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Articles by Richard Romano

Richard Romano is Managing Editor of WhatTheyThink.  He curates the Wide Format section on WhatTheyThink.com. He has been writing about the graphic communications industry for more than 25 years. He is the author or coauthor of more than half a dozen books on printing technology and business. His most recent book is “Beyond Paper: An Interactive Guide to Wide-Format and Specialty Printing.

Displaying 376-475 of 823 articles

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.

For SpeedPro of Central New York, Display Graphics Are Not Purely Academic

Published November 23, 2015

Four-and-a-half years ago, Bob Kelleher of East Syracuse’s SpeedPro Imaging of Central New York made the transition from software sales to wide-format printing and has never looked back.

Eric Dalton of GMG Americas on Color Management

Published November 10, 2015

Richard Romano talks to Eric Dalton, Director of Sales, Cloud Services, for GMG Graphics, on the latest trends in color management and color management software, and the color management challenges specific to wide-format printing.

SGIA 2015: The New Fall Collection

Published November 9, 2015

We wrap up our coverage of last week’s SGIA Expo 2015 with a look at a handful of the major new product announcements that were made at the show.

SGIA’s Dan Marx on 25 Years of Specialty Graphics

Published November 6, 2015

Richard Romano talks to Dan Marx, VP of Markets and Technology for SGIA, on the changes that new technologies have wrought on specialty graphics, SGIA, the SGIA Expo, and trade shows in general.

Print vs. Printers

Published October 28, 2015

There’s an important point that needs to be made upfront, boldly and italically: Print and printers are two distinct things. We all love print. But we love printers and the people who work in print businesses more.

SGIA Expo Heads to Atlanta

Published October 26, 2015

A plethora of educational opportunities, a packed show floor, and new product introductions are on tap for this ever-growing show.

Dye-Sublimation Printing Helps the USA Synchronized Swim Team Swim In Ink

Published October 13, 2015

St. Louis’ Triflare specializes in racewear for triathlon participants, swimmers, and other athletes—all produced digitally using dye-sublimation printing.

Cracked Rear View

Published October 6, 2015

We’re always trying to look at things—trends, technology, etc.—from a historical perspective. We try to compare new phenomena to older phenomena that we understand. That’s normal. History is cyclical, isn’t it?

The Cassavetes Project Opens at Canon Hollywood

Published September 29, 2015

In 1981, L.A. photographer Steve Reisch captured legendary director John Cassavetes and his stock company backstage as they rehearsed and performed an experimental series of plays. Unseen for 34 years, the images have been brought back to life thanks to a partnership between Reisch and Canon USA.

Dan Marx Previews the SGIA Expo

Published September 28, 2015

Richard Romano talks to SGIA's Dan Marx about the upcoming SGIA Expo in Atlanta, Ga., November 4–6, including new show features this year, educational opportunities, and wide-format/specialty graphics trends to look for.

Wide-Format’s Expanded Presence at Graph Expo 2015

Published September 23, 2015

If it jets ink, it’s a hot technology, and while production inkjet got the bulk of the buzz at last week’s Graph Expo, wide-format and specialty printing continue to play a much larger role.

Watching the Wheels Go Round and Round—Or Not

Published September 9, 2015

The new UnSquaring the Wheel project from Chris Bondy, Wayne Peterson, and Dr. Joe Webb is a new methodology for transforming print businesses. And it is ideally suited for those looking to add wide-format printing.

Wide-Format: A Growing Presence at Graph Expo

Published August 31, 2015

As wide-format and specialty graphics play a larger role in the industry, they are also playing a larger role at general commercial printing shows like Graph Expo. Here is a preview of some things to look for at this year’s show.

“Experience Epson” Event Showcases a Wide Variety of Tech

Published August 11, 2015

“Our aim is to become a company that is truly indispensable to our customers,” said Minoru Usui, Global President of Seiko Epson, kicking off “Experience Epson,” a day of interactive demos of a cross-section of Epson technologies, from wide-format printing, to interactive whiteboards, to golf swing analyzers, to Augmented Reality-based headsets, to…well, you name it. The event was held last week in New York City.

Wooden It Be Nice? Sacramento’s ARB Digital Specializes in Printing On Unique Substrates

Published August 3, 2015

From wood, to glass, to textiles, to animal pelts—and even to paper—ARB Digital takes on challenging projects, thanks to founder Alvaro Rodriguez’s background in tech support, color management, and software development.

EFI CEO Guy Gecht On Recent Acquisitions

Published July 27, 2015

In this video interview, Senior Editor Richard Romano talks with Guy Gecht about EFI's two recent acquisitions (Matan Digital Printers and Reggiani Macchine), how they fit into EFI’s overall portfolio, and what they will mean for EFI’s current—and potential—customers.

The Great, Outdoors: Attention to Detail Goes a Long Way Toward Creating Effective Outdoor Graphics

Published July 13, 2015

New applications for outdoor graphics are appearing all the time, and new printing technologies are revitalizing some older applications. Some considerations if you are looking at outdoor graphics, and a look at one South Florida shop that has carved out a niche in the great outdoors.

The Big Wide Word: Marketing Tips for Wide-Format Shops

Published June 29, 2015

OK, so you’ve invested in wide-format printing capabilities, the equipment is up and running, the staff is trained, and you’re ready to RIP. How do you get work to run on that equipment?

EskoWorld 2015: Dreams for Tomorrow

Published June 22, 2015

The community of U.S. Esko users descended upon the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona earlier this week to sharpen their skills, answer questions, get product roadmaps, and network with Esko executives and engineers as well as a diverse group of their peers.

Sew What? The New Skill Sets for Wide-Format

Published June 15, 2015

Printing is easy; it’s all the other stuff that can pose challenges. Producing wide-format output can require a different approach to traditional processes, from selling, to finishing, to transporting. What do you need to know before you take the plunge?

Magic Bus

Published June 9, 2015

If you happen to have been in Singapore recently—and who of us hasn’t?—you may have caught sight of a new wide-format backlit film that can be used for vehicle graphics. Called eLumiNEX, it has been given a shakedown cruise on a bus.

Digital Signage Assistants

Published May 20, 2015

Challenges In Sizing the Sign and Display Market

Published May 18, 2015

By all accounts, the sign and display industry is growing by leaps and bounds. But getting accurate sizing data is fraught with difficulties—difficulties that have largely been caused by the very factors that are driving growth.

Point/Counterpoint: The Business Case For (and Against) Digital Signage

Published May 4, 2015

Dynamic digital signage is becoming a hotter and hotter topic, and while there are ample opportunities for companies to get in on, if not the ground floor, than at least the mezzanine, it’s not to everyone’s taste. Here are some arguments for—and against.

Growth Opportunities: A Conversation with SpeedPro Imaging President Boris Katsnelson

Published April 29, 2015

Founded 10 years ago, SpeedPro Imaging is a network of 120 franchises—or “studios”—located in 30 states that specialize in wide-format printing, from trade show and event graphics, to vehicle graphics, to wall murals, and beyond.

Temporary Signage and “EMCs” Continue to Rile City Planners; What Aspiring Sign Shops Need to Know

Published April 22, 2015

There are growing opportunities for print service providers in signage—both printed and electronic—but it pays to do your homework when it comes to signage regulations.

ISA’s Sign Expo Goes Beyond "Sign and Display"

Published April 15, 2015

The International Sign Association’s Sign Expo took place last week in Las Vegas, NV. Richard Romano files his observations from the show.

HP’s New Single-Pass Printer Portfolio

Published April 9, 2015

Yesterday, on the eve of the opening of the ISA Sign Expo, HP took the opportunity to launch five new products in its high-end Latex and Scitex families. These are the HP Latex 370, the HP Scitex FB550 and FB750, HP Scitex 11000 Industrial Press, and HP Scitex 15500 Corrugated Press.

Know Your Wide Format Inks!

Published April 1, 2015

Herein a basic primer on today’s ink options for wide-format printing, from solvent and eco-solvent to UV, from latex to dye-sublimation.

Generation Next: Mandel Graphic Solutions Keeps Evolving with Technology

Published March 18, 2015

After 123 years and four generations of owners, Milwaukee’s Mandel Graphic Solutions has thrived by staying current.

UV Printing: Good as Gold?

Published March 12, 2015

Experts identify new and expanding—and some unusual—markets for UV inks and coatings at day two of RadTech’s UV.EB West.

UV.EB West Showcases Current Trends in Radiation Curing Technologies

Published March 11, 2015

Ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curing technologies have been around for decades, but have continually evolved and are well-suited for today’s modern print and packaging production processes.

Lla Llama

Published March 9, 2015

Not living anywhere near Arizona, I was unaware of the recent “Phoenix Llama Drama,” which is apparently not some new reality TV show. Rather, last month, a brace of the beasts escaped while—and I have to quote ABC News here—“making a therapy visit to residents at an assisted living facility.”

ISA Gears Up for Biggest Sign Expo Ever

Published March 4, 2015

New features, sessions, programs, and speakers at the upcoming International Sign Expo aim to educate present and prospective signmakers about the latest business and technology trends in this growing industry.

Instagrammers Can Get a Pizza the Action

Published February 27, 2015

There Goes the Neighborhood: How To Cope with Commoditization in Wide-Format Printing

Published February 25, 2015

Improving technology is causing some wide-format applications to experience that dreaded word “commoditization.” How can print providers fight against it? Can they? Or—most importantly—should they?

A Good Problem to Have? Managing Capacity When Volume Peaks

Published February 19, 2015

Capacity management has proven to be a challenge for many wide-format print businesses, especially as many jobs are specialized or customized in some way. What are the ways that shops are coping with this “pain point”?

Canon Solutions America Celebrates Its Second Anniversary

Published February 17, 2015

As you may have read elsewhere on WhatTheyThink, last week, CSA—né Océ—celebrated its second anniversary with a much-needed (for those of us encased in the frozen tundra of the Northeast) event in Boca Raton, Fla. CSA execs shared updates in the various business groups (Enterprise Managed Services Division, formerly Business Services Division; Large Format Solutions; and Production Printing Division).

Technical Printing Sends Print-for-Pay Providers Back to the Drawing Board

Published February 11, 2015

Technical printing—graphics that serve the architectural, engineering, and construction markets—has been changing in both positive and negative ways, and “reprographics” shops are changing with the times. And it’s not always just about the equipment.

Magnum Force

Published February 6, 2015

There has been a surge of growth in what are called “large-format wine bottles.” Magnums, essentially (or would that be “magna”?), or wine bottles greater than 750ml. Indeed, popular sizes include 1.5 liters, 3 liters, and 6 liters. Now, obviously, some of these are intended for parties and other events with large gatherings, not a quiet romantic dinner for two, lest it descend into drunken anarchy (which depends on your approach to dating, I guess).

Your Niche Or Mine?

Published January 28, 2015

How do you decide what kinds of wide-format or specialty printing products and services to add to your current mix? You can jump into a new niche application as a newbie, or organically expand into new directions. As it turns out, there is no right answer—but plenty of wrong ones.

Retail Trends in Wide Format

Published January 28, 2015

I was talking with the owner of a sign shop recently, and we got to talking about new technologies that sign and display companies were starting to utilize—I was thinking specifically of EFI’s SmartSign Analytics—but he happened to mention other new technologies such as “smart fitting rooms” whereby sensors in a clothing retailer’s fitting room mirror track RFID tags on the clothing you brought in to try on and suggests accessories or complementary items. Sound creepy? It does a bit, doesn’t it?

EFI Connect and the Imaging of Things

Published January 23, 2015

About 15 years ago—give or take—in a monthly humor column I wrote at the time for the late, lamented Micro Publishing News, I proposed the idea of a drive-through wide-format printer for vehicle graphics.

What Is Wide-Format?

Published January 15, 2015

As I was planning the 2015 editorial calendar for our Wide-Format section, I began by drawing up a list of topics that I had covered, topics that were heavily featured at trade shows like SGIA and ISA, and topics tend to get covered elsewhere in the industry press. And aside from the basic technological topics like “Roll-to-Roll Printers,” “Flatbeds,” “Finishing,” and so forth, the majority of the subject matter was on specific applications—and applications that were all over the map (and some even included maps!).

SGIA Webinar Considers Web-to-Print for Wide-Format

Published January 14, 2015

Web-to-print is not a new technology, but despite its many advantages, when evaluating solutions, be sure to ask some specific wide-format questions.

This Is the New Year and I Have No Resolutions

Published January 9, 2015

New year’s resolutions are ephemeral things. January 2, for example, is a kind of Black Friday for gyms and fitness centers, but by the end of the month, the crowds have returned to normal.

Wide-Format Roll-to-Roll Printer Roundup

Published January 7, 2015

In today’s wide-format market, flatbed printers are all the rage and, for certain applications, deservedly so. But the earliest wide-format printers were all rollfed (or roll-to-roll) devices, and it wasn’t until the early 2000s that flatbeds existed as a product category. Flatbeds emerged to take time and materials out of the “print-then-mount” process; after all, why not just print directly on the surface you want the graphic?

What Kind of Day Has it Been?

Published December 17, 2014

2014 has been a year of incremental—but substantial—improvements in wide-format systems. These improvements are creating ever more opportunities in a variety of applications. Here’s what to keep an eye on in 2015.

Business Goes Swimmingly for Digital Dye-Sublimation Printer

Published December 10, 2014

Epson’s beachwear “fashion show” highlights the possibilities of digital dye-sublimation fabric printing, and how it could change fashion design.

Rapid Digital Press Maps Out Wide-Format Success

Published December 3, 2014

With a little research, a clearly defined strategy, and fast, high-quality wide-format printing equipment, Phoenix, Ariz.’s Rapid Digital Press has carved out a successful niche in map and GIS printing applications, and is now poised for growth.

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