There are a number of major shows through the U.S. that are dedicated to printing. For decades, the annual Graph Expo/PRINT shows, held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, were the place to go for all things conventional.

Times have changed, though. Conventional printing has been in decline, with digital printing making gains in many segments, and printing shows primarily dedicated to digital (SGIA, for example) have flourished.

Over time, the major conventional print shows have seen their audience change. Major exhibitors such as Heidelberg no longer dominate the shows, as digital print specialists have taken the lead at these shows. As a result, PRINT 13 and co-located CPP EXPO, organized by the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC), will offer the latest in digital technologies to its attendees from Sept. 8-12, 2013 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

A look at the major booths of the floor plan show that digital specialists Canon, EFI, FUJIFILM, HP and Kodak have taken large positions at the show. On the conventional side, KBA, Komori, manroland, and Mark Andy have a presence, with Komori working with Konica Minolta on a digital inkjet press.

In terms of ink and coatings manufacturers, there are more than a dozen ink companies on hand. Alphabetically, ACTEGA Kelstar, Central Ink, Collins Inkjet, Dong Yang Ink, EFI, Frimpeks, FUJIFILM, INX International Ink, Pulse Printing Products, STS Inks, Sun Chemical, Think Ink, Toyo Ink America and Van Son Holland Ink are represented.

EFI and FUJIFILM will be showcasing a whole range of products, including digital press and workflow solutions, as well as their inks. Sun Chemical is sponsoring CPP EXPO’s InsideConverting.com booth, as well as co-locating at the booth, emphasizing its capabilities for packaging.

Van Son will show its conventional as well as inkjet capabilities at PRINT 13. On the sheetfed offset side, the new Supreme sheetfed ink series provides fast setting time, excellent rub resistance and press stability and vivid colors. On the inkjet side, the company will introduce its Wide Format line, designed for digital printers such as Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh, Epson and HP, and Grand Format Ink line, for VUTEk, Durst, Agfa and HP printers. In particular, the Grand Format line provides LED, UV curable and Eco-solvent based inks.

INX International Ink will be paticularly active on all sides of printing at PRINT 13. For special effects, INX is offering UV inks and coatings that can create textured feels, soft touches, pearlescent glows, high contrast glosses and gleaming metallic finishes, the company reported. The company is also highlighting its alternative digital inks. The NW140 UV digital narrow web press, featuring the JetINX printhead drive and ink recirculation system and a Spartanics X140 laser die-cutting station, will also be on display.

UV LED is an area of great interest to printers. On the digital side, INX is highlighting its Triangle MED UV LED inks for the Mimaki 3042 printer. For conventional printers, INX is showcasing its PEAK LED-UV inks for offset, flexo and digital printers, in conjunction with Air Motion Systems.

For a faster return on investment, INX plans to show the value to sheetfed printers for retrofitting their presses to LED UV. In conjunction with Air Motion Systems (AMS), PEAK LED-UV delivers innovative new levels in high LED intensity, working distance, uniformity, durability and ease of use, opening the door for curing innovations in offset, flexo and digital applications. INXCure LED OSF has been developed for high-end sheetfed printing.

For more information on PRINT 13, see www.print2013.com.