In its 61st year, the leading trade fair for advertising technology, signage, large-format and super-large-format as well as textile printing is once again presenting some new areas. These reflect above all the changes we are experiencing both technically and socially. By Sabine Slaughter
When the Fespa Global Print Expo takes place in Munich from 23 to 26 May this year, the city of the Hofbräuhaus and the Olympic Stadium will once again be home to all the big names in the industry. The organisers have once again worked hard for this edition and have announced new exhibitions and conferences for the fair in addition to the familiar ones.
For example, the first Personalisation Experience conference has been announced. During the three-day programme, participants will learn more about the psychology and behavioural science that make personalisation of products attractive. Information will also be provided on the commercial value of personalisation and how digital transformation, technology and software solutions enable personalisation. Richard Askam, Fespa Personalisation Ambassador will lead the programme.
Also new are the expanded Sustainability and Printeriors Hubs. The former allows visitors to find out about a wide portfolio of eco-friendly graphic and textile materials. The fair exhibitors offer a wide selection here, from leather and leather alternatives to natural fibres, cellulose fibres as well as plastics with information on sustainability and production. The main partner is ReBoard Technology, which supplies the recyclable and reusable material for the entire exhibition area. In addition, there is a new online platform which, among other things, features the Fespa Planet Friendly Guides with up-to-date environmental information and legislation. The on-demand video series on the same topic can also be viewed during Fespa in the Sustainability Spotlight.
In addition to the exhibition, Printeriors will also be available as a virtual showcase on the Fespa website in the future. The new Printeriors microsite, which will launch in May 2023, will feature case studies explaining the production methods, technologies and substrates behind each application, as well as articles and podcasts discussing interior decoration options.
But it's not just Fespa that has news to offer, exhibitors have also been gearing up for the show and the New Perspectives theme, offering a wealth of innovation and information.
Agfa
On the stand with the theme "Strategic Growth. Sustainable Success", visitors can see, among other things, the Onset X3 HS with Agfa inks. The Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED will print with varnish on corrugated board. Vivid colours with next-gen inks can be seen in production on Agfa's Avinci CX3200 textile printer. Arnaud Calleja, Vice President of Digital Printing Solutions at Agfa, says: "Of course we are excited to showcase our latest printing innovations at Fespa. But trade shows are also a great way to keep up to date with the industry. Our team prides itself on being a true partner to print service providers by taking a close look at their needs and how our comprehensive range of inkjet printers, inks, software, training and services can best contribute to their growth trajectory and sustainable success."
Aleph
The new Laforte 100 R2R dye-sublimation printer with fluorescent inks is making its debut. It has a double print head for each colour (8 colours x 2), reaches a maximum speed of 180 square metres per hour in High Quality mode and can handle, among other things, coated papers with low weights, starting at 18 grams per square metre. This printer is designed for all textile segments, but is particularly suitable for sportswear and soft signage applications. Furthermore, an updated model of the Laforte 600 paper will be presented.
Azonprinter
The new MonsterJet Luggage Edition and Azon Pronto + Conti Neon X will be shown. The MonsterJet is a UV solution with adjustable print area and height. It can print on objects up to one metre high. Azon Pronto + Conti Neon X is a brand new solution designed for DTF technology (A1 size). In addition to the bottle system, it also includes the white ink agitator and automatic recirculation. Another important feature is the automatic maintenance system.
Berger
The company is introducing its new "architecture" portfolio. Shift is a printable odour control textile designed to absorb and neutralise kitchen and pet odours as well as cigarette smoke but also formaldehyde, says Berger. It is a 250 gram per square metre 470 micron polyester fabric that can be customised using direct or sublimation printing. Absorber offers two different sound-absorbing materials designed to improve acoustics in a range of environments, from corporate offices to leisure and hospitality spaces. Alessandro Lanfranconi, CEO of Berger Textiles, comments, "As a long-time supplier of textiles to the interiors market, we see first-hand the significant growth opportunities for our customers in the architectural segment and the increasing demand for functional textiles that help designers and installers overcome practical challenges in demanding spaces. With these first-of-its-kind architectural products, we will show existing and new customers how technical textiles can provide elegant solutions to noise and odour problems in a range of environments, while respecting and even enhancing the aesthetics of interior spaces." Furthermore, new apparel fabrics will be showcased on the stand.
Dataline
The Belgian company will bring its Multipress ERP/MIS platform, developed specifically for large format, signage and textile printing. The recently released version 5.4 includes a number of updates in various areas. These include pricing and estimating, e-business connectivity and features, as well as transport and logistics management and the calculation of carbon emissions for each print job produced. MultiPress ERP/MIS software is directly linked to many of the printing industry's most popular software and hardware providers. This growing network of certified MultiPress technology partners enables MultiPress users to take advantage of a wide range of standardised connections to third-party software and hardware, streamlining and speeding time to market.
Durst
"360 Production Excellence" is the theme at Durst. The company will present a next-level automation installation for unattended print production. As a product launch, Durst Group will show the fastest roll-to-roll printer to date. The company will also showcase its portfolio of water-based and UV LED ink systems that meet all relevant regulations and are certified for third-party and sustainability requirements. In addition, Durst Group's service division will present new offerings for proactive customer support, which is now available in more than 80 countries. Durst Group will also offer a shuttle service to its headquarters in Bressanone, Italy, to view the entire P5 large format portfolio along with other segment solutions such as labels & flexible packaging, textiles, wallpapers and ceramic tiles at the Durst Customer Experience Center. In addition, after registration, attendees will be able to see the P5 500 in production use at Escher Digitaldruck, about an hour away from the exhibition.
eurolaser
A new camera system for efficient and precise processing of printed materials will be presented on the large-format laser system 3XL-3200, on which printed textiles are automatically cut live. In addition, the cutting of plastic sheets on a smaller laser system and the processing of cardboard on a Zünd cutter will be demonstrated.
Fedrigoni
Among the solutions on display will be Ri-Jet C50 Ultimate Slide&Tack, which has been specially developed for gluing commercial and private vehicles: When applied, the film adapts to the many curved and uneven parts of the vehicle thanks to the conformability of the cast vinyl, says Fedrigoni. Also presented is a transparent polyurethane film used to protect the bodywork of high-end vehicles. If scratched or damaged, this film can regenerate itself through ambient heat. Also on display will be the Ri-Mark Platinum range with Airflow technology, specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals in the self-adhesive plotter cutting materials industry. From vehicle customisation to point-of-sale advertising, interior and exterior signage and decoration, the Ri-Mark Platinum range supports both dry and wet application methods for flat, uneven and curved surfaces.
Folex
The Folex group of companies is showing its current product range in the areas of LFP media, advertising applications and textile transfer. Highlights include the DIALUX SI 129 backlit film based on post-consumer polyester, which can be used to save resources in the production of lightbox advertising. There is also good news for environmentally conscious advertising technicians and painters in the area of colour stencils: the products of the REGUsign series for tarpaulin, vehicle and façade lettering have received an update and are now based on papers from sustainable forestry. This means that instead of PVC film, paper can simply be used for painting work - with a clear conscience and perfect results, according to Folex.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm will also be showing a brand new addition to its Acuity range while its historic partnership with Barberan will be demonstrated with an elaborate model and video demonstration. David Burton, Business Director, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, says: "Fespa provides the perfect platform to highlight both the sales success and technical improvements we have made to the existing product range over the last 12 months, while also providing a preview of what's to come, with the unveiling of a brand new machine on the stand and many more details about our exciting partnership with Barberan."
JK Group
JK Group will be showcasing Digistar Helios, a new dye-sublimation ink for printing on rigid coated surfaces for outdoor decoration.
Mimaki
On the Mimaki stand, under the theme 'New Perspectives', is the recently announced TxF150-75 direct-to-film (DTF) printer, the powerful 330 series and the entry-level 100 series. The print and cut workflow will be demonstrated with Mimaki's latest cutting plotter, the CG-AR series. In industrial printers, visitors will be able to see Mimaki's UV flatbed printers, from the smaller UJF-6042 MkII e to the large-format JFX600-2513. In textile printers, the TS100-1600 and TS330-1600 sublimation printers will also be on display. As part of Fespa's 'New Perspectives' theme, Mimaki is using this global show to re-contextualise the printing industry through the lens of sustainability, reaffirming the company's commitment and engaging with creative, environmentally conscious minds from across the industry. This year, Mimaki is exhibiting the visually vibrant, nature-inspired art of Dutch surrealist Rik Lina. The artwork, titled "Fascinated Rainforest", is based on Lina's own travels to the rainforests of Saba, where he tried to capture the essence of nature and instil in the viewer the same sense of awe he had there. "The environment is an important issue in all areas of printing - including for us here at Mimaki. We are working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on reducing waste and water, and encouraging and supporting printers to develop sustainable applications wherever possible," comments Danna Drion, General Manager Marketing. "We will return to Fespa to collaborate with the industry and hopefully inspire some creative, eye-catching end products. As with previous shows, visitors can expect to see something new on the Mimaki stand."
Mutoh
The Japanese company will be showcasing the new XperJet Pro for sign and display printing. In addition to a 1371 centimetre version, a 1625 centimetre variant with new print head technology will also be introduced. These include a new generation of web algorithms and Mutoh's VerteLith RIP software, which together with the printers are said to improve print quality and speed. The new printers also feature automatic alignment to ensure uninterrupted production and consistent quality. Mutoh's Greenguard Gold-certified MS31/MS41/MS51 inks will be used as standard.
Oppboga Bruk
Oppboga Bruk AB, the Swedish manufacturer of multiplex board for signs and displays, recently announced the launch of stock items for the large 1220 x 2440 mm format. "Oppboga Excellent has been the natural choice for indoor advertising for decades, and now printers can buy it by the pallet, allowing them to tackle smaller projects that may lead to larger ones in the future," explains Andrew Robinson, managing director of Oppboga Bruk. He says it is also important that it makes it easier for customers to switch from single-use plastics such as PVC foam to sustainable display board.
ROQ
ROQ will be showcasing some of its new products and solutions for the screen and DTG industries, as well as its brand new apparel packaging machine. In addition, the best-selling machines will be live in operation (rotary machines and dryers).
Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical's presentation will be themed "Experience, Transformations". Solutions on display include Sun Chemical's wide-format and super-wide-format inkjet inks, textile inkjet inks, screen printing inks and industrial inks, including solutions from SunJet - Sun Chemical's digital inkjet brand. The Streamline range of inkjet inks for wide format printers will be showcased. Formulated with low-odour chemistry, the Streamline ink range is Greenguard Gold certified for low indoor emissions.
Xeikon
Wallpapers printed on the Xeikon CX500 digital press with eco-friendly toner and the Wall Deco Suite will be the focus of the show presentation. The latest version of Xeikon's Wall Deco Suite will be running live to showcase digital printing on a variety of nonwoven materials from substrate partners Ahlstrom and Lahnpaper. This end-to-end inline solution consists of a jumbo unwinder, web cleaning unit and Xeikon CX500 press, followed by a water-based varnishing module and a variable cut length cutting and waste removal unit in front of a wallpaper winder. In collaboration with customer Färggrossen, one of Sweden's largest suppliers of paint and wallpaper, a new interactive kiosk concept will be presented that allows customers to select, customise, visualise and order wallpaper in-store. Xeikon's stand will be full of digital print samples and products covering the full spectrum of printing, from marketing communications, special applications and interior decoration to labels and point of sale solutions. "Wall decoration is just one of the many segments where Xeikon technology shines. Whether it's wallpaper or large-scale murals with custom designs, patterns or photos, the adoption of digital technology continues to grow due to the endless possibilities to revolutionise the status quo," says Dimitri Van Gaever, Market Segment Director for Graphic Arts. "But of course, Xeikon's mission goes beyond wall decoration. We want to show our customers in all our markets how they can overcome challenges, expand their scope and move towards fully automated production."
Further plans
Already established on all continents, a new Fespa station will be added from 2024 - Fespa Middle East in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
