Onyx Graphics inc., today announced the global availability of ONYX 21, the company's newest software version release.  ONYX 21 introduces Swatch Books 2.0 to print, scan, iterate and report on the ideal colour match, with options to add print mode defined colours in a single click.  Intuitive PDF tile maps to streamline tile job workflows and help guide installation with the ability to produce tile maps before, during or after printing that can be automated using ONYX quick sets.  Combined with new dynamic print label capabilities, ONYX 21 delivers innovative tools for print shop branding with the flexibility to connect to existing business tools.

"We're amazed at the response ONYX 21 has already received through our virtual launch events," said Matt Crawford, Director of Product Marketing at Onyx Graphics.  "Customers are already seeing the impact of Swatch Books 2.0 with fast colour matching, while new print label capabilities are providing opportunities both inside and outside their print shop".

Highlights of ONYX 21 include:

• Print, scan, iterate and report on the ideal colour match using Swatch Books 2.0
• Add print mode defined colours in a single click
• Generate colour-managed tile maps for installation, customer transparency and print job previews
• Automate tile maps on any job using Quick Sets 2.0
• Add images to print labels including logos for increase brand visibility
• Rotate print labels 180 degrees on banners and canvas prints
• Generate dynamic QR codes with important job information
• Connect to existing business tools using barcodes or QR codes
• The latest Adobe technology including Adobe PDF Converter APC 3.1

Availability

ONYX 21, covering the entire product portfolio of ONYX solutions including ONYX Thrive print workflow software; and all ONYX RIP products is globally available. it is available to all ONYX Advantage customers by requesting a key update and to all other customers through a license purchase. Onyx Graphics will be providing special promotions throughout the world in the next few weeks and an incentive to upgrade.

About Onyx Graphics Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge with superior print and colour quality. It's passion for delivering superb colour led to the development of ONYX Color, Onyx Graphics' own colour engine optimised for large format inkjet printing. Innovative, productive and satisfied customers around the globe help motivate the company to continually develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large format printing workflow software.

Adobe and Adobe PDF are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. ONYX and ONYX PosterShop are registered trademarks, and ONYX Thrive, ONYX RIPCenter are trademarks, of ONYX Graphics, Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks and are the property of their owners and are respectfully acknowledged.

Due to the current situation, you can spot floor graphic films almost everywhere. They are a great way to guide people through buildings and reminding them of the distance they should keep from each other. While walking, people have a habit of slightly looking down, making sure that there is nothing in their way that might trip them trip. This makes floor graphics an extremely effective tool for advertising and as orientation aids. However, for many, the use of floor graphics also raises many questions. In this article, we will cover the ten most frequently asked questions when it comes to working with floor graphics

1. Do I need to use a laminating film?

Not all floor stickers need to be laminated. Floor stickers that feature a textured surface can be printed on directly without lamination. These 2 in 1 floor graphics are extremely cost and time-efficient. A product example from Neschen's range is the print 'n' walk portfolio. To find out whether you need to laminate your floor graphics, check the material already has an anti-slip certification. Many of the readily available floor stickers consist of a removable PVC in combination with a textured, non-slip laminate. The laminate protects the design from dirt and damage and prevents people from slipping.

2. When do I choose a 2 in 1 floor sticker and when do I need stickers with an additional laminate?

This choice greatly depends on the length you are planning to use the sticker for. Protective laminating films are ideal for long-term applications, as they protect the inks from mechanical stress.

For short-term applications, ranging from a few weeks for up to 3 months 2 in 1 floor stickers can be used. They are a quick and cost-efficient alternative.

3. Which type of adhesive is suitable for my application?

Not all floor decals are suitable for every type of substrate. For difficult substrates like asphalt, concrete, wood, carpet or pavement it is best to choose a solution with a high-tack adhesive. This ensures optimal adhesion. Especially on substrates with wide joints, a high-tack adhesive is the best choice. For "regular", smooth surfaces, floor decals with the commonly available, removable adhesive are usually sufficient. If you choose a floor decal with a dot-shaped adhesive, the decals are easy to apply without air getting trapped underneath, making them ideal for large-scale applications.

4. Can I apply floor graphics outdoors?

Whether floor decals can be used outdoors depends on the type of adhesive. Most of Neschen's print 'n' walk films are equipped with a water-based adhesive. These films are recommended for indoor use. However, UVprint 'n' walk power-tack has a high-tack adhesive that is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications in dry conditions, e.g. in areas that have a roof.

In stores or any area where people enter from the outside, the surface of the decal can get wet from rain or snow. To prevent accidents, it is paramount that these decals are equipped with a non-slip surface and have a certified slip resistance. So which type of decal to choose depends on the conditions. In humid environments or areas where people walk barefoot (e.g. swimming pools), there are different requirements in dry areas such as supermarkets

The commonly used anti-slip R rating makes it easy to decide which floor sticker to choose for what type of application. It is used to grade the slip resistance of all sorts of floor stickers. R9 is the lowest anti-slip rating and material classified with an R13 grade has the highest slip resistance. Material that is not certified will always be less suitable than certified material. The required R-value depends on the type of environment the sticker will be used in.

5. Overview of R values

6. What is the easiest way to apply floor graphics

• Make sure that the substrate is undamaged, clean and free of dust and grease.
• If there are any signs of oil on the surface, you can use alcohol or a soft solvent for cleaning. Ensure that all types of residues are removed before proceeding with other cleaning methods.
• Proceed with a mild cleaning agent that is free of any enzymes.  Make sure that the entire surface is cleaned properly and that the cleaning agent is removed without leaving any residue.
• The cleaned area should be at least 20cm larger (in all directions) than the actual area the graphic will be applied to.
• Make sure that the floor is dry and clean.  When wiping the surface dry, use lint-free cloths only.
• Partially remove the film from its liner and press one part onto the application surface.  Then slowly and evenly remove the remaining material from its liner while pressing the graphic onto the application surface.  For best results, try to avoid that the edges of the sticker overlap over gaps and joints in the flooring.  Use a squeegee or roller to evenly apply the sticker from the center towards the edges.  Watch out for trapped air and make sure that the entire sticker has full contact with the substrate.
• If possible, use a design with rounded corners such as circles, as sharp corners and edges easily peel off and curl.

7. What is the best way to remove floor stickers?

Correct removal of your floor graphics ensures that no adhesive residue is left behind.  If you slowly peel off the decal at an angle (usually between 90 degrees and 135 degrees) it usually does not leave any residue behind.

8. How long do your floor graphics last?

How long can you use floor stickers for greatly depends on the type of application, the amount of foot traffic they are subjected to, and the type of environment they are used in.  Recommendations in terms of durability can be found in the technical data sheet of each material. During a one-year test phase, Neschen tested various floor graphics media in a supermarket. The graphics were applied at the cash registers and subjected to around 12,000 pedestrians and 30 cleaning cycles of a heavy-duty cleaning machine. After the test phase a team of experts evaluated each material a full report of this is available upon request.

9. Which type of ink should I use?

The type of ink you use affects the durability of your floor graphics.  Not all inks are equally scratch resistant.  If you choose to combine PVC with an anti-slip laminate, the ink layer is already protected against scratches or abrasion.  However, if you choose a 2 in 1 floor sticker material, it is important to consider the type of ink you will be using.  These materials are best printed with UV inks, the durability is then about 3 months depending on the circumstances.

10.  Can I test your materials?

The type of application you are planning usually determines the choice of material.  Since it is impossible to test every material on every possible substrate and under all conditions, we advise our customers to test the material they are planning to use please feel free to contact PSW Paper & Print for a free sample.

Keeping up with interior design trends and shorter advertising cycles:  Neschen's easySTYLE is a new way to transform interiors in one simple step.  The self-adhesive furniture film comes in a large array of colours and designs.

EasySTYLE is a paper-based self-adhesive film with a variety of decorative styles.  The film creates high-quality results with minimal effort and has been developed for fast and easy application on furniture.   Neschen EasySTYLE is an ideal solution for keeping up with shorter advertising cycles, changing interior trends and seasonal promotions.  From woodgrain to concrete to marble - the innovative product transforms furniture into a whole new look.

It is suited for applications on nearly all flat and smooth surfaces like Plywood and MDF boards, solid wood, plastics, metal and lacquered surfaces. Neschen easySTYLE's textured surfaced stand out with their perfect imitation of the materials they are inspired by. After applications, the self-adhesive film is easy to remove without residue. Besides its selection of 15 designs easySTYLE also proves to be a great choice in terms of durability. The product is not only scratch-resistant but has a certified chemical resistance (DIN68861). In line with the Neschen's continuous effort to expand the portfolio of sustainable products, easySTYLE is PVC-free and paper-based.

Overview of easySTYLE designs

White Super Matt	Whiteboard	White High Gloss
Sonoma Oak	Rovere Gessato	Meton Gold
Meton Copper	Meton Concrete	Kiruna
Casipo	Haitabu	Catania Oak
Canyon	Ashton	Anthracite Super Matt

Get the free swatchbook for inspiration

Creativity without limits: Discover a wide range of styles - ideal for creative looks in shopfitting, interior design, exhibition booth construction and private homes claim your free swatchbook for inspiration call PSW Paper and Print today.

HP Inc. has announced the release of a new HP DesignJet portfolio aimed to simplify the printing needs of construction ecosystem professionals (architects, engineers, constructors and subcontractors), while delivering high-quality and fast print-outs at a low cost.

The new HP DesignJet series comprises intelligent, flexible, compact and stylish printers, that are unique to other types of plotters on the market today. With HP Click software, one-click printing – even for documents of different sizes – is made easy. Combined with the automatic A3/B tray, it enables to print multi-size projects automatically – A3/B and A1/D or A0/E – without manually switching the media source. The new HP DesignJet series also enables seamless printing and management from any connected device, wherever you are, thanks to the HP Smart App.

The new large-format HP DesignJet portfolio includes:

• The HP DesignJet T200 Printer series: Easy and affordable printing with the world’s smallest plotters.
• The HP DesignJet T600 series: Fast and simple large-format plotters, designed for construction ecosystem professionals focused on executing, problem-solving and multitasking.
• The HP DesignJet Studio Printer series: For Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals focused on creativity/design and sensitivity to aesthetics.

“The new DesignJet Series, from the T200 through to the T600 and Studio Printer versions, bring a new level of design, simplicity and connectivity for creative professionals,” said Guayente Sanmartín, vice president and general manager, HP Large Format Printing Business. “With their automatic printing of A3/B and large format, their ability to print from anywhere and their extreme simplicity, these printers are perfect for AEC professionals that work either in the office or from home. In addition, their use of recycled plastics and the introduction of our first net carbon neutral large format printer underlines HP’s continued commitment to our planet.”

HP DesignJet T200

Built to fit in the smallest of spaces, the HP DesignJet T200 Printer series are the world’s smallest large-format plotters. With a width of 24 inches and capable of printing up to A1, they’re designed for simplicity of use with HP Click software, enabling rapid one-click printing of multiple files at once. The A3/B automatic sheet feeder accessory offers the ability to print multi-size A3/LF workflows without changing media input.

Standout features of the HP DesignJet T200 Printer series include:

• High-speed: Print an A1 sheet in as little as 30 seconds.
• Smart Printing: Print muti-size A3/B and A1/D projects without changing the medium and in one-click with HP Click.
• Increased mobility: Print anywhere with the HP Smart App.
• Sustainably designed: Constructed from 30% recycled plastic.
• Designed to fit your budget: Use up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance.
• Higher-quality results: With 31% more line accuracy and 65% more gamut than competitors.

As well as being compact, easy to use and delivering high-quality results, the HP DesignJet T200 Printer series is also comprised of the most sustainable large-format plotters in the world, reducing carbon emissions by using up to 30% recycled plastic.

HP DesignJet T600

The HP DesignJet T600 Printer series shares many of the market-leading characteristics that present the HP DesignJet T200 Printer series as a leader in its class. The new series has the added ability to handle multi-size A3/LF workflows as default, comes with an integrated stand and is designed to handle complex projects, with increased memory and native HP-GL/2 support.

• Extreme simplicity: Print multi-size A3/B and A1/D or A0/E projects automatically, without manually switching the media source and in just one click with HP Click and the integrated A3/B tray.
• Matches the way you work: Avoid waiting by the printer with high-speed printing as fast as 25 seconds per A1/D plot.
• Increased mobility: Print anywhere with the HP Smart App.
• Higher-quality results: With 31% more line accuracy and 65% more gamut than competitors.

Like its compact counterparts, the HP DesignJet T600 Printer series is made up of 30% recycled plastic, helping to reach HP’s goal to increase recycled plastic content – well ahead of its 2025 target.

The versatile, sustainable, intelligent HP DesignJet T600 Printer series is available in 24-inch and 36-inch models. With its premium print engine, it can print a sheet of A1 media in as little as 25 seconds. From set-up to picking up the print job, they are up to 2x faster than their competitors.

HP DesignJet Studio

For design professionals, set up and style of their workplace is a statement about themselves. With a sleek white facia and wood or steel finish, the HP DesignJet Studio Printer series delivers a high-performance experience for design professionals and is uniquely designed without ever compromising on speed, quality or ease of use.

At the intersection of performance and design, the HP DesignJet Studio printer is for creative professionals who need a large-format printer that fits seamlessly into the carefully crafted space of their client-facing workplace, all the while ensuring to keep up with the varied demands of the clients themselves.

Highly sensitive to issues of sustainability, the HP DesignJet Studio Printer series is CarbonNeutral® certified in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. It covers lifecycle emissions due to raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use of HP printers, Original HP supplies, and paper, and end of service.

In addition to this, these printers support multi-size workflows as default, come equipped with HP Click one-click printing software, and possess the ability to commence a job from any connected device with the HP Smart App.

About HP Inc.

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at www.hp.com.

Framing a photo with a mat puts a clear focus on the image. In combination with the right frame, you can create a real eye-catcher with your photo or artwork. In some cases, using a mat is not a question of aesthetics but pure necessity because the glass cannot get in direct contact with the art. This is for example true for pastel or charcoal drawings. If you were to frame such art pieces without a mat, the glass could cause damage to them. Using a thick cardboard mat separates the artwork and the glass. An additional advantage is that a mat regulates the moisture with the framing by absorbing it and this protecting the art piece.

Which tape to use?

To fix an art piece correctly behind the mat, you can use self-adhesive tapes. These tapes make sure that the picture stays neatly put behind the mat. The choice of tape depends on the artwork or photo to be framed. The weight and material of the piece determine which tape is suited best.

Regardless of which tape you choose, it is good to know that the following tapes have all passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAS) according to ISO 18916. They are, therefore, safe to use in combination with your artwork and photos, and will not negatively affect them over time.

Filmoplast P

Filmoplast P is used to mount art prints and reproductions of very thin paper to a matt. The practical dispenser packaging, featuring a cutting knife, makes it very easy to handle. The adhesive does not need to be moistened. With its calcium carbonate-buffered adhesive, Filmoplast P offers a slightly alkaline environment, which provides excellent absorption of the acids released from the paper and thus prevents damage. Thanks to its very thin carrier material, Filmoplast P is almost invisible after application. The thin and transparent paper is best suited for smaller pieces of art.

Filmoplast P90

Filmoplast P90 is made of tear-resistant special paper and is therefore used to fix heavier artworks (art prints, reproductions or originals) to a mat. There is no need to moisten the adhesive. Just like Filmoplast P, Filmoplast P90 is not only acid-free, but also slightly alkaline to adapt to the aging process of paper.

Filmoplast P90 plus

Thanks to its extra adhesive strength and strong tear-resistant, Filmoplast P90 plus is excellent for attaching heavier images, photos and prints to a mat or backing board and is also suited for dust-free sealing of backing boards. Just like its predecessors, Filmoplast P90 plus is acid-free, white and tear-resistant.

Matting a picture frame in 5 simple steps

Now that the choice of tape has been made, the mounting of the image behind the mat can begin.

1. Apply the Filmoplast tape approx 2.5cm away from the edge and with 0.5cm overlapping the top edge of the artwork or photo to be mounted.  This is done on both the top left and top right edge.
2. Turn the medium so that the adhesive side of the tape points upwards.
3. Place the medium in the middle onto the backing board behind the window of the mat and press firmly.
4. Open the mat again and secure it with another strip of Filmoplast P, P90 or P90 plus over the existing strip on the backing board.  This will create a so-called T-hinge.
5. Press the two T-hinges firmly.  The image is now attached behind the mat.

Applying the mat on the backing board

Filmoplast SH is used to create the so-called "hinge.  The hinge refers to the connection of the backing board and the mat, which is created by a particularly flexible and elastic tape.  Filmoplast SH is made of a textile fabric and, therefore, very tear-resistant.   Additionally, it is acid- free and environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable. The coated adhesive is free of solvents, acids and phthalates and is resistant to ageing, does not yellow and is permanently elastic.

1. Place the mat's top edge against the top edge of the backing board. Leave a gap of approx. 1 mm between the mat and the backing board.
2. Attach the two materials to the opening with a strip of Filmoplast SH or Filmoplast P 90 plus to create the hinge. Note: the adhesive strip should be approx. 4 cm shorter than the mat.

For light to medium weight materials, we recommend the use of Filmoplast P 90 plus. For particularly heavy and thick materials (e.g. a double mat), we recommend Filmoplast SH.

Sealing the frame with Filmoplast T

As a finishing touch, Filmoplast T is used for dust-proof sealing on the back of the frame, protecting the artwork from dirt and dust.