These stunning graphics were produced on Epson’s SureColor SC-S80600 and designed by a young competition winner
On opening day, what strikes me is how every year, the range and diversity of exhibitors grows. It is all about reaching new areas of the market with the most efficient machinery, something that Epson has demonstrated perfectly on its stand.
Epson ran a competition, which was won by a 17-year-old design student from Longdean School in Hemel Hempstead, that led to her work being used to decorate the car and wallpaper featuring on Epson’s stand. Both designs were printed using Epson’s flagship model, and the main focus of their stand, the SureColor SC-S80600. Launched last year, it is a reliable machine with low cost of ownership that is growing in popularity.
Phil McMullin, UK sales manager pro graphics at Epson, says: “We wanted to show the breadth of applications on one machine. We are blurring the boundary of interior and exterior signage having to be made on separate machines, with the SC-S80600, they don’t.”
We wanted to show the breadth of applications on one machine”
The car, a highlight of Epson’s stand which also featured last year but with a different design, was wrapped by Slam Signs with their media of choice, Arlon Super Cast. The matching wallpaper, of which the car is bursting through, is superbly printed and applied, you cannot see the joins, ensuring a professional finish is obtained first time. Other machines on Epson’s stand include the SureColor SC-S40600, SC-S60600, SC-F9200, and SCP10000, covering everything from dye-sublimation to photographic quality printing.
Ultima Displays has launched a number of new products at Sign and Digital UK 2017, including a range of light boxes
Amaya Sales UK is showcasing its embroidery, digital transfer, and direct-to-garment machines. Julian Wright, sales director of the company, says they are increasingly seeing interest from sign-makers and this is their fourth year at Sign and Digital UK. Machines on the stand include the Melco EMT16plus embroidery machine, which is running constantly at the show and Polyprint TexJet echo direct-to-garment printer.
Of course, the show is not just about exhibitors. One of the key areas for advice and tips is the Signmakers’ Workshop. Just pop by and listen to a demonstration, which every day includes a ‘First Steps to Vinyl Application’ workshop, detailing the ‘what, when, how’ of vinyl, weeding and applying application tapes, preparing surfaces for vinyl, use of application fluids, and applying basic text.
Ultima Displays is pleased to have launched a number of new products at Sign and Digital UK, including a new range of light boxes, the XClaim Cross, and catalogues detailing its display products. On top of new launches are its traditional products that always draw in interest such as Formulate, which can be customised into more creative shapes, such as the bendy bench on its stand.
What is great about Ultima Displays is that they really use their whole stand to showcase what they can do. The new light boxes feature at the information desk and hanging structures add even more interest to the stand. Also, the products are made in the UK and produced in-house. Chris Lewis, marketing director of Ultima Displays, says the company has exhibited at the show for 15 years and is enjoying its prime position in the hall this year.
Applelec promoted its distributor status for SloanLED through showcasing Prism Mini and FlexiBrite solutions
This year, Applelec is keen to use Sign and Digital UK as a platform to promote its partnership with SloanLED and two new products. First is TEXA Frame, a new textile frame system to aid the installation of printed textile graphics. SloanLED PosterBOX 3 modules can be used to provide an even illumination solution and the frame has a maximum width of 3m.
SloanLED Prism Mini is the second new product on the stand which utilises the same Prism technology as the traditional product but smaller in size. It is ideal for channel letters and sign box illumination. Applelec also showcased the FlexiBrite solution, flexible LED tubing which is ideal for contours and trickier applications.
Last on my tour of the halls on day one was APA. The company launched a new wrapping film at the show, featuring a range of colours and special effects. Matteo La Spada, sales executive for APA, explains how the films range from extra glossy to matt, and are manufactured entirely by APA. La Spada also says Birmingham is a good area for them, which they are doing particularly well in currently.
APA is wrapping a car at the show using its new range of films, which come in all sorts of colours and effects
The company’s Chrome films are 100 percent PVC making them more stretchable than any other vinyl. Some of APA’s more easily damaged films also come with an anti-scratch treatment to ensure the high-quality finish lasts. APA also offer a training course for first time users of their films to learn the techniques. At the show, APA are demonstrating the new film by wrapping a car, where visitors can get up close with vehicle wrapping and learn the best techniques.
Come back tomorrow when we will be sharing the highlights of day two at Sign and Digital UK, including many more exciting product launches, demonstrations, and much more news.
The first of our special bulletins from Sign and Digital UK 2017
