Category: Tech Knowledge

It’s a materials world

Nessan Cleary finds that latex compatibility and environmental concerns are the main catalysts for wide-format media development.

When it comes to substrates there are myriad different choices. But there are several trends in the types of substrates being demanded that indicate the overall direction of the wide-format market.

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Making the work flow

There are many different stages in the life of a job, from the quotation through to final output, and its not always easy to link these together. But there is help at hand finds Nessan Cleary.

There is a tendency in wide-format to think in terms of individual machines and their capabilities but where there are multiple machines this can lead to a fragmented production department. The Image Reports’ annual Widthwise survey flags-up that, increasingly, PSPs are recognising that as a problem and looking at ways to improve their workflow.

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Ink on a roll

Nessan Cleary looks at the current trends in ink development for the wide format sector.

One of the most important components of any print system is the ink itself, thus a great deal of R&D money is spent on developing new ink types as you’d expect. It’s a given that for the most part inks determine application possibiities so in a maturing market like the UK, where print companies are generally satisfied with the print quality, speed and price of their wide-format inkjet printers and will only replace their existing devices if a new machine can demonstrate a clear return on investment, new ink formulations are where it’s at for many suppliers. 

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Ink: the colour of money

There are a number of after market ink suppliers around but what are the risks and the benefits of using these inks? Nessan Cleary investigates. 

Ink is arguably the most important component of a printer, as well as potentially being the most expensive over the lifetime of the machine. Naturally the printer manufacturers insist that customers should buy their inks, pointing out that the original inks are designed specifically for the printer in question. But there is a healthy market in third party inks and using these can lead to considerable cost savings.

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Playing with purpose

By being clever with how it works with media Ltd Limited has carved out a niche for creating stunning graphics that invite clients to think outside the box.

When it comes to innovative use of substrates, one print company really stands out. Ltd Limited, based in the east of London, works with materials from around the world, often combining and layering media to create stunning effects. It's a formula that obviously works as the company has just celebrated its tenth anniversary.

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29 September to 1 October, 2026
The Print Show

https://www.theprintshow.co.uk/

Where?

NEC Birmingham, UK • Hall 1

What is it?

The Print Show is committed to helping visitors discover new opportunities for their business, demonstrating that print is so much more than simply putting ink on paper. With access to exhibitors from all corners of the industry, all free of charge, The Print Show is an event that cannot be missed.

Now in its 10th anniversary year, The Print Show is established as the most important and best-attended industry event in the UK, and is still the only exhibition entirely dedicated to the UK print sector. The Print Show is the primary meeting point for the market, offering visitors the opportunity to see the latest technological developments, meet and network with peers, and access advice from some of the leading experts in print.

30 September 2026
The Print Industry Awards

Where?

National Conference Centre, Birmingham.

What is it?

The Print Industry Awards celebrate excellence across the print and visual communications sector, recognising the achievements, innovation and talent that drive the industry forward. From outstanding print businesses and suppliers to individual professionals, the awards highlight the very best in print, digital and visual communications. Backed by decades of industry expertise, the Print Industry Awards provide a platform to showcase success, raise standards and honour those making a real impact.