Sign and Digital UK organisers expect this year’s event to be bigger than the previous show, with more than 7,000 people expected to attend. Pictured: the busy aisles at Sign and Digital UK 2014
If there is one event that has truly captured the spirit of both the sign and wide-format print markets in recent years, it is Sign and Digital UK. An annual occurrence on the industry calendar for more than two decades, the show welcomes exhibitors and visitors from around the world, each keen to learn more about the latest technologies on offer in this creative sector.
This year, organisers have pledged to build on the success of last year by not only bringing in new exhibitors, but also developing new content programmes that will help visitors gather the information they need to help their business prosper and grow.
Based once again at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, which is becoming something of a hub for print-related events, with The Print Show also due to take place there later this year, Sign and Digital UK 2016 will have over 200 suppliers in attendance, each as eager as the other to show off their latest technologies to the market.
Scheduled to take place at the slightly later date of April 19th to 21st, what can we expect from the latest instalment of this popular event?
Sign and Digital UK 2016 will feature more than 200 exhibitors from all sectors of the industry. Pictured: Resolute DTG will be one of many brands returning to the event
Breaking records…again
Heading up Sign and Digital UK once again this year will be event director Rudi Blackett, the popular industry figure who has masterminded many successful editions of the show. Blackett estimates that this year’s event is on track to be 10 percent bigger than last year’s edition, which would secure a third consecutive year of growth for the show.
“Since 2013, Sign and Digital UK has grown 33 percent in show size, 43 percent in the number of exhibitors, and 20 percent in visitor attendance,” Blackett explains, adding: “We are expecting a further increase in visitors for the 2016 show, with over 7,000 expected, while there will also be over 200 exhibitors in attendance.
O Factoid: Sign and Digital UK 2015 attracted a total of 6,807 visitors, 11.3 percent more than in the previous year. Attendees hailed from the UK, Ireland, and Europe, as well as China, Japan, India, and the USA. O
“The industry’s leading suppliers will have a significant presence at the show, with a significant number of exhibitors having increased their stand size for the event this year. Colourbyte, Route1Print and Swanline Paper and Board, Daltons Wadkin, Snap Products, and Digidelta have also taken stands for the first time.
“Our show theme for 2016 is ‘Creativity, Innovation, and Choice’, which sums up where the show is at—new products, new technology, new applications, and the best choice. If you are running a business, looking to diversify or to start a new business, visiting Sign and Digital UK really is essential.”
Returning to the event this year will be the popular Adobe, Corel, and Signlab software theatres, which will allow those in attendance to gain an insight into some of the latest software available on the market and also ask the experts for advice. In addition, the ‘Signmakers Workshop’ will have an updated schedule, including wall and floor graphics, while the Textile, Materials, and Retail trails will return to help highlight suppliers that specialise in these market sectors.
Regarding new additions to the show, Blackett highlights the live demonstration timetable, which will display when exhibitors are doing full demonstrations of new products. Meanwhile, a new online meetings planner will enable visitors to pre-arrange meetings with suppliers at the show and help them make the most out of their trip to the NEC.
Visitors to the show this year can view a live demonstration table to find out when exhibitors are showing off their products
In addition, the Sign and Digital UK seminars programme will this year feature customer case studies for the first time. Blackett says that this will allow those in attendance to learn from the experience of others and see how a certain solution help their businesses. A digital signage theatre will also help visitors learn about the advantages of offering these products alongside an existing print solution.
Blackett adds: “Sign and Digital UK is a ‘buying’ show as many visitors wait to benefit from show offers and the opportunity to see and compare the wide range of new products on offer. Coupled with advice, learning about new products and market opportunities, this is what makes the show so popular.”
Comparing solutions
One of many major brands returning to Sign and Digital UK this year is Grafityp. Debbie Astle, marketing manager at Grafityp UK, says that the company’s main goal for the show is to meet with both existing and potential new customers in order to update them on the latest solutions on offer from the firm.
Astle comments: “The show offers visitors the opportunity to see and compare vast amounts of products, many relevant to their business, all under one roof. They can compare prices and take advantage of the many special show offers, and it’s also nice to put faces to the names they deal with on the telephone daily.”
The show offers visitors the opportunity to see and compare vast amounts of products, many relevant to their business, all under one roof ”
With this in mind, Astle picks out some of the technology that will be display at the Grafityp stand. Products will include the LEF-300 and EJ-640 from Roland DG, the latest in laser engraving and cutting technologies from GCC LaserPro, as well as vinyl cutting plotters from both GCC and Roland DG.
Roland DG will be showcasing its latest addition to its VersaUV series of UV-LED flatbed inkjet printers, the LEF-300. Pictured: Roland DG’s stand at Sign and Digital UK 2015
Astle adds: “Machinery on the Grafityp stand will be working for the duration of the show. Our Roland printers will be churning out images to give visitors a true idea of what is achievable, as will the cutting plotters and laser engravers. And, as always, there will be many special offers available on many of the products on offer.”
Grafityp plans to showcase a range of Roland DG printers at Sign and
Digital UK this year. One of its key strengths is that it is both a
manufacturer of vinyl and a wide-format printer supplier, with this
close collaboration seeing its vinyl register some of the best print
quality in its class
Aside from hardware, Grafityp will also be displaying its own range of sign vinyl, which is available in a range of colours and widths, with various lifespans. Those in attendance can view the GrafiWrap collection automotive and decorative films in matt and gloss colour change options, as well as special effects such as carbon fibre, leather, brushed metal and many other textures, glitters and sparkles.
Also on show will be GrafiWrap-S39, the new addition to the GrafiWrap printable vehicle wrap two-part system that consists of printable cast film and laminate. In addition, visitors can view GrafiPrint Media, which Astle says has a printable film for “every type of application”, from posters to building wraps.
In addition, Grafityp plans to display its range of garment films; a collection that caters for CAD cut and printed applications, as Astle explains: “In CAD cut, there are standard films such as our best selling PS range, films specially developed for application on to stretchy materials, flock, special effect films such as Glitter 2 or reflective for workwear.
“Likewise in printable films, standard films are accompanied by glitter, crystal, flock, and more and are perfect for bespoke designs. Our printable range is ideal for use on such machines as the Roland VersaCAMM where it can be printed and contour cut on one device.”
Grasp a concept of technology
Also in attendance this year will be Printmax, which has secured a key position on stand K10 at the front of the show. Michael Bolton, managing director, says the equipment supplier will use the event to meet with both new and existing customers, showcasing a range of products in the process.
Michael Bolton, managing director of Printmax, believes that the sign and graphics market is being driven by the ever increasing capabilities of the technology at its disposal
Bolton comments: “Sign and Digital UK always proves to be a popular event and offers a great opportunity for us to catch up with customers both old and new.
Considering the continuous growth in the industry, I anticipate this to be reflected in April, hopefully it will prove an exciting week for all involved.
“With a range of free seminars available along with the unique opportunity to see the key players in large format print in one room, it’s a great opportunity to really grasp a concept of the technology and investments available.”
Regarding the technology that will be on display at the Printmax stand, Bolton says the supplier will assemble a selection of wide-format kit from two of the UK's staple technology players, Mimaki and Roland DG.
Bolton expands: “We’re really excited to be able to introduce visitors to some new additions to the Roland portfolio, in particular the high-speed, high-quality EJ-640 roll-to-roll printer, along with the 2016 release of the VersaUV LEF-300, a truly impressive flatbed offering a wealth of opportunity in the promotional printing market.
"We’ll also be showcasing the Mimaki UJF UV-LED printer, designed to print on almost any substrate, one of our best-selling industrial products. Alongside these, we will have a range of roll-to-roll print and print and cut devices across both brands.
“We will also be hosting demonstrations on all products available, along with some specialist advice on the ever popular range of Metamark media. We have also signed up a customer of ours to be present on the stand, to not only demonstrate the products in a very real, practical sense, but also to offer advice and support to those new to the industry.”
Inspire and innovate
Elsewhere, Antalis UK will also be back at the show to display some of its latest products for both the print and wide-format industries. Mike Bennett, marketing manager for print, sign and display, says that the company hopes to “inspire and innovate” as many visitors as possible in April.
Bennett says: “We have selected some of our most innovative sign and display products that we hope will inspire visitors to our stand to try something new, and give them the confidence to tap in to new markets.
“With such a buoyant future and huge potential for wide-format printers, there is no better time to visit SDUK, and explore the vast potential of this vibrant and fast moving sector.”
Amongst the products on display will be the new Coala Digital Wall Coverings range, as well as a range from Graham and Brown. Visitors will also be able to view the new DISPA board, which Antalis says is perfect for short-term, indoor sales displays.
Antalis plans to showcase its new range from Graham and Brown (design and pictures are made in co-operation with Studio Edward van Vliet)
Bennett adds: “Also on display will be the latest large format, exhibition and display, window and floor graphics offerings from the Coala collection, the Orafol range of plotter vinyls, digital vinyls and laminates for creative floor, wall and window treatments, the Drytac range of easy to apply films and overlaminates as well as the popular 3A composite products such as Dibond, Forex, Smart-X and KAPA ranges.”
With so much going on at this year’s Sign and Digital UK, it seems that organisers have kept true to their promise to ensure it is the best edition of the event yet. And with plenty more twists and turns sure to come in the lead up to the show, you can be sure that no matter what area of the industry you are operating in, Sign and Digital UK 2016 will be on hand to cater to your needs.
While some aspects of the print industry may be witnessing a slowdown, by contrast, the sign and digital applications continue to grow”
The top ten technologies not to miss
Agfa Graphics
Having its first showing in the UK will be the new Jeti Mira, a 6-colour and white UV-inkjet true flatbed printing system with optional varnish or primer. Available in two table models, it is ideal for applications ranging from posters, signage, exhibit graphics, and point-of-sale displays through to niche applications such as personalised objects.
Biesse
Biesse will present the completely new Rover J machine and will be producing sample parts in acrylic, cardboard, and foam with a combination of a router, knife, creasing roller, and on board cut to print recognition camera, all in the one machine.
Canon
Canon will be exhibiting the NEW Océ Arizona 1280 GT UV flatbed printer. The true flatbed architecture of the new series has been designed to deliver the most flexible platform in wide format printing, providing superior image quality, ease of use and a wide range of application opportunities.
Colourgen
Colourgen will present a brand new range of Mutoh large format sign and display printers and a new garment printer. The Mutoh ValueJet 1638X and 1624X printers incorporate high performance micro piezo head technology. The Mutoh VJ-405GT, Mutoh’s first ever direct-to-garment printer has been specifically developed for direct printing on t-shirts, caps, canvas bags, shoes, and more.
D and K Europe Ltd
D and K Europe will be giving the first UK showing of the new B3 laminator–Neptune. Neptune is a B3 fully automated machine capable of laminating at speeds of up to 15m/min.
Epson
Epson will give the first public showing in the UK of the latest range of professional SureColor printers for the signage and display graphics sector. This new family of technology boasts increased speeds, higher-resolution graphics, a broader colour gamut, and a new range of software features and automation.
Hybrid Services/Mimaki
Hybrid Services/Mimaki will début new Mimaki hardware at the show including two new LED UV printers—the Mimaki UJV55-320 3.2m roll-to-roll machine and the UJF-7151 plus; a mid-format flatbed printer that produces exceptionally detailed output coupled with low running costs. The MTEX Blue all-in-one dye sublimation printer will also feature on the Hybrid stand for the first time.
Impression Technology Europe
Impression Technology Europe will be launching the GoTx wide format textile-printing machine at the show. Being able to print onto a variety of static and stretch fabrics gives this machine the edge over the competition. This will be the machine’s first appearance at a European exhibition.
InkTec/Jetrix
See the UK debut of InkTec’s first LED UV printer, the Jetrix LX5. Recognising the desire in the market for more environmentally-friendly and energy efficient printers, the JETRIX LX5 offers 35 percent lower energy consumption compared with a mercury lamp printer.
Roland DG
For the first time at the show visitors will be able to view the latest addition to Roland DG’s VersaUV series of UV-LED flatbed inkjet printers, the LEF-300. Also on display will be the newly launched Texart XT-640 and SOLJET EJ-640, the latest editions to Roland DG’s range of dye sublimation transfer printers, which have been designed for professionals in the dye-sublimation market.
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