VFP expands Nazdar partnership
VFP (27-A30) announced at Fespa its partnership with US ink manufacturer Nazdar, which will produce and distribute its electronic ink in the US. The partnership builds on a similar existing credit card ink agreement, and gives VFP further access to the US market. VFP president Marc Doligé said Nazdar described the step as logical as previous work with VFP had “proven them to be invaluable partners”. The partnership means that Nazdar will be able to supply US printers with inks for both the front, graphic, part of membrane switches, for example – and now the reverse, conductive, side too.
DuPont unveils new inksets
DuPont’s new Artistri Brite P5500 direct to garment pigment ink series yook centre stage on its stand this year. Bernd Daiber, global sales leader, said the new inkset allows reduced ink usage and faster curing times, without sacrificing quality or consistency, and even offers improved wash fastness. The water-based inkset was developed for digital presses with low-viscosity piezo-electric printheads, and offers longer shelf life through improved redispersibility.
Avery highlights launches
Dutch wrap and film specialist Avery Dennison showed off a range of innovations including PVC-free digital wrapping films and its new JT 10700-series. Its JT 10700 WG-BFG-XR is a long-term 3D wrap, with a seven-year outdoor lifespan, and uses Mactac bubble-free adhesive to help smooth application. Alongside the JT 10700 and its PVC-free film, Avery Dennison is displaying new window films, and new textures for its wall range. Li Wen, EMEA senior director and general manager for graphics, said: “Nobody can stand still in this industry.”
Hybrid showcases SmartDFE
Hybrid Software demonstrated its SmartDFE digital front-end, which is “designed to be part of a fully automated manufacturing solution”, supporting Industry 4.0 telematics and MIS integration. SmartDFE brings together the creation of optimised print-ready PDF files, workflow and job automation to connect with enterprise IT systems, ripping, screening, optimised image quality, and – via Harlequin Direct – it drives the print data directly to the printheads “at blistering speeds” through Meteor software and electronics. Hybrid said SmartDFE meets the need for fully variable data, gives complete control of the print workflow. It also provides valuable information for QA and inspection, press maintenance, and stock control.
Sun shows wide portfolio
Sun Chemical presented products for a variety of applications under the theme ‘Solutions in Motion’, with wide-format and superwide-format inkjet inks, textile inkjet inks, screen and industrial inks, and offerings from its digital inkjet brand SunJet all on display. The company is promoting its Streamline range of inkjet inks for wide-format printers. Formulated with its low-odour chemistry, the ink series is Greenguard Gold certified for low indoor emissions. The newest addition to the range is Streamline TVL 2. It is designed for use with Roland’s SG2 and VG2 range of eco-solvent inkjet printers.
Aleph displays flagship engines
On show from Italian inkjet manufacturer Aleph was the sublimation and textile printing specialist’s flagship kit, including the Laforte 600 Paper alongside the Laforte340. The 600 Paper prints high volume, high quality at 850sqm/hr with 24 printheads and 1,000sqm/hr with 48 printheads, using aleph’s proprietary water-based A22 graphic pigment inks. The 340 model is a direct-to-textile device, suitable for interior décor such as fabrics and wallpapers, that prints at 570sqm/h on widths up to 3400mm and uses aleph’s M22 pigment inks. Aleph CEO, Alessandro Manes, said the technologies delivered cost-effective, high-quality results along with application flexibility.
Sihl sets out sustainability stall
Sihl brought a sustainability theme to the show while joint venture business Perigon is exhibiting for the first time. New on the Sihl stand was the GreenGrafX product line with three grades including glossy and satin versions of the of the PVC-free, self-adhesive substrates. Sihl makes most of its products at its Düren site, and almost all are FSC-certified. JV firm Perigon will showcase its clever technology for printing in 360-degrees around a range of complex objects such as shoes, bottles and sporting equipment. Sustainability is enhanced by manufacturing on-demand, as “waste is reduced and overproduction no longer occurs”, Perigon said.
Enfocus finetunes Switch for WF
Enfocus has adapted its Switch workflow for the wide-format sector and showcased the new version under the banner of “Invest small, print big”. The new Switch offering is described as a scaleable, standalone workflow platform that connects a host of other processes including MIS, preflighting, web-to-print and production preparation. It can integrate with input and output sources. Switch product manager Davy Verstaen said the firm understood the “unique challenges” in wide-format. “The package enables printers to make people, processes and equipment more efficient and effective, increasing profitability and driving competitive advantage,” he said.
