The Big Picture - Wide Format Printing

If you have been producing vehicle wraps for a while, it’s likely you can recall a job or two in which the designer screwed something up: The hood didn’t fit. The logo ran into the door handle. The phone number was too big on the tailgate.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? If so, you know how frustrating this can be for the client, the installers, and the sales staff. These types of errors are expensive and they can give your client the impression that your shop doesn’t know what it’s doing.

One of the first established digital print operations in Serbia, NS Plakat (nsplakat.rs) is well-known for its P-O-P and advertising work. Now, the European firm has found a new niche market: fashion collections. General manager Đorđe Mihalački says his shop utilizes its Durst Rho 750 to produce fashion pieces designed by his wife, and these are then promoted and sold online via a website and Facebook. “The collections include a large range of designer handbags and carriers, and anything from belts to mobile phone covers and wall-clock designs,” says Mihalački.

The European Sign Expo 2013, a digital out-of-home media show, has acquired Screenmedia Expo, a signage event, and will integrate at ExCeL London, June 25-27, 2013. The three-day event will be co-located with FESPA 2013. Screenmedia Expo will no longer be a standalone event at Earls Court in May 2013.

Graphics One has launched the GO MiniMax, a 16-in. desktop vinyl contour cutter. Designed to perform as a stand-alone cutter or as a full print-and-cut solution with OKI and Graphics One LED transfer printers, it features a steel cutting blade, an optical laser sensor system to detect registration marks, and a 3-meter media-tracking system for accurate contour cuts.

Graphic production and design company Metromedia Technologies (MMT) has acquired Spectacular Design Group (SDG).

In the late 19th century, dining out became the new “in.” The Second Industrial Revolution was spurring unprecedented economic growth for companies and individuals, and the rise in travel due to new railways and steamships helped create a higher demand for restaurants throughout America and Europe.

The National Association of Print Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) will host its 97th Annual Convention April 6 - 9, 2013. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs, Florida, assembles ink-manufacturing executives and suppliers throughout the industry.

SAi International (thinksai.com) showcased its new logo and re-launched company website. The company’s new logo features a hub design that “highlights SAi as a central force that has many moving parts that interact with outside forces, and is an essential part to a constantly evolving industry,” reports SAi. The new website – thinksai.com – offers up a refreshed look and feel, enhanced functionality, in-depth information on SAi’s portfolio, details on key sectors served by SAi, informative videos and tutorials, and more.

Ilford (ilford.com) previewed one new product and one new technology for the sign and display market within its Omnijet family: Ilford Omnijet Trans and Ilford Omnijet NanoSolvent.

Esko (esko.com) showcased full details of Automation Engine 12 for prepress workflow automation, a major component of its Suite 12 software for the packaging, label, signmaking, and display industries (launched at drupa 2012). Also available as a standalone product, Automation Engine 12 is engineered to provide full workflow automation for jobs that combine multiple printing techniques, integrating interactive applications, RIPs, and Web tools.