Images Magazine Digital Edition July 2018

INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 18 images JULY 2018 LARGE FORMAT NEWS Mimaki reveals development in Internet of Things Mimaki has announced a new development in the Internet of Things (IoT) with its Digital Printing Connection, which aims to help companies incorporate Mimaki printers into systems that include unattended on- demand production and mass customisation with robots, conveyors belts, inspection devices, sensors and other peripheral equipment. The first two solutions introduced in this new development are MDL commands and Mimaki Job Controller. MDL commands are used to control Mimaki printers from customer production systems and through peripheral devices. They manage printer operation including starting print production and adjusting the position and height of the print substrate table. They also provide information on remaining ink amounts and errors from the printer side. Mimaki Job Controller is software that communicates with the printer for transmission of optimal printing data and printing conditions. It also automatically starts production, connects a printer and a robot in a production line to feed print jobs using a conveyor, and collects the printed items after printing. "The Digital Printing Connection enables unmanned operation," explained Bert Benckhuysen, product manager at Mimaki Europe. "It helps simplify and streamline processes by allowing printers that mostly act as stand-alone systems to be connected to peripheral equipment. The approach supports on-demand production and mass customisation.” www.hybridservices.co.uk Fespa moves to Madrid Fespa Global Print Expo will return to Spain in 2020, following the 2019 event in Munich, Germany. The 2020 Fespa Global Print Expo will be held at Fiera de Madrid from 24-27 March 2020, and will be co-located with European Sign Expo. “After three successive years in Germany, we are looking forward to moving back to a southern European host city in 2020,” said Roz Guarnori, Fespa’s exhibitions director. “Madrid was a clear favourite among exhibitors and visitors when we canvassed their opinions on preferred cities for a Fespa event. This enthusiasm for the host city, combined with the success of the Fespa Digital event in Barcelona in 2012, makes us confident of delivering a compelling event in Spain in 2020.” www.fespa.com Resolute and TheMagicTouch partner to bring Ricoh DTG printers to the UK In June, TheMagicTouch (TMT) and Resolute DTG announced a new working partnership with machine manufacturer Ricoh to bring its latest DTG printers to UK customers. The three DTG printers – the Ricoh Ri 100, Ricoh Ri 3000 and Ricoh Ri 6000 – form a comprehensive range that caters for those looking for an affordable entry level printer through to those who require industrial production-level capabilities. "The partnership with Resolute is the perfect platform for both companies to develop the ever-increasing personalisation market," said Jim Nicol, managing director of TMT. "The collective strength of sales and marketing combined with expert technical knowledge and experience ensures the ultimate in customer support and user satisfaction." He continued: "For the past 12 years we have considered and evaluated many of the different DTG printer options available, but confirm the Ricoh range is the only product that ticks all the boxes and we were prepared to commit to." Colin Marsh, Resolute DTG's managing director, added: "Bringing Ricoh to the UK is an exciting opportunity. Partnering with Ricoh and TheMagicTouch can only raise the bar for DTG across the UK and Europe." www.themagictouch.co.uk www.resoluteink.co.uk www.ricoh-europe.com TMT and Resolute have partnered to distribute Ricoh DTG printers in the UK, ranging from the Ri 100 [above] to the high production Ri 6000 [top] Euro Trophex 2018 to be held inBerlin Euro Trophex, the trophy, awards, engraving and personalisation event, is moving to Berlin, Germany, for 2018. Previously held in Amsterdam, the show will now take place at the Estrel Berlin on 3-4 November 2018. www.trophex.com/euro-trophex