29.08.2008
Sappi to stop Blackburn mill

Sappi Fine Paper Europe will stop production at its Blackburn Mill and
intends to cease activity from Paper Machine PM5 at its Maastricht Mill in response to overcapacity and unrelenting input cost pressure.
As a result of continued overcapacity in the European Coated Fine Paper market, it has not proved possible to recover the sharply increased costs of raw material and energy over recent years. Despite the efforts to curb costs, Blackburn Mill and paper machine no 5 at Maastricht Mill have been unable to generate acceptable returns. The sales office for Coated Fine Paper in the UK will continue operations as will the Specialities Sales and Marketing Organisation. Blackburn has the capacity to produce 120,000 tonnes of Graphic coated fine paper annually. Paper machine PM5 at Maastricht has the capacity to produce 60,000 tonnes of speciality paper annually.Sappi will reduce its Graphic coated fine paper capacity by 190,000 tonnes.

28.08.2008
Screen launches TrueFlow’s sixth version

Screen’s TrueFlow SE Version 6.0 is now available, and is now reaching new levels of automation. Incorporating the Adobe PDF Print Engine to ensure consistent output, Screen's TrueFlow SE v6.0 builds upon the previous generation of TrueFlow SE features by offering a number of productivity-driven functionality increasingly in demand by the multi-faceted print production industry. It features standard file checking, OPI support, trapping and imposition and many other prepress functions. Trueflow SE is designed both to drive optimised computer-to-plate (CtP) production and digital printing presses, and to provide an automated and streamlined workflow environment. Trueflow SE is enables existing users to move easily from a PDF and PostScript workflow into a JDF-based environment and achieve seamless communication with Management Information Systems (MIS).

27.08.2008
Portucel Soporcel’s turnover increases

In the 1st semester of 2008, Portucel Soporcel’s turnover reached € 594.5 million, an increase of 5.0% over the 1st semester of 2007. Paper represented 70% of turnover, pulp 22%, and the remaining 8% is essentially attributable to the sale of energy. This favourable performance comes from an increase in the volume of sales, both of pulp and, although to a lesser degree, of paper, together with the upwards evolution in the respective prices. Nevertheless, EBITDA decreased by 14.1% in relation to the same period of the previous year, reaching € 150.1 million, which corresponds to an EBITDA / sales margin of 25.2%. This downwards slide in EBITDA resulted from the accentuated increase in the cost of some production factors, especially wood, which was further aggravated by the need to once more import it in the quantities necessary to reinstate an appropriate level of stocks, given the unstable supply situation in this market, with the corresponding impact on transport costs. The major hike in prices in most commodities in this period similarly led to cost increases, both in the main chemical products used and in logistics. The investment in fixed assets in the 1st semester of 2008 was € 105.8 million, compared with € 7.8 million in 2007. This significant increase is justified by the intensification in payments made under the current investment plan, a main item of which is the construction of a new paper mill in Setúbal. The construction of this new mill, which will house the machine with the largest production capacity of uncoated printing and writing paper in the world, is going at a good pace and in line with schedule, with start-up planned for mid-2009.

26.08.2008
EskoArtwork buys MGE

EskoArtwork has closed on the acquisition of Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc. (MGE), the reference in vision controlled finishing solutions for cutting tables in the sign-making, screen-printing and digital printing marketplaces. No financial details will be disclosed for the transaction. MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut® vision system. Its i-script™ workflow has become the de-facto international standard through its integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE also is EskoArtwork’s distributor for the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables into the US sign & display markets since 2004.

25.08.2008
Major upgrade for Lightroom

Adobe is launching the second major upgrade of Photoshop Lightroom 2, the photographer's toolbox for managing, adjusting and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. With new enhancements such as dual-monitor support, radical advances in non-destructive localized image correction, and streamlined search capabilities. The enhanced Library module in Lightroom 2 helps streamline and accelerate photographers’ workflows. With the ability to visually organize images across multiple hard drives, Lightroom 2 and its Library Filter Bar makes it easy for users to quickly find the images they need. In the Develop module, the new Local Adjustment Brush lets photographers fine-tune specific areas of an image to precisely adjust color, exposure and tonal range without affecting other areas of the image. The new Graduated Filter expands the toolbox in Lightroom, allowing for edits to larger areas by applying gradually diminishing or increasing adjustment effects such as exposure, clarity, and saturation, alone, or in any combination. New raw technology gives photographers access to flexible camera profiles. Camera profiles are the visual starting point for the raw processing workflow, but image preferences vary for every photographer. To minimize surprises, Adobe is supplying default camera profiles that closely emulate the visual looks that photographers are used to seeing from their favorite camera, while also providing the ability to create highly customized profiles to suit different tastes. Camera profiles are available for immediate download on Adobe Labs (http://labs.adobe.com ) for use with Lightroom 2 and Camera Raw 4.5, along with the DNG Profile Editor for the community to test and create their own profiles. “A worldwide community of photographers provided valuable insight and feedback, as part of the Lightroom 2 public beta program, ultimately helping us deliver a better product,” said Tom Hogarty, senior product manager for Lightroom and Camera Raw at Adobe. “We’ve considered their requests which helped us develop useful features that make it easier than ever for our customers to quickly refine, enhance and present brilliant photographs.”

22.08.2008
Goss and manroland settle dispute

Goss and manroland have finally settled regarding a patent infringement litigation involving web offset press sleeve blanket technology.The terms of the agreement are confidential. Both parties acknowledged that the resolution was in the best interest of their companies and their customers, allowing
them to offer their full press portfolios to the worldwide marketplace.
The patent litigation was initiated in 2003 and alleged that the manroland
ROTOMAN S press infringed three U.S. patents held by Goss International for
sleeve blanket technology used in its Sunday web offset press models.

21.08.2008
Spicers Paper Sued for Patent Infringement

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ordered that Spicers Paper, Inc. should be added to a pending action before the ITC as a result of Spicers’ distribution of printing plates sold by Israeli printing plate manufacturer VIM Technologies, Ltd. VIM and its manufacturing partner, Hanita Coatings RCA, Ltd., were sued in the ITC action earlier this year by Presstek, Inc. for infringement of Presstek’s patent and trademark rights. Presstek is already in the process of suing two other U.S. based distributors of VIM products, Guaranteed Service & Supplies, Inc. and Recognition Systems, Inc., as well as one Canadian based distributor, AteCe Canada. In June, Ohio Graphco, who had previously been included in the suit, agreed to cease importing and selling any of the allegedly infringing VIM printing plates and to cooperate in the Presstek lawsuit. Presstek is seeking, among other things, an Order from the ITC forbidding the importation of the VIM printing plates in the U.S.; such an Order would apply not only to VIM, Spicers Paper and the other respondents in the ITC action, but to all dealers, distributors and end-users of infringing VIM printing plates. In the ITC action, Presstek alleges that VIM’s Di-R and Dp-R Waterless Processless Thermal Plate Rolls infringe Presstek’s U.S. Patent Nos. 5,339,737 and 5,487,338. Presstek also claims that VIM is infringing Presstek’s Federally registered DI Trademark. Presstek has held this trademark since 1992.

20.08.2008
HP goes “Large”at VISCOM Paris

HP will be showing its range of new wide format printers at VISCOM Europe, 24 – 26 September, in Paris. Among its other activities at VISCOM, HP will be featuring the new HP Designjet L65500 Printer that uses HP Latex Inks on its stand (K062). First shown at drupa in May, the HP Designjet L65500 Printer is the first of a new category of large format printers that enables environmentally responsible wide format printing. The HP Designjet L65500 further extends HP’s broad portfolio of large, wide and super-wide format inkjet printers that serves the diverse needs of the creative and printing communities. “The presentation of the HP Designjet L65500 Printer at VISCOM begins the presentation of this revolutionary printer to the European wide format marketplace,” said Yariv Avisar, vice president and general manager, Large Format Printing Industrial Solutions, Imaging and Printing Group, EMEA, HP. “The printer generated great interest at drupa and demonstrated that HP’s technology and product strategy is meeting the requirements of today’s market.” The HP Designjet L65500 Printer is a thermal inkjet printer using odourless HP Latex Inks to produce high quality indoor and outdoor applications on a wide range of substrates. With no need for special ventilation, low levels of VOCs and producing no hazardous waste, the HP Designjet L65500 not only reduces the impact on the environment, but enables wide format printing to be carried out in locations where previously impossible. Print speeds up to 35m2/hour for indoor applications, and 70m2/hour for outdoor work mean that the HP Designjet L65500 Printer can print up to 1200dpi with sharp text down to 4-points.

19.08.2008
Inca boosts production speed by 25%

Inca has introduced a bi-directional printing technique that has boosted the production speed of its Onset flatbed UV inkjet printer by up to 25%.
Using the new bi-directional mode the automated Inca Onset handles print sizes up to 3.2 x 1.5m (10.5x 5 ft) at a production throughput of up to 600 sqm/hr (6,458sqft /hr). In pure print terms, this equates to a speed of 1,000 sqm/hr (10,764 sqft/hr). As a result, 125 plus full-bed sheets (or 375 - 60x40") posters an hour can be produced.
Large format inkjet printers traditionally build an image by scanning printheads back and forth across the substrate. This creates a 'lawn' banding effect when printing in both directions (bi-directional). Banding can be caused by ink droplet placement, the shape of the drops and the differences caused by curing in each direction of printing. However, because the printing method is different on an Onset, this structural banding is not an issue due to its advanced engineering and design. The latest bi-di upgrade improves performance from 500 to 600 sqm/hr (5,382 to 6,458sqft/hr). 

18.08.2008
Mimaki UJV-160 released for outdoor signage

Mimaki is releasing its new 60” UV-curable inkjet printer UJV-160 using environmentally-friendly UV-LED technology which does not generate heat, and a flexible UV ink which has been developed together with 3M. In outdoor signage or fleet marking, solvent inkjet printers are main-stream. On the other hand, from an environmental point of view, reduction of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) is required. The new hybrid UJV-160, a 60” roll-to-roll large format UV-curable inkjet printer, utilizes UV-LED (Light Emitting Diodes) curing technology, and the curing temperature emitted by the UV lamps is very low. Therefore the printer can accommodate heat sensitive media, such as PVC which could not be previously printed. In addition new flexible UV ink developed in conjunction with 3M, which can stretch up to 200%, enables printing on cured ink membranes such as vehicle wrapping using thin PVC and any other curved surfaces such as shutters.  Thus, the applications for UV printing are greatly broadened. Conventional UV lamps also emit infrared rays that create excessive heat and sometimes ozone. Both of these negative effects of conventional UV printing are eliminated with LED curing technology. The LED lamp emits only ultraviolet rays that do not create heat and consequently the power consumption is less than half of that needed by traditional UV lamps, thereby significantly saving energy costs. Since the ink is cured or fixed immediately after LED radiation, the job turnaround time from printing to further processing, such as lamination, is shortened greatly. 3M will provide their 3M MCS (Matched Component System) that covers 3M media and the finished graphics for a stated durability period when the ink and 3M’s selected media are used and the recommended ways of installation are observed.  

14.08.2008
Xaar printhead receives PIA/GATF award

The Xaar 1001 printhead was distinguished with 2008 PIA/GATF Intertech Technology Award. This award recognize the impact of the product on graphic communications industry and technology submissions ranging, such as consumables and MIS systems to large-format presses.
This inkjet printhead can be used for commercial print and packaging and is designed for single-pass applications, with drop formation and drop placement accuracy. "This is a truly innovative design of inkjet head technology and facilitates faster speeds, improved productivity and increased resolution. The judges particularly appreciated the ability to be able to print with suspended particle inks, such as metallics. The main areas of application would be in industrial print, packaging, and specialty fluids", said the InterTch judges.

13.08.2008
“Color for Everyone” at Labelexpo Americas 2008

Under current difficult economic conditions, it is imperative that new tools and equipment invested by label converters help them remain competitive and profitable, focus on reducing waste and energy, and promote environmental sustainability of manufacturing processes. With that in mind, EskoArtwork has launched the program Color For Everyone, to help printers keep their businesses more profitable. Getting color right the first time and every time brings substantial savings across the entire label value chain. At Labelexpo Americas, EskoArtwork shows how color management can be easily and effectively integrated in each step of the workflow, from design to press. On display are end-to-end solutions for proofing and output, complete with expert services. It features Concentric Screening, Equinox—a solution for Extended Gamut Printing—and the Kaleidoscope color management ‘engine’. EskoArtwork will present this solution along with a complete portfolio of software and hardware solutions at Labelexpo Americas 2008 (September 9-11 in Chicago) on booth 5202.

12.08.2008
Dow Jones & Company Purchases 14 CTPs

Dow Jones & Company purchased 14 Kodak Trendsetter News 150 Thermal CTP Platesetters and 17 Kodak Prinergy Evo Workflow Systems as part of a modernization effort at six of its printing plants. “We evaluated all of the factors and looked at the various options before deciding to go with Kodak. They will work well with how our production is organized,” said Paul Cousineau, Director of National Production at Dow Jones & Company. Dow Jones prints nearly 1.7 million copies of The Wall Street Journal daily in the United States.

11.08.2008
IFRA announces Middle East Conference 2008

IFRA’s Middle East Conference 2008 will be held on 25 and 26 November, at JW Marriott Cairo Hotel, Egypt, according to the organisation. The pressing business and the technical topics will be the main issues, with the presentation of case studies and the latest products of international suppliers.The conference will be presented in the English and Arabic languages and will include Printing Technology, Branding, CTP and Plate Technology, Advertising, Human Resources, Saving Costs and Business Models sessions.

08.08.2008
HP renews Graphic Solutions Business

HP will reinforce its graphic arts business, to promote digital page growth and take advantage of the global graphic arts market. Michael Hoffmann, Senior Vice President, HP, is the responsible for the new Graphics Solutions Business (GSB), that includes Design, Sign & Display, Indigo digital presses, Specialty Printing Systems, Inkjet High-speed Production Solutions (IHPS), Light Production Solutions and other related supplies. Ernest Sales will assume the charge of VP and General Manager, GSB EMEA, and Francois Martin will be the new EMEA GSB Marketing Director. Marc Schillemans will further develop market penetration for HP’s digital solutions for commercial printing, labels and packaging, photo specialty, publishing, newspapers, direct mail and transactional/transpromotional applications, as VP and General Manager, HP Indigo EMEA, and Wayne Davey will be the new Sign & Display Business Director, EMEA. Merce Barcons will drive sales and technical markets as EMEA Design Business Director.

07.08.2008
Man Roland rises in India

Man Roland is expanding its portfolio in India,with the acquisition of new presses by the indian costumers. Sona Printers, in New Delhi, bought three presses: a five-color Roland 700, with Inline Coater smart, a five-color Roland 200, with Inline Coater smart, and a two-color Roland 700 convertible perfector. Orient Press, from Mumbai, will also start to produce with two six-color Roland 700 presses, with a coating module and extended delivery.
Man Roland has sales offices in Chennai and New Delhy and is strengthening “its engagement by its new subsidiary company manroland India that has locations all over the country”, as the company announces.

06.08.2008
Boom & van Ketel purchases new KBAs

The Dutch print enterprise Boom & van Ketel grafimedia acquired two Rapida 105 five-colour medium-format presses from KBA. After a turbulent period for the company, Erik Wink, managing director of Boom & van Ketel, decided to buy one model configured with one coater and the other with two, to deliver “the highest possible quality in the shortest possible time”, as the company announces. “We deliberately chose KBA’s high-performance B1 Rapidas because they’re the best on the market – and so are their changeover times. Run lengths average around 10,000 prints, and falling. But even when printing short runs we are faster and cheaper than our competitors. We earn money with high-speed plate changes and conversions, and a higher throughput”, says Erik Wink.

05.08.2008
Compose Systems prepares Labelexpo

Compose Systems announced its new solutions that will be presented at Labelexpo Americas 2008. As a developer of pre-press workflow and color proofing solutions, Compose Systems will show prepress and production workflow systems and a range of new features for narrow web and digital printing applications. The Compose IS Optimizer, an integrated ink optimisation workflow module based on Alwan's CMYK Optimizer technology, will be at the show. For the flexographics and packaging markets, the company will present the FlexoFlow, a production workflow system with a set of ease-to-use production tools, and the BoxPro, a box design and labelling application.
The traditional narrow web printing market will be represented with GapFinder V2, an application that aligns print jobs against the printing cylinder and re-arranges job images on the plate to eliminate the press cylinder gaps. Compose Systems will also release the Plate Controller, a plate layout software that automates job placements and step-and-repeat operations for both PDF and 1-bit ripped files, the InkScript Server, the latest Harlequin RIP release, Express RIP V8.0, and the new JDF 1.3 based production workflow Express Manager.

04.08.2008
EskoArtwork concludes merger process

EskoArtwork is ending its merger process, initiated one year ago. The integration process between Esko and Artwork Systems will be concluded with some changes at the Executive Management and Board level.Guido Van der Schueren, currently Executive Management Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the charge of non-executive Vice Chairman of the Board and Van der Schueren is the new responsible for strategic projects and Board matters. “Carsten Knudsen, President and CEO, remains Executive Board Member and assumes the leadership of EskoArtwork’s management team”, the company announces.
“Customers, partners and other industry players have recognized the result of EskoArtwork’s integration efforts, as clearly demonstrated during the drupa 2008 exhibition – the most successful ever for the company”, adds EskoArtwork.

01.08.2008
Mimaki launches new UV solutions

Mimaki announces a new UV ink and a UV primer for various materials and processing. The F-200 is the new UV ink, that can be stretched by up to 200% and be used for embossing processes, including membrane switches and film-insert molding, as Mimaki says. It is also available an opaque white ink for back printing on transparent or front printing on colored materials. The UV primer can be used as an adhesive between ink and printed materials and is compatible with standard Mimaki UV inks.
“With these two new solutions, users can greatly expand their application portfolio for UV-curable inkjet printing. By expanding the range of printable materials we can further promote on-demand digital production with enhanced color reproduction for short run jobs”, says Isao Tabayashi, General Manager of IM (Ink and Media) Division.