Category: Tech Knowledge

Deal or no deal?

Deal or no deal?

Jan 30, 2014 |

Do distributors and resellers add value to the products they sell? Nessan Cleary takes a look at this crucial supplier network.

When it comes to buying new kit it’s easy to think about specs and prices but an important ingredient in every purchase is the way that it’s sold and supported. In some cases, particularly with the bigger, more expensive flatbeds, themanufacturers will deal direct with customers. But often the sales and support is outsourced to specialist distributors backed up by a network of dealers that have developed relationships with customers, possibly in niche areas that it’s hard for the equipment manufacturer to reach alone.

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We can work it out

We can work it out

Dec 3, 2013 |

We’ve seen a substantial amount of new kit launched this year but it's worth looking at where there’s still room for improvement. Nessan Cleary reports.

Looking back over 2013 there’s been a good smattering of new printers released so it’s easy to focus here. But perhaps the most striking developments have been in the area of workflow. Up to now the wide-format sector has mostly relied on whatever Rip happens to come with the printer but, clearly, quite a few vendors believe that there’s room for something more sophisticated.

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Preparing for lift off?

Preparing for lift off?

Nov 1, 2013 |

Well, when it comes to environmental considerations in the manufacture and distribution of wide-format inkjet printers, many vendors are still standing on the apron though their engines may be running. Nessan Cleary reports.

We know that for many businesses, particularly retailers, it’s important to be seen to be green and that increasingly that means looking to their whole supply chain and making sure that it reflects their own environmental policies. The knock-on effect is that large-format print providers are going to have to be in a position to demonstrate to their customers that their business fits the bill. And that in turn means taking a long hard look at the suppliers they use and the equipment they buy. In commercial print and in packaging this is already de rigueur but it seems that the large-format sector is lagging behind.

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The fabric of life

Sep 23, 2013 |

Textile printing is said to be one of the fastest growing areas in wide-format, but you do have to tailor the applications around the available materials? 

There’s no doubt that digitally printed textiles is a huge and growing business. But this is partly because it is made up of several very distinct markets. The biggest of these is the garment sector, which itself can cover a huge range from high street fashion to the occasional promotional    T-shirt. This includes printing to various materials from cotton to silk, which require specialist printers with inks suitable to these materials, and plenty of washing before the garment is ready  to wear.

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It’s a materials world

It’s a materials world

May 1, 2013 |

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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Upcoming Events

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
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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.