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Despite some challenges associated with the Platinum Jubilee and travel chaos, attendees of the FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 in Berlin (May 31-June 3, 2022) showed up en mass to see the latest printing, media, and software solutions from over 325 exhibitors. With very few in-person events being held during the pandemic, it was clear that exhibitors and attendees needed the energy and connection of a live event—and FESPA didn’t disappoint. There were lots of smiles, laughs, hugs, and handshakes as the print community came together once again.
The show felt like a reunion and had a relaxing, welcoming feel. The entire exhibition consumed eight halls of the Messe Berlin complex, and features like the World Wrap Masters, Printeriors, and the Sustainability Spotlight theater added unique and fun opportunities to the exhibition.
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| Attendees to FESPA Global Print Expo experienced Print in Motion. |
Wide Format Goes Big
Agfa showcased its Jeti Tauro H3300HS and Oberon RTR3300 roll-to-roll device with white ink, as well as the Avinci CX3200 dye-sublimation printer, its InterioJet Décor printing solution, and Alussa high-end leather decoration system. Agfa was also busy promoting its newly expanded portfolio after acquiring Inca Digital.
Canon launched its fastest flatbed printer to date: the Arizona 6100 Mark II. The printer can print up to 220 sqm/hr and targets printers handling volumes of up to 300,000 sqm/year. Canon also launched the new FLXfinish+ UVgel ink, which uses a longer or shorter cure so users can produce unique matte and gloss finishes at the same time. The ink is available for Colorado 1630 and 1650 printers as an upgrade. In addition, Canon brought its Prisma print production workflow to the wide format world with the new Prisma XL Suite, which offers features like automation through storing job recipes, a remote monitoring app to keep printers running 24/7, and cloud-based customer support.
EFI launched its new single-pass super-high-speed LED inkjet technology, the EFI Nozomi 18000+, which is designed for point-of-sale and display graphics. While the machine was not physically present in the EFI booth, demonstrations were live-streamed from its New Hampshire, US facility. EFI also showed confidential live-stream demos of a new 3.2m high-speed hybrid device. Live demos on the 3.5m EFI Vutek Q3r LED roll-to-roll printer with the new UltraClear Coat option took center stage as did the new EFI Pro 30h hybrid 3.2m printer.
Epson’s first water-based resin ink printer, the SureColor SC-R5000L, and their new UV flatbed printer, the SureColor SC-V7000, were on display. These devices signaled that Epson is moving into new growth sectors of the printing industry.
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| The all-new Epson SC-R5000L water-based resin printer. |
Fujifilm launched the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED, a 3.2m device that can print up to 218 sqm/hr when configured in roll-to-roll mode, as well as the Acuity Prime L, a 3.2m x 2m flatbed using up to seven ink channels available for colors, white, clear, and primer.
Mutoh showed its new 1341SR Pro and 1641SR Pro sign and display printers. The 1341SR Pro (54") and 1641SR Pro (64") use a new AccuFine printhead. Mutoh also displayed its new XpertJet 1682SR 64" with a new eight color setup, as well as its second generation XpertJet 461UF and 661UF UV desktop printers.
Roland launched its third generation TrueVis printer-cutters. The VG3-640/540 and the entry-level SG-540/300 are eco-solvent devices designed for applications in the sign/banner, label, and vehicle wrap markets. VG3-640 and 540 models use a new eight-color inkset (CMYK, Lc, Lm, orange, green), while the SG3-540 and 300 models use a standard CMYK ink set.
Digital Textile & DTG: The Future is Bright
Brother showed its GTX600 industrial direct-to-garment printer that has had new features added, including a projector system that automatically projects the design to be printed onto its intended position—enabling the user to see the design as it will appear on the garment before printing to avoid misprints. Brother also debuted a new software package designed for the direct-to-garment sector called Myze. Incorporating several different types of software, Myze includes all aspects of production from front-end kiosk solutions for personalization through shipping.
EFI Reggiani showed their new 1.8m Terra Gold direct-to-fabric pigment ink printer with proprietary in-line ink fixation and drying. The printer uses 16 printheads and can produce up to 325 sqm/hr up to a 180cm printing width. Variable droplet sizes from 4-72pl produce resolutions up to 2,400 dpi. Available colors include CMYK, red, blue, orange, and green.
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| The EFI Reggiani Terra Gold features proprietary in-line ink fixation and drying. |
Epson also showed their SC-F2100 and SC-F3000 direct-to-garment printers. The newer SC-F3000 features an automatic platen gap adjustment that detects the surface height of the loaded platen and allows for easy switching between garments of different thicknesses. They also showed the new Monna Lisa ML-8000, a direct-to-fabric textile printer designed for flexible and sustainable operation.
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| The Monna Lisa ML-8000 is Epson’s first direct-to-fabric printer. |
Kornit Digital exhibited its full Atlas Max portfolio. The company demonstrated its flagship Atlas Max direct-to-garment printer along with the newly released Atlas Max Poly direct-to-garment printer. Also on display was the 1.8m Presto Max direct-to-fabric printer. Kornit also demonstrated its KornitX software, which connects virtual shopfronts directly with fulfillment centers to automatically route orders to the nearest fulfillment center.
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The new Atlas Max Poly was shown for the first time
at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022. |
Adobe Unveils Updated Print Engine
Adobe PDF Print Engine 6 (APPE 6) was unveiled during a FESPA press conference and boasts a raft of new features that Adobe said “will empower all print segments...delivering exceptional print quality, maximum efficiency, and increased automation with print-time decisions based on job intelligence.” APPE 6 will be distributed to Adobe’s print partners in June.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 marked a welcome return to normal for exhibitors and attendees alike as confidence continues to gain momentum in the printing industry. The big attractions centered around the eight halls of the exhibition and the show delivered on its theme “Experience Print in Motion”. Furthermore, additional show features like the Sustainability Spotlight theater, Printeriors display, and the World Wrap Masters competition certainly added to the energy and excitement of a return to Normality. FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 is scheduled for May 23-26, 2023, in Munich, Germany.
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