Exclusive: Key Highcon Executives Share Updates and Vision of the Future
Published: January 25, 2021
In this video interview, Shlomo Nimrodi, CEO, and Simon Lewis, VP Marketing, of Highcon, along with their newest addition, Alon Bar-Shany as Chairman, discuss the current state of Highcon following its very successful IPO, the target customer base, some of the changes driven by the pandemic, and their vision of the future in a dynamic, interactive discussion. Following this interview, Highcon and EFI announced a global partnership benefiting their common core of customers with ERP integration; Highcon also has a similar partnership with HP Indigo—and a common core of customers—where integration of print and finishing has offered many benefits. Watch Video
Brother's Rick Frye Talks Sewing Automation
Published: December 15, 2020
Sewing is often referred to as the "last mile" in the manufacture of sewn goods in terms of an overall automated workflow. Huge progress has been made in the level of automation, and an operator can be quickly trained to execute sewing of some types of items. But the fine work of sewing apparel is still out of reach. Rick Frye shares his thoughts about the current state of sewing automation, and describes Brother's new Bridge sewing technology. Watch Video
Sewing Automation: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?
Published: September 10, 2020
Frank Henderson of the Henderson Sewing Company is the third generation running this family business and has been doing so for the last 40 years. He has an extensive amount of experience to share, including what's being done to accelerate reshoring of manufacturing of sewn products, how his company interacts with others in the industry to create innovative workflows, and what he sees as future developments in sewing, robotics, and workforce development. Watch Video
People Love Embellishments—But Often Fear Them
Published: December 19, 2019
Trish Witkowski, Chief Fold Fanatic for Fold Factory, talks to David Zwang about “embellishments”—people love them, but are often scared of them. There is a perception that “special effects” are only for special projects, and embellishment examples are often highly elaborate and aspirational. As a result, printers don’t often see how embellishments can be scaled down and used for more day-to-day print applications. Watch Video
Can the "Last Mile" of Manufacturing—Sewing—Be More Automated? Frank Henderson Says Yes
Published: December 16, 2019
A third-generation family-owned company in business for 50 years, Henderson Sewing Machine Company has changed with the times, according to CEO Frank Henderson. With sewing—the "last mile" in textile manufacturing automation—still requiring significant manual labor, Henderson talks about the challenges of automating textile sewn products and the progress that is being made. Watch Video
Finishing Automation is Becoming a Critical Investment
Published: November 14, 2019
Bob Flinn from Standard Finishing talks about why, with the current labor market, investment in automation within binding and finishing is imperative. Watch Video
Horizon International Introduces IoT Capabilities in its Finishing System
Published: November 13, 2019
Yoshihiro Oe, General Manager at Horizon International Inc., talks about the "ICE Concept" that Horizon International introduced at the Think Smart Factory event. The concept brings Internet of Things (IoT) interconnection to finishing equipment to provide real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, remote service, and support. Horizon is collaborating with customers to determine which type of IoT functionality is most useful within an automated print factory. Watch Video
Think Smart Finishing Showcases Automated Print Production
Published: November 12, 2019
2019 Think Smart Finishing, organized by Horizon International, showcases automated print production from order to finished product. WhatTheyThink spoke to Yasuo Taketsugu of Horizon International about bringing 14 industry partners together across software, print, and finishing to show a fully integrated print environment. Watch Video
EFI’s Red Hot Fiery Technology at PRINT 19
Published: October 22, 2019
Giselle del la Moriniere Product Marketing Manager in EFI’s Fiery Group talks about EFI’s Fiery partners, the Red Hot Technology Award-winning FreeForm Create software, and the integration of the Fiery digital front end with Duplo’s spot coater and slitter/cutter/creaser. Watch Video
Colter & Peterson’s Cutting Edges
Published: October 17, 2019
Colter & Peterson’s Bruce Peterson talks about the company’s latest PRISM and SABER paper cutters, the company’s line of reconditioned cutters, and how cutters have evolved over the years. Watch Video
Hunkeler's New Flexible Stacker
Published: October 14, 2019
Hunkeler’s Hans Gut talks about the products the company was demonstrating at PRINT 19, including the Red Hot Technology Award-winning Hunkeler LS8-30 Long Stacker, which is designed to cut and stack a wide variety of print products. Watch Video
Graphco: “The Unfair Advantage”
Published: October 14, 2019
Graphco’s Chris Manley talks about the technologies the company was demonstrating at PRINT 19, including its chemical embossing system for RMGT offset presses, Foliant laminating, and GEW LED UV technology. Watch Video
Standard Finishing's Red Hot Technologies
Published: October 8, 2019
Paul Steinke of Standard Finishing Systems showcases two Red Hot Technology Award-winning products Standard was demonstrating at last week’s PRINT 19: the Horizon VAC-L600H Air-Suction Collator and the Hunkeler LS8-30 Long Stacker. Watch Video
Jack Noonan of MGI Discusses the Value of Embellishment in the Packaging Supply Chain
Published: July 17, 2019
Jack Noonan, Marketing Manager at MGI Digital Technology, talks about embellishment of print as the next phase in the evolution of digital print for packaging. Digital special effects can add value to packaging, raise brand awareness, and foster customer engagement. Find out how. Watch Video
Horizon Releases a Fully Automated Binding System
Published: June 3, 2019
Yoshi Oe, General Manager of Global Business for Horizon Systems, talks about the company's new smart binding system, a fully-integrated and automated unwinder, cutter, folder, binder, and three-knife trimmer. Watch Video
Summa Adds Innovative Laser Cutter for Textiles
Published: May 21, 2019
Wim Maes, Executive Director at Summa, talks about the company's entry into textiles to address the bottleneck created in the cutting department as textile printers gain in speed. The company acquired CadCam Technology, resulting in the development of the Summa L3214, a 3.2-meter laser cutting device that cuts while the fabric feeds across the table, enabling cutting at 800 square meters per hour. Watch Video
Frank Talks to Highcon's Christian Knapp
Published: May 17, 2019
Frank caught up with Christian Knapp of Highcon at the recent Canadian Graphic Arts show. Highcon is a pioneer in automatic creasing and laser diecutting. Watch Video
Muller Martini Offers a Full Workflow System
Published: April 30, 2019
Andy Fetherman, VP of Sales and Technology for Muller Martini, talks about the company's complete Finishing 4.0 ideology that helps customers beyond finishing, taking advantage of automation and connecting it to drive variability in finishing. Watch Video
Hunkeler AG Looks Ahead to drupa 2020
Published: April 18, 2019
Hans Gut, VP of Marketing for Hunkeler AG, talks about the importance of drupa 2020 as a showcase for the industry, and Hunkeler's innovations in automation, workflow, and systems integration. Watch Video
Scodix's Digital Embellishments Change the Way Products Are Consumed
Published: March 13, 2019
Adina Shorr, CEO of Scodix, talks about the digital embellishment and enhancement, especially in packaging production. Thanks to its ability to mass customize printed packaging, digital embellishments can turn something that is functional—a package—into a form of communication, ultimately changing the way that products are consumed. Watch Video
The Future of Finishing at Hunkeler AG
Published: February 28, 2019
Michel Hunkeler, CEO of Hunkeler AG, talks about the company's new product portfolio as well as how he sees the future of not only finishing technology, but entire print production systems. Watch Video
Hunkeler Offers Customers More Services to Help Production
Published: February 27, 2019
Stephan Estermann, VP of Services for Hunkeler AG, talks about the new service offerings that Hunkeler is bringing to market to increase customer productivity and profit. Watch Video
The Future Is Here at Hunkeler Innovationdays
Published: February 27, 2019
Marco Boer, Vice President of IT Strategies, joins David Zwang at Hunkeler Innovationdays to share his thoughts on the event and how cutting-edge technology has improved inkjet quality. Watch Video
Hunkeler Highlights New Roll and Sheet Solutions at Innovationdays 2019
Published: February 26, 2019
Hans Gut, VP of Marketing, and Daniel Erni, VP of Sales, at Hunkeler AG talk about the latest finishing solutions the company is featuring at Innovationdays 2019. Hunkeler has continued to invest in automation features with its Generation 8 platform, and used the event to announce its entry into sheet finishing with the Hunkeler DOCUTRIM platform. Watch Video
Automation Takes Center Stage at 13th Hunkeler Innovationdays
Published: February 25, 2019
David Zwang talks to Hunkeler AG President Stefan Hunkeler about Hunkeler Innovationdays. The 13th edition of Innovationdays focuses on "Success with Automation" and utilizing Industry 4.0 concepts in automated print production systems. Watch Video
Canon Partners With Duplo to Add Embellishments
Published: December 17, 2018
Matt Poliniak, Advisor for Canon USA, demonstrates how the combination of the Canon imagePRESS and the Duplo DDC-810 gives customers the ability to add embellishments to digital prints. Watch Video
Gerber Acquires MCT Digital
Published: December 12, 2018
Scott Schinlever, President and COO of Automation Solutions for Gerber Technology, announces the acquisition of MCT Digital, a company the specializes in automated cutter technology. Watch Video
Adding Embellishment with Duplo's Spot UV Solution
Published: December 3, 2018
Si Nguyen, Vice President of Sales for Duplo, shares innovative texture and embellishment effects utilizing Duplo's spot UV solution. Watch Video
The Importance of User Groups
Published: October 29, 2018
Christine Yardley, President of PrintPanther, talks about the advantages of being a member of PROKOM, Konica Minolta's user community, and how user groups are a great source of information, troubleshooting resources, and networking opportunities. Watch Video
Team Concept Printing Purchases MGI JETVarnish to Expand Offerings
Published: October 25, 2018
Tony Rouse, President of Carol Stream, Ill.'s Team Concept Printing, talks to Kelley Holmes about the company's purchase of a new MGI JETVarnish 3-D to offer customers more options and "spice up" print. Watch Video
Colter and Peterson Announces New Saber Cutting Line
Published: October 16, 2018
Finishing products manufacturer Colter and Peterson has been in the industry for 100 years and continues to innovate the paper finishing business. President Bruce Peterson, grandson of the company's founder, talks with Kelley Holmes about C&P's new line of Saber cutters. Watch Video
Producing High-Value Print Applications with Scodix's Ultra2 Pro
Published: October 15, 2018
Mark Nixon, General Manager for Scodix, introduces the Ultra2 Pro at PRINT 18, able to cast and cure, a process that can create very high-value, digitally embossed applications, from holographics to foil. Watch Video
New Horizons for Standard Finishing Systems
Published: October 11, 2018
Paul Steinke, National Sales Manager for Standard Finishing Systems, talks about two new Horizon finishing units on display at PRINT 18: the StitchLiner Mark III and BQ-480 perfect binder, both of which include new automation features. Watch Video
Smart Binding System Manufactures Fully-Automated Roll-to-Perfect Bound Variable Books with Ease
Published: September 13, 2018
Trish travels to Boston to visit the VIP Demonstration and Training Center at Standard Finishing Systems, and gets a tour and demonstration of their fully automated Smart Binding System. Watch Video
Fridays with Frank: Superior Opportunities in Finishing
Published: August 17, 2018
Frank interviews Jay Smith at Superior Packaging and Finishing in Braintree, Mass. Superior recently acquired Acme Binding and now is one of the largest finishing companies in America. Watch Video
The Success of Roll-Fed Inkjet and Importance of Finishing
Published: August 15, 2018
Mark Hunt, Director of Strategic Alliances for Standard Finishing Systems, discusses the reasons behind the surge of popularity in roll-fed inkjet, and the importance of finishing. He also discusses what to expect at Hunkeler Innovations Days 2019. Watch Video
Solutions that “Stick” Around: Five Opportunities in Synthetic Print Media
Published: July 12, 2018
Trish's video this week features five different products that utilize “sticky” synthetic substrates for marketing communications. Each product uses completely different techniques and technologies, and she’ll demonstrate and compare them all. Watch Video
Duplo Event at the Museum of Printing Mixes the Old with the New
Published: June 22, 2018
Duplo, the digital finishing company, usually runs customer events at hotels. This time they set up various pieces of equipment at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, Mass. Their theme was “Old Print New Print” as modern finishing equipment was mixed in with older printing machines. Watch Video
Digital Variable Scratch and Reveal Technology
Published: May 31, 2018
In the ongoing search for new print techniques and technologies for mail, Trish highlights an exciting digital variable scratch-off collaboration between Mohawk, HP and Lawton Connect in Orlando. Watch Video
Lectra Launches Cutting 4.0, A New Platform for Textile Cutting
Published: May 31, 2018
Frederic Gaillard, VP of Product Marketing for Lectra, talks to Cary Sherburne about Cutting 4.0, Lectra's new smart cutter for textile cutting that interfaces with Lectra Digital Cutting, a new cloud-based cutting platform. The machine receives orders and executes them, and sends back data so the entire process can be controlled in real time. The platform is designed to address the new challenges the company sees in the market, such as small runs and customization. The new platform also includes a fabric library. Watch Video
Paul Marino of Impress Communications Talks About His “Picture-Perfect” Bobst ACCUCHECK System
Published: April 26, 2018
Trish Witkowski visits Impress Communications in Chatsworth, Calif., and speaks with owner Paul Marino about the challenges and the benefits of installing a 100%-accurate quality control inspection system on their Bobst EXPERTFOLD folder-gluer line. Watch Video
Roland’s New Laser Foil Decorator
Published: March 27, 2018
At the ISA Sign Expo 2018, Roland DGA introduced the DGSHAPE LD-80 laser foil decorator. Roland President Andrew Oransky talks about the new device and the opportunities it opens up for print service providers to offer unique, high-value printed specialty products. Watch Video
USPS Challenge: “Hidden Message” Special Effects Screen Printing with Flash-Activated Photochromatic Ink
Published: March 22, 2018
In the hunt for new print techniques and technologies for mail, Trish leads us to H&H Graphics in Chicago for a photochromatic ink technology that is designed to work in conjunction with the camera on your smartphone Watch Video
New Print Finishing Techniques for Direct Mail
Published: February 22, 2018
Tim McGinley of the Mail Innovations Program at the USPS challenges Finishing Section Editor Trish Witkowski to find new print finishing techniques and effects for mail. Trish begins her journey with Jeff Hernandez of Classic Color and his groundbreaking Brand Alchemy exploration. Jeff is developing realistic textures that mock actual products, and he’s putting the ideas directly into the hands of creatives. Watch Video
How Digital Technologies are Impacting Package Printing with New Embellishment Tools
Published: December 11, 2017
Jeff Peterson, President of FSEA, gives an overview of the association and how it serves members through their Odyssey show, magazine, and webinar events. He also discusses how new digital technologies like MGI and Scodix take specialty effects to the next level as well as a new study done in conjunction with Clemson University that showcases how end users tend to see embellished print first over standard package printing. Watch Video
Automation on Display: a Key Hunkeler Innovationdays Takeaway
Published: March 1, 2017
Jack Glacken, President of TGI in Philadelphia, talked about his first visit to Hunkeler Innovationdays, saying his business today is all about automation and Hunkeler, Horizon and Standard Finishing have that covered. He learned a lot, was impressed with what he saw, and would like to return in 2019. Watch Video
"Last Frontier" for Automation Addressed at Hunkeler Innovationdays
Published: February 28, 2017
Mark Hunt, Director of Strategic Alliances at Standard Finishing, shares his thoughts with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne on the increased automation trends and innovations on show at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2017. He characterizes the bindery as the "Last Frontier" for automation and is optimistic about today's solutions being able to stand up to the challenge and help customers be more productive and profitable. Watch Video
A first-time visitor to Hunkeler Innovationdays shares insights on the event
Published: February 28, 2017
Bryan Constable, Director of Engineering at RPI Print, shares his thoughts about his first visit to Hunkeler Innovationdays, citing the beautiful surroundings and the more intimate environment than most other industry events. He also appreciated seeing the integrator of both Hunkeler and Horizon products in the same production line, as well as Hunkeler integration with Muller Martini. Watch Video
Hunkeler and Horizon Partner for Automated Book Binding
Published: February 23, 2017
Yoshihiro Oe, General Manager for Export at Horizon International, highlights the company's smart book binding systems being shown in partnership with Hunkeler at Hunkeler Innovationdays for complete inline automation book binding down to a book of one at up to 800 books per hour. He emphasizes the importance of Hunkeler Innovationdays in driving deeper customer relationships. Watch Video
Hunkeler Strategies Feature Partnerships for End-to-End Automation
Published: February 23, 2017
As a successful Hunkeler Innovationdays 2017 wraps up, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne speaks with Hunkeler CEO Michel Hunkeler about the company's strategies for the future. Key to the future is Hunkeler's partnerships with printing and finishing vendors to leverage respective strengths for the benefit of their mutual customers. Watch Video