Gitex Technology Week which was concluded recently at Dubai’s world trade centre attracted the usual IT aficionados from across the region and beyond. According to the organizers 138,000 industry visitors from more than 144 countries over the 5 days flooded the halls of Dubai World Trade Center and they were welcomed by an audience of regional and international industry leaders.
A printer Friendly Gitex
This year Gitex was more printer friendly than previous years. Companies such as HP, Epson, OKI and others showcased a wide range of new printers. Meanwhile Jacky’s stand proved to be a real crowed puller. The reason? New 3D printing technology that is set to take the world by storm.
“GITEX 2013 is the first public event where we are showing our 3D printers,” says Ashish Panjabi Chief Operating Officer. “We are working with a company called Stratasys, the largest manufacturer of 3D printers in the world and we are targeting the commercial and industrial segments.” According to Panjabi as far as applications is concerned the sky’s the limit for 3D Printers. “From health care to automotive industry 3D printers are becoming a part of manufacturing process. You can print spare parts, artificial teeth, and ultimately anything you want,” Observes Panjabi. Additive manufacturing (3D Printing is the future according to Panjabi. Also several demo models that were printed by 3D printers were on display at the Jacky’s stand.
HP also used Gitex as a platform to introduce a raft of new printers including world’s fastest desk top printer
Fastest desk top printer in the world
Officejet Pro X576dw Multifunction, certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s fastest desktop printer, produces quality prints with Original HP inks
Using HP PageWide Technology, HP Officejet Pro X Series desktop printers and MFPs deliver up to twice the speed at up to half the printing cost compared with color laser printers. The printers could print up to 70 pages per minute in General Office quality mode.
HP claims Officejet Pro printers provide faster printing speeds which combined with workflow management solutions, reduce time wasted waiting for documents, increasing productivity. They are also more cost-effective.
Kodak’s new spin off at the show
The other major graphic arts manufacturer in Gitex was Kodak Alaris. Recently the U.K. Kodak Pension Plan (KPP) has completed its acquisition of the Kodak Personalized Imaging and Document Imaging businesses from Eastman Kodak Company and created a new company, which is now known as Kodak Alaris. The new company and its name preserve the heritage and legacy of the Kodak brand, while embodying greater speed and agility to meet market needs and changes. Kodak Alaris, which has a perpetual license to use the Kodak brand, will focus on strategic, ongoing investments for these businesses to ensure long-term growth and success.
in an interview with ME Printer David whitton Kodak Alaris Cluster Manager said that Gitex has always been important to Kodak.” This year the quality of visitors is higher than quantity. We have a very good business in the Middle East that’s why we have already recruited two more people for our Middle East operation. This year we are highlighting our low volume scanners that are very popular in the Middle East. Their maximum speed is around 50 pages per minute. We are also showcasing our high end scanners as well as capturing software. Middle East is a lucrative markets for us. The e-government strategy that is followed by many governments in GCC countries is a natural fit our technolgy. Many government institutions in GCC countries are using our technology for digitization of documents “.
Direct to Garment technology
Epson’s major technology demonstration without a doubt was SureColor SC-F2000 printer, the company’s first direct-to-garment t-shirt printer. According to the company the printer offers high performance with low maintenance and running costs. It is well suited for small and medium print businesses looking to produce customized designs on t-shirts, caps and bags up to 25mm thick. The printer comes with Epson’s Garment Creator software, which includes a cost calculation function. Featuring Epson’s durable TFP printhead, the printer is also capable of printing a single white t-shirt in 27 seconds when using dual colour mode and a dark colored t-shirts in 111 seconds, using white and colour ink, so production is quick without sacrificing print quality.
Printing is the new attraction at Gitex
Gitex once again proved to be the most sought after IT show in the region. However printing technology is finding a strong foothold in Gitex. The digital printing and its unlimited applications are becoming more and more popular for the visitors. Printing industry is poised to become a major attraction in future Gitex shows.
