TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Monthís SBI Trivia Question Stumper:
How old is Sign Builder Illustrated?
For the answer, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.
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Industry News
[[HOT TOPIC]] CNC Routers vs. Sandblasters and Engravers
Happy St. Paddyís Day to all our readers. And with the luck of the Irish, comes the luck of the draw: SBI Updateís [[HOT TOPIC]] has chosen an area this month that should interest most every sign shop out there: CNC routers vs. sandblasters and
engravers. Is there room for both methods and their associated technologies in the sign industry? Does the growing use of CNC routers speak to the natural (or, to some, unnatural) evolution of the sign maker from artist to assembly line worker?
We spoke this month with Chris Hanchette, vice president of sales at MultiCam, and a 14-year veteran of the router business. As he prepares to show his companyís powerful routers at the April ISA show, Chris tells us why he thinks the biz is big enough for both, but that the ìhands-onî approach may be fading
away:
ìOur average customer is still the 2- to 25-man shop. But in the sign making market, weíve been extremely successful selling to the largest of the large sign shops. Basically, we target those guys by hitting the magazines and most of the major trade shows in a pretty big way.
We also go out to the shops and help determine what they need. And with shops that have used or are involved in sandblasting or engraving, a lot of them are trying to get rid of the mess. They want to
automate. So when we target them, weíre selling them the concept of automating the process and being able to mass-produce the parts with higher repeatability. The interesting thing about taking a sandblasting concept onto a router is that the first part, the tenth part, and the thousandth part will all be the same. They can simply set the machine up and run production.
A lot of people are trying to get away from that manual labor aspect.
Itís a combination of selling points. We
may A) just automate the process of cutting the mask, or B) actually do the whole sign. Some people like the sandblasting effect, so it depends on what the customerís goal is. What we do is educate the customer, and from there, let them make a decision on how they want to move with the technology.
Personally, I donít think we try to take business away from any of the engravers or sandblasters. Weíre not out to replace engraving machines; they have their niche. Compared to a $15,000
engraving machine, our machines will engrave all day long, but they start at $25,000 to $30,000. Itís just a different machine, and it augments what engravers are doing.
There hasnít really been much resistance to routers from ìold schoolî sign makers. The first thing we hear is, ëIíd like to do that, but I canít afford it.í And once we get into the process of explaining how they can afford it, things typically pan out. And the number-one thing most people say to us after they get the
machine is, ëI sure wish Iíd bought this years ago!í
There will always be room for sandblasting, because it has a certain art, a certain texture that is hard to reproduce (that is once youíve made the mask). If you can automate the process of making the mask, and then you sandblast, itís pretty quick. I would say that itís not going away; itís just another effect. The neat thing about sign makers is that theyíre always looking for that edge, some creativity, some way to differentiate;
and thatís just one more tool in their arsenal.
I think youíll always have a small segment of the sign industry that is very hands-on and resistant to automation. But I think it will become harder and harder for them to be competitive. One of the big issues is that hands-on sign making and design is an art that is just not being taught anymore. If you think about people who grew up and took an apprenticeship in the world of manual engraving or manual sign makingóthat takes truly artistic
people. And to be honest, those people are few and far between, and theyíre not being trained. I have zero artistic ability; I can hardly draw a stick figure. But if you put me in front of a computer, I can make some amazing stuff. So will that hands-on, artistic end of the industry always be there? Yes, but I think it will be more of a novelty than a true production method, because I donít think those guys can compete.î
No more artists in the sign industry? Will the personal touch of a
sandblaster become ìa noveltyî more than an asset? Find out next month, when SBI Update examines this topic through the eyes of the sandblasting and engraving community!
Talking Billboards? Speak Up!
This past month, Honda Motor Co. launched a progressive billboard campaign, promoting its new hybrid Honda Element SUV, that had people talkingóand had the billboards talking as well.
The
campaign features billboards that ask passing motorists to consider what the Honda Element has in common with a platypus. Stumped? Those still listening to ìterrestrialî radio (you mean you havenít switched to satellite radio yet?) as they pass the sign are instructed to tune into a certain station to find out the answer.
"There are hundreds and thousands of automotive commercials. If you could create an ad that has a breakthrough factor like that, you know what, that's a good thing,"
Tom Peyton, head of Honda's national advertising, told The Detroit News.
A clever idea, no doubt. The only problem is that your trusty SBI Update editor came across one of these billboards recently while stuck in traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in New York City. After following the instructions and tuning to the stated AM station, nothing but static could be heard. Is that what a platypus sounds like?
Osram Advances Work on OLEDs
Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc. of San Jose, Calif., has announced progress on its white organic light-emitting diode (OLED) project. The project, funded by a $4.65 million grant from the US Department of
Energy, was initiated in 2004 to research the potential of white OLEDs as an energy-saving product for commercial and residential lighting.
The company has achieved a 25-lm/W polymer OLED. The cool-white-emitting diode uses a solution-processable, phosphorescent, blue-emitting device in conjunction with an external inorganic phosphor layer. This 14 lm/W of blue color was achieved by embedding an efficient phosphorescent blue emitter in a polymer host.
The company has also
demonstrated a 20-lm/W phosphorescent device based on a white-emitting polymer blend. This diode employs no external phosphors, and the white emission comes directly from the phosphorescent polymer. The company hopes to use the advances as a basis to develop large-area light tiles.
The polymer OLED enables color tuning, using a design based on three separate, printable polymer inks emitting in the red, green and blue portions of the spectrum. Ink-jet was used to pattern the small,
three-color segments. The productís driver circuitry enables users to regulate color from dark blue to white. The technology offers large-size scalability without losses in optical and electrical properties.
Sign Industry Helps to Equip Its Own
The SGIA recently introduced its Digital Imaging Lab, a new facility in Fairfax, Virginia created to ìprovide graphic imaging professionals tools for maximizing their digital imaging equipment.î
Interestingly enough, the tools that attendees will utilize to do just that were provided by other graphic professionals, and some of the largest printing corporations in America.
Software and printing tools for the new facility were donated by companies like Gretag Macbeth, Kodak Graphic Communications Group, Matan, Mimaki, and US Screen Print & Inkjet Technology.
ìWeíre always expanding the SGIA Information Network,î said SGIA President and CEO Michael Robertson. ìWhether
youíre into graphics or garnets, the SGIA Digital Imaging Lab was built to help you find new and better ways to maximize digital imaging technology in your operation.î [*Ed. Note: To read more of Michael Robertsons thoughts on the growing digital printing market, click on SBI Update Archive at the bottom of the newsletter, and read the January 2006 edition.]
The SGIA Digital Imaging Lab will feature a hands-on workshop this May 3 ñ 5, featuring Jeff Burton of the SGIA, Rick Mandel
(Mandel Screentech), and Larry Stenstad (Sefar Printing Solutions), and focusing on color management solutions for screen printing and digital imaging.
Inkjet, Screenprinting Ink Makers Merge
Screen ink, digital ink and chemicals manufacturer Nazdar of Shawnee, Kansas has acquired Lyson, Ltd. of Stockport, England, and its subsidiary, Lyson, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, a
leading manufacturer of inkjet inks for digital printers. The Lyson brand and product line now are part of Nazdarís Inks and Coatings division.
Lyson supplies major OEM digital printer manufacturers and end users through an international network of distributors. The Lyson product line includes digital inks for all major inkjet print technologies, including piezo, thermal, and CIJ. Lyson manufactures both solvent and water based inks in pigment and dye formulations for markets such as
industrial coding and marking, office printing, wide format graphics, fine art, photography, proofing and grand format billboard printing.
ìWe intend to maintain and build the Lyson brand, which has an outstanding reputation for innovation, service and support," said Nazdar president Mike Fox. "Our emphasis will be on continuing to develop and improve third-party digital ink products while expanding our relationships in the OEM markets. Joining the resources of the two companies
increases our already considerable R&D expertise and will allow us to broaden our development efforts in aqueous, solvent, and UV ink technologies.î
Jeff Ball, Lysonís founder, adds, ìThe acquisition is a great fit for both companies. It gives the Lyson brand the resources necessary to further our penetration into the marketplace and to continue to research and develop Lyson products at the very highest level. It gives Nazdar a larger product portfolio and an established base in
Europe which accelerates their international expansion objectives.î
Roland Opens Factory in Japan, Celebrates Anniversary
Just last week, Roland DG Corporation marked a milestone by celebrating the companyís 25th anniversary. Founded in 1981 as an affiliate of Roland Music, Roland DG Corporation introduced its
first A-size pen plotter in 1982 and has since evolved into a $350 million organization with offices worldwide.
ìIt is gratifying to look back on where we started and see how far weíve come,î said Masahiro Tomioka, president of Roland DG Corp. ìTodayís Roland is stronger than ever with record sales in every area of the globe. And with continued technological innovations on the horizon, we are well positioned for future growth and success.î
Almost simultaneously, Roland was opening
a new factory at its corporate headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan. Designed to serve the companyís growing customer base, the new digital factory will become a primary manufacturing site for product assembly, testing and inspection for the companyís line of inkjet printers and printer/cutters, vinyl cutters, engravers, photo impact printers and 3D scanning and milling machines. The new 9,803.95m2 facility is 40 percent larger than the companyís current factory, will accommodate up to 200
employees, and will significantly increase the companyís production capacity.
ìWe are always striving to improve our manufacturing processes, which in turn improves our responsiveness to the market and to our customers,î said Tomioka. ìIt is this commitment to advancing our own technology, streamlining our production capabilities and achieving new levels of product quality that differentiates us as a company. This new digital factory will serve us well into the future.î
New Appointments
FASTSIGNS International, Inc., announced that longtime senior vice president Larry Lane has been promoted to president. Company co-founder Gary Salomon, who previously served as president, remains the companyís chairman and
chief executive officer.
Kodak's Graphic Communications Group (GCG) has named Michael K. Howard as vice president, marketing, for its Digital Printing Solutions (DPS) business.
Meetings and Events
MARCH
March 27 - 29: The National Environmental, Health & Safety Conference for the Graphic Communications Industries, hosted by the Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, Indiana. For reservations, call 317/827-3500 or 877/640-7666 or
visit www.nehsconference.org.
APRIL
April 4 - 5: The World Digital Signage Summit, produced by the Strategy Institute. Bridgewaters in the Fulton Market Building, 11 Fulton St., New York, NY. www.strategyinstitute.com.
April 5 - 8: ISA International Sign Expo 2006. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. www.signexpo.org.
Sponsored Links
Elliott Equipment Corporation -- Award winning HiReach & BoomTruck aerial-workplatforms and cranes. Elliott products increase your productivity, and give you the highest ROI available. Do more with
Elliott. www.elliottequip.com
M2 Lighting Solutions, LLC -- NEW epoxy-encapsulated UL recognized LED channel letter lighting system that will stay bright even in your most challenging conditions.
www.M2Lighting.com
This Month's Trivia Answer:
15 years and 2 months.
It may seem like we're the new kid on the block, but the first issue of Sign Builder Illustrated was published in January of 1990.
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For in-depth coverage of these topics and other sign industry topics, check out
www.signshop.com
ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the April 2006 ISA Sign Expo 2006 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles
on:
Acrylics/Plastics/Polycarbonates
Digital Vehicle Graphic Printing
Dimensional Sign Blanks
LED Channel Letters and Sign Cabinets
Routers/Engravers
Design Software
Vinyl Banners
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the May 2006 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Dimensional Adhesives
Architectural ADA
Fluorescent Lighting
LED Displays
Vinyl Paints
Transformers/Power
Supplies
Wide Format Vinyl
Contact your ad sales representative to reserve your space today!
As we shape SBI Update into the premeire
e-newsletter for the sign industry, we encourage our readers to send us feedback on what you like, what you'd like to see, and any other comments you might have. To do so, send an e-mail to Associate Editor Chris Ytuarte at cytuarte@sbpub.com.
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© 2005 Simmons-Boardman Publishing
345 Hudson St., 12th Floor • New York, NY 10014
212-620-7200
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Diversify your business with a laser engraving and cutting system from Epilog. Engrave and cut acrylic, cloth, plastics, wood, and more. Systems start at $9,995 and are as easy to use as a printer. www.epiloglaser.com. For a free CD demo and samples created with a laser, visit the Web site by clicking on the Epilog logo above.
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With over 50 years of coil coating experience, Amerimax offers MAXX-Brite, the MAXXimum reflectivity channel letter coil available on the market today. Test results have proven that MAXX-Brite is 30% more reflective than standard channel letter coil. To learn more about MAXX-Brite, click the Amerimax logo above to visit our Web site.
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Best LEDS. Best Support.
Best Results.
SloanLED offers the very best LED systems for sign lighting, at a price that means best value. Then we back our products with the very best support. This combination of best LEDs and best support means the best results for you. Visit booth #3515 at ISA to learn more. www.sloanled.com. Click on the SloanLED logo above to visit the Web
site.
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Adding a MultiCam to your shop will decrease job times and increase profits! Use our machines to cut a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, acrylic, and wood, to create dimensional signage and to finish digital prints. Please visit us at ISA booth #2844. www.multicam.com. Click on the
Multicam logo above to visit the Web site.
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Sixty Years of Explosive Growth
ISA is proud to announce the 60th anniversary of the ISA Sign Expo, taking place in Orlando, Florida on April 5-8, 2006. The Expo offers hundreds of exhibitors from around the globe, displaying innovative sign products. www.signexpo.org. To learn more about the ISA Expo, click on our logo above.
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Sign Builder Illustrated:
The How-to Book Vol. 1
Learn secrets to fabricating neon, illuminating with LED, sandblasting signs, applying paints, cutting and printing vinyl and more in this 288-page, full-color reprinting of Sign Builder IllustratedÌs how-to articles. To visit the How-to Book Web site, click on the image above.
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Osram Advances OLEDs 
