Category: Vendor Views

Fabio Elmi, marketing director Guandong, explains how the company works closely with the market to develop new products for ever more creative applications.The natural vocation of Guandong is that of a real visual communications – a trendsetter if you will.

The natural vocation of Guandong is that of a real visual communications – a trendsetter if you will.

Alongside a comprehensive range of large-format digital printing media, the company is engaged in researching original products, capable of extending demand in new application sectors and anticipating emerging market trends.

Steve Collins, wide-format inkjet product and channel manager for Agfa Graphics UK, explains its ‘technology meets creativity meets technology’ strategy.

The advancements in inkjet technology have certainly been a driving force behind an explosion of ideas. Major improvements in speed and quality have allowed people to push the boundaries of wide-format inkjet technology and with the evolution of UV printing and the ability to print directly onto the surface of different types of substrates, virtually anything is possible. We are now witnessing an increase in diverse applications used by graphic designers and architects as printing directly on materials such as glass, wood and ceramics becomes more commonplace.

Jo Bentley of Contra Vision explains why it is seeking further collaboration with printers as it targets new creative markets.

Contra Vision transforms glass into opportunities for advertising, branding, architectural expression, one-way privacy and solar control; with 30 years of pioneering inventions, it has developed see through graphic products suitable for all locations. Reaching out to creatives – including designers, advertising agencies, architects and interior designers – is a key component in its strategy to help grow the market for see-through graphics and extend their knowledge of what is possible through print.

Duncan Smith, wide-format printing group director, Canon UK, explains what is being done to engage with creatives and other potential users of wide-format print. 

You only have to visit events such as Clerkenwell Design Week to see that the creative and design communities have an innovative and progressive approach to their work. Designers, architects and specifiers are willing to explore all avenues that will enable them to bring their – or their clients’ – designs to life in new and engaging ways. They are also very tactile by nature, keen to see and touch products to help them visualise their concepts and stretch the boundaries of their imagination.