While this year’s FESPA and drupa proved to be major launch platforms for new wide-format print kit, manufacturers have continued to roll out new solutions to the market. We take a look at some of the latest innovations in this sector
There is seemingly no stopping the runaway train that is wide-format print. While those in this market continue to benefit from a healthy supply of new work, be it posters, banners, or other applications, manufacturers are keeping their finger on the pulse of the sector by rolling out new solutions to help their own customers keep up with demand.
This year has been no different with key industry events such as FESPA Global Print Expo and drupa serving as catalysts for new launches. However, the work did not stop in the first half of the year, with even more kit being rolled out in the months that followed.
Here, we take a look at just some of the new wide-format print technologies that have been introduced to the market in recent weeks and months and analyse how these developments can help further the success of print businesses active in this sector.
While FESPA and drupa were the main international attractions this year, for print service providers (PSPs) in the UK, there was only one place to see the latest print technologies all under one roof – The Print Show. The event ran from September 17th to 19th at the NEC and once again played host to some of the leading names in wide-format print, along with their distribution partners.
One exhibitor that used The Print Show to launch new technology was Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of Mimaki machinery.
Highlights on the Hybrid stand included the new Mimaki CJV200 Series and Mimaki TS330-3200DS – both of which were being shown in Europe for the first time.
Featuring the same print engine as the 330 Series high production models, the CJV200 Series is a new range of entry-level solvent integrated printer/cutters. It boasts a top practical print speed of 17sq m/hr and has a number of special features including an ink saving function that reduces ink consumption, a quicker print-head cleaning time, and Mimaki’s Dot Adjustment System (DAS), which automatically completes bi-directional print and media feed adjustments.
The CJV200 Series also uses Mimaki's new SS22 solvent ink, which was released alongside the printer. This new ink does not contain increasingly regulated ingredients such as GBL, which Mimaki says has helped it to secure the industry’s highest level of outdoor weather resistance.
Also new from Mimaki on the Hybrid stand was the TS330-3200DS, a 3.2m-wide hybrid machine capable of both direct sublimation printing on fabric and sublimation transfer printing on paper. It runs at a top speed of 150sq m/h at a print resolution of 600dpi and can be used to create a wide range of applications such as large-format fabric signs as well as interior fabrics including curtains, carpets, and bedding.
Being shown alongside these two machines at The Print Show were two more new printers in the form of the JFX200-1213 EX entry-level flatbed UV printer, which can run at speeds of up to 25sq m/h, as well as the TxF300-1600 direct-to-film (DTF) solution that offers a maximum print width of 1.6m.
“At Mimaki, we are committed to driving innovation that meets the evolving needs of our customers and also anticipates future trends in the printing industry,” says Arjen Evertse, general manager of sales at Mimaki Europe. “These four new printers were created to offer the industry new ways to expand and diversify print businesses with the confidence a high-quality and highly efficient Mimaki solution can provide.
“Meeting various different challenges across the markets we serve, the CJV200 Series and the JFX200-1213 EX offer stepping stones to businesses entering the signage and graphics markets. The new TS330-3200DS and TxF300-1600 provide the flexibility, quality, and productivity customers need to attract new business across the textile sector, enabling them to expand their application portfolios or seamlessly sidestep into new markets.
“We are confident that the availability of all four of these new technologies will be highly anticipated by printers across the industry who are looking to take their businesses to the next level, whether that be in productivity, capacity, or application range.”
Another new wide-format print solution comes in the form of the SC-S9100 from Epson. Billed as a solution for both sign-makers and PSPs, the SC-S9100 is a 64-inch eco-solvent printer suitable for producing general signage, wallpaper applications, and direct printing on substrates such as clear film, vinyl, canvas, and photographic paper.
Key features include the new PrecisionCore Micro TFP user-replaceable printhead, which the manufacturer says helps to increase productivity. This is boosted further by an additional drying system that ensures prints are cured before reaching the take-up reel.
Users will also benefit from being able to work with a specialist green ink, alongside CMYK, red, orange, light black, light cyan, light magenta, and an optional white. On top of this, the printer supports both 1500ml and 800ml ink pouches, with the manufacturer pledging up to 9% productivity increase compared with the existing SC-S80600 model.
In addition, Epson says the SC-S9100’s low-profile design is ideal for height-restricted spaces, allowing easy status checks of multiple units. The new flat-top design provides additional workspace for users to place a laptop connected to the printer, while the transparent lid enables easier monitoring of printing status and quality.
Phil McMullin, head of sales for commercial and industrial at Epson UK, comments: “The SC-S9100 represents a significant leap forward in signage printing technology. With enhanced productivity, user-replaceable printheads, a wide ink gamut, and exceptional colour accuracy, users can improve their service offerings while minimising downtime.
“Epson provides a complete solution for the SC-S9100, ensuring reliable performance and the low-profile, neat design contributes to improved usability and enables installation in height-restricted spaces, maximising available workspace.”
Other recent launches include the HydrAton 1642 from Mutoh, which was unveiled for the first time at drupa this year and has gathered plenty of interest in the months that followed.
What is perhaps most interesting about the new 64-inch wide machine is that it represents a new technology segment, featuring print/dry technology and a unique ink film formation process on the printed media, collaboratively developed by MUTOH Japan’s large-format printer R&D division and Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE ink technology team.
Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE ink is a patented technology which combines the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet technologies in one ink formulation.
Featuring two AccuFine piezo drop-on-demand print heads, the HydrAton 1642 can print on a range of substrates without having to use a pre-coat primer or optimiser. Such materials include paper, synthetic fabrics, technical fabrics, technical textiles, and heat-sensitive eco-friendly substrates including PVC.
Also launched this year was the Ricoh Flora X20, a UV hybrid printer suitable for use across a wide range of sign and display applications. Incorporating Ricoh’s printhead technology, ColorGATE RIP software and ICC profiles, the Flora X20 UV can run rigid and flexible media up to 2m wide and 5.1cm thick on substrates ranging from PVC banners to vinyl and rigid boards.
The new machine can be supplied in one of three ink configurations: CMYK, CMYKWV, and CMYKWCL. Each of these models can run at a top speed of 116sq m/hr in draft, two-pass mode, while for high-quality printing, the machine can produce prints at up to 27sq m/hr in 12-pass.
Angelo Mandelli, senior product and business development manager for Large-Format and Flatbed EMEA at Ricoh Graphic Communications Group, says: “The X20 UV has been developed in response to market demand from sign and display specialists who are increasingly looking for flexible and versatile solutions for indoor and outdoor applications.
“This Ricoh hybrid proposition, with a wealth of Ricoh developed features, supports that. As does our consultancy-based approach and expert service team. The X20 UV is the latest system to join our unique one stop offering that includes sheetfed, high-speed inkjet, large-format, textile, and software solutions.
“We look forward to further expanding our product portfolio with highly responsive and agile large-format systems that respond to emerging demands in the graphics arts, interior décor, and industrial markets.”
Finally, over in the US, HP used the 2024 edition of PRINTING United to update the market about a series of new developments within its HP Latex range of technologies.
Stand-out advancements included the introduction of a new 10L ink accessory for the HP Latex 2700 printer. This modular and upgradeable solution, HP says, opens up opportunities for higher volume PSPs by addressing high running costs to the next level – allowing them to reduce costs while simultaneously increasing productivity.
HP also noted the sustainability benefits of this development, saying the 10L ink accessory eliminates the need to discard or replace existing equipment, reducing waste in the process.
A key sustainability component of this innovation is its compatibility with the HP Latex 2700 model, which eliminates the need to discard or replace existing equipment, reducing waste. HP says PSPs can now seamlessly transition to higher volume printing capabilities without compromising on sustainability and incurring unnecessary costs.
In addition to this, HP has expanded its Live Production software, allowing small to medium-sized PSPs to remotely manage end-to-end workflow from a PC or mobile device “We are committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the complex challenges faced by PSPs,” says Oscar Vidal, global director of product and strategy for large-format print at HP.
“The industry is currently shaped by an increasing demand for quicker turnaround times and the need for streamlined printing workflows. The new high capacity 10L ink accessory for the HP Latex 2700 printer and the enhancements to Live Production and HP Learn are designed to address these trends and answer the specific needs of our customers.”
This represents just a small sample of the latest developments in wide-format print, with many more to discuss and even more set to come to market over the coming months. Be sure to check the Print Monthly website and magazine for regular updates about new machines and advancements in this exciting sector.
