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At FESPA 2018 (Messe Berlin, 15-18 May, Hall 3.2 Stand A40/B40) Canon will show how its end-to-end wide format production solutions empower graphics producers to pursue new growth opportunities, either by diversification into new application areas or by optimising production of their established portfolio.  

With its largest ever presence at a FESPA exhibition, Canon will showcase a broad spectrum of solutions for roll-to-roll and flatbed printing, cutting and workflow automation, while sharing inspiring examples of the diverse range of applications enabled by Canon technologies and media, ranging from traditional signage and graphics to printed décor and customised packaging.

Mark Lawn, Director, Graphic & Communications Group, Canon Europe explains: “With a vast global customer base, we have a great vantage point on the many challenges and opportunities facing graphics producers, and we identify two key routes to success for our customers. Some may put diversification at the heart of their business plans, adding new applications to their portfolio and branching out into different markets, such as décor or packaging. Others may prefer to focus on bottom-line improvement by developing innovative business models or investing to streamline production and increase capacity. With this understanding of the landscape, Canon can help customers explore the right opportunities, giving them a clear sense of direction and lending them continued support as they navigate these paths, supported by our continuous technical innovation and motivated by a clear view of how they will improve and even transform their business.”

Whatever their individual focus at FESPA 2018, visitors will take inspiration from the technology developments and real-world applications on show at Canon. A prominent highlight of the stand will be the Océ Colorado 1640 roll-to-roll printer, built on Canon’s groundbreaking UVgel technology. Two separate printers will demonstrate the system’s exceptional productivity and media versatility across applications from high-value domestic and commercial décor to self-adhesives, with near-line finishing using technology from Canon partner Fotoba.

The Océ Colorado 1640 was the talk of FESPA 2017 when it was launched, and since then it has transformed roll-to-roll production for hundreds of graphics producers worldwide, many of whose experiences with the technology will be shared at FESPA. Visiting print service providers (PSPs) can also see for themselves an array of graphics and décor applications produced by real Colorado users, helping them to envisage how the unique attributes of Canon UVgel technology could extend their own capabilities.

Other Canon roll-to-roll solutions on show will include the Océ ColorWave 910 single pass inkjet printer with inline folder producing AEC (architectural, engineering & construction) applications as well as posters, while the Océ ColorWave 700 will show its versatility to print on coated and uncoated media for everything from posters to banners and wallpapers. The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 and TX4000 printers will also be demonstrated producing photo and fine art prints as well as POS and posters, including a demonstration of a new waterproof Canon media for outdoor use.

In the flatbed production zone of the Canon stand, visitors will discover the 1280GT and 6170XTS models from the multi-award winning Océ Arizona series. The Océ Arizona 6170XTS printer will be shown in a streamlined print-and-cut workflow with the Océ ProCut G3 XL-3200 cutting table, producing short-run packaging.

Highlighting Canon’s ability to integrate cutting edge solutions that truly maximise customers’ production efficiency, the Océ Arizona 6170 will be shown in a live robotised workflow deploying technology from Canon partner Rolan Robotics to optimise the placement of unprinted media on the flatbed, and the subsequent transfer of the printed items to the cutting table. The workflow will reflect a real customer implementation at Van Vliet Printing in The Netherlands, a forward-thinking Océ Arizona user which partnered with Canon and Rolan Robotics to achieve the highest level of automation in its flatbed printing operation.

FESPA 2018 will also be the first opportunity in Europe to see Canon’s new elevated printing solution for the Océ Arizona series, which enables customers to add textured effects to décor products, packaging prototypes and signage, maximising value and increasing their scope for competitive differentiation.

Visitors to the stand will also learn how they can complement their wide format technology line-up with small format solutions such as the Canon imagePRESS C850 series for packaging applications including short-run folding cartons, as well as customer communications and sales collateral. The DreamLabo 5000 inkjet production photo printer in combination with the Canon FlatSpread FS-500 finishing solution will show graphics producers – many of whom are already active in printed photo merchandise – the commercial opportunity of diversification into premium quality photobooks.

In addition to the applications being produced live across the stand, visitors will experience a ‘home-street-store’ walk-through, illustrating the role of targeted customer communications, promotional graphics and décor in the extended customer journey for the conceptual ‘Elemental’ beauty brand campaign. The ‘store’ environment will display applications such as vinyl flooring, murals, packaging, display furniture and counters, while the ‘home’ space will feature laminate flooring, furniture, wallpaper and ceramic tiles.

Mark Lawn concludes, “The Elemental campaign has been expanded since FESPA 2017 to show how printed applications of all formats underpin the success of a brand launch, from the first engagement with the consumer in their home, building awareness through cleverly integrated out-of-home promotion, and culminating in an immersive, branded retail experience from décor to packaging. In combination with the technologies we’re demonstrating at FESPA 2018, it’s a very impactful way of showing customers the many potential routes to add value when responding to a client brief, while helping them to see the bigger picture of their significance in the brand value chain.”