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Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Technology & Products, Tips & Tricks
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Canon imagePROGRAF Layout Plug-In for Canvas Printing

Software plug-in for printing canvas wrapsAs noted here earlier at the LexJet Blog, Canon recently announced a new line of wide format inkjet printers, and with these new printers comes a time-saving piece of software called the imagePROGRAF Layout Plug-In.

This software, exclusive to the new printers, allows users to bypass the usual steps in Photoshop of creating a mirror or solid color border around their canvas images for wrapping by automating the process after making a few selections.

Among other things, the Layout Plug-In allows you to enter:

  • The desired print size
  • The thickness of your stretcher bars
  • The amount of canvas you want to stretch around the back of the bars for stapling
  • Border effects like reflection (mirror), soft reflection (mirrored and blurred), and custom colors

After making your selections, the software generates the canvas and even automatically opens it in the imagePROGRAF Print Plug-In for Photoshop where you can print it.

In the video embedded below, learn about the various options that are available for your canvas prints and how to use the imagePROGRAF Layout Plug-In…

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Canon Introduces Five New iPFX400 Large-Format Inkjet Printers

New wide format inkjet printers from CanonCanon U.S.A. Inc. announced this morning the introduction of five new imagePROGRAF large-format printers: the iPF9400, iPF9400S, iPF8400, iPF6450 and iPF6400. The new printers are expected to be available at LexJet this month, and stay tuned for in-depth videos on the features of the new printers here at the LexJet Blog.

Designed for use by photographers, artists, proofers and print-for-pay users, the imagePROGRAF models include a variety of enhancements made to both quality and speed. According to Canon, users will experience increased productivity, while benefitting from the built-in tools that make managing large-format printing convenient and cost-effective.

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF9400 (12-color, 60-inch, MSRP $11,995), iPF8400 (12-color, 44-inch, MSRP $5,995), iPF6450 (12-color, 24-inch, MSRP $3,695), iPF6400 (12-color, 24-inch, MSRP $2,995) and iPF9400S (8-color, 60-inch, MSRP $9,995) printers offer improved color stability designed for precise, ultra high-quality print performance with increased speed and productivity.

All of these models utilize Canon’s LUCIA EX pigment ink set, an enhanced multi-sensor and advanced printing technologies specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced color range and improved durability.

The imagePROGRAF iPF9400S and iPF9400 printers can now handle 60-inch borderless printing and now have a more affordable price when compared to previous models as well. Each of the imagePROGRAF models has been upgraded in comparison to previous generations by integrating several new features and functionalities to help customers achieve the ultimate in color consistency. These tools include:

  • Multi-Sensor: A new, enhanced multi-sensor has been incorporated for improved density accuracy and stability over previous models. The sensor, along with the included software, helps to achieve color consistency across all new imagePROGRAF 12-color models.
  • Color Calibration Management Console: Using the calibration function equipped in the new line of imagePROGRAF devices, it is possible to execute and monitor the calibration status of multiple printers on a network from one PC.
  • Media Configuration Tool: This software allows the user to update and customize the printer and drivers with new Canon and custom media information.

Adding to the versatility of the imagePROGRAF printers is a sub-ink tank system which minimizes waste. The ink cartridges can also be replaced while the printer is running allowing for the print job to continue, which helps to improve the workflow of the end-user. This system is further enhanced for the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 and iPF6400 printers with a new 300ml tank size that will provide increased cost-savings.

Canon has also worked to help increase overall usability of each printer with a variety of new software features, including:

  • Gallery Wrap feature: Allows users to easily create gallery wrap prints for framing along with creative options that expand the output possibilities
  • Adjustment Pattern Setting: Users can print multiple versions of an image with different color setting in order to choose the color that most matches what is needed
  • Tint and Tone Adjustments: Controls the four monochromatic shades allowing a user to create even more expressive blacks with smooth gradations, especially in darker areas

The 12-color, 24-inch Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6450 printer has the option to add an onboard spectrophotometer for advanced color management including the ability to obtain color consistency across multiple iPFX400 series printers.

The optional SU-21 Spectrophotometer, which retails for $1,795, also helps reduce operating costs by automating color management and is highly adaptable to user system environments.

The spectrophotometer device includes:

  • A fully automated mobile unit for the spectrophotometer for a wide range of media of various thicknesses to be loaded and used with the device
  • A specialized backing plate that has black and white strips on it and is user switchable
  • User-switchable UV blocking filter that can be turned on and off according to paper type
  • A scan speed of 10 inches per second
  • Expandable workflow options due to the ability to perform color calibration with third party media
  • 2010 XRGA measurement standard compliance

For more information about the new Canon printers and to pre-order a unit, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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LexJet Hosting On-Site Demos for Super-Fast Canvas Wrap Production Machine

Canvas wrap production machineAs noted last week, along with a demo video at the LexJet Blog, LexJet has been selected to demonstrate and distribute the fastFrame 1000 from Swiss manufacturer Imaging Solutions AG. The automated canvas wrap machine, which produces up to 80 finished canvas wraps per hour, was one of the most talked-about products at drupa 2012, held in Dusseldorf, Germany, June 4-15.

LexJet will hold demonstrations of the fastFrame at its demo facility in Sarasota in July. To schedule an appointment to see the fastFrame in action, in person, at LexJet’s demo facility, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538.

“When we saw the fastFrame at drupa we were simply amazed at its production capacity. My first thought when I saw it was how much time and money it would save our customers who do high production runs of canvas gallery and museum wraps,” says Dean Lambert, LexJet vice president.

The fastFrame is a fully automated canvas stretching machine that can mount canvas onto 12″ x 8″ to 41″ x 41″ stretcher bars, finishing up to 80 canvas wraps per hour. Priced at around $153,000, it is designed for high production environments that require accuracy and quality in the finished product with the push of a button.

Automated canvas wrap machineImaging Solutions also manufactures the easyFrame, a semi-automated version priced at around $82,000 that can produce up to 45 finished canvas wraps per hour. The easyFrame is expected to arrive at LexJet’s demo center later this summer.

“LexJet was the perfect fit for the U.S. demonstration and distribution of the fastFrame. It just made sense to work with a company that has been an innovator in the inkjet printing industry, including fine art and canvas, since the industry’s inception,” says Armando Casanova of Imaging Solutions. “Plus, LexJet’s customer service is second to none, which was one of the most important elements we were looking for in a U.S. partner.”

With both the fastFrame and easyFrame you can use pre-assembled canvas stretcher frames, or you can make them yourselves. Imaging Solutions also offers a semi-automatic frame assembling machine called the fastMount.

For more information, and to schedule a demonstration in July, contact a LexJet account specialist at 800-453-9538.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Pump up the Canvas Wrap Volume with the fastFrame and the easyFrame

Canvas gallery and museum wrapsThere’s only one machine on the market that can produce up to 80 canvas wraps per hour: it’s called the fastFrame 1000 from Swiss manufacturer Imaging Solutions, and it’s a fully automated canvas stretching machine that can mount canvas onto 12″ x 8″ to 41″ x 41″ stretcher bars.

Available in the U.S. through LexJet, you can schedule an appointment to test the machine and see it in action, in person, at LexJet’s demo facility in Sarasota, Fla., in July. If you’re interested in scheduling a demo and finding out more about the fastFrame 1000, contact a LexJet account specialist at 800-453-9538.

Later this summer, the easyFrame is expected to arrive at LexJet’s demo center. At about half the price of the fastFrame, it’s a semi-automated system that can produce up to 40 canvas wraps per hour. The fastFrame is listed at around $153,000 USD and the easyFrame at around $82,000 USD.

With both machines you can use pre-assembled canvas stretcher frames, or you can make them yourselves. Imaging Solutions also offers a semi-automatic frame assembling machine called the fastMount.

In the video embedded below you can get a preview of the fastFrame to see how it works and how easy it is to automate canvas stretching, producing consistent, high-quality results…

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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Presto Change-H2O: Inkjet Print Makeover at Waterfront Club

Inkjet printing club decor on fabric

“Just change the art and you’ve got a new restaurant.” At least that’s the concept Tim Dussault of The Color I in Anacortes, Wash., and his wife, Lorrisa, an interior décor color consultant, came up with for the opening of a local club called H2O.

Changeable decor artwork on fabricThe concept has been successfully applied, as Dussault swathed what was a former dive bar in water-related images printed on LexJet Poly Select Heavy fabric. “About once a year they normally break down and paint the walls to freshen it up. They wouldn’t have to do that anymore; all you have to do is change the art, which is a lot less labor,” explains Dussault.

Gallery wraps with inkjet fabric
This decorative ice cube piece is actually a gallery wrap using LexJet Poly Select Heavy fabric. The rest of the art was printed on Poly Select Heavy and hangs from the decorative metal rails.

To facilitate this, the majority of the prints slide into slots housed in the decorative metal header rails all around the club’s walls. There are five, 12-foot long decorative rails. Each print is about 64 inches long and almost 12 feet wide.

“The material prints really well, and I’ve been looking for other applications to use it in because it’s a sturdy, heavy products. It’s moldable, but it’s tough, unlike scrim banner that’s not as flexible,” says Dussault. “It also coated real nice when we sprayed it. Then I used our window shade product as a bottom rail to add weight to the prints. The material’s pretty thick so it’s tight in the bottom rail, but it still worked well.”

Vinyl graphics that backlit and hide what's inside
Here, Dussault applied LexJet Simple Adhesive Vinyl SUV Gloss to hide the kitchen and draw additional attention to the new club.

Dussault also created a gallery wrap with the Poly Select Heavy as a decorative 4×4 accent piece. “I really like stretching the fabric material; it’s easier to stretch than canvas and has a soft, tactile look to it,” says Dussault.

One problematic area that required the creative touch of the Dussault pair was the kitchen. With windows on the street looking into the bright white kitchen, it was a distraction from the adjoining club. So, Dussault teamed up with a friend who runs a sign shop and has a Roland SOLJET solvent printer to print a water graphic on LexJet Simple Adhesive Vinyl SUV – Gloss running along the windows.

 Decorative art for restaurants and clubs“We wanted to allow light out, but wanted an eye-catching image that was consistent with the theme. And, we didn’t want to use words because we didn’t want to have to deal with sign codes. It’s really awesome at night when it’s backlit,” says Dussault.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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Inkjet Printed Window Shades as a Complementary Interior Décor Design Element

Inkjet printed window shades

Most accidents fall into the Not-so-Happy category, but some fall into the Happy category, as was the case with a recent home décor project Tim Dussault, owner of The Color I in Anacortes, Wash., recently completed for a homeowner.

Printing custom window shadesDussault printed custom window shades on LexJet Poly Select Light as a complement to the interior décor of the home, which was based around a painting that hangs in the couple’s living room. The “accident” was the bottom section of the shade was also a perfect complement to the home’s overall color scheme.

“They rolled the shades down about nine inches to let as much light into the room during the day, making a nine-inch valance.  It created a nice design element to the room so that you didn’t have to have the shade completely up or down to do that,” says Dussault. “That really opened my eyes to using that bottom section of the print for whatever design element you want, whether it’s a consistent color or pattern, to go with the overall interior design of a room.”

Inkjet printed window shadesThe artwork is from a 24×36 original watercolor by Jennifer Bowman, an artist Dussault has worked with in the past. Dussault generated the scene into panels that matched the window spaces in the bay window and printed them on Poly Select Light.

Dussault used his recently updated line of DiY Roller Shade Assemblies for the window shades, which you can pick up at artrollershades.com, and watch the videos below to see the installation of this project as well as how to use the DiY Roller Shade Assemblies. Or, if you prefer, you can view them at YouTube at this link.

“The installation went smoothly and they really liked it and how it all flowed together,” says Dussault. He adds that he chose the Poly Select Light over the Poly Select Heavy since he wanted as much light as possible to flow through them when they’re drawn down.

Dussault also used Poly Select Heavy in another recent project he collaborated on with his wife for a restaurant that turned its bar into a club. In addition to hanging wall murals, Dussault created custom gallery wraps with Poly Select Heavy.

“I like to stretch that material; it’s easier to stretch than canvas. I was also surprised by how well it accepted the spray coating. My experience with fabrics told me that it would absorb some of the coating and change the color of the image, but it dried really well and there was no color shift. Using the fabric and stretching creates a totally different look that I think is more attractive; it’s softer and more tactile,” says Dussault.

Look for photos from this project and more information in a future post here at the LexJet Blog. In the meantime, check out the videos of the installation and how the DiY Roller Shade Assemblies work…