Graphics Canada set to impress

The Graphics Canada tradeshow, the largest event in the country for the printing and graphic arts industry, will take place April 11-13, 2019 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The show will feature three exciting days of the latest technology, learning opportunities, networking and more, encompassing virtually all industry sectors. Learn where today’s opportunities are and discover some of our industry’s latest trends. Explore equipment launches and innovations, products and services from almost 200 suppliers. Compare side-by-side, live-running equipment and demos from one of the most impressive lists of exhibitors in recent years. Listen to keynote speakers share their wisdom by attending panel discussions and information-packed seminars.
Some of this year’s new features and conferences will include: industrial print; special opportunities in wide-format such as fabric and décor; workflow automation updates for lowering costs and improving profitability; postal issues and strategies; smart labels and packaging; dye-sub printing; lean manufacturing; digital enhancements; new substrates; new services; and more.
And don’t miss these special features and pavilions:

• G7 Summit Canada
• Smart Packaging Workshops
• PacPrint Zone
• Automation Workflow Turbo Talks
• Graphics Canada Seminar Series
• CEO’s FireSide Chat
• CEO Executive Forum
• Future of Print Panel Discussions
• Printing Sales Training Day
• Innovations Theatre
• Label Forum Canada
• Opportunities in Packaging Workshops

Make plans now to attend what’s always been much more than a biennial tradeshow. For more information please visit graphicscanada.com. And watch for show updates on our website – graphicartsmag.com

Our personal picks

While there are literally hundreds of opportunities to visit the show’s almost 200 exhibitors, please stop by these booths. They’re well worth your time. Special thanks to Sydney Norris, Graphic Communications Management major at Toronto’s Ryerson University, and Christien Kelly, Data Analytics major at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, for their timely assistance.
4over (Booth 5644). The 4over team will be showcasing its premium, digital and large-format products. 4over is an industry leader in high-quality print order fulfillment for professional resellers. As one of North America’s top multi-service trade printers, it offers an extensive array of low-cost, profit-building products and services. Located in Mississauga, ON, it offers free local delivery within the GTA. Sign up at trade.4over.ca for a free account and receive 15% off your first order.
ACCO Brands Canada (Booth 5422). For more than a century, ACCO Brands has been one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of academic supplies, consumer and business products. In 2017, it generated $1.95 billion and a net profit of $136 million. Operating brands such as Essetle, Five Star, GBC and others, its products can be found in more than 100 countries.
Aclick (Booth 5057). Aclick is a digital printing company that specializes in large format. Founded in 2005 and currently operating out of Scarbrough, ON, it excels in creating customized windows, floor and wall banners and a host of other display and printed materials.
All Graphic Supplies (Booth 5534). Started in 1992, the family-owned business is a large sign and graphics distribution company serving the digital imaging market, tradeshow signage, displays, POP, textile printing and more. Operating in Canada, the US and the Caribbean, the highly respected company continues to grow by adding new technology while applying their years of expertise.
APD Printing (Booth 5039). APD is a leading trade printer located in Brantford, ON. Products include booklets, brochures, business cards, papers, labels, magnets, custom pocket folders, wall calendars, variable printing and more. The company is known for its high print quality and excellent re-seller margins.
Avanti Computer Systems (Booth 5720). Avanti print MIS systems help printers deliver more jobs in less time through automation – from order entry through to production and billing. Avanti Slingshot enables users to work more efficiently, control costs and move more jobs through their shop with ease. Its staffers are experts in connecting best-of-breed software (i.e. prepress, production automation software) to Avanti Slingshot.
Banner Ups/E.L. Hatton Sales (Booth 5531) is known for banner finishing systems that are faster, stronger and easier than grommeting and folding taped banner hems. They’ll be offering Starter Kits with “everything needed to try our system in one set.” It’ll also launch the Banner Ups SEGDesign Modular SEG Frame System. Made of non-aluminum composites, SEGDesign frames are modular, so users can create any frame size from a few parts. Lighter, with a lower total cost versus aluminum frames, they can also be custom cut.
B&R Moll (Booth 5440). US-based B&R Moll is the industry’s leading supplier of folder/gluers and specialized bindery finishing equipment for printing and packaging facilities. Its products include the Premier, Regal, Vantage 720 In-Line, Marathon and Compact folder/gluer systems, as well as a complete line of accessory equipment for feeding, stacking, die-cutting, perforation and taping.
Canamex Promotions (Booth 5163). Canamex Promotions is a leading Canadian manufacturer of portable signs, flags, pole banners and hardware. Located in Orangeville, ON, it provides the highest quality of products with outstanding turnaround times and customer service. With the introduction of its “revolutionary” Cana-Mag Magnetic Sign system, it can now offer versatile changeable signage for both indoor and outdoor use.
Canon Canada (Booths 5200 and 5222). Get inspired with over 100 applications on display including a diverse portfolio of flatbed printers, sheetfed presses, web presses and wide-format roll printers. DISCOVER new print technologies such as UV gel and LED curing, workflow optimization and more in its huge 4,500 sq. ft. booth. These will include Canon’s imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S, imagePROGRAF TX-3000 MFP T36, Color imagePRESS C10000VP, PRISMA Solutions, Color imagePRESS C850, Océ Arizona Series, Océ Colorado 1640 and Océ ProCut Series.
C.P. Bourg (Booth 5146). The OEM’s BB3002 Perfect Binder is a proven technology for the “Book of One” and “Production ” bindery markets. This single-clamp perfect binder handles most functions – including milling, inline side gluing, scoring and suction cover feeding. Symmetrical Cover Registration makes the most of its onboard computer technology. As it clamps the book block, the BB3002 automatically measures thickness and calculates the centerline of the cover to fasten the spine accurately. An automatic jogger with amplitude and vibration control adjusts to paper type and book thickness. Meanwhile, programmable milling up to 3 mm, with up to four notching tools and thickness bypass, speeds set-up and ensures maximum quality.
CP Office Solutions (Booth 5620)
One of the fastest growing companies in Canada, CP Office Solutions is a full-service provider of copiers and innovative document solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and provide efficient printing of short-run materials through its digital press options. CP Office “delivers one of the fastest on-site services available.”
DocketManager (Booth 5047) has created a product that’s not only cloud-based, but easy to use with tablets and mobile devices. With its newly rebuilt Web-to-Print Storefront platform, DocketManager allows for greater client interaction, one-to-one marketing, efficient ordering and reordering, and dynamic two-way communication. The new system adds support for multiple-level approvers, real-time order status, client-based portal control, online invoice payments, variable-data file uploads and enhanced SEO tools for improved search-engine results. The storefronts are also completely customizable.
Domino (Booth 5368). Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Domino offers “choice” – B&W or colour printing, digital single print bar, dual bar, digital press (roll-to-roll, roll-to-inline, roll-to-nearline, or hybrid). It provides customers with “the best-fitting solution based on their business.” Celebrating its 41st year, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North American headquarters in Gurnee, IL.
Epson (Booth 5246). Epson offers an extensive array of wide-format products for the signage, photographic, fabric and graphic arts markets. It’ll be showcasing the Epson SureColor S-Series of solvent-based printers, introducing the Epson SureColor F-Series Dye Sublimation printers, and demonstrating the Epson SureColor T-Series printers – which all leverage Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP printhead to deliver exquisite output and incredible speeds. Also featured will be solutions for colour-label production, WorkForce Enterprise Solutions, and LightScene EV-100 Accent Lighting 3LCD Laser Projector Solutions for proofing, production and indoor signage.
Esko (Booth 5528). Its packaging management software provides integrated solutions for packaging, printing and finishing. Representing 90% of the global packaging industry, Esko’s work is used in packaging management, artwork creation, structural design, prepress, 3D visualization, platemaking, workflow automation, quality assurance, sample making, palletization, supply chain collaboration and signage/display production. Be sure to check out the OEM’s popular Kongsberg cutting tables, including the Kongsberg X24 for sign production.
EZ Trade Signs (Booth 5622) provides one-stop shopping for all signage needs, including banners, posters, vehicle graphics, custom cutouts, window decals, real estate signs, etc. Once clients choose a product category, they can upload their own custom graphics, design their own artwork on a blank template, or choose from one of hundreds of pre-designed templates. Using EZ’a built-in Design Studio software, it’s easy to customize any layout.
Fujifilm North America Corporation (Booth 5234) consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company – Imaging, Electronic Imaging, Graphic Systems, Optical Devices and Fujifilm Canada. The latter’s Graphic Systems Division delivers solutions for workflow, remote monitoring, colour standardization, G7 implementation, pressroom products, CTP, proofing, digital printing, packaging, labels and specialty printing, wide-format printers, and more. Fujifilm also manufactures and distributes Sericol inks and is a leader in the development of UV inks for screen-printing, narrow-web and large-format digital.
GBC Canada (Booth 5422). GBC is a global leader in binding and laminating equipment and supplies and customer-branded presentation materials. It delivers innovative products for users to present, protect, secure, organize, enhance and transform all printed materials to achieve a more professional look. Document creation has changed over time “and GBC has kept up every step of the way.” Its solutions improve productivity and profitability, and enhance brand recognition.
GlobalVision (Booths 5361 and 5500-J). GlobalVIsion will showcase the benefits of a complete, automated proofreading system. The Montreal-based company will be exhibiting the latest version of its GlobalVision desktop quality control platform in conjunction with its R44 roll and F2 flatbed scanners. Ask about its graphics and colour inspection modes, alongside separate text, spelling, barcode and Braille applications.
GTI Graphic Technology (Booth 5618) is a leading manufacturer of lighting systems for critical colour viewing. Showcased will be its family of Graphiclite D50 products that includes desktop viewers, viewing stations with rolling floor stands, large-format viewing solutions, and soft proofing systems. Its EVS-2028 viewing station is ideal for viewing digital prints, available as a desktop model or with a floor stand. Its MiniMatcher is a desktop viewer with three to five unique light sources, ideal for viewing coatings, consumer goods, ink, packaging, fashion etc.
Hans Shinohara Canada (Booth 5616). For over six years, the OEM has been a key supplier to the digital printing and packaging industries. The company is the exclusive North American distributor for Hans Gronhi Shinohara offset press and New Bind perfect binders, as well as other printing equipment produced in China.
HP (Booth 5034). For over 25 years, HP has been deploying “breakthrough technology” for textile printing, flexible packaging, wallpaper and wrapping paper. Showcased will be the new HP Latex R-Series, the HP Latex 335 Print and Cut solution, and the HP Designjet z9+ Printer with vertical trimmer that can print up to 2.5 times faster without losing quality. It’s the first integrated vertical trimmer “that reduces post-processing time by up to 20%.”
Graphic Arts Magazine (GAM, Booth 5662) began publishing in 1997 and today is one Canada’s top trade printing magazines, publishing 10 times a year and mailed to over 10,500 locations. GAM is an acknowledged Google and Bing news site. Our website (graphicartsmag.com) has over 20,000 unique monthly visits and our targeted e-newsletter reaches 8,700 each week. Our online and print lead-generation packages are among the most cost-effective in the industry. Stop by, say hello, and enter a free draw for a fabulous prize.
Insource (Booth 5456). An intuitive change in the print industry is underway, and companies need to keep up, said Insource. Customers are demanding a lot more. Insource would like booth visitors to experience their new company brand, and the introduction of an innovative line of international digital print and packaging products to the North American market. “It’s more crucial than ever that business partnerships are created equally,” the company said. “So come and discover why Insource believes that investing in partnerships works best.”
Kallima/Rayonier Advanced Materials (Booth 5369) will be showing how its Kallima paper is ideal for any project by delivering bright beautiful colours, high print gloss and exceptional print performance. Kallima’s basis weight advantage lets users get up to 20% more paperboard for their money. Its FSC certification means that its paperboard meets the most rigorous and responsible forestry standards in the world. Booth visitors will also discover “the only lightweight, 3-ply paperboard manufacturer in North America.”
Konica Minolta (Booth 5000). Showcased will be its industry-leading print technologies, including some Canadian premieres. On display will be the AccurioWide 160 and 200 wide-format printers, the AccurioLabel 190 Digital label press, the Precision Label Series PLS-475i digital label presses, and its Precision Label Series PKG-675i corrugated packaging printer. This is the first time these devices will be displayed in Canada. Also meet some of the OEM’s top industrial print customers at the Konica Minolta Partner Pavilion.
KOR Engineering (Booth 5261). This leading Canadian manufacturer of high-performance inspection slitter rewinders for pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, will be demonstrating an auto-knife positioning rotary shear slitter cartridge. The auto-knife cartridge is retrofittable to existing KOR rewinders, or available as an upgrade option to new KOR machines. This servo-controlled knife-positioning system virtually eliminates knife set-up time by storing and replicating previous job set-ups through its HMI control. It’s ideally suited for multiple lanes and short-run jobs.
Mark Andy (Booth 5268). Mark Andy is the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow-web and mid-web printing and finishing equipment. It supplies leading global brands – including Mark Andy and Presstek presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, plus a complete line of Mark Andy print products, consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping its customers be at the forefront of innovation.
Mimaki USA (Booth 5340). Mimaki USA is a pioneer in the development of wide-format digital printing, textile printing and cutting products worldwide, with six locations in the US and one in Canada. The OEM’s lines of digital printers and cutters offer workflow solutions in the sign and graphics, textile apparel and industrial markets. Mimaki offers superior quality printers using a variety of leading-edge technologies, and has also developed a complete product range for software and consumables.
Mutoh America (Booth 5352). As a leader in the printing industry for over 60 years, Mutoh America provides creative and cost-effective innovations for digital printing and wide-format, including plotters and media. The OEM won four product-of-the-year awards at the 2018 SGIA expo.
PSI Engineering (Booth 5037-A). PSI (Mississauga, ON) manufactures and integrates automation solutions for high-volume warehouses and distribution centres that improve throughput while reducing labour costs. With a focus on the last 100 feet of an order-fulfillment line, it targets e-commerce retailers, logistics companies and system integrators serving the online retail industry.
Printer’s Parts & Equipment (Booth 5076) will be introducing is a new compact box-cutting and creasing machine. Equipped with multiple tools and two tool holders, it’s ideal for short-run packaging and prototyping. PP&E will also be showing its newest DTG printer. Users can start printing – and profiting – immediately on a wide variety of apparel, tote bags and other products in minutes. The company has been a leading worldwide used printing equipment supplier since 1972 with two locations in Canada and the US.
Ricoh Canada (Booth 5300) is the Canadian arm of Ricoh Americas. Its products, services and solutions help companies make the most of their information – and work faster, smarter and more successfully. These include document workflow, office printing and imaging equipment, audio-visual collaboration technologies, the latest production print solutions, IT and technical support services, and targeted solutions for healthcare, legal, higher education and other industries.
RISO (Booth 5452). Looking to add production inkjet to your workflow? RISO will be showing its ComColor GD and FW Series inkjet printers. The affordable colour of RISO printers can add the speed and versatility of production inkjet to any printing operation with minimal disruption to current workflows. Compact, versatile RISO printers can handle variable-data communications, transactional documents, direct mail and invoices, shells, numbered NCR forms and envelopes – with speed and efficiency.
SinaLite (Booth 5604). One of Canada’s wholesale trade-printing leaders will be revealing how print brokers and printers can “make higher print profits right now.” As part of SinaLite’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the company will be showcasing exciting new products that help differentiate SinaLite clients from their competitors. These will include 19 different types of colourful roll labels on eye-catching stocks, new tear-resistant and durable business cards, high-end raised metallic foil printing on smooth and silky lamination, and many more value-added products. A new complimentary sample kit (while supplies last) will help to unlock more print-profit potential.
Specialties Graphic Finishers (Booth 5356). As Canada’s premier graphic finishing house, Toronto’s Specialties Graphic Finishers provides quality service in die cutting, folding, tag stringing, miniature folding, case binding, perfect binding, pur gluing, saddle stitching and z-style folding pieces. Founded in 1947, the company has received many notable awards, including the Applied Arts Printing Awards and Product of Excellence.
Spicers Canada (Booth 5260). Spicers is a leading distributor of commercial print and business papers, specialty products, graphic solutions, sign and display media, and industrial packaging products. It has sheeting facilities in Toronto and Winnipeg and can source, stock, market and distribute with their global manufacturing partners. In 2017 it acquired Shippers Supply, which allowed them to expand into Western Canada.
Sydney Stone (Booth 5400). Sydney Stone is leader is print finishing and lamination films – and its latest soft-touch OPP films not only have a luxurious feel, but they can be printed directly onto toner. The company has also developed “the most durable and affordable in-house range of foiling products on the market” called InstaFOIL, that can be applied over a printed toner using most tabletop and single-sided laminators. Previously, this technology was a high-cost specialty finishing process for large volumes only.
Teckmark Label (Booth 5602). Operating since 1989, the company specializes in creating custom labels and narrow-web printed products exclusively for print brokers and printers. Located in Dundas, ON, it utilizes a flexographic press with a variety of capabilities and finishes. The company recently had “breakthroughs” in weatherproof and fade-resistant labels, as well as short-run, full-colour labels. It’s now an approved Underwriters Laboratories supplier.
The Drafting Clinic Canada (Booth 5459). Located in Mississauga, ON, it’s been committed to supplying the best value in large-format imaging solutions for over 39 years. The company specializes in large-format print, scan and copy solutions for AEC, education, graphic arts and government businesses, partnering with leading industry manufacturers such as Canon, Contex, GCC, KIP, Photocentric, Rigoli and others.
Treck Hall Wide Format (Booth 5247) is a leading supplier of wide-format media and inks. Its mission is to eliminate wasteful operations and overhead while providing customers with innovative supply solutions. Its products include adhesives, paper, banner and display, laminates, mounting adhesives, inks, canvas and fine art, photographic and more. Its recently added Main Street Bullet – a self-adhesive permanent or removable PVC film with a grey acrylic adhesive.
Ultima Displays (Booth 5552). Established in Markham, ON in 2002, Ultima is a leading supplier of portable exhibit displays with a huge product selection. Offering a wide variety of solutions, it recently introduced instant-proof and print graphic services, providing services for dye-sublimation printers, direct-to-fabric printers, eco-solvent printers and inkjet printers.
Ultimate TechnoGraphics (Booth 5500-F). The Montreal-based company is the leader in imposition and finishing automation software. Ultimate Impostrip 2019, recipient of the Vanguard Breakthrough Award, revolutionizes the way printers automate their impositions. This version sets new records in speed, flexibility, automation and intelligence. Bringing to market innovative solutions to reach new levels of imposition and finishing automation and efficiency, is what distinguishes its software solutions in the marketplace.
Value Rite Business Products (Booth 5153) will be showing best-in-class imprinting technology using UV, sublimation and transfer films – including solutions to decorate textiles, ceramics, metal, plastic, hardboard and glass. Value Rite is a wholesale supplier of Epson, Mactac, Mimaki, Mutoh, Neenah, Oki, Sawgrass, Unisub, Geo Knight heat press, Wasatch, Klieverik, Forever, Ultraflex, Impulsa, plus digital blank RS Canada, substrates media and blanks.
Wells Fargo (Booth 5145). Wes Caron, Business Development leader for Equipment Finance, will be available to share information about Wells Fargo financing options. “We understand that adding or updating production equipment can reduce cycle time, improve productivity and keep unit costs down,” said the company. “Our goal is to build long-term relationships with a full understanding of your financial needs, goals and industry challenges.”
Wholesale Pocket Folders (Booth 5043) uses CTP imaging technology to output plates at 4,000 dpi and 1,751 lpi, and prints uses Heidelberg and Roland presses. It provides solutions from prepress to finishing, and has a team with a diverse background in design and production. Products include a wide variety of pocket folders – ranging from legal size to card holders, to tri-panels, and more.
Xanté (Booth 5400). Xanté has been a workflow pioneer in digital print for over 25 years. Its award-winning systems yield fast, full-colour output on a wide range of media. Products include the “revolutionary” En/Press Digital Multi-Media Press with the Enterprise SL High-Speed Feed System, and the “simply brilliant” iQueue colour workflow. Attendees will experience the ease of use and outstanding quality of En/Press technology in the Sydney Stone booth (#5400).
Xeikon America (Booth 5156) designs, builds, installs and maintains complete digital printing solutions for labels and packaging, documents and commercial, and folding cartons. Its focus is 100% on digital print technologies, and its solutions are all developed around eco-friendly production. In 2015, it became a division of Flint Group, and in the same year launched the Xeikon 9800 and Xeikon CX3, which are “the fastest, highest quality label press available today.”
Xerox (Booth 5322). Xerox is a technology leader focused on the intersection of digital and physical – using automation and next-generation personalization to redefine productivity, drive growth and make the world more secure. The OEM specializes in software, business services, digital printing, printers, office workflow solutions and personalization. Xerox also focuses on being environmentally friendly in the way it does business.
Zünd (Booth 5134) manufactures multifunctional digital cutters for sign and display graphics, packaging and other industrial applications. Its G3/S3 and dual-beam D3 are modular, adaptable finishing solutions with multiple tool choices and easy-to-use digital workflow software. If you’re looking to increase your capabilities in digital cutting, routing, oscillating, creasing, perforating, v-cutting, laser-cutting or other methods, see its Zünd G3 M-2500 cutting system in action.