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DIGITAL Large format printers
New year,
new buzz
The 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-Thorpe
E
conomy and quality are going to be the increasing, these direct costs are going to eat professional print industry, particularly with
buzz-words of 2010. We have endured a away at any gains and leave companies to the use of inks. Being more economical with
financial rollercoaster in 2009 and are survive on tighter and tighter margins. the use of inks makes a big difference to
now starting to pick ourselves up and look for “Taking these factors into consideration, printers, which is something Canon has been
growth opportunities in a strengthening Canon is supporting the industry through focusing on for the last few years with its
economy. Product professional, LFP, for Canon technological developments in its large format range of LFPs. Most come with economy print
UK, Shane Burchett, said: “The impact of the printer (LFP) range, something which has been modes or hot swap ink tanks that enable
recession has been significant. Print recognised by industry accolades. Independent operators to change inks on the fly with no
businesses have had to rethink their strategies research company, Buyers Lab, tested our wastage in the containers.
and to take advantage, they have to keep a multi-purpose 44in Canon imagePrograf “As we take the first steps out of the
tight rein on their overheads and costs. iPF820 and awarded it the BLI Pick award due recession, printers will undoubtedly be
“The Canon Insight Report: Digital Printing to its ability to satisfy both the technical and cautious, keeping costs low and making the
Directions, provides a projection of the printing graphic arts markets. What’s more, it was most of equipment. It lies with the industry to
industry to the year 2020. It shows that the proved to be up to 50 per cent more take the leap into a new and more efficient
biggest immediate threat facing print productive and use three times less ink than its printing era.”
companies are increasing overhead costs such nearest competitor.
as transport, heating, paper and consumables. “Over the next year or two we will start to Time to upgrade?
While overall print revenues will keep on see more cost-saving features in the The current economic problems have affected
HP latex inks eliminate VOC worries so graphics can be used indoors, as in Deauville Hospital
16 SCREEN PROCESS AND DIGITAL IMAGING l January 2010 Visit us at www.spdi-online.com
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