The who’s who in the sign industry will be exhibiting their latest products and materials at this year’s ISA International Sign Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada April 4-6.
Already the big news is that, for the first time ever, exhibit space has topped 200,000 square feet. In fact, this marks the first time in the event’s history that it has been a complete sell-out exhibitor-wise. (NOTE: Photo, left, courtesy of Selbert Perkins Design.)
The following is a listing of just some of the latest companies on display at booths in the exhibit hall.
They’ve been arranged in alphabetical order. Company names highlighted in blue represent information that has been added since the initial upload of this article.
And speaking of booths, if you’re going to be attending this year’s show, be sure to stop by and see Sign Builder Illustrated at Booth #3421!
3A Composites: Booth #3122
Recyclable FiberMate™ recyclable rigid print media is comprised of wood fiber that is manufactured into a high-density fiberboard available in the 3.2mm thickness and in the NEW 5.5mm thickness. FiberMate graphic display boards are finished with Eco-Finish™—a white water-based UV print coating on both sides. FiberMate’s Eco-Finish is designed to provide excellent ink and paint adhesion on both sides of this graphic display board, enabling double-sided printing and other double-sided finishing applications. FiberMate can be recycled in either “wood” or “paper” waste streams depending on local community resources and providing that printing inks and/or mounting or other finishing materials applied to the media also are recyclable. FiberMate with Eco-Finish is CARB (California Air Resource Board) compliant. Both FiberMate product samples and literature will be available to show-goers.
http://www.FiberMateUSA.com.
3M Commercial Graphics: Booth #4113
New 3M™ Envision™ Translucent Films and 3M™ Envision™ Diffuser Films are industry breakthroughs—the first graphic films optimized for use with LEDs—letting graphics manufacturers achieve maximum sign face brightness while requiring fewer light sources. 3M Envision Translucent and Diffuser Films will help you create richly colored backlit signs with even sign illumination and no hot spots. Using these films, shops can achieve the same level of brightness with fewer LEDs, reducing material and maintenance costs while providing the great look that customers expect. Alternately graphics manufacturers can keep the same number of LEDs and increase a sign’s brightness even more. With the following films, shops have appealing new choices to create the looks they want: 3M Envision Translucent Film Series 3730; 3M Envision Translucent Film IJ3730-50, IJ3730-60; and 3M Envision Diffuser Film 3735-50, 3735-60. While specially optimized for use with LEDs, these new diffusers and translucent films are also compatible with fluorescent lights and will allow any backlit sign to look its best. The translucent films are available in several standard colors, custom colors, and as an inkjet printable film, offering an increased number of construction options.
http://3Mgraphics.com/switchon
Arlon Graphics: Booth #3112
Arlon Graphics will feature several new Automotive Restyling vehicle wrap films, including Series 2300X in Carbon Fiber and brushed metal as well as Series 4600LX in matte and gloss finishes. Stop by and see a vehicle wrap demonstration on both our print and restyling wrap films, or get a preview of Arlon’s new www.Wrapitright.com Web site and videos.
http://www.arlon.com
Avery Dennison: Booth #4350
Avery Dennison will be highlighting Avery Dennison® Supreme Wrapping Film, a full spectrum of forty-six opaque cast films in matte, brushed metallic, and gloss colors. Black and white carbon fiber films have recently been added to the line in addition to Conform Chrome. Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Films feature Easy Apply RS™ technology, which allows the installer to easily reposition and slide the film into place and reduce air bubbles, minimizing the total application time for the wrap. In addition, due to its construction, no overlaminate is required. Justin Pate, a world-renowned car wrap installer, will demonstrate paint wrap installation techniques throughout ISA.
http://www.averygraphics.com
Canon Solutions America: Booth #3353
Canon Solutions America will be showing the Océ Arizona® 480 GT UV flatbed printer, featuring Océ VariaDot® imaging technology. The printer includes a precise vacuum system with six zones; eight independent ink channels with support for varnish or double-opacity white ink printing; and active pixel placement compensation for optimum image sharpness, density, and uniformity. The printer can print at speeds of up to 264 square feet per hour. It offers the standard table size of 49.2 by 98.4 inches, and can print on rigid media up to two inches thick. A Roll Media Option is available to print on flexible media up to 86.6 inches wide. An extra-large version is available in the Océ Arizona 480 XT model, with a table size of 98.4 by 120 inches.
http://www.usa.canon.com
CET Color: Booth #5764
CET Color brings a competitive UV flatbed and hybrid product portfolio to this year’s ISA. They will demonstrate value-added combinations of hardware, software, and consumables that make graphic communication solutions for the wide format printing market more attractive, more affordable, and more profitable. Shown this year will be the X-Press 1000HL, a versatile 3.2M hybrid; the X-Press 500QE-4X, an attractively priced Q-Series 4-foot-by-8-foot flatbed; and the X-Press 1000Q-20Z, CET Color’s top-of-the-line 5-by-10 Q-Series flatbed featuring 20 Ricoh heads. CET Color will also debut an exciting new printer for 2013 that you’re not going to want to miss. Come see for yourself how you can “get more than you can imagine for less than you can believe.”
http://www.cetcolor.com
CLEAR FOCUS Imaging: Booth #3951
CLEAR FOCUS will showcase five new products at ISA Sign Expo 2013. DuoVue™ is a 12-mil, double-sided, non-adhesive white banner film with a 60/40 perforation pattern and 1.6-mm holes. It features a blockout layer for enhanced opacity and is compatible with printers having a Mesh mode or other means of capturing ink overspray. PromoVue™ is a material with 1.6-mm holes and a 60/40 perforation pattern. It features a clear, removable pressure-sensitive adhesive and a patented dual-layer release liner compatible with UV-cure, latex, solvent, and other wide-format print technologies. Complementing PromoVue is a new 1.3-mil clear cast, conformable PVC overlaminate called PromoLam™. MeshVue™ is a black-backed mesh film offering see-through visibility from the black, non-print side. The product can be mounted outdoors or indoors, has no liner, and requires a printer with a Mesh mode. UV-See™ is a 3-mil gloss clear polyester film specially treated for use with UV digital and screen inks. The product is ideal for POP, tradeshow, and retail applications.
http://www.clearfocus.com
ClearPath Signage Systems: Booth #2626
Based on the increasing popularity of stand-offs for signage and mounting applications, ClearPath Signage Systems has added three new products to its stand-off offerings: the Fisso® Three™, Four™, and Six™! Unlike the traditional, round stand-off, Fisso Three, Four, and Six are three-, four-, and six-sided to create triangle, square, and hexagon shapes. Not only do they achieve an innovative design element for projects, but they also offer a tamper-proof mounting solution. ClearPath’s Fisso Three, Four, and Six products are available in a Satin Silver finish in packs of four.
http://www.clear-path.com
Component Signage, Inc.: Booth #2907
Component Signage, Inc., introduces its new CSI-300UL series, which features the thinnest and most cost-effective LED backlit architectural sign system on the market. Using energy-efficient LEDs, the system features a three-inch-depth frame, which can accept different panel materials to accommodate backlit acrylic faces, routed faces, or push-thru copy. The system can be used as a wall mount, or as a post and panel with single or double posts in any post design. Stop by the booth for more information and a free company catalog with pricing.
http://www.componentsignage.com
Delcam: Booth #2927
Delcam will preview the latest version of its ArtCAM Pro software for design and manufacturing at the ISA Show. The newest addition is “Free Relief Modeling,” which is a technique that allows previously created reliefs to be selected and than moved, rotated, rescaled and copied—individually or as a group. Any part of the design can be isolated, edited, and then recombined into a group for duplication or further editing within the group. Other developments include the ability to view the interaction between different layers in real time; the freedom to alternate between straight and curved vectors while drawing; a new Texture Flow tool that creates more organic textures like hair; and new sculpting effects that can be scattered randomly across the design or placed systematically.
http://www.artcam.com
Dixie Graphics: Booth #3443
Dixie Graphics is showing the industry that they’re not just a zinc sign and plaque manufacturer by announcing“The End of A Great Run…The Beginning of A Better One!” at this year’s ISA Sign Expo. As part of its new platform, Dixie Graphics will feature new products and materials including photopolymer ADA, multi-substrate digital printing, and 3D rendering of signage and plaques. All new materials (including Nova Polymers photopolymer material) were chosen as strategic fits for DG’s existing signature material for signage and plaques, deep-etched zinc. Equally important in DG’s Service and Delivery message are project management, ADA compliance support, and material and design services. Dixie Graphics project coordinators will be working the booth this year to meet current and new customers face-to-face. ISA attendees can also stop by and enjoy a bottle of water, pick up a 4G flash drive, and become part of Dixie Graphics’ growing network.
http://www.dixiegraphics.com
Elliott Equipment Company: Booths #1126, 1129, 1132, 1135, 726, 729, 732, & 735
Elliott Equipment Company will be showcasing a wide range of truck-mounted aerial work platforms and cranes and celebrating their sixty-fifth anniversary. Key models at the show include the L60R HiReach, which features a 62-foot working height, a 5,900-lb main winch, and a 500-lb jib winch on a non-CDL truck. Other equipment at the show will range in height from 43 to 140 feet and feature crane capacities up to seven tons. Operators will have the opportunity to review Elliott’s performance-optimized remote controls, lightweight fuel economy, and payload capacity engineered designs. Productivity features will also be able to view, including 110V, welding, oxy/acetylene, and pressure washing accessories.
http://www.elliottequip.com
Epilog Laser: Booth #4319
Epilog Laser will be showcasing the latest additions to its CO2 and fiber laser engraving product line—the Fusion and FiberMark Fusion to the company’s product line. The Epilog Laser Fusion is a CO2 system designed for engraving and cutting on a variety of materials, while the FiberMark Fusion was designed for more industrial applications on bare metals and engineered plastics. The two systems offer robust USA-made construction, a host of time-saving features, and amazingly precise laser cutting and marking results. Both new laser systems include a 32-by-20-inch engraving table and a variety of other features including: Joystick control, job management software, superior chassis strength, industrial DC brushless servo motors, large tempered glass and LED lighting, temperature sensor/emergency stop button, and a drop-down front door and removable exhaust plenum.
http://www.epiloglaser.com/fusion_laser_series.htm
Epson America: Booth #2505
Epson America will be displaying its Summer 2013 entry into the dye-sublimation printing with its two roll-fed dye-sublimation transfer printers—the 44-inch SureColor® F6070 and the 64-inch SureColor F7070. The new SureColor F-Series printers are not only the first dye-sublimation models from Epson but also the first in the market in which every component—from ink and printhead to printer chassis and bulk ink delivery system—is designed and manufactured by a single company. The result is a high-performance dye-sublimation transfer printing technology designed for exceptional reliability and industrial-level production with high quality output up to 1,440-by-720-dpi on all leading transfer papers. The all-new SureColor F-Series models support an extensive range of applications, including efficient production of high-quality soft signage, sportswear, apparel, accessories, and customized promotional items such as mouse pads and ceramic mugs. Depending upon the application, both models can output at speeds up to 618 square feet per hour, and both feature an integral and easily refillable, high-capacity 1.5-liter bulk ink system.
Developed over a three-year period, Epson UltraChrome® DS is an exclusive, specially-formulated CMYK dye-sublimation ink, producing outstanding images with vibrant colors, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations. This all-new ink technology exhibits excellent light- and wash-fastness, as well as resistance to alkaline and acid perspiration. Designed specifically for Epson UltraChrome DS ink technology, the newly optimized one-inch-wide Epson MicroPiezo® TFP® printhead ensures precise and repeatable performance as well as excellent longevity. The printers are designed to be used exclusively with the Epson UltraChrome DS inks.
Both F-Series models include Wasatch SoftRIP to enable users to start printing sellable output out of the box; the F6070 includes a full version of SoftRIP with simple setup, intuitive workflow, and powerful print controls; the F7070 includes SoftRIP TX with specialty features for textile printing.
Epson will also be previewing its new line of dye-sublimation transfer papers designed specifically for the SureColor F-Series. Epson low-tack adhesive is dedicated for high-end cut-and-sew fabric and apparel production, while the Epson standard multipurpose paper is ideal for a variety of transfer applications that use either soft or rigid surfaces, including t-shirts, mouse pads and ceramics. Both papers utilize a unique chemical coating that allows for heavier ink loads to provide superior color, and will be available in 328-foot rolls in both 44-inch and 64-inch widths.
http://www.proimaging.epson.com
Esko: Booth 3759
Esko will feature its new Kongsberg XN24 with i-cut, a highly versatile and productive digital finishing table that can operate in the widest range of applications, from kiss-cutting to heavy-duty milling delivered by the high-power three kilowatt MultiCUT-HP milling spindle. Also on display will be the Kongsberg XP24, and i-XE10 Auto—all with i-cut Vision Pro. i-cut Suite workflow software, recipient of a 2012 InterTech Technology award, will be accompanied by Esko Studio and ArtiosCAD.
http://www.esko.com
Fisher Textiles: Booth #4844
Fisher Textiles has added style DD 7866 Vistatex (FR) and updated styles DD 7817 Soft Knit (FR) and DD 7880 Heavy Knit (FR) to its digital printable fabric line for direct dye sublimation printing. These 122-inch wide fabrics have a special coating that allow for direct printing onto the fabric and do not require heat transfer paper. They are compatible with printers using dispersed inks. DD 7866 Vistatex (FR) is 6.6 oz/yd2, bright white, and stable in both directions. It is commonly used in aluminum framing applications. DD 7817 Soft Knit (FR) is 5.9 oz/yd2 and features a whiter white point. DD 7880 Heavy Knit is 9.0 oz/yd2, has a whiter white point and is ideal for tradeshow exhibits. Fisher Textiles will also be showing GF 9766 Poly Cube (FR) fabric, which it has added to its Grand Format line for dye sublimation printing. At 6.6 oz/yd2 and 118 inches wide, the bright white, 100 percent polyester fabric is flame retardant and passes NFPA 701. It is ideal for office cubicle walls and partitions.
http://www.fishertextiles.com
Flexmag Industries, Inc.: Booth #4415
FLEXMAG has engineered FlexCoat – EZ™ to eliminate the issues associated with conventional flexible magnetic products laminated with a printable surface. Our patent-pending FlexCoat – EZ utilizes our strong magnetic sheet as a base, which is then coated with a revolutionary printable surface that is compatible with the most popular printing methods used in the print industry today. It is EZ to print, EZ to cut, and EZ to display.
http://www.flexmag.com
FUJIFILM: Booth #1512
FUJIFILM will demonstrate the Acuity Advance Select 8 UV flatbed inkjet printer and the Acuity LED 1600 wide format hybrid printer. The Acuity Advance Select 8 offers increased flexibility with a wider selection of color options that can provide high productivity and value-added versatility. Its eight channels offer extended color, white, and clear ink options. The printer also includes configurations with double-strike white capability or white plus clear ink; two additional production print modes for increased throughput; and new job handling capability for greater production efficiency. The Acuity LED 1600 uses patent-pending UV-LED ink curing system to produce exceptional quality display graphics on roll or rigid substrates. Reaching print speeds up to 215 sq ft/hr while providing outstanding quality output, the Acuity LED 1600 offers a standard eight-color ink set including CMYK plus light cyan, light magenta, white and clear, and allows printing white or clear ink in a single pass for even greater productivity. Spot clear ink adds special effects to create more value to graphic displays and signs.
http://www.fujifilmgraphics.com
GE Lighting: Booth #4566
Finally, there’s a high brightness LED solution for cabinet and box signs. New GE Tetra® PowerStrip, EdgeStrip, and miniStrip high output LED lighting solutions deliver up to two-times more lumens than standard Tetra, transforming any-size cabinet sign into a strategic branding advantage for your customers. Thanks to the company’s impressive OptiLens technology, bright, uniform light spreads evenly across the sign face, eliminating the unsightly hotspots and striping of traditional fluorescent. Now you can gain all the benefits of LED lighting—energy reduction (up to 90 percent vs. T12HO fluorescent), a long 50,000 hour lifetime backed by GE quality and reliability, and the use of wider stroke spacing to reduce the amount of product needed and build your sign more economically.
http://www.gelighting.com
Gemini Incorporated: Booth #2726 & 2929
In addition to celebrating its fiftieth year of business, Gemini Incorporated will be showing its brand-new professional engraving stock, Duets by Gemini, to serve sign and engraving companies who require high-quality laminated engraving substrates for badges, nameplates, and ADA/Wayfinding signage. Called “Duets” in reference to the two-colors that the sheets have for customer engraving usage, the product is available as either an ABS plastic or impact-modified acrylic. ABS plastic is designed for rotary engraving and is suitable only for interior applications. Impact-modified acrylic is designed to be laser engraved and is designed primarily for indoor use but does have several options available that are approved for exterior applications. There are currently thirty-seven color combinations available for ABS Duets and fifty-seven combinations available for impact-modified acrylic Duets. Sheets of either are 1/16-inch-thick and are available in three sizes: Full size (24-by-29 inches), half size (24-by-24 inches) and quarter size (12-by-24 inches).
http://www.signletters.com
Graphics One, LLC: Booth #5166
Graphics One, LLC will show the GO Cubix 308 UV, a high-performance and high-speed 30-inch, 8-color channel UV LED 3-in-1 flatbed printer. Capable of printing rigid substrates up to five inches thick, the printer’s 3-in-1 multi-platform capability also offers options to print on roll-to-roll for traditional roll media and to print on rotating three-dimensional cylindrical objects such as glass and PET bottles. The 8-channel system design enables the use of CMYK, White, and Clear Varnish UV inks for a wide range of professional color imaging. The GO Cubix UV offers imaging speeds of up to 120 sq ft per hour and is powered by Wasatch SoftRIP. GO will also be displaying its new GO NeoTack Ink, a professional-grade dye sublimation ink offering twelve colors with three new neon colors: Neon Red, Neon Yellow, and Neon Blue in addition to Super Black, Orange, Blue, CMYK, Lc and Lm. Other neon colors can also be substituted for traditional colors. NeoTack additionally offers the industry’s best UV stability ensuring the most saturated prints stay that way. Moreover, GO’s NeoTack Ink offers newly patented heat-activated Tack Technology developed to enhance the tackiness of tack paper and eliminate the need for tack paper altogether with some polyester media.
http://www.graphicsone.com
HEXIS: Booths #4539 and #4738
HEXIS will be demoing their complete range of decorative vinyls and cast wrap films. A nice example of HEXIS C4000 Cristal films in action can be seen at the recent 2013 Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch, New Zealand (pictured). Designer Bayley LuuTomes of BLT Design, Wellington, was named Student of the Year in the Emerging Designs competition, in which entrants designed and built a rooftop garden intended for hosting and entertaining guests. Called “Living Art,” the design inspired by Mondrian featured a glass bridge, colored glass pergola and moving mirror image from Metro Glasstech, an outdoor TV screen and new plant releases. HEXIS distributor Computaleta Services of Christchurch, New Zealand supplied the vinyl films used for the project. HEXIS is a major manufacturer of self-adhesive sign vinyl and digital printing media used for sign making, vehicle markings and surface protection. The company pioneered their own process to produce high performance cast vinyl films and structured repositionable adhesives. The group exports some 40 percent of its sales to 50 countries worldwide.
http://www.hexis-graphics.com
HP: Booth #4357
HP is exhibiting its large format sign and display solutions—including the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press with features that help print service providers expand into new application areas like packaging. Also from HP’s industrial portfolio, the HP Scitex FB700 and FB500 Industrial Printers increase versatility for high-value specialty applications, such as indoor retail and point-of-purchase displays. HP will also feature devices from its Latex portfolio, including the HP Designjet L28500 and L26500 Printers and the HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer (ideal for a broad range of indoor and outdoor applications ranging from vehicle wraps and banners to wallcoverings). HP’s booth will also feature vignettes of printed output to showcase the wide variety of applications made possible by HP printing solutions.
http://www.hp.com/go/gsb
ImageOne Impact: Booth #3715
ImageOne Impact introduces two new Straight Line Cutting tools: the sixty-four-inch SLC64 and the ninety-six-inch SLC96 Sooper Straight Line Cutters. Both are durable straight edges with the added feature of an attachable cutting head to make perfectly straight cuts every time on vinyl films, banner media, foam boards, corrugated plastics, and more. The SLC64 and SLC96 both are simple to use—the harder you press, the deeper you cut. The cutters have a non-slip bottom and permanent laser etched measurements for accuracy. The Straight Line Cutters come with straight edge and cutting head that holds five blades in its built-in blade holder, which are included. A “V-Groover” for foam board is also available. ImageOne will also show the new ProRoll TA-Series application roller, an improved Application/Transfer Tape Applicator. The application roller includes ultra-secure rollers to hold any brand application/transfer tape, and it allows for more control of the application process, more accurate alignment of the transfer tape, no wrinkles when applying, and easy changing of rolls. The ProRoll TA-Series Application Tape Tool comes in three adjustable sizes: twelve, twenty-four, and thirty-six inches wide.
http://www.image1impact.com
LORD Corporation: Booth #2926
LORD Corporation will be showcasing a new, stronger No-Mix Adhesive system, which features the No-Mix adhesive components (also known as “honeymoon” adhesives) that are applied on the opposite mating surfaces of the substrates to be bonded. Curing does not start until the parts are brought together. This assembly technique is especially good for large surfaces with tight tolerances, such as mounting a sign face. LORD Corporation is also launching a totally overhauled Sign Selector Guide for adhesives that will make it easier for sign shop technicians to choose the correct adhesive for a job and highlighting step-by-step methods for creating a box-frame and assembling a channel letter with trim-cap using its 400-series and 7500-series adhesives. Meanwhile LORD Senior Technical Service Representative Michael Verdi will be giving a presentation, “A Practical Guide for Using Structural Adhesives in Sign Fabrication,” on Thursday, April 4 at 3pm PDT.
http://www.lordcorporation.com
Magnum Magnetics: Booth #3558
Magnum Magnetics Corporation introduces new product options for its MuscleMag™ brand flexible magnets. MuscleMag™ Printable High Energy Magnets are now available for inkjet and digital presses and come in widths up to 24.375 inches. MuscleMag™ Digital Printable Magnets are offered with a matte white polypropylene printable surface, with a total thickness of 17-millage. MuscleMag™ Inkjet Printable Magnets were created for those who wish to print magnets on an inkjet press. They are available in a 15-millage thickness option, with a white vinyl printable surface, available in matte or gloss finish. MuscleMag™ Inkjet 15 is thin, yet very strong, which allows it to easily conform around wraps.
http://www.magnummagnetics.com
Master Magnetics, Inc.: Booth #2714
Master Magnetics, Inc. (The Magnet Source™) will be featuring the industry’s widest options for wide format printing directly to flexible magnetic material. PrintMagnetVinyl™, available in up to forty-two-inch widths, allows for high-resolution printing directly on flexible magnetic material with solvent, eco-solvent, UV and latex ink systems. PrintMagnetVinyl has been approved for HP latex printers as part of the HP Registered Latex Developer program. PrintMagnetVinyl saves time and money printing direct to magnet instead of printing on a substrate (vinyl or paper, etc.) and then laminating it to the flexible magnetic sheeting. Meanwhile Flexlron™ magnetically receptive sheeting, available in up to a forty-eight-inch width, allows magnets to be used on any non-metallic surface, such as drywall, wood, concrete, or plastic. It is flexible iron sheeting, available with an adhesive backing and a printable vinyl surface. FlexIron can be used as the base layer for signs, photos and graphics printed on PrintMagnetVinyl, or it can be the top graphic layer, using the PrintMagnetVinyl with an adhesive backing as the base.
http://www.magnetsource.com
Mimaki USA: Booth #4515
Mimaki will again be showcasing its impressive line-up of UV, dye-sub, and latex wide format roll-to-roll and flatbed printers. Brand new for 2013 are the JFX500-2131 UV LED flatbed, Mimaki’s fastest printing, sharpest imaging UV LED flatbed ever; the TX500-1800DS direct-to-fabric printer capable of printing 1614 sq ft/hr; the high-speed 64-inch UJV500-160 roll-to-roll UV LED printer; the UJF-6042 UV LED tabletop flatbed; and the new CG-SRIII roll contour cutter. Mimaki’s latex printer, the JV400-130LX, will be demonstrating soft signage applications and the latest in latex ink technology. Be sure to stop by the Mimaki booth for hands-on demonstrations of all these printers.
http://www.mimakiusa.com
MultiCam® Inc.: Booth #3953
MultiCam® Inc., will showcase three affordable, easy-to-use CNC cutting solutions that route, knife cut, crease, and perforate at speeds up to 7000 IPM. Dan Sawatzky, owner of award-winning Sawatzky’s Imagination Corporation in Yarrow, British Columbia, Canada, will cut sign foam samples and discuss how the MultiCam 3000 Series Router has made him a creative force in the sign industry. The versatile 3000 Series Router is a popular choice among small- to medium-sized manufacturers demanding a powerful yet affordable machine. Designed for the intermediate budget, it cuts at speeds up to 2500 IPM. Cutting up to 2100 IPM, the economical MultiCam Graph-X-Cutter™ is ideal for low-volume applications. The MultiCam High-Speed Digital Express, the fastest CNC production machine on the market, is a breakthrough in high-volume productivity. This versatile, configurable system boasts a 7000-IPM top speed. These platforms combine a router with knife cutting and digital registration. The MultiCam EZ Knife® is an automatic knife-changing system that supports rotary, kiss-cut, drag, angle, oscillating and ultrasonic cutting. MultiCam’s exclusive MultiVision™ digital camera/software-based registration system recognizes fiducials visually, aligns images, and auto corrects distortion and rotation.
http://www.multicam.com; http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
ONYX: Booth #3949
ONYX offers ONYX Thrive print workflow software, which manages the wide format print production workflow process offering print service providers accurate, high-quality printing results, and reducing costly errors. ONYX Thrive software seamlessly handles varied file formats and reproduces the client’s intent in an accurate, predictable manner. Adobe technologies including the Adobe PDF Print Engine natively render PDF digital master files generated by any graphics authoring application, maintaining fidelity to the creative intent across the workflow. Also included are Quick Sets, which simply define the automated steps for jobs to follow, enabling operators to submit digital files and move on to other tasks as the files travel through the workflow unattended. The newest version 1.2.5 was recently announced, and it includes support for Windows 8, as well as functionality for white and specialty ink profiling, printing, and handling.
http://www.onyxgfx.com
ORACAL: Booth #4532
ORACAL introduces twenty-three new ORACAL Series 975 Premium Textured Cast colors and textures, including Brushed, Cocoon, Crocodile, Dune, Emulsion, and Honey Comb. These new textures join the already popular carbon fiber texture now expanded with transparent, red, blue, and gold. Series 975 is a 5-mil, textured film that features a transparent, solvent-based, repositionable adhesive with exceptional dimensional stability and conformability over uneven, arched, curved, and flat surfaces. ORACAL will also be displaying other fan favorites; ORACAL Series 970RA Wrapping Cast solid colored paint alternative film, ORAJET 3751RA Wrapping Cast Film with RapidAir Technology, and new ORALITE 5650RA Fleet Engineering Grade Reflective printable film featuring an air-release liner that makes application easier by reducing incidence of bubbles and creases.
http://www.oracal.com
Orbus Sign Company: Booth #5232
Products on display at the Orbus booth include the new tension fabric Hopup™. This new Hopup is lighter, has a smaller footprint and includes new stabilizer feet on every straight frame over seven feet high. These tension fabric displays are simple, versatile and can be set up in seconds. Simply attach the graphic, expand the frame and you have an instant exhibit. The Formulate™ Flip™ twenty-foot tension fabric exhibit kit incorporates layered, staggered walls and stretch, pillowcase fabric graphics creating a unique, dimensional, and versatile display. Simply spin from front to back or flip from top to bottom to create a new look and show a different message. The Giant ten-foot-tall Mosquito is an affordable and versatile retractable banner stand that features a heavy-duty aluminum, silver-colored base and sleek black end-caps. When you need more signage space but need to work within a small footprint why not go up? The Giant Mosquito provides a variety of height options from six to ten feet.
http://www.theexhibitorshandbook.com
Roland DGA: Booth #3511
Roland introduces SOLJET Pro 4 XR-640, a large format color printer that combines integrated print/cut technology with an innovative new print head design; accelerated print speeds; and new, reformulated Eco-Sol MAX 2 inks in nine colors, including white, metallic silver, and light black. Eco-Sol MAX 2 ink offers outstanding long-term outdoor durability, scratch and chemical resistance, and broad media support. The printer has a maximum print speed of 528 sq. ft./hr and fires droplets of seven different sizes for exceptionally smooth gradations and flawless solid colors. Integrated contour cutting produces graphics of virtually any shape in one seamless workflow. The printer also includes an automated ink circulation system that reduces ink usage and maintenance requirements; a three-stage heater and optional dryer unit; and a built-in take-up system that handles media rolls up to 88 pounds. Also included are variable data printing, support for multiple devices, and the Roland Color System for easy, accurate spot color matching of more than 1,000 standard colors and 512 metallic colors. Roland will also be displaying its new Paparazzi™ Premium Matte Paper, an 8-mil., 210 gsm constructed premium paper specially designed for high-resolution, full-color printing with Roland Eco-Sol MAX and Eco-Sol MAX 2 inks. The media has high opacity, outstanding white point characteristics, and a unique barrier coating that maximizes ink saturation for a wider color gamut without cockling. It is available in 30-inch-by-100-foot and 54-inch-by-100-foot rolls to suit varying printer requirements.
http://www.rolanddga.com
Rowmark: Booth #2626
Rowmark will have its new range of UltraGrave™ laminates on display. The ultimate user-friendly, multi-functional engraving sheet, UltraGrave offers ultra creativity, ultra customization, and ultra durability. The UltraGrave color palette has been created based on customer demand, as well as trending colors. With thirty-eight color combinations and the ability to custom-color match, the UltraGrave laminate collection helps fabricators and designers meet customer demands with a competitive edge. Unique to other sheet products, UltraGrave is engineered with a durable .003-inch UV stable polymer cap offered in a variety of vibrant colors, laminated over a tough acrylic core. It is perfect for applications ranging from interior and exterior signage, industrial projects, personal identification, trophies, awards and plaques. They are available in several popular gauges (.010-inch, .020-inch, and 1/16-inch) in a non-glare matte or soft satin grain finish, as well as select colors in a reverse-engravable version.
http://www.ultragrave.com
SA International (SAi): Booth #2912
SA International (SAi), a leading provider of solutions for the professional sign-making, wide-format digital printing and CAD/CAM for CNC machining industries, and the newly-created International Sign & Printmakers Guild will use ISAfor the official launch of the Sign.com Web store, as well as to promote the wider benefits of the Guild. Sign.com delivers a dedicated one-stop location for the sign- and-print-buying public to quickly and easily design and purchase custom signs, banners, posters, and similar products. Sign-making businesses and wide format print providers can enjoy increased revenue from Sign.com by becoming members of the International Sign & Printmakers Guild. With the slogan “top quality, delivered locally,” all sign and print jobs ordered through Sign.com will be routed to the Guild network for production and delivery to the customer, enabling Guild members to build long-term business relationships. Free to join, the Guild aims to help sign and print businesses reach new customers and reduce costs.
When a consumer purchases a sign from sign.com, that job is made available to the ten nearest Guild members for fulfillment through the SAi Flexi Cloud Window. Guild members can view and accept new orders and benefit from potential new local business at their own pace. The feature-rich SAi Flexi provides easy text layout and vinyl cutting packages that offer high production capabilities with cutting and printing tools. The newest version of SAi Flexi Cloud will be on full display at ISA.
Users of SAi Flexi Version 10 or 10.5 can download the SAi Flexi Cloud upgrade for FREE* until April 30th in North America and May 31st in all other regions by visiting http://Store.ThinkSAi.com/upgrade.
As the Guild’s initial promotion, the first 1,000 businesses in North America to join will receive a 15 percent discount on selected Arlon vinyl. Membership at this time is complimentary. Meanwhile a special offer to ISA visitors is the chance to win a cool iPad Mini. To stand a chance of winning one of six of the stylish mini tablet computers, visitors simply need to drop by the SAi/Guild booth, sign up for the International Sign & Printmakers Guild, and register for Sign.com.
http://www.signprintguild.com
Signs By Benchmark: Booth #1015
From tiki pieces to monument displays to ten-foot-tall toothbrushes with fiber optic accents for a dental office, Signs By Benchmark will have a lot of their projects on display a their booth. You can even find out more about the company’s signage, which are created from a composite of expanded polystyrene (EPS) cellular plastic and a structural polyurea hard coat.
http://www.signsbybenchmark.com
SloanLED: Booth #3525
The SloanLED PosterBOX™ Slim lighting product for shallow or narrow cabinets will be featured in the ISA International Sign Expo New Product Showcase. SloanLED also will demonstrate this product and others at its booth. The PosterBOX Slim uses FanFlare™ lens technology to project light in a fan pattern, to optimize the light washing light evenly across the sign face. The modules are designed with a slim silhouette and are mounted on the return of the sign box. This makes the PosterBOX Slim an excellent option for single-sided box signs as shallow as two inches and double-sided signs as shallow as four inches (including movie posters, indoor retail cabinets, and menu signs). The PosterBOX Slim comes with thirty-eight modules per chain to reduce the need for splicing, making installation fast and easy. It is UL and cUL recognized, CE and CSA certified, and RoHS and WEEE compliant. The PosterBOX Slim will be available July, 2013.
http://www.sloanled.com
Trotec: Booth #3301
Trotec introduces the Speedy 400, a laser engraving machine with a large working area of 39-by-24 inches, which handles the most common standard materials and saves users time and money on pre-cutting materials and increased efficiency. The Speedy 400 has a maximum processing speed of 140 inches/second, which makes it one of the fastest machines in its class. The machine also features no front bar for easy access to the work area, and an innovative table design for easy change-out of working tables. Working table choices include a standard engraving table, a honeycomb grid, and a vacuum table. In addition, the Speedy 400 can be upgraded at any time with an additional CO2 or fiber laser source.
http://www.troteclaser.com
Ultraflex Systems Inc: Booth #3521
Ultraflex will showcase some groovy new products in their Woodstock themed booth, including Strip Mesh Pro LTX, a latex compatible mesh with easy to remove liner that is screen printable up to 126 inches. SuperSmooth PET GreyBack, available in widths up to 126 inches, is a non-curling, front-lit banner with a grey back and super-smooth print surface. For harsh weather, Ultima Pro 13oz FL Matte is an outdoor durable semi-coated banner that is screen printable up to 196 inches wide. Create fine art reproductions with True Canvas Giclée 65/35, an 11oz canvas composed polyester cotton blend with an acrylic-gesso top coating that can be folded and stretched without cracking and provides a uniform low-glare finish in sizes from 39 to 80 inches. UltraPoplin Soft Image is a 7.5 oz soft poplin that is 100 percent knitted polyester, wrinkle and crease free, available in a matte finish, and offered in sizes from 61 inches to 198 inches. A unique dual application feature allows 10.6-oz woven polyester U240 DualTex HD U360 to be used for front- or back-lit signs in sizes from 61 to 122 inches.
http://www.ultraflexx.com
Watchfire Signs: Booth #3529
Watchfire Signs will be showcasing its recently unveiled array of product innovations, including a slim cabinet sign, that make it easier for its nationwide network of sign dealer partners to design, install and, service Watchfire LED signs. The slim cabinet sign is only five inches deep with full front ventilation, so installation is fast and trouble-free. The new slim cabinet style is available on the company’s most popular models, including 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm LED signs up to 53 inches tall. Its design provides effective cooling through the front of the sign, eliminating the need to ventilate the sign structure. Universal module sizing is another product change that simplifies design for Watchfire sign dealers. The company’s 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm LED signs now have a twelve-inch square modular design, so they can be custom-sized in one foot increments. This feature simplifies structural design and provides an easy path to upgrade for customers who want to display higher resolution images. Signs featured at this year’s ISA Sign Expo will be even more energy efficient than before, speeding return on investment and providing a clear advantage for Watchfire customers.
http://www.watchfiresigns.com
