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Hot topics are the order of the day at DSPA seminar

The recent DSPA seminars concentrated on topical areas relevant to screen and digital printers of all sizes, with sessions on flat-bed printers and information on how to go green and get profitable. The day was rounded off with a preview of the association's report on the state of the UK market. The speakers for the occasion, held in Oxford, were Sophie Matthews-Paul, Paul Machin and Peter Kiddell.

The use of wide-format UV-curable flat-bed ink-jet printers is continuing to escalate and independent consultant, Sophie Matthews-Paul, presented her findings on what today's machines have to offer. Incorporating a shoot-out of printers in the sub-£100,000 price bracket, she discussed the expectations and capabilities of machines covering all levels of investment.

"In the flat-bed digital printing sector, it's true to say that you get what you pay for," confirms Matthews-Paul. "Even the lowest cost machine will produce results which are fit for purpose but every user needs to get the best out of his printer to protect and optimise his investment.

"Direct comparisons are always subjective and I used a standard file across all printers to make the test absolutely fair," she continues. "Whilst most performed adequately, there were two particular flat-beds which cost less than £100,000 and which stood out as clear winners. Both produced excellent results quickly and easily, with crisp text and accurate colours. However, it's important to remember that this duo cost twice as much as the cheapest model on trial."

The two winners both had different strengths that would be down to the individual preference of the investing company. Both winners have a fixed bed but, whilst the one has the option of a true roll-feed unit, the other machine is able to print in six colours with white and clear varnish. The full presentation is available free to members of the DSPA on the DSPA web site. Non-members can obtain a copy for £99.00 direct from the DSPA.

Paul Machin provided an update on developing a workable environmental policy that is linked to profitability. He provided delegates with a sharp reminder about how end customers are now becoming more aware of their suppliers' carbon footprint, with confirmation of a growing divide now taking place as fewer solvents are being used for interior applications.

Machin also discussed the growing demand for recycled and recyclable materials and how screen-printers and digital bureaux must keep their "green" customers happy. Finally, he tackled the issue of waste and the problems incurred, particularly when large sized short-term jobs end up in land-fill sites.

Finally, Peter Kiddell previewed the DSPA's long awaited survey on the state of the UK market. This shows how the industry is evolving to accommodate wide-format digital printing and offset litho plus the challenges being faced by the screen-printers.

The study also outlines the changes that have taken place in the past decade, including the move of point-of-sale production away from screen process to digital production. It emphasises trends, such as the growth in UV-curable flat-bed printers, how LCD and flat panel technologies are also challenging the display sector, but confirms that screen printing still excels with special effects.

All members of the DSPA will be entitled to a free copy of "The State of the UK Market" report. For non-members the cost is £250.

Delegates attending the seminar were representative of all industry areas, including manufacturers and suppliers as well as end users. Feedback from those attending showed good demand and enthusiasm for future events.

Speaker biographies

As well as being an independent consultant world-wide concentrating on wide-format digital print, for the past 25 years Sophie Matthews-Paul has edited and contributed to screen-printing and sign related magazines both in the UK and overseas. She is also an associate consultant and analyst for InfoTrends.

Paul Machin started in the printing industry in 1970 and is a qualified chemist and lawyer. For 20 years he was responsible for regulatory affairs at FujiFilm Sericol and for eight years he headed the company's environmental services division. Machin is a member of the UK Health and Safety Executive's Printing Industry Advisory Committee and has also been chairman of ESMA. Paul now has a company Machin Consulting in which he advises on regulatory matters.

Peter Kiddell, whose special responsibility is training, is the current President of the DSPA. His company PDS Consulting works throughout the world training, advising and supporting the industry in all aspects of Screen, Digital and Pad Printing. He has recently produced a multi-lingual web based e-learning program for the screen printing process.

Further information is available from Michael Turner, director of the Digital & Screen Printing Association, on 0044 1737 240792, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , website : http://www.dspa.co.uk/