Sign Africa takes a weekly look at some of the most unique wraps. This week’s vehicle wrap features a Maserati in a gold chrome wrap.
If you would like to feature in our weekly highlights, send your eye-catching wraps to journo@practicalpublishing.co.za
WRAP MY RIDE
(+27 11) 894 2306
www.wrap-my-ride.co.za
is a durable, flocked vinyl that can also be layered on itself to create multi-coloured, dimensional looks that are perfect for any customer. Amp up designs with over 18 colours ranging from traditional black, white, and royal, to more trendy ones like pale pink, lemon and turquoise.
The vinyl is ideal for adding texture to apparel and more. The product has high-quality, high-density fibres so colours stay vibrant and long-lasting wash after wash. Add a textured and plush feel to any item with this easy-to-weed material.
Soft Flock advantages:
– Adds a premium raised look and feel to a variety of fabrics.
– Allows users to decorate unique fabrics like Sherpa, blankets and towels.
– Easy to create vibrant and long-lasting designs.
– Offers the matte finish customers love.
Soft Flock is a great alternative to embroidery for left chest logos and more. It works well with lightweight garments that may not hold up to the weight of embroidery threads, like traditional cotton T-shirts and polos. Embroidering a large design can also be expensive and takes time. Using Soft Flock lets users achieve the same high-end look without investing in new equipment — all users need is a heat press.
STAHLS
www.stahls.com
According to Shaun Holdom, Global Product Manager at Drytac, the pandemic has led to a rise in the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial products. However, users need to choose carefully in order to achieve maximum protection, particuarly with protection films.
The global pandemic has changed our world and society in significant ways. Covid-19 has drastically changed our perception of hygiene and cleanliness, spurring the development of films and coatings with antimicrobial performance.
Previously, these coatings and products struggled to find widespread adoption due to difficulties in qualifying their effectiveness on human health and justifying any additional costs. However, the pandemic has drawn attention to measures that can provide additional protection and reassurance to the general public and this has created a new need for antimicrobial surface protection.
It should be noted, however, that not all antimicrobial coatings and products are created equal. Some are only effective against bacteria (antibacterial) while some are effective against a wider range of microbes – such as algae and fungus – offering antimicrobial protection. However, this performance does not necessarily protect against viruses, so users need to choose carefully.
When considering products for use as a preventative measure and increasing hygiene performance, it is important to understand the limitations of the three main antimicrobial technologies: zinc, silver and copper. All can provide protection against bacteria, but only some can offer antimicrobial protection. As damage or cuts on the film can harbour bacteria, it is important for the additive to be imbued in the film rather than in a top-coating, which can be easily scuffed, scratched and worn.
Perhaps the most important thing when seeking out antimicrobial protection is to be extremely wary of some of the claims currently being made in the marketplace. New disinfectant and additives used within antimicrobial solutions must have European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to make valid effectiveness claims. All biocides and pesticides have to be registered.
All governments promote a ‘test, test, test’ attitude when it comes to infection control and protection films are no different. Third-party testing needs to be done to determine any effectiveness on any microbial activity. This simply cannot be a one-off; these need to be part of the quality control and batch-to batch-testing of the product to ensure the desired performance for all locations.
Where products claim to have effectiveness against viruses they must be registered as a virucide. A simple ISO 21702 Coronavirus test on one viral strain such as feline coronavirus (FCoV) or 229E (human Coronavirus) does not qualify something to be anti-viral or effective for other strains/diseases, like Covid-19.
In addition, the claims of the effectiveness and protection of the product cannot extend outside of the classification of the product itself. This means that any marketing information surrounding potential health benefits are a no-no: they can lead to Advertising Standards Authority investigations and create public confusion.
There is no doubt that there will be major growth over the coming years in the requirement for antimicrobial technologies within many market sectors including medical, healthcare and general public spaces. This means that marketing and product information needs to be clear, concise and most importantly factual.
MIDCOMP
(+27 10) 020 9999
consumables@midcomp.co.za
http://www.midcomp.co.za
Following site audits at the end of 2020, MagnaColours is now certified to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Confidence Level 3 – the highest ZDHC certification level currently available. ZDHC Confidence Level 3 now means that over 55 MagnaPrint and MagnaTrans inks and additives certified to Oeko-Tex Eco-Passport also meet ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), and are verified as being responsibly manufactured.
MagnaColours has been working hard to remove harmful chemicals and helping printers use more environmentally friendly inks, and is continuing to ensure that its products are safer and better for the environment, printers and end-users.
ZDHC
ZDHC aims to remove harmful chemicals from production and the supply chain to protect workers, consumers and the environment. Through its efforts, the company is reducing not only its chemical footprint and environmental impact, but the impact of its customers as well.
OekoTex® Eco-Passport
OekoTex® Eco-Passport is an independent certification system for chemicals, colourants and auxiliaries used in the textile and leather industry. Each ingredient used in the manufacture of certified inks is checked to ensure it meets the Eco-Passport requirements and is not harmful to human health. The company’s inks certified under Eco-Passport can be used for the production of Oeko-Tex Standard 100 garments.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. Core MagnaPrint and MagnaTrans inks and additives are approved for use as inputs in the production of GOTS certified products.
RSLs
MagnaColours ensures its core inks meet the industry’s toughest restricted substances lists by using its own GNA®, a universal certificate of compliance and sustainability that meets and exceeds the RSL guidelines of major brands. MagnaColours also independently tests its inks to ensure they are approved for use under the strict RSL requirements of major global brands including Nike® and Adidas®.
| Â LOCAL DISTRIBUTORÂ REXX SCREEN AND DIGITAL SUPPLIES Tel: +27215105665 Email: info@rexxscreenandigital.co.za Website: http://www.rexxscreendigital.co.za  |
The PVC-free textile wallpaper MuroSubli®WR ensures odourless printing, a very wide range of colours and the option of designing the wallpaper (including photo wallpaper) according to personal preference.
The disadvantage of printing wallcoverings with UV-drying inks is that the ink is not odourless. Similarly, printing with latex produces a wallcovering that is sensitive to scratches and cannot be cleaned.
With MuroSubli®WR, the colour is incorporated into the polyester and the inks cannot come off. They remain beautiful and as good as new. The textile is also very easy to clean. The reverse side of the textile comes with a grey coating that ensures the underlying surface does not show through. It is available in widths of 320 and 160 cm, which means fewer or no seams – all the better for the design. It is 50m in length.
MuroSubli®WR always delivers a sleek result with no stretching, crumpling or fraying. Because it has a semi-matte finish, it is also suitable for generously lit areas. It is water and dust-repellent and DIN4102 B1 certified.
TEXO TRADE
https://texo-trade.com/
Garment decorators can now broaden their printing portfolio with personalised face masks. Polyprint’s 2-in-1 face mask platen allows TexJet users to print on both fit and flat type masks. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printers can now use one main platen with two different set-up options.
Options include: the fit type for triangular masks and the flat type for flat masks. It is also simple to swap from fit to flat upon their production needs. ‘Its snap-on design allows easy placement and quick runs. Created due to popular customer demand, Polyprint aims to improve the DTG printing market by pushing forward with new products that help DTG businesses stay at the top of their game,’ said George Benglopoulos, CEO of Polyprint.
The new face mask platen is compatible with TexJet® echo2, shortee2 and echo. Users will  be required to perform a Firmware upgrade, as well as a Software update in order to obtain the new Cadlink face mask templates.
| Â LOCAL DISTRIBUTORÂ REXX SCREEN AND DIGITAL SUPPLIES Tel: +27215105665 Email: info@rexxscreenandigital.co.za Website: http://www.rexxscreendigital.co.za |
Driving the Roland VersaUV LEC2-300 using the latest version of CalderaRIP software (Version 14) is the best way to get the most out of the investment, as it comes with a wide range of powerful features designed to maximise productivity.
Versatile and highly-productive, this all-in-one solution can be used for a variety of applications, including labels, packaging, displays and signs. This new UV printer not only helps users achieve a seamless workflow, it also delivers true, vibrant colour and details for high-quality results. Moreover, the LEC2-300 comes with updated printheads, offering more control and precision.
As designers continue to push creative boundaries with the new features in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, the integration of Adobe PDF Print Engine 5.5 ensures a reliable reproduction of designs on any surface.
– True Shape Nesting in order to help users save maximum substrate.
– ICC profiling for a perfect control over colours.
– Valuable time-savings with the new Smart Hotfolder algorithm, which can process multiple jobs simultaneously.
– Smart Import colour management and optional cost modules to optimise ROI.
In addition, CalderaRIP can be integrated to various workflows, as it supports over 1400 different drivers from various manufacturers. Using CalderaRIP to pilot the Roland printer is the best way to streamline production and maintain a cost-effective production workflow.
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 LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR |
Both new displays are available in two-pixel pitch sizes (P1.26mm and P1.58mm) to suit different installation needs and expand the line-up of Sony’s Crystal LED for various applications, including corporate showrooms, lobbies, industrial designs and productions.
Known as the modular Crystal LED C-series (ZRD-C12A/C15A) with high contrast and B-series (ZRD-B12A/B15A) with high brightness, they combine impressive image quality, flexibility and scalability in installation, with lower total cost of ownership.
The new displays are equipped with the ‘X1 for Crystal LED’, high-performance image quality processor. It fully incorporates the LED control technology developed for Sony’s pioneering Crystal LED and the signal processing technology praised in Sony’s BRAVIA TV series. Additionally, the displays enable image accuracy inspired by the industry leading master monitors, providing highly realistic large-scale imagery that maintains image integrity close-up and at a distance.
Both models are designed to be flexible, long-lasting and easy-to-install. Each display is comprised of modular, seamless and bezel-free tiles that can scale to accommodate a range of sizes, layouts and resolutions. Due to the display’s light weight and streamlined design, it can be installed in various configurations including wall-mounted or in a curved arrangement.
The displays provide enhanced content that is upscaled while maintaining high-resolution (‘Reality Creation’), smooth and artifact-free pictures without motion blur (‘Motionflow’) and showcase impressive gradation expression (‘22bit Super Bit Mapping’). Highlights also include a wide viewing angle and wide colour gamut, as well as a various input signals, including HDR, HFR (120fps) and 3D.
The Crystal LED C-series provides high contrast of 1,000,000:1. The Crystal LED B-series offers high brightness (1,800 cd/sqm [ZRD-B12A]), ideal for bright environments while still showcasing astonishingly realistic images with a wide colour gamut. This series has an anti-reflection coating with a matte finish that is especially ideal for creators, designers and production applications including virtual sets and studio backdrops. B-series was developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment to reflect the creator’s needs.
With lower power consumption and convenient, user-friendly front accessibility, the new displays reduce the total cost of ownership including maintenance, after purchase. In addition, the Crystal LED C- and B-series are both fan-less, ensuring quiet operation and feature a 100-240V AC power supply, providing enhanced usability.
Informative graphics printed on Drytac’s Viziprint Illuminate were installed at two locations for Goodbody Botanicals. The 100µ (4mil) translucent matte PET film has been developed for backlit window graphics and vibrant backlit display applications.
It has a bright white base colour and is able to diffuse light, creating vivid window graphics, displays, decals, stickers and more with a wider colour gamut. It is reverse printable, allowing window advertisements to be viewed during the day in direct sunlight and at night when illuminated by store lighting.
Minuteman Press Bath completed the multi-site graphics project. The client required Minuteman Press to print and install a range of graphics at its stores to promote its new and private Covid-19 testing service. The signage also promotes the key steps customers can take to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. In addition, smaller graphics remind people of the three main symptoms of the virus.
Kieran Blacknall, large format manager at Minuteman Press Bath, said Drytac’s Viziprint Illuminate was perfect for the project as it was ‘really easy to work with and install’. ‘The client was looking for a solution to convey the new testing service at their clinics. We looked at various options, including lightboxes, but all proved to be very costly in comparison to the Viziprint Illuminate media by Drytac,’ said Blacknall.
He continued, ‘Goodbody Botanicals have spotlights positioned behind every window, so we decided a media with backlit properties would perform best and have the biggest impact, particularly during the winter months. Viziprint Illuminate is great; really easy to work with and install. We’re always impressed with Drytac products and the advice and service we receive from the company.’
MIDCOMP
(+27 10) 020 9999
consumables@midcomp.co.za
http://www.midcomp.co.za
Printing SA has announced the latest industry developments, including: new staff members, technical theoretical modules, printing courses, team leader programme, colour management e-learning and the FESPA Global Summit.
Technical theoretical modules
Printing SA offers technical theoretical (TT) modules in all pre-press, printing, packaging and finishing trades. Apprentices indentured in the existing Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) trade programmes; who are enrolled in Printing SA’s TT Modules, will benefit from receiving tuition based on its newly redesigned and developed learning material.
Printing SA has also introduced an FP&M SETA approved continuous assessment model whereby learners are assessed on every module to ensure total comprehension before moving on to the next level. The results that Printing SA are achieving in the final examinations bears testimony to the fact that this strategy is working.
The FP&M SETA have approved Printing SA’s brand new dual TT module system which Printing SA believes will facilitate the integration of practical training and workplace experience with other TT modules. Click here to find out more about these modules and to register.
Introduction to printing course (ID2)
This course is ideal for an existing or new staff member entering the printing industry and those who are involved in sales, client liaison, estimating, production planning or advertising.
This course will introduce candidates to various pre-press, printing and post-press processes used in the printing and packaging industry. The course provides candidates with insight into the diverse industry that they have entered and provides the necessary underpinning knowledge that CBMT apprentices will need when furthering their technical theoretical studies. Click here to find out more about these modules and to register.
Printing SA Team Leader Programme
Printing SA provides delegates with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a team leader and provides them with the tools to become more effective leaders in the workplace, identifying various leadership styles and when to use the most appropriate one. Click here to find about this new programme and to register.
Colour management e-learning
Printing SA invites anyone in the industry who is responsible for the measurement, control and management of colour, from concept and design to pre-press and printing to register for its colour management e-learning programme. This programme is being offered internationally and has received critical acclaim from those who have completed it in the previous year. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and register now to learn more about how you can broaden your colour spectrum. Click here to register.
FESPA Global Summit
Become one of select print leaders chosen exclusively to attend FESPA’s Global Summit between 20-21 January 2021. This online event will be hosted by FESPA on a platform that promises to both engage and connect members with industry-pioneers from around the globe.
The two half-day conference programme will offer world-class insight and inspiration in the fields of employee engagement, adding value to customer relationships and the advantages of being a leader, not a follower. The summit will also feature several networking events, offering key opportunities to form valuable connections beyond the formal business setting. Contact Printing SA to register your interest and for your special invitation to attend the event.
Printing SA welcomes new staff members
Desdemona Arendorf spent more than a decade in an office administration environment. She has solid experience as an administrator, focusing on customer service and has worked closely with various individuals and suppliers from different backgrounds. This gives her an added advantage and the ability to provide the best service to member companies. Customer centricity is one of her strong suits and she will not settle until all clients are satisfied with their required services.
Tessa Mabona holds an honours degree in public administration from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and her previous exploits include a career as a trust fund administrator at a financial institution. She has also worked as a support administrator before being promoted to client centric mode assistant and thereafter, promoted to programme assistant at one of South Africa’s leading medical health groups. Mabona’s previous working experience in administration within the banking and medical aid fields make her an invaluable addition to Printing SA.
| Â LOCAL DISTRIBUTORÂ PRINTING SA Tel: +27112871160 Email: info@printingsa.org Website: http://www.printingsa.org  |
