Masterpiece Graphix

Fenton, MO June 25, 2012 –

HEADLINE:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) has been announced as a distributor for Michelman primer, indicator, and cleaning solution for the HP Indigo 6000 and 6600 in-line priming unit. Now MGX can provide end-to-end solutions for the HP Indigo in-line priming unit, including primer and print-ready substrates.

FULL STORY:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) is now a distributor for Michelman in-line primer products for the HP Indigo 6000 and 6600. Now MGX can provide end-to-end solutions for all HP Indigo presses, including those furnished with an in-line priming unit. MGX will provide three Michelman products as a part of their distributorship agreement: Michem® In-Line Primer 030, Michem® Clean 1188, and Michem® Indicator 001.

Michem® In-Line Primer 030 (MGX-1669) applies a print-receptive surface to paper substrates via the in-line priming unit, improving the ink transfer and adhesion of HP Indigo Electroinks. The primer improves the printability of a wide range of paper substrates, both uncoated and clay-coated papers in varying weights and thicknesses. Pressure-sensitive paper-face stocks, including textured papers, are also optimized by the HP Indigo 6000 and 6600 in-line priming unit.

Michem® Clean 1188 (MGX-1670) is the recommended cleaning solution for Michem® In-Line Primer solutions. The cleaner is added to the cleaning tank of the in-line priming unit.

Michem® Indicator 001 (MGX-1671) is an indication solution that detects the presence of Michem® In-Line Primer treatment on dry coated substrates. The indicator will change from blue to yellow on dry substrates that have been treated with Michem® In-Line Primer coatings.

Digital press users can contact MGX to for pricing and ordering options on Michem® In-Line Primer products. Interested users can call 636.349.6401 x225, or email sales@mgxdigital.com for more information.

For additional information, material images, or samples, please contact:

About Masterpiece Graphix:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) is the premier digital substrate manufacturer and functional coating provider, providing solutions for digital press users and converting operations. As the first and only HP-Certified Indigo Treatment Center established in North America, Masterpiece Graphix has successfully treated hundreds of digital sheet and roll materials for the HP Indigo press. Masterpiece Graphix offers turnkey, ready-to-run digital material solutions for HP Indigo, Xeikon, EFI Jetrion, Kodak Nexpress, Memjet RapidX, and Xerox iGen digital presses, as well as solutions for other digital press technologies, flexo and offset machines. As a digital material manufacturer and treatment center, MGX is a one-stop-shop for all traditional commodity stocks and exotic materials, opening up new revenue opportunities for digital press users.

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Pre-Dscoop and Drupa, HP Indigo has been abuzz with announcements of a new digital press format that rivals offset capabilities. The HP Indigo 10000 offers a B2 (29.5×20.9˝)) sheet size,

blazing print speeds, and even faster production in Enhanced Productivity mode (EPM). In addition, HP has released two other new press models, including the HP Indigo 20000 continuous-feed (29˝ wide with 21.6˝ to 44˝ repeats) model designed for flexible packaging, and the HP Indigo 30000 B2 sheetfed press for folding cartons, supporting substrates up to 24 pt.

HP isn’t the only company releasing new B2 digital machines at this year’s Drupa. Other companies like Landa Corp., Ryobi, Fujifilm, Screen, and MGI all plan to showcase new B2 models in Germany this year.  Masterpiece Graphix is ready to take on this new digital sensation with new B2 sheet capabilities. MGX is currently capable of servicing new HP Indigo B2 press model installs, and other B2 digital press technologies emerging in the marketplace.

Masterpiece Graphix is ready to take on this new digital sensation with new B2 sheet capabilities. MGX is currently capable of servicing new HP Indigo B2 press model installs, and other B2 digital press technologies emerging in the marketplace.

If you plan on upgrading or moving toward a B2 model, rest assured that MGX will be able to take their years of industry expertise to supply sheet materials for your new press purchase. Masterpiece Graphix sheet division has the capability to supply, synthetics, plastics, exotic and specialized sheet materials.

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) has partnered with Convertible Solutions to create a new solution for super thick digital printing applications: Masterpiece MAX Impact REVEAL sheets, from Masterpiece Graphix, allow digital printers to produce 24 mils thick cards that contain a pull-away tab, revealing a QR code or other hidden message.  Using a clever adhesive system, this product is offered as a Masterpiece MAX Impact product, a new lineup of innovative digital-ready double thick stocks from MGX and Convertible Solutions. These unique preconverted materials are available for the HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, Xerox iGen, as well as other digital press models.

Each sheet of Masterpiece Max Impact REVEAL material is actually 12 mils thick with a specialized no tack adhesive on the back of the sheet and a score down the center. Both sides of your design are printed on the front of the sheet. When folded at the score with a typical bindery folder, the front and back lock together when cut on a guillotine cutter to create an impressive 24 mil card, with a hidden portal for a QR code, message, or sweepstakes promotion. After printing, the sheets can be UV coated to add gloss and protection, or a thin protective lamination layer can be added to make the card thicker and more durable.

Masterpiece Max Impact REVEAL Sheets are designed for digital printers that want to combine a hidden QR code or message with the tactile impact of an extremely thick, and therefore more impactful, postcard. The portal of the Masterpiece Max Impact REVEAL sheets could contain a sweepstakes entry, QR code, contact information, or another creative marketing approach. In conjunction with digital press variable data technology, Masterpiece Reveal Sheets can be used to create a variety of high-impact direct mail pieces, garnering higher response rates than traditional postcards.

“QR codes are only one application for the portal,” adds David Williams, director of business development at Convertible Solutions. “The hidden area can be used to create a sense of mystery, encourage engagement with the mailing, or present a special offer in a playful way.”

As you may have heard, MGX has partnered with Convertible Solutions to offer a unique lineup of preconverted digital-ready substrates, Masterpiece MAX Impact Stocks. This new line of materials includes Masterpiece Max Impact REVEAL sheets, and allows digital printers to create high-quality 24, 30 or 36 mil cardstock products on the HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, Xerox iGen, as well as other digital press models. Double Thick Masterpiece MAX Impact Stocks can be utilized to easily create double thick commercial print products like flyers, folding cards, postcards, membership cards, various envelope configurations, sweepstakes packets, and other digital press projects.

Masterpiece Graphix MAX Impact Stock face material is HP Indigo-certified, and its current construction with adhesive system is pending certification. Options are also available for digital roll-fed presses.

For more information on Masterpiece Max Impact REVEAL sheets, or the entire lineup of Masterpiece MAX Impact Stocks, please contact your MGX Digital Material Expert, or email the Masterpiece Graphix sales team.

Are you finding yourself printing on your expensive, mainstay stocks in order to calibrate your HP Indigo roll press? Would you like to utilize the same trusted standard that HP Indigo has used to keep their onsite show demo machines running flawless and trouble-free? Look no further than Masterpiece Premium 100# Gloss Calibration Paper (R1341). This 100# gloss text weight paper not only offers stability and consistency for calibrating your HP Indigo, it also is a versatile stock paper useful for a variety of press projects.

Masterpiece Premium 100# Gloss Calibration paper is a foolproof setup stock, essential for troubleshooting color and registration calibration on the HP Indigo. Glossy 100# calibration paper is recommended by HP to perform correct calibration using the Indigo’s densitometer. An industry benchmark, Masterpiece Premium 100# Gloss Calibration Paper is HP Certified for use on the WS6000, and is an excellent choice for flawless HP Indigo roll press setup and calibration.

HP Indigo has used R1341 to calibrate their demo presses at industry trade shows like Dscoop and Label Expo. Masterpiece Graphix customers trust this versatile setup paper to effectively calibrate their Indigo for easy and worry-free setup. Using setup paper is a more consistent and less expensive alternative to utilizing your costly BOPPs and pressure-sensitive stocks for fixing press issues. With Masterpiece Premium Setup Paper, you can save your expensive stocks for printing jobs, and utilize a less expensive and simple-to-run stock to calibrate your digital press.

In addition, Masterpiece Premium 100# Gloss Calibration Paper is an excellent choice for everyday print projects. It’s an easy-to-run stock, and since it’s a calibration paper, you can rest assured that your job will print with flawless results. Use it to produce books, unsupported labels, and other projects for trouble-free printing.

Masterpiece Premium 100# Gloss Calibration Paper (R1341) is stocked in our St. Louis facility in 12” wide rolls, and is also available in custom widths and lengths to fit your press needs and budget.  For more information on our HP-Certified setup paper, download a spec sheet, talk to your MGX digital expert, or email the sales team.

Fenton, MO October 12, 2011 –

HEADLINE:

Masterpiece Graphix has partnered with Convertible Solutions to create a new solution for super thick digital printing applications: MAX Impact Stocks, from Masterpiece Graphix, allow 24, 30 and 36 mils thick products to be made on the HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, Xerox iGen, as well as other digital press models. Using a clever adhesive system, this new lineup of innovative digital-ready materials allow digital printers to create high-quality MAX Impact products not previously available.

FULL STORY:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX), a digital material manufacturer and treatment center, has partnered with Convertible Solutions to introduce a lineup of innovative preconverted digital-ready specialty substrates. This new line of materials includes Masterpiece Graphix MAX Impact Stocks, which allow digital printers to create high-quality double-thick cardstock products up to 36 mils thick on the HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, Xerox iGen, as well as other digital press models. This technology can be utilized to create other double-thick commercial print products like hang tags, business cards, and other digital press projects. This relationship also broadens access to other digital preconverted options for postcards/mailers, membership cards, various envelope configurations, sweepstakes packets, and other digital press projects.

Each sheet of MGX MAX Impact Stock is actually 12, 15, or 18 mils thick, with a specialized no tack adhesive on the back of the sheet and a score down the center. Both sides of your design are printed on the front of the sheet. When folded at the score with a typical bindery folder, the front and back lock together when cut on a guillotine cutter to create an impressive 24, 30, or 36 mil card. After printing, the sheets can be UV coated to add gloss and protection, or add a thin protective lamination layer to make the card thicker and more durable. Masterpiece Graphix MAX Impact Stock face material is HP Indigo-certified, and is currently pending certification with its glue combination. Options are also available for digital roll-fed presses.

Masterpiece Graphix MAX Impact Stocks are designed for printers and direct marketing companies that want to combine variable data or short run printing with the tactile impact of an extremely thick, and therefore more impactful, postcard. The same technology can be utilized to create other double-thick commercial print products like hang tags, business cards, and other commercial press projects.

“Direct mail is an essential part of any effective multichannel marketing campaign,” explains David Williams, Director of Business Development at Convertible Solutions. “A well designed mail campaign can work on its own or in conjunction with email marketing, personalized URLs, mobile marketing and QR codes to dramatically increase response rates.”

“Postcards are one of the simplest and most effective forms of direct mail,” according to Convertible’s Director, George Fry. “Thicker postcards stand out and have higher response rates than thinner cards, but producing a personalized postcard on a thick stock has been difficult. The digital presses required for short run or variable data printing did not work well with such heavy stock.”

“This is a perfect marriage of technologies,” explains Doug Watson, CEO of Masterpiece Graphix. “ Combining the visual impact and durability of our specialty substrates with Convertible’s unique design and converting capability will give printers and direct marketers new ways to make projects stand out.”

This agreement also gives MGX customers access to other digital paper-based products powered by Convertible Solutions preconverting technology. This includes double thick cardstock options, as well as product options for membership cards, various envelope configurations, sweepstakes packets, and other commercial press projects.

For additional information, please contact:

About Masterpiece Graphix:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) is the premier digital substrate manufacturer, providing solutions for liquid toner, dry toner, and inkjet digital press technologies. As the first and only HP-Certified Indigo Treatment Center established in North America, Masterpiece Graphix has successfully treated hundreds of digital sheet and roll materials for the HP Indigo press. Masterpiece Graphix offers turnkey, ready-to-run digital material solutions for HP Indigo, Xeikon, EFI Jetrion, Kodak Nexpress, Memjet RapidX, and Xerox iGen digital presses, as well as solutions for other digital press technologies. As a digital material manufacturer and treatment center, MGX is a one-stop-shop for all traditional commodity stocks and exotic materials, opening up new revenue opportunities for digital press users.

About Convertible Solutions:

Convertible Solutions is a subsidiary of Inter-State Studio and Publishing Company. In addition to the Double Thick Impact Cards, the company makes a full line of pre-converted stocks for envelopes, mailers and presentation folders. More information is available at www.ConvertibleSolutions.com.

Would you like to be able to print 24, 30, and 36 mil cards on your digital sheet press? Everyone knows your press capabilities limit you to only 18 mil and thinner stocks!

PROBLEM SOLVED: MGX is offering a revolutionary digital product that allows you to produce double thick cardstock projects: Masterpiece Premium MAX Impact Stock. This innovative MAX Impact solution creates a finished piece that is twice the thickness of a typical “thick” postcard, and is compatible with HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, OKI Data Engine, Memjet, and Xerox iGen digital press technology.

Imagine going to your best customer with hang tags, loyalty cards, postcards, retail tags, greeting cards, gift cards, business cards, and other commercial press projects that are more impactful and higher quality due to the thickness of the stock.

You’re probably wondering how you can produce all of these thicknesses on a digital press, when the maximum thickness you can run may be only 18 mil or less…read on to find out how.

Each sheet of MAX Impact Stock is actually 12, 15, or 18 mils thick, with a specialized no tack adhesive on the back of the sheet and a score down the center. Both sides of your design are printed on the front of the sheet. When folded at the score with a typical bindery folder, the front and back lock together when cut on a guillotine cutter to create an impressive 24, 30, or 36 mil card. After printing, the sheets can be UV coated to add gloss and protection, or add a thin protective lamination layer to make the card thicker and more durable.

Masterpiece Premium MAX Impact Stock is compatible with a wide variety of liquid toner, dry toner, and inkjet digital presses. Other digital press models may also be compatible, but we recommend testing the stock first to evaluate compatibility with your particular press. Now you can create impressive digital postcards on extra-thick stocks, for more impact and responses when combined with your digital press’s variable data options.

As an example, if you were making postcards with Masterpiece Premium MAX Impact Stock, the material could be trimmed into several postcard sizes: 4 cards at 4.125 x 5.5 inches, 2 cards at 5.75 x 8 inches or one very impressive card at 8.5 x 11 inches. With these options, your digital press can produce other impressive double thick cardstock projects. Max Impact face material is HP Indigo-certified, and is currently pending certification with its glue combination. Options are also available for your roll press as well.

For pricing and additional information on Masterpiece Premium Double Thick Card Stock options, please contact your MGX sales rep or email the sales team.

HP Indigo digital printing technology is well-suited to digital photo production, and is gaining popularity in the digital photofinishing industry. Photo-specialty printing is one of HP Indigo’s fastest growing markets, with a 30% year-over-year increase for new HP Indigo press placements in photo specialty applications in 2009. In addition, HP Indio saw a 40% year-over-year increase in photo specialty page output during the photo industry’s peak-production season, October 1 to December 31.  Applications for photo specialty products are endless, and more products are hitting the marketplace all the time. Some possibilities include photo books, accordion folders, high-end cards, photo prints, and wall graphics.

Digital technology has “caught up” with traditional silver halide photo production: the HP Indigo can now offer archival-quality printing options, small runs, and inline finishing options. A print permanence study by Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR), the respected industry authority on digital print longevity, gave HP Indigo pages printed on a gloss stock a WIR Permanence Rating of approximately 45 years, which outperforms the best silver halide paper on the market. The study also shows that HP Indigo photo book prints received a WIR Album/Dark storage rating of greater than 100 years.

To meet this exploding demand, HP has developed several flagship solutions specifically for the photo production industry. Many HP Indigo users are currently utilizing the HP Indigo WS6000, 5000, 5500, 7000 and 7500 to produce photo-specialty products. In addition, the HP Indigo 7200 offers improved color management and consistency specifically for high-volume printing of photo-specialty products like photo books. This digital sheet press offers blazing-fast production speeds of 240 four-color letter-size pages per minute, and volumes of up to 7.5 million pages per month. Other features include linked color management utilities and optional finishing systems for inline cutting; offset stacking of book blocks, and lamination.  Dry toner presses like the Xerox iGen and Kodak Nexpress also are capable of producing photo specialty products like books, prints, and cards.

If you are looking to integrate photographic products into your press offerings, Masterpiece Graphix can help with substrate selection, production consulting, and product development. Digital printers that desire a traditional high-gloss paper or cardstock product can achieve this by applying a UV or high-gloss laminate over the printed stock. These finishing options also add longevity to the print. If you are looking for a unique, luxurious look, MGX can also supply textured roll or sheet substrates that mimic the look of canvas, cloth, linen, metal, or vellum. Any substrate can be varnished or laminated to add durability and permanence to the printed product, or printed without a finishing solution to create more cost-effective option.

The possibilities for photo production are anything but limited to card and paper substrates. Emerging technologies include fabrics and pressure-sensitive stickers and wall graphics. Your Masterpiece Graphix sales rep can help you source and treat the digital materials you need for your specific photo application, whether it’s a traditional or off-the-wall product. For more information on all of our photo production substrate solution, please contact your MGX sales rep or email the sales team.

As you may know, Masterpiece Graphix currently stocks nearly thirty turnkey, ready-to-run sheet solutions for HP Indigo sheet press users, as well as multiple in-stock materials for the Xerox iGen and Kodak Nexpress. But did you know that MGX can also provide custom treatment solutions tailored to your digital press and application? Many digital sheet press users come to Masterpiece Graphix for a specific stock they can’t get digital-ready anywhere else. In addition, MGX can get a tricky digital-ready substrate to pass the most rigorous requirements, source a hard to find material, or even toll-coat your supplied stock. Masterpiece Graphix can even help you pursue HP Indigo certification for any stock you request.

Time and time again, digital press users have asked MGX to solve complex treatment issues that adhere to strict testing standards on the material they desire. One example is a high-end custom photo book printer that utilizes the HP Indigo 5500. The printer was utilizing an untreated high-quality 100# cover matte stock for producing their matte photo books.

The production team was experiencing issues with ink adhesion on the uncoated stock: The books sell at a high price point, so the company expected the printed material to pass more rigorous requirements than a standard book manufacturer. The printer opted to not overlaminate the pages because the beautiful texture and appearance of the matte stock would be compromised. When printed, the uncoated substrate would exhibit fish eyes and flaking on the scoring lines as well as poor tape test results. The company tried treating the stock in-house, but the treated stock would yellow over time, and the issues with fisheyes and poor ink adhesion still remained.

The frustrated digital department took their desired matte stock to Masterpiece Graphix so our team of treatment experts could find a solution that would fit their needs.   Masterpiece treated the stock and sent it back to the photo book printer for review. In their thorough test procedures, the material treated by Masterpiece Graphix outperformed both their uncoated material and the in-house treated stock, passing very aggressive humidity and tape tests. In addition, the MGX material exhibited none of the fish eyes or scoring issues that was inherent of the other stocks.

Masterpiece Graphix has several options for sheet customers who desire a custom product. MGX can help you select, trial and even certify a product for the digital press of your choice. If you have a desired stock in-house, send it to MGX to be custom treated for your application. Do you need help sourcing and securing a hard-to-find stock at a fair price? Call Masterpiece Graphix! We have relationships with all the major suppliers and can help source and treat your material on one purchase order. MGX can even supply custom stocking options to keep your pressroom floor clear, and ship material so it arrives just in time for your big job. For more information on Masterpiece Graphix custom sheet material options or stocking programs, contact your MGX sales rep or email the sales team.

Digital technology was at the forefront at Graph Expo 2010 October 3-6 in Chicago,

Illinois. Many digital press manufacturers like HP Indigo, Kodak, Xerox, Kip, Ricoh, Fugifilm, Oce, and EFI Jetrion showcased their newest technology. Masterpiece Graphix staff were on hand at the show, connecting with clients and learning about the newest innovations in digital press technology.

Color Logic & Xeikon

Color Logic, in conjunction with Xeikon, showcased their Process Metallic Color System™ in conjunction with the Xeikon 3000 digital press. Color Logic’s booth distributed printed samples of MGX’s Xeikon-Authorized Brilliant Metalized Paper/Perm/40# (R1361), which were printed using Color Logic’s metalized printing software.

EFI Jetrion

EFI’s booth showcased the EFI Jetrion 4380 UV inkjet digital press. MGX is a supplier partner for the EFI Jetrion, providing semigloss and gloss paper solutions for the digital press. MGX provided EFI with Jetrion-certified 54# Semigloss/Perm/40# (R1338), which ran on the EFI Jetrion 4380 demo machine throughout the duration of Graph Expo.

Digital on Center Stage…Where was Offset?

One notable point at the show was the lack of traditional offset machines; missing from this year’s Graph Expo were offset giants Heidelburg and Komori, who both pulled their booth reservations for the show. Offset press manufacturers KBA, Manroland and AGFA did exhibit, but did not showcase any traditional offset equipment.

2010’s Graph Expo was definitely a digital press show: the plethora of digital technology was very apparent to show attendees, especially inkjet technology. HP showcased their new HP T350 inkjet press, as well as the rest of their digital technology as the flagship display at this year’s Graph Expo. Ricoh had their InfoPrint 5000 family of presses. Screen and Fujifilm also exhibited their newest inkjet technology. Dry toner digital technology was also big at this Graph Expo. Kip displayed their Color 80 wide-format toner press, and both Kodak Nexpress and Xerox iGen showcased new machines with a larger maximum sheet size than previous models.

On September 14-16, the label and packaging industry gathered in Chicago, IL to share, learn and demonstrate the latest in offset and digital press technology at Label Expo 2010.  Masterpiece Graphix was on hand throughout the conference, meeting with clients, watching demonstrations and learning about the latest digital technology in the label industry. You could find MGX products and services in action at several events and booths throughout this year’s Label Expo.

HP Indigo Label & Packaging Awards:

As an HP Indigo Media Partner and the only HP Certified Treatment Center for HP Indigo in North America, Masterpiece Graphix offers HP-Indigo certified materials and custom material solutions. Masterpiece Graphix provided several rolls of HP Indigo-certified stock that ran on the WS6000 demo machine throughout Label Expo. One featured MGX material was Masterpiece Premium 18 pt. C1S Board Stock (R1275). This HP Indigo-certified substrate was requested by HP to run on the WS6000 during the show. The printed rolls were then finished by AB Graphic, who die cut the material into small boxes.

One highlight of the HP Indigo display was the long wall of labels and packaging samples that were nominated for the 2010 HP Indigo Label & Packaging Awards. This wall along the back of the HP Indigo booth showcased the beautifully-produced labels competing for awards in several categories of the 2010 HP Indigo Global Awards Competition. On Wednesday, September 15, HP hosted an awards banquet, and announced eleven companies as winners. Several MGX clients were nominated for awards. One Masterpiece Graphix customer, Dion Label Printing, located in Westfield, MA, won two HP Indigo Global Awards in the food and neutraceutical categories. Dion Label Printing’s Hay River Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil label, awarded best-in-category for food, was printed on MGX pressure-sensitive 2 mil silver metalized BOPP.

Metalized Substrate Solutions For Xeikon:

Recently, Masterpiece Graphix partnered with Xeikon to offer metalized substrate solutions for the Xeikon press series. As a supplier partner with Xeikon, MGX materials were on the Xeikon 3500 demo machine all day Thursday, along with September 16 at Label Expo. Xeikon and MGX showcased MGX’s Xeikon-authorized MGX Brilliant Metalized Paper/Perm/40# (R1361), as well as other Xeikon-ready metalized materials from Masterpiece Graphix. Xeikon displayed MGX signage and material samples all day on Thursday, September 16 in front of the new Xeikon 3500 roll press at their Label Expo booth.

EFI Jetrion & The Label Expo Technology Workshop:

MGX is an EFI Jetrion partner, supplying high-performance semigloss and gloss papers engineered for the EFI Jetrion UV inkjet digital press. EFI Jetrion printed a label job on MGX-treated high gloss pressure-sensitive label stock as part of the Label Expo Technology Workshop Food Label print demonstration. The Label Expo Technology Workshop showcased four different printing technologies from HP Indigo, EFI Jetrion, Xeikon and Nilpeter, all running the same job at once. This unique press demonstration allowed attendees to compare print quality and performance across the board. The EFI Jetrion food label job was produced on 60# pressure sensitive semigloss that was optimized specifically for the Jetrion print demonstration by Masterpiece Graphix.