New year, new buzzThe current climate is providing a massive opportunity for printers to diversify, particularly in the wide format sector. So what can we expect in the coming months? - By Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 02 February, 2010Economy and quality are going to be the buzz-words of 2010. We have endured a financial rollercoaster in 2009 and are now starting to pick ourselves up and look for growth opportunities in a strengthening economy. Product professional, LFP, for Canon UK, Shane Burchett, said: “The impact of the recession has been significant. Print businesses have had to rethink their strategies and to take advantage, they have to keep a tight rein on their overheads and costs.
POP goes the budgetPoint of purchase (POP) advertising drives an immediate response, which is perhaps why spending in this area has suffered less than in other sectors. In fact, tough times are currently driving innovation, with many POP printers moving into niche areas - By Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 29 December, 2009It’s always difficult when the economy hits a low, but as far as POP is concerned it’s not all bad. POP is one of the only means of advertising that drives an immediate response and therefore budgets have suffered less than in outdoor and magazine advertising.
Going green gracefullyLooking after the environment is top of everyone's agenda at the moment. So what are the alternatives to solvent inks and how will they impact on the quality and longevity of your prints? - By Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 23 November, 2009Like most industries, people become comfortable with what they are used to and despite the benefits of switching to more environmentally friendly inks, there is still some reluctance to make the change. With more and more of the big ink manufacturers producing an alternative however, it looks like it could be time to make the switch.
Don't fall flatIn the competitive wide format printing industry, there is a need, now more than ever, for printing machines that are: dependable; help preserve existing business; support moves into new markets; and grow with a business - By Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 27 October, 2009As one of the fastest growing areas of the digital print industry, the flatbed market has seen some excellent machines emerge over recent years which have more than met requirements for dependability. However, with an influx of new machines and upgrades to existing favourites, these are exciting times. Here we look at today's market and some developments we can expect over coming months.
Quality counts: proof positiveA good proofing system is vital. Impressive, large-format printed proofs, with vibrant colours, reassure clients more than any image on the computer screen - By Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 28 September, 2009Advertising and fashion photographer, Miquel González, believes in using the right proofing equipment, as he demonstrated in a recent job when he shot a series of 11 photographs for a fashion publication. After the shoot, Miquel retouched the images digitally, accentuating the lighting before producing proof prints to show his client.
Making an exhibition of yourselfPop-up displays offer a professional yet cost effective alternative to static systems at a time when people are looking to cut costs. Using them alongside point of purchase displays also makes them the ideal all-rounder - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 28 August, 2009Pop-up displays are certainly not a new phenomenon and have had their place in the industry for many years mostly as a temporary solution seen widely at exhibitions. New digital technology means they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and able to cater for a variety of installations.
Creating a masterpieceFine art and photographic printing using digital technology has grown in recent years, meaning people can own a piece of art which would otherwise be beyond their budget. It's all about harnessing digital technology to make the vibrant colours and attention to detail really work by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 06 July, 2009Photographer, Tim Flach, is a great fan of Epson equipment. Renowned for his stylized animal portraits, Tim has produced a book, Equus, in an exclusive collectors carbro edition featuring a fine leather case designed and made by Asprey.
Is it finished yet?As the quality of digital has improved, the demand for advanced, high quality finishing has also increased, enabling print shops to offer that little bit extra - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 21 May, 2009From books and leaflets to large format graphics, there are literally hundreds of applications for finishing equipment. Whatever the requirement, there is a technology to meet that need and because businesses each have their own needs when it comes to finishing, Canon offers a range of in-line and off-line solutions.
Toeing the green lineResource and energy-saving production is increasingly important in the face of tightened environmental controls and greater consumer awareness of green issues. Here SPDI looks at what companies are doing to toe the green line - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 05 May, 2009Neschen is one company which has worked hard to ensure its substrate range keeps up with customers' green requirements. Head of marketing and communications, Frank Seemann, says the company consistently uses green production processes and materials as the Pro Nature product line demonstrates.
Making the point for qualityWhen we talk about digital inks there are a number of issues which spring to mind, not least the arguments for and against third party inks and the ongoing issue of recycling. Here we look at some of the main issues currently affecting the digital inks market - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 09 April, 2009The argument for and against using third party inks in wide format inkjet printers is not a new one. But, with inks being so crucial to output quality and durability and the lifecycle of machinery, it's an important topic.
A time to innovateContinuous innovation in digital flatbed technology has seen a variety of new equipment enter the market in the last few months. Take a look at how some of those machines are changing the way we work - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 05 March, 2009THE CURRENT economic climate is having a huge impact on print buying, particularly in the retail environment and, with run lengths reducing and printers needing to be more responsive, digital print is becoming a competitive solution in the marketplace. Companies looking to respond both during and after the recession are turning to digital to provide the flexibility they need.
When size is an issueWith an increase in more ingenious ways of advertising, the superwide format industry is in demand. Tracey Rushton-Thorpe looks at some of the options - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 02 February, 2009ONE OF the most common forms of outdoor advertising is the billboard: a concept which remains a popular way of attracting attention. However, it is people with ever more ingenious ideas who stand to gain the most from the superwide format market.
Building a brandWhen the budgets take a hit, marketing is often the first to go. Despite the current economic climate however, it doesn't look like this will be the case - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 18 November, 2008ALTHOUGH RETAILERS are tightening their belts, it is still in their interests to entice customers to spend what spare money they have: which is good news for the point of sale (POS) market.
The choice is yoursSince the introduction of Gutenberg's printing press in 1436, there has been a gradual improvement in printing technology to allow better quality output at less cost using a variety of different applications. However, in the last 30 years, there has been a revolution in the printing landscape through the development of digital printing technology - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 30 October, 2008To people outside the printing industry, digital print is usually associated with toner-based systems such as Xerox. However, inkjet technology has had an equally large impact on the way printed materials are produced. Early commercial inkjet pioneers, such as Sun Chemical, realised digital's potential to offer higher speed, lower costs and greater flexibility than traditional printing methods and although early inkjet industrial applications included printing of number codes and markings, it didn't truly take off for graphic applications until the introduction of piezo print head technology in the 1990s.
Fast-track options for ingenious outputDigital flatbed printers continue to be one of the biggest success stories in the digital industry. Increased flexibility means applications range from POP to outdoor signage and packaging, and if you add personalisation capabilities into the mix, a whole new raft of opportunities open up. Quite simply a lot of work has gone into flatbed design and because of this we are seeing some of the most ingenious output ever - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 03 October, 2008One of the most talked about companies in the digital flatbed market is Inca Digital, a company that has led the way with machines such as the Eagle, Columbia and Spyder. The introduction of their latest machine last year, the Inca Onset, proves that once again Inca know what they are doing when it comes to new technology.
Advertising on the moveVehicle graphics offer a fast, flexible approach to advertising. Uptake is driven by digital technology, which enables advertisers to get more for their promotional pound by changing graphics regularly to suit their marketing need - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 28 August, 2008A few minutes spent on any motorway or suburban road now guarantees that you will see giant advertisements attached to trucks or trailers. Not the advertisements you might expect for cars and petrol, but eye catching raunchy adverts for underwear. Adverts for radio stations, train travel, holidays, fashion, health foods, films, record releases, video games and new technology to name just a few.
Small dots, big benefitsNanodot technology is the latest, and smallest, innovation in the world of wide format digital sublimation inks. As Mark Beevers of Sublimation Supplies explains, it could be the answer for a faster, more accurate printing processPublished: 28 August, 2008Big has had its day. From cars, to computers, to mobile phones, the message is that good things really do come in small packages. Being compact is a desirable commodity as technology enables us to produce an ever greater output, with minimal input.
Getting personalPoint-of-sale has seen huge growth in recent years, mainly due to the reduction in short run printing costs and ability to personalise campaigns on a store-by-store basis. Here we look at more reasons why this market continues to grow - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 26 July, 2008There was a time when point-of-sale materials were only considered for impulse purchases like perfumes, cosmetics and chocolate etc. The cost of personalising this material was prohibitive, so each campaign was rolled out across the country without regional variation.
Capture the marketNew print technology is combining with the creativity of artists, printers and customers themselves to accelerate the large format digital photo market - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 26 June, 2008The large format print market has opened up massive opportunities for printers in terms of increased applications, production and profit. But that isn't all, it has also opened up opportunities for other professions who are using new technology to produce better results and retain business.
Seal’s AquaSEAL 60 and 80UV Pro machines are designed to be industry workhorses
First to the finishIncreasing machine features, ease of use, greater variety of consumables, lower cost and eco-friendliness are five discernible trends in the digital print finishing market, by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 29 May, 2008It's no surprise we are seeing an increase in new equipment to keep pace with trends. One company at the forefront of developments is Seal Graphics whose new range of products is designed to provide a more efficient way to do business.
Digital wallpapers offer new revenue opportunities
All surfaces coveredAs customers become more demanding, the variety of substrates used daily continues to expand. This article looks at some of the options - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 01 May, 2008There is an increasing number of companies in the market. One of the best known is Robert Horne Sign & Display, offering customers a comprehensive range of digital substrates from a single supplier. Perhaps even more important than the product range itself, the company's staff can provide in-depth advice on the suitability of individual substrates, thus ensuring customers can confidently select the optimum product regarding practical, aesthetic and budgetary considerations.
EFI's Vutek BioVu inks are recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency
Time to turn greenUnless you have been living in a cupboard for the last two-years you cannot fail to have missed the current environmental agenda and need to reduce waste and emissions over the next few-years - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 03 April, 2008In the past, the printing industry was one area where waste was deemed acceptable. For example, the ‘industry' would think nothing of printing vast quantities of point-of-sale boards which are changed a week later. This has been seen as progress because now print jobs can be customised, customers can promote products more effectively and more often.
Inca's Spyder 320Q is part of a rapidly growing range of flatbed solutions
Flat out for successFlatbed digital printers have come a long way since they were first introduced. Here I look at some of the latest technology and how to make the most of what is on offer, by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 01 March, 2008A familiar name which remains synonymous with flatbed printers is Inca, who launched the first flatbed inkjet printer, the Eagle 44, in January 2001. The range evolved rapidly and today includes the top of the range Onset (rated as the world's fastest, fully automated digital UV flatbed printer), high speed Turbo Plus, and larger Columbia Turbo 220. Spyder models include the 150, larger 320 (which includes the low cost Spyder 320-e) a model that prints white, six and eight colour models, plus the high quality 320Q.
The HP Scitex XL2200 uses dedicated environmentally-friendly UV-curable HP Scitex UV221 Supreme inks
Size meets versatilityThe superwide format market continues to evolve. With productivity and flexibility top of customer demands, it is no wonder we continue to see a huge amount of growth. Here we look at market changes and trends for 2008 - by Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 01 February, 2008With more people taking the digital route, plus growth of the outdoor advertising market, superwide format digital printers are increasingly becoming a strategic investment. Regional sales manager, Europe North EFI Vutek, Emmanuel Swolfs, said: "We believe the future for superwide format, throughout 2008 and beyond, looks positive for the UK market. Healthy growth is being fuelled by the ever-rapid transition to digital. No longer viewed a risky market, more and more people are entering this mature marketplace, particularly as we see costs per square metre decreasing as a result of dropping ink prices and ever-increasing production speeds.
Home improvement shows have influenced people’s desire for bright printed canvas
Greater functionality is keyby Tracey Rushton-ThorpePublished: 13 December, 2007The large format print (LFP) market is growing, with demand driven by accessibility and availability. From photographers to copy shops the market offers something for everyone. So what changes can we expect over coming months?
How many of your customers have asked about the carbon footprint of your printing service?


