Visual Impact rides the wave of new technology
Visual Impact rides the wave of new wide-format technology
New machine models and an expanding range of inks, colours and substrates bolster the appeal of the popular trade exhibition in Sydney this week.
If every trade show has a overarching theme then the arrival of LED UV curing for wide format gives the latest Visual Impact show its own distinctive identity. A number of exhibitors will be showing the cool curing technology to the show.
With the industry showing no sign of VI fatigue, the second show this year, following Brisbane in April, looks set to repeat its success of two years ago. The commercial printing industry is continuing to embrace the wide-format niche market, lured by low investment costs, relatively easy digital workflow integration and now, the arrival of odourless LED UV curing.
With EFI leading the LED UV charge, visitors will be able to inspect the latest arrival, the EFIH 1625 on the DES stand at the Homebush show. This is the first engine of its kind in Australia and is likely to prove a hit of the show.
DES will also be showcasing its inaugural Seiko wide-format engine, the ColorPainter M-64, as well as a range of Epson and Roland machines in one of the largest displays at the show.
Spicers will also have EFI Vutek machines on its stand and the competition between the two EFI vendors is likely to be as fierce as ever. Steve Green, EFI Asia Pacific director, will have plenty of opportunities to meet his local customers as well as his distributors as he moves between the two stands.
Trade shows are always good places to ambush international visitors from HQ and VI this time around is no exception. Attilio Manoli from Canon’s European division will be able to answer questions about the Arizon wide format on the Canon. This is the first show for the new look Canon team under returned ex-patriate, Michael Boyle, senior general manager, Canon Professional Print.
Phil Trumble and his Positive Camtec team will be there with a substantial stand showcasing the latest swissQprint Nyala. The productive Swiss precision machine is steadily gaining more attention.
It would not be a true VI without the continuing Platinum Sponsorship of Roland DG. Not just exhibiting wide format kit, notably the VersaEXPRESS RF-640, visitors to the stand will be amongst the first in the world to view the monoFab series, including the company's first 3D additive rapid prototyping machine, the ARM-10, and a new 3D subtractive prototyping and manufacturing machine, the SRM-20. Released on September 3, the monoFab series desktop fabrication solutions are the culmination of over 25 years of experience in 3D milling and the company's first foray into 3D printing.
Also showcased is the new Roland DisplayStudio, a complete turnkey digital signage solution, including easy-to-use software, powerful digital media player, mounting hardware and the option of a commercial grade LCD monitor in various sizes.
Mimaki has the largest stand at the show, reflecting its sharper focus on the local market. It will be showcasing its range of JV series printers as well as cutters and software.
Organisers expect a good turnout for the three-day show (Tues 9th - Thurs 11th September) at the Sydney Showground and with exhibitors at their keenest to sell kit it’s got to be worth going along.