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improve their competitive edge. UV inkjet remains one of
the largest and fastest growing segments in the wide-format
market primarily due to the benefits of this technology –
such as fast drying, excellent image quality and durability,
low running costs and the ability to print onto a wide range
of substrates and produce a wide range of applications.”
Canon Peter Dulis is man-
ager of large-format printers
at Canon Canada. “The
large-format graphics market
continues to be a growth
engine for print service pro-
viders. Print applications
such as wall coverings, tex-
tiles and décor are growing
rapidly and are expected to
continue as end users take
advantage of digital printing
Peter Dulis, manager of large-
technology. A recent Key-
format printers, Canon Canada
point Intelligence sur vey
conducted in December,
2017, with more than 300 PSPs indicated that the number
of their clients requesting print turnaround times of 24 hours
or less had increased in the last four years from 41% to 61%
of all print jobs submitted. This increase in fast turnaround
time requires even faster printers delivering more productiv-
ity. The survey also concluded that print quality, reliability
and cost of operation (in addition to productivity) were
important criteria to consider when investing in new
printers.
“Thanks to digital printing, you can print nearly anything
you want on almost any surface. With today’s wide-format
inkjet printers, the achievable range of applications that
can be output continues to grow. Whether PSPs are looking
to carve out a niche in the market or simply expand their
offerings to appeal to a broader range of customers, the
drive to creatively produce unique and interesting applica-
tions has allowed them to optimize investments in their
equipment and to grow their revenue opportunities. Inkjet
technology has enabled the easy and profitable production
of applications such as custom textiles, backlit posters,
window decals and wallpaper. Add to that, printing on rigid
substrates allows you to step beyond sign and display
graphics into industrial or specialty applications such as
membrane switches, interior décor, custom and prototype
packaging. PSPs are looking to produce more creative
applications with their equipment than ever before. One
of the more interesting applications includes relief or dimen-
sional printing (up to several centimeters thick!) whereby
multiple layers of additional ink are laid down on a rigid
substrate to create a highly textured surface. This method
of printing can be used for interior décor, to replicate oil
paintings, and even to create Braille signage for the visually
impaired.”
@graphicarts
Epson Matt McCausland is
product manager of profes-
sional imaging at Epson.
“Solvent printing is the go-to
solution for various wide-
format printing applications
like signs and vehicle wraps.
While solvent printing itself is
not new, a recent break-
through in solvent ink
technology has revolution-
ized printers’ abilities to
dramatically increase output Matt McCausland, product
and offerings by cutting down manager of professional
imaging, Epson
curing times by 75%. What
used to take 24 to 48 hours
of drying time now requires only six. Not only does this
allow printers more flexibility to meet tighter timelines and
increase their output and revenue, but the superior image
quality that’s produced as a result has guided the emer-
gence of three new trends in wide-format printing.
“First, think small. We continue to see graphic businesses
expand their product offerings from large applications to
smaller ones. What was typically printed using smaller
devices can now be efficiently handled by larger production
printers. New solvent ink technology now provides a wide
colour gamut and higher potential for accuracy, density and
brightness. Even the smallest of text can now be printed
clearly and legibly. This, coupled with the ability to print
directly to a magnetic roll, has enabled stickers and magnets
to explode as a new and trendy application.
“Second, go big. Precise colour and accuracy isn’t just for
small prints. Being able to provide customers with consist-
ent colours, while maintaining photo accuracy from panel
to panel, allows brands to develop large multi-paneled
wall art.
“Third, duplicate. The faster workflow via the use of quick-
dr y inks allows printers to take on additional and
non-traditional jobs and increase revenue. As a result, the
expansion into fine-art printing is beginning to take shape.
The high-output of the printers, coupled with the reduced
curing time of the prints, results in a comparatively low cost
for fine-art mass production.”
Mutoh Matt Bartlett, Mutoh’s regional sales manager for
Canada, points out that while studies predicting future
trends are helpful, hidden technologies or changing econ-
omies may impact the direction of wide-format. “Did you
know that the PC became popular around 1984? That was
34 years ago,” he said. “At that time, we were either paint-
ing signs or just beginning to use a computer to cut vinyl
lettering for them. We didn’t even have a colour monitor.
Today we have smartphones that can identify fonts and
take high-resolution images. Technology not directly
GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | May 2018 | 17