Category: News

Mimaki’s exclusive UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd will be using Sign & Digital UK to launch a raft of new wide format printers for the sign and graphics sector. Pioneering new products across all sizes, speeds and price points will feature on the company’s stand – situated at the entrance to the show – including all new printers and integrated printer/cutters.

The company’s national sales manager – sign and graphics, John de la Roche comments, “Sign & Digital UK 2015 will be the first opportunity for most visitors to see the completely new line up of ten solvent printers and printer/cutters from Mimaki and they’ll feature very heavily on the Hybrid stand as well as amongst our reseller network at the show.”

“The new CJV150 range of printer/cutters from Mimaki includes four different sizes of machine, from 75cm up to 1.6m and the price/performance ratio is extraordinary,” he continues. “We fully expect this new printer to take the show by storm as we’re confident it fits the needs of the sign maker perfectly – and at an excellent price point too.”

Solvent and dye sub wide format solutions
In addition to the integrated machine, Mimaki’s JV150 solvent or dye sublimation printer will be making its first UK outing alongside its ultrafast sister machine – the JV300. “We’ve installed a significant number of JV300 printers in not just the sign and graphics market but dye sublimation as well,” remarks de la Roche. “As a highly productive fashion and sportswear printer, it fits the needs for companies seeking to ramp up their manufacturing capability perfectly.”

The final part of the new wide format jigsaw from Mimaki is the CJV300 – the company’s top of the range integrated printer/cutter which features speeds of up to 105m sq per hour – yet comes with a very attractive price tag. “Print providers seeking to really achieve volume production of labels and shaped stickers need look no further than the new CJV300,” states de la Roche. “With Mimaki’s peerless heritage in this sector, it again moves us up to a new level of performance and quality.”

Cutting edge LED UV machines
Featuring alongside the sign and graphics machines, Mimaki’s market-leading flatbed and roll-to-roll LED UV portfolio is expected to be a major draw for visitors and following a debut at the 2014 show, where the first machine was sold within 10 minutes of the doors opening, the JFX200 8’ x 4’ flatbed is already building on its reputation. “The level of installs simply grows and grows,” confirms national sales manager – industrial products, Stuart Cole. “Uptake of the JFX200 is unprecedented and this year’s exhibition allows us to demonstrate to more people why it’s the perfect solution for so many businesses looking at investing in flatbed printers.”

With an 8’ x 4’ bed size which matches standard material sheet dimensions, ultra-low running costs, a choice of inks including white and clear varnish, Ozone free lamps that are guaranteed for 5,000 hours and 75% lower C02 emissions than alternative UV technologies, the Mimaki leads the way with its ease of use, compact footprint and peerless quality.

Hybrid will also be featuring three of Mimaki’s small format LED UV flatbed printers from the UJF range – the ideal solution for printing direct to object on small items to add significant value and revenue streams to almost any printing business. “We’re seeing more and more manufacturing companies investing in the Mimaki UJF range,” confirms Cole. “With a choice of A2 or A3 beds and an incredible array of inks, we’re installing these machines across a broad variety of businesses – all connected by their new capability of adding bespoke print to their operation.”

Confirming Hybrid’s intentions for the show, de la Roche welcomes visitors to the stand, “Hybrid will, as always, be offering warm hospitality alongside the opportunity to see highlights from Mimaki’s range of printers, software and workflow solutions,” he confirms. “It’s also a great chance to meet the team and see the latest kit all in one place so we’re really looking forward to the doors opening at the end of March.”

As the first company in Ireland to install the recently launched Mimaki JV300 solvent digital inkjet printer; Horizon Digital Print is embracing this neat, compact addition to its otherwise sizeable large-format production line and is positive about the surge in productivity shown in the few weeks since its arrival.

To think of a ‘Horizon’ gives a sense of expanse and possibility and it is a fitting name for the award-winning Dublin-based printing company, which has recently become the first in Ireland to install the new Mimaki JV300 solvent printer. Originally opened in the city centre in 1986 as a pre-press operation, the company has witnessed many changes to the industry over the last 30 years and embraced the opportunities each leap in technology has given them.

With two purpose-built sites on the Phoenix Industrial Estate in Dublin, over 60 employees and a 24-hour shift rota in operation to manage its substantial workload, Horizon offers a holistic service from design to print through to installation. Take a tour around the premises and the sheer size and scope of Horizon’s printing setup becomes apparent. Its vast capacity is made possible by an array of grand-format digital production presses which instantly evokes a sense of ‘anything is possible’. According to the company’s website, the formula for its success is excellent quality, short lead times and reasonable prices; and there is certainly the capability there to fulfil its customer promise.

The new kid on the block, not just for Horizon but for the Republic of Ireland, is the cutting-edge Mimaki JV300-160 which at first glance looks dwarfed by the other hardware on site. However, in true David and Goliath form, this 1.6m solvent printer is not only holding its own, but proving itself by holding the fort, as digital manager, Kenneth Kavanagh explains. “What we’re loving about the JV300 is that it gets on with the job, quietly and unattended, freeing up manpower to be used with the bigger machines. Even better is that we are finding the speed and quality it brings is allowing us to divert an increasing number of jobs away from larger machines and over to the JV300, so it has been running continuously since it was installed. There has been a definite increase in productivity since it came on board and it’s low maintenance too.”

Supplied by authorised Mimaki reseller, Reprocentre Group, the Mimaki JV300 Series is compatible with both solvent and dye-sublimation ink sets with a top speed of over 105m²/h, and is available in both 1.3m and 1.6m widths. It has a staggered dual print-head system which, coupled with variable ink dots and large ink drops means excellent quality is maintained at high speed, as Kavanagh describes; “We’ve been running the JV300 in 4-colour mode because it runs at tremendous speed this way. What is really impressive is that we are getting the same colour gamut on the JV300 that, on our previous eco-solvent printer, we’d previously only achieved in 6-colour mode. It’s enabling a very noticeable increase in productivity but without having to compromise on print quality which is perfect for the volume of outdoor advertising we produce.”

“Never will the quality of what we print be compromised,” says Paul Brierton, Managing Director of DP Imaging, “even if it takes an extra hour, so be it.” This is in the face of clients working to tighter and tighter deadlines. So, how does DP Imaging manage to run such a successful operation in the face of such demands?

The printing industry has changed considerably over the past twenty years and DP Imaging has kept a close eye on technological advances and adapted its business accordingly.

The company is now very focused on large format digital printing and DP Imaging has invested in several pieces of high-end equipment to ensure it delivers exactly what its customers require. With key customers in the event industry, a lot of the work involves detailed large graphics, requiring extremely high quality standards.

DP Imaging also partner with a lot of local sign companies who don’t have the equipment, capacity and expertise DP Imaging has. Paul comments, “It doesn’t make sense for these small companies to invest in such expensive equipment which will only be required occasionally. We have the capability to deliver this on their behalf.”

Paul believes one of the key strengths of DP Imaging is the staff. A small team, yes, but all 100% hands on. The directors don’t spend all day sat in the office sorting the paperwork, but are on the ground floor with the rest of team. Their skills and expertise hugely contribute to the success of the company, as they understand exactly what is going on in the market and recognise what customers want. Many competitors have it the opposite way round, where they have lots of staff but not so much equipment. Paul is confident that DP Imaging’s approach is fundamental to its success.

All the equipment DP Imaging uses has been purchased from the Reprocentre. Paul continued, “We’ve worked with the Reprocentre for over 20 years and feel both companies have successfully developed together. We hugely value their knowledge, experience and technical expertise. They keep abreast of everything that is going on in the market and provide us with sound advice as well as extremely reliable and high quality equipment. After all these years we’re still very appreciative of all their advice and support, and would never entertain the thought of speaking to anyone but Eoin Honan and the team of engineers at the Reprocentre. They install and service all our equipment too and their after sales service is just as impressive.”

One thing Paul isn’t keen on doing is overworking his equipment. Though some of the kit is printing during the night to meet tight deadlines, he doesn’t allow it to run over capacity. He will ensure they run to their absolute optimum in terms of quality and time, though the quality of a job will never be compromised. Paul believes this has resulted in a large number of loyal customers who know they will never be let down by DP Imaging.

The directors regularly take a step back to evaluate the whole operation, looking at the equipment, staffing and customer requirements. The plan is to invest in a more productive and efficient flatbed printer in the next 12 months. Guess who they’ll be speaking to for some advice?

For more information speak to Reprocentre Dublin +353 1 409 3100/Belfast 028 9083 9835 or email sales@gpmi.ie or see the website at www.gpmi.ie

Alternatively contact DP Imaging on +353 87 254 6398 or email dpimaging@eircom.net

April 2014 – GMG Color is very pleased to announce that it has appointed Reprocentre as a fully-accredited GMG solutions provider in Ireland, effective immediately.

“Reprocentre is Ireland’s market leading supplier of equipment and consumables and has a tremendous reputation for delivering first rate products and service to its customers,” says Toby Burnett, MD, GMG UK. “This is a strong partnership that unites GMG’s proofing and colour management solutions with Reprocentre’s wealth of technical knowledge in all aspects of proofing and the printing process.”

Based in Dublin, with an operation in Belfast, Reprocentre has a combined staff of 21, eight of whom are field service engineers. “Our relationship with our customers and our suppliers is of utmost importance to us,” says Eoin Honan, Sales Director, Reprocentre. “Since most of our customers rely on us for routine supply of consumables and service, we have a responsibility to ensure that the systems we sell are professionally maintained. We can do this because we employ fully trained and experienced engineers who work across the whole of Ireland.”

Reprocentre’s customers are split between the lithographic and sign and display markets. Addressing their proofing needs over the years, supplying DuPont Cromalin in all its analogue and digital variants, has given Reprocentre a thorough understanding of the important role a standardised proof plays in the printing process. Reprocentre acknowledges that GMG has become the ‘gold standard’ of the industry and will introduce GMG’s professional colour management solutions to customers alongside GMG’s proofing software.

As a leading developer and supplier of high-end proofing and colour management software solutions, GMG fits in very well with Reprocentre’s list of world class suppliers which includes names such as Agfa, Canon, Esko, HP, KBA and Mimaki. With GMG software solutions, Reprocentre’s customers can be assured that they have the right tools at their fingertips to ensure smooth-running, high-quality production in the various stages of the proofing and print process. Brian Crawford, MD, Reprocentre, says: “We are delighted to have been appointed to represent GMG in Ireland and we see it as a great opportunity to help our customers produce top quality product by attaining a recognised international standard. Consistency of result will bring savings and strengthen their relationship with their clients.”

Alan O’Brien…working on the GMG Colorserver workstation in the Reprocentre Showroom

Canon will demonstrate its capability to offer customers a single source for all their wide format solution and service needs at FESPA Digital. Visitors to the stand (Hall B1, Stand 310) will be able to learn about the array of large format printers, software and substrates that, supported by outstanding service, represent the full breadth and diversity of Canon’s offerings to the market.

Committed to inspiring customers to achieve business growth and driving innovation in wide format printing, Canon Europe will also be showcasing a variety of customer success stories and applications, including bespoke printed wallpaper and laminated flooring, all enabled by its wide format technologies. Canon customer, Marco de Wert of Sanders Group (www.magnetservice.com) will also be explaining to the Digital Conference Theatre audience (at 15.00-15.30 on Thursday 22 May) how wide format printing transformed his business.

With Océ’s expertise and technology now fully integrated into its wide format portfolio, Canon is better positioned than ever to help Print Service Providers (PSPs) to extend their service offerings and become exceptional service providers.

Whatever a customer’s core business, the Canon stand will provide the inspiration and innovation to help them identify areas in which to grow their business across the fast-growing wide format market. It will demonstrate to visitors how the combination of Canon’s imaging heritage with industry-leading Océ technology provides customers with the ultimate business partner.

The portfolio of wide format solutions being exhibited on the Canon stand will range from roll-fed inkjet and UV flatbed printers, through workflow solutions and digital cutting tables, to the full range of Canon substrates. Highlights will include:

• The Océ Arizona 480GT, the market’s most versatile UV flatbed printer, with eight independent ink channels and the capability to print a decorative varnish or white layer on a large variety of substrates, including glass, laminated flooring and membrane switch overlays. It can create exciting and high value applications for Point-of-Sale (POS), signage and specialty applications
• The Océ ColorWave 900, which, thanks to raw speeds of up to 1,000 square metres per hour and powerful workflow, offers unprecedented large format colour production capabilities
• The Océ ColorWave 650 Poster Printer with its Océ CrystalPoint imaging technology for instantly dry poster prints for cost-effective, high-quality POS prints delivered on demand on a wide range of media
• The Océ ProCut digital flatbed cutter – an automated cutting system that can streamline wide format digital printer workflow from prepress to finishing, delivering exceptional cut quality, versatility and productivity for all display graphic applications
• The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF9400, which incorporates LUCIA EX, Canon’s innovative 12-colour pigment inkjet system with image processing technology, to give the finest results for production, photographic and fine art applications.

Duncan Smith, Wide Format Group Director, Canon UK & Ireland, comments, “The wide format market is one sector of the printing industry that is continuing to expand because of the growing number and variety of exciting applications that can be realized on wide format digital printers. Thanks to the unrivalled combination of printing and finishing systems, RIP and workflow software, substrates and services we can offer customers, Canon is ideally positioned as an expert source to satisfy all indoor and outdoor graphic arts wide format demands and to support companies in the long-term growth of their businesses. We want to help our customers to become exceptional service providers, so I’d invite them to come and find inspiration on the Canon stand – they won’t be disappointed.”

Following the introduction of the Mimaki SUV printer range, Mimaki’s UK and Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd., has announced the appointment of authorised “SUV Demo Centres” to enable prospective customers to view the printer and assess its creative and commercial advantages first-hand.

Hybrid used a strongly-attended reseller forum event held in March at Rookery Hall Hotel in Cheshire to launch the printer to its network, with sessions that included technical training, intensive insights into the product and RIP software and an engaging talk from Mimaki EMEA’s general manager of marketing, Mike Horsten, who had flown in from Amsterdam before heading to the FESPA Summit in Munich.

Granthams, Graphic Printing Technologies, PaperlinX, Signmaster, Xpres and Your Print Specialists all have demonstration machines available for customers to view in their showrooms in mainland UK, and Reprocentre (in Dublin) and Dennis D Evans (in Belfast) offer similar opportunities for prospective Irish and Northern Irish customers.

“Getting such a strong group of highly regarded resellers in one room to look at this exciting new product in detail was important for us,” says national sales manager at Hybrid, John de la Roche. “The Mimaki SUV Series delivers a completely unique print result and we genuinely believe that when people see the output they’ll truly appreciate the extensive benefits the printer can offer their company. By offering a network of highly qualified, specialist resellers around the UK and Ireland with demonstration facilities, we can make this as easy as possible.”

The new Mimaki printer is available in 1.3m and 1.6m widths and produces an instantly dry, vibrant and robust print onto substrates such as wallpaper, vinyl and banner, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor durable jobs that, in a lot of instances, will not require lamination. “Even if an over laminate is deemed necessary, it can be finished immediately after printing as no gassing off is required,” says de la Roche. “A big feature alongside the glossy print is its incredible durability and scratch resistance – we’d really like customers to see it for themselves to fully appreciate how different it is to anything else out there!”

With prices starting from £17,995 and including a one year, gold warranty along with fully featured RIP software, the Mimaki SUV is expected to find homes with signmakers as well as display print providers looking for something to set themselves apart from the standard fare. “Increasingly, customers are looking for a point of difference and the new Mimaki gives graphics companies a chance to offer them that,” concludes de la Roche.

For more information, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk/suv

Reprocentre has installed the first HP FB700 in Northern Ireland at Minprint, a well-established design and production company based in Belfast. Minprint, which prod

uces a huge variety of printed material for customers including promotional products, signage, exhibition stands and banners, purchased t

he printer from Reprocentre in February 2014. The new machine will enable the company to expand into new markets.

Jamie McMinnis, Digital Director at Minprint comments, “This is a significant investment for us. We decided some months ago that we would expand our product offering and produce more specialist packaging and point of sale material. We needed to purchase a machine that had a high level of productivity and versatility and would provide a long-term solution for our business. The HP FB700 was the one that came out top for us. We can print on a wide variety of rigid or flexible media such as Correx, Forex, composites, banners, vinyls, display films and even wood.”

Jamie continues, “Having worked with Reprocentre over the past few years, purchasing numerous items of finishing equipment from them, we had no hesitation in asking their advice on this new purchase. The HP flatbed was coming pretty high on the list of our options and Reprocentre advised us to go and view the product in the flesh. We went to the HP demonstration centre in Barcelona and were overwhelmed with the experience. The team guided us through the whole process and we were able to test the product first hand. We were delighted with the quality and speed of the machine. The support and training we’ve had from Reprocentre has been brilliant too and having their technical expertise on hand is invaluable.”

Bill Forde from Reprocentre in Northern Ireland, who worked closely with Minprint on the purchase of the printer, comments, “People are so busy these days that it’s really quite difficult to persuade them that it’s genuinely worthwhile to go and see the machine they’re interested in buying, and test it’s capabilities in terms of quality and speed of production prior to purchase. We were really pleased with the flexibility and commitment Minprint showed in working around the limited slots the demonstration centre in Barcelona had available. We’re sure the time and investment Minprint have committed to this purchase will pay dividends for them in the long-term. We’ve sold several HP FB700 printers to customers in the south who are delighted with them, and we’re sure this first installation in Northern Ireland will also be a great success.”

With several election campaigns coming up in Northern Ireland this year, the Minprint team are going to be extremely busy producing signs, banners, leaflets and other promotional items for the political campaigns. The HP FB700 complements the equipment Minprint already has in-house and will ensure rapid production of the materials required.

Gordon Morrow, Digital Development Manager at Minprint is project managing the HP FB700 installation. Gordon recently managed Minprint’s Xerox Color1000 Press install. He commented, “These are very exciting times for Minprint, we have a superb client base and workforce keen to test the wide selection of materials and products the new FB700 offers. We’ve already seen some great results from the new press and look forward to showing our customers the quality and clarity of the print”.

Initially, Minprint plans to promote the new products it can now produce with the HP FB700 to its existing customers, who are made up of a diverse range of companies from multinational blue-chip organisations to small independent companies. Specific market sectors Minprint will target include the retail and security markets.

Jamie concludes, “We expect the HP FB700 to propel our company forward and help increase sales considerably over the next few years. The team here are really excited about the new opportunities it opens up to our business.”

[Image shows Gordon Morrow, Digital Development Manager and Jamie McMinnis, Digital Director, Minprint with HP FB700.]

November 19, 2013 – Wokingham (UK) – Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI), has selected Canon as the winner of its 2014 Wide Format Graphic Arts Printer Line of the Year award thanks to the overall strength of Canon’s imagePROGRAF graphic arts product line. BLI’s coveted Line of the Year is awarded once a year to the vendors whose product lines are determined to be the best overall in their respective categories based on their cumulative test results in BLI’s rigorous two-month evaluation. For wide format devices, among the many factors considered are reliability, image quality, ease of use, colour management, productivity and connectivity attributes. Also considered are the breadth of the manufacturer’s line and its ability to produce quality products suitable to a broad spectrum of customer needs.