93 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 362 - September | October 2026 ability, and seamless digital workflows are equally as important as they increasingly digitise project delivery. With HP, Easton says its latest generation of wide-format printers are designed around these three key pillars. “For example, with our HP Latex portfolio, customers can produce a broad range of high-value applications using waterbased HP Latex Inks while achieving vibrant colours, durable output, and consistent image quality,” he says, adding: “Recent innovations have focused on helping PSPs increase throughput, simplify operations, and expand into new markets without adding complexity to their business. “Within the DesignJet portfolio, we continue to focus on delivering precise, reliable output for architecture, engineering, construction, GIS, and design professionals. Features such as intuitive workflows, enhanced security, and seamless integration with design software help professionals work more efficiently from project creation through to final output. “What truly differentiates HP is our ability to combine industry-leading print technologies with workflow software, services, and sustainability initiatives. Customers are increasingly looking for complete solutions rather than standalone devices, and that is where HP’s broad ecosystem provides significant value.” But where can we expect the market to go from here? Easton picks out several core focus areas including automation and workflow digitisation, with labour shortages and increasing production demands encouraging businesses to adopt technologies that reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency. A second trend is application diversification, with Easton highlighting how PSPs are looking for new revenue opportunities beyond software, and workflows work together seamlessly. He adds: “HP is responding by combining hardware, software, and services into integrated ecosystems that help customers increase efficiency and maximise uptime.” Maximise Uptime Next, Phil McMullin, head of sales for the UK and Ireland at Epson, sets out how wide-format print covers many applications, with requirements in signage clearly differing from areas like textile production. However, despite this, McMullin says Epson has identified that all PSPs are looking for maximum uptime through improved reliability, automated maintenance, and first-class support. “Delivering this ensures prints are produced right first time, reducing waste and minimising human interaction,” he says, adding: “Epson has recently focused on new, more productive printheads that can detect blocked nozzles and compensate on the fly. This technology is known as nozzle verification (NVT), and it ensures productivity and print quality is not impacted on long print runs. “The other area Epson has developed recently is the whole colour ecosystem around our printers which includes the SD10 handheld spectrometer. The Epson colour ecosystem enables PSPs to easily match existing spot colours and reproduce them accurately in print with very little trial and error. Together, these developments greatly reduce cycle times and free PSPs to focus more on winning profitable new customers.” Going into more detail on Epson’s innovation focus, McMullin says the key selling points of its wide-format printers are that they are built with reliability and consistent performance in mind. “Epson designs and manufactures its own printheads, ink, and main printer comThese developments greatly reduce cycle times and free PSPs to focus more on winning profitable new customers ponents,” he says, adding: “Like a Formula 1 car, everything is designed and tuned to get the best out of the complete unit. This may sound a simple idea, but it translates into maximum possible uptime and therefore improved profitability.” Protect Your Investment Also weighing in is Andrew Edwards, partner sales manager for sign and graphics traditional signage such as wallcoverings, décor, personalised graphics, retail experiences, and short-run packaging applications. On top of this is sustainability-driven innovation due to brands, print providers, and end-use customers all demanding more environmentally responsible solutions. Finally, Easton says the industry is seeing increased demand for connected, intelligent printing environments, where devices, ▲ Mimaki’s 200 Series range features a number of options including the Mimaki JV200160 solvent printer WIDE-FORMAT PRINTERS PT. 1 | ROB FLETCHER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==