PacPrint 2017 News

s his company prepares for PacPrint in Melbourne, one of web-to-print’s early pioneers, Ewen Donaldson, reflects on the way technology has changed over the years, how the developments of the past are ever-more-quickly being outpaced by today’s sophisticated web-to-print solutions…and why the pace of progress makes the Vivad stand at PacPrint a must-see for future-focused businesses.For Ewen Donaldson, memories of the mid-90s are clear, with mobile phones testing our boundaries of cool. While some scoffed at the dude walking down the street with his Motorola brick against his ear – held high with a bulging bicep parallel to the pavement – Donaldson says the promise of these technologies quickly became clear, setting the foundations for a mobile and digital revolution that has transformed our world.“Tradies got in early with the prospect of being able to run their business from their car, while many of the rest of us waited for the stigma to subside before we jumped on the bandwagon,” Donaldson recalls, “but it didn’t take long till we were rushing to a plethora of newly opened mobile phone shops to sign over a kidney to buy the latest Motorola Flare or a Nokia 3110.”If you're over forty and think back to buying your first mobile phone you can probably place yourself in one of the segments of the technology adoption curve. Perhaps you were one of the innovators, rushing out to buy the first phone on the market, or were you a laggard dragged kicking and screaming by friends and family complaining that they couldn’t contact you, or maybe somewhere in between?All of us fall somewhere on the Technology Adoption Curve “All of us fall somewhere on this spectrum,” Donaldson says, “and the technology adoption curve can be applied to any emerging technology. With web-to-print increasingly gaining traction as a method of print procurement, it is interesting to apply this distribution curve to where we are at the moment, where we were five years ago and where we are likely to be in five years’ time.”Vivad was a pioneer in web-to-print, embarking on a mission a decade ago to build a web-to-print portal which would go beyond a simple web store and allow users to customise the size of their print product.“They could upload their files and automatically have them pre-flight checked to ensure they were set up to the correct proportions and resolution,” Donaldson says, “and the portal would allow the user to generate an approval document with the company's logo so that they could send it out to their clients for approval before placing their order.“They could select from a range of couriers and freight options based on the delivery address and the theoretically calculated packing dimensions then, after placing the order, the user would be able to track their job through production. It was a revolutionary idea.”At PacPrint 2017 – just five years ago – Vivad realised that vision with the launch of Vivtrack 2 Web-to-Print portal.“We had an underwater themed stand complete with an inflatable submarine, and a ship themed meeting room clad with aquatic portals containing live fish,” Donaldson recalls with a laugh. “It was quite the attraction, so it gave us plenty of opportunity to give one-on-one and group demonstrations to visitors, showing off all of the features of the portal – plus we plied people with free coffee and bribed them to provide us with their details by giving away UE Booms, iMacs and $1,000 print credits!”Vivtrack 2 made a splash at PacPrint 2017, introducing the industry to web-to-printIt was a bold strategy, but it worked – and over four days, Vivad registered...Read More. . .

After two long years without a show, PacPrint is opening its doors next month and HP is set to make a triumphant return to the industry’s leading expo to showcase their innovation and leadership in print technology. HP’s dynamic and immersive stand for Large Format Printers with the theme Print for the Future is sure to be a showstopper with attendees invited to take part in an interactive and visual demonstration of the latest product innovations from HP. The latest HP Indigo digital press technology and applications will be showcased at the Currie Group stand.HP is a titan of the print industry that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, digital presses and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. This year at PacPrint, the company’s large format print and industrial delivery solutions will be on show. From high quality photographic and blazingly fast poster printers through to HP’s durable Latex printer range with both flexible and rigid media printing options.“HP is thrilled to be part of PacPrint 2022,” said Craig Hardman, LFP Country Manager HP Australia & New Zealand. “After two years of lockdowns, this is an important opportunity to reconnect with our customers and partners as well as our industry colleagues. The world may have slowed down over the past two years, but we have not. We are excited to unveil some industry defining innovations we know are going to be the talk of the show,” said Hardman.“HP will have the largest collective presence at this year’s PacPrint event,” said Craig Walmsley, Industrial Country Manager, HP Australia & New Zealand. “HP Indigo will showcase the high performance and innovative digital press and applications across the commercial printing and labels & packaging category. Brand protection, security and circular economy will be a key focus for us at this year’s event and we’re excited to demonstrate the possibilities of HP Indigo presses to transform business for profitable growth,” said Walmsley.HP’s print experts will also take part in a PacPrint Forums discussion, sharing their latest industry insights and commentary on future developments for the business, specifically around sustainability.All in all, it’s a showcase print professionals won’t want to miss.HP will be centrally located on Stand E14 at PacPrint, which will run at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 June to 1 July this year. Click here to register for the show, or go to www.pacprint.com.au for more information. Read More. . .

While equipment and systems take centre stage at PacPrint, systems architect Soltect is encouraging attendees to take the chance to ‘think big’ and design the kind of seamless and efficient workflow which embraces all the benefits of our digital age, and will ensure they survive, and thrive, into the future.Yves Roussange Yves Roussange, founder and CEO of Soltect, points to the dramatic culture change in our industry driven by digital innovation and the impacts of global shifts, saying it is critical for print and graphic communications businesses to move from a traditional manufacturing mindset, to a technology mindset. “We live in a different world today from a decade ago. For businesses to keep up with this transformation, they need to not only continue to invest in equipment and systems, but to foster a completely new way of thinking about their workflow and their business – to completely change their business DNA, if you like.” PacPrint visitors who will be coming to the show to look for new systems and equipment should, he says, also consider how any new investments will fit together, with the goal being a totally integrated and streamlined system which takes advantage of automation and two-way, digital communications technologies to absolutely maximise efficiency, productivity and profitability.“What businesses need to be thinking about – particularly if they are looking at new investments, but also if they are just seeking to maximise the value of their current investments – is how much they are losing in terms of time and efficiency by not designing the right business architecture…and how much that is already costing their business, every day.”As the adage says, ‘time is money’, and Roussange says many businesses are unaware of just how much time – and, consequently, profit – is being wasted simply because their workflow is not optimised.“Many work flows are assembled piece by piece as businesses grow,” he says. “But like a jigsaw puzzle, if you don’t take time to step back and identify where pieces are missing, and work to fill the gaps and connect each piece to the other, you can’t enjoy the full benefit of the complete picture.”As well as allowing businesses to correct more easily identifiable workflow interruptions and bottlenecks, Soltect finds many businesses have more subtle and fundamental workflow interruptions and disconnects, and far too many touchpoints in their production process. “This has been highlighted during the pandemic, when staff absences caused production delays and even closures for some businesses,” Roussange comments. “For our customers who were working with us to increase automation, however, the benefits of reduced reliance on manual processing were immediately evident. It allowed them to minimise disruption and keep the presses running.“You don’t need a pandemic to be able to benefit, though – most businesses can identify and recoup wasted time and profits, but success does not come out of a box; you have to redesign the architecture of the business.”This starts right from the very first interaction, and Soltect will be launching a new, cloud-based customer interface at PacPrint, which Roussange says is easy, affordable and intuitive, helping to educate customers and giving them the tools they need to take full advantage of automation. With the recent Federal Budget providing significant incentives for this type of investment – in fact, businesses can claim 120% of their monthly investment for eligible cloud computing solutions, Roussange says it’s really a ”no-brainer”.Sitting behind new customer interface is Soltects suite of software products, including Enfocus Switch for workflow automation, PitStop PDF pre-flight software and ConnectALL advanced PDF Pre-flighting delivery tool, as well as Callas PDF pre-flighting and template building solutions, Ultimate Impostrip imposition...Read More. . .

Leading industry supplier Roland DG is one of the most prominent supporters of PacPrint 2022, taking out the Platinum Sponsorship for the event. The company has now revealed its updated plans for the show, saying the new 2022 dates will allow it to showcase an even larger range of new products, many of which will be shown for the first time at an industry trade show. Greg Stone, Product & Marketing Manager for Roland DG, says the display will be one of its most comprehensive, with the company looking forward to showcasing its solutions ‘in-person’ at the first industry show in more than three years.“Roland DG is looking to make as much impact as possible at PacPrint, with a range of exciting new equipment on display including some products never before seen in Australia,” he says.The VG3 series - model VG3-640 pictured - all in one solution can transform businesses. “A real drawcard will be the newly released next generation TrueVIS printer cutters, offering the best print and cut performance ever. TrueVIS is the all-in-one solution that has transformed thousands of businesses worldwide, and is now entering a new stage of evolution for the digital age. The professional VG3 Series and the value-packed SG3 Series have been designed to offer unrivalled print quality, increased efficiency and an enhanced user experience.”For creative minded people looking to start their own graphics business, Stone says the BN-20 and BN-20A printer cutters are perfect for prints, posters and stickers and producing on-demand, heat transfer custom graphics for t-shirts, hoodies, bags and many more popular and profitable items. “This is the solution for businesses who want to print, cut, and create super high-quality graphics…without the super high price tag,” he says.The fast, accurate IU-1000F UV-LED flatbed printer. For peak performance and unlimited printing possibilities, the company will be showcasing the IU-1000F UV-LED flatbed printer. “The IU-1000F delivers the speed, super-accurate colour reproduction and creative print expression that customers demand, on demand,” Stone says. “It is the winning choice for a host of profitable applications including signs, exhibition graphics, interior décor, backlit displays, canvas wall art and more.” For those who want UV print and cut that doesn’t compromise on colour or quality, the VersaUV LEC2-330 and LEC2-640 will be demonstrated, showing how this leading technology takes UV print and cut ‘to another level’.“With these solutions, businesses can create realistic packaging mock-ups, premium labels, stunning signs, exquisite point of sale displays, specialty graphics, and much more,” Stone says. “For visitors considering diversifying into the growing direct-to-garment market, or expanding their current production, the XT-640S-DTG turns up the volume on t-shirts, apparel, and fabric accessory printing without the high industrial price tag,” Stone adds.“This multi-station, direct-to-garment printer delivers productivity, versatility and flexibility, allowing customers to print t-shirts on demand, as well as large, unique items to expand their products and profitability.”Visitors who are looking to discover new revenue streams, target new customers, and increase profitability will also find plenty of innovative options on the Roland DG stand, with Stone pointing to the LEC2 S-Series UV flatbed printers, unique devices that provide both direct-to-product customisation and direct printing on flexible and rigid materials. The VersaUV LEC2 330-640- print and cut solutions will be featured on the Roland DG stand.“This easy-to-use, multi-functional device can output an almost unlimited range of custom graphics from customised signs, merchandise, to packaging, displays, and so many more applications,” he says.Just as impressive as the lineup of products on the Roland DG stand will be the range of value-added services that businesses can receive, to help them get the most from your investment including Roland Academy training, Roland DG...Read More. . .

More than two years in the making, PacPrint 2022 will be the first opportunity for Spicers to showcase its huge selection of leading brands, in-person – and the company is promising its PacPrint stand will be the ‘ultimate pit stop for signage, print and packaging’. Environs - the new Spicers Sustainability Pack - will be a feature at PacPrint.  The show, which opens its doors on 28 June in Melbourne, will also be an opportunity for Spicers’ customers to see the collaborative approach the supplier values, with the company bringing some of its key suppliers to meet industry businesses and key decision makers.Spicers is a leading supplier of quality materials, equipment and solutions to the commercial print, labelling, packaging, signage, visual display, dye sublimation and architectural industries, and the company will be bringing solutions for all those sectors to the Melbourne show.“Spicers will be launching Environs, our new Spicers Sustainability Pack, and introducing new brands, products and hardware at PacPrint,” says Wayne Hood - Spicers Sign & Display Portfolio Manager. “It is exciting for Spicers to showcase our full portfolio including coated, uncoated, specialty, self-adhesive and synthetic stocks for commercial print and digital media and a range of high quality packaging grades ideal for specific requirements from grease-resistant, fridge safe, freezer safe and direct food contact safe products.“There will also be a huge range of sign and display consumables to explore, from Ace Screenboard and Ace Outdoor, to Corflute and Re-Board. Visitors will also be able to see live vehicle wrap demos featuring the 3M 2080 Wrap Film, the new 3M IJ 280 print wrap film, and the super-fast, labour-saving RollsRoller flatbed applicator, and chat to our product specialists about all these options, as well as a host of new hardware.”A highlight is sure to be the Green Spotlights, a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions selected from the entire Spicers portfolio, to highlight important environmental product features and benefits.  “We’re inviting visitors to come onto the stand and collect a range of samples from our commercial print, labelling, signage, visual display, dye sublimation and architectural range so they can really see, touch and feel the world of solutions Spicers can offer,” Hood adds.Visit Spicers at PacPrint on Stand G02 at PacPrint, which will co-locate with the Visual Impact Expo and the Label & Packaging Expo, from 28 June to 1 July at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Click here to register for the show, or go to www.pacprint.com.au for more information.Read More. . .

The broad expertise of Starleaton in print and a host of other sectors will be on show at PacPrint with industry businesses set to benefit from sustainable solutions that represent world’s best practice in advanced manufacturing.Ben Eaton & Dale Hawkins from Starleaton The company, which not only services print, sign, display and related industries but the wider advanced manufacturing sector including defence, bio-medical, mining, aerospace, renewables and more, will be showcasing a wide range of systems, equipment and media at PacPrint.According to Marketing Manager, Ines Eaton, sustainability is perhaps the most vital driver for businesses into the future, both in terms of environmental performance and also profitable business performance.“Ongoing economic and social challenges are creating immediate needs for businesses to streamline their production to maximise profitability, while the broader environmental context is driving demand for more ecologically sound solutions,” Eaton says. “On the Starleaton stand at PacPrint, visitors will be able to see how these priorities can be achieved hand-in-hand.”The key, Eaton says, is to help businesses become less reliant on external systems and suppliers by taking advantage of automation and in-house micro-factories to increase independence and protect operational continuity.“The ability to withstand disruptions is key, and we will be talking to business owners about how they can create sustainable systems – like those used in the world’s most technologically advanced industries – which will allow them to efficiently manage their resources and maintain continuity, even in the face of external challenges and internal pressures.The SureColor R5000 is just one of the state-of-the-art Epson printers which PacPrint visitors can see in action on the Starleaton stand. “Coupled with that will be the chance to see some of the most advanced and efficient systems and equipment, and a host of sustainable media and materials. Among the latest-release systems on show at PacPrint will be Zund cutting systems and software, Neschen laminating machines, imaging devices including Canon Colorado and Epson wide-format printers, plus an extensive range of media.“We’ll be demonstrating cutting and routing on leading Zund cutting systems, on a wide range of materials including rolled material and Brett Martin rigid substrates, and showing visitors how Zund’s advanced software systems can tie all production elements into a smart, automated print-and-cut workflow,” Eaton says.“These will be complemented by a range of outstanding imaging options with demonstrations planned on a range of Epson wide-format printers including the new resin ink R5000, the UV Flatbed V7000 and the popular S80600 , all of which provide unique advantages for sign and display work.The exciting and sustainable Easy Dot system will be a highlight of the Starleaton stand. “The Epson P-series printers will also be showcased, illustrating the hugely exciting new Easy Dot PP WB film which has been specially designed for water-based inks and HP Indigo digital presses with a special coating that ensures instant drying. Again, it’s a fantastic, sustainable option with results that need to be seen to be believed.”Visitors can also see the incredibly versatile 64” roll-to-roll Canon Colarado 1650 UV-gel printer which produces scratch-resistant, odourless prints with razor-sharp images and outstanding colour, on an impressive range of media.“We will also offer finishing systems, such as the Neschen ColdLam 1650 laminator, which is an ideal solution for mounting and laminating applications up to 1650mm wide, leveraging Neschen's nearly 50 years of expertise in lamination.”As visitors would expect from Starleaton, media will also be a highlight of the company’s showcase and Eaton says sustainability will be a key focus.“PVC-free media will be a big focus for us this year, and visitors can expect to see some of the latest advances and options from 3M and Neschen on stand, including the...Read More. . .

Graph-Pak, a trusted source of systems and consumables for laminating, printing, packaging and converting since 2006, will bring a range of ‘blue chip’ systems to its PacPrint stand, representing manufacturers including APR, D&K, Rollem USA and Busch.Tom Ralph, founder and Managing Director of Graph-Pak, says the company is looking forward to the opportunity to bring the market up to date with the latest releases from its principals – and to reconnect with businesses as they look to re-equip for the future.“During the pandemic, our partners have continued to evolve, develop and expand their ranges of equipment, systems and consumables,” Ralph says, “and we are delighted to be bringing many of those new releases to the show for industry businesses to see, first-hand, including box gluers, taping, laminating, banding and die-cutting solutions.”In a particularly exciting development, APR Solutions will be launched to the Oceania market at PacPrint, bringing a team of product experts to talk to visitors about its market-leading solutions including the Box Plus 2 compact hybrid folder gluer and three ATHOS taping machines ideal for packaging and e-commerce operations.“The Box Plus 2 is a fully-automatic machine for folding and gluing straight boxes and crash-lock bottom boxes and more,” Ralph explains. “With three-point gluing, it can also be configured to handle envelopes, DVD wallets, folders, inserting paper and plastic cards, applying double-sided tape and tear tape, and more, making it a very versatile and profitable addition to any packaging operation.”The APR Box Plus 2 is an exciting addition to Graph-Pak's PacPrint showcase.APR industrial tape application solutions on show will include the semi-automatic Athos which can apply tapes including TNT and PVC, to banner, acrylic, transfer, foams up to 3mm, Rissband and also tape VHB for automotive applications, to a huge range of supports, from paper and corrugated cardboard, to acrylic, PVC and plastic, and even wood and aluminium.“The Mini Athos as its name suggests, a smaller model which is cost-effective and versatile entry-level solution to apply double-sided tapes including banner tapes, PVC, TNT, acrylic and transfer,” Ralph explains, “while the Athos Plus is a higher-volume, higher-speed option which efficiently applies double-sided, acrylic, foam, PVC and eTear tapes to any type of paper, cardboard, profiles, wood and aluminium. “With a removable, fully-automatic feeder, it’s ideal for even the longest runs of products from labels to bank notes, and still flexible enough to handle niche or multi-layered custom jobs by simply swapping to manual feed.”Graph-Pak will also showcase D&K lamination solutions including the Europa B2 system, based on the successful Jupiter range, and Neptune B3 model.The D&K Europa will be on show at PacPrint. “These compact and fully-automated models offer smooth, trouble-free processing of a wide range of sheet weights, with fully-automated operation, compact footprints and easy, PLC-controlled operation,” Ralph explains.“The Europa is ideal for digital or litho output with a high-pile feeder to maximise efficiency on longer-run work, while the speedy Neptune runs at up to 15 m/min for B3 work. Users can also choose to add features including extended feed tables or a rewind unit for foiling, to further extend flexibility.”Digital, offset or label printers looking for a profitable die-cutting solution, won’t want to miss the innovative Insignia IS7H rotary die-cutter from Rollem USA, which features a maximum sheet size of 61 x 76cm and cutting thickness of 0.61mm.“The Insignia IS7H uses flexible dies which clip into place and are pulled into position using magnets as the cylinder is rotated, then released easily by simply reducing the strength of the magnetic field,” Ralph explains. “This reduces makeready and changeover times to minutes, rather than hours, making this a highly profitable solution for...Read More. . .

While equipment and systems take centre stage at PacPrint, systems architect Soltect is encouraging attendees to take the chance to ‘think big’ and design the kind of seamless and efficient workflow which embraces all the benefits of our digital age, and will ensure they survive, and thrive, into the future. Yves Roussange, founder and CEO of Soltect, points to the dramatic culture change in our industry driven by digital innovation and the impacts of global shifts, saying it is critical for print and graphic communications businesses to move from a traditional manufacturing mindset, to a technology mindset. “We live in a different world today from a decade ago. For businesses to keep up with this transformation, they need to not only continue to invest in equipment and systems, but to foster a completely new way of thinking about their workflow and their business – to completely change their business DNA, if you like.” PacPrint visitors who will be coming to the show to look for new systems and equipment should, he says, also consider how any new investments will fit together, with the goal being a totally integrated and streamlined system which takes advantage of automation and two-way, digital communications technologies to absolutely maximise efficiency, productivity and profitability.“What businesses need to be thinking about – particularly if they are looking at new investments, but also if they are just seeking to maximise the value of their current investments – is how much they are losing in terms of time and efficiency by not designing the right business architecture…and how much that is already costing their business, every day.”As the adage says, ‘time is money’, and Roussange says many businesses are unaware of just how much time – and, consequently, profit – is being wasted simply because their workflow is not optimised.“Many work flows are assembled piece by piece as businesses grow,” he says. “But like a jigsaw puzzle, if you don’t take time to step back and identify where pieces are missing, and work to fill the gaps and connect each piece to the other, you can’t enjoy the full benefit of the complete picture.”As well as allowing businesses to correct more easily identifiable workflow interruptions and bottlenecks, Soltect finds many businesses have more subtle and fundamental workflow interruptions and disconnects, and far too many touchpoints in their production process. “This has been highlighted during the pandemic, when staff absences caused production delays and even closures for some businesses,” Roussange comments. “For our customers who were working with us to increase automation, however, the benefits of reduced reliance on manual processing were immediately evident. It allowed them to minimise disruption and keep the presses running. “You don’t need a pandemic to be able to benefit, though – most businesses can identify and recoup wasted time and profits, but success does not come out of a box; you have to redesign the architecture of the business.”This starts right from the very first interaction, and Soltect will be launching a new, cloud-based customer interface at PacPrint, which Roussange says is easy, affordable and intuitive, helping to educate customers and giving them the tools they need to take full advantage of automation. With the recent Federal Budget providing significant incentives for this type of investment – in fact, businesses can claim 120% of their monthly investment for eligible cloud computing solutions, Roussange says it’s really a ”no-brainer”.Sitting behind new customer interface is Soltects suite of software products, including Enfocus Switch for workflow automation, PitStop PDF pre-flight software and ConnectALL advanced PDF Pre-flighting delivery tool, as well as Callas PDF pre-flighting and template building solutions, Ultimate Impostrip imposition...Read More. . .

The past 12 months has been one of intensive modernisation for Currie Group under the guiding hand of new CEO Rob Mesaros. Now, the company is preparing to unveil a new look and feel at PacPrint, to reflect the transformation within. Mesaros, who took over the top job in early 2021, has been clear about his intentions from the start, with intensive efforts behind the scenes to redesign the systems, tools and processes which allow Currie Group to remain agile and responsive into the future. Now, that modernisation strategy is paying dividends, with the company not only maintaining its team and its dominant market position over the past 12 months, but acquiring some significant new brands to its product stable and, most recently, introducing its own refreshed brand identity, which PacPrint visitors will be among the first to see. “The 2022 timeslot has proven to be ideal for us, as we can have a genuine unveiling of our new look, feel and approach, showcasing in a very resolved and complete way, just how we have evolved as a company,” Mesaros says. For a start, he says, the stand will be quite a visual departure from what’s been done in the past, not only due to the fresh branding but also a more solutions-based approach. “Our aim at PacPrint is to put a very strong focus on applications, showing visitors what is possible in a very tangible way, then working with them to explore how they can make those possibilities a reality in their own business,” he explains. While this will mean a little bit less ‘heavy metal’ on stand, the company will be running live demonstrations on an impressive selection of technologies within specially-designed engagement spaces, including the much-anticipated HP Indigo 100K Digital Press, the very latest in grand-format technology from new partner EFI, plenty of options for finishing and 3D printing, and some revolutionary label and packaging solutions.  The HP Indigo 100K Digital press is expected to be a highlight of the stand. “The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press is expected to be a real highlight of the stand, representing the latest evolution of what has become the benchmark for high quality digital presses,” Mesaros says, adding that the press will be demonstrated live, as will its stablemate, the HP Indigo 7K Digital Press.  While the 7K model will be familiar to many, the new 100K – being hailed as a ‘breakthrough’ press with true, non-stop print capability – is totally new to the A/NZ market.  “This press can not only boost margins on short runs, but also help businesses tap into new digital markets to secure long-term business gains,” Mesaros says. “It’s already generating a huge amount of interest with a couple of orders even placed ahead of it’s release, so we’re really looking forward to demonstrating it at PacPrint.” efi Pro 30h featuring two rolls Other highlights will include the market introduction of the new EFI Pro 30h – a 3.2-meter hybrid flatbed/roll-fed LED entry-level production printer which will be supported by an extensive showcase of wide format applications for sign & display. “This machine can print to a diverse array of substrates, both rigid and flexible, using environmentally-friendly LED imaging technology to produce superior image quality, helping businesses extend their capabilities into the sign and display space with a versatile, productive machine at a very attractive price point,” Mesaros says. For label printers, the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press will be a drawcard. In the label and packaging space, an HP Indigo 6K Digital Press with its established credentials in high-speed digital label and packaging production, will be joined...Read More. . .

Kyocera Australia is exhibiting for the first time ever at PacPrint in June, bringing a ‘game-changing’ affordable and sustainable inkjet solution – plus a full team of sales, product and technical specialists – to the Melbourne show. Kyocera is already well known in this part of the world for its MFP solutions, which have earned it a high market share in the government and corporate printing markets. Now, the company is taking the opportunity provided by PacPrint to showcase its commercial production solutions at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Skipp Humphreys, National Sales Specialist for Kyocera, says the company’s showcase will centre on the new TASKalfa Pro 15000c press, a revolutionary system which reflects the company’s wealth of experience in cut-sheet and roll-fed inkjet printing. “The TASKalfa Pro 15000c uses patented inkjet head technology which has been proven in use on many other systems from a range of manufacturers, and ticks all the boxes when it comes to productivity and quality – producing up to one million A4 impressions a month, or more than 150 A4 impressions a minute, at 600dpi.” “The TASKalfa Pro 15000c is a unique inkjet solution which fills a real gap in the production printing market by providing a cost-effective, full-colour printing solution for short-run, cut-sheet applications on uncoated stocks,” Humphreys explains. “This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, like short-run transactional print, small scale publishing runs, exams and manuals, forms and direct mail; where versatility, cost-effectiveness and sustainability are key – and where coated stocks or ultra-high resolution are redundant.” Humphreys says a lot of print service providers, even those who currently run digital presses, are being squeezed on price for this type of work, as the traditional pricing structure for digital simply doesn’t allow enough flexibility to sustain previous margins.  The TASKalfa Pro 15000c is a ‘game changer’ in this situation, because it’s been designed to allow printers to not only meet a wide range of demands…but to profit from this type of work.  “This cut sheet inkjet printing solution is ideal for everyone from small to medium sized mailing houses and publishers; corporates, schools and universities; and printers who may either be looking to complement existing digital presses or eliminate the need for overprinting of offset shells,” Humphreys says.  “Most importantly, Kyocera provides a choice at installation of an ‘ink-in’ or ‘ink-out’ pricing model. Typical digital models have set, all-inclusive cost-per-impression for SRA3 or A4 sheets, which includes parts, service and ink – what we call the ‘ink-in’ model. “Where Kyocera differs is that users can opt to leave ‘ink-out’ of this initial cost calculation, paying a very small base rate per impression to which the actual cost of the ink used for the job is added. “Particularly for businesses which produce a lot of work with low ink coverage, this can save up to 50% on impression costs for the customer, and give the print service provider a competitive pricing advantage while ensuring healthy profit margins,” Humphreys says. Further to these benefits, Humphreys says the TASKalfa Pro 15000c meets sustainability criteria, making it truly a press for the future.  “At Kyocera, we are very conscious of the need to maximise sustainability for the long-term future of our planet. These machines have been designed to minimise power consumption and deliver exceptional energy efficiency for their speed by utilising features such as achieving an ambient ink drying temperature of only 65 degrees Celsius.” This is proving vital in many countries which are now facing power supply and continuity issues, but Humphreys says even in this part of the world where...Read More. . .