Technology | What to Watch


GREAT EXPECTATIONS


WHAT WILL MOST IMPACT LARGE-FORMAT INKJET IN 2024 AND BEYOND?. THAT’S WHAT WE ASKED A BROAD SWATHE OF THE SECTOR’S SUPPLIERS.


2024 is going to be a biggie in terms of trade shows, it being a Drupa year and all that. So where are you anticipating technological advances that could improve your business? Here’s how the suppliers think the story will unfold…


AGFA


MIKE HORSTEN, PR AND PRESS MANAGER, DIGITAL PRINTING SOLUTIONS


We expect mainly two new impacts in the next two years - the first one is machine speed and the second is automation to accelerate. The quality of higher speed devices has increased to the level of the slower printers and therefore we see the high-speed demand increasing. Speed and quality need to go hand in hand, so the most important part of this is the workflow software to be able to track and trace jobs, ensure constant quality and reliable reprints. In terms of automation, robotisation will continue


to grow. The impact of high-end software workflow systems that control not only the automation but the job distribution will become more important as speeds and robotisation increases. The simple fact that printing many smaller jobs and bespoke jobs has become more common underlines the need for speed and automation to be to be controlled and supported by a good workflow and ERP system. Agfa has both.


CANON CARLOTTA MARIA BASILE, PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO MARKETING MANAGER, CANON UK AND IRELAND


Demand is high for large-format inkjet solutions that work faster, and smarter, so speed and automation will be a huge focus for 2024. PSPs can add value to their service by delivering personalised print jobs and adopting more sustainable technology so these will be factors driving large-format print too and will differentiate leaders in the industry. Canon has taken this challenge in its stride, delivering higher speeds across its imagePrograf range by delivering faster warm-up times, as well as simultaneous scan and print production, and enabling greater productivity via inkjet technology will continue to be an area of exciting growth in 2024.


16 | December 2023 / January 2024


BUSINESSES WILL BE ABLE TO PAIR THEIR LARGE-FORMAT INKJET PRINTERS TO OTHER SMART DEVICES AND MANAGE THEIR WORKFLOW THROUGH


A DIGITAL NETWORK. CARLOTTA MARIA BASILE


Another development that will define large-


format inkjet in 2024 is sophisticated automation. Looking ahead businesses will be able to pair their large-format inkjet printers to other smart devices and manage their workflow through a digital network. These upgrades will have a transformative effect impacting day-to-day use, through creating new capacity for more creative and value-added activities, supported by machines that are capable of self-operation and maintenance. We’ve seen technologies that reduce


environmental impact have been having an industry-wide push. Upgrading large-format technology to be more sustainable, without compromising power or performance, is the industry’s next challenge. PSPs are on the lookout for devices with lower


power consumption levels to cut down on both financial costs and any environmental impact. Inkjet technology will drive this sustainable shift, making progress towards recyclable toners, ink tanks and packaging. Both aspects are supported by Canon’s recyclable packaging complimented by the remanufacturing of certain products and programmes for waste materials management, generated during the production process. Market data suggests the demand for high- quality personalisation of promotional material and customisable prints will be a key priority for brands heading into 2024 and there’s an opportunity for PSPs to embrace this and offer bespoke services that complement their large-format inkjet equipment - by using Canon’s PosterArtist service for example.


COLOR-LOGIC MARK GEEVES, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING


In 2024, large-format printers will find their equipment vendors offering inksets with white, silver, gold, varnishes, and neon/fluorescent colours. PSPs with a design capability will enjoy the ability to assist clients with how to best use the new colours and inks available. Those without an in-house design capability will need to establish relationships within print clients or the clients’ design agencies to ensure that submitted artwork fully utilises the new equipment capabilities.


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