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In a revealing discussion with Richard Romano of WhatTheyThink, Eric Zimmerman (Principal Analyst of Wide Format Printing at Keypoint Intelligence) delved into the evolving landscape of wide format printing, display graphics, and signage. Zimmerman highlighted the ongoing “battle of the inks,” noting the rise of UV ink technology in the graphics space, which is outpacing latex inks due to its application versatility and fast turnaround capabilities. With consumer demand for instant gratification reshaping the print industry, quick turnaround times have become pivotal. Advanced ink technologies and innovative small format printers are essential tools for businesses to keep up with the “need-it-now” mindset driving consumer behavior.
Small Business, Big Opportunities
Zimmerman also emphasized the growing impact of the small office/home office (SOHO) market, which exploded during the pandemic fueled by platforms like Etsy and social media marketplaces. While larger printers remain a cornerstone for high-volume needs, smaller and accessible devices are empowering entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses to enter the personalized original goods market and thrive. The crossover into direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) technologies further enriches this segment, offering versatility and scalability.
Down the Road
Looking ahead, Zimmerman sees exciting opportunities over the next 12–18 months, with advancements in automation (digital workflows, particularly) and new technologies paving the way for profitability and creativity in the wide format space. While full automation is still a distant prospect for print service providers (PSPs), the integration of human expertise ensures smooth workflows—signaling a promising future for the industry.
Watch the full interview here!
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