Technology | What to Watch
In response, manufacturers will need to combine premium software-based solutions within a quality hardware build. This will have a knock-on effect for Rip vendors, who are increasingly looking at ways to streamline workflow efficiencies, leading to automated processes and Web-to-print services. This latter area has often been very time intensive, but the focus on simplified processes will have all round benefits and is already being integrated into even the smallest of businesses. Expect advances in inks too, where metallics and fluorescents are likely to be more readily available and open-up new applications. The range of compatible materials is extending, creating yet more possibilities, particularly for flatbed printing. The use of varnishes and other alternative channels seemed to go out of fashion for some time, but with reliable 3D flatbed solutions in place, there is a growing resurgence in the special effects of printing that can be achieved. The use of bespoke and alternative finishing is likely to rise. Lenticular printing is also still an exciting part of the art market, so printers that can reproduce at this high level are going to do well.
Equally fabric and soft signage printing has been increasing in popularity, with some exhibitions stand being almost exclusively created in this format. This means not only the quality, but the variety will probably be developed in this area.
Windebank added: Many material manufacturers are looking beyond the staple products and trying to develop new ways of envisioning what they can achieve. We recently saw cardboard with a dyed black surface that could be written on with chalks and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw UV receiving surfaces diversifying.
MIMAKI DANNA DRION, GENERAL MANAGER MARKETING AND PM EMEA
The issue of sustainability and how we can reduce the environmental impact of large-format inkjet will no doubt continue into 2024 and beyond. Not only environmentally, but the ongoing energy crisis has increased the pressure to produce more energy efficient printers and pushed sustainability even higher up everyone’s agenda. This sustainability push will likely lead to an increase in UV printing, the main advantage being that UV-LED inks dry instantly. It is not just sustainability that UV can offer going forward, it’s the versatility it provides to print on almost anything. I also think in 2024, we can expect several significant developments in the realm of ‘Print 4.0’. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role, with increased adoption of autonomous robotic systems for material handling and efficient job scheduling. AI will further enhance quality control and predictive maintenance, ensuring consistent and error-free output.
PRINTFACTORY DEBRA HOBDEN, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER, PRINTFACTORY
In general we think there are four main factors impacting the sector over the next five years. Technological innovation in large-format inkjet printing will include printhead technology, inks, and colour management. Sustainability concerns are growing across industries and in large-format printing, eco-friendly inks, substrates, and production processes will become more crucial.
WE CAN EXPECT SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
REALM OF PRINT 4.0. DANNA DRION
Automation and workflow optimisation will continue to be pivotal. As the demand for quicker turnarounds and cost-effective production increases, streamlined and automated processes will be essential to meet these demands. Personalised and customised printing will see growth. This could include applications in interior décor, packaging, and promotional materials.
SAI
MARC HERMANS, DIRECTOR OF SALES, EUROPE AND AFRICA RADISA PERIC, FLEXI PRODUCT MANAGER
Hermans: Rip workflow automation and integration in third-party solutions will continue to make an impact, as will predictable maintenance for used hardware. Peric: My expectation is that we’ll see more Web-to-print and an increased use of white ink. Cagle: I believe that newer inks that create a wider colour gamut for existing printers will have a big impact in the next few years. New inks that will also last longer hopefully will be introduced. UV inks have become much more flexible over the last several years and I see that continuing to improve.
ZUND
LARS BENDIXEN, SEGMENT MANAGER GRAPHICS
In our opinion, intelligent and modular automation in all production steps are the be-all and end-all and will also be in strong demand in the large-format segment in the foreseeable future - from collaborative robot solutions or automated tool handling to software solutions that perform many steps automatically to highly automated and integrated industrial cutting systems.
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