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Colorjet expands its product range with SoniQ i

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:44:00

Colorjet boasts of being India’s largest manufacturer of digital inkjet printers and has garnered a global reputation for its commitment to technological innovation.

The SoniQ i is a low-investment, value for money signage printer which provides versatile printing at hi-speed, thereby maximising business potential of PSPs. It offers best-in-class print quality at the speed of 1,232-sqft/hr. With its 3.2 m roll capability, SoniQ i can accommodate all sizes of media.

According to Colorjet, the smart Make in India engineering in SoniQ i ensures optimal delivery and super saver opex with its heavy-duty new-tech industrial print heads designed for long-lasting performance and huge savings on inks and time with pressure purge for individual colours.

The SoniQ i comes with an integrated workstation that helps achieve a smaller footprint and provides smooth functioning. It provides an optional take-up roller for rolling up printed material automatically and conveniently to save laborious rolling time. Its special roller ensures smooth opening of the media roll to avoid sticking, falling and wrapping of media in the opposite direction.

Smarth Bansal, DGM, product and brand, Colorjet, said, “This newly launched system would expand our range of signage printers with modern and futuristic design. Catering to the entry-level market, SoniQ i would provide high-speed production at low investment. It is an economical and classy system which is expected to be Colorjet’s next signature flagship product by providing outstanding performance.”

The machine comes with an unmatched FGP technology which ensures less deviation between jet to bed distance (<0.1mm) over the entire printing span, maintaining consistent print quality and its edge excellence technology helps in smooth changeover of carriage direction which leads to less jerk and lesser wear and tear, leading to increased lifespan of the machine.

In addition, SoniQ i ensures controlled airflow which helps in isolation of droplets from the external world and its futuristic design ensures lower centre of gravity which reduces vibrations and it keeps the machine stable.

Spectrum’s POP Bazaar ‘Wow’s 13 designers

Rushikesh Aravkar — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 12:16:00

To explore the possibilities, the PrintWeek India team along with 13 designers from Wow Design, visited Spectrum Scan in Vasai and experienced how print is incidental and the focus has shifted to customer engagement at the point of sale with the use of a variety]]>

The Screen Print Man: SWOT analysis of industrial screen printing

Shripad Bhat — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:26:36

Strength

I feel the Indian industrial screen printers can match global standards in terms of quality and service. They have and are adopting new technology and using materials of international standard. Another strength is the talented / skilled manpower in India. Compared to the earlier times, they can learn technology and knowledge/skills faster than many other countries. I feel the global market has understood this aspect very well.

Weakness

I strongly feel there is still scope for improvement in quality standards so that they can stand as the best in the world. There is also a need for constantly upgrading the technology, a continual process.

Opportunity

Lot of orders are now flowing into the Indian market besides domestic requirement for industrial labels and stickers which signifies that there is a huge growth prospect in industrial screen printing. That there is also relative growth in industrial activity (broadly speaking engineering, telecommunication, electronics, electrical, garment etc). All these industries require at least one or multiple screen printed products such as logos, dome labels, stickers and labels, metal labels etc.

Threat

For industrial screen printers, I think digital revolution is a threat because some of the jobs can be printed on digital inkjet press. Moreover, screen printing is all about technology (machinery and materials) plus skill (techniques, idea, knowledge) which may not be the case with digital and that is the threat. It is always good to have all related technology inhouse to offer best print solutions to print buyers.

Today technology (machine, equipment and raw materials) is not a problem. However, there is shortage of skilled manpower. But somehow we have to take this issue in our stride because there are some solutions to it.

Latex 3100 debuts at Global 5’s Media Expo stand

Rushikesh Aravkar — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 21:14:49

According to Global5’s director, Prashant Khomne, the Latex 3100 can produce 180sqm/hr in two-pass billboard mode down to 27sqm/hr in 18-pass backlit mode and can handle rolls up to 160kg. It deploys HP thermal inkjet technology, seven printheads providing over 70,000 nozzles with 12 picoliter drops, nozzle.

The 3100, which was launched recently, replaces the 3000, which was launched two years ago.

Besides the 3100, the company will also have other machines from HP’s third generation Latex portfolio including L360, L330 and L310.

The other highlight of the Global5 stand is an application gallery, which the company will set up in association with HP.

Team Global 5 along with its applications specialists and service experts will discuss and demonstrate latex applications and profitable business models.

“Global 5 has achieved 200+ HP Latex installations in the western region. The company has its demo centre in Mumbai and Pune, where it experiments with different media and applications for Latex,” said Khomne.

Grafica closes show with 18 orders in its kitty

PrintWeek India — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 22:35:44

Bhargav Mistry, managing director, said, "The swing cylinder press has been showcased to offer value addition in an offset printing jobs and provide quality of prints to the clients. The value addition would enhance the current commercial printing business. Screen printing being an ancient printing technique, team Grafica is offering the benefits of automation in the screen printing jobs."

"At Pamex, there are more quality printers visiting the stall and the number of footfalls has increased as compared to last show," stated Mistry.

The frequency inverter for speed control with the digital indicator, automatic stream feeder, continues single sheeter mode, delivery conveyor, adjustable side lay position, individual spring cylinder with vacuum and blow back system and fine thread screws provided for three point movement of the screen for registration are some of the features of swing cylinder press.

By the end of the show, Grafica has closed orders for two cylinder press with inline UV and complete screen making set up, six sets of Nano Print with full screen making set up and UV, and nine Nano Print Plus with screen making set up.

Wide format printers from Monotech Systems

Amardeep Singh — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 22:24:46

Technologies
The technologies used in wide-format printers are based on the piezo electric drop on demand and then it is divided on the basis of the ink used in printers, like solvent, eco-solvent, UV and textile.

Types of printers
Printers are based on the type of ink they run on. They are primarily classified in the following categories:

Eco-solvent
Wide-format aqueous inkjet systems provide the fastest output with typically highest resolution. Aqueous inkjet printers can print on both indoor and outdoor materials, and with lamination, the outdoor longevity can be substantially increased.

Solvent
Ideal for outdoor graphics production houses, one advantage of solvent-based inks is that they are less expensive than aqueous inkjet inks. You can use less expensive media when printing with solvent-based inks, and therefore, the signage industry has really taken to them.

UV-based
The other emerging category in wide format inkjet technology is the UV-curable flatbed inkjet printer, where the drying mechanism for the ink is completely different than the mechanism used in solvent inkjet printing. When ultra-violet light hits curable liquid ink, it transforms it from liquid to solid on the chosen substrate. UV-curable printers offer many of the same features solvent inkjet printers offer, but with less expensive inks than aqueous inkjet inks and outdoor image durability without lamination. Since many are configured as flatbed systems, users can print directly on materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, glass, etc.

Textile
Textile printers are of two types. One is dye sublimation printer and the other is direct printer. In dye sublimation, sublimation ink is used and whereas in direct printer, reactive ink is used.

Media, print heads, printing inks and software
The following are the details of media, print heads, printing inks and software used in Monotech wide format printers:

Printing inks
Solvent inks comprise a type of chemical called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate readily. This means the ink dries fairly quickly. Solvent inks are pigment rather than dye-based, which makes them long-lasting and fade-resistant, are inexpensive, and are waterproof and UV-resistant. However, solvent ink vapors can be toxic, making them a workplace hazard requiring special ventilation systems. Disposal of used solvent becomes an environmental concern.

Eco-solvent inks were developed, which comprise a ‘milder’ type of solvent that take longer to evaporate, and often require heat, but are less hazardous.

Latex inks are water-based, which makes them a bit more environmental-friendly than solvent inks. What has driven the market for latex inks and their corresponding devices has been their ability to print on a wide variety of coated and uncoated substrates for both indoor and outdoor use on the same machine. They also dry quickly, which speeds the workflow, as finishing can be applied immediately after printing.

UV inks have become very popular in wide format printing. UV inks comprise chemicals that, when exposed to ultraviolet light, dry more or less instantly. UV inks dry fast, but can also produce more vibrant colors, can be used on a greater variety of substrates (such as plastics, vinyl, foil, paperboard, and other specialty substrates), and offer increased health and safety for press operators and the environment.

Media
Wide format substrates can be either roll-fed or sheetfed. Roll-fed substrates comprise paper, flexible plastic, vinyl, canvas, and textile. Rigid substrates can include, but are no means limited to thick plastic, board, glass, wood , metal, three-dimensional surfaces like balls, laptop, computers, doors.

Software
The company uses software like Photoprint, Onex, Ripmaster, Egrosoft, etc. Most print providers are familiar with the RIP — the raster image processor. RIP takes a file prepared for print (PDF, InDesign, Quark, PostScript, etc.) and convert all the text and graphics into dots that will then be generated by the actual printing device.

Some features and issues RIPs pay attention to are colour management, waste reduction, cost estimation and tracking, maximising processing speed, multiple device management, scalability and more.

Print heads
As part of the overall design and construction of the print head and its nozzles, the picolitre size is only one element to achieving a successful printed result. The larger the droplet size, the lower the end resolution but, in wide-format applications, there are the benefits that include the necessity for fewer passes and the fact that overall ink coverage will tend to conceal any blemishes. Smaller droplet sizes need a greater number of passes so that full coverage can be accomplished and, for many wide format jobs, this is really overkill, as the chances are the application is going to be viewed from a distance.

Monotech, for its solvent-based printers, uses print heads of Xaar photon, Konica Minolta, Spectra, etc. For eco-solvent printers, the company uses print heads from Epson and for UV-based printers the company uses print heads from Konica Minolta and Ricoh.

Competition
Among Indian players, Monotech considers Colorjet, Caldron and Negi as their competitors, especially in solvent-based printers.

Market trends
Due to the possibility of printing on almost all kind of media (ACP sheet, glass, wood, MDF, acrylic, tiles, etc) on UV-based printers (roll-to-roll and flatbed), the demand for this type of printers is on the rise. The market is shifting towards UV-based printers because almost all types of media are possible to print here.

Applications
Applications of wide-format printers includes signs, posters, banners, point of sale/point of purchase, backlit films, window displays, decor (wall coverings, floors, etc), vehicle wraps and textiles/clothing and more.

Ceramic tile printing
Screen printing was originally the main process used for ceramic tile printing. The process is notable for its ability to print high viscosity, large pigment particle inks, but it's a long-run process where every image has to be the same and changeovers take time. Inkjets originally struggled with high viscosities and large particle sizes of ceramic inks, but this has changed with new print head types.

Xaar in particular has developed heads for OEM printer makers that are well suited to the characteristics of ceramic inks. Xaar’s 1001 print head, introduced in 2007, was the first to successfully allow jetting of high viscosity large pigment inks for ceramics.

Ceramic inks are very different to conventional graphics inks. For one thing their pigments change colour, sometimes radically, during firing, which makes colour management a challenge. They use more viscous fluid than are used in signage inkjets, while the pigment particles are larger and more abrasive. Soluble salts and glues might also be printed for some effects.

Monotech’s plans for future
The company is looking forward to step into textile printing with Ricoh printing heads.

Monotech installations so far
In solvent and eco-solvent categories, the company has 450 plus installations and in UV segment the tally has 25 installations.

New Primir research explores wide-format inkjet printing market

Dibyajyoti Sarma — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 20:17:06

As the wide-format inkjet printing market continues to evolve, new growth opportunities emerge for both print service providers (PSPs) and manufacturers. This extensive Primir study examines trends and opportunities within the North American wide format inkjet printing market, valued at over USD 20.3 billion in 2014 and projected to grow to USD 24.4 billion in 2018.

The study found that growth in wide-format inkjet printing is contingent on two major factors: the conversion of traditionally analog printed display graphics into digitally printed display graphics (typically inkjet), and the development of new applications enabled by innovative ink and media that can be digitally printed.

According to the report, the top three applications that buyers reported purchasing are banners, posters, and signs. By comparison, wide format PSPs indicated that their top five most commonly produced products are banners, signs, posters, photography, and presentation graphics. However, mainstream applications, such as posters, billboards, banners, and signs are becoming commoditised with the continued growth of wide format display graphics businesses and increased competition. As a result, PSPs are looking for new, more profitable applications, and innovations that drive down the cost of production. Newer technologies, such as Latex, UV-curable, and dye-sublimation inkjet, all are growing, as wide format PSPs seek new markets and the ability to produce at faster speeds.

Versioning and micro marketing is one of the bigger trends in the market place—there is an increasing number of display graphics, but fewer of them contain the exact same message. This plays directly into the strengths of digital wide format inkjet printing.

In addition, according to the Primir study findings, more than 40% of print buyers have used a QR code or some other interactive media element in their printed display graphics. And a large majority of those buyers reportedly plan to continue using these types of interactive elements.

The wide format inkjet printing market remains a growth business, but it is challenged by pricing pressures, buyers' quality and speed demands, and the emergence of competitive digital displays and mobile advertising. To successfully compete, all of the market players must follow the digital display market and be willing to adapt by developing new partnerships, opening new markets, and developing new higher profit applications.

This 175-page research study, "Wide Format Inkjet Printing Trends & Opportunities," was recently distributed to all Primir members, along with an informative study overview video. The video can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9oJaA1YlDs.

Primir is a global source of data, analysis and trend information about print and related communications industries. Primir research is funded by member dues as well as through support from NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies. Primir annually provides over USD 400,000 in current research studies including relevant market data and detailed information on graphic communications and related fields.

HP unveils PageWide XL series printers

PrintWeek India — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:34:34

Devang Karia, country manager, large-format design, PPS, HP India, said, “Our large-format printing customers are continually exploring ways to improve productivity, streamline workflow and reduce costs. HP focus has always been on customer intimacy, technology innovation and market expansion.”

The HP PW XL 8000 printer offers high-end production printing at speeds up to 30A1-size prints per minute as well as two 775 ml ink cartridges per colour with automatic switching and up to six rolls and capable of handling media of more than 3,900 ft.

During the event, HP also launched SmartStream software for PW XL series printers, PW XL printer portfolio, and HP PW XL substrate portfolio.

Karia added, “The HP SmartStream software for PW XL printers reduces time spent preparing and processing jobs by 50%. It also reduces reprints with native PDF management powered by Adobe PDF print engine3 and offers a true colour print preview with interactive HP crystal preview technology to turn operator efficiency into operating profit.”

Among other new printers from HP, XL 5000 will be available from December 2015 for mid-level volume and PW XL 4500 and PW XL 4000 for the low-level volume from February 2016.

In the substrate, the company introduced HP universal bond paper for technical applications, HP production matte polypropylene to produce roll-up banners, and HP production matte, gloss, and satin poster papers for point-of-sale applications and poster production.

A portfolio for different segments

Karia said the HP PW XL 8000 printer with the eight modules includes a stationary 40-inch print bar that spans the whole printing width and gives the drop size of 12 picoliters.

Further, the company, with HP PW XL pigment ink, is looking to increase print quality with crisp lines, fine detail and smooth grayscales that are better compared to LED prints. The pigment ink, Karia said will provide dark blacks and vivid colours and longevity in terms of water resistance, moisture and fade resistance.

“This newly launched printer will provide a platform to address the needs of different customers, including retail and indoor branding, in addition to our customer base of architecture, engineering and construction firms,” Karia added.

Though it is not possible to print specific colour with this four-colour printer, the usage of pigment ink offers the user a range of selection from wide colour gamut, Karia said.

On the reason why HP associated itself with other companies for the substrate, Karia said the company does not want its customers to restrict themselves for the media portfolio they have. “Trying to address a bigger market, we want our customers to have a choice for selecting substrate they need,” he concluded.

Roland DG to be at textile machinery show in Italy

PrintWeek India — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:17:37

At the exhibition, Roland will showcase its range of technologies, including the affordable and intuitive text art digital sublimation RT-640 printer and accompanying CS-64 calendar unit.

For short runs and the customisation of items such as t-shirts, caps, shoes, bags and accessories, Roland will be demonstrating its integrated print and cut solutions at its booth (H18-H101), including the VersaCamm series and BN-20 desktop print and cut device.

According to the company, the booth will be packed with samples, including fashion, sportswear, interior decor and soft signage, allowing visitors from India a chance to see applications directly from the supplier, which is promoted, supported by and available from Apsom Infotex within the Indian subcontinent.

Encarna Luque, business development director, Roland DG, said, “As a company with a heritage in the textile and garment sector, Roland DG is excited to be participating in ITMA.”

Luque added, "The customers will be particularly interested in the cost efficiencies and increased margins offered by its digital solutions and the versatility in terms of outputs and the sheer range of applications. Also, the flexibility to adapt production to the requirements of end customers with ‘just in time’ processes, short runs and samples on demand."

Kolor Catalyst Designs shows loyalty towards HP Latex

PrintWeek India — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:26:40

The company provides services in solvent flex printing, indoor and outdoor advertisement. In in-house displays, the company provides its services to telecommunications, cement and the garment industry.

Established in 2004, the company expanded its capacity in 2011 and started one more unit in Patna with the same name.

The HP Latex 210 can print on a broad range of material, including vinyl, textiles, paper, film, and low-cost uncoated options. Double-sided printing, instant dry prints, printing up to 61-inches wide, handling of the maximum roll weight up to 88lbs, indoor printing speed 97 ft²/hr are some of the features of the machine.

Apart from the HP Latex 210, the company also houses VUTEk, HP Latex L65500, L26500 and L360 machines.

The company has a strength of around 150-175 employees, out of which 20 are in managerial role, eight in technical and rest are workers.

Sachin Gupta, director, Kolor Catalyst Designs, said, “In wide-format segment, the market for Latex is growing. This is the reason we decided to invest in another Latex machine.”

The company is also planning to expand its business in LED lights.

Talking about the company’s conversion capacity, Gupta said on the Latex, it’s around 15,000 sq/ft per day, and on solvent machines, it’s around 75,000 sq/ft per day. “The company is growing at the rate of 5-7%,” Gupta added.

Grafica expands overseas presence

PrintWeek India — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 21:23:15

With this appointment, Grafica’s overseas representative count has reached 12. Other representatives include: USA, Russia, UK, UAE, Turkey (two representatives for Textile and graphics machinery), France, Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, and Chile.

For the South Africa region, Grafica appointed National Screen And Digital Supplies (NSDS) as its representative. The NDS, following this association, showcased the Grafica line of machines at Sign Africa (18 – 19 March) and will also exhibit the entire range at the upcoming Fespa Africa (22-24 July).

“With our new association with India’s Grafica Flextronica, we wish to offer the best possible range of screen printing presses, allied equipment and service solutions to our already existing large customer base in South Africa and neighbouring markets. We look forward to working together in our market,” said Patrick Nolan, one of the senior officials at NSDS.

Likewise, Pham Van Duc (known as David Pham) is the Vietnam representative. According to Pham, "The easy-to-operate Grafica kit has gained popularity in the region. Since we associated with Grafica for the distributorship, we have had constant orders for nano-prinTex, Nano-Print plus, Nano-Print, Nano-Screen Maker 5-in-1 etc."

Bhargav Mistry, at the helm of Grafica, said, "Vietnam is an important market for Grafica. The country is one of the major hubs of garment manufacturing and this association will go a long way."

Grafica kit on display at Sign Africa

The Screen Print Man

Shripad Bhat — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 22:46:52

Continuing its commitment to promote automation in screen printing in smaller cities and towns, Screen Printers’ Association of India (SPAI) in alliance with UK-based Fespa, had organised two Cross Country Table Top Exhibitions (CCTTE) at Raipur and Nagpur, on 13th and 14th March 2015, respectively.

It may be recalled that SPAI-Fespa had jointly organised Table Top exhibitions during April-December 2011 across various cities such as Ahmedabad, Morbi, Rajkot, Surat, Vapi and Baroda (in Gujarat), Noida (UP), Ludhiana and Jalandhar (Punjab) and Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad, Pune, Nashik (in Maharashtra). Each of these Table Top exhibitions had attracted over 100 printers.

Most of them were new to advanced technologies in screen printing since manual screen printing is rampant in the tier II and III cities. These exhibitions were conducted to spread knowledge and create awareness rather than sell machines and materials.

Most probably, SPAI-Fespa had originally planned over 60 such Table Top exhibitions to create awareness about advanced screen printing technology and its diverse applications.

So, this short blog is all about the recent two such Table Top exhibitions. Screen Printing machine and materials suppliers such as Grafica, Prism, Photokina, Crown, Inssta 3D, Domex, AND, PaperNfilms, Ratan, VividChem, KMI, UniTech were the knowledge partners of the events.

According to a SPAI official the Table Top exhibitions were successful. While the Raipur exhibition attracted over 100 printers, in Nagpur there were around 250 printers. I was told that the Raipur expo was supported by Printers’ Guild, Chattisgarh.

Given the tremendous response it is clear that in small towns and cities printers want to explore screen printing technology but they are lacking in knowledge and exposure to new technologies – be it in terms of machine or materials. Imagine screen printers still not aware of the use of aluminium frames instead of wooden frame, screen printing machines instead of manual tables, polyester yellow mesh instead of nylon white mesh, UV ink instead of solvent ink, high quality world class PU squeegee rubber instead of low quality locally made black rubber squeegee.

I feel such exhibitions are a tailor-made exposure programme for printers in remote print markets. These printers do not venture in to big cities to attend mega print exhibitions and are thus confined to petty screen printing business.

Grafica had a catalogue display at the show in addition to its set of DMI's creative samples treated with various UV special effects. Visitors spent as much time as possible; trying to grasp the techniques of various UV special effects.

Recognising women in screen printing

Shripad Bhat — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:30:55

International Women's Day (IWD), is celebrated on 8 March every year. According to the UN, “the focus of the celebrations range from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration of women's economic, political, and social achievements.”

According to the website of Women’s Studies Centre, Patiala, Punjab, “An entrepreneur is one who innovates, organises, manages and assumes the risk of an enterprise, and acts as a catalytic agent in the growth process. When an enterprise is established and controlled by a woman, it not only boosts economic growth but also has many desirable socio-economic outcomes... Women have innate flair for entrepreneurship. They are natural organisers and relationship builders. They can perform all the functions of an able entrepreneur in as efficient manner as their male counterpart…”

Printing in general, and screen printing particular, was hitherto a male-dominated business. However, women are now largely joining in the screen printing business either single handedly or in partnership with their family members (husband, brother or father) or taking up managerial positions in large companies in the screen printing department.

Women at the forefront of screen printing business

We have tried to compile as much information and photographs of women entrepreneurs in screen printing. There could be/there are many other women entrepreneurs in screen printing. We could not really accommodate all of them. Nevertheless, we salute every woman entrepreneur who is taking the screen printing industry a step ahead

Also, women seem to be taking great interest in screen printing thanks to the advanced technology and knowledge imparted by DMI institute, a division of Grafica. The photo collage (file pictures), shows women entrepreneurs/working women in screen printing sector, taking part in DMI's various workshops and hands-on training. In the past, several women print technology students, too underwent training at DMI in advanced screen printing and now they are well employed in various printing companies.

Riddhi Matalia

Nishi Arts, Mumbai (Manufacturer and supplier of heat transfers for garment industry)

“Once you are business partner, you have to take equal responsibility. So, I take care of responsibility at home, including our kid Zaina (3 years),” says Riddhi.

She is a business partner since the last eight years and takes care of the entire production and marketing operations. She is a fitting business partner for her husband with her B.Sc in textile designing degree from Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai.

Their company has deployed a couple of semi-automatic screen printing machines, dryer and screen making set-up from Grafica.

“After my marriage to Anish, I took keen interest in our family business of heat transfer printing since I am a graduate in textile designing. And it makes sense to pursue a career in which you are already qualified. I also learnt quite a lot about screen printing. Since then, I have been fascinated with heat transfers because it is a highly creative field.”

Kratika Mittal

Prayag Industries, Hapur, UP

Kratika is a B.Sc graduate with additional skills in designing. She is married to Prashant Mittal, proprietor of Prayag Advertisers. She is the recipient of Screen Print India ‘Creative Woman Entrepreneur’ Award-2014.

Established in 2011, her company employs 15 people. Their product portfolio include: screen-printed stickers, decals, heat transfers, besides cloth and sublimation printing. Their 2700 sq/ft factory also houses Grafica screen printing machines besides pre-press and post-press facilities.

Apart from business, Kratika loves music and dancing. She is also a member of IIA “Since screen printing is a creative field I started taking active role in my husband’s business, although it is a male dominated business,” she said.

Dhwani Bhootwala

Creative Graphics, Surat

Dhwani was the runner-up at the Screen Print India ‘Creative Woman Entrepreneur’ Award-2014. She is a diploma holder in commercial arts. Additionally she had also attended DMI’s three-day workshop on advanced screen printing. She is fond of drawing and painting, cooking, making a variety of chocolate and pastries.

She is now an active partner in her husband’s (Piyush Bhootwala) business - Creative Graphics. Their company is engaged in commercial printing, brochures, tags, folders, packaging, etc. Their 2500 sq/ft factory houses Grafica’s fully automatic cylinder press with inline UV, complete screen making set up and a semi automatic screen printing machine.

“I joined the business to help become a part of the growth. I am able to run the show successfully in when my husband is on tours. I feel satisfied when I am able to handle the duty of ‘a thankless job of a house maker’ along with business,” says Dhwani.

“Screen printing is a challenging yet interesting field. It’s a creative job among all other printing processes. Although screen printing is male dominated, I am a 21st century woman entrepreneur who loves to accept the challenges of life and business.

In my opinion, an empowered women is the one who is ready to face the challenges posed by circumstances and willing to overcome it successfully. I felt proud on being awarded with the ‘Creative Woman Entrepreneur’ (runner up) at Screen Print India’14 expo,” she concludes.

Urvashi Tandel,

Meghdeep Printers, Surat

After attending DMI’s three-day workshop along with her husband Natu Tandel, she took keen interest in her family’s screen printing business which includes: stationery, invitation and wedding cards and other commercial printing. Their 630 sq/ft printing unit houses Grafica’s Nano-Print and Nano-UV.

Urvashi feels screen printing is the perfect business for women as it involves low investment. “Since my husband, a qualified artist, is engaged in designing and marketing, I take care of production and administration.”

“In 2010, we bought Grafica’s Nano-Print, a high quality screen printing machine. Nano-Print has brought a revolution in screen printing industry. With this machine, we are able to offer quality print solution besides meeting timely delivery. We have over 100 customers and we are still growing thanks to Nano-Print and DMI’s advanced screen printing knowledge.”

Sunita Jamdade,

Ankita Screen, Satara, Maharashtra.

Sunita is a housewife-turned-social worker cum printing professional, located at Wai, a small town, some 60km from Satara city in Maharashtra. Her company’s print portfolio includes: various types of stickers, visiting cards, wedding cards/invitation, carry bags, etc. Her 2000 sq/ft printing unit adjacent to her residence houses Grafica’s Nano-Print. She had also attended DMI’s three-day workshop on advanced screen printing besides visiting Grafica’s stalls at various national exhibitions.

Business apart, Sunita is the chair person of the district OBC cell. She has received ‘Award of Excellence from Lions Club, Pune, ‘Best Actress Award’ in Ganesh Utsav festival programme, Award for Social work for women. She loves cooking, acting, music. Savitribai Phule is her inspiration.

She says, “I always wanted to do something different and Screen printing is a good business for women to show their talent. I am an independent and self-employed woman thanks to screen printing.”

She adds, “Being a woman I have understood the harsh reality of pulling the squeegee everyday so much so that it caused lot of health problems for me. I used to get severe pain in my shoulders. Also technically speaking rejection and wastage was very common in manual screen printing so automation was the only solution. If this could happen to me than as a human I should take care of my people. That's why I thought to go for automation. For over 8 years I had struggled hard but, I could not grow in my business because of manual screen printing.

I sincerely thank Grafica for taking care for small screen printers like me Nano Interview by introducing Nano-Print in India at an affordable price. Because of Nano-Print I dared to go for automation, but my confidence doubled after I attended DMI's Workshop where I could easily grasp fantastic knowledge much needed to grow in my business.

“I urge women to take up screen printing as a self employment and take full advantage from DMI Workshop.”

Apart from printing business and social work, during spare time she also helps her husband in farming activities.

The Screen Print Man

Shripad Bhat — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 23:38:21

The reason is that manual screen printing is still rampant in India (and all over the world). Many of these printers had never seen screen printing machines in action and the varied value additions, other than decade-old spot UV.

What I have understood during PrintPack is that a large number of printers in the offset sector are still not aware about the automation in screen printing.

Recently during my visits to offset printers I saw manual screen printing still in operation for spot UV in in spite of the existence of advanced screen printing and availability of automation. This holds true even for the large-sized firms.

Grafica’s aim at the show was to spread awareness to as many printers as possible about value addition. The Grafica team explained the concept of value addition to knowledge seeking printers from the offset/packaging sector. Printers keenly interacted with them to get tips and new ideas.

While a normal screen printer would use screen printing machine for commercial, graphics, industrial and textile printing, an offset or packaging printer would definitely need this technology purely for print decoration or value addition to be done over duly offset printed commercial or packaging jobs, what is also called as print embellishment or print finishing.

A word of caution, ‘value addition is easier said than done’, it requires adequate knowledge else printers will hesitate and then give up.

So, scores of offset and packaging printers who visited Grafica’s stall at Print Pack exhibition spent time to gain insight into the value addition application of screen printing.

Value addition is where the profitability is, and that has been the mantra of all big award winning printers be it Pragati Offset, Jak Printers or Vishwakala.

Long live screen printing, screen printing zindabad!

GRAFICA AT PRINTPACK

Owing to its international presence – in USA, South America, Europe, Middle East, Bangladesh, Africa, Vietnam, etc, Grafica received many expression of interests from overseas machinery dealers for possible distributorship

Scores of visitors across the globe, mainly from offset and packaging field watched live demo of screen printing various UV special effects on Grafica Nano-Print plus and Nano-UV

Many of the printers were still not aware of the complementary role of screen printing in offset printing. Grafica had also showcased DMI’s creative value addition samples. At periodical intervals Grafica team demonstrated value addition concept using over 10 UV special effects such as glitter, crystal UV, micro emboss (3D reflective), glow in dark, wrinkle, etc. DMI’s highly creative value addition samples on display drew lot of curious visitors as they wanted to know the value addition concept in great details.

Fairly good order bookings put together around 25 spot orders for Nano-Print, Nano-Print plus, Nano-UV, Nano-Screen Making 5-in-1, big size squeegee sharpener, Camshell, Cylinder Press, large size screen making set up, etc.Several serious enquiries were also received from printers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Europe.

Visitors gain insight into value addition concept at Grafica’s stall

PrintWeek India — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 02:12:06

First, scores of visitors across the globe, mainly from offset and packaging field watched live demo of screen printing various UV special effects on Grafica Nano-Print plus and Nano-UV.

“Many of the printers were not aware of the complementary role of screen printing in offset printing. We had also showcased DMI’s creative value addition samples, and scores of knowledge seeking printers spent lot of time as Grafica team explained them the secret of value addition in great details,” said Hanish Mehta, general manager, for sales and marketing, Grafica.

“It is our firm belief that unless and until we educate printers about advanced screen printing not much headway can be achieved in terms of sales in big exhibitions such as Print Pack.”

In the meanwhile, Grafica has reportedly received over 20 spot order bookings for its Nano-seires screen printing machines, Nano-UV). And many orders (including few orders from existing customers) were also in the negotiation stage.

Grafica has also received spot bookings for three Camshell (heavy duty wide format screen printing machines), and two cylinder press that includes one export order. The company’s official has declined to reveal the names of companies who have booked for Grafica’s machines.

Mumbai to host In-Store Asia 2015 in February

Mihir Joshi — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:23:18

The niche trade event will feature a wide array of exhibitors including architects and retail design firms, visual merchandisers, in-store branding specialists, POP manufacturers, store fixture manufacturers, material manufacturers, lighting solution providers and suppliers of advanced printing and graphics equipment.

For the first time, the In-Store Asia Expo will also feature a Material Lounge. Among other special attractions, visitors to the Expo can also visit a Designer Pavilion.

The three-day show will concurrently host the expo and the Visual Merchandising & Retail Design (VM&RD) awards. The expo and the awards are organised by Bengaluru-based VJ Media, who own three established publishing brands, POP, Outdoor Asia and VMRD.

The retail design awards which are open to individual designers, design firms, brands and retailers applaud the originality in design concepts and visual merchandising across the Indian stores. The 25 category awards which are up for grabs includes the various verticals of in-stores.

Solution providers, representing the spectrum of manufacturers and printers like Pioneer Digital, Vishal Arts, Apsom Technologies, Brandmark Solutions, Spectrum Scan, Roland, Jayna Packaging, Synergy and Rex among others, present there, will have an opportunity to network and market with the consumers.

Picture Gallery: Print finds inspiration at Media Expo

PrintWeek India — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 22:03:49

Photographs: Disha Gandhi]]>

Equipment not critical for quality print

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:59:57

Suresh Lodh was on cloud nine when his company, Screen Art Enterprises, won its first award. Lodh says he was not aware of the benefits of recognition and appreciation of work. “Since then, we have participated in multiple award competition and have received recognition. This has made us aware of our strengths,” says Lodh. The latest in the list has been the PrintWeek India Social Stationery Printer of the Year 2014.

Screen Art has two locations in Mumbai, one in Kala Chowkie and the other in Shah & Nahar Industrial Estate, Lower Parel. The company is equipped with a manual kit as well as Grafica’s screen printing presses, and caters to packaging, agency stationery and wedding cards.

Round-the-clock work with a Dominant

Lodh started his printing business with manual screen printing process, which continues until today. They have a semi-automatic machine from Grafica. “If you know the work and are willing to learn, then the role of equipment becomes less,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether the machine is pre-owned or new. Our entire offset line is pre-owned and they run round-the-clock.”

In 2012, the company commissioned a four-colour offset printing press with a size of 19x26 inch from Dominant. “It’s an old machine, but we know how to tackle it. We also have skilled operators for it,” says Lodh.

Every growing company wants to invest in brand new machines. But there are two major hurdles – availability of funds and trained manpower. “For a small printer like us, it is not easy to arrange huge funds. Then again, how can you hand over an expensive and sophisticated machine, equipped with advanced technology, to a traditional operator?” he says.

Color Scan and First Impressions are the two sister companies of Screen Art Enterprises and they are managed by Lodh and his two brothers, Mahesh and Ramesh. Lodh is responsible for client servicing and marketing and the other two brothers oversee production. In a time of crisis, however, all three are capable of handling any process of print production.

Starting young

Printing, especially screen technology, is in their genes, as the Lodh brothers learned the ropes of screen printing through hands-on training since their childhood.

Established in 1988, the commercial printing company prefers value-addition jobs. “At times, we spurn simple jobs as we do not want to stick to simple jobs. Value-addition jobs always give you more margins and provides an opportunity to do print R&D and implement it,” says Lodh.

Lodh says in the 1990s when the company started its work, they had no idea where and how they will move forward. Things started to fall in place, and soon, they got an offer to work in Dubai as well. “Since we started young, we could learn well and develop gradually,” says Lodh.

In 1993, the company started working for advertisement agencies and art institutions like JJ School of Art among other marquee clients. In 1994, when Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai received international recognition, Screen Art Enterprises also created work for them.

There has been a strong speculation in the market that the arrival of digital printing effectively killed screen printing. Lodh is quick to clarify that it is not so. “Digital printing has disturbed the screen printing in production speed. Otherwise, there is no comparison between the two,” he adds.

Values of a printer

Lodh shows his concerns for a printer’s status in the market. People are showing less and less respect for printers and Lodh blames the printing community for it, especially when the printer is the only person who can bring to life someone else’s imagination of a print job. “A printer does not refer to a single person. It’s always teamwork,” he says. “We are very open in terms of work. We do not hesitate to refuse work which is beyond our capacity. We also do not mind referring work to someone else who has skills to do it.”

Lodh says their association with the ad world has benefited the company in many ways, especially creatively. “Most of the time, they come with new concepts and we implement it. Advertisement is a strong medium of communication and information and since we were associated with it, we have benefited, immensely,” he says.

Now, Screen Art Enterprises has offset and screen printing facilities in-house, and Lodh says, both technologies complement each other. “In most cases, the offset guys seek a hybrid screen component as an add on. We changed this theory, upside down and went the other way around. You have to change according to the market. Right now, our work proportion is 25% digital, 35% offset and 40% screen,” he adds.

All in all, the three companies employ 32 people. While its offset facility runs round-the-clock, its screen printing facility has a single shift of more than 10 hours.

Screen Art Enterprises clinched the PrintWeek India Award for a book, which created the shape of an ‘Om’.

This is possible by manually folding the pages.

They produced total 2,100 copies of the books.

Messe Frankfurt's Media Expo Mumbai 2015 commences

Mihir Joshi — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:12:12

Mahesh Soni, country manager - Designjet, HP India, Venkat Adiraju, country manager - India, Roland DG, Brett Newman, sales director, Roland DG, Deborsti Paul Choudhary, business head, Apsom Infotex, Gulshan Kumar Alwdi, director, Colorjet India, Yasunobu Nishiyama, managing director, Fujifilm India and Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding were all present during the inauguration ceremony.

The show has 94 exhibitors across verticals like signage, point of purchase (POP), advertising, printing, retail and shop displays, and visual merchandising. This is the first Media Expo in Mumbai since Messe Frankfurt acquired Media Expo from New Delhi-based Media Exposition & Events (MEX).

Speaking at inauguration a visibly enthusiastic Raj Manek said, "We feel the industry is primed for future growth, and we are excited about the opportunity to help Indian companies gain access to our global network of stakeholders, and assist our existing global partners to do business in India,”

Marking their presence are companies like Abhikruti, Ace Infotech, Arrow Digital, Epson India, Fujifilm, Macart, Negi Enterprise, Roland and TechNova, JN Arora, Roland-Apson Infotech, Siare Technologies, and HP India among others

Media Expo is organised in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata annually.

Calendars: A marketing tool

Rushikesh Aravkar — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 23:27:20

Shah explains: 90% of recipients surveyed could recall the advertising message on their calendar; 65% of homemakers and business people said they note important appointments on their calendar and 99% of households and businesses use at least one calendar. It is the cheapest mode of marketing.

This is not only true for corporate houses but also for our very own government. On 17 December, union minister for finance, corporate affairs, and information and broadcasting, Arun Jaitley unveiled Government of India Calendar -2015.

This calendar was produced by Brijbasi Art Press in Noida. The director Apurv Garg confirmed that the company printed 3.5 lakh copies of GOI Calendar 2015. Based on the theme of ‘Clean India Green India’ with focus on ‘Swachhta’ and environment issues, the seven-sheeter calendar used 170gsm BILT paper and was wiro-bound.

Brijbasi and Arun Art are among the top calendar manufacturers in the country. According to Garg’s estimate, the calendar market in India is worth more than Rs 300 crore.

When PrintWeek India visited Arun Art in December, the calendar production was in full swing. It was peak time and calendars were being packed and despatched for FedEx and iBox solutions. During this time of the year, production rate is about 10,000 calendars a day. This season the company produced over 300 calendar jobs and thus printed about 25 lakh calendars.

Shah recalls the early days of his career. “We used to send initial copies and finalise orders by February. Days have changed, technology makes everything just in time” Today we accept orders even in the last week of the year.

The company has also launched a portal called calendarsfromindia.com to boost its calendar business. It enables it to accept orders from all over the world over the web.

In 2014, the company has tied-up with Navneet and Jeevandeep Prakashan for their book production work.

Shah says, “Unlike, the good old days, the number of orders are not enough to keep us busy for the entire year. This is because the technology has speedened up the process. Also because the print runs have reduced.”