Held every two years,The Digital Show is one of the largest consumer technology events in the Southern Hemisphere. Combining the various aspects of photography from recording to communication and printing, it opens up a world of imaging, offering entertaining demonstrations, local and international experts, exclusive product launches and a host of inspiring talks and lectures to its visitors.
While wide format printing products were not exactly 'the order of the day' at the show, there were a few niche suppliers showcasing an impressive line up of their wares. Wide Format Online correspondents were in attendance and have compiled this quick review of large format products (and in some case, accessories) seen at The Digital Show last week.
Sublimation Systems - We had a friendly chat with Sublimation Systems Managing Director John Miller at the show. A highlight of his stand was the large format special show price he was offering to buyers of the Epson SureColor F6200. Some of the features that he likes about the SureColor include its ability to print up to 14400; its jumbo 700ml individual ink reservoirs that significantly reduce the cost of ink; its improved tonal transitions and grayscale and the fact that it produces astounding results on all substrates, particularly Chromaluxe.
http://www.sublimation.com.au
Epson: A diverse range of devices and materials were showcased on the Epson stand, demonstrating the myriad of materials which images can be printed on and the precision at which film and photo reproductions can be scanned. Craig Heckenberg,
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| The Surecolor F 7200 dye sub printer from Epson |
General Manager, Business Division, Epson Australia took us on a tour of the stand, highlighting the recently launched next-generation SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation transfer printers, as well as the more mature Epson V800 scanner and Epson WF-R8590TC workgroup printer.
While the SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation transfer printers are suitable for textile printing, the Epson WF-R8590TC workgroup printer allows for flexible media printing, including wide format printing. To achieve precise colour and detail before printing, the Epson Perfection V800 Photo (6400 dpi resolution) scanner is a recommended entree. (Note - most Epson products are also available from Kayell, who was also exhibiting at the show.)
www.epson.com.au
DES - The DES stand was a hive of activity and while we were not lucky enough to attract the attention of Russell Kavanagh, we noticed that the Seiko ColorPainter M-64s was creating a lot of hype - we could certainly see why. Deemed the fastest usable eco-solvent printer in the world, this flexible, reliable, high performance wide-format printer features better colour density and details at high speeds.
The low odour mild-solvent ColorPainter M-64s offers 64-inch (162cm) wide printing in 6 or 7 colours and thanks to the combination of high-viscosity inks and advanced printheads produces razor sharp, crisp images in all print modes - retaining details and colour density. While it does, of course, print on diverse signage and graphics materials, there is a focus on achieving printing speed on PVC - a highly popular material for signage and vehicle applications.
www.des-pl.com.au
Nova Sublimation - Nova Sublimation recently launched two new products at The Digital Show. While not on display on the stand, we were given a run down of the new Novasub 750 A1 and the Sublimax 1510 Sefa heat presses by Nova Sublimation's Edan McDougall.
The pneumatically operated Novasub 750 30-40-inch heat press for transfer printing and material fusing is ideal for medium to high volume production with low operator fatigue. It is comfortable for operators to use, easy to operate and maintains consistent pressure control.
On the other hand, the pneumatically operated Sublimax 1510 Sefa heat press for transfer printing and material fusing is designed and built for big production. It includes two or four driven air cylinders, double driven plates, multiple elements with multizone temperature control for even heat, user friendly interfaced touch screen control panel and three emergency stop buttons for operator safety.
We were also excited to learn that Nova Sublimation is now the Australian agent for the Sublimax 1510 Sefa heat press.
www.novasublimation.com.au
