By Industrial Print Staff
InPrint USA concluded on April 11, 2019. Held for three days at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY, the event attracted over 2,500 verified registrants. Co-located with ICE, professionals from multiple backgrounds visited to learn about converting and industrial printing. According to the show organizer, Mack Brooks Exhibitions, 260 exhibitors educated visitors on the latest and greatest.
Above: Held for three days at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY, InPrint USA attracted over 2,500 verified registrations.
Endless Possibilities
There were a lot of ink and hardware suppliers throughout the exhibit hall, from chemists willing to cook up a specific ink set to printhead manufacturers ready to create unique digital printing equipment.
Fujifilm Dimatix provided insight on just what goes into the production of a bespoke digital print system. Between its Samba JPC print bar systems—targeted at OEMs; to its Samba 42000 inkjet print bar system for end users, the team is available to develop any printing unit imaginable. The Dimatix staff works closely with the Fujifilm ink division to ensure a solution fits a customer’s exact needs whether it be UV, water-based, or hybrid ink.
Inkcups displayed new branding, which coincided with its new website that was launched at the beginning of the year. Its big draw at the front of the hall was the MagiCoat Pre-Treatment System. It adheres MagiCoat water-based primer to glassware and other materials prior to print utilizing a flame treatment system as well as spraying system. It was paired with the Helix printer running DL UV ink at the show.
INX International Ink Co. introduced the new TRIANGLE DT8 and DT8-PRO aqueous inks. Designed for direct to textile and transfer printing on polyester, or mixed synthetic fabrics that contain a minimum of 60 percent polyester, these high-performance, fast drying inks can also be used on flags and banners. They are intended for use with Epson DX4, DX5, DX7, and TFP printheads.
Koenig & Bauer Kammann (US), Inc. brought printed samples of bottles, cans, glasses—anything cylindrical and more to depict the capabilities of its machines designed for container printing. A hybrid approach—screen and digital—the presses offer the best of both worlds including eye-catching metallic paired with variable print.
Siegwerk representatives were on hand to speak with visitors about both water-based and UV ink. The company got its start in water-based ink for paper-based substrates, and has since experienced a huge influence in packaging. It recently added low-migration UV inks to its portfolio.
Triton USA, Inc. showcased its HydroGel water-based ink in addition to its newest endeavors in UV and UV LED ink. The company partners with Hinterkopf for the decoration of cylindrical hollow bodies from aluminum, steel, or plastic with the D240 digital printer.
Wikoff Digital promoted its newest launch, six inkjet primers, which it offers in addition to its digital ink lineup. Three UV primers are designed for UV inkjet applications, two aqueous primers are formulated for use with UV inkjet applications on paper and film, and one aqueous primer is used for water-based inkjet.
Speakers and Tours
In addition to the trade show, interactive educational sessions were held from speakers at the InPrint Theater and attendees were given the opportunity to speak with notable industry players at the Ask the Experts pavilion. Visitors were also invited to participate in product tours focused on two major sectors—décor and automotive. The tours allowed them early access to the show floor to speak with specific exhibitors.
In the Future
Check back with Industrial Print as we learn more about plans for 2021, which is when ICE and InPrint USA plan on holding their follow up event. Internationally, the next InPrint even takes place in Munich, Germany from November 12 to 14, 2019.
Jun2019, Industrial Print Magazine