FOR ALL INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Matt Williams, VP Business Development
mwilliams@dixiegraphics.com

(Nashville, TN) – Dixie Graphics, a pre-media provider of graphics and color management, platemaking, and creative solutions for the commercial print industry, is set to debut its latest plate technology – Asahi TOP – ‘Pinning Top Dot’ solvent plate material, in July 2013.

The announcement at FTA’s Infoflex, comes as DG continues press trials after initial testing as Asahi’s exclusive U.S. beta test facility for TOP yielded impressive results for multiple printers.

The availability of the solvent-wash TOP plate in sheet sizes of up to 50” x 80” will take productivity and availability to a new level and greatly increase exposure of the benefits seen from TOP to all flexographic printers.

DG’s aforementioned plate trials and marketing research initiative began earlier this year and have revealed eye-catching results with multiple web widths and substrates, highlighted by:
• Extremely fine, soft tonal gradation
• Minimal dot gain and dot bridging resulting from precise ink transfer
• Dramatic reduction in ink build up; less plate cleaning needed
• Longer plate life

Print samples from TOP testing and TOP orientation will be on display by DG’s business development team at Booth 632 at the FTA Infoflex trade show, San Diego Convention Center, April 29-30, 1:30-5:30pm.

Asahi TOP bolsters an existing menu of high performance digital plate materials DG offers including Asahi DSF, MacDermid DMAX & UVR, Flint ACE, as well as others.

Dixie Graphics, founded 1903, is an innovative leader in graphics, platemaking, and brand optimization; specializing in high-complexity color separations, screening technology, and color management. DG charges itself with the responsibility to bring the latest, best offerings to its network of customers in its commitment to Quality | Service | Delivery.
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3M – 3M not only has great products, but also great people. Their knowledgable staff and array of products offered make this booth a must-visit for us. They will be at booth 501.

Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. – Anderson & Vreeland will be located at booth 301. Our friends at A&V are extremely knowledgable, and a great resource for flexo supplies, equipment and training. With their recent acquisition of The Provident Group, their expertise has expanded even more. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out their exhibit!

Correct Touch Graphic Arts (CTGA) – We are looking forward to this booth because we are excited about their newest product, the Asahi TOP plate material. We have been impressed with this material, and are anxious to hear what our colleagues think about it. Visit booth 417 and tell them we sent you!

MacDermid Printing Solutions – At booth 201 MacDermid Printing Solutions will be featuring all of their latest technology. Make sure you check out the LUX process. We have received rave reviews from our customers on this technique.

Dixie Graphics – Of course you should come see us! We will be at booth 632 and would love for you to swing by… even if it is for the freebies! Our giveaways include bottled water, 4GB flash drives, and a free flight to InfoFlex 2014. We have representatives from multiple departments that will be in attendance this year, so make sure you stop by!

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego!

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Golf- San Diego is home to over 90 golf courses. With so many courses to choose from, there is sure to be a course that will fit your taste and budget. We recommend the Coronado Golf Course. Golf Digest called this course “a gem I consider the best value in the United States.”

SeaWorld San Diego- This is a great attraction for thrill seekers, animal lovers, and especially great if you are bringing your children. SeaWorld is home to the world famous Shamu, great rides, and amazing exhibits. Don’t miss the Turtle Reef exhibit while you are there!

Catch a Padres Game – The San Diego Padres have home games scheduled during the forum this year, on Friday 4/26, Saturday 4/27 or Sunday 4/28, you can see them play the San Francisco Giants.

La Jolla Beaches – La Jolla is a haven for California Sea Lions, which has made it a popular tourist attraction. Beautiful views and tranquility make this a must-visit spot.

FTA InfoFlex 2013! – Although we have given you a few ideas of what to do in San Diego, the most important is FTA InfoFlex! Be ready to learn, discuss and immerse yourself in all things flexography! Don’t miss the educational sessions, especially “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner,” featuring Mark Coffman of Dixie Graphics. While visiting the exhibits, make sure you swing by booth 632 and say hello! We will be giving away free water, 4GB flash drives, and a chance to win a free flight to InfoFlex 2014!

What are you most looking forward to at InfoFlex?

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The award plaque and its place within the offerings of a sign company large or small is transitioning. Perhaps thought of as “one-off” products that were
1) inconsistent in demand from customers
2) difficult to incorporate into a business strategy; and
3) hard to find economical and prompt manufacturing resources…
…award plaques now are a significant element to large-scale signage programs.

Major players in the sign fabricator category see donor recognition programs becoming a more significant part of the bidding process, largely due to the design community’s recognition of donor as key element in environmental graphic design.

Mike Baldwin of Gable Signs sees donor recognition becoming a larger piece of his project management offerings. “Donor Signage has become more prevalent within the sign industry and signage packages over the last few years,” he says.

“As funds are reduced and budgets are cut, it appears owners are finding more creative ways to fund the overall cost of the project. By doing this, owners are fabricating “Donor Signs” that show their appreciation for the monetary help received in order to facilitate their projects.”

No other area has seen donor programs become more closely connected with new construction than at higher learning institutions. State funding allocations in a poor economy have dwindled. Competition among universities is at an all-time high to attract top faculty, students, and, yes, athletes. All of these groups potentially generate dollars for the university in a variety of ways ranging from government grants to TV contracts. In times like these, faculty, chairs, and coaches double as fundraisers…and it’s all about the money!

So, what are some design practices that are moving donor recognition’s seat on the egd bus forward?
-Donor strategy…planning a hierarchy while being adaptable for the future
-Brand management…especially with institutions and defining the brand
-Business strategy…encouraging further giving
-Exhibit design…furthering the institutional mission through interpretation
-Architectural integration…complementing the overall space

Of these design practices, Laura McCoy of Tolleson McCoy design believes branding to be key. “Custom donor recognition design is a great way to further brand an environment.”

As donor programs become increasing important to designers and fabricators in growing their businesses, some questions to consider would include…
What are the best materials and processes available?
Who among manufacturers in the sign industry prioritizes donor award products?
When is the right time to incorporate materials and process of donor fabrication into the donor strategy?
Can the strategy be executed with the materials and processes preferred?

To see and discuss more on donor recognition in EGD, donor plaque materials and processes, visit Dixie Graphics at the ISA Expo April 4-6 in booth 3443.

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The exhibit space is full!  For the first time ever ISA has sold out.  There is more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space (over 550 exhibitors) and there is now a waiting list for companies to exhibit.  There are exhibitors from all aspects of the sign industry ready to show you whats late, great and exciting.  With over 18,000 attendees, it can be overwhelming.  Here’s a list of some of our favorite booths to give you a starting point.

SO MUCH TO SEE, SO LITTLE TIME!

Dixie Graphics – Booth 3443.  Of course we want to you to visit us!  We will be giving away a free flight to the ISA Sign Expo 2014, along with free bottles of water and flash drives just to say thanks for stopping by.  This year Christi Baird and Megan Kinzie will working the booth.  It’s time to put a face with the names you have been working with!  We will be tweeting live from the show, so follow @dixie_graphics for updates throughout the Sign Expo.

Nova Polymers – Booth 4143.  Nova Polymers always has a great booth at the Sign Expo.  They will be showcasing all of the material and equipment needed to manufacture ADA compliant photopolymer signage.  Nova is sponsoring the twitter wall again this year.   It is a great way to interact with other attendees and exhibitors in real time.

Tubelite Company, Inc. – Booth 4166.  Tubelite is a vendor of almost anything a sign company needs.  They supply printing materials, paint, adhesive, vinyl, LED supplies, inks, cutting tables, flat bed printing supplies, acrylics… and much more!  We always pay a visit to this booth, and it never disappoints.

Esko – Booth 3759. Esko products make our lives much easier, and we are always excited to see what innovative machinery or software they will be featuring.  The Kongsberg cutting table will most likely be featured, along with programs like i-cut, WebCenter, and Automation Engine.

3M – Booth 4113. The list of what 3M provides is too long to name!  Innovation is what they known for, and we can’t wait to see what they will have on exhibition.

Matthews Paint - Booth 4335.  Choosing the best coating product for signage is crucial.  We use Matthews coatings for all of our signage products, and are eager to see their display and say hello.

Dynamic Digital Park. Dynamic digital technology is changing the traditional signage marketplace.  The digital park is a great place to learn about new technologies and see first hand how they are changing the industry.

The Hub – Booth 4521.  The Hub is the ISA’s membership booth.  It will be your “hub” for both business and fun.  Listen for your name and stay close by when the “Dash for Cash” winners are announced for your chance to win cash!

Make sure you comment and let us know which booth are you most looking forward to visiting or where we can find you.  We hope to see you there!

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Eat Well

It has been said, “To eat well is to live well”.  In Las Vegas, you can eat like a king.  The Zagat list of 10 best restaurants looks great, but we suggest you try Del Frisco’s.  Their prime ribeye is hard to beat!

Go to a concert or show

With shows from performers including  Shania Twain, Def Leppard, Carrot Top, and David Spade all scheduled during the expo, there is sure to be something for all tastes!  If you stick around town on Sunday, April 7th, the Academy of Country Music Awards will be rolling out the red carpet.

Visit the Bellagio Fountains

The water comes to life every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. until midnight. The fountain dances, shooting water 460 feet in the air in a complex choreographed routine . It is a must see!

The 2013 ISA SIGNEXPO!

Last but most certainly not least, enjoy the expo! This year is sure to be one of the very best yet. For the first time, ISA exhibit space has sold out. There will be over 200,000 square feet of exhibitors showing the latest and greatest of the sign industry. Dixie Graphics will be among these exhibitors at booth 3443. Don’t miss the new Digital Park that will showcase the latest in Digital Signage. With over 40 educational sessions, we are all sure to learn a few new things.

What are your favorite things to do in Las Vegas?

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(Nashville, TN) – Flexographic and dry offset pre-media and architectural signage provider Dixie Graphics has added Randy Lee to its business development team, effective February 11.

Lee joins in the company’s business development initiative of expanding its network with excellence in quality, service, and delivery in all of its related industries. Specifically, Lee will focus on flexographic and dry offset printers and converters in the mid-Ohio and southern–Atlantic regions.

The addition of Lee comes after a targeted search by the company to add to its current team, which has more than 75 years of pre-media experience in consumer packaging. The company also added extensive printing plates and graphics services to its existing repertoire earlier this year.

“We have seen first hand what we are getting with Randy: his experience, his service, and dedication, during his time with A & V,” Dixie Graphics VP Business Development Matt Williams commented. “He was the right fit for us, and brings his own network with him to add to ours.”

Dixie Graphics, www.dixiegraphics.com, specializes in color separations, high-end proofing, and platemaking for flexographic and dry offset printers. Featured in Flexo magazine’s “Inside Look-A Flexographic Prepress Provider 2013,” Dixie Graphics was recently recognized for its graphics excellence by the North American Tube Council.

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Please direct media inquiries to:
Matt Williams, Vice President | Business Development
mwilliams@dixiegraphics.com

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One of the key factors in extending plate life is cleaning and maintenance. Proper plate care not only prolongs optimal print quality, but also saves money and the inconvenience that comes with damaged plates.

Dixie Graphics Business Development’s Jay Gieske recently gave a presentation to a group of industry peers at an regional FTA Southeast networking event, held at our facility.

FLEXO PLATE CLEANING

Timing is an important element to plate cleaning and its effectiveness. Plates should be cleaned immediately after printing, using a soft nylon horsehair bristle brush along with a compatible wash-up solution to loosen and remove dried ink deposits, and a lint-free cloth to blot up excess cleaning solvent. Because dried ink deposits become more difficult to remove, and may require harsh scrubbing, make sure ink is washed off before it dries.  Firm bristle brushes are not advised, as they can snag on fine copy and cause damage to the plate.  Furthermore, it’s not a good idea to allow plates to soak in the plate cleaner for more than 30 minutes.  The reason here is that even acceptable cleaners can affect plates if kept in contact with the plate print surface for extended periods of time.  Among the “Do nots” with regard to chemical use in cleaning plates > Gasoline, Kerosene, Acetone, Ketone, Toluene, Xylene, or any other “tone” or “ene” are not advised and can damage plates.

Some of the recommended flexo plate cleaning solvents and solutions include:

• Water

• Ethyl Alcohol

• Butyl Cellosolve

• Carbitol

• Diacetone Alcohol

• Isopropyl Alcohol

• Methyl Cellosolve

• n-Propyl Alcohol

• Specific Solutions or Cleaning Machines (commercially available)

FLEXO PLATE STORAGE

Ensure the cleaned plate is completely dry before storage, and aree stored flat whenever possible. Ideal storage for plates is in black untreated poly and laid flat in a drawer or on a shelf. If plates must be stacked, it is important to place foam between plates, never stacking plates directly on top of each other to store. If plates must be stored on sleeves or cylinders wrap plates with Saran Wrap and black poly. to prevent delaminating as well as to protect plates from overexposure to light. Plates should always be protected from UV light, white incandescent or fluorescent light, window light, and sunlight. UV filters are recommended in plate storage area.

It should be noted that plates stored on sleeves or cylinders are more susceptible to ozone attack and cracking due to the constant stress on the plate, thus it’s not a good idea to store plates near areas of high ozone concentration (corona discharge units, electrical equipment, arc lamps, etc.).  The temperature of the plate storage area should range between 40-85° F, and away from heat sources, heating vents,etc.  Humidity does not usually affect plate life on solvent washed sheet polymer, and no special precautions are necessary in the storage area. In the case of water washed polymer, check with manufacturer for specific requirements.

Disclaimeer > It is always best to consult with your plate provider (How can we help?) on the best cleaning, storage and maintenance for your specific plates. For more information on this topic, contact Jay Gieske at JGieske@DixieGraphics.com or by calling 615-620-3678.

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The award recognizes intricate color separations, screen technology, and dry offset platemaking Dixie Graphics provided for an aluminum tube, manufactured and printed by Montebello Packaging.

VP Manufacturing Jay Avrett, the project’s leader, points out that “the use of color correction and proprietary clean screening technologies along with digital plates for dry offset printing which maximized sharpness of dots and text,” were all critical elements in producing the winning, printed tube.

Overall winners of the contest will be featured in an upcoming issue of Tube News, the magazine of The Tube Council.

Dixie Graphics is widely known in the flexographic and dry offset printing industry as a leading provider of color management, proofing services and high quality printing plates, used nationally by printers of plastic tubes, bags and containers, metal cans, cups and folding cartons.

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(Nashville, TN) — National prepress and architectural provider Dixie Graphics recently announced the addition of Patti Clark to its Account Coordinator team led by Manager Lynn Jernigan.

In her role with the company, Clark will work closely with Dixie Graphics’ business development team and handle day-to-day responsibilities for key accounts the company currently serves with its prepress graphics and platemaking, and architectural signage services.

Dixie Graphics is widely known in the flexographic and dry offset printing industry as a leading provider of color management, proofing services and high quality printing plates, used nationally by printers of plastic bags and containers, cups, metal cans, and folding cartons.

Also a provider for designers and fabricators of environmental graphics, Dixie’s architectural division specializes in manufacturing of ADA and wayfinding signage and graphics, donor recognition programs and project management.

You may contact Patti by emailing pclark@dixiegraphics.com or by phone at 615-620-3676.

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