Touch the Future
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SOPHIE MATTHEWS-PAUL
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Wider future prospects
of wide-format printing
Not so many years ago the wide-format printing market was still in an experimental
stage and could not be considered a serious contender in the commercial
environments. Since those early days the advancements in technologies have been multiplied,
now reaching the point where wide-format has become the preferred format for many display
applications. International print consultant SOPHIE MATTHEWS-PAUL looks into this development.
Nowadays, where wide-format has scored is complemented
by advances made in associative software and materials
available by bringing versatility and flexibility to different
industrial segments where the digital revolution has opened doors
to newer aspects. Such criteria can be added environmental
benefits through a process that uses no traditional chemistry, plus
a reduction in waste and advantages of just-in-time and instant
ordering by brands and end customers.
During the last two decades, there has been a significant change into
the way that large-format applications coming under the remit of
signage or display graphics are produced. This took digital largeformat
printers, typically ranging in sizes from 1-5m, from being
speciality machines into the mainstream market. In that period of
time, manufacturers have witnessed a metamorphosis in customer
requirements, with today’s considerations in a print device becoming
more diverse and eclectic in many environments.
Niche and speciality segments
While the growth in wide-format printing continues, it is noticeable
that graphic art printing firms are not only servicing the more
conventional market requirements but also moving to new niche
and speciality areas where the new technology can realise jobs
that, formerly, were not feasible. The ability to experiment with
inkjet and different materials is simplified because of fast-set-up
and changeover, the ease of operation of printers and availability of
producing very low volumes.
Additionally, PSPs face challenges not only from competition
generated by their counterparts trading in the same market sector
but also by new investors in digital technology. Those recent entrants
that have opted to take on a niche or specialist segment, rather
than merely become a ‘me too’ operation, avoid the inevitable race
to win orders in an arena where rivalry can too often be based on
price. Nonetheless, the growth in demand for wide-format inkjet
production devices continues across the entire digital spectrum with
reasons driven by the desire for higher quality, faster throughput and
the need for reliability.
Speed vs versatility
Versatility is still the key to the throughput benefits of inkjet and
diversification can often prove to be the key factor that drives better
margins and greater profitability. Effective workflow is as important
as the throughput rates of a particular print device, and investment
must be quantified against expected daily volumes, diversity and
variability of work. In this respect, Richard Barrow, senior product
manager, LFP Signage, EPSON Europe, says, “We know many
of our customers are using our printers to produce a wide variety
of products on a range of substrates to meet the needs of their
customers and to maximise ROI. So one printer can be used to
produce everything from retail POS graphics, pop-up banners and
self-adhesive decals and labels to wall coverings, external displays
and vehicle wraps.”
Mike Horsten, GM-marketing EMEA at Mimaki, concurs, “I believe
that diversity in the offering is the key to success. For the most part,
a single production type of print company no longer exists. Offering
a diverse series of printing products is making the one-stop-shop
a reality.” Flexibility is not only governed by the creativity of the
display producer or sign shop. It is encouraged by technologies that
have been developed to minimise down-time during job changeover
and the ability to produce applications that are right first time.
End-to-end workflow advantages
Advances don not lie only in the print engine’s design and
construction—increasing importance is the benefit of an efficient
end-to-end workflow plus integration with onward services that
aid accountability, such as streamlined finishing in print-to-cut
environments, MIS/ERP and JDF compliance. Ken Hanulec, VPinkjet
solutions, EFI, confirms, “It is fairly obvious to calculate
how a company can increase its
throughput and profits by printing
more work on a wider, faster printer.
But it is too easy for companies to
overlook the ways they can also get
better results with a better workflow. So it is definitely a way to gain
a competitive edge that needs to be recognised.”
“If you are a large print house with multiple printers the workflow
is crucial to survival. Without a good MIS system or an automated
workflow the amount of work would kill any company in the long
run. On the other hand, the demands for perfect workflow are not
so important if you are a small company and you know your entire
customer base,” explains Mike. With wide-format print devices
across all levels providing key output for an ever growing range of
end applications, efficiency in print quality outputs continues to
increase in relevance.
Getting it right first time
AGFA Graphics’ Paul Adriaensen endorses the relevance of good
workflow in today’s large-format print operations. “Good throughput
means that the machine outputs correctly the first time and
every time, job after job. Workflow automates input file and data
processing, colour management, printer
and finishing settings in order to avoid
delays during the entire production
process.” Today’s users of wide-format
printers can come from any background,
whether they happen to be designers,
former specialists in typesetting or
repro, sign makers and screen printers.
Common feature among all is that every
order should meet the quality of output
required, produced to an acceptable price, on time. But every PSP
should look at the bottom line and not just production costs.
Future perfect
Increasingly the large-format printing continues to grow in appeal
as it crosses all budgets, speed necessities, the handling of different
widths and introduction of automation. Additional benefits, including
greater environmental awareness and greener practices through
lower energy consumption, also play a part in shaping the future of
inkjet, as does the increase in workflow and complementary software
integration for a true end-to-end environment. Where wide-format
print will find its stronger markets that generate great profitability
for its users is in applications away from the mainstream work.
Indoor and outdoor displays, banners, POP, retail advertising,
vehicle graphics and scaffold wraps continue to bring revenues to the
supply chain that is established in this market segment but, often,
at ever tighter margins. Growth areas, such as printed interior décor,
are now generating a new interest in the capabilities of digital print
with profitability often being driven by overall project management
and creativity.
Progressions at drupa 2016
At drupa, since its 2012 edition, inkjet developments have
continued apace, with the announcement of new inks and
faster printers that include automation for material handling,
streamline print-to-cut options and advancement of LED
curing. The new chemistries include water-based UV-curable
formulations, the challenge presented by latex technology and
the ever present capabilities of aqueous-based, solvent-based
and UV-curable options. This year will host drupa 2016, to be
organised from May 31 – June 10 at Dusseldorf, as yet another
big showcase to perceive the latest progressions in all prospects
of printing, including large-formats as well.
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