Welcome back, print pros!This week, we dive into ultra-productive hardware launches, textile expansions, hybrid versatility, and real-world tech adoption across wide format print. 🚀
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief:
Vanguard unveils ultra-productive Radnor printer
Epson launches new SureColor P7370 and P9370
EFI expands digital possibilities at ISA 2025
Mimaki’s eco-solvent printers approved for 3M™ warranty
Horizon installs UK’s first swissQprint Gen 5 Nyala
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. Vanguard Digital Unveils Ultra Productive New Printer: The Radnor
Summary:Vanguard Digital launched The Radnor, a 3.2-meter UV-LED hybrid, capable of printing up to 6,146 sq. ft/hr with multi-row Kyocera heads.
Key takeaways:
High-speed production for rigid and roll-to-roll versatility
Dual-side operation and reduced downtime
Eco-focused engineering with LED curing
Why It Matters:Vanguard positions itself aggressively for PSPs needing scalable, flexible production with green credentials.
2. Epson Launches New SureColor P7370 and P9370 Photographic Printers
Summary:Epson introduced two wide-format SureColor models focused on pro photo, fine art, and high-end graphic design printing.
Key takeaways:
New PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology
Violet ink added for an expanded gamut
Smart cloud-based management with Epson Cloud Solution PORT
Why It Matters:Perfect for shops offering fine art or gallery-quality photo output needing expanded color precision and remote management.
3. EFI Expanding the Possibilities of Digital Printing at ISA 2025
Summary:EFI debuted the Pro 30h+ hybrid and VUTEk M3h, focused on higher speed, 5-layer printing, and broader media range.
Key takeaways:
Five-layer inline printing for complex applications
Hybrid flexibility (flatbed + roll)
Clear ink capability for premium finishes
Why It Matters:PSPs looking to diversify into décor, packaging, and complex multilayer graphics will find these hybrid upgrades critical.
4. Mimaki’s Flagship Printers and Eco-Solvent Inks Earn 3M™ MCS™ Warranty Approval
Summary:Mimaki’s 330 Series and eco-solvent inks are now certified under the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty Program.
Key takeaways:
Certified protection against fading, cracking, and peeling
Confidence boost for installers and PSPs targeting high-end graphics
Competitive advantage against non-certified rivals
Why It Matters:Warranty-backed installs could tip sales in competitive wrap, signage, and fleet graphics markets.
5. Horizon Installs UK’s First swissQprint Generation 5 Flatbed
Summary:Retail design agency Horizon installed a Nyala 5 flatbed, boosting productivity by 80% in some modes, with UV varnish and neon color capability.
Key takeaways:
First UK deployment of the swissQprint Nyala 5
Roll-to-roll + flatbed + special effects (neon, varnish)
Ultra-low energy use fitting sustainability goals
Why It Matters:Demonstrates real-world adoption of high-speed, creative output devices for retail branding and tech sector clients.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
High-speed hybrid capability and workflow diversification are no longer future trends — they're urgent competitive moves. Shops expanding into décor, packaging, and textile applications will be first in line for broader margins and client stickiness.
Smart PSPs should be assessing which hybrid or multilayer-capable hardware fits their next 12–18 month growth roadmap.
❌ This Week’s Noise
Random claims about "AI replacing wide format printing jobs" are circulating again. Ignore them. Focus instead on AI-enhanced workflows like color matching, job queue optimization, and automated maintenance alerts.
📅 What’s Coming Up
FESPA Global Print Expo – Berlin – May 6–9, 2025Expect major rollouts across DTF, hybrid, and eco-solvent printers.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
Quick tip: "When installing multilayer prints, label print order and curing settings clearly during prepress to avoid on-site surprises."
Thanks for tuning into this week's Wide Format Brief!Stay ahead. Stay sharp. And as always — keep printing. 🖨️✨