The drupa of North America – Graph Expo 16 coming September 25-28 to Orlando, Florida – is set to impress visitors once again with head-turning pavilions, specialty areas, live equipment demos, information-packed seminars, and of course, hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest technology, products and services. This year in particular, show organizer Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) has placed emphasis on actionable business solutions for print pros focused on four key areas: how to increase your sales, adapting your business to the newest trends and technologies, growth strategies and new business opportunities, and managing costs and improving efficiencies. And if previous years’ tradeshows are any indication, they’ll go well beyond expectations in delivering on their “promise.”
GASC has also gone to great lengths to attract our industry’s best business minds. Some of the intriguing seminar topics include an Introduction to the NEW Print Industry, Print Selling Savvy, Inkjet 2016 Style, Adding Wide Format and Finishing, Supercharge Your Old Press, How Millennial Management is UP-ing the Game, and much more. There are also focused sessions on challenges and solutions for in-plants and designers, as well as hands-on computer training labs and sessions in Spanish.
And I definitely wouldn’t miss Graph Expo’s Executive Outlook Conference, themed “Finding New Markets,” on Sunday, September 25, from 8 am to noon. One of the highlights of this session will be the presentation of the Must See ’Ems Awards, which are chosen as the most compelling technologies destined to change our industry – and also found across the show floor. I posted a story about the winners our website August 8 and the technology is absolutely amazing.
Special pavilions and areas
These will include Software (Workflow, Design and Prepress), Press and Finishing, The Inkjet Candy Store, Materials Matter, Deliver – The Mailing & Fulfillment Center, Newspaper Pavilion, In-Plant Place, The Printerverse, Education Main Street, and NEW for 2016: The House That Print Built. All these areas and more will cover commercial printing, wide format inkjet, packaging, mailing and fulfillment, 3D printing, transactional, quick printing, book and newspaper printing, photo imaging, marketing, print buying – the list seems endless. There are also more than 40 co-located events including user groups featuring the latest news and learning opportunities covering twelve key industry sectors.
One event in particular, the IPMA’s in-plant panel luncheon on Sept. 26, will feature Dr. Joe Webb discussing the final report from a newly released study, The State of the In-Plant Industry: Challenges, Opportunities and Outlook. And don’t forget that NPES will host Tango! A Graph Expo Party, Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 7 pm (your show badge gains entry).
Bottom line: Whatever industry sector you work in, you’ll find answers at this show – especially when it comes to making your business more profitable. And what a fabulous tradeshow the hard-working folks at GASC have put together! Finally, be sure to stop by our booth (505) to enter our free draw for a wonderful prize.
For much, much, much more information please visit www.GraphExpo.com.
Our booth picks
Please support these Canadian exhibitors, companies with facilities in Canada and others by visiting their booths at this year’s tradeshow.
4over (Booth 541)
4over’s new Mini-Tabletop Retractable Banner Displays and Backdrop Banner Stands are “real game-changers.” The displays are pint-sized variations on the traditional banner display, designed for 10 mil Premium Indoor Vinyl Banners. The stands are used with 4over’s 13-oz. Scrim Vinyl products and come with telescopic adjustable poles. Both are easy to transport and set up – ideal for pop-up displays at tradeshows, university orientations and events of all kinds.
ATS-Tanner Banding Systems (Booth 2517)
This Swiss-based manufacturer of Ultra-Sonic banding equipment offers an economical packaging solution while providing an innovative marketing opportunity. Solutions demonstrated will include everything from manual equipment to completely integrated and fully automated lines that blend seamlessly into the most complex operations. With ATS’ Ultra-Sonic welding technology and proven Swiss precision, its customers worldwide have continued to realize the competitive advantages and cost-savings of its banding products.
Avanti (Booth 1879)
The leading Canadian print MIS provider will unveil the latest version of its Avanti Slingshot – the only JDF-certified, cloud-based Print MIS on the market today – and the industry’s first Print MIS to provide seamless integration with HP PrintOS. Avanti Slingshot’s new Point-of-Sale Module enables you to spend more time servicing your customers and less time reconciling transactions with fast order entry, invoice generation and real-time, point-of-sale reporting. Its fully integrated, modular Print MIS extends from order entry to production and billing.
BDT Canada (Booth 2763)
This specialist in automated media handling has been moving and handling media for printing, post-press processing and packaging since the mid-1960s. Its solutions can process all types of specialty media and develop the right system or product for them. Whether it’s media feeding, media output, transport, alignment or further processing (such as punching or stapling), BDT can do it all. Talk to its experts and learn about the many benefits that automated specialty media handling can do for you.
B&R Moll (Booth 1131)
The new digi-mollPAK System is a compact inline folder/gluer that provides fast, flexible performance for complex packaging projects – including cartons, pillow packs, room key sleeves, presentation folders, straight-line boxes, table tents, CD wallets, computer software cartons and more. An optional kit for producing auto-lock bottom boxes is also available. The system incorporates many proven folding and feeding mechanisms developed by the OEM, including an open-format system that facilitates quick job changeovers, and a dual-stream capacity that enables multiple feeds.
C.P. Bourg (Booth 1325)
Demos on book and booklet-making print finishing solutions with the revolutionary new Bourg Preparation Module (BPM) will be available. The BPM is a fully automated, modular and scalable sheet preparation unit that vastly simplifies the creation of perfect bound and stitched books and booklets. With a BPM connected to an Inline Bourg Binder or Booklet Maker, finished books and booklets of many different sizes can be produced with no operator intervention.
DocketManager (Booth 2184)
DocketManager will unveil of DocketManager Version 3.0 with a completely redesigned, modern and user-friendly interface making it easier than ever to use. The sophisticated, browser-based, database-driven print management and estimating system is now equipped with hundreds of new features. Version 3.0 is “certain to make your company more efficient and more profitable”.
EFI (Booth 1349)
Be sure to check out EFI’s Must See’ Em Award winners including Optitex Collaborate, Fiery Color Profiler Suite G7, Digital Marketing Automation Platform, AquaEndure Inks, Armor Erase UV Coating, EFI and Esko integrated workflow for digital packaging, and EFI Corrugated Packaging Suite. My personal pick is the new EFI Nozomi C18000 press for corrugated packaging, EFI’s biggest inkjet development to date. Its single-pass LED technology can reach speeds up to 246 linear feet per minute, among many other advantages.
Epson (Booth 2649)
The OEM won a gold award for its WorkForce Pro WF-R8590 A3 Network MFP, and introduced its new SureColor S-Series of solvent inkjet printers and WorkForce Pro M5000 Monochrome Series. But the jewel in the crown was its 64” Epson SureColor S80600 featuring new Epson UltraChrome GS3 9-colour solvent ink for outstanding photographic print quality, durability and media compatibility. When combined with a new media-feeding system and a Dual-Array PrecisionCore TFP printhead, it was eventually named a Must See’Em Award winner.
Gateway Bookbinding Systems (Booth 918)
The manufacturers of Plastikoil will be demonstrating their entire equipment line for plastic spiral binding. Productive counter-top machines like the TCB Total Cut & Bend dual sided crimper, to the Koilmatic fully electric automatic coil inserter, all the way to the company’s Plastikoil Concept QS Interline System for in-house coil manufacturing and automated insertion. Gateway Bookbinding prides itself on being “The Plastic Spiral Experts.”
Graphic Arts Magazine (GAM, Booth 505)
For the past 20 years, GAM has provided in-depth coverage of the latest news and trends in the printing industry in Canada and beyond. Published ten times a year and sent to over 10,500 locations across Canada, our readership is over 45,000 per issue. Our weekly e-newsletter goes to over 24,000 and our website, www.graphicartsmag.com, is one of the most visited in the industry. Our digital edition is sent to over 8,700 each month. Please drop by and see us at Booth 505 and enter our free draw for a great prize.
Graphic Whizard (Booth 2601)
GW will showcase a wide range print-finishing systems. For almost 30 years, Graphic Whizard has innovated to meet the growing needs of digital printers. “We have the most versatility with 12 options in creasing machines alone.” By combining its proven anti-toner cracking impact crease systems with added functionality – such as slitting, cutting, perforating and folding – it’s able to offer a machine to fit every printer’s unique needs. Be sure to see its PT335SCC Multi Slitter/Cutter/Creaser/Perforator – an all-in-one finishing system for full-bleed applications.
KBA North America (Booth 1435)
KBA’s product range includes sheetfed offset and inkjet presses, flexographic presses, commercial and newspaper web presses, and special presses for banknotes, securities, metal-decorating, smart cards, glass and plastic decorating. The OEM recently announced its return to the sheetfed flexo market for corrugated after almost ten years with its new KBA Corrugraph Sheetfed Flexo Press. With an inline rotary die-cutter, it has a maximum rated output of 12,000 sph and can print and die-cut multi-colour graphics inline on corrugated board up to 134” wide and .39” thick. KBA is currently seeking betasites for the new press.
Kirk-Rudy (Booth 1771)
Be sure to see its KolorJet high-speed colour inkjet printing system in the Mailing & Fulfillment Pavilion that produces high quality four-colour printing on envelopes, direct mail and transactional pieces. Capable of printing 500 colour envelopes in one minute, it’s designed for high-production, high-volume shops. This unique system uses HP’s thermal inkjet technology combined with Kirk-Rudy’s powerful XJet user interface software, making it a robust system that’s extremely easy to operate and maintain.
Konica Minolta (Booth 1801)
Visitors can explore innovations from the OEM and its technology partners. The MGI JETvarnish 3DS delivers spot-varnish, embossing and hot-foil stamping in a 100% digital environment with exceptional variable-data capabilities. For booklet printing, the bizhub Press C1100 Digital Press raises the bar in productivity and saves time and labour costs with simple operation and powerful inline finishing options. In wide format, the EFI H1625 LED mid-level production printer will maximize image quality with four-colour-plus-white and grayscale printing – as well as uptime with simple, automated operational and maintenance features. For 3D printing, the ProJet 3500 HDMax 3D Printer is ideal for creating durable, high-definition functional prototypes, rapid tooling such as injection molds and casting patterns, and end-use parts – right in your own shop. You might also want to ask about Konica Minolta’s G7 Master Printer Qualification Services that will elevate your operation’s reputation as a quality-driven business. Konica Minolta offers in-depth G7 Master Qualification programs from its team of certified G7 Experts.
Magnum Magnetics (Booth 919)
Magnum will be featuring its direct-printable magnetic media for a wide variety of printing presses and applications. Its solutions for magnetic-receptive and magnetic signage systems bring maximum flexibility to printed graphics, P.O.P. displays and in-store marketing pieces. Several new products beyond its magnetic lines will be unveiled – including inks and top-coatings – as Magnum expands its capabilities to help make your messages ‘stick.’
MGI (Booth 2149)
MGI’s growing family of JETvarnish 3D digital enhancement presses produces personalized embossed foil and customized decorative special effects with no dies or screens required. Each sheet, box and label can be uniquely decorated with vibrant, sensory data and images – and attract the most profitable production projects from brand owners. The new MGI Meteor Unlimited Colors Press series is a powerful new synthesis of digital press and postpress technology that produces a virtually unlimited number of colours via the blending of CMYK toner and the reflective qualities of foil film – including a rainbow spectrum of metallic, glitter and holographic effects.
MPI Print (Booth 706)
For over 20 years, MPI Print has been a one-stop shop for all printing – from high-volume to short-run and custom projects. Its experienced print specialists in two huge state-of-the-art production facilities provide trade-printing-only services across North America. Notable equipment includes its KBA 32-page heatset web press with inline colour and cutoff control, and an exceptionally strong sheetfed division with one of the largest trade binderies in Canada. This, coupled with a currently weak Canadian dollar, make MPI Print a logical choice as a print partner to help your business grow. MPI will ship and custom-broker projects over the border with no worries for its clients.
Muller Martini (Booth 1849)
The OEM will showcase its Finishing 4.0 “game-changing” technology in digital networking and end-to-end touchless workflow, from printing to finished product, which represents “the cornerstones of the new age of print production.” Its finishing solutions for digital, offset, and hybrid printed products include smart automation and connectivity, maximum variability, flexibility of run sizes, trim sizes and content and more. Live equipment demos will reveal how digital and offset signatures can be processed concurrently. A variety of high-end print products will also be produced.
Pineberry Manufacturing (Booth 969)
Its FlexJet DOD (Drop on Demand) Personalization System barcodes, codes, labels, prints and personalizes plastic cards, lottery tickets, envelopes, letters, magazine subscriptions and much more. The system can barcode, code and personalize up to 60,000 plastic cards per hour. It’s comprised of a conveyor transport belt with a Pineberry HSF Friction Feeder, labeler, DOD inkjet or laser printer, verification camera, UV lamp, reject and exit shingling conveyor. This personalization solution is project specific, customized to the needs of the customer and can print at up to 400 dpi resolution.
PointOne Graphics (Booth 671)
PointOne offers competitive trade prices and first-class service while keeping the environment in mind. Its leading-edge technology keep costs low and quality high. Offering sheetfed, web and digital printing, its 70,000 sq. ft. building also houses state-of-the-art prepress department and full bindery. Take advantage of its lower Canadian dollar exchange rates to help you save money and use it to your competitive edge.
Presstek (Booth 2731)
New products include the Presstek 52DI ECO-UV, a 4-colour, high-speed digital offset press with a new low-energy ECO-UV curing system. DI presses use on-press, chemistry-free thermal laser imaging (no CTP) and built-in automation for easy use and low maintenance. Also being shown is the Dimension Pro2, a robust thermal CTP system for commercial and newspaper printers. The system pairs well with Presstek’s chemistry-free GemPlate that develops on-press, or Nytro, a fast-imaging, no-preheat, UV-compatible eco-friendly plate. Co-exhibiting is sister company Goss whose customers’ needs for prepress equipment, plates and service “align perfectly” with Presstek’s offerings.
Prinova (Booth 2390)
Prinova’s Messagepoint is a powerful hybrid cloud-based content management platform that enables service providers to meet the customer communications management needs of its enterprise clients. It provides an intuitive and secure environment for business users to directly own and control touchpoint messaging content and business rules. With Messagepoint, business users can create, modify and approve customer messaging content and targeting rules in customer communications touchpoints across all channels.
Printer’s Parts & Equipment (Booth 813)
With locations in Toronto and Orlando, Florida, PP&E is a one-stop source for the industry’s best printing and finishing equipment, parts, consumables and other supplies (with over 3,500 in stock), as well as used equipment. With over 50,000 sq. ft. of storage space, PP&E keeps a large inventory of used offset, finishing and bindery equipment that’s inspected and cleaned upon arrival. Its database can source thousands of pieces of equipment worldwide. PP&E also provides appraisals, entire plant liquidations and auction services. Bottom line: This company is much more than just an industry-leading equipment supplier.
PSI Engineering (Booth 526)
With over 27 years of printer technology experience and automated solutions installed worldwide, PSI will be demonstrating its Laser Mail 7000 with self-aligning feeder and stacker. Designed to continuously Feed/Print/Stack assorted media weights up to 450 gsm, documents up to 26” long and envelopes from 3”x 5” to 13” x 26”, the 7000 offers lower cost-per-envelope printing due to PSI’s higher toner yield. PSI will also be introducing a large format label printing solution addressing the need for short-run label printing – an “Industry First.”
Ricoh (Booth 2035)
Ricoh will showcase its production print portfolio of products and applications created to help businesses realize new market and revenue opportunities. These will include: the Pro C7110X high-speed, 5-colour production-class digital printer with speeds up to 90 ppm; the Pro C9110 high-speed, heavy-segment production colour digital printer that prints at speeds up to 130 ppm; the Pro L4160 wide format colour printer for signs, banners, wall coverings, wraps and more; and the Ricoh TotalFlow Suite of intelligent workflow solutions.
RISO (Booth 1248)
RISO is showcasing its groundbreaking new product lines. In addition to the newly launched ComColor FW series of cut-sheet inkjet printers and RISO SF series of digital duplicators, the OEM will be premiering the RISO ComColor GD Series of production inkjet printers. This remarkable, high-speed, full-colour printer has speeds up to 160 ppm, using five colours for an exceptional grayscale print quality and lower printing costs. RISO will also be displaying its T1 and T2 conceptual printing systems.
Spiel Associates (Booth 2617)
Of all its state-of-the art finishing products, you must check out the Sterling Digibinder Plus fully automated perfect binder. There is absolutely no set-up required on this machine – users can go from thick books to thin books without any adjustments. Bind up to 360 books per hour up to 2.25 inches thick. It also allows for the binding of coated and oil-infused stocks. Small enough for an office, the Digibinder is also ideal for in-plant and on-demand printers. It can handle runs of 3, 300 or 3,000 with its one-touch perfect binding.
Standard Finishing Systems (Booth 1548)
Standard will present feeding and finishing solutions, including live demos of die-cutting, perfect binding and trimming, creasing and folding, saddlestitching, inspection systems, and roll-fed print solutions. Highlights include the Standard Horizon SmartSlitter, an all-in-one smart-sheet processing system, and the Standard Horizon RD-4055 Die Cutter, with a new Dual Magnetic Cylinder for handling a wider variety of packaging applications. In addition, Standard Hunkeler will present an enhanced WI6 inspection and tracking system, ensuring error-free print quality through continuous monitoring of the printed web.
Ultimate TechnoGraphics (Booth 2179)
The inventor of imposition technology has added True Shape Nesting. Impostrip Automation v.10 brings new optimization capability for True Shape Nesting in a fully automated mode for just-in-time print production. It easily connects to a cloud or onsite workflow or storefront. AutoNesting streamlines the intelligent placement of shapes on a sheet or a roll. Also, its unique template-less approach allows for greater flexibility and productivity.
Web To Print Shop (W2P Shop) by Racad Tech (Booth 1986)
The W2P Shop is “a combination of every type of web-to-print solution that printers could possibly need.” You can mix and match any web-to-print component to create a fully customized solution that can either standalone or complement your existing web-to-print system. Offered are B2B/B2C websites and portals, storefront and e-commerce portals, FTP and driver solutions, variable-data printing, in-browser graphic design, web-to-print plug-ins and more. Features include multi-level permissions, multi-language, multiple product template methods and over 60 payment and shipping gateways.
Xerox (Booths 1625 & 570)
See the OEM’s latest digital presses up close, including new presses making their North American debuts. One must-see is the Xerox Brenva HD Production Inkjet Press where “the versatility of cut-sheet meets the economics of inkjet.” Other solutions and applications include transactional marketing, digital packaging and the benefits of shorter run lengths, direct mail’s incredible resurgence, consulting and customer training services to help your staff and business operate at maximum efficiency, and much more.