While productivity, print quality, and cost typically top the list of criteria for evaluating inkjet presses, the size of the press also matters. The cost to rent industrial commercial space in much of Europe has reached record highs according to global commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield. In the U.S., national rental rates are down from last year, but many urban areas have seen increases of 2–10% despite the large number of remote workers. When space is at a premium, the amount of space required to house a press and related finishing becomes even more important than the simple consideration of “will it fit?”

Even for companies that own their building, the press footprint matters because it impacts the layout and logistics of the print workflow. For example:

Inkjet press buyers today are paying more attention to the footprint of the equipment and OEMs are responding. The phrase “more compact” has been highlighted in many announcements this year. While we have seen smaller dimensions on inkjet equipment ranging from Canon’s LabelStream LS2000 label press to Epson’s latest direct direct-to-fabric printer, the Monna Lisa 13000, there have been multiple announcements of new graphic arts presses that emphasized their smaller stature.