With the recent conclusion of Graph xcxpo 2016 in Orlando, we look back on the highlights of the show. There were many new product introductions that people had heard about from drupa, making their North American debuts at Graph Expo. Among all the new technologies were the 2016 MUST SEE ‘EMS, a collection of the year’s most standout innovations that seek to continue to drive success in the industry. This year there were eleven different categories that covered a wide range of tech from Sales to Premedia to Production. We present here some of our favourite booths and technologies on display at Graph Expo 2016.
Covering the category of “The Future of Print” from the MUST SEE ‘EMS we find two companies with groundbreaking technology. MGI USA showcased their AIS smart scanner and Xerox was demonstrating the Direct to Object Inkjet Printer. In the coming years we could potentially see the elimination of makeready with the AIS smart scanner. This technology makes use of artificial intelligence to identify key points on the substrate and compare them to the original file. Using trillions of calculations the image is adjusted to achieve perfect registration on every printed substrate that passes through the press. With every sheet being custom registered, the possibility of running multiple jobs at the same time opens up. This technology can directly impact the way jobs are going to be priced in the future. We will see a decrease in turnaround times and significantly reduced waste.
Xerox had a retail-sized model of their Direct to Object printer on the floor. Capable of printing 30 objects per hour, Xerox sees potential for the introduction of retail merchandise personalization. A “plate” is made that holsters the object, which is then moved along the printheads for imaging. The object finishes its pass through the printer in about 2 minutes making it a friendly wait time for the retail market. The printer itself is about the size of a standard vending machine, so the occupied space that it would take up is quite accommodating.
C.P. Bourg had their Bourg Preparation Module (BPM) on display for the first time in North America. A MUST SEE ‘EM winner in the Postpress and Inline finishing category, the BPM enables the creation of inline, perfect bound or stitched books with no operator intervention. The unit itself is modular and scalable and can work inline with digital printers and presses or offline on its own. Using just one sheet size for all books, the BPM promotes shorter turnaround times while eliminating costs and increasing profitability.
Fellow Canadians, YUL Technologies have spent years developing and fine-tuning their products. On display were their new paper cutters that feature a very intuitive interface coupled with Wi-Fi and 3G monitoring capabilities. Utilizing experienced technicians and careful production methods, YUL has created a line of innovative products that will impact the printing and graphic arts industry for years to come.
The RMGT 9 Series LED-UV press by RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology Ltd (RMGT) won the MUST SEE ‘EM for analog presses. This 5-colour press offers a wealth of integrated technology which includes remote operation via tablet, real time monitoring through a video camera system and a 55 inch customizable video monitor to name a few. The built in automation technology improves the user interface, ensures consistent operation of the press while at full speed and allows for on-the-fly press adjustments. This press ultimately refines makeready speeds while reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of use.
An entire issue could be written on the success that was GRAPH EXPO 2016. We hope this offers a brief look into the impressive display of technology that was on site. Looking forward to the next show and another year of print!
