Following the launch of various new technologies at major industry events such as FESPA and drupa, Print Monthly picks out some of the latest developments and releases from the wide-format print sector
There is seemingly no stopping the runaway train that is wide-format print. With digital print technology continuing to evolve and manufacturers bringing new and innovative solutions to market at a regular rate, those looking to expand and grow in this sector are backed strongly by new machinery.
Developments this year have stepped up a notch, with some manufacturers opting to use the two major international print events – FESPA Global Print Expo and drupa – as platforms to launch their latest solutions to the market. With a combined global audience in excess of 100,000, it is easy to see why they elected to do so.
Here, Print Monthly takes a closer look at some of the latest innovations in the wide-format print market and how these new technologies and advancements could help print and signage companies continue to succeed.
Among the launches that have drawn significant interest is the new Acuity Triton, announced by Fujifilm on the first day of drupa. Using the manufacturer’s ‘AQUAFUZE’ patented water-based ink technology, the Acuity Triton measures 1.6m wide.
Upon launching the machine, Fujifilm says the Acuity Triton brings together two titans of the wide-format inkjet industry. The actual hardware is manufactured in Japan by Mutoh, while the AQUAFUZE ink has been developed and produced by Fujifilm. The primary aim of this collaboration is to support customers with work across a range of applications.
Focusing on the AQUAFUZE technology, Fujifilm says this meets a “multitude” of market requirements by combining the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet. Stand-out points include low-energy, low temperature drying compared to traditional water-based print systems, while the manufacturer also says it provides excellent adhesion to a wide range of media without the need for a pre-coat primer or optimiser.
Using these inks means all printed materials have a thin film, which is scratch-resistant and does not require a top coat. In addition, they are low-odour and compliant with a host of safety measures. Customers also benefit from jetting stability through reduced nozzle blocking due to low temperature drying.
“In a saturated market, it was high time a revolutionary technology broke into this space to offer wide-format print companies a real differentiator in productivity and all-round performance, and all this with sustainability in mind,” Fujifilm says.
“We believe this breakthrough technology is just the step forward the print industry needs. This is a first step of Fujifilm to establish a new [wide-format inkjet ink] standard in the market.”
This is not the only new innovation Mutoh has been working on. Shortly after drupa, the manufacturer launched a new digital printer in the form of the HydrAton 1642. This roll-to-roll printer, like the Acuity Triton, integrates water-based UV technology.
Measuring 64" wide, the HydrAton 1642 represents a new technology segment for Mutoh, boasting print/dry technology. It also features a unique ink film formation process on the printed media that draws on the partnership with Fujifilm and its AQUAFUZE ink.
With two AccuFine piezo drop-on-demand printheads, the HydrAton 1642 can print on a host of substrates without needing a pre-coat primer or optimiser. Substrate options open to users include paper, synthetic fabrics, technical fabrics, technical textiles, and heat-sensitive eco-friendly substrates.
Incidentally, Mutoh exhibited several products from its wide-format, direct-to-shape, and braille ranges at this year’s drupa including the XpertJet 1462UF, the ValueJet 628MP, and the XpertJet 1682SR Pro.
Another major manufacturer making moves in and around drupa was Epson. Just a few days before the global event kicked off, the manufacturer announced details of its new 76-inch industrial dye-sublimation printer with an optional jumbo roll, developed with high-demand textile production in mind.
The SureColor SC-F11000 and SC-F11000H are being billed as suitable for applications in fashion, sportswear, home furnishings, and soft signage, with high productivity, speed, quality, and reliability being its core selling points, according to Epson.
Epson says the SC-F11000H in particular has been designed for maximum up-time, driven by an optional jumbo roll. This innovation enables both continuous production and reduced downtime, with the printer needing less frequent media changes than normal. The device also runs with Epson printheads, ink, and EdgePrint Pro software.
On the subject of ink, the new printer offers a CMYK ink configuration and also includes the addition of one of three ink sets: orange and violet, fluorescent yellow and fluorescent pink, or light cyan and light magenta, which Epson says opens up even more options for users when it comes to taking on new work and entering other markets.
Phil McMullin, head of sales for Commercial and Industrial at Epson UK, comments: “In the dye-sublimation sector, customers demand fast turnaround times, consistent performance, high-quality output, and reliability.
“With these requirements in mind, we’ve developed an industrial-level dye-sublimation printer that, we believe, sets new standards. The SC-F11000 offers the highest throughput of all Epson large-format printers (LFPs) and is equipped with four PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads and a ‘hot swap’ bulk ink solution that’s designed to keep businesses running.”
As for other developments within the wide-format market, it is worth mentioning HP, which detailed several new innovations at drupa 2024. Among these was a new, 10L high-capacity ink accessory, designed specifically for the HP Latex 2700 printer.
According to HP, this modular and upgradeable solution opens up opportunities for higher-volume print businesses. HP says it does this by addressing high running costs and reducing costs while simultaneously increasing productivity for the user.
Tying in with this is a sustainability benefit for users. The ink accessory’s compatibility with the HP Latex 2700 eliminates the need to discard or replace existing equipment. As such, HP says this reduces waste, with users having the ability to transition to higher volume printing capabilities without compromising on environmental goals and incurring unnecessary costs.
Also new from HP at drupa were updates to its Live Production software, which allows users, primarily small- to medium-sized print service providers, to remotely manage their end-to-end workflow. As set out by HP at drupa, advancements here include upgrades to Design & eCommerce software, with HP adding that the new functionalities expand compatibility to a wider range of websites and support on-demand quotations.
“The industry is currently shaped by three main trends: the increasing demand for quicker turnaround times; the need for streamlined printing workflows; and a growing call for sustainable products,” says Daniel Martinez, global head and general manager of HP Large-Format.
“We are responding by developing and launching products and solutions that are not only stunning and streamlined but also sustainable. Our announcements at drupa, including the new high-capacity 10L ink accessory for the HP LF Latex 2700 printer, together with an industry-first suite of software solutions: Live Production, Design & eCommerce, and Learn Premium, cater specifically to these needs.”
Also making moves this year with new solutions is Mimaki, with Hybrid Services, its exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, launching three new products in the UK market back in February. The triple launch was comprised of two LED UV printers and a new direct-to-film machine (DTF), with Hybrid saying the devices offer “tangible upgrades and benefits over alternatives”.
The first new model is the UCJV330-160 LED UV integrated printer/cutter, the latest addition to the 330 Series. According to Mimaki, this builds on the success of the eco-solvent and dye-sublimation models, with the new 1.6m-wide device incorporating white and clear into its quick-drying ink set.
This, Mimaki says, means it can print high-quality images on traditional media used for outdoor sign and graphics applications, as well as translucent, transparent, and coloured materials such as PET, polyurethane, and other films and textiles including lightbox material and uncoated paper.
In addition, as an integrated printer/cutter, the UCJV330-160 is equipped with features for contour cutting to deliver stickers, decals, and labels.
Also new from Mimaki is the UJV100-160Plus LED UV printer, which shares various features with its sister UCJV330-160 model. This includes the ability to produce high-quality print on a wide range of materials and the incorporation of white and clear inks.
The third new device from Mimaki comes in the form of the TxF300-75, the manufacturer’s fastest DTF printer to date. This machine offers three times the productivity as the TxF150-75 launch model, with Mimaki saying that this new machine continues its focus on delivering a stable, reliable, and high-quality solution, with the model including a two-year warranty as standard.
We conclude our round-up with Canon, which also had a busy drupa after launching several new machines earlier in the year. The manufacturer says both the imagePROGRAF GP series and imagePROGRAF PRO series have been created for use in high-end production.
The seven-colour imagePROGRAF is targeted at commercial and in-house service providers producing applications such as high-quality posters and graphic arts. Three models are on offer in this range: the 60”/1524mm imagePROGRAF GP-6600s, the 44”/1118mm GP-4600S, and the 24”/610mm GP-2600S.
Mathew Faulkner, EMEA director of marketing and innovation for the Wide-Format printing group at Canon Europe, comments: “With the launch of the new imagePROGRAF GP series, we’re addressing the needs of the high-end, premium poster market.”
“With image durability also very important for the high-end poster market, any output printed on the new imagePROGRAF GP devices will be both very scratch- and light-resistant, helping to preserve its longevity and value. And with the improved media handling and increased automation of the series, we’ve also made it more productive and easier to use.”
As for the imagePROGRAF PRO, Canon says this is more suited for use in the photography and fine art markets. The imagePROGRAF PRO series includes the 60”/1524mm imagePROGRAF PRO-6600, the 44”/1118mm PRO-4600, and the 24”/610mm PRO-2600.
All of the new printers use a new pigment ink set called Lucia Pro II, which Canon says can print on A0 size posters on uncoated paper within 48 seconds, with an expanded gamut of colours.
Options in this ink set include orange and grey, while the colour gamut reproducible by the imagePROGRAF GP series can accurately hit 96% of the Pantone Formula Guide Solid Coated sample book.
“We’ve raised the bar for print quality as well as significantly increasing image robustness in terms of light and abrasion resistance, which is crucial for fine art printers and professional photographers,” Faulkner adds.
While there is plenty to consider in this round-up, the reality is that there have been plenty of other new options arriving on the wide-format market in 2024, with more set to follow in the coming weeks and months. Look out for part two of this update in our next issue!
