Inkjet printing was everywhere at IPEX. This technology is usable in a wide variety of applications and today, it is widely accepted. In many markets—for example, sign making—inkjet technology has largely taken over from other printing processes, whereas in others—such as transactional printing—it is just starting to impact and is likely to expand its role in the future. At IPEX, and also at the Océ Open House in Poing, Germany, held the week before IPEX, I saw some interesting developments in inkjet printing and consumables that are likely to have a significant impact on their markets in the future.

In many markets, inkjet technology has largely taken over from other printing processes, whereas in others, it is just starting to impact and is likely to expand its role in the future.

At the Océ Open House, South African ink vendor TechINK Manufacturing, a company that has recently come under the ownership of HP through the HP acquisition of Scitex Vision, was showing a new type of ink that could change the market for three-dimensional signs. This ink was being used on an Océ Arizona T220 flatbed solvent ink printer and was being marketed as an element of the Océ T220 Industrial Application Ink family.