Over the past few years, consumers have been treated to a fast paced innovation in the world of digital printing. This has seen an introduction of some of the best technologies aimed at meeting varying consumer needs this helping in business growth and satisfaction. Wide format printing has for example registered tremendous transformation with much anticipated improvements being predicted for the year 2015. This year saw an introduction of some of the most amazing wide format digital printer features including the LED cool-curing provision offered by printers such as the 60-inch H1625 LED UV printer. This particular printer enables users to enjoy myriad of media choices such as thermoforming and flexible membrane films. While newer wide format printing devices can print in four different colors in addition to white on a wide variety of rigid and flexible substrates, the year 2015 trends are expected to brighter greater satisfaction to customers.
Wide Format Printing Affordability
One of the trends to look out for in 2015 include the affordability of wide format printing machines as manufacturers move towards the introduction of minimally limited applications. We can expect a wider range of machines—including some targeting entry-level users—as well as inks and output technology to suit practically every budget. A closer look at the developments that have been recorded in the past few months works as a pointer to better days in 2015. For example, when HP introduced Latex 310 to replace Latex 330 and Hp Latex 360 models, the price of the newer, smaller device was lower by more than $3,300 and $7,546 in list price respectively.
Printing Ink Revolution
Other trends for 2015 include reduced amount of ink used for wide format printing as the different manufacturers seek to improve their devices. For example, in the past, there has been a serious competition between HP and Ricoh/Mimaki as far as the amount of ink used is concerned. This could come in form of aqueous vehicle ink percentages to help significantly lower the amount used for different jobs. While for example LX100 printer ink has approximately 38-39 percent aqueous vehicle, HP uses approximately 50% which means the former is more efficient as far as ink quantity is concerned. 2015 is expected to see a significant improvement especially in HP printers but this does not mean other manufacturers will only be watching. Consumers can expect to use less ink in 2015 as new wide format printing machines are introduced in the market. Here’s an overview of some ink basics.
Forecast on increased competition
It is expected that 2015 will see an improved entry of different specialty markets such as the entry of 3D printing in the application mix. Other trends expected is that response times and mission-critical support will also reduce drastically as firms become increasingly demanding. HP has set an ambitious target of scooping more than 50% market total sales for Latex and this without a doubt sets the stage for a strong competition with other manufacturers. It is expected that new launches are in the offing come 2015 with developments to help in the introduction of low-energy LED-operated UV, and eco solvent options.
Reduced Cost of Operation
Other wide format printing and trends for 2015 to be expected include the introduction of pigment ink, a new type of printing ink by HP which will be sold alongside PageWide printers. This kind of ink is designed to use color pigments instead of dyes thus promising a better black and color saturation which helps lower the amount of ink required. This in return will help reduce the overall cost of printing drastically. Wide format printing machine users can expect to access the PageWide in four different models by the second half of 2015. This can be eagerly anticipated as it will help small printing businesses and their customers to enjoy better quality printing at lower costs and faster. HP is a newcomer to the single-pass inkjet game, but it intends to shake things up for Xanté (Excelagraphix 4200), Canon/Océ (Color Wave 900) and Xerox (IJP2000) These Memjet-powered machines use dye-based aqueous inks—as noted above, HP’s offering uses pigment ink.
UV-Curable ink technology
Owing to the high ink efficiency and production volumes, the worldwide market for UV-curable inkjet wide format printers is expected to experience admirable growth. More operators are expected to embrace wide format printing devices as they seek to maximize their productivity and enjoy unique printing services designed for printing customized applications such as perfume boxes and gift editions. As the New Year, 2015 unfolds, just watch the space and see how you can benefit more from high quality wide format printers!