Business | Diversification HP Jet Fusion 5000 3D printer
the potential to produce lightboxes and similar components. This points to another important aspect of 3D printing: functional manufacturing. While promotional products attract attention,
many businesses also need practical components, prototypes and custom parts. HP’s Jet Fusion technology is known for producing durable plastic parts. For PSPs, this could mean manufacturing brackets, display components, signage accessories or replacement parts alongside printed graphics. A company that already supplies retail displays, for example, could also produce the structural elements that support those displays.
This integration of graphics and functional components creates a more complete service offering. Instead of outsourcing parts to external manufacturers, a PSP can keep production in-house, reduce lead times and increase margins. It also strengthens customer relationships by positioning the printer as a broader production partner rather that can support all aspects of the product and installation needs.
ROLAND DG AND THE CERAMIC PRINTER A new type of 3D printing technology comes from wide-format titan, Roland DG. It’s Roland DG’s PB-400 Powder 3D printer, has binder jet technology to produce ceramic objects layer by layer at 0.1mm resolution. Unlike traditional ceramic manufacturing, which relies heavily on moulds and manual craftsmanship, the PB-400 can create intricate forms directly from CAD data. Short production runs become economically viable, and design changes no longer require starting from scratch with new moulds. The technology also offers strong process control: Less than 1% shrinkage during firing, predictable dimensional accuracy and high-quality surfaces suitable for glazing. For PSPs, this offering is more catered towards those who are looking for that truly unique offering for customers. A wide curve away from traditional printing this type of 3D printing offers a way to break into other areas of the wide-format industry and produce not only personalised goods but a new way to utilise already well-honed skills. An important principle about 3D printing is that the technology often works best when combined with existing expertise rather than treated as a total replacement for established methods, and the use of ceramic printing is no different.
3D PRINTING IN WIDE-FORMAT PRINTING Despite its potential, 3D printing is not without challenges. The investment in 3D printer is high and should only be considered if the company can truly benefit from further offerings.
There are also practical considerations such as material handling, print times and post-processing.
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Some technologies require support removal, curing or sanding, which adds labour and complexity, and PSPs must carefully evaluate which applications align with their customer base and operational capabilities.
Another challenge is market education. Many customers still associate printers only with paper and signage. PSPs adopting 3D printing will need to demonstrate the value of additive manufacturing through samples, case studies and creative campaigns. However, despite its challenges, for those interested 3D printing it offers an opportunity in not merely in owning a 3D printer, but in rethinking what a print business can offer. A company might combine wide-format graphics, packaging, signage, promotional merchandise and 3D-printed objects into a single creative service. This all-encompassing approach can differentiate businesses in a competitive market.
Roland DG PB-400 Powder 3D printer
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