Hexis demonstrated vehicle wrapping using its Skintac HX30000 HEX'Press vehicle wrap and decoration cast film in HX30VVSB Variochrome Beetle
My first stop of the day was the Hexis stand (K11), where a wrapping specialist demonstrated how to apply the company’s Skintac HX30000 HEX'Press vehicle wrap and decoration cast film to a BMW. He used the green/purple HX30VVSB Variochrome Beetle, although throughout the show he has used a range of Hexis films. The Hex’Press solvent acrylic adhesive technology enables the user to apply the film quickly, efficiently, as well as bubble free.
Matthew Collinge, customer service advisor at Hexis, also showed me the range of heat presses it supplies, including the new SecabotC5Smart and SecabotC7Smart. He says: “These are the first heat presses ever with Bluetooth, which means the user can control the press via the free app Secabo Smart Transfer. These machines were launched about three months ago and we have already had a lot of interest in them, as they are a world first product.”
With the Bluetooth connection, users can simply enter the type of fabric and the transfer material, and retrieve the matching combinations of temperature, time, and pressure.
Next, to a company that is based in Telford, making the exhibition the ideal place for it to display its range of tools. Sign Making Tools’ (stand J01) director, Julia Hughes, says Signlink Live, being six months apart from Sign and Digital UK, is perfect for sign-makers to pop in to replace any of their missing tools, such as knives, storage racks, and squeegees.
She continues: “We love meeting and chatting with people at the show. Our tools are built in-house and if we can make it, we do it. We see many people discover more to a range of products than they were aware of.”
We see many people discover more to a range of products than they were aware of”
Sign Making Tools is pleased to showcase the Paint is Dead Pro-Series Pro Buffers, adhesive backed squeegee buffers that improve installation speed and protect the vinyl at the same time. Paint is Dead is a direct source to the best and more creative vehicle installers from around the world.
Visitors were drawn to the bright light of Magico’s stand, where the team showcased the only automated laminator in the world, the Lamidesk. The team tells me that while most sign-makers will have a manual laminator, there are significant time savings to be had with the Lamidesk. With two foot pedals to operate it, the Lamidesk takes just 31 seconds to complete, compared to 1 minute and 19 seconds on a manual device.
If you do not believe it, see for yourself, as visitors were encouraged to get involved and try out the laminator. By 2pm on the first day of the show, 14 demonstrations had already been given, showing the popularity of the product.
Magico brought to the show the only automated laminator in the world, the Lamidesk
Trade bespoke sign manufacturers The Sign Group (stand L15) has brought its Neon Plus brand to the show, with an exciting new addition in the form of Neon Plus Digital. It is patent pending addressable neon technology, which can create intelligent effects and complicated animations. Pop along to the company’s stand to see the colour-changing roaring fire on display.
Anthony Lowe, manager at The Sign Group, says: “Everyone we spoke to yesterday was a potential new customer for us, which is great. Although it might be not as busy at times, it is a better quality visitor coming through the doors.”
Neon Plus Digital is addressable neon technology which can create intelligent effects and complicated animations
Another important stand to visit is Innova Solutions (stand M14) as the company has several new products on show. There are two new tapes, strong but flexible adhesives which bond acrylic onto stainless steel and aluminium, and a clear adhesive.
As well as its new offerings, Innova Solutions is promoting its Nova Dura products including Prima Dura Glow. It is the only anti-vandal and anti-graffiti photoluminescent signage that meets the requirements of S1085: Issue A4: 2016 for Fire Safety Performance of Materials in Rail Stations and Tunnels Infrastructure. For more details, visit managing director Glenn Dunleavey and the team on the Innova Solutions stand.
Finally, Alexander Brice, sales manager of Brand Stand UK (stand L18) had only positive things to say about the show: “The quality of visitor is high to Signlink Live; they are switched on and they know the market well. Five years ago, there would not have been as much fabric at the show but it is now definitely an emerging side of the industry.”
On the Brand Stand UK stand at Signlink Live, its Wave Light product, an ultra-bright LED backlit tension fabric display system, has been popular with visitors
Popular for the portable display systems company currently is its Wave Light product, which is new for 2018. It is an ultra-bright LED backlit tension fabric display system, which gives the colour a real pop. The product has been six months in the making and Brice says it has gone down well at the show. Another popular product is the Wave Line Blade Flag, which is great for special events, both indoor and outdoor.
It has been another successful day at Signlink Live, with visitors coming through the doors ready to talk and buy. See you back here tomorrow for a round up of day three of the event.
