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.

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The JFX 550-2513 and JFX 600-2513 mark Mimaki’s entry into the high productivity flatbed sector. The two models respectively are equipped with eight and 16 printheads with the latter able to reach 200sqm/hr in its high speed mode and 140sqm/hr in ‘production’ mode, with two slower and progressively higher quality modes also available.

Based on the existing JFX 500-2131 model, the new additions both have a maximum printing area of 2.5 x 1.3m and can handle rigid media up to 6cm thick, thus supporting the standard 8x4ft board size. Ink options include white, clear and a primer for difficult substrates such as glass and some plastics and metals, in addition to normal CMYK. All six ink sets, which offer differing degrees of hardness and flexibility, are Greenguard Gold certified.

Workflow has been addressed with a new Mimaki Print Controller operator interface, based on that introduced with the Tiger 1800B textile printer. Industry 4.0-style connectivity with robots for loading/unloading , conveyors or barcode readers for integration into automated production environments is achieved via Mimaki’s MDL Command interface. The printers are driven by Mimaki’s Raster Link 7 Rip software. Mimaki Europe’s general manager for sales, Ronald van den Broek, indicated that the likely price range for the new machines would be from around €150,000 for the 8-head machine, and noted that competing units in this productivity category typically range from €200,000 upwards.

An entirely new addition to the Mimaki portfolio, and possibly unique in the world, though Agfa is working on a dedicated digital leather printer, is the SUJV-160, a 1.6m roll-fed leather printer. Using a combined solvent and UV ink set developed by Fujifilm, and available also with a clear ink for printed surface protection, the new machine is capable of up to 9sqm/hr without the clear coating. The combined curing/drying process requires a large post-cure unit which can handle 25kg rolls.

The clear ink is said to provide a high degree of protection against scratching/rubbing, while being highly flexible and resistant to cracking, yet preserving the touch and feel of the underlying leather, something that Mimaki says is a requirement in the high-end luxury leather goods market at which the printer is aimed. Envisaged applications include vehicle or other seat covers, shoes and handbags.

The third introduction is the 3DUJ-2207, a full colour 3D printer that produces items that fit into a volume of 20 x 20 x 7.8cm (WxDxH). Its print control software supports the use of ICC colour profiles to produce accurate colour reproduction. White and clear print materials are also supported in addition to mixed process colours and suggested applications include scale models, prototyping, figurines and gaming as well as educational and medical purposes. Mr van den Broek indicated that a complete ‘portfolio’ that includes a dedicated cleaning solution will be available for around €50,000, again considerably lower than many other competing offerings which he said typically start at €100,000 without the cleaning system and other necessary accessories.

Mimaki is running a series of rather familiarly-named ‘innovation days’ from 2–4 June 2021, at which more details and virtual demonstrations/factory tours will be offered, and its digital showroom will be running continually with new content added each week.

All the new products described here are to become available in late summer of 2021.

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DGI launched a new entry level 1.9m wide-format dye sublimation printer. Unveiled in June, the Hercules builds on the reputation of its industrial siblings, the FT-1608, Poseidon and HSFT III, offering customers ‘an entry level printer with class leading performance.’

The Hercules features twin staggered printheads, offers users a maximum print speed of 98sqm/hr and prints at a resolution up to 720 x 1200dpi. The latest Ergosoft V16 DGI edition Rip software comes as standard.

Right at the beginning of the year, Durst restructured its Industrial Textile Printing Segment, appointing Stefan Kappaun as segment manager in place of Martin Winkler, who will take on the role of global sales manager, textile printing.

Since January Mr Kappaun has had strategic responsibility for the direction the company takes in home textiles, clothing and accessories. He will also be the connecting link to the Large Format Segment, which is responsible for soft signage and fabrics.

EFI introduced a pair of very high throughput soft signage printers, the 3.4m EFI Colors and EFI Power models, that build on the expertise of its Reggiani division to offer high volume production at up to 1564sqm/hr.

Sitting above the established FabriVu 240 and 340i models in terms of productivity, the Colors 340 can handle fabrics up to 450gsm and is said to be suitable for producing a range of high quality items from tablecloths and pop-up commercial tents to backlit displays, flags and retail fixtures at up to 800sqm/hr in ‘production’ quality; ‘PoP’ and ‘high quality’ modes reduce this to 428 and 218sqm/hr respectively.

Epson’s ML-8000 is set to be available in the UK from January 2021

One company that has been particularly busy this year is Epson. In July it launched the SureColor SC-F10000, a 1.9m industrial dye sublimation printer.

Potential applications of the printer, which operates at speeds of up to 255sqm/hr and makes use of Epson’s Precision Dot technology, include fashion, sportswear, home furnishings, promotional goods and soft signage.

A month later company confirmed that two of its subsidiaries, Robustelli and For.Tex, were merging as part of a drive to take advantage of predicted growth in the textiles segment. Both companies are based in Como, Italy, one of the world’ major centres for textile printing. At the time Epson said the merger would allow it to provide better need-based solutions for inkjet digital printers, consumables, and services.

Then, in September, Epson announced the launch of the ML-8000, the latest model in its Monna Lisa series of high-end digital textile printers. Scheduled to be available in the UK from January 2021, the ML-8000 has eight PrecisionCore printheads, prints at a resolution of up to 1200dpi and across a width of up to 180cm. The system operates at a typical print speed of 155sqm/hr but is capable of a maximum speed of 250 sqm/hr.

Finally, in October, Epson unveiled its first A4 dye sublimation printer, the SureColor SC-F100. The company says the printer, which also uses the ubiquitous PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads, is aimed at small businesses and start-ups looking to expand their product offering into the promotional goods sector.

Rivalling Epson in the ‘busiest year’ stakes, Kornit kicked off 2020 by introducing a ‘dry digital softening process’  that aims to restore the hand feel of a wide range of textile types after digital printing, opening up wider opportunities for users of its printers, and reducing the environmental impact of fashion and other garment production.

The NeoPigment Robusto Softener is an addition to the eponymous ink range launched by Kornit at Itma in summer 2019. Its application requires the use of one channel in each printhead, and it is applied last, after the ‘fix on the fly’ fixation process.

In August the Israeli company expanded its software portfolio with the acquisition of Macclesfield-based Custom Gateway, a developer of Cloud-based workflow software for on-demand production.

Custom Gateway’s cloud-based platform is said to suit both B2B and B2C models and to cover all steps in on-demand production. This includes content sourcing or creation, management and display at the front end, complemented by a ‘robust’ order management system and automated routing to production sites, with production tracking and integration with existing IT and workflow/business intelligence software.

The company also established a UK entity devoted exclusively to serving the British market, the largest in the Emea region. The British textile industry remains the fifth largest in the world, worth more than £9 billion per year. The move allowed Kornit to bill in Sterling and will be offering a British distribution hub for inks and consumables

Finally, in a story that escaped the print industry and was found in ‘normal’ news, Amazon committed to spending $400 million, spread over the next five years, on Kornit’s digital technology and services. The spend comes as part of a public offering of shares by Kornit and will see $250 million invested in its existing products, including printers and inks, with the remaining $150 million earmarked for future products.

At the very beginning of the year Mimaki unveiled its new digital textile printer, the Tx300P-1800 MkII. Suitable for both direct-to-textile and transfer printing, with interchangeable platens and three different ink combinations, the printer was initially intended to be centrepiece of Mimaki’s Fespa display.

Mimaki originally intended the Tx300P-1800 MkII to be its centrepiece at Fespa

The original version of the printer, the Tx300P-1800, was released in 2017 and stood out for its ability to handle two different ink sets. With the MkII Mimaki has added dye sublimation transfer capabilities as well. This versatility means the printer can fulfil a wide range of textile applications from fashion to interior decor to wallpapers, all within one system.

Ricoh introduced the Ri 2000 direct-to-garment printer, which offers 1200 x 1200dpi printing on a range of textile products, from T-shirts and tote bags to face masks and safety vests.

Claimed to set ‘a new benchmark in terms of productivity and efficiency in its class’, the new printer is said to enable colour consistency, automation of production workflows and creation of white layers for printing on dark garments via ColorGate Rip technology.

Roland DG started shipping the Texart XT 640S DtG printer, previewed at Fespa 2019, which is designed for rapid printing of T-shirts via a jig that allows 12 garments to be printed at once, each with a different design.

The XT-640S combines the head carriage and mechanics of the existing Textart 640 line with a multiple platen jig that when fully loaded allows each shirt in a batch of 12 to effectively be printed in eight seconds, with a maximum image area of 200 x 260mm, printing in ‘production mode’ with CMYK only.

It also unveiled its new EJ-640 Deco printer which uses ecological water-based ink to digitally print interior décor applications. The EJ-640 Deco can produce customised wallpaper, lampshades, blinds, posters, exhibition graphics and outdoor promotions. It is intended to meet the ever-growing consumer appetite for eco-friendly products and designs that stand out from the crowd.

Right at the close of the year Polyprint formed a new American subsidiary specifically to help it meet the growing demand for its TexJet printers in the world’s largest DtG market.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the new branch opened its doors on 9 December and will be headed by Luke Ryerkerk. Despite establishing its own presence, Polyprint will continue its partnership with Ryonet, an established US textile print solution provider which supplies TexJet printers throughout the USA.

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Matt Reid-Jones has joined the company as a reseller account manager, Marc Busby as a service engineer and Ashley Carr as a showroom technician.

‘Hybrid’s continued investment in recruitment demonstrates our ongoing desire to assist our reseller partners and end users as they promote, support and use Mimaki technology on a daily basis,’ said chief operations manager at Hybrid, Brett Newman. ‘Experienced personnel are of great value and we look forward to introducing Matt, Marc and Ashley to our partners over the coming months.’

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The sign making, display solutions and digital printing show returns to the NEC, Birmingham in April and will host many new exhibitors in addition to a plethora of returning companies.

New exhibitors will include: ABC Display Industry, GMG Color, Liquid Lens Systems, M3 Online Limited, PROTEK, Premier Paper Group, Signzworld, Solar Illuminations, Trade Sign Shop, Target Transfers, UK Feather Flags, UK Industrial Tapes, and Viscom LEDs and Frames.

Meanwhile those companies returning to the show include: Atlantic Tech Services, CMYUK, Blackman & White, Complete CNC Solutions, Epson, GESS, HEXIS UK, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, printMAX, Roland DG (UK), Sabur Digital, Signgeer, Spandex, Tecna, The Magic Touch, Ultima Displays, Vivid Laminating, William Smith Group1832 and Zund Plotting Systems.

‘It’s fantastic to have so many new companies at the show this year,’ said Rudi Blackett, Sign & Digital UK portfolio director. ‘As well as welcoming back a large number of returning exhibitors – their presence at S&DUK 2019 confirms the show’s continued ability to connect people and the industry. The variety of products and services on offer, in addition to free-to-attend seminars, workshops and live demonstrations means that we deliver an industry leading event, which gives our visitors the chance to connect with their peers and to keep up to date with the latest innovations.’

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