IPIA sets date for key networking event
More than 130 print professionals are expected to attend the IPIA Annual Networking Lunch on June 18th in Birmingham
We round up some of the companies exhibiting brand-new technology at the Las Vegas expo, including Inkcups, Kavalan, and Sharp
PRINTING United Expo 2024 will be returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 10th to 12th. The show, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, will feature over 800 exhibitors and include a number of technology unveilings, as well as interactive displays and hands-on experiences.
“In terms of new and innovative technology, it is certainly an exciting year,” says Mark Subers, president of PRINTING United.
Subers explains: “For those that didn’t have the opportunity to attend drupa, they can experience it all at PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas as exhibitors will be showing these solutions for the first time ever in North America, in addition to brand new, never-before-seen product launches.” Here is a round-up some brand-new technologies and machines that are being exhibited at the event.
Inkcups is a supplier and manufacturer of digital inkjet equipment, pad printing equipment, laser platemakers, and corresponding supplies.
PRINTING United 2024 marks the global debut of Inkcups’ award-winning Nano Pin Curing technology. The technology enables printing on transparent cylindrical vessels such as Tritan containers, wine and spirit bottles, candle holders, and assorted glassware without the need to fill the vessel with a UV-blocking substance.
Matthew Medford, vice president of engineering at Inkcups, states: “Inkcups strives to continually innovate and push boundaries with our technology and we love being able to showcase that to the wider industry.
“With growing interest from the packaging world in our direct-to-object inkjet printing technology, we anticipate a lot of interest surrounding Nano Pin Curing technology on the Helix line.”
Part of the Taya Group, Kavalan produces a range of PVC-free materials for use in the large-format printing industry. The products are presented as an eco-friendly solution that reduces plastic by-products. Its distribution partner, Media One, will be demonstrating products including Kavalan Sunlight Weldable samples, aiming to demonstrate the ease of use and impact that Kavalan users can expect.
Alongside Kavalan’s traditional PVC-free banner replacement materials, attendees of PRINTING United will have the chance to learn more about Kavalan Moonlight River, the first textile replacement material that eliminates the washing and dyeing processes of materials. The technology purports to reduce freshwater consumption by up to 67%. Kavalan Moonlight River was a winner of the product category the 2024 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards.
Nova Abbott, head of marketing at Kavalan, comments: “We are looking forward to being back at PRINTING United for 2024, and we feel that this year is even more special as we have an opportunity to highlight the finished performance and excellence of Kavalan materials.”
Technology company Sharp has announced that it will showcase its newly expanded line of digital press technologies as part of PRINTING United 2024. This includes its new six-colour digital press, the BP-1200S. Launched in April, the press boasts speeds of up to 120ppm, with an expanded colour gamut including CMYK, gold, silver, and bright pink, as well as the ability to print up to six colours in one pass.
In addition, Sharp will present its monochrome digital presses, launched in May. The 125ppm BP-1250M and 136ppm BP-1360M are powered by a Fiery NX One Print Server and include real-time image quality adjustments, with an output resolution of 2,400 x 2,400dpi.
Dino Pagliarello, vice president of product marketing and production print at Sharp, explains: "We are investing heavily in production print, and we are here to stay. That is why we are willing to not only provide superior products, but also work with the experts in the industry to help support our customers' endeavours within this space.”
Show attendees can also see live demonstrations of the new Touch7 technology, a software designed specifically around the Sharp BP-1200S. The software takes full advantage of the expanded colour gamut of the press, simplifying the design effort and allowing the addition of fluorescent toners to printed products. Touch7 was developed by Color-Logic, an industry leader in metallic colour communication and embellishments for printing processes.
