PRINTING United Media Day Portrays Changing Industry

In advance of the PRINTING United Expo, which kicks off today in Las Vegas, PRINTING United Alliance hosted it first ever Media Day, specifically designed for industry “media types” like me to gain a greater sense of the profusion of new technologies that will be on display once the massive Expo floor opens. The event hosted printing industry journalists from around the world, and provided deep insight into industry trends and new developments.

Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance, shared the value of the Alliance to the printing industry. | Credit: Wide-format Impressions

The Power of the Industry

In a short presentation, Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance, described the twofold mandate of the alliance, starting with the annual trade show. “This is a great marketplace – one of the 30 biggest marketplaces in terms of conventions.” That said, Bowers stressed that the Alliance exists to serve the industry, particularly in efforts to promote workforce development, undertake lobbying efforts, and address government affairs topics. The task in doing so is significant and important, and having a cohesive printing industry helps. “Collectively,” he said, “we have a lot more weight and a lot more authority if we can speak with one voice.”

Illustrating Printing with Reliable Data

In a joint presentation, Nathan Safran, vice president - research; and Lisa Cross, principal analyst, both of NAPCO Research, provided a fast-moving deep dive into recent reports, thus providing an informative view of how the printing industry writ large is evolving.

A handful of key takeaways:

Cross started the presentation by saying that, overall, the state of the printing industry is, “Positive, bright … for companies using what is available to them.” What she means by this is that for companies that are willing to maximize productivity across their businesses, build robust databases and utilize data analytics, and embrace transformative technologies, the path forward can be much less fraught.

Sales, Cross shared, have slowed during the first half of 2024, and cost increases have outpaced PSPs ability to increase prices. 45% of printing companies, she added, say their profitability today is lower than it was last year. Mitigating the effect of this requires careful reaction to economic conditions, managing personnel effectively, and investing in systems to increase productivity and efficiency.

Safran discussed key disruptors currently influencing the printing industry, starting with artificial intelligence (AI), the effects of which are only now coming into view. Other disruptive forces, he said, include how government initiatives (both on the legislative and regulatory fronts) affect what PSPs can do; the value of collecting, evaluating and understanding data; and sustainability, which is, on an increasing level, no longer optional.

Further, Safran described the ongoing effects of convergence on the printing industry, as PSPs seek to take advantage of adjacent opportunities or move with strong intention into additional segments. Factors bolstering industry convergence, Safran says, are digital technology lowering barriers to entry, digital media reducing demand in some segments, stronger market and price competition, and a move to respond to a growing number of customers preferring to work with fewer vendors. Further, he presented the surprising fact that 68% of PSPs report having diversified beyond their primary segment.

Vendors Highlight New and Improved Solutions

Canon Solutions America
As part of a team presentation by Canon Solutions America, which began with a description of key challenges face by PSPs, which include the challenges of gaining and keeping qualified labor and sustainability, Brian Coombs, director, large format, said the company currently manages a portfolio of wide-format equipment comprised of five brands and 50 models. He shared that at this year’s PRINTING United Expo, Canon is showcasing its Colorado M-series 64” roll-to-roll UVgel printer, and intends to highlight the use if its UVgel inks for vehicle graphics and wallcovering applications. He additionally highlighted new features and new products in its Arizona and imagePROGRAF series, which he said is increasingly being used for signage applications.

Kornit Digital
Chris Govier, EVP of Strategic Growth at Kornit Digital, began his presentation by describing key societal trends driving printing opportunities in printed fabric spaces: e-commerce, self-expression and creativity, immediate gratification, and sustainability. Govier highlighted recent equipment releases by the company, including its Apollo system, which can serve to transcend the quality of screen printing at speeds of up to 400 garments per hour using only one operator. He also highlighted opportunities for printed fabrics in interiors: “Home décor is a massive space,” he said. “We can create at the point of need, so there is no need to compromise anymore.”

FUJIFILM
In a presentation highlighting additions to what Andrew Gunn, director, production solutions enablement, Americas at FUJIFILM, calls its Digital Production Platform, shared how disruption has affected the printing industry. “Print continues to be essential,” he said. “The difference is in how it is produced.” He outlined common challenges across printing, including labor challenges and limitations, adherence to traditional methods, and manual processes, which can be both time consuming and error prone. Gunn described FUJIFILM’s XMF Press Ready workflow as a platform that can remain constant even as the equipment used changes. For the PRINTING United Expo, Gunn said, FUJIFILM is showing its new Acuity Prime 30 flatbed printer and its Acuity Prime Hybrid printer.

Agfa
Highlighting Afga’s complete portfolio of wide-format printers, Deborah Hutcheson, director of business development and distribution, shared that everything in the company’s booth at this year’s PRINTING United Expo is new, and highlighted introductions and enhancements ranging from the mid-level-focused Ciervo, which offers agility and flexibility and improved speed, up to the high-production Grizzly X3HS, which is capable of printing 15,000 sq.ft./hr (281 beds). Hutcheson enthusiastically described the new, animal-named portfolio as offering “a beast for every need.”

Mimaki USA
Describing Mimaki’s approach as “ever evolving,” Josh Hope, director, marketing at Mimaki USA, described the company’s offerings at this year’s Expo as an evolution of existing products. This approach, he said, includes numerous efforts to make the machines easier to set up and operate, and expands user opportunities to perform common maintenance tasks. Of note, the company is introducing its JFX200-1213 flatbed printer, which offers a 50x51” print bed on a significantly reduced footprint. That machine, he shared, is also able to produce ADA-compliant braille – opening opportunities in directional signage and other applications.

Additional presentations by commercial printing and apparel-focused equipment manufacturers Ricoh, Muller Martini, and Stahls’, demonstrated how PRINTING United Expo exhibitors are leading the drive toward digital transformation and making astounding strides in automation, efficiency, and quality assurance.

These previews, provided just as the final touches to the Expo’s massive exhibition areas were underway, served to heighten excitement over what will transpire during the next three days.