Monthly Archives: March 2021

Onyx Graphics, inc., a leading software solutions provider for the digital inkjet wide format print industry, announced today that ONYX software is certified for the new HP Latex 700 and 800 printer series. This certification applies to all ONYX RIP and Print Workflow Solutions, including ONYX Thrive, ONYX PosterShop, and the newly released ONYX GO subscription, all on the company's latest version release, ONYX 21.

The HP certification program differentiates software vendors through a comprehensive set of integration, compatibility, and performance standards testing against HP printing technologies. For this latest certification, Onyx Graphics designed the driver to support the vivid colour and newly added white-ink capabilities of the HP Latex Printer Series, including sandwich mode printing for under-flood, over-flood, and spot. In addition, the ONYX driver allows for ONYX Quick Set options to automate print production, taking advantage of the speed and agility offered in this new printer series. Combined with ONYX Color and iccMAX v5. profiling, users of the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series can expect superior and consistent colour across their entire print production environment.

"This latest certification achieved by Onyx Graphics showcases their commitment to providing outstanding support for HP printing technologies." Said Guayente Sanmartin, General Manager, Large Format Business, HP. "HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series users who choose ONYX software can feel confident in delivering outstanding quality prints to their customers."

About the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series

According to HP, the HP Latex Series introduces a range of Latex Large Format print solutions to help Print Service Providers diversity their offerings. The HP Latex 700 and 800 series brings a suite of features that enable PSPs to be more agile, tackle ambitious projects, and take on the highest value work. The new portfolio also delivers fast workflows that help businesses hit deadlines while sharpening their sustainability edge.

About Onyx Graphics, Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge with superior print and color quality. Their passion for delivering superb color led to the development of ONYX Color, Onyx Graphics’ color engine optimized specifically for large format inkjet printing. Innovative, productive, and satisfied customers worldwide help motivate the company to develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large format printing workflow software. For more information, visit www.onyxgfx.com.

SAi today released Flexi 21, the most feature-rich version of its flagship signmaking software. The 64-bit RIP system is engineered to meet the demanding design to production challenges of sign & display and large format print providers for both novice and more advanced users, while continuing to be highly productive with fast processing speeds.

SAi’s Flexi 21 design and RIP print software now supports multi-layer/white and varnish ink layered printing. With this versatile and powerful tool, Flexi can generate white or varnish ink on the fly or from the white layer in the predefined design. Users can control how the ink is printed in both the Flexi Design and Flexi RIP Production Manager functions. This “sandwich” mode printing supports printing multiple layers, for example, a bottom layer of white, colour in the middle, and varnish on top. With the ability to preview the white channel beforehand, users save RIP and print time and avoid wasted materials.

Flexi 21 also includes variable data printing. Users printing a set of documents with mostly shared elements can change certain text or images from document to document. The Flexi 21 variable data printing tool will let you design the print template with a sample file, select the element that will change per document, and then specify the data to be used. This feature supports variable data images (including raster files, transparent pngs, and most eps and PDFs), text, QR codes, data matrix, barcodes, and braille.

Created as an all-in-one solution for design, print, print-and-cut, and direct-to-vinyl production workflow, Flexi 21 also includes a host of advanced features including:

• Jig templates – Allows users to design and save jig templates that will precisely match the jig on the printer bed for printing on multiple parts, such as phone cases.
• Enhanced printing while RIPping – Users no longer have to wait for the print job to finishing ripping to start printing, this allows for faster processing time.
• Custom cut line names and colours – Users can now define their own, custom, cut line spot colours and give the custom names, simplifying the cutting process.
• Adobe Illustrator® layer support – Multi-layer Illustrator or PDF files can be split into multiple jobs which then can be processed as spot colors like white and varnish.
• Custom inkset – Inkset channels and profiles can be customized to different colour modes, if your printer supports custom ink.
• G7 Certification – Recognizes gray balance and generates linearization that is compliant with G7 colour standards.

About SAi

SAi Flexi is the industry leader for creating a variety of applications such as vehicle wraps, banners, signs, soft signage and much more. With a low monthly operating cost, a SAi Flexi subscription includes free software upgrades, e-mail, and phone support and all the design and production features SAi Flexi has always been known for. 

Do you want to remind customers or employees to keep a safe distance? Then decals are a perfect medium to communicate this message. They are ideal both for indoor and outdoor use, for short- and long-term applications. They are also suited for many other ways to inform about guidelines or to mark off zones: good examples are applying stickers on chairs in waiting rooms, shop windows and on mirrors. Are you not sure how to use stickers for social distancing? In this blog, we'll show you a few examples how you can use decals to inform your customers, employees or visitors to make them aware of a safe distance.

1. One-way systems with arrows

Many locations want to alert visitors that there is (temporarily) one-way traffic. Examples include the doctor's office, hospitals or vaccination sites. A logical spot to apply these arrows is on the floor, so people can easily see which way they need to go.

2. Advantages of round decals for public areas

Round decals have a great advantage: The edges are less likely to curl and get damaged than those of stickers with sharp corners. This makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas such as restrooms, hallways, entryways or cash registers. Since these are areas where many people walk, the floor stickers should also have an anti-slip surface – which is often mandatory.

Solvoprint dot print 'n' walk R10 is a suitable choice for these types of applications. Thanks to the special honeycomb structure, the film has an R10 anti-slip surface after printing with latex and (eco) solvent inks (and an R9 anti-slip surface when using UV inks). The great thing about this 2-in-1 floor graphics film is that it is immediately ready for indoor use after printing, which saves a lot of time and money if you need to apply many decals.

The decals are very easy to remove without leaving any adhesive residue (on most common smooth surfaces).

3. Marking off chairs with stickers in waiting rooms

Sitting next to each other in a public space - something that used to be the most normal thing in the world - is now unwise. That's why it makes sense to mark off chairs in public waiting rooms, so that people leave one chair empty. This is useful at the doctor's, in hospitals and anywhere where people are seated in waiting areas.

Our advice: for smooth surfaces, choose a sticker with a dot adhesive that is easy to apply without bubbles and also easier to remove. For fabric surfaces, decals with a strong adhesive are best. Keep in mind that chairs in waiting rooms can be made of different materials, and not every sticker material is suitable for every type of surface. Always seek the manufacturer's advice beforehand and test with a small sample.

4. Rectangles for guidelines in entrances

You can, of course, hang a sign at the entrance to a store or other public area to alert visitors to adhere to the rules, but there is a risk they will be overlooked. A more logical place to do this is on the ground, as people tend to look down while walking.

Chances are you are dealing with a "difficult surface" at an entrance, such as concrete or carpet.Fortunately, this makes no difference for UVprint 'n' walk power-tack because this textured PVC film has a high-tack adhesive. The high adhesive strength makes this 2-in-1 floor sticker suitable for applications on surfaces that are difficult to stick to, such as carpet, concrete or wood. This all-rounder for short-term use is suitable for use with latex and UV inks. When using UV inks, the floor sticker is R9-certified. When applied outdoors in dry conditions (e.g. under a roof) the decal will last for up to 3 months.

5. Communicate announcements & policies with window stickers

Store windows are a great place to communicate announcements and policies regarding social distancing guidelines. With window stickers, you can quickly inform customers of changed store hours and current policies. On or behind glass, these stickers easily stand out. Thanks to the dot adhesive, easy dot stickers can be easily and quickly applied and removed without bubbles, even by non-professionals. An ideal material for temporary applications.

Window-grip is more suitable for long-term applications, where the sticker needs to be repositioned several times. This film is available in white and transparent and has reliable adhesion thanks to a unique coating.

6. Social distancing decals – leaving no area unused

With this selection of different films, there is always an option that will work for your specific purpose. Are you unsure which film to use for your application? Then it's a good idea to request samples so you can see them up close and try them out. Contact our sales department to request samples without any obligation!

Colortrac today have released a new range of high performance roll fed scanners improving on their already critically acclaimed scanner portfolio. The new Colortrac SmartLF SCi and SmartLF SGi Scanner portfolio along with a completely redesigned SmartWorks Imaging software will be available to purchase from March 2021.

The sleek new design of the SmartLF SGi and SmartLF SCi scanner series are ideal for capturing, enhancing, sharing, and copying information from large format documents of all types, such as hand-drawn originals, old plans, marked-up construction drawings, textured artwork, thick media, and more.

“Since 1989, Colortrac has delivered value that our customers count on, and we know they will be pleased with the new scanner series and software,” comments Jacob Bendix, chief commercial officer, Colortrac. “The new functionality, including the ability to drive the scanner from a tablet, brings the full power of large format scanning right into the hands of our customers.”

The Colortrac SmartLF SGi and SmartLF SCi large format scanners deliver fast performance, with optimized preset controls and an extended list of internal printer drivers to connect directly to large format printers. SmartWorks Imaging, the newest member of the SmartWorks software family, is a fresh implementation of the scan-once workflow that is easier to navigate than its predecessor, SmartWorks Pro.

Intuitive scanning software with remote scanning

Colortrac’s new SmartWorks Imaging scanning software offers a host of new features including a new multipage thumbnail pop-out view, extended PDF for longer and wider documents, and higher dpi. With a new interface, the scanning software also boasts a number of new capabilities such as closed-loop printer colour calibration, quick-fix image correction tools, and a full edit history for one-click easy undo. SmartWorks Imaging is also dongle-free and includes new drivers for HP and Epson printers.

SmartWorks Imaging users can download the free SmartWorks Imaging Link, an app that lets users operate the scanners by remote control from a tablet (tablet not included).  SmartWorks Imaging Link puts the full power of the PC-based SmartWorks into the hands of a tablet user.

Scanning value customers count on

The SmartLF SGi scanners are suitable for any type of document, including technical drawings, maps, artwork, and photographs. With the CCD technology and greater focal length, it can even handle originals with texture, and media up to 15 mm thick. The scanner series delivers realistic colour and superb accuracy (up to 1200 optical dpi). Available in 36 and 44 inch widths, the scanners are designed to work at high speed while requiring little maintenance.

The SmartLF SCi scanners are ideal for engineering drawings, construction plans, maps, and line drawings. The scanners feature Colortrac’s innovative ClearView technology, a line of up to 144 LEDs to guarantee maximum scanning accuracy. A SUREDRIVE powered soft roller provides even pressure across the original, while the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface ensures fast, efficient data transfer. The SmartLF SCi scanners are available in 25, 36 and 42 inch widths.

Both the SmartLF SGi and the SmartLF SCi come in a sleek black/dark gray colour, with matching optional floor stand, repro stand, and PC mounting kit.

SmartLF SGi and SmartLF SCi series replace the SmartLF SG and the SmartLF SC Xpress scanners, respectively.

Green counts

Colortrac strives to reduce its environmental footprint. To that end, the company uses recyclable plastic as a raw material wherever possible. Additionally, the company reorganized its factory production to save energy on lighting and air conditioning, and embraced a robust common parts, waste, and stock-reduction regime. Colortrac also improved its sea and rail shipping logistics to eliminate air freighting and consolidates its shipments to reduce wooden pallet use.

About Colortrac

Founded in 1989, Colortrac started by developing large format scanning solutions and quickly earned a reputation for value that led to the company winning the coveted Queen’s Awards for enterprise and export. Today, Colortrac serves the entire large format document scanning market with a portfolio of no-nonsense scanning solutions. Colortrac has more than 80 distributors in over 90 countries and is also an OEM supplier. The company is dedicated to making scanners that get the job done to high standards at a competitive price.

Onyx Graphics inc., today announced the introduction of Onyx Go, a new subscription RIP solution that adds to the expansive Onyx portfolio of wide format digital inkjet software solutions.  Onyx Go launches on the heels of Onyx 21, the company's new version release, and is designed for Print Service Providers who require the latest technology to meet customer needs.  Onyx Go is immediately available and offered in two product tiers.   Onyx Go Lite and Onyx Go Plus includes enhanced colour management and production tools including ICC profiling to fine-tune profile output accuracy; Swatch Books 2.0 fo colour matching; finishing tools such as Beeld and Grommets to save valuable production time; Media Manager and more to help meet the daily challenges faced by today's print shops.

"Onyx Go brings another product option to our worldwide customer base to help them meet the evolving needs of the wide format graphics market", said Kevin Murphy, President and CEO of Onyx Graphics. "It incorporates the features and functionality Onyx users come to expect for ourstanding output quality, neatly packaged in a worry-free, affordable monthly subscription."

Available with soft-key activation providing near-instant access, Onyx Go is a month-to-month, no-contract, full featured Onyx RIP solution with up to four Adobe PDF Print Engines (APPE); Job Editor to edit files before printing, unlimited roll-to-roll cutter support for complete print and cut workflows, and supports up to two printers.

Highlights of Onyx Go products include:

• ICC profiling and media manager
• Up to four Adobe PDF print engines
• Support for up to two printers
• Unlimited roll-to-roll cutter support
• Automated print-and-cut workflows
• Automatic media savings for nested jobs
• Job Editor for file editing and job preparation
• Quick Sets 2.0 and Hot Folders for automation
• Swatch Books 2.0 for colour matching
• Speciality ink support for white ink
• Bleed and Grommet finishing tools

Availability 

Onyx Go is available now as a monthly subscription through PSW Paper & Print Limited.  Onyx Go is open to existing Onyx users and other customers through a licence subscription.

About Onyx Graphics Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge with superior print and colour quality. It's passion for delivering superb colour led to the development of ONYX Color, Onyx Graphics' own colour engine optimised for large format inkjet printing. Innovative, productive and satisfied customers around the globe help motivate the company to continually develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large format printing workflow software.

Adobe and Adobe PDF are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. ONYX and ONYX PosterShop are registered trademarks, and ONYX Thrive, ONYX RIPCenter are trademarks, of ONYX Graphics, Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks and are the property of their owners and are respectfully acknowledged.