Axiya scoops SDUK grand prize

Roland DG has announced Axiya Signs as the winner of its ‘Scratch & Win’ prize draw at this year’s edition of Sign and Digital UK.

The Berkshire-based company had a choice of Roland DG’s new TrueVIS VG Series print and cut devices, or a SOLJET EJ-640 printer to boost the business’ offering—eventually opting for a TrueVIS VG-540 to match its business needs.

Speaking about his win, Lloyd Yates, director at Axiya Signs, enthuses: “I was in complete shock when I found out that I had won! The addition of the TrueVIS VG-540 to our business will allow us to bring more production in-house and help to cut our overhead costs dramatically.”

Visitors to the show were able to pick up a special Scratch & Win’ scratchcard, with some attendees walking away with smaller prizes such as branded mugs and caps.

Kornit prints the perfect fit 

Kornit Digital has collaborated with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) for the third consecutive year on a special project to challenge some of the brightest young minds to create designs to be printed digitally onto fabric in a sustainable way.

Focusing on textile and surface design students at FIT, this year’s selected theme was ‘Wearable Wear’, with those taking part given the challenge of coming up with designs that highlight the importance of the ocean. Students were able, for the first time, to watch their design printed on the Kornit Allegro at Papilio Prints in New Jersey, US.

Jihee Che clinched first prize for her design entitled The Sulawesi Sea: Save the Coral Reefs, while Janisha Biyanwila finished second for her design Water: An Inconvenient Truth, and third place went to Rachel McGuire for Blended Bycatch.

The designs were judged by a panel of experts on their use of theme and sustainability, as well as marketability, digital technology, and overall design aesthetics.

Perspex sets out a Sweet deal

Perspex Distribution has strengthened its portfolio with the launch of a new cast acrylic sheet collection. The Perspex Sweet Pastels range comprises eight pastel colours and is available now.

 Designed to help sign-makers boost the look of their applications, the ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’ selection of classic sweet shop colours on offer to customers range from Lemon Bonbon to Parma Violet.

The shades are available in a standard 3 x 2m sheet size with 3mm thickness, while each sheet features one side matt surface and the other gloss, which in turn allows the products to be used in variety of different jobs.

In a statement, Perspex said: “All 8 delicious colours were specifically developed with bright signage and retail display in mind; lightweight and easy to install for pop up displays, yet strong durable and hard wearing those more demanding interior needs.”

Sagetech scores at Sign and Digital UK

With the dust now settling from Sign and Digital UK 2016, one exhibitor says its legacy has continued to drive sales and help it enjoy one of its best ever periods of profitability.

“It does seem that visitors came very much looking to buy, indeed, it was a record order intake for any show we have ever attended,” says Sagetech’s Nicky Bunker.

She continues: “More and more sign-makers are recognising the benefits of in-house cutting, compared to having materials pre-cut, with its inevitable dependence on the quality of the supplier and the hidden overheads of originating and monitoring the requirements for each customer’s order.  When those benefits are added to those arising from faster customer response time and the ability to use up offcuts, it underlines the competitive advantage of having an in-house cutting facility. 

“As many sign-makers now recognise, the Sagetech saws offer a number of advantages over the guillotine type systems, with greater scope for cutting a wider range of materials, for example the thicker acrylics, and material such as solid aluminium.”

Jeti Mira takes top gong

Agfa has been basking in the glow of triumph after winning a European Digital Press Association (EDP) Award for its flagship flatbed printing technology.

“Agfa Graphics is proud to have been rewarded with this quality and innovation mark for the Jeti Mira in the category ‘Best wide format flatbed/hybrid printer up to 250sq m/h’,” says Paul Adriaensen, press relations manager, Agfa Graphics.

The Jeti Mira is a 6-color and white UV-inkjet true flatbed printing system featuring a moving gantry. It is driven by the Asanti workflow software (EDP Award winner in 2014), which takes control of the entire process, from prepress to production through finishing.

Marathon Tool’ to cut a swathe

In a very interesting revelation, specialist CNC routing/cutting technology developer AXYZ has developed a highly specified tool to address the boom in demand for outdoor signage currently sweeping the UK.

 “The Marathon Compression Tool is specially designed tool for processing solid and particle woods and is supplied in a choice of diameters and lengths to accommodate different material processing requirements,” explains Robert Marshall, vice president, market development at AXYZ.

He adds: “The Marathon Compression Tool has an advanced cutting geometry and a unique coating that has been specially formulated to protect the cut edge from the high temperatures generated during the routing/cutting process.”

Orafol reveals soft side

Orafol has expanded its already-extensive product portfolio with the launch of six new soft colours within its Oracal 631 Exhibition Cal and Oracal 638 Wall Art ranges.

Each of the new colours are soft shades of pastel, with those opting to purchase one of the six colours also benefitting from a matt surface finish. 

In a statement, Orafol says: “Both Oracal product lines have been successfully sold for years, and these new colours are a great addition to the already extensive choice of colours.”



If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail news@signlink.co.uk

Follow Brendan on: