Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

For Phoenix’s Custom Graphix, It’s a Banner Day

Published January 28, 2020

Since its founding in 2002, Phoenix, Ariz.’s Custom Graphix Signworks has cornered the market on that most commoditized of wide-format applications: banners. We spoke with Mladen Mike Mirkovic, founder and principal of Custom Graphix.

Direct Objects: Thinking—and Printing—Outside the Box

Published January 21, 2020

One of the most exciting growth areas in print today is direct-to-object (DtO) printing, but challenges of ink adhesion, transport, and feeding abound. I spoke with Peter Baldwin, Director of Marketing for East Dorset, Vt.’s Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS), about some of the issues—and opportunities—involved in direct-to-object printing.

Good Chemistry: Wide-Format Inks Continue to Evolve—Part 1 of 2

Published January 14, 2020

Whether it be for production inkjet, packaging, wide format, or industrial printing, inks are evolving at a rapid pace to enable the fast-growing range of print applications. This article will offer a look at some of the recent developments specific to wide-format inks—and even more specific to solvent/eco-solvent and UV inks.

SGP Adds a New Certification and Community Events for 2020

Published January 8, 2020

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) is complementing its Printer certification with a Supplier certification, and in 2020 will be ramping up its outreach and education efforts with regional “lunch and learn” forums. We caught up with SGP’s Marci Kinter to talk about what’s new with SGP as we enter a new decade.

Executive Q&A: Massivit 3D’s Erez Zimerman

Published December 16, 2019

Lod, Israel’s Massivit 3D was founded in 2013, and in the past six years has made a substantial impact with its 3D printing technology. Erez Zimerman joined Massivit 3D four years ago as VP of Global Sales, and was appointed CEO in May 2019. We caught up with Zimerman at the recent PRINTING United show in Dallas.

Wide-Format 2019: Where Are We Now?

Published December 10, 2019

As 2019 winds down, we take a look at the current state of wide-format printing. Where have we come, where are we now, and where are we going?

CapStone’s AutoViri Automates Mailing

Published December 5, 2019

Troy Power, cofounder of CapStone Technologies, talks about the company’s Red Hot Technology Award-winning AutoViri robotic solutions for automating mailing workflows. AutoViri helps connect the physical workflow to the digital workflow—and can save customers money on mailing costs by being plugged into the latest USPS regulations.

Ricoh’s 5th Color Lab Focuses on Design

Published December 2, 2019

Ricoh’s Heather Poulin highlights Ricoh presence at PRINTING United, focusing on the customer experience. In addition to its continuous-feed inkjet and wide-format hardware offerings, Ricoh was featuring its 5th Color Lab, showing customers how to design for new printing technologies, how to manage color, and how to use ColorLogic to print metallics.

Know the Signs: A Non-Print Signage Primer

Published November 25, 2019

Print businesses have been expanding into signage by leaps and bounds—but print signage is only the tip of the iceberg. “Signs” comprise a lot of different manufacturing products and materials.

The RMX Network: United They Grow

Published November 21, 2019

The RMX Network is an alliance of more than 100 independent North American wide-format print service providers. It’s not a franchise, but rather an affiliation of like-minded companies that band together to support each other and help solve problems. We spoke with President Rick Bosworth to learn more about their unique business model.

Ricoh’s Wide-Format Journey

Published November 21, 2019

Dan Johansen of Ricoh talks about the company's wide-format journey from a manufacturer of inkjet printheads to a manufacturer of entire wide-format printing systems, including two new UV flatbeds—the Ricoh Pro TF6250 and the larger Pro T7210—and the Pro L5160 latex printer. Ricoh also was demonstrating a printing system for imaging directly onto the side of a truck or plane.

The Moving Canvas: Wrapping “Kings” Turn Vehicle Graphics Into Art

Published November 19, 2019

Last Fall, Avery Dennison held its Wrap Like a King (WLAK) competition, which honored some of the best and most creative vehicle graphics projects. We spoke with one of the judges and some of the regional winners to get some insight into the vehicle graphics design process.

Fujifilm’s Onset X3: An Emphasis on Automation

Published November 14, 2019

Fujifilm’s Becky McConnell talks about the latest developments with the Onset X3 wide-format UV flatbed printer, as well as a new inkset from Fujifilm that was specifically formulated for greater adhesion to difficult plastic and synthetic substrates.

Epson’s 20 Years of Wide-Format Printing

Published November 13, 2019

Epson launched its first wide-format printer in October 1999, and Epson’s Reed Hecht talks about the latest generation—the SureColor P7570 and P9570, featuring a redesigned print engine for photographers, fine artists, graphic designers, and proofers—as well as how the requirements for art and photography have changed over the past two decades.

Dr. Abhay Sharma Talks About His New Expanded Gamut Printing Study

Published November 7, 2019

Ryerson University’s Dr. Abhay Sharma shares some top-level findings from a new expanded gamut printing study he authored, based on a series of extensive tests using commercial color management systems to process and print test forms containing PANTONE spot colors.

Five Alive: 5G Technology Will Transform Sign & Display

Published November 5, 2019

What is 5G and what is its impact on sign and display graphics likely to be? Richard Romano spoke with Dexter Johnson, author of a recent ISA white paper called “5G in Signage Technology” about the technology and the advantages of 5G and its potential applications in sign and display.

The Continued Evolution of Wide Format at PRINTING United

Published October 29, 2019

What was new at PRINTING United on the wide-format front? In this feature, Richard Romano runs down a handful of announcements and other items that caught his interest.

A New Age of Trade Shows Dawns in Dallas

Published October 24, 2019

The inaugural PRINTING United kicked off on Wednesday, heralding a new era for industry trade events.

RSA’s Dirk Craib on Helping Keep PSPs' Data Secure

Published October 23, 2019

Dirk Craib, VP of Sales for Rochester Software Associates (RSA), talks about some of the issues that in-plants have been facing—security being chief among them—and how RSA’s software solutions are helping address those issues.

Wide Receivers: A Flatbed Applications Photo Gallery

Published October 15, 2019

In this pictorial feature, we round up some unique and creative products and applications created on UV flatbed wide-format printers.

Mutoh’s Next-Gen Eco-Solvent Printers

Published October 15, 2019

Miguel Gonzalez, Director of Sales, talks about Mutoh's new eco-solvent printers which launched in September. The new machines have been redesigned from previous generations and now offer bulk ink delivery as standard feature.

Inside Tanner’s Healthy In-Plant

Published September 25, 2019

Gayle Robinson, Production Manager for Tanner Health Systems' in-plant, talks about Tanner's small, two-person in-plant. The department produces letterhead, direct mail pieces, appointment reminder cards, and other collateral materials, and has also been acquiring wide-format printing capabilities to open up the kinds of materials they can print on and produce–such as wayfinding and other kinds of signage.

Latest Sign Code Court Decision May Have Serious Implications for Billboard and Sign Industry

Published September 24, 2019

Two weeks ago, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s decision in the case of Thomas v. Bright that the government cannot distinguish between on-premise and off-premise signage because it is an unconstitutional content-based distinction. We spoke to David Hickey, VP Advocacy, for the International Sign Association (ISA) about the decision and some of the potential ramifications.

The State of Oregon's In-Plant Takes on Creative Color Projects

Published September 16, 2019

Tim Miller, interim production manager from the in-plant for the State of Oregon, talks about the vast array of products and services the in-plant produces for the various state agencies and departments across Oregon, such as jury summonses, training manuals, and creative color work for the state lottery.

Executive Q&A: Xerox

Published September 16, 2019

WhatTheyThink spoke with Marybeth Gilbert, Vice President General Manager Production Inkjet and Packing Business, Chris Irick, Worldwide Product Marketing Manager, Entry Production Inkjet, and Bill Bay, Manager, Production Cut Sheet Business Team.

Bloomberg’s In-Plant Brings Wide-Format and Specialty Printing In-House

Published September 12, 2019

John Cruser, Global Manager of the Bloomberg in-plant, talks about the vast array of materials the in-plant produces for the news organization—from promotional and marketing materials, stationery, and business cards to wide-format prints of magazine covers, as well as specialty items such as golf balls and cellphone covers.

Don’t Call It Wallpaper: “Wallcoverings” Are Just One Aspect of Décor

Published September 10, 2019

Digital wide-format printing and new substrates are changing the face of wall décor, both in commercial and residential spaces. In this feature, we look at some unique applications and detail some prevailing trends.

Digital Color Printing and Inline Bookletmaking Transform the Mayo Clinic's In-Plant

Published September 5, 2019

John Bedsted of the Mayo Clinic’s in-plant talks about the various medical information products that his department produces for the Clinic's million-plus patients. The in-plant has a mix of offset and digital equipment, as well as inline and offline bookletmakers.

Sustainability Today: Trying to Close the Loop

Published September 5, 2019

WhatTheyThink talks to Renée Yardley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Sustana Group—parent company of Rolland Paper and Sustana Fiber—about the company’s new sustainability initiatives as well as the current state of sustainability in the paper and printing industry.

University of Oklahoma In-Plant Experiences Growth in Wide-Format and Specialty Printing

Published August 20, 2019

John Sarantakos, Director of the University of Oklahoma in-plant—the biggest university printer in the country—talks about how wide-format, display graphics, banners, and specialty printing are growing while at the same time there has been a migration away from black-and-white copies and traditional offset printing.

Summer Stroll: The Signs Around Us

Published August 13, 2019

What kinds of signage and display graphics are in fashion? You don’t need elaborate market research surveys to find out—sometimes all you need to do is get out of the office and have a look around. Just doing a little recon can often generate ideas for new product areas to expand into.

The State of Inkjet in In-Plant Printing

Published August 13, 2019

Mike Lincoln, from the State of Colorado inplant, talks about the growth his facility is seeing in transactional work for various state agencies and individual municipalities and districts, as well as his four-year production inkjet journey. His was the first government inplant to install production inkjet equipment.

Surface Tension: Specialty Substrates Are Proliferating, but Printing on Them Has Its Challenges

Published August 12, 2019

"Inkjet devices can print on any surface" is a common industry talking point, but the practical reality is a bit more complicated, involving the chemical and physical interplay of inks and substrates. This article offers an inkjet printing reality check.

New White Papers Focus On Important Issues for In-Plants

Published August 1, 2019

Howie Fenton talks about a trio of white papers he recently completed for the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA). Specifically, his white paper on the topic of the “customer experience” found that web-to-print is still one of the most important issues for in-plants, as in-plant customers want that “Amazon experience.” Other white papers looked at predictive analytics and integrated services.

SAi Launches Augmented Reality App for Signmakers

Published August 1, 2019

SAi’s new VirtualSign is an augmented reality (AR) app that lets signmakers show clients how a sign will look in situ before it is printed and installed. We spoke wth SAi’s Gudrun Bonte, Vice President of Product Management, who oversaw the development of the app.

Beware of Dog: Automation and Wide-Format Printing

Published July 25, 2019

Automation for wide-format printing can encompass a lot of different processes, from automatic file processing, to robotics, even to database management. Where once wide format was deemed too “artisanal” or “craft-like” to be automated, the times are changing. After all, as competition in the wide-format segment continues to heat up, automation becomes a key element in controlling costs. We’ll take a look at the current state of automation for wide-format printing.

Let There Be More Light: LED Signage Hits the Big—and Small—Time

Published July 9, 2019

Advances in LED technology—and of course lower costs—have enabled LED signage to move indoors, and are even replacing LCD-based dynamic digital signage (DDS) for many applications.

Finding Our True Purpose

Published June 27, 2019

Shana Farrell from Fox Valley Technical College talks about the major themes of her inspirational keynote at this month’s In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) Conference. We should step back and try to decide what our goals and purpose in life really are. She also talks about her own personal journey that led her to ask these questions of herself.

Avery Dennison Launches New Car Wrap Visualizer

Published June 27, 2019

To help vehicle wrap installers better help customers with color change vehicle wraps, Avery Dennison has launched an online Car Wrap Visualizer that shows how a particular vinyl film color looks on a representative sample of vehicle types. We spoke with Avery Dennison’s Abby Monnot, who helped develop the tool.

The "Amazonification" of Mailing

Published June 26, 2019

Joel Beaton, Address Management Director for the Church of Scientology's in-plant, talks about the changing nature of mailing, especially, the “Amazonification” of mail and how mailers and shippers need to be able to allow mail and package recipients to closely track their shipments.

Howie Fenton Talks In-Plant Trends

Published June 24, 2019

Howie Fenton of Howie Fenton Consulting discusses some of the early, preliminary results of the latest IPMA survey of in-plant printing departments. What are the latest technology and business trends? How are in-plants faring? What are some growing product and service areas? The survey is still open and additional in-plants are welcome to participate.

Mimaki Launches Two New Products

Published June 24, 2019

Michael Maxwell, Senior Sales Manager for Mimaki, talks to Richard Romano at the ISA Sign Expo about the launch of their new LED UV flatbed, the JFX200-2513, which can print on media up to 98.4 inches wide by 51.1 inches long by 1.96 inches thick, and the 3DFF-222 3D printer.

WhatTheyThink at IPMA 2019 Conference

Published June 24, 2019

Richard Romano reports from the IPMA 2019 Conference - a conference focused on inplant printing operations.

The Church of Scientology’s In-Plant Continues to Grow

Published June 20, 2019

Jud Posner, pressroom manager for the Church of Scientology’s in-plant, talks about the evolving capabilities of the church’s in-plant and the new products and services, such as wide-format printing and garment decorating, the in-plant has started offering to the church.

Epson Teams up with Graphtec and OnyX

Published June 19, 2019

Matt McCausland, Product Manager for Epson America, talks about Epson's partnership with Graphtec and Onyx to release the SureColor S Series Print Cut Bundle at a competitive price for customers.

Do Customers Know What “Wide Format” Printing Is?

Published June 18, 2019

What’s in a name? Does the term “wide format” mean anything to today’s print buyers? Avoiding industry jargon in sales and marketing efforts—and especially in one’s online presence—can help attract potential customers who may not be hip to our jive.

GMG Assists with Color Management

Published June 18, 2019

Eric Dalton, Director of Sales - Western Region for GMG, talks about color management specific to wide-format printing and the two kinds of software GMG offers to help users implement color management.

Roland Wins ISA Innovation Award

Published June 17, 2019

Andrew Oransky, President and CEO of Roland DGA, talks about their ISA Innovation Award for their VG2 TrueVIS flagship printer, as well as the release of five other products, including a direct-to-garment T-shirt printer.

Ricoh's New Flatbed, Latex Wide-Format Units

Published June 12, 2019

Dan Johansen, Marketing Manager for Ricoh USA, talks about Ricoh's new flatbed and latex wide-format printers, the technologies behind which are the culmination of many years of development.

Canon Solutions America Introduces the New Arizona

Published June 11, 2019

Randy Paar, Marketing Manager for Canon Solutions America, introduces the new Arizona wide-format flatbed printer, which was shown for the first time in the U.S. at the ISA Sign Expo. From its UV LED curing system to the new ink formulation, it's changing the way customers print.

In-Plant "Frontrunners" Race to IPMA's Annual Conference

Published June 6, 2019

More than 200 in-plant “Frontrunners” raced to Louisville, Ky., this week for the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association’s (IPMA) Annual Conference, four days of sessions, networking events, and technology exhibits.

In-Plant “Front Runners” Head to Louisville for IPMA’s Annual Conference

Published June 5, 2019

Sherri Isbell from the University of Oklahoma in-plant—and President of the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association (IPMA)—talks about this year’s IPMA Conference. Centered on the theme of industry "front runners," the annual conference kicked off this week in Louisville, Ky., drawing a record number of attendees from in-plants from around the country.

swissQprint's Third-Generation Wide-Format Flatbeds

Published May 23, 2019

Mike Kyritsi, President of swissQprint, talks about the history of the company, which was founded in 2007 in Switzerland and came to North America in 2016.The company's wide-format printer portfolio comprises five different models of UV flatbed and hybrid units in its Nyala, Impala, and Oryx lines, with a new roll-to-roll device launching at FESPA.

Beyond PRINT: With Tarsus Alliance, APTech Begins a New Chapter for Itself and for the Industry

Published May 20, 2019

Last week, the Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech) announced that it has joined forces with Tarsus Group, the owner and organizer of the Labelexpo and Brand Print Global trade shows, to launch a new show called Brand Print Americas. We spoke with APTech president Thayer Long about what the new alliance means for the future of APTech—and for the industry.

Fujifilm Launches Next-Generation J Press 750S

Published May 7, 2019

Last week, Fujifilm held a user event at its experience center outside Chicago to launch the J Press 750S, the company’s third-generation cut-sheet production inkjet press. The event included presentations from Fujifilm executives, a user panel, and a tour of the center featuring Fujifilm’s vast portfolio of inkjet technologies, both small- and wide-format.

ISA Sign Expo 2019 Wraps Up in Vegas

Published April 29, 2019

Some “quick hits” from the Sign Expo show floor, including the winners of the ISA Innovation Awards, some new product announcements, and more.

Sign Expo 2019 Opens in Las Vegas

Published April 26, 2019

Old and new sign production technologies were on display this week in Las Vegas at the 75th Annual ISA Sign Expo and, as an additional indication of how the disparate pars of the printing industry are concverging, ISA announced that as of next year the Sign Expo will colocate with Impressions Expo, formerly the Imprinted Sportswear Show.

ISA Sign Expo 2019 Opens in Las Vegas

Published April 25, 2019

David Hickey, VP Advocacy for the International Sign Association (ISA), talks about the 2019 Sign Expo’s opening day, some of the new technologies on display at this year’s show, and how new signage technologies and applications are impacting sign codes and regulations.

Production Inkjet: It’s Not Just About the Technology Anymore

Published April 11, 2019

Canon Solutions America President Peter Kowalczuk and Production Print Solutions Executive Vice President Francis McMahon talk to WhatTheyThink/Printing News about the company’s new emphasis on the services part of the organization and how today’s production inkjet vendors are tasked with not just offering top-of-the-line technology, but playing a more consultative role in helping customers with business development.

Windigo Signs Takes Soft Signage to the Next Level

Published April 8, 2019

Printed textiles are rapidly replacing vinyl and rigid materials for signage, and Tempe, Ariz.’s Next Level Signs has leapt into so-called “soft signage.” Founder Mark Baldwin has launched a sister company Windigo Signs to offer a robust, custom-made, and weather-resistant alternative for outdoor soft signage mounting.

“Alexa, Tell Me About Voice Technology”: A Conversation with Bradley Metrock of Score Publishing

Published April 4, 2019

Voice technology is appearing in more and more places—and is starting to become relevant to printing and publishing. WhatTheyThink talks to Bradley Metrock, CEO of Score Publishing, producer of the VoiceFirst Events portfolio which includes The Alexa Conference, the Voice of the Car Summit, and Digital Book World, about the current and future state of voice technology.

ISA Sign Expo Heads Back to Vegas

Published April 3, 2019

ISA Sign Expo 2019 heads to Las Vegas later this month, with four days of educational sessions and its continuously expanding exhibition floor. We spoke with Brandon Hensley, ISA’s Chief Operating Officer, and Iain Mackenzie, ISA’s VP of Meetings & Events, about what’s new this year.

Printing Outlook 2019—Has the Industry Turned a Corner?

Published March 11, 2019

WhatTheyThink’s annual printing industry outlook report, including the results of our Winter 2018–2019 Business Outlook survey, is now available in our Report Store. This article offers some of the top-level results from that survey.

InPrint USA to Showcase the Latest Industrial Printing Opportunities

Published March 7, 2019

InPrint USA heads to Louisville, Ky., to showcase the latest opportunities for commercial printers in the fast-growing area(s) of industrial printing. Richard Romano offers a preview, and talks with InPrint co-founder Frazer Chesterman about the show and industrial printing.

World on the Windows: The Changing Face of Window Graphics

Published March 5, 2019

Window graphics are a growing subset of wide-format printing, and are popping up in more and more locations, both public and private, and new films and materials are making window graphics more versatile and eye-catching than ever. Printing is the easy part; it’s installation that can cause problems, and eat into your profitability. Here are some dos and don’t for working with window graphics.

Wide-Format Printing: Still a Compelling Business Opportunity and Investment Category

Published February 25, 2019

As we put the final touches on our Printing Outlook 2019 report, based on our Winter 2018–2019 Business Outlook survey, this article highlights a few of the findings specific to wide-format and specialty printing. Is it still a compelling business opportunity? And what are print businesses’ wide-format investment plans?

ING Summit Heads to PRINT 19 with an Ambitious Two-Day Program

Published February 14, 2019

The International Newspaper Group (ING) provides a forum for newspaper industry executives to network and share idea on a variety of topics from production, to operations, to logistics. The revitalized organization’s annual Summit heads to PRINT 19 this fall in Chicago, with an ambitious two-day program. Here’s an early look at what attendees can look forward to.

Seventh Annual NPOA Print Business Owners Conference Heads to San Diego

Published February 5, 2019

The NPOA Annual Print Owners Conference heads to the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa on February 28 to March 2. The three-day event includes a dozen sessions, panels, and workshops that focus on business, technology, and marketing issues important to small and mid-size print business owners.

Reed Between the Lines: Evolving Sign Codes Impact Exterior Signage—and Potentially More

Published January 21, 2019

One of the most important issues concerning the production and installation of exterior signage is the ever-evolving sign codes and regulations. The landmark 2015 SCOTUS decision in Reed v. the Town of Gilbert is still impacting city planners, and, in turn, signmakers and their clients. What should PSPs know about sign codes? What are the latest issues regarding sign regulations? And why might vehicle graphics be the next frontier for sign codes?

Flatland: What’s New(s) and What’s Next for Flatbed Wide-Format Printers?

Published January 15, 2019

It’s been nearly 20 years since the advent of the flatbed wide-format printer. They’ve come a long way, baby; what’s new with the technology and where do they go from here?

Wide-Format 2019: What’s Next?

Published December 17, 2018

As we head into 2019 and toward 2020, what are the emerging and accelerating trends in wide-format and specialty printing? The buzzword is “convergence,” which will only accelerate, but what other forces are changing the nature of applied graphics?

Wide Format 2018: What Kind of Day Has It Been?

Published December 6, 2018

What were the big trends in wide-format and specialty printing in 2018? It’s been a year of convergence and while shops that were likely to transition to wide-format have largely done so, the applications that can be produced are constantly changing, as new materials and new inks hit the market. Let’s have a look at what’s been happening.

As Industry Convergence Continues, Xplor International and ISA Colocate Events

Published December 3, 2018

The convergence continues: the International Sign Association and Xplor International have announced that in April 2019, the Sign Expo 2019 and XPLOR19 will colocate.

Grant Graphics’ Print & Cut Conference Offered Wide-Format 101—and 102—for Northeast Printers

Published November 27, 2018

Earlier this month, print shop owners and managers from around the Northeast journeyed to Grant Graphics in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for a day-long program of wide-format educational sessions and equipment demonstrations.

Wide-Format Graphics Make the Magnificent Mile More Magnificent

Published November 15, 2018

After a decade in the ad agency world, Shira Kollins took her graphic design and production background and launched SpeedPro Chicago. By taking an active role in local business associations—and being “pleasantly persistent” when it comes to sales and marketing—she has built a business creating cutting-edge display graphics for some of Chicago’s biggest retailers and restaurants.

Apocalypse Postponed: The State of Retail

Published November 5, 2018

Rumors of retail’s death have been greatly exaggerated (to coin a phrase). But there is no doubt that it is changing. We look at how it is changing, and what that means for POP/retail graphics providers.

Edifice Rex: Vomela Conquers the Building Wrap

Published October 30, 2018

The Vomela Companies, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., started in 1947 doing promotional product printing. Now, 71 years later, the company has expanded through both organic growth and acquisition to produce retail, POS, décor, event, and fleet graphics for a wide variety of local and national brands and venues. Their most recent project: wrapping 3M’s 14-story corporate headquarters.

Leaving Las Vegas: Recapping the SGIA Expo

Published October 24, 2018

The final SGIA Expo was a culmination of all the specialty graphics innovations of the past decade or two—with a few signposts (digitally printed, of course) pointing to the future.

SGIA Expo 2018 Marks the End of an Era—But the Start of an Exciting New One

Published October 19, 2018

The SGIA Expo 2018 opened yesterday to large crowds and a completely full exhibition hall. Our recap of Day 1 looks at where SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers sees the organization and the industry going, and highlights a handful of new product announcements.

For Rocken Graphics, Business Is On the Move

Published October 15, 2018

Gibsonton, Fla.’s Rocken Graphics has carved out a unique niche among print service providers: signage and tent graphics for traveling carnivals. We spoke with Kenny Smith, founder of Rocken Graphics, about how he got into this market, as well as how his product offerings extend beyond simple printed graphics.

Wide-Format and Specialty Graphics at PRINT 18

Published October 2, 2018

PRINT has not traditionally been a top venue for wide-format or specialty printing equipment announcements, but does showcase the latest technologies and the applications that can be produced on them, giving commercial printers concrete ideas for exploring new business opportunities.

Marketing Guru Seth Godin Kicks Off PRINT 18

Published October 1, 2018

Seth Godin’s keynote encouraged print service providers to eschew commodity printing and focus on selling products that are “remarkable.” “You don’t sell paper and ink,” he said, “you sell a feeling.” It was a fitting theme with which to open PRINT 18.

Darwill’s Inkjet Journey

Published October 1, 2018

Hillside, Ill.’s Darwill, Inc., is a 57-year-old direct mail and multi-channel marketing agency. From humble beginnings, the company has grown to be at the forefront of the industry—and one of the early adopters of production inkjet printing technology.

Chicago’s Graphic Alliance Makes a Meal Out of Restaurant Signage

Published September 11, 2018

Graphic Alliance, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, started as a commercial print shop but quickly adopted wide-format printing and has carved out a substantial niche in restaurant graphics and signage. The company has also expanded into vehicle wrapping and is currently developing residential interior décor services. Richard Romano spoke with founder and CEO Eric Grossman.

International Sign Association (ISA) Partners with British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA)

Published August 27, 2018

Lori Anderson, President and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), joins Richard Romano on Skype to announce ISA's partnership with the British Sign and Graphics Association to form ISA-UK and bring even more opportunities to its members.

Epson's Latest Technical Printer

Published August 22, 2018

Matt Kochanowski, Product Manager for Epson America, shows off the new SureColor T3170 Desktop Wireless printer, for technical printing customers who are looking for compact, sleek design. He also discusses the current state of the AEC printing market.

Success with Specialty Printing: Changing the Mindset

Published August 21, 2018

As we all know by now, there are very few surfaces, substances, and objects that can't be printed, and thus there is no end to the print products that a shop can offer. From posters and banners, to signage, to garments and other textile products, to garage doors, to...name it. But when approaching the vast new market for specialty graphics printing, two questions usually come to mind: Where do I start, and How do I sell it? Here is some advice.

Dealing with Disruption

Published August 9, 2018

Jay Samit, author of "Disrupt You!", and keynote speaker at last month's PRIMIR Insights Conference, talks about the importance of printing businesses' ability to adjust and respond to a changing industry, a changing print marketplace, and disruptions of the status quo.

PrintStats, Demographics, and the Marketplace

Published August 7, 2018

Dr. Joe Webb, President of Strategies for Management, Inc., talks about the latest updates to PrintStats, a project that APTech launched last year, which provides a wealth of demographic information about the markets that comprise the graphic communications industry.

The Future of Digital Packaging

Published August 2, 2018

Amy Machado, Research Manager for Imaging, Printing and Document Solutions at IDC, discusses a study she's been working on that looks into the breadth of digital packaging production—why people are and aren't adopting digital and their future plans.

The Future of Web-to-Print

Published July 30, 2018

Dr. Sean Smyth, consultant for Smithers Pira, discusses a study he is working on that takes a look at the current state of web-to print—specifically, systems designed to allow print customers to create professional documents without being print professionals.

Full STEAM Ahead: Blue Ridge Fab Lab and 4-H Partner to Offer 21st-Century Learning—and Wide-Format Printing

Published July 30, 2018

The Blue Ridge/UA 4-H Fab Lab, based in Pinetop-Lakeside, Ariz., offers student-directed, project-centric STEM training for K-12 students. Thanks to a partnership with 4-H, the facility is available to students across the state. Part of student projects involves designing and printing informational flyers, posters, and other materials on wide-format printers provided by Roland DGA, a sponsor of the Fab Lab. We spoke with Kevin Woolridge, Co-Director of the Fab Lab.

Graphic Arts Companies Feel the Pinch of Aluminum Tariffs

Published July 26, 2018

Last month, the Trump Administration levied a 10% tariff on imported aluminum and a 25% tariff on imported steel. At present, the tariffs are having the biggest impact on manufacturers of aluminum lithographic plates—although that may be just the beginning. Plate manufacturers are deciding how best to respond, while industry associations are helping to fight back.

Google Takes On Smart Packaging

Published July 24, 2018

David Hogue, UX Design Leader for Google, talks about the future of packaging and some of the applications Google has been introducing—not only as packaging but as an integral part of the company's AIY kits.

The Multi-Faceted World of Kohler's In-Plant

Published July 12, 2018

Christopher Donlon, Associate Communications Manager of Print Production for Kohler, talks about the excitement and challenges of running an in-plant for a wide variety of products and services, ranging from plumbing fixtures to hospitality services.

Technical Printing on the Desktop

Published July 10, 2018

Epson announced two new entry-level models in its SureColor T Series, designed for technical and AES (architecture, engineering, and construction) printing. These devices are targeted more to end users—architecture and design firms, SOHOs, etc.—than print service providers, which indicates the direction technical printing as market segment is going.

Growth in the In-Plant Industry

Published July 9, 2018

Howie Fenton, Principal at Howie Fenton Consulting, discusses the major trends affecting in-plant printing departments and the growth they're currently experiencing.

Sharing Kindness in Life and Business

Published July 6, 2018

Leon Logothetis, author of "The Kindness Diaries" and creator of the Netflix series, explains at the IPMA Conference why he left his job as a broker and went on a mission around the world to find and share kindness.

Augmented Reality for Printers

Published July 2, 2018

At last month's IPMA Conference, Ryan Kiley, Director of Strategic Production Services for Ricoh, gave a presentation about some conventional and unconventional applications for Augmented Reality (AR). He talks with Richard Romano about some of these applications and the value of AR for print and printers.

Launched During the Great Recession, SpeedPro Marin Realized There Was “No Place to Go But Up”

Published July 2, 2018

When Steve Moran-Cassese decided to launch a print business in the midst of the Great Recession, he knew it could only grow—and he was right. A mix of the right equipment and picking up on hot new application trends early on has helped SpeedPro Marin thrive. And, somewhat ironically, the Bay Area’s booming economy has created its own challenges.

Articles by Richard Romano