Knowledge is important when making the move into a new market
Knowledge is key
Over the last year, consumers’ routines, the way they shop and socialise, and what they spend their money on has all changed. As we were told to stay at home, our focus turned to our environments and as a result there came a boom in home décor and house renovations.
Wide-format print markets like home décor are booming
Personalised print and printed gifts all saw a rise in demand, as did the need to produce informational graphics and safety signage.
Personalised print has surged following the pandemic
The use of wide-format print to change the feel of a space was seen recently in a project by MacroArt which used wide-format print to produce bespoke wall graphics. These were used in temporary corridors at Blenheim Palace and replicated those in the original part of the building which is currently being renovated.
As these markets soar, so does the potential for business in the wide-format print industry. In part one of our three-part wide-format analysis, we looked at the latest kit available to help sign-makers and print businesses enter these markets. Part two will explore the benefits of making this move and what you need to know before investing in new technology and taking the leap.
Going green
In part one, Mike Lewis, channel account manager of HP, described the latest wide-format kit available on the market right now. Building on this, Lewis tells us how this technology can benefit sign-makers and why it might be worth investing.
Lewis says: “The wide-format market is constantly evolving due to the changing demand of customers in what is a highly innovative sector. To keep up with this evolution, companies active in the market must ensure they are investing in hardware which enables them to produce work to the highest standard set by their customers.”
The wide-format market is constantly evolving due to the changing demand of customers in what is a highly innovative sector”
According to Lewis, one of the key points in wide-format print over the last few years has been sustainability, with customers starting to ask for their work to be as environmentally friendly as possible. “This means if you want to ensure repeat business from these clients, you need to be running greener kit,” Lewis explains.
This was recently demonstrated in a wide-format window graphics project which Leeds-based Imageco completed in the city of Leeds. The firm was chosen to produce the colourful window graphics because of its own environmental efforts.
All the designs were completed using environmentally friendly methods, a HP Latex printer with water-based ink and a top PVC-free laminate. The firm also uses solar panels to power all its printing.
Lewis says: “HP Latex printers and water-based HP Latex inks have transformed PSPs around the globe, both in terms of what they can offer their customers and their workspaces.”
HP’s Latex inks are 70% water and dry instantly. The firm’s newest inks also have no hazard labels unlike UV, UV gel, solvent and eco-solvent inks. The inks also have GREENGUARD GOLD certification due to their low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Lewis continues: “It is also important to consider the type of kit you need in order to take on some of the new, emerging applications in wide-format. The printer needs to be flexible enough to handle the wide range of materials used within the expanding décor market, or you could risk missing out on valuable revenue, so ink versatility is also key.”
Capitalise on trends
In part one of our wide-format feature, Martin Southworth, reseller account manager of Hybrid Services (exclusive Mimaki distributor for the UK and Ireland) outlined the range of wide-format printers available from the firm.
For Southworth, understanding and acting upon emerging trends is key to capitalising on the wide-format markets. He says: “If you’re not already producing wide-format output – or you’re buying it in because the demand you’re currently seeing doesn’t warrant investment in your own hardware – it’s a huge and untapped opportunity to add new revenue.”
Recognising the way wide-format print is constantly growing and developing, Mimaki puts a great deal of time and effort into research and development. As a result, the manufacturer regularly produces new products for the wide-format sector in response to customer demand and changing trends.
Southworth continues: “An important reason for sign and graphics companies to invest in new equipment is to be able to keep up with their competitors and ensure their offering stays fresh. Recent demand for personalised products has boosted many print businesses, and is a great way to add value by providing bespoke items with a fast turnaround.
“The last year has seen a growing trend that has demonstrated how willing people are to pay a premium for personalisation – be it a canvas print, acrylic photo block, feature wallpaper or custom vehicle wrap.”
In terms of the relevant hardware, Mimaki has machines such as the UJV100 and UCJV300 LED UV printers which can be used to produce a wide range of products from self-adhesive stickers and decals to light boxes and vehicle graphics.
Show it off
Epson offers a large range of SureColor large-format printers including dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, and UV flatbed printers. The firm has recently signed up for The Print Show 2021 in partnership with a long-standing reseller, SEDO. Epson will be showcasing the new Epson SureColor SC-R5000 wide-format resin ink printer.
Describing the selling points of this machine, Phil McMullin of Epson says: “This product has outstanding environmental credentials and is aimed at the signage & decor market. In addition, SEDO will be demonstrating the SureColor SC-S80600 eco-solvent printer, firmly established as the go-to choice for any savvy PSP [print-service-provider] looking to produce both exterior & interior wide- format print.”
The SureColor SC-R5000 wide-format printer is Epson’s first resin ink large-format printer and can print on a number of substrates including vinyl, banner, textile, wallpaper, and canvas. Due to its odourless water-based ink, the printer can also be used in environments such as schools, hospitals and hotels – opening up the floor for more application possibilities.
Halftoning, lookup tables (LUT), and Micro Weave features all contribute to reduced graininess and banding, and Epson’s heating and curing technology and PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads mean colour consistency is achieved for the entire print run.
The SureColor SC-S80600 eco-solvent printer is another option for sign-makers looking to enter new markets as it can be used to produce retail displays and décor on a range of substrates. The printer features a substrate handling system comprised of an auto-tension control (AD-ATC) system, wide-diameter feed rollers and anti-static flexible pressure rollers for grip feed and accuracy.
Like the SureColor SC-R5000, the SC-S8600 printer features Epson’s PrecisionCore TFP printheads which work with Epson’s UltraChrome GS3 Red inks to produce a range of colours.
Utilising small workspaces
For wide-format printing, workspace can be a daunting factor when thinking about investing in machinery with a larger footprint. To deal with clutter as well as protection for rolls, French firm, Stock & Roll has launched a product designed to help with this.
Roll systems can be heavy and difficult to move, so Stock & Roll designed a product which makes it easy to store and transport up to six large-format rolls. Featuring a patented reel holding system, the product is designed for 2” and 3” cores and has six wheels which enable users to push the storage system around a workspace.
The Stock & Roll unit is easy to store and transport up to six large-format rolls
John Schurman, owner of Luxe Auto Concepts in Shreveport, Louisiana describes how the product has helped his firm to boost efficiency. He says: “Luxe Auto Concepts isn’t your average sign or wrap shop. We are constantly pushing the envelope with vinyl products in the automotive space and have even invented our own vinyl film LightWrap.
“We use many different types of vinyl in our various products, and the stations for different manufacturing steps are spread out and sometimes in different rooms. The Stock & Roll units have increased our efficiency by allowing the vinyl to be moved from station to station with better tracking and less physical work for the employee.”
At Luxe Auto Concepts, the units replaced wall units which held the vinyl horizontally. Schurman explains: “The simple fact that there isn’t a dowel rod to remove from the vinyl has been a huge improvement.”
The help is there
Making the decision to invest money into new machines and considering the tools needed to enter new markets isn’t an easy task. Lewis offers a word of advice for those considering making the move.
He says: “First and foremost, you should consider whether this is a service that will be of interest to your current customer base. If you can establish there is enough demand for wide-format print among your clients, or have identified work that you can take on, then you can start planning to expand into this market. Next, you need to ensure you have the right kit in place.
“Wide-format print is quite a specialist market and knowledge is everything when it comes to producing work in this sector. While your work in sign-making and other areas may have set you up nicely for expansion into wide-format print, you need to equip yourself with the right level of knowledge to begin producing this type of work.”
If you are looking for some advice or tips on what might be involved in entering a new market such as décor for example, HP provides specialist training on its entry-level machines which can be useful when getting started in wide-format print.
O Factoid: The large-format print market is predicted to grow from £6.59bn in 2020 to £7.93bn by 2025 says MarketsandMarkets O
Over at Hybrid Services, Southworth reiterates that accurately investing your requirements before investing is important. He says: “Where many sign businesses invest in wide-format kit for an initial specific need, we’re well placed at Hybrid and our reseller partners to not only help them meet that, but propose additional applications they can deliver with the same hardware; increasing their product offering, revenue and potential customer base.
“It’s often the case that end consumers don’t realise the potential print can offer, so helping them understand what the sign-maker can do for them is an excellent place to start.”
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