If there is one date to put in your diary this spring—it is actually the second day of the season—then it is Wednesday, March 21st. This is when Signmaster Systems will throw open its doors and offer a wealth of free insight, applications training, business consultancy, and the chance to score some very good deals on print and cutting technology at its Complete Solution Open Day—which will concentrate on the latest equipment from HP, Graphtec, and Vivid.
Speaking to Jay Fleming, hardware and software manager at Signmaster Systems, he explains why it is worth taking some time out of your business to check it out: “The intention is for people to see the immense possibilities HP, Graphtec, and Vivid Laminating technology can add to their business. If they currently have a solvent machine, Latex is a stepping stone between that and dye-sublimation. And Graphtec’s cutters as well as Vivid’s laminating technology can really complete the picture to cater for an amazing array of products.
“There is also a lot of value add, as you can get deals during the Open House that you will not be able to get at any other event. In addition, it is squarely an application-based day, so there is no pressure and no hard sell. There will just be lots of experts on hand from four companies to help visitors broaden their horizons and see just what is possible with the latest technology.”
See it to believe it
Indeed, the 64” (1630mm) Latex 365 will be the star attraction from HP. It supports double sided and edge-to-edge printing, requires no gassing-off of its inks, is print ready in 90 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 31sq m/h.
The HP’s core attraction is its versatility and those Latex inks. Indeed, it can cater for temporary textiles, backlits and point-of-sale graphics—as it can produce prints up to 1200dpi on a range of materials, wallcoverings and canvas, vehicle graphics, and of course core applications such as three-year unlaminated outdoor banners.
The Graphtec CE6000 120 and FC8600-160 will also be in pride of place during the day. And if you have not yet spent the time checking out what they can do, then make a b-line for this technology. Available in 15, 24 and 48" (38, 61, 122cm) model sizes, Graphtec’s engineering-class CE6000 series vinyl cutters incorporate many of the advanced features that make its high-end cutting plotters so attractive to sign-makers. Graphtec innovations include an easy-to-use menu system, and its Smart Feed auto material pre-feed function for enhanced media tracking.
There is also a lot of value add, as you can get deals during the Open House that you will not be able to get at any other event”
“This entry-level series is perfect to help you grow your business and does not involve a big up-front investment,” explains Fleming, who adds: “A key highlight other than its speed and cutting force are the registration-mark sensors. These detect points printed alongside digitally produced images to automatically align pre-printed images to the internal co-ordinate system and can even compensate for media expansion and contraction.”
The Smart Feed media pre-feeding function is also a highlight, as it automatically unwinds and pre-feeds roll media as needed to eliminate disturbance associated with the operator’s manual assistance.
The Graphtec FC8600-160 meanwhile is the manufacturers top-end solution and not only has these bells and whistles and much more, but also offers features like 15m tracking and accuracy, as well as three different pressure settings for cutting from speed applications to ultra-fine applications.
The intention is for people to see the immense possibilities HP, Graphtec, and Vivid Laminating technology can add to their business”
Vivid meanwhile will field the Easymount 1600 range at the event, which are designed to allow sign-makers to laminate all their previously outsourced work in-house for a price point that makes it a very feasible investment.
“You can even mount on Foamex board up to 25mm thickness in-house with ease,” explains Fleming, who adds: “The patented technology within the Easymount Air uses one of the most advanced concepts ever seen in a wide-format laminator. Pneumatic air pressure controls the laminating rollers, allowing you to mount and laminate with incredible accuracy and speed.”
Fleming concludes: “I would recommend people to send art-work in advance so that it can be printed, cut, and finished on the day. Also, if they want us to run specific materials just let us know in advance.”
