The new printer joins the company’s fleet of three Epson SureColor SC-S80600 machines, a 1.6m EFI Pro 16H UV hybrid printer, and finishing arsenal of two Zund cutters and two Seal laminators. Part of the company’s Prestige Events System is a unique all-graphic exhibition stand solution that centres on attention-grabbing high-quality graphics and integrated bespoke features, the company’s photo floor graphics are claimed to be unique and are said represent an additional way to make the most of valuable exhibition space.

Quadrant’s Carl Garner-Watts told Digital Printer, ‘We selected the Jetrix XGR320  for a number of reasons – the quality of ink and vibrant colours, the low running costs of consumables and the dual heads which provide excellent print speed without compromising print quality.

‘We use the printer with a single print media, so don’t need the big box of tricks you get with an Agfa or EFI. It gave us everything we needed at an excellent price point.’

The Jextrix XGR320 was launched at Fespa in Munich in May 2023. The 3.2m LED UV printer features Ricoh Gen6 printheads complemented by heavy-duty components for smooth media feeding and which allow for printing on heavy materials, supporting rolls up to 200kg. Quadrant’s choice of the machine is its first installation in the UK.

The post Quadrant2Design is UK first with Jetrix XGR320 appeared first on Digital Printer.

For this project, Stylographics was tasked with creating an eye-catching display that would help draw the attention of passers-by and tempt them into the store to view some of the latest products from Marc Jacobs. The design featured a bold black and white pattern that was to stretch around the entire window frame.

With this in mind, Stylographics opted to use Print Floor, a PVC flooring material from Soyang Europe. This material is suited for use in applications such as floor graphics and retail displays. Stylographics used its Durst P10 250HS UV inkjet printer to print the design onto the material.

Siobhan Storey, marketing manager at Stylographics, said, ‘Having used Print Floor from Soyang Europe for a number of years and on a whole range of projects, we knew straight away that this application would require the same solution. What stands out for us and what we like most about Print Floor is that it is a very hard-wearing and reliable product; we rely on it time and time again for all sorts of applications.’

The post Stylographics tempts shoppers into Marc Jacobs with floor graphics appeared first on Digital Printer.

An online services company, bigvaluebanners.co.uk was founded by Dave Quinn in 2008. Initially, the printing was outsourced and Mr Quinn managed sales. However, the need for more control and a faster turnaround lead him to bring nearly all printing in-house.

Over the past 15 years, a strategy of steady in-house investment has supported the business’ expansion into new service offerings, which now include banners in any size and material, wallcoverings, floor graphics, pavement signage, vehicle graphics, magnetic signs, contour cut self-adhesive, feather flags and flag poles.

‘The business has literally snowballed. We started out with Roland printers then invested in 3.2m UV LED Mimaki equipment also purchased from CMYUK, and now we’ve swapped out our Durst for the Vutek. We’re now also looking at adding dye sublimation technology to our plant list, which completes the last piece of our in-house production puzzle,’ commented Amy Quinn, who runs the administrative side of the business.

‘With our old flatbed, we were dealing with an engineer that had to come from France which wasn’t ideal. We really wanted local support, and we’d had a really good experience with CMYUK after buying our second Mimaki UJV55-320 from the company about two years ago,’ continued Ms Quinn. ‘The Vutek expands our in-house service offerings and enhances our throughput speeds and reliability. We can’t predict from one month to the next what type of work we’ll be producing as every day is different, but we are sure that the EFI Vutek Pro 30h will underpin the next stage of our business evolution, taking us towards onward future growth.’

The post Big Value Banners invests in EFI Vutek Pro 30h appeared first on Digital Printer.

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.’

The post Epson aids production of clothing and catwalk at London Fashion Week appeared first on Digital Printer.

Sign & Digital UK was one of the first shows to resume its normal schedule after the interruptions of the pandemic years, with a respectable showing in March 2022, and is back this year with increasing confidence as the industry continues to recover from the lockdown periods of interrupted business.

Industry names already confirmed include Roland DG, EFI, eProductivity Software, Epson UK, Morgana, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint. According to organisers Faversham House, there will also be a host of familiar – and maybe not so familiar – exhibitors ready and waiting to welcome visitors from across the sign and large-format digital printing world.

Event director Jenny Matthew says, ‘Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait.’

In addition to the array of exhibitors on the show floor, there are other features at the show, designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. One of these is the UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by Hexis, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a chance to see the very best practitioners of the vehicle wrapping trade as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

Meanwhile, the Sign Studio aims to have something for everyone in vinyl signage, from novices to veterans. Running every day, this features live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and other uses for the material.

‘I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,’ says Mr Hughes.

Explanations forthcoming

Complementing these are the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature, the Sign Surgery, both hosted by the International Sign Association UK (ISA–UK). Throughout the show, there will be daily presentations and panel sessions covering the big issues affecting sign-makers and wide-format print providers. The topics covered in these will include sustainability, overcoming the skills shortage challenge and how to grow your business.

Building on last year’s outing, the Explains Lounge will host a comprehensive programme of presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there is no requirement to pre-register.

Event Director Jenny Matthew explains, ‘We have invited experienced experts in their field to explain how to make your sign business more successful. They will look at various important topics, such as when it’s right to outsource or take work in-house, how to win more tenders, and how sign-makers can work together to build their businesses.’

Panel beating

Daily panel sessions bring a range of industry experts together to discuss the big issues affecting the signage industry. On Tuesday 28 March, a group of experts from BPIF and POPAI will examine the danger of ‘sustainability satigue’. They will discuss how to reinvigorate the market to keep sustainability in focus and benefit themselves, their customers and the planet.

Wednesday’s panel session (29 March) will be hosted by Women in Sign-Making, focusing on the role of men in supporting women in sign-making. On Thursday 30 March, the panel will examine the skills shortage affecting sign-makers up and down the country. They will discuss the pain points for the sign industry, and highlight the key actions companies can take to overcome them.

Successful surgery

A new feature for 2023, the Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, ‘The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers.’

Ms Matthew concludes, ‘The Explains Lounge will be based in the heart of the show and we have put together a schedule that should have something of interest and value for everyone attending the show. Whether you are a small start-up looking to gain vital knowledge and advice from experienced industry experts, or a more seasoned professional wanting to keep up to speed with the latest developments, we have something for you on the Explains Lounge.’

Exhibitor highlights

Materials from Drytac for the large-format print and signage applications will appear on a variety of stand across Hall 2 at the NEC, where they will feature in product demonstrations from Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services. Experts from Drytac will also be in attendance to answer any questions.

Workflow and MIS specialist eProductivity Software (EPS) eProductivity Software is promising an exclusive first look at what it touts as ‘a revolutionary new mobile app that will change the way you approach installations, invoicing and delivery’. The rest of the company’s Productivity Suites and other modular solutions will be in action, with opportunities to speak with experts, about improving workflow, increasing efficiency, or expanding capabilities. Specific technology areas covered by EPS include web-to-print, imposition and print MIS/ERP solutions, backed by live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, plus expert consultations and advice.

Visitors to Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services’ stand will be able to view the new direct-to-film (DtF) TxF 150-75 printer that also made its debut appearance at Printwear & Promotion Live in late February. The Mimaki DTF works on cotton, polyester and polyester blended materials, and the print can be applied to both light and dark coloured fabrics. DtF offers a simpler workflow compared to other garment printing methods, and the inks are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified.

Also present on Hybrid’s stand will be the dye sublimation TS330-1600 and the other models in the 330 series of printers, the solvent print-only JV330-160 and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. All three models share a common 1.6m platform, claiming high performance and productivity, coupled with ease of use. On the flatbed UV side, printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the JFX200-2513EX 8 x 4-ft model. Both offer direct to substrate printing on a wide range of materials and items.

Morgana and Intec are partnering to exhibit a full range of die-cutting solutions. This includes the AeroDieCut, which uses existing wood and steel dies for cutting, creasing, perforating, embossing and debossing. For a full digital approach, the highly automated new ColorCut SC6000 is said to provide an ideal entry point. Flatbed die-cutting options from the Intec stable include the creasing and cutting dual-tooled flatbed ColorCut FB775 and ColorCut FB9000 Pro models, which deliver high performance and ‘unparalleled’ media control via creasing forces of up to 1.5kg and a cutting force of up to 1.2kg. Morgana’s top-of-the-range Valiani Integra is suitable for working with thicker substrates and targeted the world of signage and packaging.

The BN-20D desktop printer marks Roland DG’s entry into the direct-to-fabric sector

Premier will be showcasing products from its extensive range of display graphic media including key brands such as Contra Vision, Neschen, Ultraboard, Ritrama and Plexiglas. The company’s team of experts will be on hand to deliver product information, demonstrations and advice on how to transform spaces with memorable, innovative retail displays and graphics.  There will also be live competitions running throughout the course of each of the three days, with some prizes up for grabs and one or two special guest appearances.

PrintiQ will be returning to the show with an increased stand presence and more demonstrators following its success at last year’s event. The MIS developer will bring its latest software, which delivers business intelligence information and builds a managed workflow solution that allows users to see accurately where they are making or losing money and provides data to underpin actions. Among the various modules to be shown are Quote Intelligence, Payment Gateways, Shipping Manager, plus rich API interfaces that connect and drive online systems to create a complete automated ordering and tracking service from ‘quote to delivery’.

A range of wide-format print solutions will be shown by QPS, including a Colorjet Verve 2513 UV flatbed printer running throughout the three-day event, using Nazdar inks., which will also be featured in their own right. QPS will also be able to discuss how DuPont Artistri textile inks, for which is a distributor, will work with ‘almost any’ printer and are suitable for multiple textile applications including apparel, fashion accessories, interior design, exterior flags and signage, soft furnishings, active wear, garment decoration and direct-to-garment printing.

Roland DG will show the new TrueVis models announced in January 2023, including its first resin printer, the AP-640 and the MG & LG series of UV print-and-cut machines. Alongside these newest machines, the VG3-640 and SG3-540/300 printer/cutters will be displayed. Roland hasn’t confirmed but it seems highly likely that the company’s baby DtF printer, the BN-20D, which was shown at Printwear & Promotion Live, will also feature.

Soyang Europe and Josero will demonstrate hardware from manufacturing partners Fujifilm, Jetrix and Mimaki, as well as display an applications wall with products created using its own wide- and super-wide format digitally printable materials. The latter will include non-PVC banner materials, textiles, wallcovering and décor media, plus self-adhesive floor coverings.

Another returning exhibitor from 2022 is SwissQprint, which will be running live demonstrations of the high quality Nyala 4 flatbed UV printer, along with the roll-fed Karibu. Information about other models, including the Kudu, the most recently introduced high-end UV flatbed model capable of over 300sqm/hr output and with 10 configurable colour channels, will also be available. Specialist applications including neon inks, texture printing and 3D effects will be shown in addition.

Show stalwart Trotec will be back too, with a range of product demonstrations, including the biggest of its large-format laser cutters, the SP3000. With laser power options up to 400W, a 3210 x 2210mm working area and a host of productivity features, the PS3000 is designed for demanding production environments and enables an optimised workflow that complements the print process. In addition, Trotec will give live demonstrations of the Speedy 400 Flexx and Q500 laser engraver and cutter systems, which both offer high-quality laser finishing for printed products. The company’s range of sheet materials, including engravable laminates, wood and acrylic, will also be on display.

Vivid Laminating Technologies will be showcasing all its major product ranges: the VeloBlade Nexus range of wide-format digital die-cutters, the Matrix systems for lamination, foiling and special effects, and the Easymount systems for wide-format lamination. Vivid staff will also demonstrate the company’s Zip Core packaging software, which is has been designed to optimise packaging design from start to finish, and the VeloTaper fully-automated flatbed taping system, a patented innovation designed and developed in-house by Vivid in the UK.

The post Sign & Digital UK preview appeared first on Digital Printer.

The printer was purchased to boost the throughput times of its banner production. It follows close on the heels of a Kongsberg X24 digital cutting table installation, also purchased from CMYUK last year. The business specialises in signage for the house building and construction industry including building sites, high-rise branding and fence panels.

Josh Ainsley, commercial director, said, ‘We do lots of banner work using 50 and 100m rolls and we chose the Canon Colorado 1650 purely for its speed. We can literally print a 50m banner in 30 minutes now, it’s absolutely phenomenal.’

Increased speeds mean that jobs can be started later in the morning and regular weekend working is a distant memory. It features continual nozzle monitoring, automatic printhead maintenance, automated media feed, and a winding roll option.

Mr Ainsley added, ‘The guys in our studio were absolutely fine with the printer, getting cracking on it after a day’s training, and since we’ve installed it, we’ve just run it day in, day out with no problems whatsoever. You can literally tip white spirit over them and rub them, and it doesn’t even touch them, they are amazing.’

The Colorado 1650 is a large format UVgel, dedicated roll-to-roll printer that has won plaudits across the sign and display industry. It outputs a wide variety of materials such as SAV, heat sensitive and polyester-based textiles, making it suitable for numerous applications such as window graphics, wallcoverings, soft signage, posters, banners, floor graphics, fleet graphics, POS, canvas reproductions, backlit, and frontlit display graphics.

The Colorado also allows users to print matt and gloss finishes without the need to change inks or media as the switch is done automatically.

Ainsley Signs has two production sites next to each other in Middleton, Manchester. The arrival of the Colorado prompted a new layout and refurbishment of the facilities. A mezzanine has been added to the unit that houses the old print room, effectively doubling space capacity to house 1 x flatbed, 3 x solvent printers, and the Colorado. The Kongsberg which was originally sited in the second unit has been moved into the print room to enable a workflow that is faster and convenient.

The business is currently designing wallcoverings for its meeting room area and will be utilising the FLX feature on the Colorado that allows users to print matt and gloss on the same print in a single pass.

The post Ainsley Signs installs a Canon Colorado 1650 from CMYUK appeared first on Digital Printer.

Bristol-based N3 Display Graphics has used Drytac Polar Street FX to produce a series of creative floor graphics to encourage social distancing across the city.

The post N3 Display Graphics stays one step ahead with Drytac appeared first on Digital Printer.

We’ve reported extensively in recent months about the negative effects of the Covid pandemic on printers, especially those serving the events and retail sectors, many of whom have pivoted to producing PPE or signage and spacing / social distancing products. While some of these products required existing materials – non-slip printable floor graphics being a notable one, for social distancing and one-way signposting in queues and retail stores, for example – and demand at some points last year seemed to outstrip supply, we’ve also seen a sustained development effort by the substrates suppliers to come up with materials that either kill germs directly, or that can withstand frequent cleaning with solutions that do.

John Vic, sales director, digital media at Premier Paper comments, ‘Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic Premier Paper has seen an increase in demand for signage, synthetic and self-adhesive products driven primarily by the growing requirement for more hygienic, high clarity communications to help government, businesses, hospitals, schools and local councils to instruct, inform, and guide the public as well as their staff.

Drytac’s SpotOn SynTac is easily installable and removable and can be printed with a variety of digital ink types

‘One such product is DigiTuff, a durable synthetic media produced in the UK that can be cleaned with bleach and alcohol. This sheet has provided the perfect answer to restaurants and shops, even airlines for printed media such as menus and manuals that can be easily cleaned after use, with no need for unnecessary reprints or lamination.’

Mr Vic also mentions Teslin, another synthetic paper that has been in demand during the pandemic. While not as durable as DigiTuff, it has a biodegradable version which is said to reduce environmental impact, an ongoing concern with plastic-based materials. Another option from Premier is Synaps, a synthetic white opaque film from Agfa, which Mr Vic says has been popular for its durability and resistance to water and tearing. There are versions for both dry and liquid toner presses, and the most recent addition, Synaps XM110, is a 100-micron version intended for ticketing and signage amongst other applications. It’s available in rolls and sheets.

Premier has also just taken on the Folex Digiprint IG range of materials for sheet-fed HP Indigo presses in both SRA3 and B2 sizes. These include clear, gloss white, silver and translucent polyesters, plus clear and white window cling and a dry-apply window tack grade to support growing interest in window graphics. Mr Vic notes the convenience of ordering all media for digital print from one source ‘one delivery, one set of paperwork’.

One manufacturer that’s been busy over recent months is Kernow Coatings which has launched Kernow Print Dry Toner Matt Pro Antimicrobial. This resists bacterial growth and is suggested for applications such as printed materials and signage in hospital and healthcare environments, as well as protection for menus in restaurants and coffee shops, though there isn’t currently much demand for those under current UK lockdown rules. There is also a labelstock version which works with a variety of print technologies.

Looking down, Kernow’s FloorShark Dry Toner has R10 certified slip resistance and is suited to all kinds of indoor environments, including low pile carpet tiles, from which it can be removed without residue. Its outdoor complement is the forthcoming RoadShark K200XFG which has a more aggressive texture and R12 outdoor anti-slip certification, good for three to six months use. It’s printable with solvent or latex inks. On the PPE side, Kernow has also developed KlearVisor 180KVAF for reusable face shields used across a wide range of retail and hospitality settings. It has an anti-fog coated side which can be cleaned in accordance with hospital guidelines.

Drytac also offers an antimicrobial material, Protac AMP, a 150-micron PVC-free surface protection film that uses Microban antibacterial technology to prevent mould and bacterial growth, including MRSA. It too was launched during the pandemic, to help meet the need for increased hygiene in public and healthcare settings.

For safety-related graphics, Drytac launched SpotOn SynTac for floor and wall applications, also PVC-free, and printable with aqueous, (eco) solvent, latex and UV inks. Available in roll widths up to 1370mm, it has a dot pattern polyacrylate adhesive for easy installation that can be removed cleanly within 12 months.

Ashgrove Trading has also noted the demand for signs, notices and documents that can be wiped and cleaned, and offers Picofilm, a dry toner printable pure polyester sheet that according to the company’s Rolf Smith has been proven by testing to be highly resistant to disinfectants, and to pass infection control standards in medical environments. Mr Smith lists applications as customised signs and notices for offices, surgeries, shops and construction sites. It’s available in sizes from A4 to SRA3.

Another product that Ashgrove has seen flying off the shelves is UPM’s Mastertac SRA3 self-adhesive digital range. Available for both dry and Indigo toner presses, it’s tearproof, waterproof and washable when printed, with a removable version for temporary indoor signage and an ‘extra permanent’ version for outdoor use that has split backing paper for easy removal.

Perspex hasn’t developed antimicrobial materials, mainly because demand has soared for its regular range of clear cast acrylics, resulting in a 300% increase in production in 2020, for use as physical screens, while its ‘print’ materials that have been used for partitioning and in the production of hand sanitising stations. Marketing manager Luke Martyn points out that many of the firm’s UK-produced thermoplastics have good chemical resistance that makes them suited to installations where regular cleaning is required.

Other lines from Perspex Distribution that are being used for niche display solutions include Multishield magnetic panels and a fire retardant version of Alupanel aluminium sheets, which along with the company’s other printable media have been given a Signal White finish.

Fire resistance is also a key characteristics of Ignisafe, a satin paper suitable for poster, PoS and signage printing with (eco)solvent, UV and latex inks. The 150gsm paper from French manufacturer Guyenne Papier is designed for indoor advertising environments and meets the M1 fire resistance standard.

Guyenne also offers a synthetic non-woven fabric for the same ink types, Decolov M1. It suits similar applications – plus wall decoration – and has the same fire retardancy certification, with the added benefits of being tear and crease-resistant. It can be sewed, welded or fitted with eyelets and has good acoustic absorption properties.

Another French manufacturer, Arjobex, produces the Polyart synthetic paper, with which it has an established presence in narrow-web label applications, where in combination with suitable adhesive it passes the BS5609 standard for marine labelling. The company’s cut-sheet range for dry and liquid toners is now being expanded with the introduction of a single-sided 180gsm version for inkjet presses with aqueous inks, which has been successfully tested with the Fujifilm JetPress.

Global marketing director Louis Rouhard told Digital Printer that producing an economically viable two-sided version is the current challenge, as the multi-stage coating process needed to make inkjet inks stick to polyethylene pushes costs ‘through the roof’. He’s optimistic that further investment will crack this.

Coala Coversafe has been shown in lab tests to rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV 2

Anti-bodies

There’s been understandable confusion about the exact properties of various materials that are marketed under the ‘antimicrobial’ tag. In the same way that well-known brands of domestic cleaning products claim to kill 99% of ‘germs’ (and thus drive the evolution of potentially more dangerous resistant species such as MRSA), the word ‘microbes’ covers quite a few different things, from parasites and fungi to bacteria – such as E. Coli or legionella – and viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, all varieties of influenza, and of course, Covid-19, or to give it its full scientific name, SARSCoV-2.

Depending what you’re doing and who it’s for, it’s important to be clear on these distinctions. At the time of writing, Digital Printer was aware of only two materials that specifically kill (or ‘inactivate’, as it’s debatable whether viruses are truly alive) the Covid-19 virus.

One was released by InkTec Europe in August 2020 and was confirmed by lab testing of various surfaces in October to inactivate the virus in four hours. It’s a copper-based film that is available in 50cm x 30m rolls and suited for use on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, touchscreens, counters, public transport vehicles and ticket machines and power switches.

A more recent addition that appeared in late January 2021 comes from Antalis. Coala Coversafe is a transparent antimicrobial adhesive film that uses technology developed by French firm Pylote that reduces the SARS-CoV 2 viral load by 96% after one hour’s contact. Testing in real-world school conditions showed a decrease in ‘total flora’ – that is, any of the types of ‘microbes’ described above, not just viruses or the Covid virus specifically – by a factor of two to four. Coala Coversafe is available in rolls and can be cut to size for non-flat surfaces like door handles.

‘In the context of this ongoing health crisis, we are delighted with the success of the results of these tests which demonstrate the effectiveness of Coala Coversafe against the strains responsible for Covid-19 and other microbes. This innovation allows us to offer our customers, and their clients, a solution that allows them to continue their activities with improved protection,’ said Mike Collins, product manager at Antalis.

This doesn’t mean that antimicrobial products with no specific or tested capability against Covid-19 are not useful. Given the burden on UK hospitals caused by the second wave of the pandemic, no one wants or needs to get ill with anything else either, so anything that raises general standards of hygiene in communal or public areas is still a good idea. Various antimicrobial or antibacterial materials are listed in the main text of this article.

Shaun Holdom, global product manager at Drytac, adds, ‘Perhaps most important when seeking out antimicrobial protection is to be extremely wary of some of the claims currently being made in the marketplace. New disinfectant and additives used within antimicrobial solutions must have ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval to make valid effectiveness claims; all biocides and pesticides have to be registered.’

Mr Holdom points out that scratches or cuts in films that arise in handling, installation or use can harbour bacteria so it’s important that antimicrobial or antibacterial additives are present throughout the film’s material and not just as a layer coated on top of it. He also warns that anti-virus tests are specific to strains of virus and so effectiveness against one variety does not imply effectiveness against others – so read the small print.

If you’re wondering what role there is for good old fashioned paper in all of this, the good news is that tests reported by print advocacy group Two Sides suggest that the Covid virus becomes non-infectious after only three hours on paper and tissue, so clients buying print on regular stocks shouldn’t need to worry. It actually survives longer on plastics, though printing processes on any substrate also reduce its effective lifespan.

The post Hands, face, substrates appeared first on Digital Printer.

The work had to be completed to a tight schedule after plans to open a vaccination hub at a different location fell through and local business Newdays Pharmacy found an alternative site via a social media appeal.

Newdays then needed to source a series of printed graphics for the facility to ensure the safety of both the public and the vaccination team. This included social distancing markers, one-way system directional signage and informative posters about the vaccines and Covid-19.

It was here that Globe Print entered the picture, being based nearby and with a proven history supplying for the NHS and working on Coronavirus-related projects. Globe itself had confidence in Drytac’s ability to provide suitable media, having produced over 15km of Coronavirus-related graphics using Drytac products in 2020.

‘Key to the installation was the tight turnaround time,’ explained Globe Print’s managing director Nick Wintle. ‘The vaccination centre was opening on 23 January and Newdays didn’t have sign-off for the graphics until 20 January.

‘We wanted to do our bit as well; as this was for a vaccination centre, we did the whole project free of charge – from design and print through to installation of the graphics. Having worked with Drytac‘s films for a long time and on a number of other similar jobs, we were confident that they would perform well.’

Globe Print produced the graphics using a Roland VG-640, a Mimaki UCJV-300 and an Agfa M2000, all of which are based at its 10,000sqft print room in Marlow.

Drytac Polar Choice Matte, a printable monomeric PVC film, was used to produce a range of wall graphics and internal signage for the vaccination centre, while internal floor graphics were printed on Drytac SpotOn Floor 200 monomeric PVC non-slip film.

For outdoor floor graphics, Globe opted for Drytac Polar Street FX, a PVC-free aluminium material that does not require lamination, while ViziPrint Impress was used for clear internal wall partitions inside the centre. Drytac Protac AMP Film was used for graphics at ‘touch-points’ throughout the facility, including doors and handles. 

The post Globe deploys Drytac for vaccination centre graphics appeared first on Digital Printer.

The Leeds-based printer says it ‘strode into 2020 confidently with a full order book,’ only to see its standard events and exhibition work dry up when lockdown hit.

However Quarmby quickly pivoted and moved into the retail sector. ‘As soon as we realised what was going to happen, we became very proactive and got straight on to all our contacts, particularly those in the supermarket world,’ says joint managing director, Damian Quarmby. 

The company soon won a large rolling contract for a leading supermarket chain to produce all social distancing floor graphics and safety graphics for its entire estate, including all stores and numerous internal offices, up and down the country.  

CMYUK supplied Quarmby with the lion’s share of material at this time, and with the volume of work being printed, the stakes were high in terms of consistent media supply.

‘CMYUK saved our bacon, that’s the truth of it,’ adds Mr Quarmby. ‘If they hadn’t had the foresight to order in the amounts that they did, we wouldn’t have been able to go ahead and do what we did.

‘We’ve always seen them as our buddies in the industry. They’ve recommended products, given us advice on the right materials, and they’re very competitive. However, through the lockdown period the relationship became an imperative.’

Quarmby’s floor graphic material of choice was CMYUK’s Utack Hexofloor Vinyl. This is a self-adhesive vinyl with a clear removable adhesive and an R10 anti-slip rating. It doesn’t require any lamination and lasts for up to six-months of indoor use. 

The company prints using EFI Vutek equipment, being the first business in the UK to install the EFI VUTEk h5, an eight-colour plus white, LED hybrid printer.

The post Quarmby Colour thanks CMYUK for lockdown support appeared first on Digital Printer.