EFI Extends Fiery Command WorkStation To Inkjet Printers For Seamless Production Control

BERLIN — May 18, 2018 — Silicon Valley printing technology company Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI) introduced two milestone digital print workflow solutions at FESPA 2018 in Berlin: a new version of Fiery® Command WorkStation® and Fiery XF 7, an updated digital front end (DFE) for EFI wide and superwide format inkjet printers.

Fiery Command WorkStation is a popular interface for the management, layout, and editing of production digital print jobs. Print operations using EFI Fiery XF and Fiery proServer digital front end (DFE) print servers — including sheetfed, high-speed inkjet, wide format and superwide format printers — can now manage multiple printers across all environments from a single, easy-to-use, and familiar Command WorkStation interface. In addition, the new Fiery XF 7 digital front end for wide and superwide format printers enables production speeds up to five times faster than earlier versions.

Digital print production evolved

According to a study by Keypoint Intelligence (1), wide-format production volume is on the rise, and nearly half of the respondents across several different print organizations plan to purchase a new wide format printer in the next two years. Especially for print professionals familiar with a Fiery workflow and new to wide-format printing, the latest version of Fiery Command WorkStation will ease entry into this new revenue opportunity by making it easy to unify production operations. Using a single shared interface across multiple print technologies delivers major business benefits to digital print facilities, such as reduced operator learning curves, operational efficiencies and production staff flexibility.

Medienhaven GmbH, a digital printing company based in Bremen, Germany, was a beta site for Fiery XF 7, and has reaped the benefits.

“We like the structured and clear layout of Fiery Command WorkStation. We know it well already from the Fiery server that drives our cut-sheet print engine,” stated Medienhaven Managing Director Peer Rüdiger. “It’s great to have the same user interface available at different workstations to drive both our cut-sheet and wide-format printers.

“Based on our beta experience,” Rüdiger added, “we estimate we’ll save around 10% in downtime by not having to use different applications to administer different printer technologies and Fiery servers. Moving to Fiery XF 7 with Command WorkStation was very easy with a fast learning curve due to our familiarity with Fiery tools.”

Fiery proServer and Fiery XF 7

Fiery Command WorkStation’s new client and job management interface brings Fiery wide- and superwide-format printer users many productivity and usability benefits already familiar to Fiery DFE users in other print environments. It provides dedicated modules such as the visual Fiery Job Editor, enabling users to more easily focus on specific tasks such as tiling, step and repeat, or color edits, and it offers a larger screen area for job previews and settings.

Powerful search and filtering tools deliver greater usability for finding and grouping jobs, and the context-sensitive interface only shows operators the tools they need, when and where they need them. Andy Banks, technical director of Northampton, UK-based wide-format technology reseller Nth Degree Imaging remarked, “Being able to save searches and filter at a granular level is key to ensuring automating repetitive actions and taking time and potential for error out of the production process.”

Fiery automation and the associated time savings benefit a broad range of users. Daniel Judge, technical director for London-based distributor Velmex Distribution Ltd, noted, “I like that Fiery XF 7 encompasses the existing workflow automation approach, but also caters to the flexibility needed in production graphics. EFI has done a good job of understanding and addressing these requirements in this new release.”

These benefits are in addition to the market-leading capabilities Fiery DFEs already deliver to wide- and superwide-format printer users such as unrivalled color and quality, and superior productivity.

New Fiery capabilities

Continuing Fiery Command WorkStation’s tradition of innovation and value, this newest release offers additional productivity-enhancing features including Archive Manager (for cut-sheet print production) and thumbnail view.

Archive Manager offers a simple and safe solution to store jobs on a network location. All archived jobs are in one view, so it’s easy to find and share them with other Fiery DFEs as the need arises.

Thumbnail view gives users the option to visually list jobs showing their first page preview to help them find jobs faster.

Fiery make-ready enhancements include:

Better integration of Fiery Impose with Duplo finishers to automate offline finishing for custom layouts. Users can import the layout file for the Duplo finisher to set up imposition in seconds and save the setup for use with future jobs.

Fiery JobMaster™ software now includes image editing features that give users the ability to touch up scanned pages without leaving the application.

“We are excited to bring 20 years of Fiery Command WorkStation innovation to our Fiery wide- and superwide-format printer users,” said John Henze, vice president of Fiery marketing at EFI. “Now Fiery Driven™ print environments that include wide-format printers will experience a new level of efficiency, convenience, and productivity – which facilities need and deserve in today’s fast-paced production environment.”

(1) Keypoint Intelligence, 2017. Looking for BIG Opportunity in Graphic Communications & Specialty Printing.

Posted May 18, 2018

Source: EFI™

Techtextil North America 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Bolger & O’Hearn

FALL RIVER, Mass. — May 18, 2018 — Bolger & O’Hearn Inc., Specialty Chemicals, will demonstrate OmniBloq™ — the company’s new “Stormproof/Breathable” durable water repellent — at Techtextil North America 2018. The media and public are invited to visit Bolger & O’Hearn Booth 2206 to learn more and see OmniBloq™ in action.

Techtextil NA takes place at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta May 22-24, 2018.

Bolger & O’Hearn is also launching its new OmniBloq website at Techtextil.

Applied to textiles at the mill, OmniBloq delivers highly durable, stormproof water-repellence that does not compromise fabric hand, garment design, wearer comfort or breathability. An ideal DWR against even the harshest rainstorms and squalls, OmniBloq has been engineered to keep the rain off, and get the sweat out, without the bulk or stiffness of a laminate.

Developed in Bolger & O’Hearn’s North American labs and introduced to global markets at Winter Outdoor Retailer 2018, fabrics treated with OmniBloq readily meet or surpass AATCC Rain Test 35-2013.

Lightweight, yet stormproof, OmniBloq is ideal for performance fabrics for all forms of sportswear including ski wear, athleisure wear and outer wear, as well as tents, backpacks and other outdoor gear.

“OmniBloq is a real breakthrough in the Stormproof/Breathable fabric category,” said Shaun O’Hearn, president of Bolger & O’Hearn.  “There is really nothing like it on the market. Raising performance standards and reducing your environmental impact does not usually go hand-in-hand but OmniBloq delivers on both fronts. With OmniBloq, you get Stormproof/Breathable performance without all of the resources associated with laminated fabrics. This is an amazing achievement.”

Global performance brands and the U.S. military have already begun adopting OmniBloq as the DWR of choice for their next-generation product launches. In addition to being waterproof yet highly breathable, OmniBloq is recyclable, non-PFOA and provides protection against oil and stains.

OmniBloq is just the most recent chemistry developed by Bolger & O’Hearn. The company has been serving the textile industry since 1969 and as its reputation has grown, has expanded into other industries including paper and non-textile manufacturing.

Known for innovation and the highest quality standards, Bolger & O’Hearn frequently develops new chemical products for customers and can turn most requests over quickly.

Many of their products use the most environmentally-compliant materials and technologies available. Most are water-based, and Bolger & O’Hearn strives to continually improve the health, safety and environmental profiles of the chemistries they develop for the industries they serve.

Posted May 18, 2018

Source: Bolger & O’Hearn

TRSA Safety Summit Builds On Injury Prevention Success

ST. LOUIS — May 17, 2018 — TRSA today hosts the seventh annual Safety Summit, with more than 70 participants sharing best practices and receiving advice from safety professionals in other industries to further decrease workplace risks in large-scale laundries.

Members continue to progress toward reaching their zero-incident goal. Yearly TRSA research shows incidences declining at a faster rate than those of all U.S. businesses. From 2012 to 2016, members’ total recordable injuries and illnesses (TRIR rate) fell nearly 18 percent, compared with 15 percent for all private industry. Days away from work, job restrictions or job transfers (DART rate) were down nearly 16 percent, compared with 11 percent.

In addition to the Summit, TRSA supports members’ gains with employee training videos, including English and Spanish versions of instruction on lockout/tagout and soiled linen handling. More than 20 webinars produced since 2011, webcast live and now available on-demand, guide management in injury prevention, hazard analysis and communication, behavior-based safety and more. Supporting documents and references available through www.TRSA.org reinforce members’ proficiency in these disciplines and others, such as working safely in confined spaces.

“Even with lower and declining incident rates, safety in the workplace is an ongoing emphasis for our industry and for TRSA,” said TRSA president and CEO Joseph Ricci. “At the Safety Summit and our other professional development events, member collaboration to protect employees is at an all-time high. We continue to add to information-sharing resources through our website and other communications. These efforts have paid off in empowering employees to help reduce and prevent injuries.”

Posted May 17, 2018

Source: TRSA

Simon To Open Seven UNTUCKit Stores At Key U.S. Locations In 2018

INDIANAPOLIS — May 17, 2018 — Simon announced today it will open seven UNTUCKit stores throughout its portfolio at key locations in the United States in 2018. UNTUCKit is one of the fastest-growing retail brands in the country and at the forefront of a trend among native e-commerce brands to grow their business via a physical store presence.

UNTUCKit plans to open 25 stores this year, with many being at iconic Simon centers including:

  • The Galleria (Houston);
  • Ross Park Mall Pittsburgh);
  • The Fashion Mall at Keystone (Indianapolis);
  • St. Johns Town Center (Jacksonville);
  • Town Center at Boca Raton (Boca Raton);
  • The Shops at Clearfork (Fort Worth); and
  • Stanford Shopping Center (Palo Alto).

UNTUCKit founder Chris Riccobono said, “We’re looking forward to opening more of our stores at so many Simon properties this year. They’ve always been a great partner to work with, and we love that their dedication to great locations and elevated physical presence is so aligned with our approach to retail.”

“We are extremely pleased to be opening with UNTUCKit at so many of our great properties,” said John Rulli, President Malls and Chief Administrative Officer of Simon. “The exposure we can give to a visionary brand like UNTUCKit is incredible — they now have access to over 100 million consumers a year at our top centers.”

The UNTUCKit stores at The Galleria and Ross Park Mall opened this week and the remainder of the locations will debut throughout the summer and fall. UNTUCKit currently has six stores open throughout the Simon portfolio at Aventura Mall (Miami); Copley Place (Boston); The Domain (Austin); King of Prussia (Philadelphia); Lenox Square (Atlanta); and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (New York).

Posted May 17, 2018

Source:  Simon

Bostik Steps Up Its Development In Adhesives In Japan

PARIS — May 17, 2018 — Arkema has announced the proposed acquisition by the Bostik-Nitta joint-venture of the industrial adhesives of Nitta-Gelatin Inc., as well as the construction of a new world-scale adhesives plant in Japan. These operations will enable Bostik to supply its Japanese customers in the buoyant nonwoven markets for hygiene applications and in the packaging, labeling, transportation and electronics industrial markets.

The Bostik-Nitta JV, majority-owned by Bostik, will strengthen its adhesives business in the Japanese market with two projects:

The proposed acquisition by the Bostik-Nitta JV of Nitta-Gelatin Inc.’s industrial adhesives

This acquisition, representing sales of some 30 million euros, will help step up the development of these activities in fast-growing markets such as electronics and automotive. The acquisition is due to be completed this summer subject to approval by anti-trust authorities.

The construction by the Bostik-Nitta JV of a new adhesives plant in Nara

The Bostik-Nitta JV will also invest in the construction of a new world-scale plant that will include several production lines dedicated on the one hand to adhesives for the nonwoven market for hygiene applications, and on the other to the industrial adhesives markets. The new facility, to be located in Nara, Japan, should come on stream early 2020. It will enable the Bostik-Nitta JV to support the strong growth of its customers in the Japanese hygiene market and to reinforce the production of some industrial adhesives product lines.

With this operation, Arkema is actively pursuing its strategy to develop its adhesives, which represent one of the major drivers of its long-term growth.

Posted May 17, 2018

Source:  Bostik

Academy Sports + Outdoors Announces Ken C. Hicks As Chairman And CEO

KATY, Texas — May 17, 2018 — Academy, Ltd. (d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors), a sports, outdoor and recreation lifestyle retailer dedicated to making it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoors, has announced that Ken C. Hicks has been appointed Chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.

“I grew up in Houston with Academy, and I know this company is special because of our mission, values, and people. Our philosophy of making sports and outdoors accessible for all for less is differentiated in today’s retail market, and our focus on our customers will continue to drive our success,” said Hicks. “The Board and I are extremely grateful for J.K.’s leadership, the senior team he’s built, and how he’s helped position the company for future growth.”

“Academy Sports + Outdoors has one of the best teams in retail, and it’s been an honor to serve alongside this team for the past several years,” said Symancyk. “I know I leave Academy in good hands and am confident that the company will continue to put the customer first as we’ve always done.”

Hicks has been a member of the Academy Board of Managers and brings over three decades of senior merchandising, marketing and operational experience in the retail industry. During his six-year tenure as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, he helped develop and deliver on a plan that reversed three years of negative same store sales, generating significant financial return and shareholder value.

Prior to Foot Locker, Hicks served in leadership positions at several major retail companies, including J.C. Penney, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network and May Department Stores. Ken graduated from the United States Military Academy located in West Point, NY and served in the U.S. Army. He also earned a Masters of Business Administration with highest distinction from Harvard Business School. Hicks, a long-time Academy customer, grew up in Houston and has deep roots in Academy’s hometown region.

Posted May 17, 2018

Source:  Academy Sports + Outdoors

Techtextil North America 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Covestro

PITTSBURGH — May 17, 2018 — From wound dressings and wallpaper to apparel and shoes, textiles can be found in widely diverse markets. While the applications are varied, they have something in common: Textile manufacturers and designers are looking for sustainable materials and technology that provide the right look, feel and performance attributes. With a wide range of raw materials and products, including various polyurethane technologies and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films and fiber, Covestro has the right solution for a variety of textile applications.

At Techtextil North America, May 22-24 in Atlanta, Covestro will showcase its products and expertise across all parts of the textile industry. Here’s a sneak peek at the different materials Covestro will display at its booth (#2023).

New TPU Fiber for fabrics

Covestro will showcase its new TPU Fiber, which is made with Desmopan® TPU and a polyamide. This material features superior properties when compared to traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, such as enhanced abrasion resistance and heat pressing at lower temperatures. It can be used in footwear, functional textiles, sport accessories and casual wear. TPU Fiber also provides several advantages to finished products, including:

  • 3D heat press embroidery;
  • Abrasion resistance;
  • Tear resistance; and
  • Good haptic properties.

High-performance polyurethanes for textiles

Covestro will highlight INSQIN®, its high-tech waterborne polyurethane technology for textiles. This solvent-free technology uses a more sustainable manufacturing process to reduce pollution and the amount of water and energy needed. With INSQIN, apparel and footwear applications benefit from enhanced design, comfort, performance, durability and breathability.

The company also offers several grades of Impranil® high-solid polyurethane dispersions for the formulation of textile coatings, including Impranil DLU, Impranil DL 1380, Impranil DL 1554 and Impranil DL 1537. With outstanding adhesion, flexibility, and chemical and hydrolysis resistance, these products help create stable, open cell foam structures as films.

Sustainable raw materials for medical applications

Under the Baymedix® portfolio, Covestro offers raw materials for sustainable, waterborne textile coatings that can be used in medical applications such as surgical wear, hospital bed linens and medical furniture. Textile coatings made from Baymedix waterborne raw materials boast a variety of features, including:

  • Resistance against disinfectants and bodily fluids;
  • Water resistance;
  • Chemical stability;
  • “Soft touch” feel; and
  • Excellent mechanical properties.

Versatile films for functionality and comfort

Platilon® and Dureflex® TPU films from Covestro offer a variety of benefits to apparel and textile applications. When laminated to fabrics, these films provide excellent water resistance, low noise and breathability. They can also be used to seal textile seams—keeping jackets or trousers watertight. Additionally, Platilon and Dureflex films are used as an adhesive layer to bond various substrates, such as textile wallpapers, insulation materials or complex composite automotive components. Lastly, Platilon can be used as multilayer TPU films for opaque blinds, curtains and projection screens. Laminating these black-out films to textiles in a one-step process is both cost- and energy-efficient.

Techtextil North America attendees are welcome to visit Covestro at booth #2023 to learn more about its materials offering for the textiles industry.

Posted May 17, 2018

Source:  Covestro LLC

New Subsidiary In Thailand To Expand Global Sales Network Of Jowat SE

DETMOLD, Germany — May 17, 2018 — The adhesives specialist from Detmold continues to systematically implement the strategy of serving important markets in the Asia-Pacific region via the Group’s own sales network. After having opened a new sales company in Vietnam in the year 2017, Jowat pushes ahead with international growth and opens a subsidiary in Thailand.

In the future, the globally active manufacturer of industrial adhesives will be able to meet regional customer demands directly and effectively due to a new location in Bangkok. The subsidiary in Thailand is the sixth sales company in the Asia-Pacific region, following locations in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. The remaining region is served via a close-knit network of distributors managed by the Asian Head Office in Beijing, China.

Coupled with the sales network expansion, Jowat also pursues a triad strategy in manufacturing. This is underlined by two regional production sites – one in Australia and the already in 2009 opened plant in Malaysia – which ensure the supply of Jowat products to the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region.

The foundation of the new Jowat Thailand Co. Ltd. under direction of General Manager Khachadpai Areeprasertsook is consistent with the Group’s strategy of providing the best possible sales as well as technical advisory service for the regional markets in Asia.

“As the most ‘mature’ market in the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand is of outstanding importance to us. The country has a highly qualified workforce and labour costs at a competitive level. We look forward to having a direct point of contact for customers in this country as well,” says Dr Ralf Schelbach, Vice President Asia Pacific of Jowat SE.

Posted May 17, 2018

Source: Jowat SE

JEC Group Sets The Stage For Composites Materials At Upcoming International Motor Shows

PARIS — May 17, 2018 — In its mission to address composites end-use industries specifically, JEC Group, the world leading organization for the promotion of composite materials, moves up a gear to target the automotive industry. Introduced many decades ago in car manufacturing, and not only for high-end performance models, composites are now offering many alternatives to steel and aluminum, thanks to their specific features, which go far beyond their lightweight properties.

“Today, nearly 2.9 cars are produced and sold worldwide every second. Yet growth potential is still enormous. In value, the automotive industry makes up 20 percent of the total composites market with promising opportunities for lighter, stronger and more efficient materials in the years to come. They offer new design opportunities, enable a reduction in tooling investment and allow several functions to be integrated in one, on top of their corrosion and impact resistance.

Furthermore, composite materials contribute to the development of a new generation of cars, offering innovative battery integration solutions for electric vehicles, as well as a new generation of fuel storage tanks for hydrogen-powered vehicles. JEC Group is moving forward in its strategy to democratize and promote the use of composites materials among end-user segments that, in this case, are OEMs and car manufacturers,” said Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group president and CEO.

With this in mind, JEC Group will invest in a significant number of composites pavilions at key automotive events in Europe, America and Asia. The first of these will be at Mondial.Tech Paris, part of Paris Motor Show, held on October 2-6, 2018, in Paris. The composites pavilion will include an innovation showcase, expert presentations and networking activities. The second composites pavilion will be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14-18, 2019, and will focus on the same goals of sharing knowledge and developing networking.

Additional events, particularly in Asia, are being planned to cover the global automotive market.

Although the composites pavilions are organized by JEC Group, they will be supported by major composites manufacturers. These combined efforts will enable stands to showcase several solutions provided by composites for the automotive industry, driving innovation in this sector.

Posted May 17, 2018

Source: JEC Group

World’s Largest Automotive Interiors Supplier Adopts Lectra’s Agile High-Volume Fabric-Cutting Solution

PARIS — May 17, 2018 — Lectra, the technological partner for companies using fabrics and leather, is pleased to announce that Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors (YFAI), the world’s largest supplier of vehicle interior components, has adopted the Vector iX6® advanced fabric-cutting solution to stay apace of evolving production needs.

YFAI supplies a broad range of products spanning instrument panels, cockpit systems, door panels, floor consoles and overhead consoles — the majority of which incorporate vinyl and laminated woven fabric pieces.

Growing consumer demand for personalization and customization is contributing to an overall increase in soft trim content in vehicle interior components. The Vector iX6 provided by Lectra is intended to help YFAI increase the capacity and fabric-cutting efficiency of its new vehicle program in Anting.

In the manufacturing of vehicle interiors, cutting level precision is of the utmost importance because pieces must fit into door panel designs with a high degree of accuracy. Equipped with a special cutting blade, Vector iX6’s ultra-precise cutting improves material utilization by minimizing buffer between parts. The solution’s superior cutting control software and high-frequency vibration cutting also enable a considerable improvement in productivity.

“As vehicle interior designs become increasingly complex, process requirements change accordingly,” remarks Guan Qinghua, director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, YFAI. “The ability to achieve greater productivity and precision for the smaller fabric and vinyl pieces becomes particularly critical. Lectra’s Vector iX6 satisfies this need while also improving fabric utilization and cutting efficiency.”

“Understanding evolving market trends lies at the heart of what we do,” states Javier Garcia, senior vice president, Automotive Sales, Lectra. “Since its launch, Vector iX6 has been quickly adopted by interior component suppliers like YFAI. VectorAuto iX6 contributes to a drastic reduction in the manufacturing cost per set, especially for small parts produced using vinyl and other materials complex to cut.”

Posted May 17, 2018

Source: Lectra

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