Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

“Crowdsourcing” Solutions: The Advantages of Networking

Published February 28, 2018

Last week’s NPOA Owners Conference provided two days of sessions and networking for small and mid-size print businesses. Paula Fargo, President of Baltimore’s Curry Printing & Copy Center, talks about the challenges her business faces and the tangible benefits of events like the Owners Conference—especially interacting with peers.

John Henry on the Sixth Annual NPOA Owners Conference

Published February 26, 2018

John Henry, CEO of Mitchell’s Speedway Press and Conference Director for the National Print Owners Association, talks with Richard Romano about the benefits of the association and the Owners Conference, as well as some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s Conference.

Expand Beyond Signage at the Upcoming ISA Sign Expo

Published February 20, 2018

ISA Sign Expo 2018 heads to Orlando next month, with four days of educational sessions and a packed exhibition floor. Richard Romano spoke with Brandon Hensley, ISA’s Chief Operating Officer, and Iain Mackenzie, ISA’s VP of Meetings & Events, about new show features and some returning favorites.

Signage—and the Superbowl—Mean Business for Twin Cities' Pixelwerx

Published February 19, 2018

Richard Romano talks to Adam Carver, President & CEO of Minneapolis' Pixelwerx, about his wide-format, signage, and specialty graphics business. Pixelwerx also recently acquired Canon Solutions America Océ Colorado 1640 UVgel wide-format printer.

The [Office] Space Age: Signs By Tomorrow Transforms the American Diabetes Association’s New Headquarters

Published February 12, 2018

Environmental or experiential graphics are a growing trend in signage, with sign shops using the latest display graphics technologies and substrates to transform office spaces. As a result, sign and display graphics providers are working more closely with interior designers and architecture firms. Case in point: Signs By Tomorrow’s interior graphics for the American Diabetes Association’s new headquarters.

The State of Labels and Packaging

Published February 6, 2018

We have a new report out, the Printing Forecast 2018, based in large part on the results of our Fall 2017 Print Business Outlook survey. There is quite a lot in the 172-page report, but here are some highlights specific to label and packaging printing. Thus far, commercial plants don't see tremendous opportunities in digital label or packaging—but that may be changing.

Sixth Annual NPOA Print Business Owners Conference Will Offer Inspiration and Hands-On Training

Published February 5, 2018

The NPOA Annual Print Owners Conference sails to the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale on February 22 to 24. The three-day event includes a dozen sessions that cover the waterfront of business, technology, and marketing issues important to small and md-size print business owners.

Highlights of the WhatTheyThink Printing Forecast 2018

Published February 5, 2018

WhatTheyThink’s Forecast 2018 report, by Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano provides detailed analysis of the most recent Print Business Outlook Survey, the latest industry economic data and macroeconomic trends, as well as industry and cultural technological trends to look out for in 2018.

Randy Herron On the Upcoming NPOA Conference

Published January 30, 2018

The National Printers Owners Association (NPOA) 2018 Conference will be held February 22 to 24, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. NPOA Chairman Randy Herron talks about the benefits of attending the conference.

Open Wide: The State of Wide-Format Printing

Published January 23, 2018

We have a new report out, the Printing Forecast 2018, based in large part on the results of our Fall 2017 Business Conditions Outlook survey. There is quite a lot in the 172-page report, but here are some highlights specific to wide-format printing.

Thayer Long on NPES Rebrand and New Mission

Published January 17, 2018

Richard Romano talks to Thayer Long about the name change from NPES to Association for Print Technology, as well as the association's new mission to drive the industry forward.

This Point Forward: A Look Ahead at 2018

Published January 9, 2018

Personal voice assistants and the Internet of Things, wide-format graphics and specialty printing—what are some of the new (and old!) technologies to which we should pay attention and how will they affect us in 2018?

2017: A Look In the Rear-View Mirror

Published December 15, 2017

More industry consolidation in response to decreased demand. Yet, encouraging business conditions, and challenges with managing productivity. Meanwhile, inkjet continues to conquer the world and new print product and business opportunities emerge in strange new places. Let’s take a look back at the year that was.

Apocalypse Soon? Retail’s Troubles and What They Mean for POP Printers

Published December 5, 2017

Brick and mortar retailer has been struggling with foot traffic. According to early estimates all signs are pointing to more ecommerce, less in-person commerce this holiday season. What does this mean for retail graphics?

Xerox Sets the Page Free at NYC’s 92nd Street Y

Published November 13, 2017

The company’s unique rebranding project resulted in an anthology of current authors writing about work, a series of videos, and a book launch event with author readings at New York’s venerable 92nd Street Y.

Ink Migration and Food Safety Take Center Stage at Inaugural Radtech Packaging Conference

Published October 31, 2017

Radtech’ first UV+EB Packaging Conference last week featured suppliers, vendors, and brand owners surveying the current packaging landscape, with an emphasis on food packaging and safety.

“Industrial Printing” Takes Center Stage at SGIA Expo 2017

Published October 24, 2017

What turned out to be the penultimate SGIA Expo featured an emphasis on “industrial printing”—a nebulous but increasingly common term for what mainstream printing may be morphing into.

Winds of Change: SGIA Expo to Become PRINT United; New “Mega-Show” to Launch in 2019

Published October 11, 2017

New Orleans may have dodged a bullet when Tropical Storm Nate veered to the east, but strong winds of change were nonetheless buffeting the Ernest Morial Convention Center, as 2017’s SGIA Expo opened on Tuesday with the surprising—some even thought shocking—news that the long-beloved Expo was undergoing a major change.

EFI Previews SGIA Expo Plans

Published October 5, 2017

EFI's Sean Roberts provides a preview of what EFI will be showing at next week's SGIA Expo in New Orleans. A number of new products will be on display.EFI will also utilize virtual reality technology to provide booth visitors with an immersive environment to explore the company's portfolio of wide format systems.

Executive Summary: Mid-Year 2017 Business Conditions Survey

Published October 4, 2017

This executive report is based on the latest results of the WhatTheyThink print executive survey. It details the state of the industry at mid-2017 and looks ahead to what can be expected, economically and technologically, as we head toward 2018. The foundation of the report is the WhatTheyThink Printing Industry Survey of June 2017. This survey of more than 300 industry executives gauged their current business conditions, top business challenges, and planned investments for 2018. They also described how the volume for offset, color digital, black-and-white digital, and wide-format printing, as well as non-print-based services has changed.

SGIA Expo 2017 Heads to The Big Easy

Published September 19, 2017

Next month, the annual SGIA Expo heads to Bayou Country, with more than 50 educational sessions and one of the biggest show floors in the U.S. Here is a preview of what this year’s show offers.

Mid-Year Progress Report: 2017 So Far

Published August 27, 2017

We’re mercifully more than halfway through 2017. How is the industry faring thus far compared to last year? Our new Economics and Research Center report looks at the latest economic, technological, and cultural trends affecting the industry.

PIA Alliance Printer Panel Identifies Opportunities and Challenges for Digital Print Businesses

Published August 21, 2017

Last month, the PIA Alliance hosted a “Digital Think Tank” in New York City that brought together 150 equipment manufacturers, their customers, and other printers to talk about the latest technology and trends in digital printing and the industry in general. Here are the highlights.

That Can-Do Spirit: New Trends in Beer Consumption Open Up a Can of Opportunities—Part 2 of 2

Published August 14, 2017

Canned beer isn’t your daddy’s tinny-tasting brew. As microbreweries move small-batch production from bottles to cans, it opens up opportunities for short-run can decoration.

That Can-Do Spirit: New Trends in Beer Consumption Open Up a Can of Opportunities—Part 1 of 2

Published July 31, 2017

Canned beer isn’t your daddy’s tinny-tasting brew. As microbreweries move small-batch production from bottles to cans, it opens up opportunities for short-run can decoration.

Know Your Codes: As Signage Becomes a Hotter Commodity, Printers Can Offer Regulatory Guidance

Published July 17, 2017

Helping customers navigate complex and constantly changing postal regulations has historically been a vital value-added service for commercial printers. The various rules and regulations regarding signage today provide an opportunity for sign printers.

Making Tracks: Signage, QR Codes, and Customer Journey Analytics

Published June 19, 2017

QR codes are great for “making print interactive,” but in today’s high-data marketing environment, they also have a more important purpose: making print measurable.

Six Big Mistakes That Aspiring Wide-Format Printers Can Make

Published June 4, 2017

Wide-format and specialty and specialty printing are where a lot of the action is today. But expanding into these new areas is not without its pitfalls. Here are some worth avoiding.

Specialty Printing and Events: Made for Each Other

Published May 30, 2017

Commercial printing is evolving into specialty printing, and opportunities abound—if you know where and how to look for them.

The Changing Specialty Printing Market: New Opportunities Big and Small

Published May 23, 2017

The same technologies that have enabled the proliferation of wide-format graphics are also profoundly changing the traditional specialty printing market. Here’s how print service providers can take advantage of the “nichification” of commercial print.

FESPA 2017 Showcases European Wide-Format Introductions

Published May 15, 2017

Last week, FESPA 2017 drew attendees from across Europe and beyond to see the latest in wide-format and specialty printing technology and applications.

Wide-Format: Shelter From the Coming “Third Wave”?

Published May 1, 2017

We are about to be hit by a “Third Wave” of technology disruption that will negatively impact the demand for print. Or will it? Not all print is created equal these days. Here are some suggestions for how to weather the storm.

What's Happening at ISA Expo 2017?

Published April 24, 2017

Richard Romano visits with ISA President & CEO Lori Anderson from the show floor to talk about the 2017 expo and breaking attendance records once again.

Print Is the “New Media” at ISA Sign Expo

Published April 24, 2017

Neon. LED. Channel letters. Wooden signs. Magnetic letters. Aside from dynamic digital signage, the “new media” in the sign industry is, strange as it may sound, print. The International Sign Association’s Sign Expo 2017 wrapped up last weekend. Here are some highlights from the show floor and beyond.

An Eye for Detail: The Many Layers of Digital Artist Bert Monroy

Published April 17, 2017

Berkeley-based digital artist Bert Monroy has spent more than three decades creating intricately detailed digital fine art. His most complex image is part of a new software retrospective exhibit at the Computer History Museum.

Changes Coming to EPA’s Hazardous Waste Regulations

Published April 10, 2017

The Environmental Protection Agency made some changes to its “generator standard” regarding the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Here is what the printing industry needs to know.

Print To Play an Expanded Role at Upcoming ISA Sign Expo

Published April 3, 2017

ISA Sign Expo 2017 is back in Vegas, with four days of educational sessions, a packed exhibition hall, and some brand-new partnerships and colocations, including the Collaboration in Packaging Production (CPP) Expo.

New Strategies Start to Gel at Canon One Event

Published March 27, 2017

Earlier this month, Canon Solutions America hosted its annual analyst and press event in Boca Raton, Fla., debuting new wide-format technologies and market strategies.

Rocky Mountain High: Canon Debuts the UVgel-Based Colorado

Published March 9, 2017

At yesterday’s Canon One event in Boca Raton, Canon Solutions America officially launched the Colorado 1640, the first model in the company’s new line of roll-to-roll wide-format printers based on the revolutionary new UVgel ink technology.

Idealliance’s XCMYK Specification Improves Expanded Gamut Printing

Published March 6, 2017

For many people, color management is like the weather. Everyone talks about it, but no one ever does anything about it. But new machines with new ink sets are turning what was always a tricky issue into an even trickier one.

SGIA Becomes an Association Partner with InPrint; Interview with SGIA President Ford Bowers

Published February 27, 2017

As interest in industrial printing gains momentum, the inaugural InPrint USA Industrial Print Show will take place in Orlando in April. We spoke with SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers about industrial printing in general and the upcoming show in particular.

Top 10 Best New Business Opportunities

Published January 31, 2017

The next big communication disruption is upon us. There are many ways print businesses should respond, but focusing on specialty items is one way. This article cites IPMA and WhatTheyThink research to explore opportunities in-plants and commercial printing establishments are seeing in 2017.

EFI Reinforces Its Commitment to Inkjet at Connect 2017

Published January 24, 2017

Last week’s EFI Connect in Las Vegas saw some new product rollouts, status reports on recent product introductions, and an alternately lighthearted and frightening look at artificial intelligence.

Board Meetings: 2017’s Flatbed Printer Roundup

Published January 16, 2017

Our annual rundown of the current flatbed wide-format printer landscape.

Rolling Out the New Year - Rundown of Rollfed Wide-Format Systems

Published January 9, 2017

As we plunge headlong into 2017, let’s kick off the year, as we traditionally do, with a look at the current roll-to-roll printer landscape. Next week, we’ll look at flatbed printers.

Troy Story 3: Christmas Wrapping

Published December 23, 2016

The halls, they are decked, the silver bells, they are ringing, and throughout the land a festive Christmas spirit is finally descending upon us. It’s also the electric company’s favorite time of year, I would guess, and it’s always entertaining walking or driving around and seeing how extravagantly some homeowners festoon their homes—tastefully, garishly, and everything in between—with all manner of lights, inflatables, and giant electric snow globes.

Wide-Format and Specialty Graphics - What's Next in 2017?

Published December 19, 2016

Last week, we took a wide-format look back at 2016. What lies ahead for wide-format and specialty graphics printing in 2017?

When It Rains It Pours

Published December 16, 2016

We’re all familiar with the first telegraph message, the first phone call, and maybe the first message sent from one computer to another . But what about the first cellphone call?

That Was the Year That Was: A Wide-Format Look Back at 2016

Published December 13, 2016

2016 is almost over! Whew! So, what were the top growth areas for wide-format? What applications are ascendant? What technologies have emerged and evolved?

Live and In Person: Offline Marketing Strategies for Specialty Graphics Printers

Published December 5, 2016

Advice abounds for using social and other electronic media for marketing, but don’t ignore some “old school” offline marketing strategies.

A Trio of Hot Wide Format Application Areas for 2017

Published November 21, 2016

What wide-format and specialty printing products will be in demand in 2017? Sure, one could say “all of them,” but here are three particular areas to pay special attention to in the new year.

Agfa 3D Lens Technology Adds a New Dimension to Printed Signage

Published November 7, 2016

There was a time when I could describe lenticular imaging thusly: “You know those prizes that used to come in boxes of Cracker Jack, little cards that if you held it one way it displayed one image and if you held it another it would flip to another image?” It was a low-tech 3D effect or animation, kind of the analog equivalent of an animated GIF.

Wide-Format and Specialty Printing: New Opportunities for In-Plants

Published October 31, 2016

A recent state of the in-plant industry report finds that in-plant printing departments are well-poised to expand their wide-format and specialty printing options—not just for their parent organizations, but for outside customers, as well.

All Projects Great and Small: Benicia, Calif.’s ColorZone Helps Small Businesses Grow

Published October 18, 2016

When Joshua Feller bought a failing trade show graphics company in 2005, he had little idea that it was the start of a journey that would take him into the world of wide-format printing—and the burgeoning world of digital label printing.

FastSigns CEO Catherine Monson Talks About International Expansion

Published October 6, 2016

WhatTheyThink Senior Analyst Richard Romano talks to FastSigns CEO Catherine Monson about recent expansion into 5 countries in Central America, activity in Brazil and Mexico, and development in Southeast Asia.

SGIA 2016 Wrapup: This—and Next—Year’s Models

Published October 3, 2016

A collection of new products and product previews that were seen on the show floor at last month’s SGIA Expo.

CSA's Randy Paar Talks Flatbed Printing—and Previews a New Ink Technology

Published October 3, 2016

In this installment of WhatTheyThink's Thought Leadership Series, Canon Solutions America's Randy Paar talks about the most recent Océ Arizona flatbed UV printers, and offers a sneak peek at CSA's forthcoming new UVgel UV-based ink platform.

Ford Bowers on SGIA Expo 2016

Published September 21, 2016

On location in Las Vegas, Richard Romano talks to SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers about this year’s record-setting SGIA Expo.

New President Andrew Oransky On What's Ahead for Roland

Published September 20, 2016

Richard Romano talks to new Roland DG President Andrew Oransky about his new role, Roland's activities in and out of the imaging industry, and his vision for the future of the company.

Larry Damico on Durst’s New Fall Lineup

Published September 16, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Larry Damico of Durst Imaging about the latest entries in the company’s flatbed and roll-to-roll wide-format printing equipment portfolio.

SGIA Expo 2016 Kicks Off in Las Vegas

Published September 15, 2016

What happened at this year’s SGIA Expo may have happened in Vegas, but it’s not staying in Vegas. Our report from Day One of the show.

Automation and Wide-Format: Where Are We?

Published September 12, 2016

Whether it’s only a select few tasks or an entire production workflow, automation is slowly but surely coming to wide-format printing. How is that possible?

SGIA Expo 2016 Heads Back to Las Vegas

Published August 29, 2016

Next month, the annual SGIA Expo heads to its West Coast home at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Two of this year’s big topics are garment decoration and 3D printing—and it turns out they are not mutually exclusive. Here’s a preview of this year’s show.

Printing Industries Alliance Hosts Wide-Format Printing Panel

Published August 23, 2016

The Printing Industries Alliance hosted an all-day drupa recap at Manhattan’s Club 101. Among the day’s presentations and panel discussions was an extensive conversation about the current state of wide-format graphics and opportunities in the market for commercial printers.

The Cube-Shaped Canvas

Published August 15, 2016

In the latest installment of our occasional Wide-Format 101 series, we offer a general overview of wall, floor, and window graphics.

Mid-Year Progress Report: The 2016 Story So Far

Published July 25, 2016

The first half of 2016 is in the books. How is the industry faring thus far compared o last year? Our new Economics and Research Center report looks at the latest economic, technological, and cultural trends affecting the industry.

For This Wrap Cup Master, Competition is Education

Published July 11, 2016

This year’s FESPA Wrap Cup Master Jim Miller started in vehicle graphics at the age of 15, applying screen printed decals to his father’s Little Debbie truck. Today, Miller Decals installs vehicle graphics and other types of displays for more than 600 customers around the country.

Wide-Format 101: One for the Cutters

Published June 20, 2016

In the latest installment of our occasional Wide-Format 101 series, we offer a primer on basic finishing processes, specifically rollfed cutters and flatbed cutting tables.

Wide-Format at Drupa—That Was The Week One That Was

Published June 6, 2016

Drupa 2016 thus far has not had a lot of wide-format announcements per se, but corrugated—one point where wide-format and packaging meet—is playing a big role this year, with some major announcements.

Drupa 2016 from a Wide-Format Perspective

Published May 24, 2016

drupa opens at the end of this month and while drupa has not traditionally been one of the go-to shows for wide-format printing, as wide-format has become a hot topic in the general commercial printing market, it is taking a bigger role at this year’s show.

Lack of Speed Kills: Lessons from Durst’s Retail 2020

Published May 17, 2016

The biggest issue facing print buyers for retail brands is turn time and speed to market. How can print service providers best help retailers solve this problem?

DigitalEFX Wraps Owner Matt Richart On Vehicle Graphics

Published May 16, 2016

Matt Richart, owner of Lexington, Kentucky based DigitalEFX Wraps, talks to Richard Romano about his company’s origins and best practices for vehicle wrapping.

The Latest Latex Wideformat Printers

Published May 9, 2016

Last week, HP announced two new series of Latex printers, so this seems as good a time as any to offer a little “Latex 101” primer for those who may be new to the topic and technology.

BleuPrint Creative’s Scott Donovan on Digital Textile Printing

Published May 8, 2016

Scott Donovan, Principal Consultant at BleuPrint Creative and a textile printing veteran, discusses the technologies and the opportunities available in digital textile printing

Software for Wide-Format: Beyond the Creative Cloud

Published May 2, 2016

Two weeks ago, at Roland’s second annual ImagiNATION user conference, Giveme Help’s Mark Rugen ran down a list of some lesser-known image editing programs and other utilities for professionals doing design and production for wide-format graphics. Here are some highlights.

FastSigns’ Catherine Monson Talks with Richard Romano

Published May 1, 2016

President & CEO Catherine Monson talks about the latest news from FastSigns, trends in signage, and the growing demand for dynamic digital signage.

ISA Sign Expo: Beyond Signage

Published April 25, 2016

If the ISA Sign Expo 2016 demonstrated one thing—and it demonstrated far more than one thing—it was that “signage” is part of a much larger graphic ecosystem than can include products and applications seemingly far-removed from signs.

ISA President & CEO Lori Anderson Talks Record Breaking Crowd at Sign Expo

Published April 22, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Lori Anderson, President & CEO of ISA, on the first day of the ISA Sign Expo in Orlando where she talks about a record-breaking crowd. They discuss what is driving the increased interest in signage and sign-making as well as the hot new technologies being featured at the show.

New Avenues of Success: Landaal Packaging Systems Thrives On Adversity

Published April 18, 2016

When the auto industry crashed and burned in 2007–2008, and their biggest client pulled most of their business, Michigan’s Landaal Packaging Systems saw an opportunity to reinvent itself with digital wide-format printing.

The Signs Are Good for Next Month’s ISA Sign Expo

Published March 28, 2016

Sign Expo 2016 comes to Orlando, with four days of educational sessions, keynotes, and a packed exhibition hall. As an added bonus, both Roland’s ImagiNATION 2016 and Durst’s Retail 2020 are colocated with this year’s Sign Expo.

Xerox Previews New Inkjet and iGen Offerings at Pre-drupa Event

Published March 21, 2016

A new iGen, new production inkjet models, and software solutions were pre-announced to Xerox customers and the media at a special event held last week at the Gil Hatch Center in upstate New York.

A Closer Look at Digital Dye-Sublimation Printing

Published March 14, 2016

There are a number of different printing technologies used to print fabrics and textiles. One of the most common—and the one that is getting the most attention these days—is dye sublimation. What is dye sublimation printing, and what do you need to take advantage of the technology?

Textile Printing 101

Published March 7, 2016

Digital textile printing is seemingly everywhere, and many sources tout it as a high growth area. New product announcements are also coming thick and fast. But what are the basics of digital textile printing? This week, we offer a basic primer on the topic.

Beyond-the-Box Thinking at Canon Solutions America Anniversary Event

Published February 29, 2016

Canon Solutions America hosted its third anniversary event last week in Boca Raton, Fla., highlighting the state of the market, new product developments, and customer case studies. In this feature, we focus on the company’s wide-format offerings.

Meet SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers—Part 2

Published February 23, 2016

On February 1, Ford Bowers took the reins as president and CEO of SGIA, succeeding Michael Robertson after nearly 33 years of service. In Part 2 of this two-part interview, we talk with Ford about the SGIA Expo, as well as the overall challenges facing the wide-format and specialty graphics printing industry.

Meet SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers—Part 1

Published February 16, 2016

On February 1, Ford Bowers took the reins as president and CEO of SGIA, succeeding Michael Robertson after nearly 33 years of service. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, we talk with Ford Bowers about his history with Miller Zell, his plans for SGIA, the role of the trade association in today’s landscape.

The Road to Wideformat Commoditization

Published February 8, 2016

Commoditization has come creeping into wide-format and specialty graphics, but does it mean the end of profitability?

Fujifilm Talks Flatbeds

Published January 26, 2016

Fujifilm VP of Marketing Terry Mitchell talks with Richard Romano about Fujifilm's new Uvistar hybrid rollfed/flatbed press, as well as new applications and capablities enabled by the latest generation of flatbed presses.

Inkjet Ecosystems: Notes From EFI Connect 2016

Published January 25, 2016

EFI is integrating hardware and software for specialty printing applications, as well as making the most of its many recent acquisitions. Here are some wide-format-related highlights.

Wide-Format Quick Hits for January

Published January 19, 2016

Herewith a handful of recent new announcements that caught your Section Editor’s eye.

Inca Digital's Heather Kendle on the New Inca Flatbeds

Published January 19, 2016

Heather Kendle, Inca Digital's Director of Customer Support, talks with Richard Romano about the new Inca Onset X series of flatbed UV printers, which made their worldwide debut at the SGIA Expo last fall.

Ricoh’s John Fulena on Graphic Arts Education Initiatives

Published January 11, 2016

Richard Romano talks to Ricoh VP John Fulena about Ricoh’s involvement with SkillsUSA, education outreach initiatives, and attracting young people and students to the graphic arts industry.

What’s New(s) In Flatbed Wide-Format Printers?

Published January 11, 2016

Our annual rundown of the current flatbed wide-format printer landscape.

What’s New(s) in Roll-to-Roll Printers?

Published January 4, 2016

Our annual rundown of the current rollfed wide-format printer landscape.

Wideformat 2016: The Road Ahead

Published December 21, 2015

Last week, we took a wide-format look back at 2015. Now let’s switch directions. What can we expect in 2016? Before we answer that, though, what is 2016 likely to hold for the printing industry in general?

2016 Printing Industry Business Conditions Report

Published December 21, 2015

These are the results of the Economics and Research Center’s (ERC) survey conducted in October and November 2015.

That Was the Year That Was: A Wide-Format Look Back at 2015

Published December 14, 2015

What were the top growth areas for wide-format in 2015? What applications are ascendant? What technologies are emerging and evolving?

RTI Digital President Erik Norman on Single-Pass Wide-Format

Published December 8, 2015

Richard Romano talks to RTI’s Erik Norman about new applications for single-pass wide-format printers, such as RTI Digital’s Vortex 4200.

Wide Format: Evolving Applications and the Supply Chain

Published December 7, 2015

Digital wide-format printing is one of the most significant growth areas in the entire print industry. InfoTrends offers some of its data on the top-growing wide-format printing applications, and takes a look at how the supply chain for equipment, supplies, and consumables is changing.

Show Your Work: A Plethora of On- and Offline Channels Lets Specialty Printers Strut Their Stuff

Published November 30, 2015

From your own physical location—and website—to social media, to local business media, there is no shortage of options for showing off and promoting cool, creative projects you have completed.

Articles by Richard Romano