One of our industry’s most anticipated, disruptive and opportunity-filled tradeshows debuts next month in Dallas
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas will host what’s anticipated to be an entirely new tradeshow experience from Oct. 23 to 25, 2019. Sold out as of August 15, Printing United was built on the successful foundation of the annual SGIA Expo, and organized by the SGIA and NAPCO Media. The event will reflect the convergence that’s currently taking place in our industry as printers seek to offer services and products beyond their traditional scope. It’ll feature the latest in commercial printing, wide-format, graphics production, functional and industrial, packaging, apparel/textile, in-plant and many more key print sectors. Printing United will help visitors explore new markets and new opportunities – whether inside or outside their areas of expertise. The approach was created to provide “the strongest ROI for attendees by presenting the widest array of printing technologies at one expo.” Over 724,000 sq. ft. of floor space will accommodate over 650 exhibitors from around the world, as they showcase their exciting products and services.
Exposure to “adjacent” market opportunities
Today’s technology advances are blurring the lines between print-industry applications. Industry segments are converging, creating opportunities for printers to expand into new markets. Research (based on SGIA’s 2018 Convergence in the Print Industry study) revealed that a huge 93% of printers think that migration is already occurring in the industry. For example:
- 44% of apparel printers are considering adding commercial printing
- 43% of apparel printers are considering adding signage/graphics
- 40% of signage/graphics printers are considering adding commercial
- 37% of commercial printers are considering adding signage/graphics
- 30% of signage/graphics printers are considering adding apparel
Below are a few opportunities you might want to pursue:
Pre-show workshops. In addition to its 100+ educational sessions, Printing United will feature three half-day intensive workshops on Tues., Oct. 22. Among them (held from 1:30 – 4 pm) is Convergence Power Rankings: Where (and How) to Grow, addressing the blurring of industry segment lines. The workshop will address, among other issues, if it’s reasonable to go from your current industry to the next and also evaluate the ‘attractiveness’ of prospective markets – how big they are, their growth or decline rates and current competition. Wide Format 101: Strategies for Success, a popular workshop featured at the past four SGIA Expos is ideal for printers currently offering or considering wide format. Finally, Digital Textile Printing: What, Why and How, will discuss the impact of digitally printed textiles in the graphics and sign, apparel decoration and industrial printing markets – including an in-depth look at digital textiles – workflow, market opportunities, equipment development and more.
It’s also worth attending/exploring:
- Over 100 educational sessions covering all segments of the printing industry.
- A 4,000 square foot Experience Zone showcasing over 90 print applications while demonstrating how print impacts consumers.
- Three amphitheaters located on the show floor will feature exhibitor education, thought-leadership sessions and press conferences.
- PDAA Pro Team Relay. Two-person installer teams will compete for prizes relay-style across four different testing stations at booth 7250. These will include a car’s quarter panel, rivet wall, a two-panel graphic on a rough texture surface, and testing alignment with two-colour vinyl on acrylic.
- Golden Image Competition. This prestigious competition will recognize the best in printing across 53 categories. All entries will be displayed in the show’s Golden Image Gallery.
- The Functional and Industrial Printing Luncheon Wed., Oct. 23, from noon to 1:30 pm will focus on business growth: increasing profits, reducing risks, building value and planning for transition.
Please visit Printing United for ongoing updates.
Canadian companies represented at Printing United
While there are hundreds of opportunities to visit the tradeshow’s 500+ exhibitors, please stop by the booths of these Canadian companies (or companies with facilities in Canada) and discover their advanced products, amazing technology and array of helpful services.
AXYZ Automation (Burlington, ON – Booth 1000) is a leading global manufacturer of fast-cutting and versatile CNC routers. The OEM will be showcasing two of its most popular CNC machines: Trident and Infinite routers. From routing aluminum and acrylic to cutting and trimming paper, the Trident offers unparalleled flexibility, ease of use and precision. For a heavier-duty machine, the Infinite provides superior high-speed performance and ease of use for one-off, small-batch production, as well as high-volume and high-productivity applications.
BDT Print Media North America (Oakville, ON – Booth 11541) is a solutions provider for automated media handling and print applications for industrial digital printing. Since the mid-1960s, it’s been moving, transporting and handling media for printing, post-press processing and packaging applications. Be sure to ask about the BDT Tornado portfolio of solutions for feeding, aligning, transporting, transferring and stacking the most complex media types.
CADlink Technology Corporation (Ottawa, ON – Booth 810) has been developing design and production software for over 25 years comprised of 5 main brands: SignLab, EngraveLab, Digital Factory, FilmMaker and ProfileLab. Its software covers sign-making, engraving, wide-format digital printing, garment decoration, personalization and customization, screen printing, vehicle graphics, CNC machining and other niche markets that require design and production technology that can accommodate a variety of production devices.
Captiva Innovations (Burnaby, BC – Booth 2227) is a leading electronics LED banner solutions provider that recently launched its interactive LED eBanners for Lise Watier’s lipstick marketing campaign at 50 selected retail locations across Canada. The POP solution integrates programmed micro LEDs and touch sensors into banners to better engage retail shoppers. The technology uses an LED ‘Beauty Wheel’ in the form of a retractable banner. Customers simply touch the “play” button on the Lise Watier banner to stop the racing LED lights, and discover prizes they’ve won.
Corel Corporation (Ottawa, ON – Booth 8657) will be showcasing its CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 for Windows and Mac – its “world-renowned” graphics suite for professional print output. Stop by for a product demonstration and learn about their show-exclusive special offer. They’ll also be giving away an iPad Air, Apple Pencil, and a copy of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 to one lucky booth visitor.
Crawford Technologies (Toronto, ON – Booth 9962), a leading provider of CRM document solutions, recently released its Digital Transform Engine (DTE) Version 4.9. This newest version provides solutions to improve customers’ experiences while ensuring compliance with privacy and accessibility regulations. New capabilities include optical character recognition on an automated production basis. Entire documents can be converted to accessible formats such as accessible PDF, PDF/UA, HTML5, Braille and large print.
DocketManager (London, ON – Booth 11147) is a fully integrated print MIS and web-to-print solution designed, tested and built by printers for printers. Its MIS application is powerful, versatile and built to accommodate a wide range of production environments. The application enhances business efficiencies by streamlining processes, increasing capacity and reducing mistakes. The web-to-print platform is built to provide modern-day tools to maximize ordering efficiencies, enhance client communication, provide one-to-one marketing strategies, increase customer retention and boost profits.
GlobalVision (Montreal, QC – Booth 12359) print inspection technology eliminates the risk of human errors when it comes to detecting mistakes on labels and packaging. Users can automatically inspect hardcopy by seamlessly scanning in printed components, then comparing them against approved artwork. GlobalVision offers a full range of certified scanners (such as the GlobalVision R44 Scanner seen here) that enable offline inspections to protect against errors on proofs, labels, cartons, nested press sheets and more.
Graphic Whizard (Burlington, ON – Booth 8207) will showcase a wide variety of print-finishing equipment including highlights from its 10 product lines and 50-plus machine portfolio. The OEM provides digital printers with affordable solutions to automate and increase efficiency in a quick-turnaround workflow. See how they’ve paired lamination with cutting functions in the PT 33LSC – the world’s first single/double sided laminator that can encapsulate or cut to bleed. Take digitally printed sheets and drop them into their SCC line to take sheets from impose to finished – without any operator intervention.
H.B. Fuller/Chemque (Toronto, ON – Booth 1216). H.B. Fuller adhesive solutions are an integral part of nearly every kind of finished good currently in the marketplace – from electronic devices and building materials to packaging and more. The are three major work processes where its customers specify new adhesives – the creation of a new product, the improvement of a current one, and the development of a new way to manufacture a product.
KW Signs (Kitchener, ON, Booth 7430) is North America’s leading manufacturer to the sign and display markets. With a focus on metal sign frames, it now has 350 distributors across the continent. Products include display frames, A-frames, step stakes, snap frames, windspinners, frames for real estate, aluminum post kits and more – plus an array of accessories. Its fully automated sign-making machines means it can offer “the most competitive pricing in North America.”
Laminacorr Industries (Cornwall, ON – Booth 11741) is an independent manufacturer of corrugated plastic products. Manufactured using “the most advanced extrusion department in the world,” its Flutecorr Graphic sheet is available through distributors across North America. The company has over 20 years in the packaging industry and specializes in customization and innovation. From bollard cover to yard signs, Flutecorr Graphic is a lightweight, durable and extremely versatile material.
MPI Print (Mississauga and Toronto, ON – Booth 10137), one of the largest trade printers in the country, began in 1999 and has grown into two production plants and almost 100,000 sq. ft. in 20 years. With a focus on lowering print costs, it’s invested heavily in automation and bulk-paper purchasing and converting, and passes those savings along to its clients. MPI’s Print Cloud storefront allows users to purchase everyday print items. MPI offers offset sheetfed, high-volume web, full bindery and bookbinding, digital and large format as well as specialty finishing on its Scodix Ultra Pro 2 Custom Finisher.
Pritchard Paper Products (Toronto, ON – Booth 11532) is Canadian-owned and operated paper-converting company established in 1971. PPP converts goods with six rewinders and two perforators, distributing them from warehouses in eight different countries. PPP has evolved into a major supplier of thousands of different packaging SKUs for various markets – including sewn products, industrial, manufacturing, converting, warehousing, distribution and retail. Be sure to also ask about its new Moving Basics moving supply website store.
Rochling Engineering Plastics (Orangeville, ON – Booth 9451) offers a huge selection of thermoplastics and composites for technical applications. Products are supplied in the form of semi-finished products such as sheets, rods, tubes, flat bars, profiles and finished castings – through to precise machined parts. Specializing in the processing of plastics for over 100 years, its products are currently used in just about every industry worldwide. Its analyzes the requirements of every customer then develops products that are an ideal fit.
Rollsroller Enterprise Inc. (Mississauga, ON – Booth 5604) is a leading worldwide manufacturer and supplier of products and services for flatbed laminators. The company’s patented, proven technology for flatbed mounting and laminating is used by over 8,000 sign makers around the globe for maximum efficiency in sign making and dependable print finishing.
Ultimate TechnoGraphics (Montreal, QC – Booth 11246) invented digital imposition with the first release of Ultimate Impostrip in 1989, and has continued to play a leading role in the market ever since, recently winning a coveted Red Hot Technology Award from Print 19. It’s newly released Ultimate Impostrip 2019, includes the new Imposition Agent powered by artificial intelligence, new advanced dynamic marks preview, and new power and memory capabilities. Users will benefit from an enhanced experience in a completely redesigned and intuitive Mac and Win OS interface. The Ultimate team will conduct live demos.
YUL Technologies (Laval, QC – Booth 11445) is a manufacturer of smart, intuitive, precise and robust paper cutters. They’re designed by experienced technicians for dependability, durability – and most of all, ease of use, in four formats: 17, 19, 22 and 26 inches. Their small footprint, low energy consumption and ease of operation make them ideal for graphic designers, small print shops, copy centres and in-plants. YUL paper cutters are manufactured in Canada and include proprietary software and electronics.IMAGE ONLY (NO CUTLINE): YUL TECHNOLOGIES LOGO
OEMs set to impress and surprise
I believe that the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will set the show’s tone. Expect to see the world’s best digital and offset presses, finishing equipment and more. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised, as many will be launching new technology. Below are a few suggestions.
Agfa Graphics – Booth 8242. Agfa’s wide-format “workhorse” digital flatbed printers are known for their exceptional print quality, reduced ink laydown that reduces consumables’ costs, and wide substrate flexibility. Ask about its popular Jeti Tauro, Jeti Mira and Anapurna lines and its Asanti workflow solutions.
Canon – Booth 7016: Canon provides high quality large-format, roll-to-roll and flatbed printing, and cutting and finishing solutions. Its top digital lines include the imagePRESS C910 series, the Océ ProStream continuous-feed inkjet series and the Océ Colorado 1650 RTR wide format.
C.P. Bourg – Booth 7811: Its Bourg Sheet Preparation Module (BPM) is an industry-first print-finishing technology that automatically divides larger printed sheets into intermediate, final-sized sheets between presses and finishing equipment. This eliminates the expensive manual labour required to hand-process large sheets into smaller, usable sizes on a cutter prior to finishing.
EFI – Booth 8233 : As well as its renowned Fiery DFEs, inks and coatings, EFI has an impressive array of printers that include the Nozomi single-pass for corrugated, VUTEk superwide, EFI wide-format and superwide RTRs, and Reggiani textile printers.
Epson – Booths 540 & 5610: will be turning a lot of heads at the show with some new technology to be revealed Oct. 23. Its wide-format portfolio includes the F-Series of dye sub and DTG printers, its P-Series of aqueous production and proofing printers, and its S-Series of solvent-based printers.
Fujifilm – Booth 8220: will showcase its new J Press 750S with speeds up to 3,600 sph, and a larger sheet size. The OEM’s Acuity Ultra, a super-wide UV printer in 126” and 197” versions, is ideal for applications where near-photographic quality is required. Its Acuity LED 40 Series of flatbeds features up to 8 colours plus white, varnish and light-ink options.
Heidelberg – Booth 10143: will feature its Versafire EP, Diana Go folding carton gluer, Digimatrix die cutter, Prinect Production/Business Manager and more. The new Versafire EP delivers high speeds at 4,800 x 2,400 dpi. while new inline sensors automatically control colour during a run. It can produce 115 or 135 A4 ppm, process papers up to 470 g/m² and banners up to 1,260 mm long.
Konica Minolta – Booth 9536: will be demonstrating its printing, wide-format, label, packaging and finishing products. Ask about its latest wide-format – the AccurioWide 160 with KM1024i print heads featuring two channels of white and more colour pigment per droplet. Print quality is up to 1,440 x 720 dpi.
Mimaki – Booths 5216, 5616 & 5620:. Its top entry model, the JFX200-2513 EX, combines value-added print with high productivity. Its white-simultaneous printing is much faster than previous models, while built-in technology automatically detects missing nozzles and performs recovery operations.
Muller Martini -Booth 10543: Its more than 75 machines can handle saddle stitching, perfect binding, booklet making, inserting, stacking, and more. Its most recent installation in Canada was a KM610 Perfect Binder at Multi-Bookbinding in Shawinigan, QC., which has already cut makeready times by 50%.
Mutoh – Booth 4404: Its flagship ValueJet wide-format printers are engineered to excel in specific markets, yet are versatile enough for a wide range of popular applications – from posters and vehicle wraps, to displays and t-shirts. Its printers have won an SGIA Product of the Year Award for three consecutive years.
Ricoh – Booth 7001: Its latest continuous-feed production inkjet is the Pro VC70000 that offers outstanding drying capacity and new, more compact entrance/exit modules. Speeds up to 150 m/minute can produce close to 130,000 A4 impressions an hour. Its piezo DOD print heads can output up to 1200 x 1200 dpi on a variety of papers. Also, be sure to ask about its new Ri 1000 DTG printer.
Riso Booth 10935: will be introducing its new Valezus T2100 Production Inkjet that prints at a “lightning speed” of 320 letter-size colour ppm – making it “one of the fastest production cut-sheet inkjets on the market and the least expensive in its segment.” Riso technology allows B&W printers to add colour inexpensively.
Xerox – Booths 12345 &12541: Its latest press is the Baltoro HF Inkjet with automated intelligence (AI) – a cut-sheet production device for high-volume, transactional work, high-quality direct mail, catalogues and more. The entry-level press uses AI to optimize colour, image quality and self-correct in real time.
SEE YOU IN DALLAS!
