Ipex preview: highlights

Your guide to the exhibition highlights at this year's show.

PRE-PRESS

Chili Publish

Stand N2 C185

At Ipex, Chili Publish will show version 4 for the first time to the public.  The online document editing software now supports a wider range of platforms including Flash and HTML5. It also includes added functionality, such as a 3D visualisation tool that enables users to see a “real-world” view of their design, viewing for instance how a personalised sign might look as a bus stop shelter. The platform is also now integrated with DirectSmile marketing campaigns tool, enabling users to use data sources and images from DirectSmile to personalise documents in Chili Publisher.

Hybrid Software

Stand S3 H250

Hybrid Software will use Ipex 2014 for the worldwide launch of a host of products under the umbrella of its new Cloudflow suite. Positioning itself as ‘The Alternative’ software vendor, Hybrid will be introducing Cloudflow Workspace, supported on Windows and Mac OS X, and interacting with MIS/ERP and custom designed web pages. The new Packzflow being introduced meanwhile provides automation of pre-press functions based on native PDF files, with back-end processing for the Packz engine, with Packz editing software offering 64-bit multiprocessing as well as multi-threading. Also being showcased will be new Production Data Management software specifically aimed at labels and packaging, a new RIP module and a new Printplanner Module that allows operators to use a web user-interface to position and annotate artwork on a sheet.

Marlowe Digital

Stand S4 F300

Marlowe Digital will unveil four launches at Ipex 2014, including a major upgrade to the popular low-cost RIP and workflow software StudioRIP. The new RIP, StudioRIP XF, features an entirely new rendering architecture, designed to take advantage of multi-core computing and 64-bit processors, as well as making the software more future-proof. Other new features include Mac client support and an inbuilt dotmeter package that will run with any USB microscope, which can be bought for around £40. Marlowe will also use Ipex as the launchpad for its new Quantum service package for owners of rebadged Screen platesetters. The distributor’s other two product launches are Torrent JetFilm, a lower cost alternative to imagesetting for printers that still rely on film-based workflows, and Torrent JetPlate, an inkjet CTP solution for smaller commercial printers.

Optimus

Stand N1 C085

Optimus will be showcasing Optimus Dash MIS and launching Optimus Job Ganging. This software’s automatic estimating and job bag creation modules, along with its integrated approach to stock control, purchasing, e-commerce and accounts, can, says Optimus, help generate even greater efficiencies and saving.

Sefas

Stand N3 C292

Sefas will be previewing its next generation of customer communications solutions at Ipex. Open Print V8 will provide clients with omni-channel distribution, allowing customers to send interactive customer communications quickly, easily and cost effectively. The Open Print suite uses polymorphic behaviour to send the same document to multiple devices - with intelligent “custom fit” content and adaptive style to suit the output channel/device specifics. Sefas will also preview new features that enable import/export from external sources such as QuarkXPress and InDesign.

Shuttleworth

Stand S3 E292

Shuttleworth will be showcasing the latest developments to its MIS at Ipex. New developments highlighted will include a fully integrated CRM which now consists of mobile apps that can instantly update vital information. The app is designed to give instant access to essential information including company, contact and enquiry details while working away from the office.  Also highlighted will be the new real-time Dashboard which displays key performance indicators at the click of a button. Also on display will be the newly launched job tracking functionality Milestones, which automatically updates jobs, so the status of any job can be viewed as it progresses through the business. Shuttleworth will also launch a new Mobile Stock app, enabling users to update stock transactions using a mobile device with barcode scanning if required. The app has been designed, not only to improve stock accuracy, but to make it quick and easy for users to record stock transactions.

Taopix

Stand N1 D095

taopixTaopix will be unveiling Version 4.2 of its Taopix Online and Taopix Desktop photo product creation platforms for the first time in the UK at Ipex. The company will be showcasing the benefits both of its established download option (Desktop) and its newer Online offering, launched last September, and including HTML5. Though full details on what the new version will entail aren’t yet available, it will apparently feature enhanced social media features and “key enhancements behind the scenes of the software”. The Desktop version will build on enhancements made at the end of last year to bring the shopping cart experience in line with that of the online platform.

Transeo Media

Stand N1 B092

Exhibiting for the first time at Ipex, Transeo Media will be demonstrating DirectSmile Cross Media Version 6 for the first time since its commercial launch at the start of the year. The new iteration of this multi-channel marketing suite features extended W2P capabilities for real-time online design and document configuration and allows users to set up bespoke lead management and generation programmes. It is designed to make building and managing data-driven marketing campaigns simpler. Also on the Transeo stand will be the latest Taopix photobook and photo gift software, Version 4.2.


PRESSES

Domino Printing Sciences

Stand S5 F391

Domino’s fast expanding digital printing division will be the focus of its Ipex presence. The firm will be demonstrating its versatile K600i single-colour inkjet ‘print bar’, which has a configurable print width from 108mm to 558m. It delivers 600dpi high-resolution UV-curable print at speeds of 50-75m/min. Also showcased will be Domino’s Bitjet+ v4.5, capable of in-line printing of addresses, barcodes, 2D codes and graphics on all media types, without the need for extra drying equipment. We’re also expecting further news from Domino at the show. 

Encore Machinery

Stand S2 E190

There will be a number of new product launches at this stand, including a new range of digital printers providing high-quality, short-run, low-cost-per-copy production on up to 600gsm products. There will also be the debut of a fully automated short-run one-piece mailing solution for three-side sealing, designed to meet the new requirements from Royal Mail for mailers to be sealed on three sides. The mailing line, which operates at up to 14,000 mailers an hour, comprises a high-volume, double-headed PitStop, which creases and perforates in one pass.

Epson

Stand S1 F089

Epson will showcase its latest range of inkjet large-format, dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, label and proofing printers, and the SurePress digital label press at Ipex. On stand will be three 64in SureColor SC-S wide-format printers; two SureColor SC-F dye-sublimation printers (44in and 64in), and the new SureColor SC-F direct-to-garment t-shirt printer. Epson will also be showing the SurePress L-4033AW digital label press with white ink, and demonstrating colour-managed proofing on its flexible Stylus Pro wide-format printer.

Fujifilm

Stand S4 E330

fujifilm-jet-press-720-hrFujifilm, the second largest exhibitor, will be demonstrating its B2 sheetfed Jet Press 720, the web-fed Jet Press 540W and the Graphium label press, developed by FFEI, which uses Fujifilm’s new Uvijet Graphium inkset. The Jet Press 540W and the Jet Press 720 will be shown producing a raft of jobs in conjunction with a near-line Lasermax unwinder and Horizon SitchLiner 6000, both from IFS, live on the Fujifilm stand. Jobs will be demonstrated coming through Fuji’s Print Centre web-to-print software, going through XMF and then on to one of the digital presses. Fuji will be producing brochures, magazines, books, labels, manuals and posters with runs from one to 5,000 – as well as PrintWeek’s IpexDaily. the firm will also be producing perfect-bound products on the IFS stand on the Horizon four-clamp BQ-470 running standard EVA and trimmed products using the Ipex-launched “zero makeready” Horizon HT-1000V variable three-knife trimmer.

Intec Printing Solutions

Stand S2 E180

Intec Printing Solutions will display printers designed for envelope printing and labels, those for heavy media up to 600-micron, as well as finishing kit. The company plans to show its Intec Edge 850 label printer and new Intec label finishing solution for on-demand label printing at the event. Intec will also be previewing a new digital printer, the CS5000, that can print white and clear toner onto thick boards. 

Konica Minolta

Stand N1 C130

Konica Minolta will be the largest exhibitor at Ipex this year. The star of the Konica stand will be the B2 KM-1 cut-sheet inkjet press. The company will have 12 systems running live. These will cover commercial production, packaging, wide-format, document printing, corporate, on-demand publishing, direct mail, labels and photo printing markets. Other than the KM-1, highlights will be the the bizhub Pro and Press C1060 and C1070 systems, plus the bizhub Press 2250P mono system. Reflecting Konica Minolta moving increasingly into this area, it will also be demonstrating a range of pre-press products. The main focus will be Konica’s workflow system PrintGroove, which features a range of modules for web-to-print, job submission and pre-flighting, including JT Suite and JT Web.

LumeJet

Stand S2 F175

lumejetLumeJet specialises in the design, development and manufacture of ultra-high resolution digital printers for commercial printers and photobook professionals. The company recently launched its first product, the LumeJet S200 Printer, which will be on show at Ipex. Calibrated for RGB, the manufacturer said the LumeJet S200 combines photographic quality contone images, fine-line vector artwork and pin-sharp text (down to below 1pt size).

M Partners Wide

Stand WFZ 06

Wide-format equipment reseller M Partners Wide, the new wide-format division of M Partners, will give a UK show debut to the new Canon imagePrograf iPF6400SE and imagePrograf iPF8400SE printers. The six-colour devices are primarily targeted at the retail and hospitality inplant markets as well as commercial outfits looking to dip their toe into wide-format work. The 609.6mm- (24in) wide iPF6400SE and the 1,117mm- (44in) wide iPF8400SE will feature on the firm’s 48sqm stand in the World of Wide Format zone.

MGI Digital Graphic Technology

Stand N2 D211

MGI will be showcasing its entire line of digital printing and finishing solutions at Ipex including the Meteor and JetVarnish digital printing and digital spot coating systems. As one of the largest exhibitors, with a stand of over 336m2, the main attractions on its booth are set to be the six new production solutions that will be previewed for the first time during the show. MGI will also unveil a new range of equipment for 3D embellishment for both smaller digital printing formats and large offset press applications.

Riso UK

Stand N2 D191

Riso is to hand its new ComColor X1 series of inkjet printers their major print show debut, along with a raft of new dedicated production print post-press kit. The X1 is the fourth generation of Riso’s inkjet engines and uses Riso’s proprietary ForceJet cold-fusing inkjet technology with oil-based pigment inks for instant drying on uncoated stocks. There are three engines in the X1 range: from the 90ppm stripped down, entry-level 3110 and the 120ppm ComColor 7150, up to the flagship ComColor 150ppm ComColor 9150. The machines can handle uncoated sheets up to 340x550mm, in weights from 46-210gsm. Riso will be running five configurations of the 300x600dpi 7150 and 9150. The firm will demonstrate an X1 configured with a high-capacity feeder and stacker running with a IPDS native controller for complete verification and an X1 running inline with an Ipex launched high-capacity Perfect Binder, printing white paper to perfect bound books. Ipex will also be the launchpad for Riso’s Wrapping Envelope Finisher. 

Xeretec

Stand S3 F291

Xerox reseller Xeretec will show a range of the digital giant’s presses, including the flagship 150ppm iGen 150. As well as the iGen 150, and a number of software packages and services, other kit on display will include the 76ppm Xerox Color J75, the 60ppm Color 560 and the wide-format IJP 2000. The firm will also unveil a new strategic cross-media partnership at the show.


CONSUMABLES & ANCILLARIES

Benford UV

Stand N5 C460

Benford UV will use its Ipex debut for the European launch of its EcoUV retrofittable low-energy, low-cost curing system, which it claims opens up UV to commercial litho printers of all sizes. The EcoUV system only requires 25% of the power required by a standard UV system, according to Benford. However, rather than LEDs it uses a conventional-style single lamp that emits UV light at a frequency that replicates LEDs without the associated costs or compromising the speed of the press. The EcoUV system is an evolution of Benford’s DualUV curing system which was launched two years ago and was designed for presses that run both conventional UV and also highly reactive LED UV inks and need the ability to switch between both easily.

Bluprint UK

Stand N5 C410

Bluprint UK is a European agent for LMC Impression Jackets, PrintGuard glass bead films and Super Blue anti marking systems. It lays claim to being the first company to supply all anti-marking needs from a single source and will celebrate 10 years of successful trading with clients and suppliers at its stand at Ipex. New for Ipex will be the Super Zone system and the Super Blue 4 anti-marking system for transfer and delivery cylinders. Bluprint will also showcase the new PrintGuard Regular jackets, comparing the solution directly with its PrintGuardPlus jackets. Ipex will also see the European launch for LMC Impression jackets and MicroGrain metal transfer jackets.

Graphic Image Films

Stand N5 D510

Graphic Image Films will introduce a new range of soft-touch films, which include Black Soft Touch and Metalised Soft Touch. These are available in both wet and thermal versions and are an extension of the now very popular soft-touch film, developed in Europe and introduced in the UK market by Graphic Image Films around three years ago. Within the Metalised range, Graphic Image Films is also introducing a solid blue and red metallic matt film that can be printed, embossed, foiled or have spot UV applied.

Technotrans

Stand S5 F395

Technotrans will be talking visitors through its range of water treatment, filtration, bulk and cartridge based inking, temperature control and water-cooled peripherals and humidification solutions. A key focus will be the ancillaries company’s extension into digital press cooling, including provision of an Omega chilling system for Precision Printing’s HP Indigo 10000. The company will also be advising on a ban on ozone-depleting recycled r22 refrigerant, scheduled for 1 January 2015. The new Technotrans beta.c.eco circulator will be showcased with Komori’s Lithrone GL 540 press with H-UV curing technology, on Komori’s stand in the South Hall’s Eco Zone. 

TheMagicTouch

Stand N3 A231

TheMagicTouch offers digital image transfer solutions for full-colour decoration to a range products and applications. The latest solutions feature white toner from selected OKI printers together with new WoW 7.7 transfer paper, and are designed for adding full colour print to almost any garment regardless of colour or composition. The WoW process is designed to reduce labour and production costs by removing the cutting or weeding process of complex designs or images. The new technology also enables the decoration of many dark colour non-textile products such as ceramics, folders, binders, metal, wood and plastics. 


POST-PRESS

Bindery Machinery Services

Stand N4 C370

Bindery Machinery Services is an international supplier of reconditioned bookbinding and finishing equipment specialising in binders, saddlestitchers and folders from manufacturers Muller Martini, Heidelberg Stahl and MBO. The company’s 18x11m stand at Ipex will be exhibiting a Muller Martini Acoro A5 Perfect Binder, Muller Martini Pantera Perfect Binder, Muller Martini Amigo Plus Perfect Binder and Muller Martini Primera C130 Saddlestitcher.

Duplo International

Stand S4 F311

duplo-dc-646proDuplo is to use Ipex as the launchpad for its latest multi-finishing device, which the company says increases the range of finishes offered by its established DC-645i “at least tenfold”. The new DC-646Pro slitter-cutter-creaser is said to offer up to eight slits, 25 cross-cuts and 20 creases in a single pass. The new machine has a top speed of 30 sheets/min and can handle sheets from 370x999mm down to 210x210mm, with a minimum finished product size of 48x28mm. Duplo will also launch a new family of OEM PUR perfect binders under the UltraBind brand. The two machines, the UltraBind 2000 PUR and the UltraBind 6000 Duo, feature a patented orbital PUR system. Duplo will also unveil the new, fresher look and design of the Ideal range of guillotines, including a new table height, ensuring ergonomic working.

Friedheim International

Stand S3 E270

Friedheim will be demonstrating the MBO M80 folding machine at this its first UK appearance. The machine is described as a whole new concept in folding technology and ideal for B1 work, and has a maximum production speed of up to 230m/min and ‘intuitive’ M1 touch screen. Details of other MBO folders and of a range of solutions for conventional print, digital print, binding, converting and packaging, will also be available. Being demonstrated alongside the M80 will be a Palamides Delta 703 fully automatic stacking and banding delivery system, which will be processing 16-page folded output.

Impression Technology Europe

Stand S1 F095

ipex-iteImpression Technology Europe (ITE) is showing a selection of label printing and finishing machinery. It will launch a new Eclipse LF350 digital label cutter and slitter, a machine which apparently marks a “dramatic” shift in focus for the UK manufacturer, established in 2005, from compact, entry-level label printing and cutting machines, to kit compatible with more industrial digital label printers. Also on the ITE Ipex stand will be an Eclipse LF3 digital label cutter and slitter with a cut width of 100-220mm. ITE will be showing its new ability to cut blank as well as registered labels. RW-1 and UW-1 rewind machines, a Compress LP4 digital label press, a Rapid D2 semi-rotary die-cutter and Rapid X1 and X2 printers will also be on show.

Intelligent Finishing Systems

Stand N3 D291

ipex-ifsA “zero-makeready” Horizon HT-1000V variable three-knife trimmer will receive its UK launch this Ipex. The machine was shown by Horizon as a prototype at last year’s Drupa 2012 and was developed chiefly to go inline with perfect binding lines, either from Horizon or the likes of Muller Martini and Kolbus. The Horizon pXnet JDF-enabled HT-1000V features a barcode recognition system that automatically sets the trimmer. Alternatively it can also be set up via a user-friendly GUI. IFS will also debut the DS.02 inline turning unit from German-based Dürselen. The compact system, which can be integrated inline into any production workflow, is designed to automate the process of turning paper stacks in order to apply labels to a particular side. Other products showcased will include the Horizon BQ-270V and BQ-470 perfect binding systems, Horizon HT-30c trimmer and SPF/FC-200A booklet production line. 

Masterwork

Stand N4 D375

Masterwork will hand a European debut to its MK420Q Mini high-speed carton inspection system at Ipex. The company will be talking visitors through its new MK1450ER, said to be the first Chinese-manufactured large format die-cutter with stripping and blanking capability. The 5,000sph machine can die-cut up to 1,450x1,050mm with an accuracy of +/- 0.15mm and has a maximum cutting force of 600 metric tonnes. Another new die-cutter, a variation of the MK1060 called the MK1060E/S, which has been developed specifically for the European market, will be running at Masterwork’s European demo facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire throughout Ipex.

Morgana Systems

Stand S5 E390

Morgana is set to preview the next-generation DigiFold Pro and AutoCreaser Pro at Ipex. One of the key changes from previous DigiFold models is the introduction of a high-capacity vacuum top-feeder that can take a sheet pile of up to 500mm. Other new features include dual creasing blades, which can be set for up and down creasing profiles, or for different thicknesses of crease, and automatic set-up of the folding rollers. Morgana is also launching its next generation of air-assisted feeders for its range of bookletmakers. Taking centre stage will be the new System AF2000S bookletmaking line, which will be fed by the new AF602 high-capacity feeder. This dual-bin feeder can be loaded with up to 540mm of pre-collated sets from a digital print engine and can feed at up to 15,000 sheets per hour. Other bookletmaking systems on show from the range include the System 200e being fed by the AC510 feeder and the entry-level BM60 hand-fed machine for lower volume print shops and CRDs. Morgana will also have their range of DigiBook PUR perfect binding machines on show.

Perfect Bindery Solutions

Stand N3 D255

Perfect Bindery Solutions is launching the new Smartliner240 binder for layflat books, Foil Xpress for larger formats, and the Smyth Digital 88 sewing machine designed to turn flat sheets into sewn books. The company’s new involvement with US laser cutting specialist Lasex enables the production of ‘advanced intricacies’ ideal for greetings cards, fancy boxes and other decorative finishes. The system is also capable of robotic sorting of mixed products.

Profold

Stand S3 E250

Profold will be launching a number of new machines including its latest high-speed tabbing/labelling unit. Running on the stand will be the firm’s Linx Pro+ tabbing machine, which runs at up to 30,000 products per hour. Profold is also announcing at the show its new card personalisation systems. The new system incorporates a remodelled air transport bed, new software and Profold’s latest double-headed magnetic encoder.  

Sitma

Stand S3 E250

Sitma will launch the new Sitma WM10, a patented automated book-jacketing machine developed for the automatic production of plastic covers with two pockets for the protection of books. The machine is designed to enable different sizes of covers to be produced with no adjustment. Sitma will also use Ipex to demonstrate, it says, how its WM30 wrapper is the ideal solution to wrap a wide range of documents in paper. The solution creates envelopes with dimensions from C6/5 up to C4, with a mechanical speed of up to 30,000 cycles per hour. Envelopes with or without windows can be created with straight or V-shaped edges. The system provides various chip-out capabilities to remove a fixed or variable size to accommodate a full-colour print bleed.

Vivid Laminating Technologies

Stand N3 C230

Ipex will see Vivid Laminating Technologies launch three new roll film laminators. The vendor has created pneumatic versions of its MX-370 and MX-530 models, able to run up to twice the speed of the standard models. The extra pressure through pneumatic rollers also permits certain digitally printed substrates to now be laminated using standard OPP film. The third system being launched at Ipex is the Duplex version of the MX-530. Vivid will also be presenting its Easymount range of wide-format laminators. On the trimming side of things, the firm will exhibit its Trimfast A-Frame Vertical Multi Substrate Cutters, used for cutting foam board, PVC, corrugated card, plastic, aluminium composite, MDF and scoring acrylic, which is available in three height options. 

Zünd

Stand N3 B235

At Ipex, Zünd is introducing the new automatic sheetfeeder for the S3 cutter series, offering reliable loading and advancing of sheeted materials. It will also demonstrate the Tandem vacuum system, which allows for efficient loading and unloading of materials on one side of the cutter, while production continues on the other. This pendulum workflow saves time and increases productivity by keeping idle time to a minimum. It will also showcase the Zünd Design Center, enabling customers to create professional-quality packaging and displays directly in Adobe Illustrator. The core of the software consists of a comprehensive library of parametric designs. Finally, the new high-speed EOT 250 will be processing sandwich-board materials such as X-Board and Reboard up to a thickness of 22mm.