EFI™ Expands VUTEk® QS Family Of Superwide Format Printers
An announcement was made in February 08 about the availability of two new models in the award-winning QS superwide format printer family. The addition of 4-C and 6-C configurations to the QS2000 and QS3200 family of printers offers ease-of-entry options for sign printers and graphic display manufacturers who wish to add digital UV production to their product mix.

American Binding Products
"High-tech represents not only the future but also the present" said Cesare Sassi when he personally delivered the top of the line DP-4500 made by Rilecart to Gary Markovits. The Rilecart DP-4500 in-line fully automatic punching and book-binding machine combines speed, flexibility and reliability. Gary Markovits is the owner of E&M Bindery of Clifton NJ and is one of American Binding's best clients. He expressed great satisfaction and pride for the huge contribution made by the DP-4500 to corporate results, cost reduction, and improvements in quality and production speed. "Now, with this technology, we are definitely in pole position as new leader in the binding business".

Sign Central (Digital Printer) Changes Name and Focus to Reflect Digital Revolution
Sign Central has changed its name to Central Graphics. "We decided to change our name to better define the core business as a national leader in large format digital graphics." Says owner David Soulsby, "This change will better reflect the team's commitment to producing more than just signs."

The business will continue to design and manufacture visual communications that attract customers, sell products and inform audiences across the country.

Central Graphics started in 1995 as Sign Central, Inc. A small sign company making signs and banners with a 24" vinyl-cutting plotter housed within a 400 square foot retail space. Though the space was small the dreams of success were large. Three workers and a few local companies launched what is today one of the most successful and profitable sign and graphics company in Ohio.

Digitel by Printexs from ZeroNine
ZeroNine Mfg. Co., Inc., introduces Digitel by Printexs, which is an electroluminescent material designed for use in the Gerber EDGE printer. Digitel is said to be the world's first electroluminescent material that is designed for digitally printing a lighted sign. Electroluminescent material has traditionally been screen-printed and consisted of many screens, large setup fees, long lead times and high volume runs. However, with this new innovative Digitel material a sign-maker can print a single lighted sign in 5 minutes and all they need is ZeroNine's conductive ribbon and the Digitel film. How it works is wherever ZeroNine's conductive ribbon is printed onto the Digitel material, the reverse side of the material lights up when power is added to it. A sign maker can add a printed overlay with their Gerber EDGE or inkjet printer to add colors to their graphic.

DigiFab Systems Launches New Evolution
DigiFab Systems has announced the new DigiFab Evolution Graphics RIP. The new graphics raster image processor (RIP) from DigiFab Systems boasts smoother continuous tones, support for 12-color printers, and 16-bit processing capabilities. The RIP also improves the neutrality of gray-scale printing by eliminating typical color shifts.

Fujifilm Incorporates Wide-Format Inkjet Unit into Fujifilm USA
Fujifilm USA Inc. has announced that the Wide Format Inkjet business unit of Fujifilm Hunt Chemicals USA Inc. will become part of Fujifilm USA's Imaging Division as of April 1, 2008.

"Many of our customers are currently expanding their Frontier solutions to generate revenue from a wide range of products beyond traditional 4x6-inch prints," said John Placko, senior product manager, Wide Format Inkjet Products, Imaging Division, Fujifilm USA. "Today's announcement underlines our commitment to meeting the varied needs of these customers in today's changing imaging marketplace."

Océ Adds Dedicated Roll Media Option to Arizona 250 GT
Océ announced it has added a Roll Media Option for the Océ Arizona 250 GT UV flatbed printer. The Océ Roll Media Option gives customers the ability to print on flexible media including vinyl, self-adhesive vinyl, scrim banner, paper, film and textiles without compromising the productivity of the rigid printing workflow. It was on display in the Océ booth at the ISA International Sign Expo in Orlando, FL, March 2008.

The Océ Roll Media Option expands the functionality of the Océ Arizona 250 GT and increases opportunities for users by enabling roll-based printing of flexible media to create banners, point-of-sale displays, backlit graphics, paper-based posters and fabric panels.

American Ink Jet Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Formed in February 1983 by Michael A. Andreottola, American Ink Jet (AIJ) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter century the ink jet ink maker has developed some of the purest and most brilliant dye-based ink sets for fine art and photographic imagery.

"We launched the company to make inks for Applicon and Iris Graphics who made printers utilizing the Hertz continuous ink jet technology. But things really started to happen when famous rock musician and camera man Graham Nash sought inks to reproduce fine art paintings and his best photographs on an Iris Graphics Model 3047 ink jet printer," recalled CEO Andreottola. "We were one of the first companies to work with Henry Wilhelm of Wilhelm Imaging in the 1990's to establish a basis for the longevity of fine art reproductions using the Iris ink jet printer. We were making inks for Iris Graphics and Encad at the time."

In 1991, the company developed the first Giclée inks for Nash Editions in Manhattan Beach, California.

Office Depot Offers New Large Format Printing Capabilities
Office Depot announced the availability of Large Format Printing capabilities, enabling customers to make a "big impression" with photos and business materials. Perfect for the business customer in need of high quality materials at an affordable price, Large Format Printing applications include, but are not limited to, the printing of signs, posters and banners; visual aids; photo enlargements; store signage; engineering print services such as blueprints, schematics, drawings, and maps - all up to 60" wide.

Roland Announces I Love My Roland Contest
Recognizing the pride digital print shops take in the pure performance of their equipment, Roland has announced the first-ever I Love My Roland Contest-a 2008 search for the most creative, outrageous and dedicated Roland enthusiasts. The contest begins where interested Roland customers can upload from the internet up to five of their favorite shop photos-featuring themselves and their Roland equipment in action. Entrants can improve their chances for free publicity by including a short note on the topic: "Why I Love My Roland."

"Our top priority at Roland has always been to provide our customers with exceptional products and customer support that exceeds their expectations," said Dave Goward, President and CEO of Roland DGA Corporation. "The I Love My Roland Contest is a great opportunity for enthusiastic Roland customers everywhere to gain the recognition they deserve."

SA International Introduces SIGN.com
SA International (SAi), provider of Software Solutions for the Professional Sign Making, Digital Printing, Proofing, and CAD/CAM for CNC Machining Industries, announces the launch of SIGN.com, an online resource for the sign industry.

In its initial phase, users can browse, purchase and download individual files for design and production of all types. SIGN.com features affordably priced clip art, vehicle templates, vehicle wrap system, graphic fills, textures, and fonts. Additionally, users can purchase extended support plans and a variety of learning resources. The complete collections of images and templates are available on DVD through SAi's value-added reseller network. DC