WIDE-FORMAT PRINTERS In today’s fast-evolving print landscape, wide-format printing is seemingly experiencing a renaissance, driven by technological innovations and shifting customer demands. This year’s FESPA Global Print Expo was awash with new releases in the wide-format space. To name just a few brands, Agfa used the speciality print exhibition to reveal its new Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS and Onset Panthera FB3216 to the public, HP demonstrated its recently announced Latex R530 for the first time in EMEA, and Epson launched its 64-inch wide-format eco solvent signage printer, the SC-S8100. From faster print speeds and automated workflows to expanded substrate compatibility and environmentally conscious inks, recent innovations are redefining what's possible in wide-format print. As manufacturers race to deliver smarter, more versatile solutions, print service providers (PSPs) are finding new opportunities to differentiate, diversify, and drive profitability. This feature explores a small selection of the latest breakthroughs in wide-format technology, analysing what these innovations provide to the sector and what further innovations may be on the horizon. A New Avenue Japanese press manufacturer, Mimaki, has unveiled a raft of solutions in the last year, including presenting a number of new offerings at this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo. A standout among these many solutions was the JV200-160, a new roll-to-roll printer based on the previously released CJV200 series that aims to offer an entry-level option to the market without compromising on quality. Andrew Edwards, partner sales manager of Sign & Graphics at Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, says there’s more than meets the eye with this new machine. “While the Mimaki JV200-160 is categorised as an ‘entry-level’ solvent printer, that doesn’t really do it justice,” says Edwards. “Yes, it’s accessible and easy to use, but it delivers far more than you’d expect at this level. It’s a great first investment for a new print business thanks to its simplicity, print quality, and speed, but those same qualities make it a smart addition for established companies looking to increase capacity without overstretching.” The 1.6m eco-solvent inkjet printer is equipped with a single 330 Engine print head, allowing operators to produce prints more simply without the need for an exhaustive experience. However, this simplicity belies the speed of the press. The JV200-160 offers reported production speeds of up to 17sq m/hr, which the company labels as “the highest entry-level practical print speed.” When announcing the JV200-160, Arjen Evertse, director of sales at Mimaki Europe, commented: “Our CJV200 series of integrated printer/cutters, introduced Jonathan Pert explores a selection of the latest breakthroughs in wide-format printing, analysing what they can provide to PSPs NEW PLAYERS IN THE WIDE-FORMAT MARKET 62 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2025 - Issue 355
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