Deep Impact

We’re learning to take what’s thrown at us and use it to our benefit, but 2023 is looking challenging. Working on the assumption that a little insight can make a big difference in terms of preparedness, here’s what we should expect in terms of technological impacts according to some of this sector’s key system manufacturers.

Let’s start with Duncan Smith, production sales director at Canon UK and Ireland, who believes the UK’s economic situation will naturally see print providers (PSPs) “reassessing their technology and putting measures in place to ensure that their devices are working as efficiently as possible. Automation is set to rise in importance as it helps to deliver reduced waste, as well as lower energy use through the streamlining of workflow processes.” Sounds spot on so far.

He adds: “One of the continuing impacts that the print industry will likely face in 2023 is sustainability, as consumers, brands and print buyers increasingly seek out environmentally friendly solutions. 2023 is likely to see PSPs looking for technologies with highly sustainable credentials, whilst remanufacturing, field-upgradeable technology and environmentally friendly processes are also set to remain of high importance.

“Due to the rising cost of energy and the drive for energy-efficient solutions in light of the climate crisis we’re seeing an uptake in technologies that use less heat and ultimately, less energy. For example, we’re seeing an increase in interest for UV LED curing, which is used in both our Arizona family of flatbed printers and our Colorado roll-to-roll printers with its UVgel technology.

“We’re also seeing PSPs investing in long-term solutions to futureproof their businesses, such as with Prisma automation software which helps to deliver fewer errors, better efficiencies and reduced waste.”

Smith continues: “AI is a very broad topic but clever use of data continues to offer a great opportunity for the large-format sector too. It can help PSPs to support their clients with better targeted print communications through personalisation, mass customisation and even geotargeting, whilst better measuring the results of advertising campaigns.

“i4.0 seems to have been absorbed into a number of other topics in recent times, taking in automated solutions at all levels of a process, connectivity for remote servicing and process management - as well as the use of data. This may be because the ‘internet of things’ is still an untapped opportunity in the print industry - with only a few PSPs using real-time, trigger-based, customised print to its full potential.”

Phil McMullin, pro graphics sales manager at Epson (UK) thinks there are a number of factors that will shape the large-format print sector in 2023 and beyond, pointing out that “a major influence on everyday business has been the acceleration of digital transformation that supports hybrid and remote working while also driving greater automation in systems and solutions.

“Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and cloud computing are all impacting connectivity, responsivity, and flexibility. They help create systems and processes that manage time consuming and repetitive tasks in the most efficient way possible. They also support more effective sales and marketing, better customer service, improved supply chain efficiency and streamlined manufacturing processes. Products and services can also be more aligned with customer needs.

“Digital transformation is also helping address another market trend set to dominate 2023 - a shortage in skilled workers - as employers are under pressure to ensure they are providing attractive careers in a nice working environment with the flexibility of hybrid work.”

McMullin also points out that greater workplace automation “can help with reskilling and up-skilling as well as with recruiting by simplifying processes. Intelligent set-up and operation on large-format systems can ensure ease of use for repeatable and consistent high quality while intelligent planning can streamline throughput, maximise output and deliver cost and time savings.”

He too comments on how ‘green’ considerations are going to impact PSPs: “With the looming climate crisis businesses and partners are looking to work with like-minded organisations that have the right environmental and social credentials. 2023 will see companies ensuring their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) processes are central to their strategy. Epson is targeting around 770m Euro at its sustainability transformation over the next decade. Internally this will see investment to decarbonise and close resource loops while externally innovation will reduce the environmental impact of customers and develop new products that are inherently sustainable.

Jane Rixon, business development manager, HP large format, says “it’s time to say goodbye to print, and hello to print 4.0.” She explains: “The evolution of the print industry is largely down to the rise of digital technology that supports a more connected world. An industry that makes smarter decisions based on big data. For example, HP printers can now collect much more data than they did ten years ago. Now, all that data can be processed into powerful insights that help our customers make the right decisions at the right time.

“The printing industry has focused on one aspect of print 4.0 which is ‘automation’. This is to better connect printing technology and allow for a more seamless transition from when a customer places an order to its delivery. This will ultimately lead to a better customer experience, both for print providers and end customers.”

Rixon continues: “Our customers want streamlined production and the confidence of knowing that they can deliver on time. So, we promise to give them smart, connected production, with no disruptions and optimised control, through solutions that are labourless and remotely controlled, always on, and part of a digital ecosystem that enables our customers to grow and scale effortlessly.”

She too believes sustainability will climb up the agenda, saying: “Sustainability has gone from being a ‘nice to have’ to a key purchasing driver for consumers. The 2022 EU Directive, which came into play earlier this year, has also meant large companies will need to conduct thorough environmental and human rights due diligence throughout their value chain.

“In the next year, we will continue to see the industry develop large-format products and consumables designed with sustainability in mind. Current initiatives include the new HP Latex 2700. The whole Latex portfolio takes HP Eco-Carton - cardboard-based ink cartridges - that reduce plastic by using 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard containers, as well as recycled plastics from HP’s closed-loop recycling process, including post-consumer beverage bottles and U-validated ocean-bound plastics.”

Peter Bray, managing director, Durst UK and Ireland, echoes the above messaging, saying: “The need for automated and highly productive systems has never been more important and will continue to influence the large-format print sectors in 2023 and beyond in a major way. Customers will also increasingly look to sustainable solutions.”

Joey Kim, MD InkTec Europe too thinks that the key focus for the large-format print sector will be on environmental initiatives and practices moving forward. “This will mean increasing energy efficiencies, reducing carbon footprints, using less plastic/opting for PVC-free, and more recycling of both printer hardware and finished printed applications.”

Kim continues: “The industry is rapidly moving away from the use of mercury lamps, which has naturally reduced energy costs by utilising LED curing technology. This is probably now the standard preference for flatbed and roll-to-roll printers. In addition, roll-to-roll units that run using single phase as opposed to three-phase are also preferential to reduce energy consumption.

“GUI software in large-format printers is also responding to the demands for more efficiency, with features such as a ‘resume print function’ on flatbeds helping to avoid wasted print materials. So, if a job is cancelled or the heads accidentally crash when printing, the print can resume where the stop occurred. If the media has not been moved or damaged, there is a strong chance the image can be saved, as well as the media, eliminating unnecessary wastage. There is also the X/Y skip function, which reduces needless head movement, saving energy and wasted time. For example, if you have large portions of an image with no image data, i.e., a big gap between printed parts, instead of the head moving pointlessly left and right, mimicking printing, the head pauses, processes until it is due to move, then starts printing where needed. Little techniques like this when multiplied are improving the general overall efficiency of LED UV printing.”

Combined with rising overhead costs, PSPs will be keen to see reduced energy consumption of large-format printers, lower service cost for machinery (with potentially more remote support) and lower cost for extended warranties. Kim points out: “Effective ways to reduce their costs are through the use of alternative inks at reasonable prices, efficient and versatile printer choice and committing to extended warranties, so they have transparent, upfront fixed costs from a reliable service provider.”

He expects there will also be more of a focus on a circular economy approach with it becoming increasingly important for manufacturers to work with resellers and customers to look at opportunities to sell-on printers, offer refurbishment, or recycle where possible with new owners.

Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK, confirms “there are three key topics that our customers continue to prioritise and ask for our support with. First, efficiency, and especially energy efficiency given the state of the costs facing businesses. Secondly, productivity, they need to produce more with less. Finally, versatility - their customers’ needs are changing. We continue to prioritise these points in our R&D. Our new UV-LED flatbed printer - the energy efficient Kudu with 10 configurable ink channels and a top speed of 300m2/hr - is a good example of how our this translates from customer priorities into a solution.”

Rob Goleniowski, head of sales, UK and Ireland at Roland DG thinks software integration as well as system automation will play a big part in the large-format print sector in 2023. “We are seeing an increase in connectivity across all areas of our lives, and I think we are about to see a surge of that within the large-format print sector. We have only started to see this becoming prevalent in the industry over the last few years, but print professionals are increasingly looking for ways to increase their productivity and return on investment.

“At Roland DG, we’re working on improving how our hardware talks to software. For example, we launched Roland DG Connect, a cloud-based service, which allows users to monitor the print status when away from the office, receive notifications of when key maintenance should be performed, and give an overall health status of the connected device.

“On top of this, this connectivity allows hardware manufacturers to improve the level of after-sales service and support offered, allowing customers to utilise their machines more and as a result have less downtime. For example, the Roland Care team uses these technological advances to provide AI repairs and remote monitoring, which allows for proactive support based upon the collected information keeping the machines online for longer - more production time equals higher revenue potential.”