Category: Hands on

Hands on: HP FB7600

Nessan Cleary talks to two users about their experiences with this high-volume flatbed printer.

Konventional wisdom has it that screenprinting is better suited to fast throughput than inkjet but there are several digital printers that challenge that. This month we’ve been looking at one of these – HP's FB7600. Naturally print quality and the ability to handle multiple substrates are still key considerations but these printers are all about productivity, so the loading and unloading systems are just as important.

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Hands On: Optimus MIS

Nessan Cleary talks to users about how this package has evolved from being financial management tool to a vital part of the production system for the modern wide-format operation.

Management information systems (MIS) have become increasingly important to print businesses, partly because there’s more emphasis on automated throughput than there was, but also because the role of the MIS has changed. Traditionally such systems have been all about gathering financial information so that managers can make the best decisions for the smooth running of a business. But increasingly the MIS now sits at the heart of the production process, running everything from estimating and quoting to generating delivery notes and invoices.

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Mimaki JV400

Nessan Cleary reckons this new latex printer is likely to drive further take-up of this environmentally friendly inkjet technology.

One of the more exciting announce-ments from this year’s Fespa Digital show was Mimaki’s move into latex printing with its new JV400. This is built on a brand new chassis, developed as a platform for several new printers to come, including one using SUV inks that was announced at Fespa and will be launched later this summer.

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Gunsjet R4

Nessan Cleary takes a peek at this printer, which is new to the UK and aimed directly at the textile market, but available in various guises.

The Gunsjet R4 is a new series of wide-format printers which seems to have something for everyone, with the same imaging technology used to power solvent, aqueous and UV models, in both roll-fed and flatbed editions.

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Inca Digital Spyder V

Nessan Cleary takes a look at this heavy duty UV flatbed, designed mainly to churn out pop materials day after day.

INCA DIGITAL, based in Cambridge, was one of the early pioneers of flatbed UV printers. Its entry-level model is the Spyder, currently available in two versions, the Spyder V, featured here, and the Spyder 320. 

 

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22-24 FEB, 2026
Sign & Digital UK

Where?

Hall 6, NEC, Birmingham

Cost?

Free to members of the sign making and digital print trade.

What is it?

Running for more than 35 years, Sign & Digital UK is a central part of the industry’s calendar, providing an annual launch pad for all that is new, and an economic stimulus for the industry. The show gives the opportunity to meet in person, see and compare equipment and kit from the major industry suppliers, and the chance to source new suppliers and gather new ideas to enhance and drive your business forward.

23 FEB, 2026
The Sign Industry Awards

Where?

National Conference Centre, Birmingham.

Cost?

An individual ticket is £289, whereas a table of 10 is £2,800.

What is it?

The Sign Industry Awards, presented by Sign Update and Sign & Digital UK, celebrate excellence in the visual communications sector by honouring past achievements, present innovations, and future advancements. These awards recognise outstanding suppliers, sign makers, and individual traders in sign making, digital printing, and visual communications. With over 35 years of industry service, SDUK and Sign Update ensure that everyone in the industry has a voice, highlighting and rewarding the best in the field.