Substrates and Materials

On the Epson stand (4.2-C30) visitors will be able to see KAVALAN Sunlight Weldable frontlit PVC-free material in use in collaboration with Epson kit.

The SureColor SC-R 5000 Series resin printer range and the SureColor SC-S Series eco-solvent printer range will be used to produce print on the KAVALAN material.

With FESPA putting a strong focus on the topic of sustainability at the 2022 show with a new feature called the Sustainability Spotlight, this collaboration is timely.

On Thursday June 2nd, KAVALAN European sales director, Rob Karpenko will be delivering a session at the Sustainability Spotlight at 2pm. This speech is entitled ‘The Future is PVC-Free – Are You Getting Left Behind?’.

Karpenko explains: “As we prepare to convene in Berlin, it has been heartening to see so many exhibitors planning a strong focus on sustainability. As a leader in the battle to eliminate PVC and embrace robust, eco-friendly solutions, we are delighted to be partnering with Epson to demonstrate how thoughtful and meaningful green innovation throughout the wide-format value chain can deliver incredible results while substantially reducing environmental impact.”

Filmolux will also feature KAVALAN PVC-free banner materials on its stand (3.2-C30).

Guandong will put a strong emphasis on the power of networking with its Meeting Point

Keeping within the substrates arena and Guandong has outlined plans for a Meeting Point on its stand (2.5-D55). The idea behind this is to put a strong emphasis on the power of networking as visitors come together once more for the first time in as many as two years.

The meeting point will include catalogues, copies of the MMCC2 collection, and Pocket samples.

Daniele Faoro, team principal of Guandong, comments: "As always, we like to be forerunners. The choice to be at Fespa in a different way, in a space that’s different from the classic stand, is a revolution in the sector, and it stems from our desire to be even closer to dealers and customers. The future isn’t what it used to be. This daily attitude is part of what we call being Guandong.”

On Stand 2.2-D30, Folex will present its range of media for use with large-format inkjet printers with coatings to suit latex, solvent, aqueous, and UV ink printing technologies.

The material comes in the form of rollup films and self-adhesive films with both comprising of an “attractive print receptive, white surface, optimal flatness, and are suitable for water-based pigment and dye inks”.

Folex will also present its Folatrans SMI 100 film which is ideal for screen printing transfers.

For the sign and display industries, Antalis will be demonstrating its environmentally friendly products for large-format print. This offering will include the Coala range of films.

Antalis will be demonstrating its environmentally friendly products for large-format print including the Coala range of films

Coala offers a catalogue of approximately 200 products including papers, films, adhesives, and textiles and Antalis will use its stand to showcase the capabilities of these for interior decoration.

Xavier Jouet of Antalis International, says: “We would like to take this opportunity to encourage eco-responsible practices in our industry by showcasing our latest sustainable innovations. We are committed to meeting our clients’ high expectations on the transition to an efficient and improved circular economy by helping them choose environmentally friendly alternative solutions for their projects.”

With the European exhibition taking place of the UK’s four-day bank holiday weekend in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, one company has brought the celebrations to Berlin.

Precision cutting specialists, Keencut has set itself a Jubilee challenge to create a Keencut SteelTrak verical cutter wrapped in the British flag. To celebrate the Royal milestone, Keencut is giving one visitor the chance to win the unique Jubilee SteelTrak.

Debbie Prendergrast explains: “We wanted something big and bold to act as the centrepiece of our stand at FESPA, so we set the unusual wrapping challenge of #KeencutOperationJubilee and enlisted our friends at Drytac and Roland to help.

“This is a real statement piece for any workshop or showroom. It’s all the amazing precision and versatility of the SteelTrak and a stunning piece of art all in one.”

To be in for a chance of winning the piece, visitors need to visit Keencut’s LinkedIn or Instagram pages and follow the instructions there. The prize draw will be made on the Keencut stand (2.2-A23) on Friday June 3rd and published online.

Software Solutions

Now, whilst the exhibition floor will be whirring with the sound of impressive printing hardware being put through the mill. However, without the unsung heroes that are software solutions, the high-quality results would not be possible.

One company that will be demonstrating its software offerings is Hybrid Software Group. On Stand 2.50-B50, the company will showcase solutions for the digital production of textiles, packaging, décor, wide-format, and specialty graphics.

Visitors to the stand will have the chance to experience a demonstration of the SmartDFE (digital front end) full software and hardware stack for mass customisation at mass production prices. This solution is the first product co-developed by the companies within the Hybrid Software Group: ColorLogic GmbH, iC3D, HYBRID Software, Global Graphics Software, Meteor Inkjet and Xitron.

The stand will also feature solutions from Global Graphics Software, developer of Harlequin RIP, ScreenPro, PrintFlat, and Meteor Inkjet.

Mike Rottenborn, chief executive officer of Hybrid Software Group says: “With the expansion of Hybrid Software Group we are unique in the industry as the only supplier of all core technologies, software and electronics, required for inkjet printing.   Our SmartDFE enables manufacturers of digital printers or digital printing sub-systems to sell into highly automated manufacturing settings and helps their customers embrace initiatives like Industry 4.0.

Visitors will have the chance to win a Keencut SteelTrak verical cutter wrapped in the British flag

“SmartDFE relies on tight, high-speed integration, communication and control between components from the job creation all the way to the printheads.  It enables our customer to collect detailed data from each printing device and the wider factory and uses that data to predict and control the press for high efficiency print manufacturing.”

Also providing software solutions at the show is eProductivity Software (ePS). On Stand 6.2-B40, ePS experts will be available to discuss the company’s capabilities for print and packaging.

These offerings include PrintFlow 4D cloud-based solution for scheduling and resource optimisation; Auto-Count 4D cloud-based real-time data collection solution; iQuote job estimating and planning solution; and Metrix, a job planning and imposition solution for layout plans with AI-driven intelligence.

Adrian Zesiger, head of EMEA Print at ePS says: “For ePS, FESPA is one of the best opportunities to meet our customers and prospects and present our latest advancements in technology that helps maximize business performance and maintain peak productivity across all manufacturing processes amidst these unpredictable market conditions.

“Now as an independent global technology company, we can focus solely on delivering cutting-edge software solutions for the packaging and print industries. Therefore, it's extremely exciting for us to finally return to meeting our existing and potential clients, discuss their requirements face to face, and explain the value our portfolio of products brings to the market."

If you have any news, please email carys@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.