While hardware will take centre stage on its 618sqm stand, Canon will also use the show as the launchpad for a software package that expands the textured print capabilities of the Océ Arizona 1200 and 2200 series of UV flatbeds.
The software is available as a retrofit for current Arizona owners, as well as being included as an option with new machines. Its price will be in “the low thousands of euros”, according to applications development senior manager Matthew Faulkner, and a more specific figure will be revealed to customers at the show.
“Our new capabilities for the Arizona are for customers who want to differentiate themselves from the competition,” he said. “Its key applications are high-volume point-of-sale, packaging and décor. We understand from the market that people want these sorts of jobs to have a quality and touch to them that comes from texture.”
It uses an automated layering process to generate a textured feel to print jobs, which Faulkner said would suit applications, such as a feature wall in a restaurant with a stone- or wood-feel texture.
Faulkner added: “This sort of process has always been possible on our Arizonas, but only manually. While our customers have gotten very good at that, we have an ongoing project working on automating the layering process to significantly higher levels."
He described the software as “ideal for creatives and designers” because it allows them to preview a print job on their computers as it will appear when finished. The layering process can make use of inks and varnishes to create the desired feel and look.
Another key showcase on Canon’s stand will be a live robotised workflow incorporating an Arizona 6170 printer and a ProCut flatbed cutter to produce complete jobs automatically – according to Faulkner, this process could potentially run 24/7 without stopping.
“Print as an industry is somewhat behind on automation and this workflow is our contribution to moving that forward,” said Faulkner. “Fespa is a key milestone for us – a big show that is very focused with plenty of great things to see.
“For Canon, this show is about creating a presence that you could not see anywhere else in the world. It gives us a great opportunity to show something a bit different and demonstrate to customers how we can help them increase their productivity, automation and business value.”
Canon's Océ Colorado 1640, a key focus at last year’s Fespa, which features its patented UVgel technology will once again be a highlight of the company's stand. The firm said the technology was a major motivation for its increased presence at the event, which takes place in Berlin, Germany, from 15-18 May.
