Whether you create printed vehicle wraps, plotter-cut graphics and magnetic graphics, or apply pinstriping flair or create off-the-wall art cars, you’re invited to display your talents in the 2007 ST Vehicle Graphics contest.

Vehicle graphics have long been one of the most popular categories in the Commercial Sign Contest and, more recently, the International Sign Contest.

Due to their sustained popularity, ST has chosen to give vehicle graphics a spotlight of its own with this inaugural competition. To encompass the market’s broad spectrum, we’ve devised the following categories:

Hanpainted/Gilded
Pinstriped
Service Vehicles (produced for a business’ direct use)
Promotional Vehicles (marketing a product or service)
Transit Graphics (bus, subway, train, monorail)
Fleet Graphics (a campaign that decorates five or more vehicles)
Signshop Vehicles (produced for a shop’s own use)
Unique Vehicles (art cars, appliqués, other unconventional projects)

Deadline: September 14

Entry fee: On or before August 17: $25 one to three projects/$50 four or more
After August 17: $50 one to three projects/$100 four or more

The entry form will be accessible online at www.signweb.com/vehicle/contest through the deadline.

MACtac has unveiled the Open-Image Warranty which covers any combination of printer and ink used with MACtac’s graphic media.

“MACtac has always had a series of excellent warranties, but we developed the Open-Image Warranty to simplify our program and provide customers with a brand new concept of protection,” said Jeff Stadelman, technical marketing manager, MACtac Graphic Products. “Of course, we never want a customer to have product issues, but in the event of a valid claim, the compensation structure takes into account that the liability is more than just media and laminate. Essentially, you choose the system that best fits your business, and MACtac will supply the peace of mind that it will work.”

MACtac product lines that fall under the Open-Image Warranty include: IMAGin digital media, Permacolor mounting and laminating films, MACmark cut vinyl films and MACscreen screen printable films. In addition, MACtac has application-specific warranties for floor graphics and vehicle wraps, as well as joint warranties with ink and printer suppliers—all of which fall under the ever-expanding concept of Open-Image.

“The Open-Image Warranty is not limited to previously endorsed or tested systems,” Stadelman added. “Customers can bring us a sample of their chosen system and MACtac will run a series of tests to ensure the combination works. If it works, we will cover it under the warranty, and if not, we will make an alternative recommendation. Peace of mind is just that simple.”

To provide you with up to date, all-inclusive information on the graphic arts, Digital Output magazine is inviting its readers to take part in a quick survey. The information collected will allow the editors to focus their attention on your capture, creation, finishing, and output needs. Your response will give them a deeper understanding of what you would like to see in future issues of Digital Output magazine.

Click here to let your voice be heard.

Océ just released its 2006 Sustainability Report. The latest report — the first to be verified externally — documents Océ achievements in delivering sustainable technology and environmentally sound policies.

“Environmental responsibility is a global issue, and as an international company, we are aware of our duty to make a difference around the world. We are proud to take responsibility by developing products and establishing policies that promote a healthier environment, and offer an example for other manufacturers that it is possible to be successful and sustainable,” said Joseph Skrzypczak, President and CEO, Océ North America, Inc.

The 2006 Sustainability Report details the company’s use and re-use of components, energy and water consumption, waste handling and emissions, as well as human and environmental safety. The report also contains various interviews with stakeholders about sustainability.

Océ said it is committed to reducing ozone, dust and toner emissions and aims to minimize waste and unnecessary prints. Océ is also committed to further reducing energy consumption per print. With the introduction of revolutionary Océ Gemini Instant Duplex technology-based products such as the Océ VarioPrint 6250 printer, Océ provides industry leadership in the economic use of paper toner and energy. This print system uses paper, toner and energy more economically, thanks to its double-sided print technology and efficient single-pass operation.

For many wide-format imaging companies, installation is a large and crucial part of the overall job of producing graphics, writes Jeff Steele at Wide Format Imaging magazine. In a way, he describes with an analogy, the installation aspect of servicing a client’s order can be likened to the all-important final leg of a relay race, said Charles Uyleman, director of installations for SuperGraphics.

This is a good article that discusses whether to keep vinyl installation in house or to outsource it. Click here to read the article.

Arlon has launched a new six-year high gloss vinyl: Series 5000. At 2.8 mils, this is Arlon’s thinnest calendered film, and one of the most pliable on the market. Arlon promises a premium look at an intermediate price. This vinyl is ideal for signs, graphics, or displays that demand vibrant, glossy color.
Series 5000 comes in 39 bright colors and Arlon promises excellent weeding and cutability for maximum efficiency.

Click here to visit Arlon and check it out for yourself.

A member of our community is looking for vinyl installers in New York City. He is looking for a small company or an individual to help him with several vinyl installation projects. If you are interested, leave your qualifications and contact info as a comment on this post and he will contact you.