Tuesday, 16 May 2023 14:40 GMT

Hardware launches and demos at FESPA 2023

FESPA Global Print Expo and the co-located European Sign Expo are set to run from May 23rd to 26th with a number of launches planned

The annual FESPA Global Print Expo and the co-located European Sign Expo are often the events of choice for major hardware launches. 

Taking place this year in Messe Munich, and the show is set to be no different with a number of manufacturers already detailing their plans for the event.

Epson, Hall A2 Stand B50


Epson will launch its SureColor F2200 direct-to-garment printer 

Epson will be launching a brand-new product on its stand at FESPA in the form of the SureColor F2200. 

The direct-to-garment printer tailored for medium-volume printing is described as a significant upgrade to its SureColor F2100 large-format printer and is ideal for startup companies needing high levels of flexibility and accuracy, with fast turnaround times.

Able to produce complex designs on a range of garments, the new machine uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology for faster printing and data processing speeds.

According to Epson, this results in a 25% productivity increase compared to the F2100. Enhancing this flexibility further is Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator 2 software. 

A number of user-friendly features have been included from a transparent lid and internal light to an intuitive 43” touchscreen and automatic carriage height adjustment. 

The F2200 also uses new UltraChrome DG2 Ink Pouches instead of cartridges which are 800ml compared to 600ml and offer lower change frequency and reduced wastage.

“Although the DTG market has become challenging due to direct-to-film technology, this development offers new and medium-volume businesses a highly cost-effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can be easily scaled to meet future needs,” says Heather Kendle, manager of product management, commercial and industrial at Epson Europe.

Inkcups Europe, Hall A1 Stand A70


Inkcups, will launch the new Helix ONE benchtop cylindrical printer

Supplier and manufacturer of inkjet printing equipment, Inkcups, will be using its presence at FESPA to launch the new Helix ONE benchtop cylindrical printer which is said to encompass patented Helix technology in a more compact benchtop design.

Over its 22-year history, Inkcups has grown from cutting its teeth in pad printing equipment to include digital and inkjet offerings such as growing its flagship range of cylindrical inkjet printers, the UV flatbed ‘X’ series, and its ArtPrep software. 

As well as the launch of the Helix ONE benchtop printer, Inkcups will showcase its Double Helix cylindrical inkjet printer which features two print fixtures for double the production volume. It will also show the X5-T flatbed UV digital printer, the 2200-PS two-colour pad printing machine, and its ArtPrep software.

“It’s a really exciting time for Inkcups Europe as we continue to increase our reach, expand our customer base, and grow our team across the continent,” says Bobby Grauf, managing director of Inkcups, adding: “So we’re looking forward to a fantastic FESPA where we can connect with the European industry in person. 

“Visitors should head over to our booth so we can show you what’s new with Inkcups, including the brand-new machine and a host of advancements to our flagship Helix cylindrical inkjet printers.”

Durst Group, Hall A2 Stand A10


Durst is offering a shuttle service to its headquarters in Brixen, Italy to show its entire P5 large-format portfolio

Manufacturer of digital printing and production solutions, Durst, will be presenting a ‘360 Production Excellence’ concept at the event.

The company will do so by showcasing its new and integrated systems and solutions for fully automated, sustainable, and cost-effective large-format print production.

With the industry currently focused on automation, sustainability, and profitability, Durst says its offering at FESPA will align with these.

Launching at the show will be what Durst describes as the fastest roll-to-roll printer to date and the company will also showcase its water-based and UV-LED portfolio of ink systems as well Durst Group’s Service division presenting offerings for customer support.

In addition to the stand demonstrations, Durst is also organising a shuttle service to its headquarters in Brixen, Italy for visitors to view its entire P5 large-format portfolio, as well as other segment solutions in label and flexible packaging, textile, wallpaper, and ceramic tiles at the Durst Customer Experience Centre.

Visitors can also see the P5 500 in action at Escher Digitaldruck, one hour from the exhibition.

Mimaki Europe, Hall B1 Stand B10 


Mimaki will show its newly launched TxF150-75 direct-to-film machine alongside its other solutions 

Returning to FESPA Global Print Expo as a gold sponsor, Mimaki Europe will be displaying its portfolio of flagship printers and cutters including the newly launched TxF150-75 direct-to-film machine, the 330 series, and the entry-level 100 series.

Launched at Printwear and Promotion LIVE! in February, the TxF150-75 will see its international debut at FESPA, offering an easy and affordable process for decorating apparel.

The manufacturer will also showcase its advanced UV flatbed printers aimed at industrial printers in the UJF-6042 MkII e and the larger JFX600-2513. In the sublimation sphere, Mimaki will also demonstrate its TS100-1600 and TS330-1600 models.

With this year’s event theme being ‘New Perspectives’, Mimaki will be focusing its offerings around the theme of sustainability and reinstating the company’s commitment to it. 

The manufacturer will also be collaborating with creative and eco-conscious industry members such as Dutch surrealist Rik Lina with the main artwork for the booth being Lina’s “Fascinated Rainforest” which is based on the artist’s own travels in the rainforests of Saba.

Returning will be the popular customer gallery which promises to include a host of applications by Mimaki’s customers.

Fujifilm, Hall A1 Stand B10 


Fujifilm launched the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED at FESPA 2022 as part of its ‘New Blueprint for Wide Format’ concept

FESPA 2022 saw Fujifilm make a big impact with its ‘New Blueprint for Wide Format’ concept where it launched the Acuity Prime flatbed and the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED. 

This year, the manufacturer will use its presence to present developments to its existing Acuity models as well as reveal a new machine in the portfolio. Fujifilm will also offer more details on its partnership with industrial manufacturer, Barberan to bring single-pass inkjet to the sign and display industry.

At FESPA 2023, Fujifilm’s stand will consist of six display bays across 500m2 with four showcasing printers launched at FESPA 2022. One will highlight FESPA’s relationship with Barberan and the final bay used to unveil a brand-new machine in the Acuity line-up.

David Burton, business director of Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, says: “We can’t wait to, once again, showcase our Acuity wide-format printers, which offer value for money, reliability, and stability.

“FESPA 2023 offers the perfect platform to highlight the sales success and the technical improvements we’ve made to the existing range over the last 12 months, while also looking ahead at what’s to come, with the unveiling of an all-new machine on the stand and a lot more detail about our exciting partnership with Barberan.”

Xeikon, Hall B2 Stand A20


Xeikon’s Wall Deco Suite will be running live to show digital printing on a range of non-woven substrates

Xeikon will be on hand at FESPA to show its end-to-end digital solutions for sustainable growth through over 30 different applications.

The manufacturer will demonstrate its full digital print portfolio to show the versatility of digital print technology, namely how it gives printers higher levels of automation and allows for more sustainability.

With plenty of applications for visitors to get their hands on, Xeikon’s booth will be full of digital print samples and products covering a range of sectors from printing, marketing communications, speciality applications, and interior decoration. Labels and point-of-sale solutions will also be demonstrated.

The latest version of Xeikon’s Wall Deco Suite will be running live on-site to show digital printing on a range of non-woven substrates from partners Ahlstrom and Lahnpaper. This end-to-end inline solution will feature a jumbo unwinder, web cleaning unit, and Xeikon’s CX500 digital press. This will be followed by a water-based varnishing module and a slitting and waste removal unit before a wallpaper rewinder.

“Wall decoration is one of the many segments where Xeikon technology excels,” explains Dimitri Van Gaever, market segment director for Graphic Arts at Xeikon. “Whether it’s for wallpapers or full-scale murals with individual designs, patterns, or photos, the uptake of digital technology continues to grow due to the endless opportunities to revolutionise the status quo.

“But of course, Xeikon’s mission goes beyond wall decoration. We want to show customers in all our markets how they can overcome challenges, expand their scope, and move towards fully automated production.”

Soyang Technologies, Hall A2 Stand D66


Soyang Technologies will showcase its range of wide- and superwide-format media, and hardware from Josero 

Over in Hall A2, Stand D66 and supplier and manufacturer Soyang Technologies will be on hand to speak with visitors about its range of wide-format and superwide-format media and hardware as well as supporting partners around the event.

Fujifilm, Mimaki, Meevo, Inktec, Comagrav, and Bubblefree will all be using Soyang’s media to support their live demonstrations. 

Following its acquisition of Josero, Soyang will be demonstrating its own range of media and surface coverings as well as supplier Josero’s range of wide- and superwide-format print production hardware solutions.

Mark Mashiter, managing director of Soyang Europe, says: “Our tailored customer product tours will allow visitors to see the products most important to them and witness how these solutions perform when used in combination with leading technology offered by our partners. 

“We look forward to speaking with as many attendees as possible at FESPA 2023.”

Soyang is encouraging visitors interested in the products on show to arrange a customer product tour in advance of the event by contacting the company directly.

If you have any news, please email carys@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.