adminfespa – FESPA AFRICA

ACA Threads And Smart Digitising Showcasing Innovative Embroidery Solutions At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:28:22 +0000

Visitors to the shared ACA Threads and Smart Digitising stand will discover a complete range of embroidery solutions, from premium embroidery threads to professional embroidery digitising and vector artwork services, at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.

ACA Threads and Smart Digitising will be sharing a stand at FESPA Africa & Sign Africa, showcasing complementary solutions for the embroidery and garment decoration industry.

ACA Threads will present premium embroidery thread solutions from Madeira and AMANN, including sustainable, reflective, metallic, matt, glow-in-the-dark and speciality embroidery threads suitable for fashion, workwear, corporate branding and promotional apparel.

Alongside the thread ranges, Smart Digitising will demonstrate its online embroidery digitising and vector artwork platform. Visitors will be able to see how artwork can be submitted online for professional embroidery digitising or vector conversion, receive free quotations, and manage orders through an easy-to-use online portal.

Together, the two companies offer embroidery businesses access to premium embroidery materials together with the professional artwork preparation services needed to produce outstanding embroidery results.

ACA Threads will showcase the latest speciality embroidery threads from Madeira and AMANN, including: Madeira, Polyneon Green, Classic, Frosted Matt, Sensa, Reflect, CR Metallic, AMA, Isacord Recycled, Isacord Recycled UV, Isacord Multicolour, Isamet, and Isatexlight (Glow in the Dark)

Smart Digitising will be demonstrating its online embroidery digitising and vector artwork platform, including: professional embroidery digitising, vector artwork and logo redraws, free online quotations, fast turnaround times, online ordering and artwork management, and AI-powered stitch count estimation.

‘We’re excited to share a stand that showcases two key elements of successful embroidery. ACA Threads will be presenting the latest embroidery thread innovations from Madeira and AMANN, while Smart Digitising will demonstrate how professional digitising and vector artwork services can simplify the production process. Together, we’re looking forward to showing visitors how the right combination of quality materials and professional preparation can elevate every embroidery project,’ said Annerene Browning, ACA Threads & Smart Digitising, technical service.

The event is sponsored by Roland and Stixo. Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa & Sign Africa Expo, co-located with Africa Print, Modern Marketing and Graphics, Print and Sign.

ACA Threads
+27 21 879 5458
falexander@acagroup.co.za
www.acathreads.co.za

Smart Digitising
+27 21 879 5482
order@smartdigitising.co.za
www.smartdigitising.co.za

Roland DG South Africa Launching New Eco-Solvent Print And Cut Devices At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:17:56 +0000

Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.

The new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 combine class-leading image quality with advanced automation, intuitive operation, and lower running costs. The series delivers refined image quality through high-precision ink droplet control and advanced colour processing, producing sharper detail, smoother gradients, and accurate, repeatable colour reproduction.

With this launch, Red and Light Black TR3 inks become available for both the TrueVis VG4 Series and the TrueVis XG-640, extending colour expression and enabling more precise brand colour matching, richer mid-tones, and improved neutral greys. Existing ink options including Orange, Green, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, and White continue to support vibrant, high-definition output across a wide range of applications.

The result is exceptional colour matching, vibrant brand colours, and high-definition output across a wide range of applications, from signage and posters to vehicle wraps, window graphics, labels, and decals. White ink performance has also been significantly enhanced, delivering higher density and faster output for premium layered and backlit graphics.

Designed to keep production moving, the TrueVis VG4 Series introduces multiple workflow innovations that reduce setup time, minimise downtime, and simplify day-to-day operation.

Users can start printing directly from the printer’s control panel, removing unnecessary trips between RIP workstation and device. With Roland DG Connect, jobs can also be managed remotely, from preparing output and monitoring status to starting prints, even when away from the production floor. The TrueVis VG4 Series ships with VersaWorks 7, Roland DG’s latest RIP software for Windows and macOS. Featuring faster processing, native PDF 2.0 support, advanced colour tools, and variable data printing, VersaWorks 7 helps users achieve accurate, repeatable results, even on complex jobs, whilst simplifying colour matching and media profile creation.

Accurate media setup is simplified through stored media presets that can be recalled at the touch of a button, helping operators achieve consistent results with minimal adjustment. Long-run print and cut workflows are supported by an included take-up unit and perforation sheet cut function, reducing finishing time and enabling efficient unattended operation.

The VG4 Series is engineered for efficiency. Improved ink utilisation and optimised print modes deliver up to 30% lower ink consumption compared to competitor devices, while enhanced self-maintenance allows users to replace key components themselves, reducing service downtime.

The TR3 inks, compatible with both the TrueVis XG and VG4 Series, are GBL-free and supplied in cardboard-based cartridges, supporting Roland DG’s commitment to sustainability. Finished prints are GREENGUARD Gold certified, making them suitable for indoor environments such as retail, hospitality, and public spaces.

The event is sponsored by Roland and Stixo. Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, co-located with Africa Print, Modern Marketing and Graphics, Print and Sign.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR
Roland DG
Tel: +27 11 875 9300
Website: http://www.rolanddg.co.za

Graficomp Showcasing HP Latex Printer At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:50:50 +0000

Discover the next big thing in HP Latex printing, the HP Latex R530, at Graficomp’s stand at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.

The versatile and all-in-one HP Latex R530 lets users print directly onto rigid and roll media, including Coroplast, acrylic, PVC, and even magnets. With advanced white ink technology, user-replaceable printheads, and eco-friendly, odourless latex inks, the R530 delivers high-quality, durable prints with unmatched efficiency. Learn how the HP Latex R530 can transform your business with fast, precise printing on a wide range of materials, up to 68kg and 5cm thick. Features include: direct-to-substrate and roll-to-roll printing white ink technology, with no yellowing.

The HP Latex 630 and Latex 630 W (comes with white ink) print and cut machines give customers the option of upgrading to a dual-device solution, with print and cut functionality. They have automated front-loading systems and simple, fast load/unload workflows. Users can enjoy easy reprints, with in-printer storage of up to 10GB and stunning image quality, with HP Pixel Control Technology and new printhead architecture for sharper small text, all at standard speeds of 14sqm an hour. The printers can be bundled with SAi Flexi RIP software.

The HP Latex 730 and 830, and the HP Latex 730 W and 830 W (which come with white ink), offer white ink capability for the first time in this category. It is the whitest white ink available on the market that does not yellow over time, enabling print businesses to produce neater outlines.

Updated printheads with more nozzles and producing speeds of up to 36sqm/hr allow the HP Latex 830 and 830 W to offer 50% higher productivity levels compared to previous HP models. Print jobs executed on the new 730/830 series deliver vivid colours and finer image and text details, even at faster print speeds. Operationally, HP PrintOS also enables print service providers to monitor and control their print fleet using a cloud-based interface they can use virtually anywhere and anytime.

Graficomp will have show specials on these printers.

Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, co-located with Africa Print, Modern Marketing and Graphics, Print and Sign. The event is sponsored by Roland and Stixo.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR
GRAFICOMP
Tel: +27 11 792 1348
Email: sales@graficomp.co.za
Website: http://www.graficomp.co.za

Experience Trends In Laser Cutting, CNC, Engraving, 3D Printing And 3D Milling At The FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:50:30 +0000

Experience the latest trends in laser cutting, CNC and engraving, 3D printing and 3D milling at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026.

The event is a platform for visitors to get their fingers on the pulse of this vibrant, ever-evolving industry. It will assist with your digital technology investments and allow you to research product diversification as well as new ideas for next-level business growth and profitability.

Visitors can also see opportunities in:

– Wide format, digital printing and digital packaging technology.
– Signage and sign systems.
– Digital signage and LED displays.
– Textile, apparel and DTF printing.
– Vehicle wrapping and paint protection films.
– Screen and pad printing.
– Vinyls, media and substrates.
– Colour management and RIP software.
– AI Design and workflow automation.
– Laminating and print finishing.
– Wayfinding, banners and display systems.
– Promotional products and branding.
– Sportswear.

Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, co-located with Africa Print, Modern Marketing and Graphics, Print and Sign. The event is taking place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8-10 September 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, 9am-5pm.

I want to exhibit.

FESPA AFRICA EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.fespaafrica.com

Best Practices For Freezer Door Graphic Applications

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:26:23 +0000

Frank LaMacchia, Wide Format Specialist at Lindenmeyr Munroe, and writing for Drytac, oulines that from bold promotional graphics applied to the outside of freezer doors to protected visuals installed on the inside of the glass, these applications are now common across grocery, convenience, and big-box retail environments.

Despite their popularity, freezer doors present unique challenges. Temperature, condensation, surface selection, and adhesive performance all play a critical role in success. Understanding the difference between first surface and second surface applications is essential to achieving reliable performance and clean removability.

First Surface Applications: Outside of the Glass

First surface applications are installed on the exterior-facing side of the freezer door—the surface customers see and touch. While these graphics are associated with freezer environments, the glass itself is typically exposed to ambient store temperatures. Regular door openings, store HVAC systems, and customer interaction all help moderate surface temperature, making first surface applications less extreme than many assume.

Because this surface is exposed to cleaning, abrasion, and frequent handling, the ideal material must balance durability with easy installation and removability.

Second Surface Applications: Inside of the Glass

Second surface applications are installed on the inside of the freezer glass, facing the cold interior. These graphics benefit from protection against customer contact and cleaning chemicals, but they are continuously exposed to sub-zero temperatures. As a result, adhesive performance and film flexibility become significantly more critical. For these applications, materials must be specifically engineered to perform in cold environments.

Temperature: The Most Common Misconception

One of the most frequent misunderstandings surrounding freezer door graphics is the assumption that the application surface is always at freezer temperature. While freezer air may reach -20°C, the glass surface, particularly on first surface applications, is often much warmer.

Regardless of the material used, proper handling is critical. Graphics should always be stored and installed at room temperature and applied while fully climatized. Attempting to install cold, brittle material directly from a freezer environment significantly increases the risk of poor adhesion, cracking, or long-term failure, even with cold-rated films.

Material Selection And Removability

Freezer door graphics are often installed for short to mid-term promotions, making clean removability a key requirement. Selecting the correct adhesive system from the outset helps ensure graphics can be removed without residue or glass damage.

First surface applications benefit from removable films, depending on durability and temperature exposure. Second surface applications require engineered cold-temperature solutions to ensure consistent performance throughout the campaign lifecycle.

When the correct material is paired with proper installation practices, freezer door graphics can be removed cleanly and efficiently, even after extended exposure.

Installation Considerations That Matter

Successful freezer door applications are the result of both the right material choice and sound installation practices. Confirming actual glass surface temperature, avoiding heavily frosted or wet glass, and allowing adequate dwell time before returning doors to normal operation all contribute to consistent, repeatable results, especially across multi-store rollouts.

Final Thoughts

Freezer door graphics offer exceptional impact at the point of sale, but they demand a thoughtful approach. By understanding the differences between first and second surface applications, recognising real-world temperature conditions, and selecting materials designed for the environment, printers and installers can deliver graphics that perform reliably and remove cleanly.

MIDCOMP
+27 10 020 9999
consumables@midcomp.co.za
www.midcomp.co.za

Why Inventory Sprawl Hurts A Print Business

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:14:24 +0000

Erik Mello, Chief Operations Officer, Mello Imaging Technologies, writing for Drytac, advises print service providers on streamlining their print media inventory. He emphases how a simpler lineup can save time and money.

If you walk into almost any large-format print shop, you’ll likely see the same thing: a media rack overflowing with half-used rolls from a dozen different manufacturers, each one a remnant of a past job that seemed to call for something specialised. It’s one of the most common and costly inefficiencies in the industry.

As someone who visits print shops regularly, I’ve been having more and more conversations with customers about how to fix this. The solution isn’t complicated, but it does require a shift in how you think about your inventory.

The Case for Simplifying

Most print shops don’t need 15 different vinyl options. In practice, the vast majority of jobs, roughly 90%, can be handled by two or three well-chosen core media types. The goal is to identify materials that offer the broadest application coverage at the highest quality, without breaking the budget. Streamlining your lineup isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about being strategic.

Why Inventory Sprawl Hurts Your Business

Before getting into solutions, it’s worth understanding why the problem persists. Every time a unique job comes through, it’s tempting to source a specialised product. That works for the job at hand, but what happens to the leftover roll? It sits on your rack, paid for, taking up space, and slowly becoming obsolete. Over time, this creates what I call a ‘graveyard’ of materials: inventory you’ve already spent money on but may never use again.

Beyond the financial waste, a bloated media lineup creates operational headaches. The more materials cycling through your shop, the harder it becomes to maintain clean job records. Knowing which substrate was used for which client, under what conditions, and how it performed is the kind of institutional knowledge that’s hard to build when your variables are constantly changing.

Tracking Real-World Performance

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all vinyl. But there are materials that come close, and sticking to a core group means you can track how they perform over time. You’ll know how a product holds up in different environments, how it responds to various print conditions, and when it’s the right call versus when it isn’t. That confidence is something you simply can’t build when you’re constantly rotating through unfamiliar products.

Consistency in your materials also means consistency in your results, and that’s something your clients will notice.

Building a Leaner, Smarter Inventory

The right core lineup will vary depending on your shop’s primary applications, but a well-rounded selection typically covers three bases: a reliable permanent option for everyday graphics, a removable solution for short-term or event work, and a heavy-duty product for challenging surfaces.

When you simplify around materials like these, you stop spending time second-guessing substrate choices and start spending it on the work that moves your business forward.

Simplifying your inventory is one of the highest leverage changes you can make, not just for your bottom line, but for the clarity and confidence it brings to your entire production process.

MIDCOMP
+27 10 020 9999
consumables@midcomp.co.za
www.midcomp.co.za

Visit The FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo For The Latest Trends In Screen And Pad Printing, Promotional Products And Branding

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:58:44 +0000

The FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity, is taking place from 8-10 September 2026. Experience trends in screen and pad printing, promotional products, and branding.

Visitors can also see opportunities in:

– Vehicle wrapping and paint protection films.

– Signage and sign systems.
– Digital signage and LED displays.
– Wayfinding, banners and display systems.
– Textile, apparel and DTF printing.
– Laser cutting, CNC and engraving.
– Vinyls, media and substrates.
– Colour management and RIP software.
– AI Design and workflow automation.
– 3D printing and 3D milling.
– Laminating and print finishing.
– Sportswear.
– Print and cut (labels).
– Digital packaging.

Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo, co-located with Africa Print, Modern Marketing and Graphics, Print and Sign. The event is taking place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8-10 September 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, 9am-5pm.

I want to exhibit.

FESPA AFRICA EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.fespaafrica.com

3A Composites Display Europe Bringing New Material Innovations To FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:48:38 +0000

3A Composites Display Europe will showcase its sheet materials at FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo in Johannesburg. The event, taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre, will offer visitors a hands-on experience with trusted original brands and the latest product innovations plus insight into the company’s sustainability initiatives and digital tools for smarter specification.

The company will present new variations of products in its portfolio.

– DIBOND®re: The environmentally friendly evolution of the original aluminium composite sheet.
– DIBOND®artenara: Super-matte, scratch-resistant surfaces in harmonious colours.
– DIBOND®metallics “Blue gloss”: An expansion of the metallics range with a vivid metallic blue with a high-gloss finish for bold visual statements.
– FOAMALITE®color Dark grey: The tenth addition to the FOAMALITE®color range in RAL 7016.
– SINTREX®: Our latest product development made from PET – combining excellent recyclability with broad suitability for a wide range of printing applications.
– DISPA®: The new thickness 5 mm making it ideal for plug-in profiles and frame systems.

Explore a comprehensive portfolio designed for signage, display, shopfitting, interiors, exhibitions, and more, including DIBOND® and DILITE® aluminium composite sheets, PERSPEX®, CRYLUX®, PERSPEX®XT and CRYLON® acrylic sheets, FOREX® and FOAMALITE® expanded rigid PVC-sheets, IMPEX® polycarbonate sheets, HIPEX®, LUMEX®, and SINTREX® PET sheets and DISPA® paper sheets.

3A Composites Display Europe will share detailed updates on its sustainability roadmap, including FIVE-DOT-MISSION, the company’s framework for responsible material sourcing, production, and lifecycle management. It will also present the reRange, a growing line of products that emphasises recyclable content and circularity.

When it comes to specification support, 3A Composites Display Europe presents a new application field in their Virtual World. Besides the already launched application areas of supermarkets, shops, petrol stations and car showrooms, visitors can now also virtually discover products and their applications in a hotel environment.

The 3A Composites team is looking forward to discussing material selection, processing, technical performance and the products’ availability through South African distribution partners.

3A COMPOSITES
Lynn Smith | Field Sales Manager Display South Africa
+27 82 450 8994
Lynn.Smith@3AComposites.com
www.display.3AComposites.com

Trotec Launching New Laser Cutter At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:36:01 +0000

Trotec’s new E340 laser cutter will be launched at the upcoming FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.

With a strong focus on stable day‑to‑day operation and an efficient Ruby®‑based workflow, Trotec’s new E340 laser cutter delivers everything essential for productive laser cutting. The E Line is a reliable and professional laser cutter designed for users who want robust performance, intuitive operation, and an attractive entry into the Trotec ecosystem.

Developed for growing businesses, educators, makers, and sign shops, the E340 focuses on: consistent output quality, a seamless workflow, and dependable performance.

The E Line delivers professional‑grade cutting and engraving results in an accessible package designed with business essentials in mind:

– Consistently accurate cutting performance. OptiMotion™ automatically adjusts speed and acceleration to geometry, ensuring smooth edges, clean curves, and faster setup with no manual parameter tuning.
– Smart, connected workflow with Ruby® Essential. Create, prepare, and execute jobs in one intuitive platform, reducing steps, minimising operator errors, and accelerating turnaround times.
– Reliable build quality. Engineered to prevent downtime and provide consistent performance across daily production needs.
– Flexible service and support options. Premium support, training, and spare‑parts services can be added when needed.

The following machines will also be showcased:

Speedy 100 cross

The Speedy 100 cross is the ideal choice for industrial parts marking and impresses with razor-sharp detail on metals and plastics. It enables large-area marking up to 610 x 305mm and is ideal for small to medium throughput volumes. With a speed of 2.8m/s (110 ips) and 40 watts laser power, it also excels in the field of personalisation and when used in schools and universities.

Its versatility allows the processing of a wide range of materials and future applications. It also masters the cutting of thin organic materials such as paper, cardboard and wood with ease.

Speedy 400

The Speedy 400 features: optimised performance in terms of quality and speed, easy handling, best comfort and the highest efficiency. It has a maximum engraving speed of 4.2m/sec, an acceleration of 5g, the revolutionary motion system OptiMotion and a working area with 1016 x 610mm optimised to most material plate formats such as acrylic or wood. With up to 250 Watt laser power, engraving and cutting gets even faster. Thanks to the patented Flexx Technology, users get a CO2 and a fibre laser source in one machine.

Speedy 50

A small footprint with big capabilities, the Speedy 50 is user-friendly and secure, designed for professional use. It outpaces comparable desktop laser machines from other suppliers by up to 6.5 times in productivity. Speedy 50 is exclusively available with a CO2 laser.

The company will also present a range of Trotec laser materials so visitors can see the machines in action across different applications.

TROTEC LASER SOUTH AFRICA
+27 11 262 1400
www.rsetroteclaser.co.za

Stuart & Marks Showcasing Printing Media Range At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:29:37 +0000

Stuart & Marks are direct importers of all their own products and the company converts from jumbo reels to custom length rolls for the printing industry. The company will exhibit its comprehensive media range at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.

Stuart and Marks have recently added fabric to their ever increasing range of products. The fabric options available perfectly complement their dye sublimation papers. There are various options available for apparel and rolls are available in 1500mm wide.

The company offer an extensive range of large format digital printing media, which include dye-sublimation papers, tissue protection papers as well as DTF films.

The company’s addition to its dye sublimation paper range is its 29gsm and 42gsm printable paper for sublimation. Also included in the range are solvent, eco solvent, Latex and UV printable substrates such as vinyls, poster papers, canvases, photo papers and backlight films.

The company’s director, Dylan Gordon, said, ‘Our 29gsm and 42gsm dye sublimation papers are coated sublimation papers tailored for high speed and volume based digital transfer printing. These ultra-light grammages are introduced specifically to enable reduced ink consumption, allowing higher productivity, faster drying times and reduced costs. Our products have an excellent ink carrying capacity with bright, vivid colours that are uncompromised.’

‘Whether you are producing promotional material, personalised apparel, or striking visual displays, our paper delivers consistent results that meet your demands. Our dye sublimation papers are the go-to choice for professionals in the industry.’

Visitors can also learn more about the company’s 80 micron hot peel DTF film, which features vibrant colour transfer, exceptional durability and effortless application. It is available in 600 x 100m, or 1200 x 100m rolls.

STUART & MARKS (PTY) LTD
+27 11 807 6301
dgordon@sandm.co.za
www.stuartandmarks.co.za