Agfa announces new Ardeco high-end soft signage printer
The Ardeco has a maximum print width of 3.2m and comes in a choice of either a 12 or 8 Ricoh Gen4 printhead configuration. The 4-colour, 7-picolitre printer has a top speed of 137 sqm per hour for a 12-head configuration in 2-pass mode, and 90-95 sqm per hour in 3-pass mode, and prints at 600 x 600 dpi in all print modes. With in-built calendaring, no additional fixation or finishing is required, and the printer comes with the option of inline cold-knife cutting. The printer is aimed at those producing backlit displays, flags and general displays on polyester-based fabrics. “The dye is fixed through contact with the heated drum. The heating of the drum is done through an infrared lamp so we manage an incredible consistency across the 3.2m,” said Tim Van Den Bossche, vice president, global marketing and strategy. He added: “It’s definitely a growing market, and it’s our ambition to become a key player here.” The Ardeco is available for shipping immediately and will be on show for the first time at the AGI Congress London in September. New launches form Agfa shown at Fespa last week included Anapurna M3200RTR 3.2m and Anapurna M2500 2.5m UV-curable printers, and the latest addition to the Jeti series, the Jeti Titan X UV printer. Also showcased were the new Asanti StoreFront and Asanti Production sign and display workflow packages....
read moreCWU agree not to boycott, but the fight goes on
The union, which was due to meet Royal Mail today (28 June) in the High Court, said it had accepted its lawyers’ advice that it would be illegal to boycott access mail on the back of the consultative ballot alone. A legal agreement had been reached, however “the fight goes on”, the CWU said. The ballot of 112,000 union members last month was held over alleged unfair competition from the likes of TNT and working conditions. The vote, on a 74% turnout, resulted in a 92% “yes” vote to the question ‘do you support the boycott of competitors’ mail?’ A CWU spokeswoman said: “Royal Mail has suggested there will be never be action but that’s not our understanding of the wording of the legal agreement. We will not take action on the consultative ballot but will explore other options. We may go for an industrial action ballot.” She said the finer legal points on acting on a consultative ballot were highly complex, made more so by the unique nature of the dispute. “Boycotting third-party mail has not been done before, but if we do want to take that route we have a great deal of support – 92%. “At this stage we are not saying anything definite,” she added. “An industrial action ballot could be for a strike or action short of a strike – there is a particular legal process to go through. But this is much further down the line; we’re not ruling anything in or anything out.” CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: “We have accepted the advice of lawyers that it would not be legal to take action on boycotting competitors’ mail on the basis of the consultative ballot result alone. We are now considering how this action could be taken. “In the meantime Royal Mail must explain to its workforce how they are going to protect revenue, jobs and terms and conditions when they have abjectly failed to tackle this issue. The government and regulator are sleepwalking into a disaster waiting to happen.” Royal Mail said it had received “legally binding undertakings” through the High Court from the union not to induce its members to refuse to handle access mail. Letters and parcels delivered under downstream access contracts accounted for around half of the daily post bag, it said. “CWU held a consultative ballot to seek its members’ view on a number of issues including a threatened boycott of access mail. Furthermore we believe any action against access mail delivery would be unlawful. “We are satisfied that Ofcom has put in place a framework sufficient to protect Royal Mail and the universal service from the impact of direct delivery competition.” Managing director for consumer and network access Stephen Agar said: “We need to deliver every item of mail that arrives in our network as the law requires. As a business or as an employee, we cannot be selective and treat one piece of mail any differently from any other.”...
read moreCWU agree not to boycott, but the fight goes on
The union, which was due to meet Royal Mail today (28 June) in the High Court, said it had accepted its lawyers’ advice that it would be illegal to boycott access mail on the back of the consultative ballot alone. A legal agreement had been reached, however “the fight goes on”, the CWU said. The ballot of 112,000 union members last month was held over alleged unfair competition from the likes of TNT and working conditions. The vote, on a 74% turnout, resulted in a 92% “yes” vote to the question ‘do you support the boycott of competitors’ mail?’ A CWU spokeswoman said: “Royal Mail has suggested there will be never be action but that’s not our understanding of the wording of the legal agreement. We will not take action on the consultative ballot but will explore other options. We may go for an industrial action ballot.” She said the finer legal points on acting on a consultative ballot were highly complex, made more so by the unique nature of the dispute. “Boycotting third-party mail has not been done before, but if we do want to take that route we have a great deal of support – 92%. “At this stage we are not saying anything definite,” she added. “An industrial action ballot could be for a strike or action short of a strike – there is a particular legal process to go through. But this is much further down the line; we’re not ruling anything in or anything out.” CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: “We have accepted the advice of lawyers that it would not be legal to take action on boycotting competitors’ mail on the basis of the consultative ballot result alone. We are now considering how this action could be taken. “In the meantime Royal Mail must explain to its workforce how they are going to protect revenue, jobs and terms and conditions when they have abjectly failed to tackle this issue. The government and regulator are sleepwalking into a disaster waiting to happen.” Royal Mail said it had received “legally binding undertakings” through the High Court from the union not to induce its members to refuse to handle access mail. Letters and parcels delivered under downstream access contracts accounted for around half of the daily post bag, it said. “CWU held a consultative ballot to seek its members’ view on a number of issues including a threatened boycott of access mail. Furthermore we believe any action against access mail delivery would be unlawful. “We are satisfied that Ofcom has put in place a framework sufficient to protect Royal Mail and the universal service from the impact of direct delivery competition.” Managing director for consumer and network access Stephen Agar said: “We need to deliver every item of mail that arrives in our network as the law requires. As a business or as an employee, we cannot be selective and treat one piece of mail any differently from any other.”...
read moreWhat Can the Center for Technology and Research Do for You?
Where would we be today without technology and innovation? We’ve seen new technologies in areas like workflow automation, high-speed inkjet, and intelligent mail that provide industry members with expanded opportunities. Printing Industries of America has a dedicated team that stays on top of advancing technologies and how they will likely impact the future of our industry. What began with the Lithographic Technical Foundation (LTF), which became the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), has grown into the Center for Technology and Research. Members of the printing and graphic arts community recognize us as the trusted source for technical information, testing services, publications, expert training, and consultation. So what can the Center for Technology and Research do for you? Take a look at some of the benefits we offer that make your organization more profitable and efficient. Contract Research, Consulting, and Custom Training We have solutions for your unique issues. When your company needs testing to solve a production issue, we create a customized research plan. Consultation services provide an unbiased assessment of your company’s performance. Our custom training programs give your employees the training they need when and where they need it. Lab Services, Process Controls, and Product Testing Do you need to implement materials quality control? Do you have a print problem leaving you stumped? We’re one of the few places in the world with the expertise and equipment to diagnose and analyze it for you. We also design and sell devices such color bars, test forms, and light indicators to improve your control of print production. Finally, we routinely test paper, ink, and other materials on press to help suppliers improve their products. Technical Hotline Speaking of “calling upon” experts, with our Tech Hotline, just pick up the phone and dial a technical expert! This is a free member service. We’ve helped with thousands of issues, so call our Technical Consultant, Dillon Mooney, at 1-800-910-4283, ext 786. Simulators This one-of-a-kind press training simulation software recreates press operations which schools and companies can use as a practice press. It exposes trainees to a variety of printing conditions and problems, provides a “hands on” component to a training class, and can also be used to assess an individual’s skill level. InterTech Technology Award Has your company developed an innovation that you expect to have a significant impact on the industry? The InterTech™ Technology Awards have honored the development of technologies predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. More than 80% of technologies that receive an award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace. Automation and JDF We have solutions and best practices for implementing automation in your facility, regardless of its size. Our JDF certification gives you the confidence that the products will operate in your workflow and derive the benefits of automation. More Free Resources We provide many free resources, such as our MIS and Mailing surveys, free webinars and reports, our Tech Alert newsletter that provides solutions and insights for your technical needs, and also a production manager listserv for both our staff and your peers to help solve your problems. The Center for Technology and Research is a part of our company headquarters near Pittsburgh, PA, where we have a state-of-the-art research and printing facility. Our experts share decades of experience...
read moreWhat Can the Center for Technology and Research Do for You?
Where would we be today without technology and innovation? We’ve seen new technologies in areas like workflow automation, high-speed inkjet, and intelligent mail that provide industry members with expanded opportunities. Printing Industries of America has a dedicated team that stays on top of advancing technologies and how they will likely impact the future of our industry. What began with the Lithographic Technical Foundation (LTF), which became the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), has grown into the Center for Technology and Research. Members of the printing and graphic arts community recognize us as the trusted source for technical information, testing services, publications, expert training, and consultation. So what can the Center for Technology and Research do for you? Take a look at some of the benefits we offer that make your organization more profitable and efficient. Contract Research, Consulting, and Custom Training We have solutions for your unique issues. When your company needs testing to solve a production issue, we create a customized research plan. Consultation services provide an unbiased assessment of your company’s performance. Our custom training programs give your employees the training they need when and where they need it. Lab Services, Process Controls, and Product Testing Do you need to implement materials quality control? Do you have a print problem leaving you stumped? We’re one of the few places in the world with the expertise and equipment to diagnose and analyze it for you. We also design and sell devices such color bars, test forms, and light indicators to improve your control of print production. Finally, we routinely test paper, ink, and other materials on press to help suppliers improve their products. Technical Hotline Speaking of “calling upon” experts, with our Tech Hotline, just pick up the phone and dial a technical expert! This is a free member service. We’ve helped with thousands of issues, so call our Technical Consultant, Dillon Mooney, at 1-800-910-4283, ext 786. Simulators This one-of-a-kind press training simulation software recreates press operations which schools and companies can use as a practice press. It exposes trainees to a variety of printing conditions and problems, provides a “hands on” component to a training class, and can also be used to assess an individual’s skill level. InterTech Technology Award Has your company developed an innovation that you expect to have a significant impact on the industry? The InterTech™ Technology Awards have honored the development of technologies predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. More than 80% of technologies that receive an award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace. Automation and JDF We have solutions and best practices for implementing automation in your facility, regardless of its size. Our JDF certification gives you the confidence that the products will operate in your workflow and derive the benefits of automation. More Free Resources We provide many free resources, such as our MIS and Mailing surveys, free webinars and reports, our Tech Alert newsletter that provides solutions and insights for your technical needs, and also a production manager listserv for both our staff and your peers to help solve your problems. The Center for Technology and Research is a part of our company headquarters near Pittsburgh, PA, where we have a state-of-the-art research and printing facility. Our experts share decades of experience...
read moreCanon showcases ‘fine-tuned’ Océ ColorWave 900
Co-developed with Memjet and originally presented as a concept (Project Velocity) at Drupa 2012, the device has since been fine-tuned, according to Canon, which claimed it “closes the gap between digital inkjet and offset technology”. The ColorWave 900 uses Memjet printheads and has a print resolution of 1600dpi. It is able to deliver 3.4bn 1.2picolitre ink droplets per second, with a maximum print speed of 1,100m2/h. The ColorWave 900 is more than four times as fast as Océ’s next quickest wide-format printer, the ColorWave 650. The device has a 42in (106cm) print width and the capacity for six 200m media rolls, giving it a total input capacity of 1,200m. According to the manufacturer the ColorWave will suit point-of-sale, exhibition and trade show displays, floor displays and technical drawings and maps. European production print group director, display graphic systems, Bart Geraads said the device put print service providers “at the “vanguard of wide format printing”. The ColorWave 900 is available to order now with delivery by the end of the year....
read moreMPG saga enters final phase
David Gilbert and Simon Girling from BDO were appointed as joint administrators yesterday (26 June). The 267-employee business had been in a state of limbo for more than a month. Attempts by its management to rescue the business via a CVA deal crumbled last week. The formal move into administration will at least mean that employees who were also left up in the air will now have the necessary legal formalities to claim redundancy and other payments from the state. BDO is now attempting to sell the company’s assets in situ, according to a statement from Girling, who said: “Regrettably, it has not been possible for MPG Printgroup to avoid administration, nor to preserve the business as a going concern. “Our objective as administrators will be to secure sales of its state of the art printing equipment, ideally in-situ, and to maximise recoveries for the Company’s creditors. Suppliers or customers with any queries should contact my team for further information.” Any hopes of resurrecting the business appear slight. Gerald White, managing director at book printer Berforts, described the five-week delay since the group effectively ceased trading as “the biggest cock-up since the Titanic went down”. “There are no customers, and no staff. I can’t see how there’s any business left. If they’d tried to sell it in the first week maybe there’d have been a chance, but there’s no chance now,” White said. PrintWeek understands there is interest in the King’s Lynn equipment, and that a deal could be done by the end of the week. CPI, St Ives and Berforts have been mooted as possible buyers for some of MPG’s kit. Most of the group’s newest equipment is owned by finance providers. MPG had sites in Bodmin, Cambridge and King’s Lynn. It appears that the group, which had turnover of circa £24m, over-extended after embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that included a major investment in digital production kit from HP, Kodak, Timsons and Kolbus at King’s Lynn and a new site in Cambridge set up on the back of a deal with Cambridge University Press....
read moreCanon showcases ‘fine-tuned’ Océ ColorWave 900
Co-developed with Memjet and originally presented as a concept (Project Velocity) at Drupa 2012, the device has since been fine-tuned, according to Canon, which claimed it “closes the gap between digital inkjet and offset technology”. The ColorWave 900 uses Memjet printheads and has a print resolution of 1600dpi. It is able to deliver 3.4bn 1.2picolitre ink droplets per second, with a maximum print speed of 1,100m2/h. The ColorWave 900 is more than four times as fast as Océ’s next quickest wide-format printer, the ColorWave 650. The device has a 42in (106cm) print width and the capacity for six 200m media rolls, giving it a total input capacity of 1,200m. According to the manufacturer the ColorWave will suit point-of-sale, exhibition and trade show displays, floor displays and technical drawings and maps. European production print group director, display graphic systems, Bart Geraads said the device put print service providers “at the “vanguard of wide format printing”. The ColorWave 900 is available to order now with delivery by the end of the year....
read moreMPG saga enters final phase
David Gilbert and Simon Girling from BDO were appointed as joint administrators yesterday (26 June). The 267-employee business had been in a state of limbo for more than a month. Attempts by its management to rescue the business via a CVA deal crumbled last week. The formal move into administration will at least mean that employees who were also left up in the air will now have the necessary legal formalities to claim redundancy and other payments from the state. BDO is now attempting to sell the company’s assets in situ, according to a statement from Girling, who said: “Regrettably, it has not been possible for MPG Printgroup to avoid administration, nor to preserve the business as a going concern. “Our objective as administrators will be to secure sales of its state of the art printing equipment, ideally in-situ, and to maximise recoveries for the Company’s creditors. Suppliers or customers with any queries should contact my team for further information.” Any hopes of resurrecting the business appear slight. Gerald White, managing director at book printer Berforts, described the five-week delay since the group effectively ceased trading as “the biggest cock-up since the Titanic went down”. “There are no customers, and no staff. I can’t see how there’s any business left. If they’d tried to sell it in the first week maybe there’d have been a chance, but there’s no chance now,” White said. PrintWeek understands there is interest in the King’s Lynn equipment, and that a deal could be done by the end of the week. CPI, St Ives and Berforts have been mooted as possible buyers for some of MPG’s kit. Most of the group’s newest equipment is owned by finance providers. MPG had sites in Bodmin, Cambridge and King’s Lynn. It appears that the group, which had turnover of circa £24m, over-extended after embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that included a major investment in digital production kit from HP, Kodak, Timsons and Kolbus at King’s Lynn and a new site in Cambridge set up on the back of a deal with Cambridge University Press....
read moreLiaison scoops top prize at the IPIA awards
IPIA members vote in four categories – best trade manufacturer, print manager/distributor, associate, personality of the year (all winners are listed below). Intermarketing Agency managing partner Jamie Allan said the award showed his team’s consistency in “expertise, passion and service”. Marketing manager Alison Reid said: “Clients and suppliers vote for winners: it’s a very good accolade. You might say it’s a given we always make sure clients are happy with our work, but sometimes in the agency world it can get so hectic that one doesn’t necessarily invite feedback. We do it on an ongoing basis.” Liaison’s team in Headingley, Leeds, includes account manager Alicia Rawlings, account executive Matt Halligan, head of print Tom Priestley, account executive Sophie Hepton, and production director Andy Barker. It forms part of 55-staff Intermarketing Agency, which offers printing services, print management, creative work and social media for clients including charities and brands such as Adidas and Jet2.com. IPIA chief executive said Andrew Pearce said: “I know from previous winners, the award has helped secure further work, so from a business development perspective this is useful. It is also a moment to stop and feel good about yourself.” Judges for the category were looking for companies that foster close working relationships, use innovation and consistently win new business. Teams should demostrate clarity of paper work, professional and technical knowledge. The IPIA brings together print managers, print distributors, trade manufacturers, material suppliers and associated service providers and helps members develop their businesses through advice and training. Other award winners were: Best Trade Manufacturer Sponsored by: Cyan Group WINNER A C Labels Highly Commended: Spectrum Print & Plastics Abbot Print A1 Trade Print Services Print Solutions (Peterborough) Wirral Continuous Ltd Best Print Manager/Distributor Sponsored by: Imprint Business Systems WINNER Liaison Print Management Highly Commended: PMG Print Management CDP Print Management Cyan Group Snap Marketing Solutions CFL Pioneer Print Solutions Essential Print Services Print Image Network Green Light Print Solutions Best Associate Sponsored by: TALL Security Print Limited WINNER Savory Paper Highly Commended: TPG Print Training & Consultancy Mitsubishi Hi Tec Paper Europe The Printing Charity Print & Media Certification J&G Environmental Antalis Personality of the Year Sponsored by: IPIA WINNER Jim Richardson – A1 Trade Print Services Highly Commended: Kath Doran – Spectrum Plastics Peter Melkowski – Print Solutions (Peterborough) Ltd Paul Scanlon – CDP Print Management Tom Priestley –...
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