Pamex 2011 marks feat successfully
Organised by All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) in association with TAFCON, the eighth Pamex 2011 concluded successfully, with presence of 187 exhibitors, attracting good number of visitors. The four-day event showcased generation next technologies, marking increase of 22 exhibitors than the previous edition. Book printing applications and finishing equipments were of much interest to visitors who witnessed lot of solutions in this category. Receiving numerous orders and queries from prospects during the show, most of the exhibitors were looking happy, expecting good end of the year 2011 and prospering beginning of the year to come. Held during November 01-04, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, PAMEX 2011 was officially inaugurated by Virbhadra Singh, minister of MSME, Govt of India. Speaking on the occasion, he said that printing has improved drastically in our country over the years and is gearing up further to compete with rest of the world. African and Latin American countries have vast business potentials for Indian printing machinery manufacturers. The minister also assured the industry to help in solving the problematic issues (such as of ‘duty’), which were raised by Ranjan Kuthari, newly elected president of All India Federation of Master Printers and Vijay Kumar Chopra, chief editor and CEO of Punjab Kesari Group. “Nothing is static in the Government. The policies can be changed to ensure advancement of the industry, as per the emerging requirements,” said the minister.
Virbhadra Singh, minister-MSME, Govt of India interacting with Klaus Nielsen, MD, Heidelberg India during his visit as chief guest to event, while Vijay Kumar Chopra of Punjab Kesari Group and other dignitaries looking on.The show presented technologies from the industry majors across pre-press, in-press, post-press, publishing, signage under one roof. In the digital press segment, Canon, HP, Kodak, Konika Minolta, Ricoh and Xerox stole the show presenting their state-of-the-art products. The announcement about the agreement to enter the phased global rollout of the new Heidelberg and Ricoh strategic cooperation in India following the successful launch in Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong, was one the big news spread during the show.
In sheetfed press segment, the industry major Heidelberg was presenting live demo of their Speedmaster SM 74 5+L press. Komori, with presence of officials from Japan along with twin distributors – Insight Print Communications, and Printools Graphics was present in an inviting booth. The display of high quality print samples produced with HUV technology was of great interest to the visitors. Ajay Aggarwal, director, Insight Print Communications, said that the process of building up serious interest in Komori solutions among printers community has been the focus for few months that will continue further as well. Notably, it is well known that in the recent past, Komori has done wonders by installing good number of machines all over India. And thus, they have established themselves amongst the top three majors in sheetfed offset machines segment in the country. The presence of a four colour sheefed from upcoming Indian company Autoprint was also significant. Reasonably priced, with added optional features, this machine marketed under the brand DI0N 450, seams to have very bright future in India and other developing countries.
After a long gap, Indo Polygraph Machinery also participated in any print show in India. They organised two different stands: one for KBA independently, where Bhupinder Sethi, sales manager, KBA, came in specially from Germany to interact with existing customers as well as new prospects. Just opposite to the KBA stand they demonstrated other equipments represented by them. The company announced to sell one high-end Perfecta 115 TS cutting machine to Rakesh Press who will install this machine at their new facility in Noida.
Riso India was yet another emerging company offering affordable digital duplicating machines. These machines are very popular amongst government departments for their easy operation and low cost print production.
For visitors looking for CtP/ CtcP systems, exhibitors including Fujifilm, Kodak, Heidelberg, and Monotech were present. Proteck Machinery from Chennai also launched a new high-end processor for flexo plates, apart from offering 3D solutions which were of great interest to visitors.
There were exhibitors with offerings in packaging and finishing segment. A prominent exhibitor from Amritsar, Five Star Printing Machinery Co was present near the stand of Autoprint, showing much improved version of cutting machines, stitching machines, and double wire-binding. Integrated Graphic Solutions, a relatively new entrant in the postpress machine and consumables was also present during the show. They were offering equipments from Shoei, Japan; Zechini, Italy; Pile Turners, Korea; etc.
Line-O-Matic Graphic Industries – who made an exceptionally strong wave during Printpack India early this year by demonstrating high-end fully automatic exercise book machine – was also present in the show. The live demo of this machine was also presented in this show. Prior to this they also made their first ever presence in the recently concluded Pack Print International in Bangkok.
Pramod Engineering used PAMEX 2011 as the launchpad for ‘TRIM STAR’, a highly super efficient cutting/trimming solution, which is a modified version of ‘Excel three-knife Trimmer’. This unique cutting and trimming solution is specially devised, designed and manufactured for super-efficient post-press production of magazines, brochures, text books, note books, catalogues, annual reports and other varied publications. TRIM STAR three-knife trimmers are designed to adjust to any book size in less than 10 minutes per adjustment.
First Paper Idea India Pvt Ltd, a young entrant to the finishing segment, made their excellent presence with state-of-the-art equipment attracting lots of visitors.
Under the theme of ‘innovative affordable printing revolution’, KMI Business Technologies effectively participated in the show, displaying Konica Minolta printers. During the show, they also received an order from messers CCP, Imphal for Konica Minolta bizhub C452, which will be the first machine of its kind in Manipur. On the occasion talking to P&P, RK Chitra Ranjan, owner of the CCP stated, “We were searching out such an economic digital press from last two years and being impressed with the features of Konica Minolta, we could reach to the final decision. With the bizhub C452, we expect to receive return on the investment within one and half year.”
Having come into existence less than a year ago and now firmly saddled to grow in packaging finishing segment for paper board and mono carton industry, Galaxy Propac Private Limited (floated as a new joint venture enterprise by major consumable distributor JN Arora group) was another prominent exhibitor at the show. As per Neeraj Dargan of the company, “We are promoting innovative and value addition technology to add an edge to the range of our customers products. Apart from installing Shanghai Yoco diecutter, foil stampers, carton inspection machine and Paktek folder gluer, flute laminator, we recently installed Holographic UV transfer machine at IPP, Noida with another installation at TCPL Haridwar plant.” “With concentration on back-up support which is vital in highly competitive business environment, the addition of customers like Jain Offset, DJS Printers, Vijayshri, Any Graphics, Maurya Packaging, Super Cassette Industries, Premier Fine Printers in the long list of Yoco, Paktek and Komfi installation base with repeat orders from existing customers is a proven fact that we are performing efficiently,” he added. GPPL also stocks enough essential spare parts for the machines they sell and service.
Overall exhibitors were looking happy with response. As per Ravi Agarwala of Apsom Infotex Ltd, “It was good to participate in altogether different show than the signage shows which we generally participate. We intentionally did not show any solvent printing machine but rather focused on high end application where competition doesn’t prevail much.” The star attraction to their stand was VersaUV series of UV-LED printers, targeted at flexo/gravure market for proofing, mock-up, prototyping and short-run applications. “It is an ultimate solution as no such digital machine is available which can directly print on raw stock used in flexo or gravure process,” added Gulshan Kumar of Apsom Infotex. Other attractions at their stand included Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 inkjet with silver (metallic) ink with cutting option and used for labels/flexo proofing. Also displayed was VersaStudio 20” BN-20 inkjet print and cut digital machine.
AS Print Aids Pvt Ltd, another regular participant in major shows, was happier this time. As per Arun Gandhi of the company, they could get top of the line packaging printers to talk and update them with their existing as well as new product line of high-end lamination machines from Europe. Talking to P&P, Venugopal of Bobst India Pvt Ltd also confirmed having received very good response specially from visitors, comprising 80 percent related to north India.
The stand of Memory Repro was abuzz with activities as many new products were launched, which included thermal lamination with auto-sheeting, embossing machine with auto feeder for packaging or volume jobs, plate curing equipment, video plate punch & bender, etc. According to Sanjeev Chadha, a lot of people from outstation showed keen interest in these machines. “Our machines are economically priced between 3.5 lakhs – 10 lakhs depending on models/options opted for,” he added.
Monotech Systems Ltd introduced a unique Scodix1200 digital enhancement press at the show, which produces the Scodix SENSE printing experience by registering clear polymer to images with pinpoint accuracy in variable levels of thickness and texture. According to Lior Meron, business development manager, Asia Pacific, these presses were launched a year ago and 20 such machines have already been installed but is being launched now in India. “We have partnered with Monotech as they have a deep knowledge in on-demand digital printing and UV technology. Besides, their nationwide network of 172 field sales engineers and regional offices is an added advantage. India has a huge potential with large demand in the packaging of high-end products,” he added. “We are excited with the response we got for the Scodix press because of the value it adds to the print, especially for applications such as wedding cards, greeting cards, corporate brochures, etc. Since this is a digital process, even short-runs become feasible,” added TP Jain, managing director, Monotech Systems.
Domex offers manual and automatic doming machines. Their principal company is Colormex, Italy and they have already installed over 75 machines in India, told Mayank Maheshwari, managing partner, Domex. “The manual machines cost around Rs 35,000 while the automatic ones start from Rs 7 lakh onwards,” he added.
Tilak Raj Mahajan of Indo Poly Machines Corporation conveyed that the participation in PAMEX 2011 has been very positive for them and they could sell four machines during the first two days of the show. The company displayed knives sharpening machines for printing, packaging and binding industries. According to Mahajan, they started the company in 1975, offering cutting blades. In 1980, they started offering knife-sharpening machines as well. “It was a time when getting paper cutting knives in India was a problem and only German-make machines were available, which were very expensive,” he told. “Today, every big printer has a knife-sharpening machine.” The company has installed over 600 machines all over the country. They have even exported 25 machines to countries like Indonesia, Kenya, America, Sri Lanka, Sharjah, etc. “Ours is a number one machine in India in this segment. We manufacture 1,500 blades every month and our three-side trimmer knives are compatible with all imported machines,” he added.
Known primarily as Goss distributors in India – SL Kulkarni Cyril Graphics Pvt Ltd (SLKCG) now offers a full bouquet of products for the printing industry. According to Kunal Lakhia of SL Kulkarni Cyril Graphics, they are re-launching Akiyama brand in India, which was earlier handled by another distributor. “We are offering service and spares for all Akiyama machines installed in India. Akiyama’s printing marvel is J-print, a unique sheet-fed printer which can simultaneously print on both sides. It has a smaller footprint and gives huge savings on power bills. We are targeting atleast 2-3 installations of the J-print in the debut year itself,” he told. Present in the Pamex 11, SLKCG’s yet another brand which they offer is Yawa machines. “Interestingly, Yawa manufactures and sells four machines a week and over 200 die-cutting machines every year. They have been in India for over 8-10 years but the after sales support from the previous agent was not satisfactory. We are aiming to offer good service support to the existing and new customers. Today, Chinese products are more acceptable in Indian market as they offer reasonable quality at fraction of cost of German counterparts,” told Kunal. Their most popular machine is EZ Gravtek, a sheet-fed gravure and UV coater, useful for the liquor and cigarette packaging industries, besides the matchbox printing industry. The company also offers Purlux range of saddle stitchers and perfect binders; Tolerans online stitchers and Higher range of premium die-cutting machines. They are also poised to launch consumable such as creasing matrix, etc.
Next event
An effective platform to see products from India and overseas, PAMEX 2013, will be held at India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida, NCR Delhi, during November 14-17, 2013. Announcing the schedule for the show, SR Sharma, president, Pamex 2013 stated that the next PAMEX shall be larger show than all its previous editions.
Heidelberg India impresses printers at PAMEX 2011
-bags awards and orders
Presenting new heights of print performance to stay ahead, Heidelberg India effectively participated in PAMEX 2011. The company occupied a stand measuring 400 sq m dedicated to showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment and another of about 40 sqm dedicated to Print Media Academy which conducted free training sessions on various print related subjects, every day. This gesture of Heidelberg India was appreciated by the printers and like the last PAMEX 2010, Heidelberg India once again reinforced its commitment to imparting education and knowledge to the Indian printers. That is not all, the company also offered daily ‘customer-tours’ to a leading commercial print-shops where printers could see and learn more about Heidelberg solutions. The whole spread of solutions was hugely appreciated by the printers who benefitted a good deal.
Heidelberg India exhibited an entire print-shop workflow, from software to prepress, press and postpress. Live demonstrations of special applications, commercial and packaging jobs were done everyday using: Prinect: Print-shop workflow, Heidelberg Suprasetter A75 CtP, Heidelberg Speedmaster SM74 5+L, POLAR 115 XC Plus cutter, and Stahlfolder KHC 78 folder. All these equipments were installed, tested and run at top speeds within 48 hours, during the pre-pamex time – which was a unique feat in itself. Everyday, three public demos were conducted and many one-to-one demos were offered throughout the day.
Exciting deals on Systemservice, Saphira range of consumables, packaging, remarketed equipment, equipment finance and Print Media Academy courses were also made available to the printers. One of the new technologies shared with printers at PAMEX 2011 was the Heidelberg Suprasetter A 75 CtP device with integrated compact plate storage system. Heidelberg India had a high number of visitors coming from tier 2 and 3 cities. The company contracted a double digit number of machines at PAMEX 2011 and also generated many hot leads from all over India.
What is more, Heidelberg India had clearly presented itself as one of the best booths even in terms of design and concept which was endorsed by AIFMP and TAFCON who presented them with an award for ‘Best design and concept stall’ at PAMEX 2011.
The company is embarking on the implementation of their new digital product portfolio and is consulting many packaging printers of theirs on new technologies and value additions. On asking about the future of print in India, Klaus Nielsen, managing director of Heidelberg India opines, “India will continue to see high growth rates in printing. The manufacturing process will become more automated with focus on waste reduction and improving the quality levels of the finished product.”
Ricoh steals the show
-committed to expand business in the huge Indian market
Raising the bar for print production innovation, Ricoh Asia Pacific showcased for the first time in Asia its newest innovations in production print technology at Pamex 2011, including the company’s family of high-speed production print solutions, Automated Document Factory portfolio (ADF) and many other new offerings. “We have successfully achieved the integration of InfoPrint AP and Ricoh AP production print assets in the region – people, solutions and sales and support coverage – and are now working together in a seamless way,” said Nobuaki Majima, managing director of Ricoh Asia Pacific, “Each Ricoh subsidiary can now bring the benefits of the combined production print solutions portfolio from InfoPrint and Ricoh to our customers, further extending our value proposition as a one stop solution provider for high end cut sheet to continuous form printers, print management solutions and managed services.”
Talking to P&P editors, SK Khurana and Ajeet Singh, Avijit Mukherjee, business head, production printing business group, Ricoh India commented, “The show is good, attracting good number of serious visitors. We booked several orders during the show. The expo provides an effective platform for healthy trade as there is everything to evaluate for the visitors. Live demo of InfoPrint 5000 being presented for the first time in Asia was the star attraction at our stand, with visitors taking much interest.
India alread having a huge market in digital production printing, we need not to create the market rather expand business, reaching more and more customers. Since our launch of production printers an year ago, we have been able to achieve thirty installations. It is generally pointed out that there are around three lakh printers in India, and our operation can be effectively successful even if we could target thirty thousand printers. Keeping this in mind, we continue to strengthen our operations in the country, joining hands with multiple distributors like Redington who have their own customer base. Distributors are important for us as nobody can independently cover all printers in India.”
On asking about Ricoh and Heidelberg agreement, Avijit said, “Though Heidelberg is Ricoh partner at global level, there shall be no overlapping with them and other Ricoh distributors in India as their reach is different with select set of printers in India.” A subsidiary of Ricoh Asia Pacific, Ricoh India operates through a wide network of 15 branches and over 260 dealers and have well-trained sales and after sales service force. During a press conference on the sidelines of PAMEX 2011 show, Ricoh and Heidelberg also officially announced the operation of their agreement in India under which Heidelberg India will offer Ricoh products in India. Replying a question during this press conference, Tetsuya Takano, managing director and chief executive officer, Ricoh India, said that they have marked a good beginning in the country and are committed to further double their business in the year 2012.
All Ricoh subsidiaries in Asia Pacific will now carry the full portfolio of Ricoh production innovations including the successful RICOH PRO C901 and recently announced RICOH PRO C751 cutsheet solutions, the InfoPrint 5000 and the entire set of InfoPrint software solutions. As a result of this integration, Ricoh increases the service and sales coverage of Ricoh Production Print Solutions to all major countries in Asia Pacific. At the Ricoh’s booth in PAMEX 2011, visitors witnessed the live demo of the InfoPrint 5000 family of colour and monochrome continuous form inkjet systems. Used by a large number of customers worldwide to produce print-on-demand and transactional documents, the modular family of products is available in a variety of configurations including: a range of speeds; finishing options; high quality pigment, dye and MICR inks and support for a multitude of media (e.g., EP, recycled, ground wood, offset, inkjet treated and coated stocks). The InfoPrint 5000 family provides customers a highly reliable, very compact, flexible, cost-effective and easy to use solution. Winston Liu, senior GM, Ricoh Asia Pacific, Production Printing Business Group (PPBG) was present to answer the attendees’ queries about InfoPrint 5000 during the show.
New offerings from Fujifilm to go eco-friendly
To serve their customers effectively, Fujifilm India launched two new products at the PAMEX 2011: a new ZAC kit for their existing customers, and a new XR system. “We are committed to offer eco-friendly solutions to our customers in India. The launch of these two new products will enable printers to further increase their efficiency in the prepress segment,” conveyed Anil Singh, regional sales manager -north (graphics arts division), FUJIFILM India Pvt Ltd, talking to P&P. “This show has been good for us. We are happy to participate in this show. We received a lot serious queries, which have good potential to turn into business,” he added. In close cooperation with Glunz & Jensen, Fujifilm developed a line of ZAC system based CtP plate processors. With ZAC technology, one can match today´s tough demands for environment-friendly solutions and significantly reduce costs related to CtP plate processing. The ZAC system is already available by default in FLH-Z and FLH-RZ processors. The FLH-RZ processors are based on the Glunz & Jensen Raptor processors, but have been redesigned to introduce the unique ZAC system. This revolutionary intelligent processor design improves plate production and quality as a result of a tighter monitored processing environment and reduces chemical usage. As the ZAC processor replenishes on an as-needed basis rather than the traditional, a less accurate method, Fujifilm thermal plates are always processed under the optimal conditions. The benefits are improved consistency and reduce chemical usage, which mean lower costs as well as the environmental benefit of reduced waste. “We are getting good response for this system in the Indian market. Since its launch in India, we have installed ZAC CtP processors at PR Packaging, Kumar Printers, Rakmo Printers, Parksons Packaging, Vyoma Graphics, STR, and Neo Image. And in the year 2012, we are expecting to install 10-12 ZAC systems more,” said Anil.
The new XR system concentrates developer waste, then separates it into distilled regenerated water and concentrated developer waste. At the same time, a special heat pump system reduces energy consumption, while introduction of Fujifilm’s antifoam agent ensures safe long-term continuous operation. Two models of the system are available according to maximum processing capacity, the XR – 2000 at 1,500 l/month and the XR – 5000 at 3,900 l/month. “This system will also help printers go eco-friendly for sure,” added Anil, while talking to Ajeet Singh of Print & Publishing.
Xerox India upholds its digital printing leadership at PAMEX 2011
-Reinforcing its association with the Indian printing fraternity
Through a wide range of revenue-generating applications, digital presses and solutions, Xerox India showcased its technological strengths at PAMEX 2011. Among the key attractions at the Xerox booth this time were innovative application zones on photo applications and 3UP A4 applications enabled by the recently launched Xerox iGen4 EXP with the 14.33” x 26” print size capability! “Xerox’s participation in PAMEX 2011 was an effort to deliver on our theme for this year – Ready for Real Business Live!, with which we will look at providing real solutions to real business challenges of our valued customers. At the event, we showcased the best-in-class, revenue generating offerings aimed at providing plethora of opportunities to the digital printing segment in India addressing some of our unique business challenges,” said Pankaj Kalra, head, Graphic Communications Business, Xerox India.
The greatest attraction at the Xerox booth was the DocuColor 8080 digital press & pioneering applications of Xerox’s flagship product iGen4; one of the most productive and high end quality digital presses in the printing industry that enables digital printers to grow their business significantly with profitable applications. In addition, Xerox also announced the successful installations of over 150 units of the recently launched Xerox 550 presses in India. “Xerox has invested in partnerships with the Indian print industry since a long time, and our efforts to educate the industry have started to pay off with accelerated adoption of digital printing technology. Xerox has been at the forefront bringing the industry’s best and broadest portfolio of technology and revenue-generating application solutions to the market. With the introduction of our mid production Xerox DocuColor 8080 digital press we have gone a step ahead to reinforce our commitment to the Indian printing market,” added Pankaj.
“At Xerox, our strategy is always to make it easy for print service providers to drive profitable revenues through the power of digital printing and this event provided us with an opportunity to interact with our partners and customers and introduce them to our recently launched line of innovative digital presses and solutions,” commented Vipin Tuteja, executive director, technology, channels & international business.
Apart from Xerox DocuColor 8080 press, the products on display include: Xerox 550 press, Xerox 4112 press, Xerox wide format colour 7142 printer, and Xerox Phaser 7500 printer.
Stark Packmate to simulate proofs with Kodak
-opts Kodak Approval NX digital colour imaging system with Flexcel NX thermal imaging layer
With print buyers becoming much quality conscious, to get approval of a job with a simulate proof is one of tough tasks for most of packaging printers in India. But now Kodak Approval NX digital colour imaging system is available to provide the greatest possible confidence in predicting colour and appearance of the final printed piece, including both traditional flat sheets as well as finished, 3-dimensional packages. New Delhi-based Stark Packmate (P) Ltd installed this system recently, along with Kodak Flexcel NX thermal imaging layer.
Kodak Approval NX digital colour imaging system is a complete suite of hardware, software and consumables to create colour proofs accurately and consistently for offset, flexographic or gravure printing. It can create 3-dimensional package mockup proofs with appearance identical to the final product on the store shelf, with the help of additional contour cutting device. True halftone quality colour proofing offers high resolutions of 2,400 or 2,540 dpi. Enabling to produce colour proofs on a wide range of packaging substrate materials, including cardboard, plastics, metal, poly or shrink-wrap, the system can proof CMYK process, spot, brand and custom colours, each appearing as a true colour separation with accurate colour and correctly screened dots. While Kodak Flexcel NX system uses a unique specially-formulated flexcel thermal imaging layer, allowing high resolution and fast imaging at up to 9.5 sq m per hour. “With investment in Kodak solutions, we will be able not only to meet our own proofing requirements but will also offer proofing services to others,” said Akshay Dawer, director at Stark Packmate.
“Every customer needs to see actual proof before giving the final nod for printing the complete jobs. For the purpose, we had to go here and there for simulate proof with accuracy. To avoid this situation, we decided to invest in Kodak proofing solutions. And yes, we need just ten companies to utilize our offerings up to the optimum level and assured ROI coming to us very soon. With these solutions, we have started Stark’s digital proofing and mock-up services for printers,” conveyed Akshay.
Stark Packmate (P) Ltd, established recently by a group of two young entrepreneurs, which otherwise running a print company since 25 years, were getting these contract proofs outsourced. Some of their customers were even getting these contract proofing done overseas before handing over them the jobs. This made them to take a right decision by installing their own set up of digital proofing facility matching to offset, flexo or gravure.
As per Akshay, they plan to achieve the turnover target of Rs 1.5 to 2 crore per annum focusing to printers/converters, ad agencies and FMCGs directly to the tune of percentages ranging from 50, 30 and 25 respectively. Initially Stark Packmate wants to serve Delhi/NCR based customers and then export to Haryana/Punjab and Gujarat states.
HP presents Indigo Press 5500 at PAMEX 2011
-accentuating on the benefits of print-on-demand, short runs, mass customization, and promotional capabilities
One of the leaders in the imaging and printing industry in India, Hewlett Packard (HP) further extended its digital printing solutions offerings in PAMEX 2011, showcasing its star printer – HP Indigo press 5500. Indigo press enables high-definition digital printing and an evolution in commercial market ecosystem where personalized short-run prints can be delivered on-demand, linked to a customized web-to-print workflow including printing marketing collaterals on demand, personalized mailers and newsletters, photos and print creative projects such as posters, albums, books, calendars, and greeting cards. “The year 2011 was one of the remarkable and achievable years for Indigo business. We have outgrown in numbers for Indigo installations across India and foresee a major growth in this sector that offers benefits of print-on-demand, mass customization and short runs and thus attracting end-customers,” said Puneet Chadha, director – graphic solutions business-imaging & printing groups, HP India, “At PAMEX 2011, we were happy to showcase the Indigo HP 5500 press and demonstrate the benefits of POD, such as higher speed of response, reduced inventories, variable data printing and personalized printing, and web-to-print – making it the preferred digital press for print service providers.”
Speaking on the occasion, A Appadurai – country manager – Indigo & Inkjet press solutions, graphic solutions business, HP IPG India said, “Printing has evolved significantly for businesses employing print for commercial purposes; including designing, merchandising, publishing, photography, reprography etc. In the digital printing space, HP offers solutions to manage everything from low volumes print jobs to high volume ones at low costs in as little as an hour. Keeping in mind the upcoming trends we have innovated and invented star products like the HP Indigo Press 5500 which play a vital role for our printing partners in customization of products.”
‘Canon enables customers to grow’
“Canon India continues offering new innovations to expand business sustainability. We believe in enabling consumers to grow with us effectively, utilizing integrated solutions from Canon and Océ. With these solutions, the print service providers can enhance their operations to different applications, like PSPs working in wide format segment can also venture into book printing and transactional segments,” conveyed Dr Alok Bharadwaj, senior vice president, Canon India in one-to-one conversation with SK Khurana, editor, Print & Publishing, during PAMEX 2011. There is a major addition in our offerings after acquisition of Océ. With combined strengths of Canon and Océ, we are now providing wider rage of products including Arizona 360 GT UV flatbed printer with varied applications including display graphics. We have been introducing new products at almost every major exhibition of the graphic arts industry in India, said Dr Alok Bharadwaj further. Just around 45 days ago at IPEX South Asia in Mumbai, Canon presented Océ VarioPrint 6000, alongwith ImagePRESS C7010 and ImagePRESS 1135, and now at PAMEX 2011 in New Delhi, they introduced Océ ColorWave 300 multifunction printer, apart from showcasing, Canon imagePRESS C7010VP and C6010, Océ CW 600, Océ CW 300, iPF 8300S and Océ VarioPrint 6000.
“It is time of much integrated solutions. In the new launched Océ ColorWave 300 multifunction printer, we have integrated ‘print’, ‘copy’ and ‘scan’ functions into a single system, delivering the ease of use and workflow efficiency of an Océ B&W system and the versatility of a colour printer. With this system, printing services providers shall be benefitted in a big way, increasing their competitive edge by applying monochrome or colour as needed to enhance documents and make the brand stand out,” explained Dr Alok.
With Océ ColorWave 300 due to the built-in scanner, all functions can be controlled from one simple user panel. Unique Océ technologies, like Océ Colour Image Logic, Océ Dynamic Switching and Océ scan and copy templates ensure first-time-right results. Whether you are printing complex GIS drawings or copying detailed B&W CAD documents, the powerful controller swiftly handles all file formats – HP-Gl/2, PDF, DWF, JPEG and many more – and large files without sacrificing speed. One can get further flexibility by printing and scanning to a USB-flash drive. Waste is eliminated by using automatic original and media size recognition and image positioning features to avoid misprints. And working environment remains unaffected by ozone, dust or odours. The compact design and inkjet technology drastically reduces energy consumption compared to conventional B&W systems.
On asking about high-end Océ ColorStream 3500 printer to bring in India for book printing applications, which was recently demonstrated at Frankfurt Book Fair, Dr Alok replied, “However it is a good idea to introduce this machine in Indian market, but there is still a narrow scope for digital book printing in the country. Presently, very few books are printed on digital presses in India, though due to print-on-demand applications, publishers are increasingly going digital. But when the scope will become wider, we will definitely bring in such high-end machines for Indian book publishing customers.” Scope of inkjet technology is increasing for sure and we are keeping a track on that too, concluded Dr Alok, who is also shouldering the responsibilities as president of MAIT (Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology).
Autoprint growing fast. . .
helping printers financially too
-marks effective presence at PAMEX 2011
Coimbatore-based Autoprint Machinery Manufacturers Pvt Ltd was one of the companies at PAMEX 2011, whose stand was packed with visitors during the show. Autoprint was presenting live demonstrations of four machines including DION 450, a four colour sheet-fed offset printing machine, incorporating sophisticated features and top of the line specifications; Repetto 65, an automatic die-punching and creasing machine; Reckoner VDP 50, an offline sheetfed variable data printing machine integrating inkjet printing technology; and Fine Coat 80, an offline UV coating machine for adding value to the print jobs. “PAMEX 2011 was a good show for us, bringing lot of serious visitors from all regions of the country. We received several orders during the event, apart from getting new leads. The equipments showcased at the show are our star products, equipped with winning features,” said CN Ashok, managing director and CEO, Autoprint, sharing his views with Ajeet Singh, asst editor, Print & Publishing. “Though, we are happy with the show, but the duration of the show is very short. At least, one more day should have been added to it,” he suggested.
Talking about the business, Autoprint has registered so far this year, Ashok said, “The year 2011 goes better for us in comparison to the previous one. In the first half of this year, we installed around 225 machines in India and overseas market and the number of installation may go much high up to end of December. We are making quite good business due to financial support to our customers, and have already sold 25 machines worth two crore rupees through our finance assistance programme. However, initially this programme has been planned for two years, but seeing the success, we may extend it further to help Indian printers who find it difficult to buy new machines due to financial limitations.”
For small and medium scale entrepreneures in Indian print industry, Autoprint has taken praiseworthy initiative. The company signed an ‘MOU on loan syndication’ with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) aiming to finance for printing machines manufactured and supplied by Autoprint. Under this programme, any individual/firm/company in India can purchase Autoprint’s machines through bank financing, with rate of interest between 12.5 to 13 percent per annum. With provision of 15 percent margin money, 85 percent finance will be extended without any processing fee.
On asking about the overseas focused markets, Ashok said, “However, we have our customer base in several countries across the world. But African countries like South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, and East Asian counties are our focused markets. We are getting good response from these countries for our range of products.”
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