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14 • August 2016 • S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S 3M's Wrap2Wrap Contest Returns St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M announces the return of its annual Wrap2Wrap Contest. The competi- tion began accepting submissions July 11. The three-month competition will culminate in the top two finalists conducting a live wrap installation at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 3. Wrap2Wrap is an open contest between installers of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 throughout the U.S., and provides a platform for them to showcase their exceptional work with leaders in the indus- try. This year, the pair of finalists will be selected over the course of two rounds by a panel of expert judges, including last year's 2015 Wrap2Wrap co-winners, Casey Folk and Jamie Mullican. Graphics installers may enter the Wrap2Wrap battle by visiting 3M.com/Wrap2Wrap to submit before-and-after photographs of a vehicle wrapped with 3M Wrap Series Film 1080. Points will be awarded based on the quality of wrap, overall look and appeal. Those chosen will advance to the second round of judging. Mutoh America Appoints Phipps As President Mutoh America, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, proudly announces the appointment of Brian Phipps as president of Mutoh America. As president, Phipps will oversee the continued growth of both North and Latin American sales and operations. "I'm honored to be promoted to president of Mutoh America," explains Phipps, "We have been growing our product range and increasing market share every year, and I'm excited to continue building the business in my new capacity." Phipps was previously the vice-president and general manager of Mutoh America and has worked for Mutoh America since 2004. In his new role, Phipps will work more closely with Mutoh Japan on new products and the future direction of the company. Gyford Donates Backpacks to Disadvantaged Hometown Kids Reno, Nevada-based Gyford Standoff Systems, a manufacturer of precision aluminum and stainless steel decorative mounting hardware, announces its recent donation of 50 backpacks to dis- advantaged K-12 students at a local school district. According to Gyford marketing coordinator Chris Howard, the owners pur- chased the backpacks and employees donated school supplies to 50 students in the Washoe County School District, which is comprised of 63,000 students—44 percent of which are considered low income or homeless. "We have some pretty strong ties to the local school districts," says Howard, adding that Gyford also supports local manufacturing programs taught in the high school and community college. The motivation for the donations also stems from a greater awareness for those in need, Howard says. British Printer Plays Key Role in Oxford Bug Exhibit London-based full-service print shop Genesis Imaging played a key role in an exhibition currently taking place at the Oxford University Museum of National History in Oxford, England. The exhibit, called "Microsculpture," is a collection of close-up insect images that show them in a way that combines the science of entomology with art. James Hogan, PhD., an entomologist at the museum, chose the specimens for their colors and their uniqueness. British photographer Levon Biss then took the speci- mens home and photographed in 3D fashion using special microscopic lenses—a process requiring dozens of images of each insect—approximately 8,000 images in total. He then "stacked" the images together to ensure a sharp focus throughout every angle. Biss then passed the files to London-based print provider Genesis Imaging, where the images were printed onto rigid sheet using their JETRIX UV-curing flatbed printer. The largest of the images dis- played in the museum show is about three meters (about 9'). The display will run through the end of October. To learn more and to watch a short video of the project, visit http://microsculpture.net.