A sister company to Full Circle Events & Exhibitions, Psycho Peacock is based in Salford, Greater Manchester and provides a service from design to installation for graphics in exhibitions, events, retail, museums, construction and visitor attractions. The investments are expected to provide up to six times the previous capacity, with the output from the previous four machines produced by the already installed and profiled P5 350.

Steve Comar, Psycho Peacock’s managing director, commented, ‘This investment gives us the scope and resources to fully deliver on our goals for both graphics and print, across our key sectors, live events, exhibitions and retail for the next three years. We can be assured due to the Durst technology, incredible quality and output metrics, that we can stand by our commitment to continually drive innovation which underpins our values and clients’ needs.’

The Tex iSub production printer is said to have opened up new business opportunities with dye sublimation for Psycho Peacock. The company said the investment in ‘cutting-edge machinery epitomising speed, quality and efficiency’ will ‘revolutionise output.’

Andrew McIntyre, general manager at Psycho Peacock, added, ‘The big thing with the Durst is that it provides the highest print quality, massive extra capacity and flexibility. Dye-sub also enables us to produce sustainable products, using fully recyclable materials, which means waste never goes to landfill. This opens up new business possibilities in a year when we are already beating our own ambitious sales targets.’

‘Delighted’ with Psycho Peacock’s investment into Durst’s technology, Peter Bray, UK and Ireland managing director of Durst Group, said, ‘Offering complete solutions from pixel to output, we continue to lead by innovation and look forward to continuing to help the team fully deliver on their goals. Our technology will help them further with their sustainability goals, commitment to excellence, streamlining logistics and moving towards greater automation.’

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Ms Bryne, a former beauty therapist also known as Misha in the gaming world, shifted her focus into the realm of digital artistry following the closure of her salon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Established in 2020, Me Myself and Misha evolved from a business offering design services for streamers and gaming conventions to providing an array of products, ranging from stickers and tumblers to custom packaging and apparel.

As the demand for her designs continued to increase, Ms Bryne has installed a Roland DG VersaStudio BN2-20 to meet printing needs while also alleviating the burden of running a one-person operation.

The BN2-20 integrates printing and contour-cutting capabilities. The desktop printer/cutter is described as a ‘versatile’ solution to meet Ms Bryne’s printing needs, whilst removing the need for multiple machines for printing and cutting.

The BN2-20’s versatility means Ms Bryne has been able to print high-quality stickers, apparel transfers, packaging materials, all with colour accuracy and vibrancy.

Unlike her previous setup, which she said to demanded ‘constant supervision,’ the Roland DG BN2-20, equipped with VersaWorks 6 output software, has allowed proactive planning and organisation of print production with its five print queues, five hot folders, and queue settings.

The VersaWorks 6’s media set functions and new sheet cut function, streamlines job setup and execution, while automatic sensor adjustments provide aid in creating the best results in every print.

This has allowed Ms Bryne to save and recall preferences, capture specific print settings, and streamline production into a process which increases overall efficiency.

Ms Bryne explained, ‘Thanks to the BN2-20 Roland DG machine and its integrated VersaWorks 6 software, I’ve unlocked precious time in my day while gaining a virtual extra pair of hands.’

For Me Myself and Misha, closely monitoring the printing process is ‘vital’ to run shorter bursts of personalised orders. Roland DG Connect has provided real-time access to crucial data on print jobs and overall business operations. This on-demand information has allowed the business to adjust its structure, as needed, to maximise efficiency.

Ms Bryne said Roland DG Connect has ‘revolutionised’ its operations stating, ‘We can now schedule runs, track efficiency, and analyse our cycles on the go. This software has enabled me to focus on business expansion and identify areas where I can enhance my design process.’

The relationship with Roland looks to continue as Ms Bryne plans to investment and upgrade to the latest Roland DG UV-LED printer, the VersaStudio BD-8, to help diversify product offerings and ‘expand into new areas’ with direct-to-object printing capabilities.

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The new equipment includes a flatbed printer which can print up to 60 notebooks at a time with a varnish finish, and a 360-degree cylinder printer machine for water bottles and flasks, able to produce 250 items an hour.

Merchr has also installed a Graphtec cutting plotter which can cut high-build heat transfer vinyl to give a raised printing finish when transferred to garments, along with a laser-guided dual heat pressing printer for glitter, neon and textured printing on t-shirts, hats, toiletry bags and other items. The fifth new piece of kit is a 360-degree heat press machine for custom decoration of hats.

The custom machinery was sourced through linked company Product Source Group, through a partnership with an OEM to develop the custom-built equipment to suit Merchr’s specific requirements. The bottle printing machine is called a PSG-360X and the flatbed machine is a PSG-100X.

Jack Fox, Merchr’s head of operations, said, ‘Advancements in technology have opened doors to a new era of sustainable merchandise printing. The ability to print retail quality items on demand, without having to order in bulk, not only enhances our commitment to sustainability but also empowers our store owners with more choice and customisation options.

‘We’re excited to embrace this innovative machinery, as it aligns perfectly with our goal of reducing waste and minimising our environmental footprint while delivering quality products for our users. Customers will benefit from even higher quality printing with varnish finishes and faster turnaround times. For example, it takes only two minutes to full colour print a water bottle.

‘These digital machines are designed and built to integrate with the Merchr ecosystem, enabling ‘cart to print’ in seconds, representing a fundamental advance in the supply chain,’ he concluded.

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With 16 categories to enter, including two new inkjet-focused ones, plus a Supreme Award to be decided, there’s a category for anything and everything that shows excellence in concept, production and delivery in digital print, from books to bags and AI to web-to-print. The full list of categories and criteria is here, or click on the Awards tab at the top of each page on this website.

The judging panel comprises print industry veteran Chris Jordan of launch consultancy ExedraBridge, award-winning designer Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, Mike Roberts, MD of PMG print management and Alison Chapman, senior client strategist at Webmart.

The nominees will be announced in the October/November 2023 issue of Digital Printer, and online, and the winners, including the Supreme Winner, revealed at a gala lunch at London’s InterContinental, Park Lane on Wednesday 22 November, hosted by a sporting legend whose identity will also be revealed in the October/November issue. The winners will also be presented in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Digital Printer.

Now in its 16th year, The Digital Printer Awards is one of the industry’s favourite annual gatherings and an excellent opportunity to network and make new contacts as well as to gain recognition for work and skill. For any further advice on entering, please contact Chloe Ward, chloe.w@whitmar.co.uk

We hope to see you there!

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Mr Fox has 35 years of selling experience in the industry, having started as an apprentice at MET Graphics back in the late 1980’s. He joined Mayday Graphic Products in 1991 and worked there for 26 years before being part of a management buyout in 2017.

He commented, ‘The acquisition and merging of the two businesses accelerated our growth and Ultraflex Europe is now a sizeable business focussing on the speedy supply of stocked high performance wide format, digital print media to the market.’

‘I’ve enjoyed being a part of the consolidation and I’m looking forward to focusing on driving sales. We are now supplying several larger direct customers and distributors with a much broader range of products. These include rigid and roll media, like first class mesh, front-lit, back-lit and block-out outdoor banners, printable textiles, rigid foam PVC boards and many speciality materials. We hope in time our new partnership with Agfa will help our consumable business grow along with sales of equipment. But the 3.2 and 5m roll market accounts for the largest proportion of our sales and it is where we will continue to specialise.’

Clint Green, managing director of Ultraflex Europe, said of the appointment, ‘We were delighted that Jim Fox came with the Mayday Graphics business when it was acquired, and he has been instrumental in reassuring customers and bedding in new processes over the past three years.  It’s now a logical time to appoint him as sales director of the combined business, Ultraflex Europe, and I am delighted he has taken on the challenge and confident he will continue to grow sales.’

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Sappi offers a range of sublimation papers for transfer printing, designed for ‘fast and uniform ink transfer with minimal ink consumption’. The company says it maintains the quality of its sublimation papers by regularly investing in new technologies. At the end of April, a new warehouse opened at the Carmignano mill in Italy. In the coming months, Sappi is due to further invest in two new converting machines with widths of 1.9m and 3.2m in a fully automated packaging line. All the investments will support Sappi’s vision of having a complete in-house option for the sublimation industry, having a positive impact on CO2 emissions, satisfy ing increased customer demand, and improving lead times.

Sappi will also feature its portfolio of coated and uncoated liner papers for lamination onto corrugated and solid boards for use in packaging or PoS displays. A new addition to the portfolio will be show, Fusion Embossed, an embossed version of the existing Fusion Topliner and Fusion Nature Plus. All of them are said to offer ‘exceptional’ brightness, a high degree of whiteness, a luxurious glossy surface and reliable dimensional stability.

A third product group will be Sappi’s silicone base papers, or release liners, used as backing paper for self-adhesive applications such as indoor and outdoor advertising, car wrapping and office materials as well as architectural and building signs. Its CCK and Glassine papers will be highlighted.

The post Sappi to present sublimation papers at Fespa 2023 appeared first on Digital Printer.

Several product developments will be shown in Europe for the first time in Munich. These will include a polyester direct-to-garment printer and a new digital textile printer, designed to achieve ‘highly vibrant colours for impactful designs’ in DtG and direct-to-film printing. The company will show a new roll-to-roll DtF production system as well. Ricoh says that all these offerings will enable designs to be printed and shipped for local, on-demand application onto garments.

These capabilities will be further demonstrated by Ricoh’s partnership with Fruit of the Loom and Russell Athletic. Ricoh will present a showcase where visitors can custom design their own T-shirt and see it produced on the stand.

Demonstrating how creative designs are brought to life will be Manga artist Shinnosuke Uchida. During the event visitors will be able to watch the artist work live as she shares her own take on the spirit of Japan.

ColorGate (part of Ricoh since its acquisition in late 2018) will demonstrate how its Productionserver Rip and workflow software can achieve high quality colour-accurate production across the various print devices, ink types and adhesion technologies.

Eef De Ridder, vice president, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, commented, ‘Opportunities in the garment printing industry are developing very quickly. Innovations in direct-to-garment and direct-to-film technology are presenting textile printing businesses with compelling production capabilities that respond to leading market and environmental pressures. They are enabling them to reduce carbon emissions and water usage with local production, offer greater versioning capabilities with responsive short runs and drive creativity with easy-to-use solutions that deliver high quality results. Our systems and solutions on show have been developed and enhanced to responsively support operations in this highly demanding market. And our partnership with Fruit of the Loom will demonstrate how responsible and responsive end-to-end digital textile production is achievable.’

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Sabur Digital is the UK distributor for the Chinese-made iEcho range of digital flatbed cutting systems. Georgia Brown, managing director of YPS, said, ‘The iEcho machines are built to very high production standards that compare favourably with other machines in the market but at a considerably lower price point. This very much fits our strategy to deliver quality products at great value for our customers.’

Dan Jeffries, business development manager at Sabur Digital, commented, ‘YPS is an ideal company for us to partner with to help increase the exposure of iEcho in the market, as well as promote additional sales. They have a superb reputation for great products, service and value, and we are very happy to be working with them to bring this exciting range of digital cutting tables to the UK market.’

Prior to reaching the agreement YPS visited Sabur to see the iEcho in action. ‘We were blown away by the quality of the iEcho and also the infrastructure behind,’ added Ms Brown. ‘We could see that the technology and build quality were equal to the more recognised market leaders, but with a significantly reduced cost. We could see the massive benefits in terms of quality and price that we could bring to our customers, particularly in the current economic climate.’

There are more than 50 iEcho machines already installed in the UK. Sabur and YPS will together provide full UK on-site warranty, with parts held in the UK. The two companies are developing a close partnership to help both companies raise awareness of the iEcho brand and further increase sales in the UK. Ms Brown continued, ‘Roll-fed cutters still have a strong grasp of the digital roll market. However, the use of flatbed printing is rapidly increasing, and this is driving the demand for good and affordable flatbed digital cutting. We are very confident that with iEcho’s build quality and affordability, our customers will certainly see the benefit of investing in this technology alongside their flatbed printers.’

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Situated on the first floor of luxury department store Daniels, The Garden of Eden is a restaurant serving plant-based food. Print Station worked with chef Manjinder Bhandal to develop the visual theme for the restaurant, aiming at a family-friendly ambience. In keeping with the vegan ethos, Print Station wanted to source non-traditional materials that displayed eco-responsibility.

Print Station director Rajan Chonkaria contacted Joel Willcock, CMYUK’s Commercial Director (Materials) for advice and consequently PVC-free Kavalan Gecko 320GB Greyback was chosen for all the wall areas. Made from polyester, this textile suits one-piece wallcoverings as it is available in rolls up to 5m wide. Specifically developed for interior designers and architects, it can be pasted or used in display systems.

The water-based top-coated textile printed with UV inks for the job meant that finger marks on walls around the children’s play area can be removed by using a damp cloth. Because Gecko is polyester-based, it is more durable for repeated washing than paper-based alternatives.

Mr Willcock also recommended other eco-alternative materials for the project. These included Utack Gel Film Ultra Clear, a PVC-free polyester film featuring a gel adhesion coating that is easy to remove and reapply. Suitable for instant window graphics and glass design, it was used for front window and glass escalator barrier graphics, as well as for stickers for glass.

The department store’s main lift was dressed and branded also using Utack Textile Blockbuster. This is a self-adhesive PVC-free block-out textile that features a repositionable adhesive.

Mr Chonkaria commented, ‘We’re so glad we went with the alternative materials recommended to us by CMYUK because not only do they do justice to the design, but they are also eco-friendly, which is something we really want to promote.’

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Quinn has been a long-time proponent of Epson’s dye-sublimation technology, using a SureColor SC-F9200 printer, and has won the H&M Design Award and the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design, presented by her late majesty in 2018. His Autumn/Winter 2023 collection again heavily featured dye-sublimation’s role in fashion and was enhanced with the runway’s Secret Garden-inspired decor.

Digital printing also played a role in the surrounding, with Epson’s SureColor SC-R5000 resin printer being used to print the black and white diamond-patterned floor graphics. Using water-based resin inks, the printer imaged onto scuff and tear-resistant PVC-free polyester floor graphics containing 40% recycled material, provided by adhesive-coated products manufacturer Drytac and installed by specialist Max Media Prints. The Epson inks offered a durable solution for the catwalk and make the substrate recyclable and free from environmentally harmful substances.

The catwalk in use as one of Richard Quinn’s dye-sub printed designs is modelled

This is the second year running that digital textile and signage printing have helped bring to life Mr Quinn’s fashion collection and catwalk themes respectively.

Phil McMullin, head of sales for ProGraphics at Epson UK, commented, ‘t’s always a delight to see Richard Quinn’s designs brought to life through digital textile printing and I’m pleased that this has also offered such a great chance for our signage printing technology to shine. The SureColor SC-R5000 takes all the proven technology of our successful SureColor printer range and adds our new resin ink set to deliver improved abrasion resistance without lamination as well as enhanced recyclability. In combination with the Drytac media it provides a perfect result for this application.’

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