One of the most significant product developments hit the wide-format marketplace has been the introduction of UV flatbed inkjet systems. So says Bill Schiffner over at Wide-Format Imaging magazine. And I agree with him.

According to Patti Williams, consulting partner at I.T. Strategies, “The wide-format graphics market is in part a sub sector of the larger display graphics market which includes applications such as POP signage, trade show graphics, billboards, and other types of large graphics and printing technologies such as screen, offset and digital. I.T. Strategies estimates that the Display Graphics market has a worldwide retail value of output around $100 billion. Screen printing makes up about half the market and digital around 30 percent.

Click here to read the rest of his article in Wide-Format Imaging magazine. There’s some neat photos over there you don’t want to miss.

Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division has released an improved MPI Premium Reflective Film with consistent, repeatable print performance across all printer platforms and coverage under the Avery ICS Performance Guarantee Warranty.

“The MPI Premium Reflective Film has been upgraded and delivers excellent print quality with solvent, eco-solvent and UV-curable ink jet printers,” said Lance Hutt, Manager of Digital Products at Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division. “This is a premium reflective cast film with a brilliant gloss finish that is digitally printable and conforms to the most difficult contours.”

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.

MACtac Program ‘Application Nation’ Sweeps the Country

Want to expand your application expertise? MACtac, the expert in quality, service and digital media, has teamed up with Rob Ivers, the expert in digital media application for vehicle wrap installation, to bring ‘Application Nation’ training classes to eight U.S. locations throughout 2007. These introductory courses are designed to educate, inspire and give attendees the tools to apply cutting-edge vehicle wraps with ease.

“Customers and installers have driven the demand for Application Nation it is truly a destination for those who want to expand their portfolio of knowledge to include one of the fastest growing bubble-free products on the market,” said Rick Moore, Director of Marketing, MACtac Graphic Products. “Rob Ivers is renowned as a great educator for vehicle wrap training and we are very excited to partner with him in providing this unique opportunity to individuals who want to broaden their perspective.”

Application Nation sessions are two-day events made up of MACtac digital media training, design theory, surface preparation techniques and special training for applications over flat, riveted and complex curves. Upon completion, attendees will receive certification for taking the course.

Included with the courses, MACtac will provide an informational CD, t-shirt, coupons, promotions and toolbelt with soft and hard squeegees, rivet brush, razor, pin poker and marking pencil.

Scheduled 2007 Application Nation sessions:
April - Indianapolis, Ind.
May - Taylors, South Carolina
June - Atlanta, Ga.
July - Boston, Mass.
August - Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
September - Pennsauken, New Jersey
October - Garden Groves, Calif.
November - Shawnee, Kansas

“Application Nation is just one element of MACtac’s commitment to providing customers with a forum to learn, discuss and take the industry to a whole new level of creativity and excellence,” Moore said. “As Application Nation takes hold, we have other great ideas to export the movement, and will have more details soon.”
For more information, visit MACTac.