Latest news with #PRISMA
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Canon Extends Colorado Soft Signage Capabilities and Arizona Warranty
Reflecting Canon's ( commitment to support print service providers to develop their business and productivity via technology developments based on customer feedback and building on the global success of its large format graphics platforms, Canon announces further updates to both its Colorado and Arizona product families. The developments to the Colorado M-series 1.6m roll-to-roll printer with Canon UVgel ink expands its application range with increased support for soft signage and thicker media, while the Arizona platform now comes with a standard two-year manufacturer's warranty. Complementing these updates are the latest releases of PRISMAguide XL 3.5 and PRISMAelevate XL 2.2, which are both part of the PRISMA XL Suite of workflow solutions and further enhance the productivity and creative versatility of the platforms. Colorado Updates For print service providers already in or looking to enter the growing soft signage segment in the retail market, Canon has made the challenging process of loading rolls of these media types into the Colorado much easier, reducing loading time by more than two-thirds, down to approximately three minutes. This new software upgrade guides operators via the user interface step by step through the media loading process, ensuring the media is perfectly flat and properly positioned, preventing damage to either the printer or the media and improving the quality of the final output. Two new print modes – Matte Density (two layers) and Backlit High Density (three layers) – specifically designed for soft signage applications enable printing in multiple ink layers, delivering superior results for backlit applications such as silicon edge graphics widely used in retail environments. These new print modes ensure precise light control and blocking, creating higher density images without unsightly light bleed, adding to the already significant benefits of UVgel: high-quality, stretchable, scratch-resistant, and odourless output with a matte, gloss or even mixed matte and gloss finish, thanks to FLXfinish+. Significantly expanding the range of materials that can be used for interior décor and wall covering applications, Colorado M-series customers will now also have the ability to print on roll-to-roll media up to 1.6mm thick – double the thickness previously printable. An updated Magnetic Media Kit, enabling the Colorado M-series to print on stronger magnetic media for car magnets, for example, is also available. Canon is also introducing productivity enhancements for the Colorado M-series, such as defining the wake-up temperature setting that preheats the printer, eliminating the need for the operator to wait for the printer to be ready. Other new enhancements are specific to the Colorado's highly productive UVgel Factory configurations: a new Input/Output interface, which links the printer with inline finishing equipment, enables unattended printing by automatically stopping production if an issue arises with either the printer or the finishing equipment. The interface helps to meet tight production deadlines with fewer interruptions and could prevent a substantial waste of valuable media. An additional improvement for UVgel Factory configurations is a light tension bar that ensures perfect tension during the rewinding of printed output, especially important when using jumbo rolls, which can be up to 2,000 metres long. Finally, a new Connectivity Check has been introduced that allows operators to monitor the service system connection through the user interface, so any outage can be quickly repaired. This, in turn, will boost uptime and reduce maintenance requirements, further increasing operator satisfaction1. Already installed by more than 55% of Colorado customers although also available for Arizona printers, PRISMAguide XL ensures first-time-right output for even the most complex applications, excels at handling complex, multi-layer printing, and reduces waste. The new PRISMAguide XL 3.5 introduces more support for Mac OS environments, which is particularly valuable for graphics professionals who generally use Mac systems. New direct links to Canon websites provide quick access to release notes, 'how-to' videos and product information, making it easier for operators to find the resources they need without leaving the application. Making PRISMAguide XL more intuitive and efficient for daily production environments, other usability enhancements streamline common workflows and reduce the number of steps required to complete routine tasks, helping to minimise training time and maximise throughput. The new 'sample files deployment' function, for example, provides direct and convenient access to sample files to practise creating various effects with applications such as FLXture, a five-ink-layer printing technology that adds micro-texture to large format prints for subtle surface detail, copying the luxurious and sensory feel of materials such as wood and leather. Arizona Updates Canon is now offering the Arizona range of flatbed printers with a two-year manufacturer's warranty as standard, providing customers with additional peace of mind and reinforcing Canon's confidence in the reliability of its technology. With a purchase rate for the past year exceeding 50% among Arizona customers, PRISMAelevate XL has become an integral part of the Arizona ecosystem, enabling users to differentiate their offerings with unique elevated applications that command premium pricing in the market. PRISMAelevate XL 2.2 introduces new functionality, including innovative ink-only applications that allow for the creation of unique, media-free printed items. This opens up entirely new creative possibilities for applications such as distinctive business cards, keychains and customised promotional items that stand out from traditional printed products. The new release also enhances elevation printing with the addition of a braille-effect feature. Allowing transparent ink to be printed on top of layers of coloured ink, braille dots up to 1mm in height can be created for braille and ADA signage as well as for materials for the visually impaired, combining both tactile elements and visual information in the same print. PRISMAelevate XL 2.2 also incorporates advanced quality features that further reduce tension in multi-layer prints, ensuring flat output even when creating high elevation structures. This prevents bending or warping often associated with thick ink applications, resulting in more consistent and professional finished products. Mathew Faulkner, Director, Marketing&Innovation, Wide Format Printing Group, Canon EMEA comments: "From its inception, and powered by the unique UVgel technology, the Colorado platform was engineered to deliver exceptional value through a combination of quality, productivity, application versatility, operational efficiency and sustainability. The latest enhancements we're announcing build directly on customer feedback and market insights, allowing us to offer customers a high-quality and high-productivity wide format printer of even greater value. "With these updates, we're making it easier for our customers to enter the high-growth soft signage market while improving overall productivity and uptime. The enhanced textile handling capabilities significantly reduce loading time and prevent media waste, while the new print modes deliver superior quality for backlit applications. Combined with our PRISMAguide XL updates for both the Colorado and Arizona and our PRISMAelevate XL updates for the Arizona, these innovations provide our customers with competitive advantages by expanding their capabilities and helping them to tap into new profitable creative applications and markets. The enhancements we're announcing also build on Canon's modularity and infield upgradability strategy, meaning that, as their businesses grow, customers can upgrade their technology with new features as they become available rather than having to completely replace production printers - a far more sustainable way to get access to technology.' The Colorado enhancements are available as a remote software update for all Colorado M-series printers without requiring hardware changes or service visits. PRISMAguide XL 3.5 and PRISMAelevate XL 2.2 are available as separate software updates. For more information about the Colorado series, please go to: For more information about the Arizona series, please go to: For more information about the PRISMA XL software suite, please go to: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. APO Group - PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei ( – 'living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information:
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Senior care options for at-home help, on a budget
(WSPA) – When you have aging parents who want to stay in their home, it can be a struggle to find care that's affordable. So, 7NEWS Here to Help looked into resources that can ease the burden. While there are many options in the Upstate, this also comes at a time when one key source of free help in the area is now facing its financial crisis. 86-year-old Ginger Bouknight has needed round-the-clock care these last few years, and is grateful to still be in the home she's known for six decades. 'When I came down with Parkinson's and knew that I was going to need some help, we looked into a lot of places and whatnot, but this has been the very best,' Bouknight said. The Simpsonville grandmother uses the at-home service Upstate Living Water. Her caregivers, Sue and Kim, help with everything from meal prep to bathing. Owner Keith Hogancamp explained that clients who need less coverage pay a rate of around $25 an hour. 'If it's a 24-7 client, the rate is usually a little bit cheaper because the caregiver is staying there over a longer period of time,' Hogancamp said. Other Upstate companies that offer at-home care include: Comfort Keepers Home Instead Right at Home Visiting Angels You'll find many more at-home providers online, just be sure to read reviews and get recommendations and call and inquire about pricing for the hours and services you need. Families looking for affordable at-home help can also try reaching out directly to caregivers through resources like where you name your needs and hourly wage, and applicants respond. One other idea is posting jobs at local colleges where students may welcome a job with flexible hours. With these last two options, unlike companies that offer caregivers, you'd be responsible for background checks and home insurance coverage if the caregiver is injured on the job. Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is something families might also want to consider. People over age 55 with health problems qualifying them for nursing home care can enroll in the program at PRISMA, which helps them stay at home. PACE will get them to all of their medical appointments, in essence making PRISMA their Primary Care Provider, their health plan/insurance and covering all things related to medical services. There is also technology-related help. Jubilee TV, for instance, allows you to monitor and video call your elderly relative right through the TV, plus find them shows to watch, all remotely. Seniors can also benefit from features on the Apple Watch that alert family if a user has fallen. As for keeping seniors active, senior centers are a valuable resource and some in the Upstate are free, like the expansive one in Mauldin on Corn Road. 'You do not have to live in the city of Mauldin to come here,' Manager Jeffrey Burris said. He explained the center is funded through municipal and state dollars. The Mauldin Senior Center offers endless activities from workouts to bingo, bridge, poker, pool and a fan favorite, pickleball. Seniors can also request new activities of their choosing and help organize gatherings at the center. Many families would benefit from calling the senior center nearest them to see if their membership is also free. One thing is for sure, there's been an influx of seniors to our area in recent years. Greenville County, alone, now has 88,000, according to the latest American Community Survey. That's more than 30,000 more than 15 years ago, as per the 2010 Census data. And that's why the local Area Agency on Aging that helps seniors in 6 Upstate counties has expanded its services in recent years, until now. The local agency and the other 9 counterparts throughout South Carolina depend on both state and federal dollars. Director Tim Wolmack said cuts in Washington mean their budget has been slashed by more than half. 'It's heartbreaking to have to tell somebody that may not have any kind of support at home or through family or neighbors that we can't help them bathe or have a home delivery meal sent to them, have their yard mown, have a ramp for them to get in and out of their homes. These funding cuts its a snowball effect,' Wolmack said. All ten of these agencies in South Carolina, along with their non-profit partners, have been meeting to address how to move forward with the uncertainty of whether the federal funding will be restored. Now, while the Area Agency on Aging can't take any more clients at this time, it is still a great resource for referrals to low-cost homecare, meal delivery, transportation and adult day care. Meanwhile, seniors facing financial problems of their own are encouraged to seek out non-profits that can offer some relief. Donna Smiley and Sharon Berry run two Spartanburg area charities. Help For Our Elderly provides a store where seniors can take 15 necessities for free each month. 'We try to improve the quality of their life by giving them just the simple basics,' Smiley said. And CHAIN provides at-home support and resources to relieve family caregivers, along with help like building wheelchair ramps and such. And while both non-profits are struggling to get their own donations, they do provide some hope for seniors desperate for the type of help that allows them to age in place with dignity. 'If you can stay in your home do, because it's wonderful to still be able to be in your home,' Boucknight said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Canon demonstrates ‘The Power to Move' and celebrates a decade of production sheetfed Inkjet Leadership at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Canon will be returning to Hunkeler Innovationdays (HID) 2025 (24-27th February 2025, Lucerne, Switzerland), where it will be collaborating with industry partners and showcasing to its customers the latest developments in its high-performance digital printing portfolio. Under the theme of 'The Power to Move', Canon will show how the power of digital print can move people and move businesses forward and how successful brands and print service providers leverage Canon's transformative technologies, services and support. It's also a significant year for Canon which is celebrating ten years in production sheetfed inkjet. The company has been leading the way since 2015, when it launched the varioPRINT i300, which then evolved into the highly successful varioPRINT iX3200. Through the design and development of such sheetfed inkjet presses, Canon has gained unsurpassed industry expertise and has similarly gained unmatched experience from installing and supporting over 700 sheetfed inkjet presses worldwide. As HID is known for showcasing the latest trends in cutting-edge solutions for continuous and sheetfed inkjet, this key industry event is the ideal place for Canon to mark this milestone achievement. With the motto of this year's show being 'CONNECT', Canon will be demonstrating the latest developments in its technology portfolio and how its end-to-end workflows can seamlessly integrate with customers' ecosystems. Visitors across the digital segment, including online printers, commercial printers, book printers and publishers - and printers of promotional/business communications, will see how Canon's technology and service portfolio has the power to connect people, solutions and processes to shape the future of print. At Canon's stand in Hall 2, visitors will see an array of technology, solutions and applications demonstrating the ability of its presses to connect to third party equipment both with its own PRISMA workflow solutions and with partners' and customers' own workflows. The compact ProStream 2000 series of high-performance webfed inkjet presses, which can print on standard offset coated and uncoated, and on inkjet optimised media from 28gsm up to 150gsm, will be shown for the first time at Hunkeler Innovation Days. Live at the event, the ProStream 2133 will be printing an array of high-quality applications at speeds of up to 133m/min, including various short-run, format-variable brochures, direct mail, postcards and calendars that will be finished offline on the Muller Martini stand using its Connex automated workflow - and also on the Hunkeler stand with the Gen8 EVO Cut-Stack solution. Canon's stand will also feature finishing equipment inline with the ProStream: the Hunkeler web extender for the best print quality output and Weko's new re-moistening unit for optimised product quality and efficiency for continuous digital inkjet production. The highly successful varioPRINT iX3200 B3 sheetfed inkjet press, which customers globally rely on for monthly throughput from one million A4 images, will make its show debut in its inline configuration with a Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark V. This combination matches the market's most sophisticated requirements, producing brochures with high variability and unparalleled scoring and folding quality. Also demonstrated with the varioPRINT iX3200 will be its new long-sheet paper input, thanks to an adapted BDT VX 370 feeder with a modified exit height. Working closely with partners, Canon will show how it can drive customer-specific production lines and workflows through custom implementations of its PRISMA technology. With an expanding portfolio of sheetfed presses, Canon is continuously innovating its technology, reflecting its position at the forefront of the digital production print market and demonstrating more reasons for PSPs to partner with the company and benefit from the growth opportunities its broad portfolio of digital presses offers. Visitors to the stand will hear about Canon's forthcoming sheetfed presses, the varioPRINT iX1700, which will efficiently produce average monthly volumes from 300,000 to 1.5 million A4 images, and then for higher volumes, the heavy-duty, B2 sheetfed press, the varioPRESS iV7, which will print up to 4.5 million B2 images per month. Presentations on the stand will also be detailing the comprehensive portfolio of Canon sheetfed technologies for businesses of all sizes and production volumes. In addition to technology, customer case studies will be exhibited, illustrating the business benefits customers can achieve with Canon's reliable, high-speed presses and its workflow automation, and how Canon supports customers with its professional services expertise. Jennifer Kolloczek, Senior Director, Marketing & Innovation, Production Printing, Canon EMEA, comments, 'Hunkeler Innovationdays is a key industry event where we can collaborate with our partners and give visitors the opportunity to interact with our business development and applications experts. Real world examples will also illustrate how we work with our customers to inspire them and realise digital print's potential for their business. At this year's Hunkeler Innovationdays, we'll be showcasing our market-leading portfolio of sheetfed inkjet and webfed production print technologies, both those currently available and also those coming soon. It's an extra special year for Canon as we celebrate ten years in sheetfed inkjet. A decade ago, we embarked on the journey of combining the speed and reliability of inkjet with the quality and versatility of sheetfed offset, introducing the first true sheetfed inkjet production press to the industry with the varioPRINT i300, and with it, a new class of production systems. We are looking forward to highlighting how far we and our customers, who have adopted our sheetfed inkjet technology, have come in that time. Our comprehensive portfolio of printing technologies, from toner to inkjet, is the broadest offering on the market and supports the diverse needs of print service providers. Through our decade-long leadership in sheetfed inkjet and even longer in digital webfed inkjet, we are ideally placed to support and advise our customers in their business development, whilst offering them the highest levels of technology, service, application and operations expertise.' Johann Schmidbauer, Director, Marketing & Innovation, Commercial Print, Canon EMEA adds; 'We're really looking forward to HID 2025 as a great opportunity to continue building on our legacy and supporting our customers in the sheetfed inkjet market segment, and the motto of this year's event couldn't be more fitting. 'CONNECT' not only reflects technology integration, but also our close connection with our customers, our deep understanding of their challenges and goals, and our collaboration with our partners to jointly push the boundaries of what's technologically possible. These are essential to drive change and help our customers achieve sustainable growth.' Aligning with Canon's circular approach, many of the materials and furniture that will be used on the stand have been recycled from the previous HID in 2023 and other recent events. During the show, Canon will also print on narrower width paper to reduce cut-off and paper waste, and the materials printed on the stand will be given away as samples.
