New product launches proved the main attraction on a busy opening day at the Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI) exhibition at Dubai Airport Expo on Monday.

The exhibition opened to a strong show of business optimism as exhibitors from across the region and globally used SGI as a platform for unveiling a series of new to market product lines, said a statement from International Expo-Consults (IEC), the event organisers.

“We had a phenomenal first day at SGI. The show floor offers an impressive array of the very latest product innovations to hit the market and we are confident that the following days will see plenty of business being done.  Visitor numbers are up and exhibitors are confident of signing deals,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, IEC chairman.

AGFA Graphics, one of the largest exhibitors at the show and the platinum sponsor of the SGI Awards 2011, made the global launch of its new Jeti 3348 HSS wide-format roll-to-roll printer at the show on Monday.

The Jeti 3348 HSS integrates the company's revolutionary new TurbTech drying technology. Jeti 3348 HSS produces vibrant colours and durable results for interior and exterior applications.

It has been refined with the addition of a special back-lit option, which enables printing on both sides of the media, delivering brilliant backlit signage. 

Agfa also launched its Jeti 1224 HDC. Built on a steel platform designed for three shift operations, the Jeti 1224 UV HDC features a linear motor driven vacuum bed for highly accurate dot placement in both flat bed mode or with the optional roll-to-roll feature.

Altech Digital of Dubai unveiled the new INTEC CP2020 on the opening day, said Falaknaz.

'Specially designed to cope with heavy stock, the new INTEC CP2020 can print on media up to 512 gsm, and on special coated media, such as magnetic media, greeting cards, envelopes, thick packaging media, polyester CTP plates, film positives, MCR sets, labels, posters and banners, and t-shirts and textile transfer paper.'

AT Inks, based in India but with operations in the UAE, launched its Xaar Proton and Xaar Electron printheads at the show. Both models can be used in the production of indoor and outdoor graphics printed on a variety of materials, including paper, PVC, film, mesh fabrics and vinyl.

Saudi Arabia's Question Mark Est, which represents Chemica of France, launched its Easyweeding product at the show. Easyweeding is a polyurethane material for heat transfer and is a very stretchable product, ideal for many applications.

Chemica offers Easyweeding in 20 colours at present, with more to follow. The product is Oeko-Tex class 1 certified, making it safe for use even in locations used by children.

Honaz, a free zone company from Dubai, is using this week’s SGI exhibition to promote the latest Konica wide format printers and a range of spare parts.

Honaz is now providing spare parts for Roland, Mimaki, Mutoh and Seiko/HP printers. Parts include printheads, dampers, filters, motors, boards, tubes and much more.

The local company is also showcasing the new Copytrax DaVinci CD/DVD Printer - a high-speed six-colour CD/DVD inkjet printer. It has high throughput, is both Mac and PC compatible, and has refillable ink tanks, which makes it very cost effective.

Satbir is promoting two new to market product launches at SGI. The UAE-based company is exhibiting the new KPMF range of VWS-I series in matte colours. These are special colour vinyls for use in vehicle wraps.

Satbir is also showcasing the new STC Glass Projection Film. This film can be applied to glass windows and doors and an advertisement or image can then be projected onto the glass with as good a picture quality as a plasma screen.

This week’s exhibition will showcase the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of advertising, architectural hardware, banners & posters, digital imaging, electronic message centres, electronic signage, graphic imaging, graphic services, large format printing and signage.-TradeArabia News Service