityin screenprintingstarts withthe frame

M&R has introduced three new

squeegee blade shapers/

sharpeners, the BladeShaper SC,

BladeShaper MC, and

BladeShaper LC.

All three BladeShapers use

virtually indestructible square-cut

diamond sharpening wheels to

sharpen all squeegee materials,

including single and multiple

durometer types and carry a five-

year limited warranty. The

material removal rate is easy to

adjust, and they are designed to

accommodate various squeegee

holders/handles. Five additional

diamond wheel profiles in

numerous grits are optionally

available.

BladeShaper SC is M&R’s first

precision small-format manual

squeegee sharpener for blades up

to 51 cm (20”), and its portable

design ensures that it is easy to

move and set up. It includes a

120-grit wheel.

BladeShaper MC, is a manual

tabletop model, which sharpens

blades up to 97 cm (38”), and

includes one 60-grit wheel and

one 120-grit wheel.

M&R’s freestanding, midsize,

fully-automated BladeShaper LC,

sharpens blades up to 95 cm (37”)

and includes two virtually

indestructible square-cut

diamond sharpening wheels (one

120-grit and one 230-grit) for

smooth, uniform grinding. All LC

models include a vacuum system

to reduce dust and facilitate

particle removal. BladeShaper

models designed to operate at

110 volts include an integrated

vacuum blower, whilst the 220-

volt version comes complete with

a plug that can be attached to a

user-provided vacuum blower to

facilitate automatic operation

when the BladeShaper is turned

on.


www.mrprint.com

New squeegee sharpeners from M&R

CST created quite a furore in the

screen sector when it introduced

its DLP screen imaging process in

2003 after successfully integrating

Texas Instrument's patented DLP

technology and the filmless

screen imaging process. The

company’s first DLE machine was

installed in 2004 and now more

than 35 machines have been

installed worldwide. Following its

extensive on-going research and

development process, CST has

now introduced new features and

control systems. These include

automatic autofocus, to facilitate

real-time and continual distance

adjustments between optic and

stencil surface which compensate

for tension or screen frame

imperfections, thus eliminating

unwanted tonal changes and

other colour interference.

Another new innovation is the

automatic calibration system,

which combines special optical

and electronic monitoring devices

to virtually guarantee perfect

imaging performance of Texas

Instrument's DMD

semiconductor, based on

available UV light intensity. This

self - calibrating process, which is

carried out by the operator once a

week, or after a bulb exchange,

only requires one minute.

In addition, optics and lenses

for 500dpi, 720dpi, 1,000dpi,

1,270dpi and 1,500dpi resolution

capabilities are available for

special screenprinting

applications enabling users to

choose the appropriate optic/lens

combination to meet their

specific requirements without any

difference in price. Line counts

from 65 up to 150 lpi are possible

at their respective operational

imaging speed ranges.

CST's in-house engineering

team has also designed a lens

combination that guarantees the

exact sharp dot geometry of each

pixel to be reproduced identically

over the complete image area.

Telecentric lenses ensure that the

UV exposure light always hits the

light-sensitive emulsion in a

straight perpendicular angle.

Poorly defined dots or

undercutting are thus eliminated.

Finally, since this new

technology lends itself to

automatic in-line processing of

screens, multiple CST in-line

configurations that include

feeding and receiving screen

frame magazines, DLE, plus

developing and drying processing

units will be available next year.


www.dlpimaging.com

Technological breakthroughs at CST

New super-wide printer is groundbreaking

PRODUCT NEWS


As screenprinting applications

become increasingly diverse, the

choice of ink becomes ever more

crucial. However, whether

screenprinters are looking for inks

to provide flexibility, chemical

resistance, or outdoor durability,

the Marabu Graphics Package

offers three separate systems,

UVFM, UVAR, and UVGR, which

more than fulfil these differing

requirements.

The three colour systems offer

vibrantly coloured print and

finely detailed text as well as

excellent printability and ease of

handling. In addition they are

also environmentally friendly.

Ultraform UVFM covers a very

broad and universal spectrum in

terms of decorative and

functional printing onto plastics.

By continuously monitoring new

products and improvements in

the raw material market, Marabu

has developed a highly flexible

UV ink system for an almost

infinite number of applications.

The wide range of substrates and

very good drying properties in

combination with high-grade

pigments facilitates the

production of high-quality

displays, which are also suitable

for outdoor use. The ink’s

extreme flexibility makes it ideal

ink for forming and 180° folds, as

well as for very elastic and soft

materials.

Ultragraph UVAR distinguishes

itself by its extreme versatility

and universal field of use, making

it an excellent all-rounder for

applications. including

promotional boards, system

inscriptions, signage and POP of

every kind. Ultragraph UVAR is

best suited for applications that

require a high flexibility, due to

the need for further processing

such as die-cutting or cutting into

the ink film.

Ultragraph UVGR offers fast

curing and excellent chemical

resistances at a convincing price-

performance ratio. It is

particularly suitable for use on

multi-colour printing lines. The

outstanding characteristics of this

ink series make it the ideal choice

for versatile promotional

graphics, especially when used

indoors.

Like Ultraform UVFM and

Ultragraph UVAR, the UVGR ink

series offers a variety of

applications for the promotional

sector, with however some

restrictions, for outdoor use. Due

to its low-price pigmentation, it is

only recommended for short-

term outdoor use. Ultragraph

UVGR is best suited for

applications requiring a high

chemical resistance and can be

processed very well on

multicolour presses.

For further information,

please visit:

www.marabu-inks.com

An ink for all seasons

EFI has introduced its new

VUTEk QS2000 UV-curing digital

inkjet printer, a fourth-

generation UV machine which

bridges the gap between superior

image quality, productivity and

connectivity, opening the door

to new applications and

increased profitability. The

VUTEk QS2000 is the first in an

all-new category of printers that

combine EFI’s production and

workflow management

technologies with the digital

print capabilities of its VUTEk

superwide format printers. It

prints on to both rigid and

flexible substrates; offers print

resolutions up to 1080 dpi,

proprietary image smoothing

technologies and six-colour

imaging, with a special seventh

white ink channel for new and

creative applications.


www.efi-vutek.com/QS2000


NEWS ROUND UP – CHRIS’S COLUMN

Chris’s ColumnIt seems such a short time since the last edition yetmuch has happened within FESPA.

Update on e-learningAs I write this column, the Spanish versionof the e-learning course is now up andrunning with a few students alreadyregistered. The Finnish course is almostcomplete (and may well be available forenrolment by the time you read this!) as Ihope the other languages will be. We haverecently added German to the list, soeventually there will be seven languages(in addition to English) available throughthe FESPA website www.fespa.com.

Visit to Norske Serigrafers ForeningI was delighted to be invited to Norwayrecently (together with Peter Kiddell,President of DSPA UK). My purpose was tospeak to members of the NorwegianAssociation about FESPA – which includeda brief history and some informationabout the exhibitions, but my main focuswas on FESPA Projects (see below for latestinformation).

Peter made two entertaining andinformative presentations, the first aboutdigital printing, the second on the FESPAe-learning course. Also present andspeaking to delegates was a Norwegianprinter, Ronnie Fossoy, who hadcompleted the course in English as he wasso keen to do it and could not wait for theNorwegian translation to be completed!

He told delegates how useful andinformative the course had been, so muchso, that he also intends to enrol some ofhis staff. At a cost of just €90 generally, thecourse represents tremendous value formoney and completion will not only leadto a certificate of competence, but also to afar greater understanding and knowledgeof the process.

I will be visiting the Swedish Associationvery soon to make a similar presentationand am looking forward to meeting manyof the members of Svenska ScreentryckaresForening.

ProjectsAt the FESPA General Assembly inBratislava I reported that since November2004, 54 projects have been submitted byAssociations, with a further nine projectsbeing submitted on behalf of FESPA (asFESPA projects). This makes a grand totalof 63 and they are beginning to have areal international impact on our industry.

At the last meeting, in August, a numberof new projects were agreed. Theseincluded the provision of assistance to theHungarian, Serbian and SpanishAssociations, to enable them to eitherestablish or update of an associationwebsite; a workshop in India; a range ofseminars and/or recruitment events inFinland, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Spainand UK; and translation of the FESPAPlanet Friendly Environmental guide intoItalian and Spanish. Other activities havealso been supported and information ofthese will already have been circulatedthrough the normal FESPA channels.

StandardsFESPA is co-ordinating a meeting (inAmsterdam on 4th October) to look atcolour management and to considercurrent standards in screen printing aswell as looking at the possibility offormulating standards for digital printing.Representatives from Germany,

Netherlands and UK will be involved, aswell as two of the leading inkmanufacturers (Sericol and Sun Chemical)plus FOGRA and Swansea University (bothof whom have been instrumental inestablishing some of the current screenprinting standards).

RoHS and WEEA good friend of FESPA, Paul Machin,advises us on many environmental issuesand a recent piece of EU legislation isbeginning to be enacted in member states.Some States are further ahead withimplementation than others, but this willaffect us all, so I feel it appropriate todevote some space to an article written byPaul on this subject, which beginsoverleaf. He will also be preparing a seriesof articles for FESPA on Reach, which willalso affect all screen and digital printersand these will appear in the run up toReach, taking effect in 2008. Clearly thismay pose some problems for members, soif you have a question, please let me knowwhat it is and I’ll ask Paul to provide theanswer.

As always, I will be delighted to hear ofany of your activities, so if you have anyinformation that I can include in mycolumn, please e-mail it to;[email protected]


ROHS AND WEEE

Once upon a time it was

relatively easy for a printer to

choose new equipment - he only

had to ask himself whether it did

the job required and was good

value for the price. How things

have changed!

Now it is necessary to

ascertain whether the equipment

complies with the Dangerous

Substances and Explosive

Atmospheres, Physical Agents,

Machinery, Electromagnetic

Compatibility and Low Voltage

Directives. And, as if this was not

enough, printers, will also have

to consider compliance with the

Waste Electrical and Electronic

Equipment (WEE) and the

Restriction of the Use of Certain

Hazardous Substances in

Electrical and Electronic

Equipment (RoHS) Directives!

The latter two directives could

have a majority impact as to

where and from whom future

equipment is purchased.

What is the overallobjective?The purpose of the Directives is

the prevention of waste (WEE)

and in addition, the re-use,

recycling and other forms of

recovery, so as to reduce the level

of waste disposal. They also aim

to restrict the use of materials

that have an adverse impact

upon human health and the

environment.

What is the purpose ofWEE?As stated in the Directive: “The

amount of EE generated in the

Community is growing rapidly.

The content of hazardous

components in electrical and

electronic equipment is a major

concern during the waste

management phase and

recycling of WEE is not

undertaken to a sufficient

extent.” WEE is therefore

intended to redress this matter

dramatically.

The European Union WEE

Directive 2002/96/EC should

have been in force across the EU

since 13 August 2005, but many

countries still do not have their

local legislation in place. Since it

was published under Article 175

of the Treaty of Rome, countries

can adopt stricter environmental

measures if they decide to,

providing they also comply with

EU law. This, in itself can present

problems for the printer when

purchasing equipment from

other EU countries, where the

rules are less strict. There are

relaxations for certain countries,

notably Greece and Ireland, as

well as the newer EU members.

WEE applies to all forms of

electrical and electronic

equipment, both household and

industrial. The key features of

the Directive which affect non-

household WEE are:

• All separately collected WEE to

be treated;

• All treatment sites to be

regulated;

• Producers will need to provide

information on components

and material identification to

facilitate treatment

management.

• Recovery and recycling targets

for various categories of WEE

• Producers of new equipment to

fund the treatment and

recycling of the third parties

acting on their behalf.

• Producers and users may

conclude stipulating other

financial methods.

What is the scope?There are 10 categories. These

cover large household, small

household, information

technology and

telecommunications, consumer

equipment, lighting equipment,

electrical and electronic tools,

toys leisure and sports, medical

devices, monitoring equipment

and automatic dispensers. At first

sight, it would appear that

industrial machinery is not

covered, however, it is most

likely to fall under category six;

electrical and electronic tools.

“Large-scale stationary industrial

tools,” (LSIT) are specifically

excluded and, unfortunately

LSITs are not defined in the WEE

Directive.

To assist manufacturers and

buyers of industrial equipment,

the EU Commission published

some Frequently Asked

Questions (FAQs) in May 2005

that included comments on

LSITs. Although the answers are

not binding on regulators within

each EU country, they are likely

to be taken into consideration.

The EU Commission described

LSITs as:

“Machines or systems,

consisting of a combination of

equipment, systems, finished

products and/or components,

each of which is designed for

industry only, permanently fixed

and installed by professionals at

a given place in industrial

machinery, or in an industrial

building to perform a specific

task. Not intended to be placed

on the market as a single

functional or commercial unit.”

The Directive also excludes

products with a voltage range

above 1000 volts for alternating

current and 1500 volts for direct

current. Products that have a

primary power source other than

electricity will also be outside the

Directive.

What does this mean inpractical terms?It is highly probable that each

member state will interpret this

description in different ways.

Therefore, it is only possible to

provide guidelines for FESPA

members. The decision as to

whether any equipment is inside

or outside the scope of WEE will

be based on a reasonable

approach. To ascertain what is

reasonable requires

consideration, in order of

importance, of the following:

1 The articles included in the

Annex 1B of the EU Directive

2002/96/EC1

2 The EU “Blue Guide” on

definitions2

3 The criteria set out in EU

Commission’s Frequently

Asked Questions3

4 EU member Governmental

guidance notes if issued

5 The equipment should meet as

many as possible of the

following:

a. Consist of a combination of

equipment, systems,

products and/or components

b. Be a tool not covered under

any other category

c. Be required to be fixed to

operate safely or within

specification

d. Be of “large-scale”

Two new EU Directives will affect the way you select newequipment in the future. Paul Machin explains

RoHS and WEEthings to remember


ROHS AND WEE

e. Require professional

installation

f. Only be used in an industrial

environment and

g. Be built to perform a specific

task.

6. European trade association

guidance such as the

Orgalime Guide4.

This will mean that the

following, and this is not an

exclusive list, will not be

excluded:

Printer units, copying

machines; computers such as

PCs; pre-press equipment such as

cameras, developing machines,

print-down frames, exposure

units; small and medium sized

digital and screen process

presses; small and medium sized

finishing equipment.

The very large digital presses

(10 metre wide) and four colour

UV printing machines are highly

likely to be excluded.

The decision as to what is, or

is not, excluded will be

determined by the enforcing

authority, initially in the

country it is manufactured, or

into which it is first imported.

As yet, there seems to be no

overall controlling body to rule

on disputes that may occur

between enforcing bodies in the

country of manufacture and that

of use. However, there is a

definition as to who is a

Producer.

Who is a Producer?The answer to this question is

very significant, because the

major responsibility of WEE rests

on his/her shoulders. The

Producer is any person who

imports EE on a professional

basis; makes and sells EE under

his own brand or resells EE

under his brand only.

The general principle followed

is that the “polluter should pay.”

For industrial WEE, any

equipment purchased by the

printer prior to 13 August 2005,

will be the responsibility of the

print company as far as

treatment and recycling goes.

The exception is the purchase of

replacement parts, in which case

the Producer is responsible. The

Producer is also responsible for

all equipment sold after 13

August 2005. There is a “get-out

clause.” The Producer can

negotiate separate arrangements

with the buyer for alternative

arrangements. This is not

surprising as some of the

equipment may be retained for a

considerable period of time and

the Producer may have

disappeared from the scene by

the time it is ready for disposal.

Printers should thus very

carefully check the terms of any

contract, especially if equipment

of any type is involved.

How will hazardousmaterials be controlled?Many printers will be well aware

of the control of hazardous

materials. It could be that after

looking at the warning labels on

inks and solvents or the

declarations in safety data sheets

that some will realise that they

have to ensure that inks comply

with the toy safety limits. The

Restriction of the Use of Certain

Hazardous Substances in

Electrical and Electronic

Equipment Directive 2000/95/EC

(RoHS) will be no surprise. From

1 July 2006, lead, mercury,

cadmium, hexavalent

chromium, polybrominated

biphenyls (PBBs) and

polybrominated diphenyl ethers

(PBDEs), must be replaced by

other materials in EE. There are

certain exceptions:

Mercury in various fluorescent

lamps,

Lead in:

• Cathode ray tubes, electronic

components and fluorescent

tubes,

• As an alloying element

• Solders

• Piezoelectronic devices

• Cadmium plating

• Hexavalent chromium as an

anti-corrosion element.

There is no stated limit as to

the allowed level of hazardous

substances. The EU Technical

Adaptation Committee has put

forward the following proposal:

0.1% by weight for lead,

hexavalent chromium, mercury,

PBBs, PBDEs and 0.01% by

weight of cadmium in a

homogeneous material.

RoHS is different to WEE.

RoHS was established under

Article 95 of the Treaty of Rome.

This means the rules that apply

will, or should be, the same

across the whole of the EU. A

producer may not market new

EE containing the above

chemicals exceeding the set

maximum concentration values.

Spare parts for upgrading or

repairing equipment supplied

prior to 1 July 2006 will be

exempted.

Equipment is required to

comply with RoHS if it falls

within the ten broad categories

specified in Annex 1 of WEE,

except medical, monitoring and

control equipment.

Any equipment will naturally

require certification to confirm

that it complies with RoHS.

The way forwardAs with all new Directives, there

are going to be teething

problems. It is vital that the

printer only purchases EE from

reputable companies who will be

able to manage this issue

properly. Make sure any

equipment complies with RoHS.

Ask the supplier before you buy.

If you are not accepting

responsibility for the recycling,

make sure there is a scheme in

place to deal with this issue. You

do not want to be stuck with the

problem when the product is no

longer of any use. A responsible

supplier will be able to deal with

it.

References1 Directive 2002/96/EC

2 EU “Guide to the

implementation of directives

based on the New Approach

and the Global Approach” 1999

3 EU Commission’s FAQs see

5 Orgalime Guide “A practical

Guide to understanding the

scope of Directive 2002/96/EC

on Waste Electrical and

Electronic Equipment (WEE)

and Directive 2002/95/EC on

the Restriction of the Use of

Certain Hazardous Substances in

EE (RoHS).

20 FESPA WORLD 12/04

EVENTS

Representatives of Portugueseprinting shops informedthemselves about the state of theart in screen printing technology.

As in many other European

countries, printing shops in

Portugal are, for the most part,

small to medium-sized family

enterprises. Textile printing,

which is carried out by more

than 80 companies, is a major

area of screen activity, but many

printers are also producing signs

and displays. Other special

services include varnishing,

decorative or ornamental

printing on glass and ceramic

materials, and transfer printing

on textiles.

The Portuguese screen-

printers learned about the entire

printing process, from the

stretching, coating, and cleaning

of the screen to multi-colour

printing with UV inks and

solvent-based inks, through to

the drying process. As well as

THIEME other renowned

leading companies such as

Grünig, Hurtz, KiWo, Lüscher,

Marabu and Tesoma also

contributed to the success of the

event. The presentation of the

THIEME 5000 XL multicolour

line and questions regarding the

current trend in automation,

aroused particular interest.

José Quintino, whose

company, Ruy de Lacerda, has

been THIEME's representative in

Portugal for six years, was

highly satisfied with the result

of the event that he had helped

to organise. He comments: "It

was good to meet customers

from all market sectors and to

discuss the optimisation of

processes with them. As was to

be expected, the main concerns

were quality and costs." The

guests too enjoyed the event

with João Santos, Director of the

Screen2 company in Lisbon,

summarising the overall

concensus thus: "The

comprehensive presentation of

top-notch equipment and

consumable materials will make

impending investment decisions

easier for us. And furthermore,

this event has given me - and I

think I am also speaking for my

colleagues - a certain degree of

confidence in the future."

High productivity depends on detail

THIEME GmbH & Co. KG recently opened the doors of its plant inTeningen, in South West Germany, to welcome representatives ofPortuguese screen-printers to a two-day open house eventdesigned to highlight the very latest developments in screen-printing machinery and accessories.

Heliotextil, a textile transferprinting shop located nearPorto, prints jerseys for theworld's most renowned soccerteams. Three THIEME 3000machines ensure the highquality and the adherence todelivery schedules.

Denis Piqué (second fromright), THIEME's Sales Managerfor Spain and Portugal,together with Portuguesescreen printers during thedemonstration of a THIEME5020 machine.


Diary dates for 2006/7 If you would like your event to feature on this page,please send full information via e-mail to Val Hirstat [email protected]

Visual Communication Italia9 -11 November, 2006Milan Fairgrounds, Milan, ItalyOrganiser: Reed Exhibitions Tel: ++ 0744 400544Fax: ++ 0744 403708e-mail: [email protected]

Screen Printing & Signs ChinaDigital Printing China 200616 -19 November, 2006INTEX Exhibition Centre, Ningbo City,Zhejiang Province, ChinaOrganisers: CSGIATel: 86 10 84043402 Fax: 86 10 64034996 e-mail: [email protected] www.csgia.org

Printed Electronics USA 20065-6 December 2006,The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix AZ, USAOrganiser: IDTechEx. In association withFlexible Displays Unit, Arizona StateUniversityTel: + 44 (0) 1223 813703 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 812400 www.printelec.com

Sign Istanbul, InternationalDigital & Outdoor AdvertisingFair,7 -10 December 2006.Tuyap Beylikduzu,Turkey Organiser: IFO Istanbul Fair OrganizationTel: 90 212 2757579Fax: 90 212 2883611e-mail: [email protected]

SGIA 200626 -29 September, 2006Las Vegas convention CentreLas VegasOrganiser: SGIATel: 001 220 313 489Fax: 001 703 369 1328e-mail: [email protected]

Sign Asia Expo September 28-October 1 2006Muang Thong ThaniThailandOrganiser: IBRIX Co., Ltd.Tel: +66 2641 4381 (Auto)Fax: +66 2641 4381 ext. 13E-mail: [email protected] [local &International]E-mail: [email protected] [Internationalonly]www.signasiaexpo.com

Visual Communication -“Graphic Arts & Packaging”Balkan trade expo.October 2006 – Date to be confirmed Salonica, North Greece,Organiser: Materia GrigiaTel.: +30-210-3640197 (2 lines)Fax: +30-210-3608903

Graphispag 200719 – 25 February 2007Venue Gran Via, Barcelona, SpainOrganiser: Graphispack OrganisationTel: +34 93 233 20 00 www.graphispag.com

Visual and Graphic Symphony21–23 February 2007Hall 5/1Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, ParisOrganiser: SempTel: 33 1 48 55 05 49.www.semp-france.fr

FESPA 2007 5th - 9th June 2007Messe Berlin, Berlin, GermanyOrganiser: FESPATel: +44 1737 229 727Fax +44 1737 240 770 e-mail: [email protected]

FESPA World Expo India 20077th – 9th December 2007Pragati MaidanNew Delhi, IndiaOrganiser: FESPAwww.fespa.com

FESPA Digital Printing Europe20081st – 3rd April 2008Geneva Palexpo, Geneva, SwitzerlandOrganiser: FESPAwww.fespa.com

17th EuropäischesSiebdruckertreffen/17th Meetingof European Screenprinters12 – 14 October 2006Bregrenz, AustriaOrganiser: Glatz Schilder GmbHContact: Alexander Eberle/Kurt KusternigTel: +43 5574 802 806e-mail: [email protected]

Sign Expo - Budapest, Hungary17-19 October 2006Hungexpo, 23-as pavilon (II-es kapunál)Nyitvatartás: 10-18 óraBelépés a látogatók részére: ingyenesBõvebb információ: Sáska Hilda Telefon: 232-1428, Fax: 232-1425e-mail: [email protected]

PRO Sign 200619 -21 October 2006Exhibition CentreFrankfurt Messe, Frankfurt, GermanyOrganiser: Reed ExhibitionsTel: +49 (0) 211 90191-128Fax: +49 (0)211 90 191-138e-mail: [email protected]

PACK EXPO International 2006October 29 - November 2, 2006 McCormick Place, Chicago, IL USAOrgansier: PMMI Trade ShowsTel: 00 703-243-8555Fax: 00 703-243-3038e-mail: [email protected]: www.packexpo.com


FESPA NEWSLETTER

Experience the Power of Imaging!Fespa Berlin 2007 • 5th – 9th June, 2007 • MesseBerlin

FESPA 2007 promises to be a truly inspirational event,with over 200 leading screen and digital printing suppliershaving already signed up for FESPA’s flagship event.

Marcus Timson,Group Commercial Manager,FESPA

Supported by Corporate Sponsor HP andPlatinum Sponsors, Marabu, Saati andVutek, the show has also attracted aplethora of other leading industrysuppliers, including Agfa, Avery, FujifilmSericol, Saati, M&R, MHM, Mutoh, Sakuri,Spandex, Thieme and Sefar, all of whomhave booked stands in excess of 200sq.m.In fact, so enthusiastic has the reactionbeen, that FESPA has placed an option on afurther two halls within the venue,bringing the total amount of availablefloorspace to a mammoth 28,000 sq.m,which will span an amazing 10 halls.

Frazer Chesterman, FESPA ExhibitionsDirector, comments: “We are delightedwith the response we have had so far.Many of our exhibitors are taking morespace than ever and we have a number ofnew exhibitors taking part, indicating thatthere will be plenty of new products andtechniques on show for visitors toexperience and enjoy”.

He continues: “As well as featuring all ofthe leading key screenprinting suppliers,we are looking to build upon the success ofthe debut FESPA Digital Printing Europeexhibition, and anticipate that digitaltechnology will continue to have asignificant presence in Berlin. Following

the success of the digital printing show,many exhibitors signed up for FESPA 2007immediately and, in light of this, we areabsolutely confident that visitors to nextyear’s show will experience the bestrepresentation of screen and digitalequipment and consumables, ever seenunder one roof. Further, it will providethem with an opportunity to see how theprocesses can be applied to applications asdiverse as textiles, electronics, signs, glassand ceramics, to name but a few. It willalso be particularly interesting for visitorsto monitor the presence of screen/digitalhybrid solutions at the show, given thatone of the launches at FESPA 2005 was theM-Press from Agfa and Thieme”.

FESPA 2007 will also feature a highquality educational programme designed tocomplement the wealth of technology andinnovation in action on the show floor.More information on this will be releasedsoon.

With so much on offer, a visit to Berlinnext year could be the best investment youever make in your company – make a noteof the dates in your diary now!For further information visit:www.fespa2007.com

Marcus comes from the exhibitionindustry. His last position was EventDirector of Exhibiting Show, a showthat celebrates the power ofexhibitions! Consequently he ispassionate about the power ofexhibitions and events as THE bestway to engage with your industry,promote your organisation, gain newideas, meet new contacts and dobusiness.

Timson has joined FESPA as GroupCommercial Manager. His roleincorporates communications andmarketing of the FESPA Eventportfolio, developing new activities aswell as working with Chris Smith inhelping the associations with theirwork in developing their localindustry as well as adding value toFESPA membership.

Marcus enthuses “FESPA’s success todate is astonishing. The shows reallyhave delivered quality content forvisitors and quality businessopportunity for exhibitors. The speedto which this has taken place isimpressive, which is why I am soexcited and enthusiastic about joiningthe team.

There is however, still a lot to bedone! My appointment demonstratesFESPA’s commitment to deliver extravalue and support for Associations aswell as to enhance and develop theshow portfolio. I really look forward tomeeting members and suppliers atfuture events, conferences andexhibitions and I of course welcomeany feedback or ideas you might haveto help us, help you”

Email or call [email protected]

Corporate sponsor: Platinumsponsors:

Forthcoming FESPA events include:• FESPA 2007 – The Power of Imaging, 5th – 9th June 2007, Messe Berlin• FESPA World Expo India, 7th – 9th December 2007, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi • FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008, 1st – 3rd April 2008, Geneva Palexpo• FESPA World Expo Thailand, 27th – 29th November 2008, BITEC, BangkokFor further information visit: www.fespa.com

Following the recent launch of the FESPA Digital Print AwardsEurope 2007, supported by HP, the first entries are beginning toarrive and are already illustrating how creatively the medium isbeing used by digital print companies throughout Europe.


FESPA DIGITAL PRINT AWARDS 2007

The competition, which isdesigned to showcase digitalprint achievements and topromote applicationopportunities across the broadspectrum of digital printing, inboth the commercial andindustrial sectors, is open to alland there are no restrictions asto the printer, substrate or inkused.

The submissions will bejudged by an independent juryand the results announced nextSpring, with the winners goingon to feature in a companionpublication, which will bedistributed to thousands ofdesign studios, agencies,advertisers and industrial goodsmanufacturers.

To ensure that entry is madeas easy as possible, companieswill be able to obtain entryforms direct from a dedicatedAwards website, which alsoprovides information on theprogramme in six languages.Aspiring entrants are invited toregister on the site, whereuponthey will receive a guide entryvia e-mail. This will enablethem to discuss the variousrequirements with colleagues, ifnecessary, before returning to

the website when they areready to complete the efficienton-line entry process.

The competition, whichshould not be confused withthe long-standing, traditionalFESPA Awards, which are openonly to FESPA associationmembers, welcomes entries inone or more of the eightdifferent categories, whichbetween them, span everyaspect of digital expertise. Inthe Commercial sector, thecategories include exteriorgraphics (hoardings, billboards,buildings, external structures);interior graphics (showrooms,shops, exhibitions, POP);vehicles (cars, trucks, buses,trains, boats); décor (museums,restaurants, entrances) andmarketing (collateral, directmail). The Industrial sectorcategories are flexiblepackaging (narrow web, labels);textiles; manufactured goods(ceramics, glass, white goods).

The jury, comprising highlyrespected industry experts, willjudge entries on the basis oftheir originality, impact, designand in terms of tactical use andproductivity, focusingparticularly on how digital

printing has enabled a novelpromotional approach and/orprovided an economic solutionto the realisation of the project.

The awards will be made onboth a category and regionalbasis, with a Platinum Awardbeing presented for the mostoutstanding Europe-wide entryin each of the eight categories.Gold, Silver and Bronze Awardswill also be made, irrespectiveof the category in which theyare entered, in each of eightregions across Europe. The regions are:Benelux (Belgium,Luxembourg, Netherlands);France/Switzerland; East Europe/Russia/Ukraine;Germany/Austria; Iberia (Spain, Portugal);Italy/Greece/Turkey/Cyprus;Scandinavia (Sweden,Denmark, Norway, Finland);UK/Ireland.

The Platinum awards will bepresented at a centralceremony, whilst regionalceremonies, involving Gold,Silver and Bronze Awards, areplanned in co-operation withFESPA’s national memberassociations.

Entries are welcomed from

all commercial and industrialprint service providers, who areinvited to submit projects ofwhich they are particularlyproud and which they havecompleted during 2006. Entriesmust be supported by anagreement from all the partiesinvolved in a project, namelythe advertiser or end-user andadvertising agency or studio.

All eventual publicity for theAwards, in the form of editorialcoverage in the European press,dedicated website exposure andinclusion in the Awardspublication, will include thenames of print serviceproviders and the other partiesinvolved in the developmentand use of projects. However,in order to maintain the opennature of the competition,suppliers of equipment andmaterials will not be credited. The closing date forentries is 1st December,2006.

For further information,including the rules andregulations, as well as on-line entry forms, visit:www.fespadigitalprintawards.com

Step Right Up!

OPINION


With the increasing popularityof cheap air travel, the world isbecoming a smaller place, one

of the many factors which has influencedthe spread of globalisation, to the extentthat it now affects every level of society,as well as businesses of all sizes.

Quite naturally, when faced with twovery similar items, most people will preferto buy the cheaper one, without for onemoment questioning where it hasoriginated, how it has been made, orconsidering how their own country’seconomy might be threatened over thelonger term. However, although manyregard globalisation as a pernicious evil,might it not also offer a goldenopportunity? And if so, what can we alldo to take advantage of it?

Some years ago, German producedgoods were perceived as being veryexpensive. This lead to many Germanmanufacturers moving their productionfacilities to countries with lower labourcosts, with the full support of the Germangovernment. When these goods werethen exported into Germany, the obvioushappened - German consumers chosethem over similar homegrown items. Ithas since become commonplace forWestern manufacturers to establishfacilities abroad, but this only providesthem with a short-term solution. Whenlooked at logically, it is unreasonable toexpect that we can continually reduce ourworking hours and increase pay andbenefits whilst still buying cheap goodsproduced elsewhere.

When it comes to screenprinting, it isthe same story. Increasingly, Europeanscreenprinters are losing out to thoseoperating in the emerging economies ofthe Far East, where lower labour costs,coupled with greater state support withregard to environmental protection andhealth and safety issues keep prices down.

Indeed, in some areas the latter twoconsiderations aren’t addressed at all, withobvious cost benefits for the final item!

So how do we compete? In order toregain the economic advantage, weshould consider a number of differentstrategies. Obviously, it is common senseto do everything we can to ensure thatour own production costs are as low as wecan make them. In the first instance thismeans resisting all attempts to furtherreduce the working week and keepingwage rises within the realms of possibility.There is probably less that we can doabout the costs associated with ensuringthat employees and the environment areprotected from exposure to hazardouswaste and that all products are as safe aswe can make them. Nor should we beattempting to save money in this area.

However, there are several things wecan do to become more productive. Forexample, by investing in the newesttechnology, we can reduce the timeconsuming and labour intensive pre-pressprocess, thus increasing our profitability.Some screenprinters have already acquiredthe latest computer to screen (CTS)equipment offered by manufacturers suchas Luscher, CST, Mantel, Kammann andSigntronic, as well as the automatedscreen reclamation lines offered bycompanies like Grunig.

Further technological innovationsaimed at streamlining the screen processshould also be enthusiastically welcomed,and screenprinters will have to learn thatthey will need to spend money in order tomake money.

But just as importantly, we must reachwithin ourselves, with screenprintersbecoming innovators too. With so muchcompetition, it is no longer enough tocontinue down the same old roads asbefore. It is up to us to identify new areasof application and to hone and refine our

skills so that we can add value to standardproducts, thus also enabling ourcustomers, to reap the premium price thatsomething out of the ordinary alwayscommands. Some screenprinters arealready doing this very successfully by, forexample, offering a host of specialscreenprinting effects designed totransform the run of the mill intosomething unique.

Others are assessing the new andincreasing opportunities that lie withinthe industrial sectors which often requiresuperior skills and facilities, somethingwhich overseas competitors are less ableto offer.

In my view, we can use the currenttrend towards globalisation to spur us onto bigger and better things, or we cansimply give in and give up. As the wiseman in China first opined 3,500 yearsago, if you look at the same object fromdifferent viewpoints you get very differentimpressions. In the same way, instead ofcomplaining about the current level ofcompetition, we should look afresh at ourown companies and reassess what wereally have to offer. Theresults could be verysurprising!

‘If you look at the same object from different viewpoints, you getdifferent impressions. You cannot talk about the sea with a frogwhich never leaves the fountain; Or about the sun with a wormwhich never comes up from the earth’ Chinese Proverb

Globalisation – trick or treat?

“

”Born in l952, Herbert Frintrup, trained as ascreenprinter following his graduationfrom business school. He first joinedFrintrup Siebdruck-Service, his family’sscreenprinting company, in 1973,becoming Managing Director in 1991. Thecompany, which now employs around 40people, offering a full screenprintingservice, is based in Bon-Bueuel, Germany.It also distributes screenprintingequipment. Herbert Frintrup became thecompany’s chairman in 1993.

By Herbert Frintrup

OPINION

The recent trend towardsconsolidation in the inkjetprinting sector is continuingduring 2006, with theacquisition of several majorindustry players by othercompanies. We can thusimagine a time when a singleorganisation could control themanufacture and sales ofhardware, software andconsumables, whilst alsosetting the price bands that itconsiders appropriate for itspurposes.

In my view, this process ofconsolidation has arisen as adirect consequence of thecompetition that is now rife inthe inkjet sector. Innovatorsare faced with very highresearch and developmentcosts, whilst also having tocope with decreasing marginsand their lack of profitabilitymeans that they can beacquired relatively cheaply.

My fear is that this level ofconsolidation could lead to asupplier oligopoly, where avery few major companiescontrol the whole sector.

Surely it is now time for alldigital printers to feature atruly ‘open architecture’

whereby they can use the UVinks supplied by the inkmanufacturer of the owner’schoice rather than beingrestricted to using the brandedinks specified by the printermanufacturer? This would, ofcourse, require somestandardisation of printheadsand UV curing systems and foran industry that is still,relatively speaking, in itsinfancy, this could not happenover night. However, I believethat this should be a priorityfor FESPA, who, with thelaunch of FESPA DigitalPrinting Europe, has alreadydemonstrated its leadershipqualities and sense ofcommitment to the digitalsector. Unless something isdone soon, the oligopoly willcontinue to evolve morequickly than any processdesigned to facilitate the openarchitecture necessary toprovide everyone with a freechoice of ink.

Ricardo RodriguezDelgado – Past Presidentof FESPAPanoramaSpain

A futureoligopoly in theInkjet Market


Do you think it’s down to screenprinters to be more

innovative or do you have a opinion on the use of third

party inks? If you have something to say about either of

the topics covered here, or indeed on any other screen or

digital printing related issue, this is the place to air your

views. In the first instance, simply e-mail any contribution

you would like to make to [email protected]

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your

contribution in greater detail simply contact Val Hirst on

Tel: ++44 (0)1623 882398 for an initial chat.


First established in the UK city of Leicester,some six years ago, Wildcard Creativeworked hard to build a reputation as anexhibition specialist, providing a fulldesign and build service for its clients.However, Directors Jamie Douglas, TimPurkis and sidekick Dexter Hartley foundthemselves becoming increasinglyconcerned about the amount of waste –interms of money, materials and resources –that the exhibition sector generated.Determined to do something about it,they decided to revisit a concept thatJamie had first become involved with atuniversity, namely the creation of

cardboard graphics, which could be easilydisposed of and recycled once their usefullife had come to an end. Dexter explains:“We are in the business of providingbespoke schemes for our clients, which areoften only used once or twice beforebecoming obsolete. What’s more, the timespent building and dismantling thesestructures on site, together with the cost oftransporting them from show to show, arebecoming prohibitive. With this in mind,a year ago, we decided to change the focusof the business and now, although we dostill offer traditionally constructedexhibition stands, we are finding that

more and more clients are embracing theidea of a cardboard only stand.”

To win around the sceptical, WildcardCreative officially launched its concept atthe recent Exhibiting Show held atLondon’s Excel Exhibition Centre, bymaking its own stand a completelycardboard one. With unusual graphics,which depicted the drawing room of aparticularly splendid stately home, thestand proved suitably inspirational.Visitors, who were invited to enjoyafternoon tea, complete with fondantfancies, were completely wowed by bothits creativity and durability. Wildcard also

SomethingDifferent

INNOVATION

When the going gets tough, the tough get creative! Instead of bewailing the effects of over capacity and tumbling profit margins, two companies, one an exhibition specialist and the other a screenprinter, decided to take a more innovative approach and, in so doing, came up with something completely different.

Val Hirst reports


took the opportunity to launch their nextcardboard project, an entrée into thefurnishing sector, with the unveiling of amagnificent sculptural bench. Dexter says:“The show was a real turning point for usbecause people could see for themselvesjust how good the stand looked and alsohow tough it was. Generally speaking, acardboard stand can be used at least threetimes, if desired and, because we use amodular format, sections can be replacedto display different graphics and/orpromotional messages if necessary.”

As well as being impressed by the overalllook and style that is achievable,customers are also delighted to learn of thepotential cost savings. Dexter continues:“Exhibiting is a very expensive business,with bespoke stands costing tens ofthousands of pounds – the sky is literallythe limit. However, for a 3m x 4mcardboard stand, you are looking insteadat a total cost of somewhere between£2,000 to £3,000 – a huge saving.”

Some clients are more concerned aboutthe concept’s environmental credentials,especially since many companies are nowtaking a more ethical stance when itcomes to the promotion of their ownproducts and services. Dexter says: “Weuse a French company that producescardboard which has the necessary fire

rating and also uses 99 percent recycledmaterial. The remaining one percent,which is necessary to provide the level ofquality needed for printing, comes fromsustainable sources. When the stand is nolonger required, clients can cheerfullyscrap it, secure in the knowledge that thematerial can be recycled and reused.” Headds that all of the stand components canbe packed flat and this, together with theirlightweight, also offers a big reduction intransportation costs. But probably best ofall, a cardboard stand can be erected andinstalled by just two people armed with astepladder! “Although we offer aninstallation service if customers require it,it really is easy to build and dismantle acardboard stand, which also saves onlabour costs,” he says. That must be verywelcome news to companies who despairat the expense involved in transportingand accommodating a posse of staff atvarious events throughout the year!

Wildcard Creative use a Leeds-basedprinter, Image Serigraphics, who digitallyprint the graphics on its two Inca Turboflatbed printers. The company also offers ascreenprinting facility if larger volumes arerequired.

So is there anything which can’t bedone in cardboard? According to Dexter,there’s remarkably little. “As stand

designers, we are used to being challengedand feel that it’s our job to providewhatever the client demands. The onlyreal limitation is the print size, which isdictated by the digital flatbed printer, buteven then, the modular format means thatwe can design different sections to fittogether, so the joins aren’t evident. Let’sjust say that we haven’t had a commissionthat we couldn’t fulfil so far.”

Buoyed by the initial success of thisventure, Wildcard Creative is examiningfurther opportunities – the whole point ofsale sector is an obvious area and Dexterreveals that the company is already intalks with at least one leading supermarketchain. Bespoke furnishing and the wholearea of product customisation also providepossible new markets for this enterprisingcompany. But perhaps the most importantthing is the amount of money it canmake. The last word goes to Dexter whosays: “Because the overall value of eachstand is considerably less, we are having todesign more of them to maintain turnoverlevels, but when it comes to profitability –let’s just say that we aren’t complaining!”Contact Wildcard Creative on Tel:++44 (0)116 261 6863 Fax: ++44(0)116 261 6864, [email protected] or visit:www.wildcardcreative.com

INNOVATION


The first clue as to what makes Pasja tick isin the name. Pasja means ‘passion’ inPolish and principals, Jacek Stencel, whooriginally founded the company inMikolow 1992 and Michal Kridel, have avery obvious passion for their work.However, rather than pursuing the familiarand well trodden screenprinting route andsimply producing the usual round of pointof purchase and promotional items, theiroffering is something truly different. SaysJacek: “Sometimes the biggest challengelies in finding a way that you can worksmarter, rather than just harder and thatmeans identifying a niche area where thecompetition is less and the potential forprofit is correspondingly higher.”

Not that Jacek hasn’t experienced hisfair share of hard work. When thecompany first started, he used a singlemanual press, but by adopting a strategyof constant re-investment, the Pasjaequipment inventory has continued toexpand. Nowadays, Pasja, which was thefirst company in Poland to invest in acylinder press, also boasts a fully-automatic Svecia press, which it purchasedat FESPA Munich in 1999. More recently, ithas set up a second facility toaccommodate its digital division and haschalked up another ‘first’ by becoming thefirst company in Poland to acquire a OCECS6100. Doubtless, its digital output willsoon attract the same attention as its highquality screenwork, which provides dozensof stunning special effects, that make eventhe most pedestrian items dazzlinglyeyecatching.

Michal explains: “With standardscreenprinted items, the price is always theissue, but special effect printing is muchmore highly coveted and valued. We find,invariably, that customers are prepared topay a higher price for the extra quality andfinish and accordingly, we derive a doublebenefit – the pleasure of producingsomething we can be proud of, togetherwith the extra profit!”

A pioneer of UV varnishing techniques,which form the bedrock of the company’sactivities, Pasja use a variety of differentbase materials, ranging through paper,cardboard, self-adhesive materials andplastics. It also uses a variety of differentinks, including rub-removable, perfumed,luminescent, glue, glitter and morebesides. These elements, or rather,inventive combinations of them, are whathelps set Pasja apart from its competitors.

The work covers the full gamut ofapplications; from the dramatic backlitsigns used for advertising purposes, toinventive POP displays. Slightly lessglamorous, but no less impressiveitems, such as lottery scratch cards andsecurity marking on ticketing, alsocommand an equally high premium.

The company’s brochure provides averitable treasure trove of ideas anddemonstrates how, for example, thermo-active inks can be used to mask textand/or graphics. However, wheninfluenced by a higher temperature, theink becomes transparent, revealing whatlies beneath it. A similar effect of ‘now yousee it, now you don’t’ is achieved when

thermo-active ink is subjected to coolertemperatures, which activate pigments toproduce vibrant colour. An embossedprinting effect can be used to provide anintriguing 3D shape, whilst luminescentinks glow in the dark – just the job forsigns and graphics in steamy nighclubsand discos! Perfumed inks add anotherfacet to POP displays promoting cosmeticsand bath products and glitter inkadds zing to any promotionalmaterial.

Michal comments that thecompany, which now employs 25people and enjoys an annual turnoverin the region of one million euros, isalways searching for new ideas. He says:“Printing special effects is one strand ofour operation, the other is to come upwith original ways of gettingcustomers’ messages across,which meansconstantly

Pasja has taken an alternative, but no less original route to profitabilityby imbuing traditional screenprinting techniques with a new twist and,in the process, has carved out a unique niche for itself. The companyoffers special printed effects for clients who, in the main, know exactlywhat they want and don’t mind paying for it. Here, the Polishscreenprinter reveals its secrets.

INNOVATION

SomethingDifferent

INNOVATION

reviewing the market and interpreting thelatest trends in a creative way.” He goes onto remark that the company is especiallyproud to be a FESPA Gold winner at theFESPA 2002 Awards competition held inMadrid, particularly since, that year, nosilver of bronze prizes were awarded inthat category. Last year Pasja repeated itssuccess gaining two Gold Awards at theFESPA 2005 Awards Competition inMunich, one in respect of an unusualcalendar, featuring a plethora of leaves,each of which displayed a different specialeffect.

Jacek declares himself excited by thenew possibilities provided by digitalprinting technology and says: “Digitalprinting will enable us to apply all of theabove techniques – and more – to smallervolumes and will also offer a greateropportunity for further personalisation

and customisation. This in turn willenable our clients to precisely target theirpromotional and advertising material,varying it to appeal to different sorts ofcustomers.”

Pasja, who offer a trade service, as wellas dealing directly with advertisingagencies and in-house marketingdepartments, are adamant however, thatthey won’t be entering the price warwhich all too often surrounds digital print.Jacek states: “We have found a way ofmaintaining our profitability whilst wecontinue to expand the company andsince it also provides us with a lot of jobsatisfaction we see no reason to make anychanges. This niche market is absolutelywhere we want to be.” Good news indeed,for all of Pasja’s customers throughoutEurope!

For further information Tel/Fax:++48 32 2260 789 [email protected] or alternatively,visit: www.pasja.com.pl



First established as Naz-Dar in 1922, in theback of a small store in Chicago, Nazdar’stransformation into a major supplier ofscreen printing inks has, in many ways,mirrored the parallel growth of thescreenprinting sector. In the decades thatfollowed its formation, the companydedicated itself to the production of inksfor use with the increasingly sophisticatedrange of substrates which were becomingavailable, even setting up its own researchand development facilities to provide newformulations. During the 60s and 70s,Nazdar established a core distributionnetwork, which has gradually expanded toserve Canada, Mexico, Central and SouthAmerica, Asia and Australia, as well asNorth America. This process was given anextra fillip in 1982, when the companyacquired KC Coatings, and, a little over adecade later, the ink and supplies divisionof Advance Process Supply Company,which also heralded a change of name toNazdar.

During the mid 90s, Nazdar, whichremains a private company in familyownership, shrewdly recognised thatdigital printing technology would becomean increasingly important area andestablished a separate division, NazdarDigital, especially to develop solvent inksfor use with wide and grand format inkjetprinters. Another acquisition, of theCanadian company Ink Dezyne in 1997,not only served to intensify this process, italso provided Nazdar with access to OEMsoperating in the inkjet and airbrushsectors and culminated in the launch ofthe company’s highly successful NDI Seriesof digital inks in 2001.

2004 saw a realignment within thecompany, with the establishment of twoseparate divisions: the Nazdar Inks andCoating Division, responsible for themanufacture of screen and digital inks,and Source One, a distribution network setup to service the speciality printing sectorin North America. Last year the company

made several new appointments includingthe elevation of Richard Bowles from VicePresident of Sales and Marketing to VicePresident and General Manager of NazdarInks and Coatings, who amongst otherthings, is spearheading Nazdar’s furtherpenetration into the global screen anddigital markets.

Earlier this year, another chapter of theNazdar story unfolded with the company’sacquisition of Lyson, the UK manufacturerof digital inks, a move that has furtherconsolidated its position in the digitalsector. And, according to Stewart Partridge,Nazdar’s Business Unit Director for DigitalInks, the move has also provided it with acompletely different perspective. Heexplains: “Before acquiring Lyson I thinkthat Nazdar, in common with other screenink manufacturers, had a particular viewabout the development of the digitalprocess and the applications that it wasbest suited to. However, since theacquisition that view has now broadened

Full Steam AheadFormerly best known as a producer of screen inks, over the last coupleof years Nazdar has considerably expanded its scope to offer one of thelargest screen and digital ink portfolios currently available.

Val Hirst reports

considerably, as we realise that we areentering uncharted waters, where, as far asthe range of applications is concerned,nothing is finite anymore.” Stewart goeson to say that having decided to expandits business via a further acquisition,Nazdar was originally considering severaldifferent companies. However, Lysonparticularly commended itself, since itoffered numerous advantages. Stewartcategorises these as its extended inktechnology portfolio, coupled with awealth of technical and manufacturingexpertise. Further, it also came completewith a European manufacturing base andestablished market channels which offeredNazdar entrée into new sectors, Stewartcomments: “As far as Nazdar is concerned,Lyson was definitely the right choice forus .”

James Macdonald, Nazdar’s Sales andMarketing Director EMEA, agrees,elaborating on the new areas that havenow opened up. He says: “As well as the

wide and grand format inkjet market, wecan also now provide inks for use in theoffice and recycling sectors, in the areas ofcoding and marking, for the textileindustry and last but not least, theproofing, photographic, fine arts and pre-press sectors – all of which are expanding.”

With improved manufacturing capacityand an expanded technological base,Nazdar is thus all set to capitalise on itsenhanced assets and is now dedicated tocreating the structure for major globalgrowth worldwide. Stewart confirms thatdespite any initial rumours to the contrary,Nazdar plans to continue with all LysonGroup activities, promising that the onlyarea of rationalisation relates to inks forwide and grand format printing. “Sinceboth Nazdar and Lyson offered acomprehensive range of similar digitalinks, it made sense to edit it, to both avoidconfusion and to ensure that customersare getting the best possible product,” hesays. James interjects that these

modifications have even offered extracustomer benefits. ”Interestingly, theediting process has lead to the re-formulation of some inks to combine thebest elements of the existing Nazdar andLyson products to create somethingsuperior,” he says.

Further additions to the Lyson range,which will continue to retain its originalbranding, and with it the seal of credibilitythat the name conveys, will be announcedat both Photokina in Cologne and SGIA inLas Vegas, with Stewart promising thatmore products are in the pipeline. Hereveals: “Lyson already had an extensiveportfolio of textile inks, but we haveidentified this as an exciting growth areathat demands further support. In addition,we are developing an innovative range ofnew aqueous inks which are totallydifferent from anything that has been seenbefore and will, I think, cause quite a stir.And of course, the market for UV digitalinks continues to grow, since it offers print



companies faster drying and curing times,plus a wider choice of substrates. UV inksare particularly suitable in the packaging,furnishing and industrial sectors and tosatisfy this demand, we will shortly beembarking on the global distribution ofthe Nazdar range of UV inks, which upuntil now, have only been available in theUS.”

With so many ink choices available tothem, it seems appropriate to ask whether,in future, digital print companies will beable to exercise their true right ofselection, with many printermanufacturers stipulating that theircustomers use own brand inks. Stewart issympathetic to manufacturers who seek toboost their future revenues with sales ofconsumables. He says: “In some cases,manufacturers sell their cheapestmachines at little more than cost price, sothe only way they can realise a reasonableprofit margin, is through the on-goingsale of OEM inks. This financialimperative is also often coupled with anhonest desire to protect costly equipmentfrom the damage that can be caused bypoorly formulated products. However, Ithink they also need to recognise thattheir customers are operating in anincreasingly price sensitive market. If ownbrand consumables become tooexpensive, it will make it difficult fordigital print companies to make thenecessary margins and, in the longerterm, this could effectively slow down thetremendous growth potential of the whole

digital sector. Whilst I appreciate that ittakes an awful lot of engineering expertiseto ensure that an ink is compatible andthat it is thus natural for printermanufacturers to expect to recoup at leastsome of this cost, customers must havereal choice.”

He continues: “There are many goodalternatives to OEM products, most ofwhich are entirely reputable and whichwill provide excellent results in terms ofprint quality and won’t damage printerheads. In fact, we are so confident aboutall of our digital inks that, providing theyhave been properly installed and usedappropriately, we are perfectly happy toprovide our customers with a warrantyagainst damage to their machines’ inkdelivery systems and printheads.”

When asked whether he feels that, withso much consolidation, taking place inthe digital sector at present, the marketwill soon be dominated by a few largecompanies, Stewart opines: “I don’t thinkthat is the case at all. Although there hasbeen some consolidation of late, newcompanies offering both hardware andconsumables are emerging all of the time.For example, there are now more high-performance industrial printheadmanufacturers than ever before, withcompanies such as Konica, Seiko andRicoh joining the original market leadersXaar and Spectra. In addition, there aremore printer manufacturers than everbefore - China alone boasts 25. I don’tregard larger companies or industry

consolidation as a threat - rather theselarge conglomerates are responsible forexpanding the industry, since they havethe financial strength and vision toengage in the level of research anddevelopment which provides the newinnovations that benefit everyone. I thinkthat the best situation is a mix of smalland larger companies providing themaximum level of choice - and that iswhat we have today.”

Despite the company’s collectiveexcitement at the new opportunities thatlie ahead, James is at pains to point outthat this enthusiasm for all things digitaldoesn’t mean that Nazdar is giving up onits core screen printing products. He says:“On the contrary, we still feel that there isgrowth to be enjoyed in the screenprinting sector, both in terms ofapplications and geographical spread.” Tothis end, the company in 2005 appointedKeith Ramsey as Area Manager for ScreenProducts in Europe, Middle East andAfrica. James continues: “Keith will behelping our distributors in Europe to buildup their market share and customersupport facilities, as well as furtherexpanding the distributor network. Thisthough, is something that we want to dojudiciously, since we are concerned thatour products should only be sold bycompanies whose commitment to qualityand customer service equals our own.”

The final word goes to Stewart whoconcludes: “Whichever way you look at it,there are greater opportunities in all of theprinting sectors than ever before and it’s isour mission to provide both the productsand services that will help our customersachieve their fullest potential. That meansconstantly enhancing and improving ourproduct portfolio, whether by organicgrowth or further acquisition – watch thisspace!”

Market sectors for Lyson Inks

Office/recycling/bulk inks Aqueous inks suitable for use with HP, Epson, Lexmark and Canon printers

Grand and wide format Aqueous, solvent and UV inks for use with all printers using Xaar, Spectra, Konica,Seiko and Epson printheads

Proofing/Photographic Aqueous inks for use with the Epson 1800 printer and the Epson 9800 printer for/Fine Arts/Prepress prepress Nazdar media range also available including canvas, gloss and satin

finish photographic and fine art paper

Textile Reactive, acid and dye sublimation inks * , with pigmented inks joining the rangesoon. High-density formulations suitable for use with printers from Mimaki, Mutoh,Roland and Epson * Dye sublimation not available in the USA

Coding & Marking Continuous, Drop-on-demand and piezo inks, suitable for use with printersincluding those from Lynx, Videojet, Willett and Imaje

Industrial Under development


SHOWCASE

SHOWCASEDelhi-based Indian digital printer,

JMD, used its VUTEk PressVu UV 200/600W+ digital print system to produce highquality images onto a variety of differentsubstrates for the launch of Costa, theItalian coffee house chain, in India.

Producing 370 square metres of printfor installation at 10 coffee houses acrossDelhi, one of the most challenging issuesJMD faced was how to print photo qualityimages onto hessian bean sacks. Thecompany solved this problem bymounting the one square metre substrateon to a three centimetre thick woodenframe, stretching the hessian flat and thusminimising the possibility of fibresstanding proud and distorting the print.Once mounted, the substrate was simplyfed through the PressVu UV and the high-resolution graphics imaged to the surface.

In addition to the hessian graphics thatadorned each wall, JMD also produced avariety of POP graphics, including 2m x1.5m menu boards printed on to rigidSunboard, and menu cards printed on to3m x 1m MDF. The printing took half aday for each Costa coffee house, withonsite installations taking a further day.

When the Rembrandt exhibitionrecently opened in the Beurs vanBerlage Exhibition Centre inAmsterdam it offered visitors a number ofsurprises. As well as the sheer number ofpaintings on display – the exhibitionfeatured all of Rembrandt’s known works –they were also able to experience a uniquejourney through the life of Rembrandt,viewing his canvases in chronologicalorder. However, perhaps the greatest

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Our regular round-up ofsome of the latest projects


SHOWCASE

surprise of all was the fact that none of thework on display was original! In fact, eachwork of art is a piece-by-piece life-likereproduction, printed at actual-size, usingan Epson Stylus Pro 9800, UltraChromeK3, large format printer! AlthoughRembrandt’s world famous paintings arenow spread throughout many of theworld’s museums, transparent slides areavailable, which meant that it wascomparatively easy to create digital filesand print actual-size reproductions. Thisoffered visitors the added bonus of beingable to get closer to the paintings than isusually possible and to fully admire thegenius behind every perfect brushstroke.

Big Ink used its Jeti printer fromGandinnovtions to print the 109 x 120-foot banner used for a media event inside

the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, home ofthis year’s Final Four NCAA Men’sBasketball Tournament. The banner, whichwas printed on to 13-ounce scrim bannermaterial, was complemented by a slightlysmaller version printed on to an 8-ouncemesh. Both signs weighed well over 600pounds!

BAF Graphics, who specialise inmuseum, exhibition and point of saledisplays, produced the graphic panels forthe ‘Pixar: 20 Years of AnimationExhibition’ at the London ScienceMuseum. The exhibition, which iscurrently touring the world, will end up inNew Zealand!

Bonny Lhotka, a member of artcollective Digital Atelier, has proven that

the capabilities of the Scitex VisionVEEjet+ reach far beyond its typical uses,with the creation of over a dozen pieces ofartwork ranging from 61cm x 61cm to1.83m x 1.83m in size. Bonny producesher art on a variety of unusual substrates,which become an integral part of it.

Harlands has recently produced labelsfor Tesco’s new “My Baby” range. In all, 52different label styles were produced for thenationwide product launch earlier thisyear, on clear or white substrates, using upto nine colours and a selection ofvarnishes, including a special soft touchfinish for the Baby Soft products. Workingclosely with PB Beauty, Harlands providedan overall service designed to meet theexact needs of Tesco’s original brief.

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INSTALLATIONS


The Bally Wulff Group, based in Berlin,is one of the leading German companies inthe development, production and sale ofgaming machines. 2005 was a record yearfor Bally Wulff and a large percentage of itsequipment was exported, no mean feat intoday's harsh economic climate. The key tothe success of this company is not only thegaming systems, but also the consistent“made in Germany” quality at every stageof production.

Joachim Weber, the Manager of thescreenprinting and graphics area of thecompany, explains, “Our success ininternational markets has led to a dramaticgrowth in demand and as a result, we arecontinually confronted with numerouschallenges in production, such asconsistent high quality and near perfectregistration.”

He continues: “All of our designs andfilms are produced in-house as they arerequired to be sub-surface printed inreverse on the glass panels with UV inks.The close viewing distance of the gamingmachines requires us to print finehalftones, which can cause some problems.The demands for reproducibility are alsovery high. Depending on the need and alsothe success of a game, the numbers to beproduced vary between 150 and 6,000items and are often repeated. Typically 10,12 or even 15 colours are printed on eachpanel so you have to be very careful. Thehigh thread count of the fabric, 150/cmthat is needed for printing UV inks canalso cause some problems as we are

printing onto glass. As a result, we use aconsiderable number of screens in amonth, each of them over one squaremetre. Precision is everything; precision inmesh tension, stencil thickness and flatnessand print reproduction, as even thesmallest deviation in the colour value willbe shown up by the back illumination.”

It had become clear to Joachim Weber along time ago that there is no other choicebut capillary films if print jobs are to beuniformly repeated and the best qualityobtained. He continues, “The mostconsistent films are those of the AutotypeCapillex range from MacDermid Autotype.We have been using Autotype Capillex CPacross Europe for more than three yearsnow and find that this film best meets ourneeds”.

Autotype Capillex CP photostencil hasbeen specifically formulated for very finehalftone and line printing. It is the uniqueControlled Profile technology used inAutotype Capillex CP that gives it the lowstencil profile and optimized Rz valuewhich minimises the ink skipping andstacking problems that can so often plagueUV printing.

“Quite simply, it is easy to achieve theresults we need with Autotype CapillexCP”, Joachim Weber comments inconclusion, “As it guarantees fast set-uptimes, constant quality and reliability. Thisway, we are in a position to satisfy thestrict requirements of the internationalmarket and to supply quickly and reliably”. For further information visit:www.macdermidautotype.com.

THIEME GmbH & Co. KG has delivereda double screen-printing line with centralcontinuous-flow dryer to a Saudi Arabianmanufacturer ofautomotive glass.Compared with asingle line machine,this configurationallows a rapid andflexible processing ofprint orders:windscreens, side andrear windows indifferent sizes andgeometries can be

produced alternately without extendedtooling times.

The new system consists of two Thieme3000 S three-quarter automatic lines,which were developed especially forhandling glass sheets. The machines areloaded manually with the aid of portableprint tables that allow simple positioningof the glass. The print tables have vacuumand blower segments which can beswitched on or off via a stored-programcontrol system. Another special feature isthe stainless steel print table, which allowsthe use of flexible magnetic masks.

Once the glass sheets are loaded into themachine, the rest is fully automatic. Theprint stations on the two machines arefitted with patented Thieme squeegee unitsto fulfil even the highest qualityrequirements. They have a 90° swivelfacility and can also be fitted with anti-dripdevices if necessary. After printing, theglass is lifted from the print table with theaid of a belt system and deposited at theback of the machine at a transfer station.The table moves simultaneously back tothe loading position, thereby allowingrapid cycle times.

From the transfer stations the printedglass sheets are transported via a rollerconveyor to a 90° delivery station, whichalternately feeds the central continuous-flow dryer in the system. This is a high-performance dryer with a bandwidth of2,500 m equipped with a hot air andinfrared unit as well as two coolingmodules. 300 windscreens with a glassthickness of 3 mm can be dried per hourand brought down to a temperature of lessthan 50°. The dried, cooled panes aredeposited at a removal station behind thedryer.

Personal ChoiceOur regular series, which examines why companies select the products that they use

FESPA WORLD 06/04 39FESPA WORLD AUTUMN/06 39

INSTALLATIONS

The new system can print glass of up to2,400 mm x 1,200 mm. The automatictransport system is designed for aminimum format of 350 x 350 mm, andsmaller formats can be processed on asemi-automatic basis. The panes can befrom 2 to 10 mm thick. The system is alsovery flexible with regard to the glasscontours and geometries: panes withparallel edges and moulded panes withcomplex geometries can both be processedwithout any extended tooling times.

The double print line is also impressivein terms of productivity. Compared with afully automatic single print line withautomatic pane positioning, it achieves ahigher throughput of up to 20 percent. Inaddition, two different print orders withdifferent formats and geometries can beprocessed in parallel.For further information visit:www.thieme-products.com

Based in Barendrecht near Rotterdam,Holland, Van Sprung specialises inoffering a trade service for the productionof large format signs and graphics tosignmakers from both its native Rotterdamand all over the Netherlands. Althoughonly employing a relatively small numberof employees, Van Sprang has animpressive array of the latest digitalprinting and finishing equipment,including a five metre roll-to-roll solventprinter and the latest digital laser plotter.

The business, which celebrates its 50thanniversary next January, has risen fromhumble beginnings, evolving from an off-set printer to a digital printer in order tofulfil the increasing demand for largeformat display printing.

Mr. Van Sprang, founder and co-ownerof the business together with his son,commented: “In order to stay ahead of thecompetition you have to offer the bestquality and the fastest service, whichmeans having the right machine for thejob.”

Van Sprang first invested in a Durst Rho600 in October 2005 and Mr. Van Sprangexplains: “Printing directly onto rigidmaterial is not at the core of our business,but it represented an opportunity toexpand into new areas, whilst also helpingus to supply a wider service. We are verypleased with the performance of the Rho,which is why we were interested in theDurst roll-to-roll machine – so much sothat we ordered one from our localsupplier Bührmann Ubbens, before weeven saw it!”

Explaining the machine’s appeal, Mr.Van Sprang, states, “The future is UV, sinceit offers greater possibilities with regard tospeed and quality and, although the Rho350 has only been installed for a couple ofmonths, it is already kept very busy withactual commercial work. Our customersare also very impressed by it and arespecifying it by name on their orders! Wewill certainly be looking to upgrade, firstwith speed and then possibly with thewhite ink function. I believe that there aremany more applications for digitalprinting technology than have yet beenidentified – so much so, that if Durst wasto introduce a five metre machine I wouldbe interested in that as well!” For further information contactDurst on +Tel: 43 485 271777


INSTALLATIONS

If Bordeaux-based Deepix Photographywas to be compared to one of the area’smany wine-producing châteaux, itsprinted photographic output would put itin the prestigious premier cru category!

Indeed, thanks to the passion andcommitment of its owner, Alain Benoit,the company is now servicing the needs ofsome of the region’s best known châteaux– among them Château Latour andChâteau d'Yquem. In addition, it alsoboasts a portfolio of other equallyillustrious customers, including Cartier andsurfwear brand, Oxbow, for whom Deepixprovides point-of-sale materials for outletsthroughout France. It also producesgraphics for a number of trade fairs, whiledemonstrating its own creative and artisticflair at various photographic exhibitions.

A full-service photographic studio,Deepix manages photographic jobs fromstart to finish and for Benoit, maintaininghis own high standards has, to a largeextent, been made possible by hiscompany’s use of a range of KODAK Wide-Format Inkjet Media. Thanks to theversatility and dependability of KODAK ’smedia, Deepix is able to obtain unmatchedresults across each of its large formatprinters, which, as well as KODAK options,include an EPSON model.

Says Benoit: “We currently use a wholehost of different KODAK media, from

premium photographic papers to backlitfilm and canvas. KODAK Rapid-DryPhotographic Paper/190 g, which offers anoutstanding colour density and widecolour gamut, is our usual choice for ourcore inkjet applications, since itsmicroporous coatings make for fast drytimes, resulting in a reduced risk ofsmearing and waste and enabling instantlamination.”

According to Benoit another sure-firewinner is KODAK Premium Rapid-DryPhotographic Lustre Paper/260 g. Hecontinues: “The 260 g Premium Satinachieves results that easily compare tophotographic quality, since it has the samebrilliant, deep colour density and, from anefficiency aspect, the ink adheres to itextremely well and dries quickly.

Some recent point-of-sale work forreputable port producer, Quinta do Noval,demonstrates the end-to-end serviceprovided by Deepix. Explains Benoit:“Having first shot the digital images at16,000 mega pixels, we produced the1.30m x 1.80m enlargements on 190 gKODAK Rapid-Dry Photographic SatinPaper, fixed them to aluminium supportsand installed them as promotionalmaterial in shops.” For further information visit: www.graphics.kodak.com/global/consumables/wide_format_media

One of Europe’s leading point-of-saleprinters, the SP Group, has recentlyinstalled the world’s first assisted loadingsystem from Inca Digital Printers tofurther increase throughput of its twoInca Columbia Turbo printers. TechnicalDirector Nick Stevens explains: “We usethe Columbia Turbos to output on to awide variety of substrates, operating themaround the clock. However, although theyare extremely productive, like all flatbedprinters, the substrate needs to be loadedand unloaded, which on the ColumbiaTurbo takes between 30 – 40 seconds, ifcarried out manually. This is reduced toten seconds when the printer is equippedwith the assisted loading device, whichincreases productivity significantly.”

He continues: “The new loadingequipment has proved to be very easy touse and has handled a huge selection ofstock very efficiently, regardless of weight,size or material - we’ve even used it toload different sized materials at the sametime when we have printed jobs tiled onthe bed.”

The new Inca system provides semiautomatic loading and automaticunloading of substrates, from one metresquare up to the full 1.6 x 3.2 metreformat of the Columbia and can be usedwith material from 250 gsm up to athickness of 10 mm. The maximum sheetweight is 10 kg. Installation of theequipment can increase productivity by35 sq metres an hour. It consists of a pre-load stack on a manually operated scissorlift, plus a pre-load table, which gives theoperator the opportunity to prepare

material – removing film,brushing/wiping – during the previousprint cycle. The automatic offload facilitypicks up printed stock and moves it fromthe Columbia’s vacuum table to theoffload pallet, allowing the operator tosimultaneously position a new sheet onthe vacuum table. There is also theoption of an electrically powered tug foreasy removal and stacking of printedmatter.For further information visit:www.incadigital.com


INSTALLATIONS

ModernAdvertising, one ofthe largest outdoorsignage and large-formatprinting companies in theMiddle East, (also known asSaudi Signs), is expandingoperations with the establishment of a newprinting facility in Dubai. CalledMegavision, the company began tradingin July of this year using a Jeti 3318 printerwhich it recently acquired from SuperwideDigital, the official dealer forGandinnovations based in Dubai. Thecompanies have purchased four 3300printers from Superwide Digital in the lastthree years and last month invested in theJeti 3318 for their Jeddah based operation.A sixth Jeti printer, another Jeti 3318, hasrecently provided the UAE market withanother quality, six colour, solvent basedprinter.

Superwide Digital also reports thesuccessful conclusion of another sale toGolden Neon for the installation of a Jeti5000 printer at its Dubai based printingfacility in Al Quoz.

An Inca Spyder 320 inkjet printer hastransformed production at Indianapoliscompany Matrix Imaging, which isusing the flatbed machine to produce awide range of point-of-sale, signage andindoor display work. Dan Clark, VP ofcorporate development at Matrix Imaging,is delighted.

“In our 25 years as a company we’venever had anything like the Spyder 320,”he says. “It has not only doubled ourcapacity but has enabled us to break intonew markets such as the production oflenticular work. This process previouslyrequired several individual tasks, but theSpyder 320’s extremely high accuracy andits ability to print directly on to thesubstrate means that lenticular print canbe created in one pass – a phenomenalachievement. Indeed, the Spyder 320 isthe only flatbed printer we have comeacross that can print at 1,000 dpi. Itsspeed is also exceptional, and with itscapacity to output outstanding four-colourprint at 540 sq ft an hour, we have beenable to pass on cost savings. The Incaprinter has opened doors to newcustomers, while gaining us a largerpercentage of work from existingcustomers. Specialist work such as backlitdisplays has been easier to produce andthe Spyder 320 has certainly allowed us tomeet deadlines that would have beenimpossible before its installation.”

Membrane touch control switch panelshave always been up there at the top ofthe league when it comes todemonstrating just what screen-printingcan achieve in terms of sustainedregistration and precision. Critics whowrite off the screenprint process as suitablesolely for ephemeral, large-format POP andposter work are quickly disabused whenpresented with a matchbox size switchconstruction comprising perhaps twoconductor and two dielectric layers – plusa graphic overlay in several colours – allproduced in perfect matching register.

However, few people not involved in thespecialised world of MTC appreciate thatthe increasingly exacting demands nowbeing made by switch and panel designersare beginning to out-stretch thecapabilities of much of the screen-printingequipment that the industry is accustomedto using.

Few, but not all. As bespoke “boutique”membrane touch panel manufacturer,MAPP Systems will testify, the newgeneration Thieme 3000 series machinesare more than capable of producing themost highly-engineered switch and panelcomponents, embracing the most complexelectronics and intricate overlay graphics.Indeed, their robust, precision engineeringcould be said to be purpose-designed forthe job.

Six months ago MAPP Systems installedan automatic Thieme 3010H flatbedmachine to help underpin its burgeoningreputation as North East England’s leadingmanufacturer of custom-designed touch-sensitive switches and panels, EL displaysand industrial labels.

The North Shields firm needed theThieme to replace a press from anothermanufacturer which, although only fiveyears old, could no longer cut the mustardin terms of output consistency. And, asfounder and proprietor, Stephen Morse,explains, it came just in time to take

advantage of the 20 to 25 percent growthin customer demand which his company’sspecialist niche skills had begun togenerate. He says: “We are only a smallunit, employing seven people in total, butwe have only ever specialised in MTCpanels and allied items. Thus, all ourefforts have been single-mindedly focusedon pushing the envelope in terms ofswitch and panel design and in addingperceived value to the product for the user.As a result, whilst our customer base hasexpanded only modestly, the extent of ourwork for our existing customers – drivenby our accent on innovation – is growingcontinuously.

“The Thieme machine is contributinghugely to this because of its outstandingproductivity – which, of course, is a directresult of its speed of make ready, itssimplicity of operation, its precisionprogrammable controls and its absoluteaccuracy.

“The intuitive, automatic make ready, isa boon because although we may have 10colours to put down on a graphic overlay,as well as the conductor and dielectricmembranes to print, the run may be aslittle as 15. The accuracy derived from theauto-levelling, pressure-sensing squeegeehead is so good we can tackle even themost finely-detailed graphic designs whilstensuring absolute colour-to-colour register– and we can step-and-repeat smallerpanels right across the bed in totalconfidence.

“Only bad workmen blame their tools.But with our previous machine it got tothe stage where we were, literally, crossingour fingers and hoping when printingmore demanding jobs because we justdidn’t have the controls necessary toensure a consistent result. The Thieme is acompletely different animal, absolutelyperfect for MTC work. We love it.”For further information visit:www.thieme-products.com


Everyone likes to imagine the inspirationalmoment when all our problems aremagically resolved and our wishes becomea reality. Unfortunately, this only happensin our dreams. Success is more aboutdeciding on your objective and dealingwith the issues and obstructions, somemajor and others very minor, whichnormally come between you and yourgoal. And screenprinting is no different. Itis fair to say that by now, the portrayal ofscreenprinting as a ‘black art’ is largelyrecognised for what it is - the rather lamedefence used by incompetent printers toexcuse their poor quality work.

As a reader of this magazine, you will nodoubt welcome advice and informationthat will help your business to succeed.Perhaps one of the first things to consideris that we often make the mistake ofbecoming complacent about things thatwe perceive as being easy to achieve. Froma sales perspective, this often happens withexisting customers, when we erroneouslyassume that they know all about our fullproduct offering. When it comes to ourown resources we tend to assume, equallyerroneously in many cases, that we aregetting the best from them. So it is withthe screenprinting process. It never ceasesto amaze me that screenprinters still persistin allowing for large numbers of extraprints in the form of ‘overs’ to compensatefor losses during the printing process. Thenthere is the extraordinary practice ofproducing a print run plus or minus 10percent. Some of the more enlightenedamongst you may not subscribe to theseold fashioned practices, but many do.

In a world where screenprinters areworking at around five percent net profit,these figures make no sense at all. Duringmy work in the industry one of the keyquestions that I am most frequently askedis: “How many items do you have to printto recover the cost of one reject?” The

general answer is one, or maybe two. Thequestioners are thus very surprised to hearthat if the company’s net profit is fivepercent, the number is twenty! This isbecause the cost of rejects comes off theprofit, not the turnover. Your accountantprobably knows this, but your operatorsdon’t and neither do many others in thecompany. This is commercial suicide. Sowhat do you do about it? For a start, tellyour staff how much the consumablescost. They will probably be amazed tolearn that the five litre tin of UV ink isworth £150.00, that the squeegee costs£25.00 a metre and the 10 sheets ofprinted substrate that they have justthrown in the bin, sell for £200.00! Rejectscan destroy both profits and companies.However, this doesn’t have to be the case.In the industrial sector, where a 300mmsquare-printed substrate can sell for£300.00, the attitude to rejects iscompletely different. Here, they aim forless than one percent and achieve it!

Another difference in attitude in theindustrial sector relates to machine downtime. The time for changeover and settingup is also included within this figure.Whenever a machine isn’t printing aquality product, it is considered to be outof production. In a point of sale printingenvironment, extra capacity is required torespond to the peaks and troughs ofdemand. However, often time delays aredue to inefficiencies in the system and ifthis was properly addressed, extra capacitywould not be required.

It is accepted that delays prior to set up,caused by inadequate artwork or slowconfirmation of detail from the client, arepar for the course. But it is often on theshop floor that the greatest damage isdone.

80 percent of all print problems arecaused by poor or inconsistent set up.Typically, print jobs will be set up by the

Back to Basics

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Regular columnist Peter Kiddell suggests thatscreenprinters could increase their productivity andprofitability if they would only go


operator, who continues to makeadjustments whilst running the first fewsheets. The operator will look at theprinted result and adjust pressure andpositions on the run. A casual observermight think the operator was workinghard, skipping around the machine,making first one adjustment and thenanother, whilst looking harassed. Maybesome additive will then be poured into theink and mixed in with the squeegeeaction. After several minutes of rushingaround, the machine is stopped so thesqueegee can be taken out and dressed, toavoid lines in the print. Back intoproduction and the machine is stoppedagain, as part of the image is found to bemissing and the operator is now scrubbingat the stencil in order to open the imageup. Yet again, the machine has to bestopped because halftones are sufferingfrom bad dot gain. During this time,numerous sheets of material are beingwasted. The colour is checked and foundto be wrong, so the operator scrapes theink out of the stencil and puts it back intothe original tin, additive and all. Finally,the stencil has to be remade, because ofthe dot gain and missing image. Thissituation is not unusual; indeed, in someshops it is normal. The costs of this sort offarce are huge and any profit on the jobdisappears in a fog of incompetence.

The right way is so much easier. Whatthe operator ought to do is to check thestencil production, which is, after all, thefoundation of the whole process. He maythen discover that the artwork has notbeen checked correctly, because themissing print image is in fact, caused bythinning of the image on thephotopositive. The coating regime is poor,which results in a rough stencil (high Rz,)

and this, along with low mesh tension,causes dot gain and colour variation.

What he should do is to measuretension, stencil thickness, (also known asemulsion over mesh), and Rz. He shouldalso ensure that the frame is robustenough to withstand the loading causedby the tension in the mesh. In a four-colour set, tension variations betweenstencils should not exceed 1 Newton cm.Ideally Rz should be less than 50 percentof emulsion over mesh. Any twist on theframe should be less than 10 percent of offcontact (snap) distance. If your stencilconsistency is very near or better thanthese figures, it is within the statisticalrange that high quality industrial printersand the very best graphics printers use.Compromise on stencil quality and thewhole process is put at risk. In the fifteenyears that I have been advising theindustry on process improvement, I havenever seen a new client using theoptimum stencil quality required for theapplication. The stencil has been and stillis the Achilles heel of the process. Morecorrectly, it is stencil production methodsthat have been the weak link.

Having obtained a stencil that is fit forpurpose, the competent printer should bepresented with a kit of parts that consistsof: a production control card; a proof orprint sample; press ready ink and, ifrequired, a squeegee mounted in theholder and a flood coater. It could be thatthe squeegee and the flood coater alreadyon the machine will be suitable. If thesqueegee still has a satisfactory edge, thenleave it, but if not, do not attempt to dressit until it has been cleaned and rested forat least 12 hours. The organised operatorwill have a squeegee dressed and ready foruse, fitted into a squeegee holder. It isremarkable the number of printers whotake a squeegee out of the ink and dress itimmediately. The solvents or reactiveresins penetrate the polyurethane andwhen it is dressed, the weakened squeegeeedge breaks down very quickly, producingthose infuriating lines in the print. Byresting the squeegee, it will last muchlonger and expenditure on squeegeematerial reduced. The most importantpoint is that downtime caused byunnecessary squeegee dressing willdisappear, along with the rejects caused bythe lines in the print.

The Production Control Card will tellthe operator everything that is needed to

set the job up correctly. If you go to:http://www.pdsconsulting.co.uk/articles.htm you can download a typicalproduction control card. If the machine isfully automatic, feeder settings and dryersettings will also be included. Thisdocument could be the core of theStandard Operating Procedures that havebeen adopted by the company. It is notjust a question of the methods applied byan individual operator; all other operatorsmust similarly conform. Consistency of setup is the key to successful printing. TheProduction Control Cards provide ahistory of set-ups for particular jobs andcan thus be used when the job is repeated,or as a source of guidance for similar work.The combination of the StandardOperating Procedures and the ProductionControl Cards mean that the company isusing the technical know-how that is itslife-blood. Relying on individuals to retainthe key elements of expertise is very risky,as people tend to come and go throughoutthe lifespan of a business, taking theirindividual skills with them. A good 80percent of all problems are caused byinadequate set up and the remaining 20percent by not controlling andmonitoring the process during theproduction run. But by using adequateprocess control, the vast majority of theseproblems are eliminated, leaving theproduction team to work on improvingperformance rather than just keeping itgoing.

When you buy a digital press most ofthe setup and ongoing control is managedby the system; with screenprinting youhave to install the systems and instill thediscipline of process control into theoperators. If you do this, screenprintingbecomes a highly profitable process that iscontrollable and predictable. The questionis, do people want this? Or do they reallyprefer to keep the whole thing shroudedin darkness, allowing only the chosen fewto make it work and keep it going?Mystery or profit? The choice is yours!

PETER KIDDELL


INFORMATION

FESPA ‘contact list’The following list of Telephone, Fax and E-mail numbers will

help you when you need to contact a colleague in FESPA.

FESPA board Telephone Fax E-mailHellmuth Frey – President 49 408 50 40 21 49 408 537 18 12 [email protected]

Anders Nilsson – Vice President 46 493 130 40 46 493 121 20 [email protected]

Ricardo Rodriguez Delgado – Past President 34 914 85 28 70 34 916 71 02 73 [email protected]

Michel Caza 33 1 34 67 16 79 33 1 34 67 28 89 [email protected]

Lascelle Barrow 44 207 537 42 00 44 207 531 12 77 [email protected]

Gyorgy Kovacs 36 28 51 66 15 36 28 51 66 16 [email protected]

Enrico Steijn 31 79 343 5353 31 79 343 5354 [email protected]

Christian Duyckaerts 32 34 57 90 20 32 34 57 03 81 [email protected]

FESPA secretariatKurt Sperisen – International Ambassador 41 44 910 5150 41 44 910 3866 [email protected]

Nigel Steffens – General Secretary 44 1737 22 97 22 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Frazer Chesterman – Exhibition Director 44 1737 22 97 26 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Val Hirst – FESPA Magazine Editor 44 1623 88 23 98 44 1159 81 81 99 [email protected]

Chris Smith – New Projects & Member Services Manager

44 1737 22 97 20 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Mandy Goldfinch – PA to Nigel Steffens 44 1737 22 97 23 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Michael Ryan – Group Sales Manager 44 1737 22 97 27 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

James Ford – Sales Manager 44 1737 22 83 54 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Marcus Timson - Group Commercial Manager

44 1737 22 97 25 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Samantha Yardley – Operations Manager 44 1737 22 83 52 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Lorraine Harrow – Marketing Executive 44 1737 22 83 50 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Claire Goodchild – Operations and Sales Assistant

44 1737 22 83 53 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Sarah Willcox – Accounts Manager 44 1737 22 97 24 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Mirela Agolli – Accounts Assistant 44 1737 24 07 88 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected]

Secretaries of FESPA national associations Telephone Fax E-mail / WebsiteChristian Handler Austria 43 15 12 66 09 43 15 13 28 26 19 [email protected]

www.druckundmedientechnik.or.at

Kristine Zakalovska Baltic States 371 750 11 41 371 750 11 42 [email protected]

Peter Robberecht Belgium 32 25 12 36 38 32 25 13 56 76 [email protected]

www.febelgra.be

Evgeni Ivanov Bulgaria 35 96 084 00 35 35 96 084 00 35 [email protected]

Mirjana Bjelan Croatia 38 51 45 52 327 38 51 45 52 327 [email protected]

Vladimir Havel Czech Republic 420 487 71 27 12 420 487 72 63 55 [email protected]

www.sitotisk-serigrafie.cz

Finn Obbekaer Denmark 45 63 12 70 00 45 63 12 70 80 [email protected] / www.ga.dk

Regina Aas Finland 35 89 71 72 99 35 89 73 84 52 [email protected] /

www.seripainoliitto.fi

Julie Chide France 33 144 086 422 [email protected] / www.gpsf.fr

Torben Thorn Germany 49 611 80 31 15 49 611 80 31 17 [email protected] / www.bvdm-online.de

Kimon Papas Greece 30 210 52 39 41 6 30 210 52 48 23 7 [email protected]

Janos Buranyi Hungary 36 28 51 66 15 36 28 51 66 16 [email protected]

Massimo Poli Italy 39 02 71 04 05 98 39 02 71 09 24 46 [email protected] / www.siotec.it

Marius Gort Netherlands 31 20 5 43 55 56 31 20 5 43 55 35 [email protected] / www.zso.nl

Jon Halvorsen Norway 47 33 07 15 30 47 33 07 15 31 [email protected] /

www.serigrafer.org

Michal Kridel Poland 48 12 296 03 85 48 12 656 01 32 [email protected] / www.ssp.com.pl

INFORMATION

José Carragosela Portugal 35 12 18 49 10 20 35 12 18 43 87 39 [email protected] / www.apigraf.pt

Marius Codirla Romania 40 722 28 21 22 40 264 59 71 39 [email protected] / www.arsitd.homestead.com

Artem Nadirashvili Russia 74 95 232 99 65 74 95 365 38 96 [email protected] / www.rspa.ru

Dusan Golubovic Serbia 38 11 63 21 23 49 38 11 13 61 50 23 [email protected]

Ludovit Bartos Slovakia 42 1 32 74 43 589 42 132 74 30 434 [email protected]

www.sietotlacovyzvaz.sk

Edo Sternad Slovenia 386 1 565 72 50 386 1 568 45 78 edo@ib-procadd

Pablo Serrano Spain 34 91 307 74 44 34 91 307 76 08 [email protected] / www.asibnet.org

Else-Britt Lindeborg Sweden 46 87 62 68 17 46 86 11 08 28 [email protected]

www.screentryck.org

Hans Peter Weiss Switzerland 41 18 37 10 40 41 18 37 10 42 [email protected] / www.vss-apss.ch

Ibrahim Demirseren Turkey 90 212 212 41 16 90 212 212 41 07 [email protected] / www.ared.org.tr

Michael Turner United Kingdom 44 1737 24 07 92 44 1737 24 07 70 [email protected] / www.spauk.co.uk

FESPA Associate MembersMr Bhargav Mistry The Screenprinters Association of India

91 250 248 0998 91 250 248 0786 [email protected] / www.s-p-a-i.org

Mr Clem Johnson The Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association of Australia

0061 02 8789 7362 0061 02 8789 7387 [email protected] / www.sgiaa.asn.au

Mrs Pei Guifan The China Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association

+ 86 10 6401 5007 + 86 10 6403 4996 [email protected]

Mr K Chaiyaboon The Thai Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association

+ 66 2509 66 53 + 66 2509 66 54 [email protected] /

www.thaiscreenprinting.or.th

Other associationsMike Robertson SGIA 1 70 33 8513 35 1 70 32 73 04 56 [email protected]

List of advertisersAeroterm ..................................................................................................................39

Anton Hurtz ..................................................................................................32/33

BASF ............................................................................................................................47

Basler Lacke............................................................................................................27

Colorspan ................................................................................................................35

CST................................................................................................................................43

Durst ............................................................................................................................45

FESPA 2007 ............................................................................................................23

Fimor ........................................................................................................................ 15

Gandi Innovations ..........................................................................................15

HP Scitex ..................................................................................................................17

FESPA Digital Print Awards ......................................................................25

J TECK ........................................................................................................................21

KIWO ............................................................................................................................9

Marabuwerke ..............................................................Inside Front Cover

Membrana ..............................................................................................................35

Mimaki ................................................................................Inside Back Cover

Nazdar ........................................................................................................................41

Reliant ........................................................................................................................27

Saatichem ................................................................................................................11

Saatiprint ......................................................................Outside Back Cover

VFP ..................................................................................................................................7

EFI VUTEk ..............................................................................................................19

Magazine coupon for ordering Fespa WorldAll members of FESPA receive this magazine every three months free. If you are not a FESPAmember and wish to order a copy, the annual subscription for four copies, including postage,is €63.00.Please complete the following order form to ensure your copy for the future. The magazine is published in English.Full translations in German, French and Spanish are available on www.fespaworld.com tomembers and subscribers.I enclose my cheque for €63.00 payable to FESPA for issues 46, 47, 48 and 49.Future issues: Issue 46 December 2006, Issue 47 March 2007, Issue 48 June 2007, Issue 49 September2007

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AND FINALLY…

Fespa World quizzes Martin McMahon, Group Technical Support Manager, Xaar

Q. How long have you workedfor Xaar and what is your areaof responsibility?

A. I’ve been with Xaar for over10 months and, as GroupTechnical Support Manager I haveresponsibility for our worldwideteam of FAE’s (Field ApplicationEngineers), to ensure customersatisfaction through pre- and post-sales support, including theintegration of our products to helpcustomers get up and runningmore quickly.

Q. What did you do prior tojoining the company?

A. After gaining a degree inmaterials science and engineering,then a PhD in laser engineering, Ihave principally spent my career incustomer facing management rolesin hi-tech businesses, mostrecently as a Business UnitManager for a sub-micron motioncontrol products manufacturer.

Q. As one of the originalmanufacturers of inkjetprintheads, Xaar is uniquelyplaced to form an overview ofthe whole digital marketplace.What special insights wouldyou like to share with ourreaders and how do you see themarket for inkjet printersdeveloping in the future?

A. Inkjet has come of age, it’s realand industrialised, but there aremany more developments to come,we've just landed on first base.Inkjet, and piezoelectric inparticular, is the key area forgrowth and development of allforms of digital printing. Othertechnologies appear to have lesspotential for future development interms of productivity, flexibilityand quality. Xaar's piezoelectricdevelopments open up the reach ofinkjet and the breadth ofapplications, for example, ourlatest through-flow technology willsignificantly increase operational

uptime, and hence productivitywhich overcomes the barriers toentry into commercial print andpackaging.

Q. Many printer manufacturersare now indicating that theyare looking further than thegraphics market and aretargeting various industrialsectors, which currently usescreenprinting methods for theprint element of their products.Which markets to you believeare particularly ripe for digitalprinting technology?

A. Grand format and indoorgraphics (displays, POS,billboards) will continue to be theengine of growth over the nextcouple of years with solvent (be itECO, Lite, or True) forecast to takesignificant market share fromwater based print. Packaging willprobably be the next largestmarket, closely followed bytextiles. In parallel to this, theindustrial applications in displayscreens and printed electronics arelikely to grow over the next fiveyears or so.

Q. Do you believe thatadvances in this area will attractmachine manufacturers whoaren’t currently operatingwithin the digital sector and ifso, do you think thatestablished machinemanufacturers within thegraphics market will face a lotof competition?

A. I believe that there may bemore competition from new digitalmachines launched by existingmanufacturers in this sector,however I don’t envisage morecompanies entering the traditionalgraphics market. New markets fordigital inkjet technology areemerging and this diversificationof the application of thetechnology is where I think anynew entrants will come into play.

Q. How do you feel about thefact that there are an increasingnumber of printheadmanufacturers now emergingfrom the Far East? What effectdo you think this will have onthe digital sector generally andyour markets specifically?

A. I am not sure that it is thenumber of manufacturers that isincreasing, but more likely thepopularity of the existing FarEastern manufacturers that isincreasing outside of the region.Most of these manufacturers areusing Xaar technology anyway,and although it puts somecompetitive pressure on Westernmanufacturers, it all contributes tomaking the technology moreaccessible and therefore theadoption of inkjet will happenmore quickly.

Q. As far as the graphics sectoris concerned whatimprovements in print qualitycan it anticipate?

A. Our innovative greyscaletechnology is already helpingcustomers to producephotographic-quality prints toenable inkjet to move fromoutdoor to indoor, and even tospecialist graphics applicationssuch as CD-printing. By2008/2010 we believe inkjettechnology will advance evenfurther and will become a seriouscompetitor to the offset and flexprocesses (as it has already becomevs screen printing).

Q. Would you like to make anycomment on the increasingcontroversy about third partyink usage?

A. Although initially moreattractive, because they arecheaper, unapproved or ‘third-party’ inks have not beenrigorously tested to ensure fullprinthead compatibility.Accordingly, they can severely

damage the printheads and maybealso the printers themselves -factors which are detrimental toprinting organisations in terms ofhigh maintenance costs and theadditional business costsassociated with machinedowntime.

Q. Do you anticipate spendingthe rest of your working lifewithin the digital sector and ifnot, what other areas inspireyour interest?

A. In some way, shape or form Ihave always been associated withthe digital sector in my career, butwho knows what the future holds!Digital technology is at theforefront of change, enabling us todeliver smaller, faster and moreefficient solutions, so it’s definitelyan exciting sector to be part of.

Q. What do you do to relax?

A. I’ve three very young childrenat home…’relax’ is only a word inthe dictionary!

Q. Give our readers a hot tipfor the future.

A. Keep using Xaar printheads!!!

Martin McMahon, thank you!

Martin McMahon, Group

Technical Support Manager with

Xaar, is married with three

children and has a PhD in laser

engineering.

fespa world issue 45 - english

Documents

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digital sectors

fespa world autumn06

companys digital portfolio

group technical supportmanager

different feature

new rohs

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