cutter that complements our printers with precision, speed, and automation.” O’Brien contends that the wide-format market is expanding to include a larger range of manufacturers and choices. “We’ve seen a shift in expectations”, he says. “Speed and build quality are no longer exclusive to the big legacy brands. More manufacturers, including those who were once considered challengers, now offer genuinely high-performance machines. This has shaken up the market in a good way, as customers are getting more value and choice. Digital workflows and hybrid solutions have also made wide-format much more agile, allowing print service providers (PSPs) to diversify faster and handle shorter lead times more efficiently.” O’Brien’s point about the expansion of the wide-format market is borne out in the seemingly ever-increasing number of kit releases in the sector. Alongside Liyu, we’ve seen new solutions from companies including Agfa, MUTOH, swissQprint, Mimaki, Fujifilm, HP, Epson, Durst, and InkTec in just the last six months. Trade shows like the recent FESPA Global Print Expo are practically bursting at the seams with new solutions, and the sector doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. But what innovations in wide-format are on the horizon? For O’Brien, sustainability is top of mind. “Expect to see more eco-friendly inks, energy-efficient curing systems, and recyclable substrates,” he predicts. “Remote management is also improving fast; more machines now offer diagnostics and updates online. Robotics will play a growing role in media handling and finishing, and artificial intelligence (AI) could soon assist with file prep and predictive maintenance. It’s an exciting time for PSPs willing to adapt.” A New Player Another part of the market shake-up that O’Brien alludes to is the rise of new key players from a growing range of countries in recent years, including India and China. None understand the increasing prevalence of Chinese wide-format solutions more than Scott Clutton, managing direc- ▲The X Line Hybrid offers print speeds of up to 65sq m/h We’ve seen a shift in expectations as speed and build quality are no longer exclusive to the big legacy brands The Iris Graphics Model 3047, introduced in 1989 and considered by many to be the first digital wide-format inkjet printer, sold for $126k (£223k) upon release Factoid 54 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 259 - June / July 2025 WIDE-FORMAT PRINT KIT PART 1.
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