Printing News' Annual Readers’ Choice Top Products Awards
The public has spoken. Here are the most significant product introductions released over the past 15 months.
The 5th annual Printing News Readers’ Choice Top Products Awards competition was conducted in mid-2017. The goal was to gather opinions from print service providers about what they consider to be the most significant products introduced to the commercial printing industry over the last 15 months.
To be considered for these awards, a product had to be released, commercially available, and shipping between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Voting was open to all print service providers worldwide from June 26 through July 25, 2017.
And the winners are…
Prepress & Premedia
ONYX 12.1 from Onyx Graphics Inc.
Color Management (Software & Hardware)
ONYX 12.1 software is built upon a foundation of accelerated speed and performance, a simplified user interface, enhanced automation and finishing tools to do more in less time. Using an all 64-bit platform across RIP and applications, ONYX 12.1 produces benchmark RIP and data transfer speeds, increasing productivity and profits. Avoid wasted sheet media with an intuitive user interface and visual nesting previews. Our integrated G7 process also improves gray color for output consistency across devices and applications. Users can easily automate job preparation with finishing tools for media, bleed, grommet marks, art, trim or crop boxes with QuickSets without having to redesign original artwork.
EFI Quick Print Suite from Electronics for Imaging
Estimating / MIS Software
The EFI Quick Print Suite, specifically designed, built and validated to meet the needs of franchise, in-plant and small commercial printers. The EFI Quick Print Suite is built around the flexible and powerful EFI PrintSmith Vision MIS system and offers scalable industry-focused solutions for eCommerce, information management and print management. This includes the flexibility of PrintSmith Vision, the eCommerce power of Digital StoreFront and the front-end power of Fiery to provide a complete solution for smaller print businesses. And it is IT and infrastructure worry free as a 100% hosted EFI suite. EFI Productivity Suites are a comprehensive solution built around a core MIS system with scalable components that provide out-of-the-box value. They are designed, built and validated for rapid evolution and customer return on investment (ROI). EFI’s commitment is to continually provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of a changing print environment.
Esko CDI Crystal 5080 XPS from Esko
Platemakers
The new Esko CDI Crystal 5080 XPS flexo plate system combines the new XPS Crystal 5080 exposure device and the new CDI Crystal 5080 digital flexo plate imager. The Esko CDI Crystal 5080 uses the CDI LAMS ablation laser and high-resolution optics. It has a glass plate table, which is used to transfer flexo plates onto the imaging drum and transport the plate seamlessly, after imaging, to the XPS Crystal exposure device, combining UV main and back exposure—almost simultaneously. Unlike UV frames using light bulbs fluctuating in output, the XPS Crystal uses UV LEDs.
ePrintSite by Amazing Print Tech
Plug-Ins
Web-to-Print software by Amazing Print Tech– ePrintSite has the largest pre-built product, price, finishing options, shipping options, and online design options available in a single storefront. Ready-to-go printing storefront ePrintSite gives printers ability to deploy an ordering website under two days with the most built-out options available online. Hundreds of online estimate products. Thousands of pre-populated prices. Hundreds of choices for finishing options. More than one million pre-designed templates and images for the most popular ordered printed products. Features include logical price calculations, sales and production management, online ordering, mobile friendly interface, and customized website themes.
HP Signage Suite from HP Inc.
Preflight Software
HP Signage Suite provides cloud-based web apps for easy signage creation, helping PSPs, small sign and copy shops with HP Latex and HP DesignJet printers drive new growth for applications such as rollups, banners, and commercial posters. The product supports the full product line of HP Latex Printers, as well as the HP DesignJet Z2600 and Z5600 PostScript Printers. It will support additional printers in the future. A free, online tool designed for easy integration into PSPs websites, Signage Suite helps boost ecommerce capabilities, including with 24/7 availability to receive orders. The level of integration ranges from a basic hyperlink to a fully tailored experience.
Esko Automation Engine from Esko
Production Automation Software
Esko is the only company to embed Global Vision integrated automated quality assurance tools into an automated workflow. Users can find and eliminate errors on packaging with automated inspection tools for text, graphics, barcodes, Braille, and printed components. Integrated into Esko Automation Engine, GlobalVision tickets can easily check the accuracy of files and provide quality control within the Esko workflow automatically, eliminating time-consuming manual quality control checks. This allows users to process more jobs with the same people, with fewer errors. With the first fully automated quality control workflow solution, users become automatically aware of any problems that arise, immediately.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X8 from Corel Corporation
VDP Software
Combine your creativity with the power of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X8 to design graphics and layouts, edit photos, and create websites. With advanced support for Windows 10, multi-monitor viewing and 4K displays, the suite lets you deliver professional results with speed. Discover high-caliber and intuitive tools to create logos, brochures, web graphics, social media ads or any other original project. Easily access and organize fonts with the new Corel Font Manager, and use enhanced font search and filtering to instantly find fonts for your projects. Wherever your creative journey takes you, a wealth of resources and a vibrant community await.
eCardBuilder v. 5.2 by Amazing Print Tech
Web-to-Print Software & Storefront
Web-to-print software by Amazing Print Tech– eCardBuilder has the largest pre-built design online template library with more than 20,000 premade templates, 50,000,000+ images and 200+ prebuilt ready-to-order products. Functions include self-service by customers with online design, online proofing, online estimating, online collaboration, eCommerce and fulfillment management. eCardBuilder covers top purchased products in signs, cards, envelopes, and promotional products. The entire ordering interface can be used as a stand-alone website or as a plugin into any website or any shopping cart. The ordering process is suitable for any device with its mobile friendly and responsive layout.
ONYX 12.1 from Onyx Graphics Inc.
Workflow Software
ONYX 12.1 software is built upon a foundation of accelerated speed and performance, a simplified user interface, enhanced automation and finishing tools to do more in less time. Using an all 64-bit platform across RIP and applications, ONYX 12.1 produces benchmark RIP and data transfer speeds, increasing productivity and profits. Avoid wasted sheet media with an intuitive user interface and visual nesting previews plus our integrated G7 process improves gray color for output consistency across devices and applications. Users can easily automate job preparation with finishing tools for media, bleed, grommet marks, art, trim or crop boxes with QuickSets without having to redesign original artwork.
Consumables
DigiGaurd Overprint Varnishes from Michelman
Coatings
Michelman has introduced a line of water-based and energy curable DigiGuard overprint varnishes that have been tested and certified by RIT's HP Indigo Over Print Varnish Performance Program and are designed for narrow web label and folding carton printing applications. DigiGuard OPVs perfectly complement Michelman's DigiPrime primers, the industry's preferred brand of primer for use with HP Indigo presses. Available from one convenient source, the Michelman primers and OPVs work in tandem to enhance and protect the appearance of printed materials.
MPI 1105 by Avery Dennison
Digital Print Media
MPI 1105 is the next generation of digital Supercast film from Avery Dennison. The new digital cast film is ultra conformable and features reliable print performance across all platforms. The film can be used in a wide array of applications, from car wraps to outdoor graphic needs.
Ricoh AR Inks by Ricoh USA Inc.
Ink & Toner
Ricoh USA, Inc. announced its new aqueous resin (AR) latex inks, which are designed to cut cure times at an affordable price point, helping wide format shops take on more jobs and increase profits. After September, Ricoh’s wide format customers will be transitioned to AR inks, which will cost much less than their predecessors and boast a 24-month shelf life–much longer than previous latex ink options. AR inks allow wide format jobs on a broad range of substrates to be used immediately off the press. Whether printing on cloth, bond paper, backlit material, or a variety of other media, Ricoh’s AR inks cure quickly, reducing wait time for even the most complex jobs so campaigns can get off the ground or change quickly. Faster cure times mean faster turn times, which enable shops to take on more business and keep revenue flowing. Additionally, AR inks’ longer shelf life reduces the risk of an ink “going bad” in storage and having to be disposed of, unused.
Ultra Print 100% Recycled Brown Kraft Boards by GPA, Specialty Substrate Solutions
Packaging Substrates
Before a potential customer has made their purchase decision, packaging has already influenced how they perceive a product on a store shelf. Since packaging is a critical part of the brand experience, GPA makes it easy to create packaging that gets noticed with Ultra Digital and Ultra Print Brown Kraft Boards.
SUPERIA ZD by Fujifilm
Plates
Fujifilm Corporation announced the launch of a new processless plate, SUPERIA ZD, which will be available as part of Fujifilm’s SUPERIA portfolio following drupa 2016. Fujifilm has built on the advanced technologies behind its hugely successful SUPERIA PRO-T3 processless plate to make SUPERIA ZD compatible with UV ink and ideal for longer run jobs, while offering all the reliability and stability features of SUPERIA PRO-T3. These advances open up the benefits of processless plates to a much wider range of printers than ever before.
80# Constellation Jade Riccio Cover by GPA, Specialty Substrate Solutions
Specialty Papers & Substrates
GPA’s 80# Constellation Jade Riccio Cover is an ornately embossed sheet that has an opulent, textured swirl pattern and pearlescent shimmer on one side. Available exclusively in the North American market through GPA, this paper is part of a collection of specialty papers that brings a never-before-seen selection of high-end papers to the dry toner arena.
Output Devices
HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press by HP Inc.
Digital Devices (non-inkjet)
HP announced the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, the industry’s most productive digital narrow web press, offering end-to-end label production at double the speed previously available. HP also announced upgrades for the HP Indigo 20000 and 30000 Digital Presses as well as new ink and substrate options, offering converters and brands unmatched application possibilities at faster speeds.
Excelagraphix 4800 by Xante Corporation
Corrugated Printers
The Excelagraphix 4800 offers incredible speed and a small footprint at an attractive price point not found in other traditional inkjet technologies. This digital inkjet box printer is powered by Memjet’s revolutionary Waterfall Printhead Technology, employing a stationary print head bar system that allows for single pass print speeds up to 416 corrugated flat sheets of 48-inches (121.92cm) x 24-inches (60.9cm) per hour. Now you can print custom, full color containers with special promotions, personalized ad copy, and graphics—on demand. The print speed, small foot print, and price point of the Memjet driven Excelagraphix 4800, opens new business opportunities and markets previously unserviced by the corrugated box and packaging industries. The digital Excelagraphix 4800 inkjet box printer offers digital, full color package printing for pennies per square foot.
CI Flexo NEO XD LR HYBRID by KBA North America
Flexographic Printers
CI Flexo NEO XD LR HYBRID is engineered for printing with solvent and water-based inks as well as curing ink systems, such as UV-LED and EB. With up to twelve colors, a cut-off from 400 to 1,200mm, a maximum web width of 1,650mm and a maximum printing speed of up to 500m/min, in terms of automation and operation this extremely innovative press meets various production demands in flexible packaging. This newest flexo evolution developed by KBA-Flexotecnica embodies the latest amazing features found on the new generation of the “X” EVO XD and EVO XG series from KBA-Flexotecnica. These include innovative solutions aimed at assuring added productivity even with the shortest of print runs, excellent print quality and the eco-friendliness of the converting process.
HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press from HP Inc.
Label Printers/Presses
HP announced the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, the industry’s most productive digital narrow web press, offering end-to-end label production at double the speed previously available. HP also announced upgrades for the HP Indigo 20000 and 30000 Digital Presses as well as new ink and substrate options, offering converters and brands unmatched application possibilities at faster speeds.
HP PageWide Web Press T235 HD from HP Inc.
Production Inkjet
The HP PageWide Web Press T235 HD is part of the T200 HD Color series. This new entry level continuous-feed inkjet web press offers commercial print service providers (PSPs) the most economical entry point to high quality performance for digital commercial printing. The T235 HD is a low total-cost-of-ownership platform for publishing, production mail and commercial print needs. It can be upgraded to the HP PageWide Web Press T240 HD for increased productivity. Using HP’s High Definition Nozzle Architecture (HDNA) with a native resolution of 2400 nozzles per inch, the duplex HP PageWide Web Press T235 HD delivers productivity at 400fpm (122mpm) in Performance mode, using single drop weight printing. It’s also capable of producing 200fpm (61mpm) in Quality mode, using dual drop weight printing with seven levels of half-toning per color, and finer grain printing for smoother skin tones, gradients and secondary color solid fills.
Océ Colorado 1640 Printer by Canon USA, Inc.
Wide-Format Roll-to-Roll Inkjet Printers (24-inches +)
Canon proudly introduces the Océ Colorado 1640 Printer. This new 64-inch roll-to-roll printer has been designed to deliver breakthrough productivity for high quality indoor and outdoor applications. Customers will be able to easily handle high volumes and peak production periods with never seen before automation including the automated media loading of multiple online rolls. This product features on-the-fly quality assurance enabling customers to confidently print without operator intervention. This breakthrough productivity is enhanced by Canon’s LED cold curing. The Océ Colorado 1640 Printer can produce instantly cured prints on a wide variety of media including heat sensitive media. Additionally, the Océ Colorado 1640 printer is poised to transform 64-inch roll-to-roll sign and display printing.
JFX200-2513 by Mimaki USA
Wide-Format Flatbed Inkjet Printers (24-inches +)
The Mimaki JFX200-2513 UV-LED flatbed printer introduces a smaller footprint flatbed design with a 4-foot x 8-foot landscape print mode and a bed size small enough to fit in most sign and graphics shops. The operation panel, ink delivery system and vacuum adjustment controls are easily accessible from the front of the printer. The JFX200 printer is fitted with the latest UV-LED lamp curing technology and features a unique ink delivery system that further increases the flexibility users expect in a new generation UV cure flatbed printer.
Finishing & Mailing
Horizon Smart Slitter from Standard Finishing Systems
Binders, Book Finishing Systems & Bookletmakers
The Standard Horizon SmartSlitter is an all-in-one smart sheet processing system that can slit, gutter cut, edge trim, cross-cut, perforate, and crease all in one pass. The skip perforation feature can produce T and L perfs ideal for coupons, tickets, and business reply cards. The system is also capable of both matrix and rotary creasing, and for accordion fold applications or perfect bound books, up and down creasing can be performed in one pass. Print mark registration adjusts for image shift from sheet to sheet. The color touchscreen features a simple user interface for easy operation, including job setup via barcode.
Zünd RML Router from Zünd
Cutters, Trimmers, & Routers
With the high-powered RM-L 3.6kW router module, Zünd has brought to market a robust new routing solution for Zünd G3 and dual-beam D3 cutting systems. The powerful new spindle delivers 3.6 kW of processing power and a maximum torque of 0.7Nm. Especially combined with the automatic (HSK) tool/bit changer and minimal quantity lubrication, the RM-L routing system is perfect for processing acrylics, polycarbonates, aluminum/ACM materials, MDF and other wood products—making heavy-duty digital routing efficient, productive, and profitable.
i-BF Feeder and Stacker from Esko
Diecutters
Esko’s i-BF high-capacity pallet-to-pallet sheet feeders and stackers handle the widest range of rigid board substrates, up to 100 lbs. They handle pallets of materials with multiple stacks at high speeds, can be accessed by a forklift and are indispensable for medium to high run lengths of rigid materials. It feeds and stacks corrugated, paper core boards and plastics quickly and accurately with 16-second feed cycles per minute. There are no delays loading boards to the table, so the table is utilized nearly 100%. Esko i-BF stackers are powerful, so they do not need nicking. Cut pieces remain clean.
InstaPrint Packing Slip Inserter from Pineberry
Inserters
Built with read and print software, Pineberry Manufacturing Inc.’s InstaPrint Packing Slip Inserter prints, scans and inserts up to 200 pages per minute on-demand, greatly reducing bottlenecks, labor costs and improving automated packing slip order fulfillment. InstaPrint folds packing slips for quick insertion into small boxes and cartons efficiently and accurately. InstaPrint uses a high quality DOD inkjet printer with the ability to print on many flat materials, sizes and odd stocks, including paper, plastic and stock with integrated labels.
Duplo DDC-810 Digital Spot UV Coater from DUPLO
Other Postpress Equipment
A design-driven and highly viable solution, the Duplo DDC-810 Digital Spot UV Coater brings profitability back to print! Print is just ink on paper, until it’s not. Add an eye catching layer of texture and depth that your customers can touch and feel and you’ve just turned your product into an experience you can sell. With the DDC-810, you can accelerate your margin growths, gain that competitive advantage, and create greater value for such products as business cards, postcards, invitations, direct mailers, posters, and much more.
