Welcome to this week’s edition of Wide Format Brief, where software meets signage, innovation powers training, and the banner stand gets a glow-up. Whether you're streamlining workflows or scouting the latest show-floor reveals, this week's roundup is designed to keep you informed and ahead of the print curve.
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief
Roland DG unveils Connect Designer for fast-tracked graphics
CalderaRIP 18.2 rolls out with smart upgrades
Clarity Software sponsors "On the Frontline" at The Sign Show
Frontline brings Galaxy media + display hardware to PRINTING United
Market report signals booming growth in digital textile printing
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. Roland DGA Launches DG Connect Designer Software
Summary: Roland DGA released a new software platform, DG Connect Designer, that simplifies print-ready graphic creation for users across experience levels.Key takeaways:
Ideal for in-store teams and small businesses with no design experience
Automatically generates print settings for Roland DG printers
Modules available for enhanced functionality, starting with DIMENSE
Why It Matters:Reduces production time and democratizes design in print workflows.Aimed at simplifying front-end work for LFP shops.
2. Caldera Releases CalderaRIP 18.2
Summary: CalderaRIP 18.2 introduces new user interface enhancements and productivity tools designed to make prepress and RIP operations more efficient.Key takeaways:
Improved nesting and tiling workflows
Faster job processing and preview rendering
Enhanced color management tools for consistent output
Why It Matters:Better control and visibility across RIP environments benefits both quality and turnaround time.
3. Clarity Software Sponsors 'On the Frontline' at The Sign Show
Summary: Clarity is back at The Print Show, sponsoring a hands-on sales training event while spotlighting its cloud-based MIS, Clarity Go.Key takeaways:
Focus on sales strategies, quoting to win, and standout communication
Demonstrations of Clarity Go MIS throughout the event
Strategic alignment between Clarity’s software and training content
Why It Matters:MIS + sales training = powerful combo for shops looking to level up operations
4. Frontline to Showcase Banner Stands & Galaxy Media at PRINTING United
Summary: Frontline will exhibit at PRINTING United with its signature Galaxy print media and best-selling display hardware.Key takeaways:
Launch of Galaxy Media Storage & Handling Solutions
ASTRO ZETA banner stand highlighted for its sleek design and value
Focus on reducing waste and improving shop efficiency
Why It Matters:Smart media handling and portable display innovations remain key growth areas for LFP shops.
5. Digital Textile Printing Market Forecast (2025–2029)
Summary: New research shows the digital textile print market is set to expand through 2029, driven by demand for custom apparel, sustainability, and e-commerce.Key takeaways:
Market poised for multi-billion growth
Asia-Pacific leads adoption, with North America close behind
Key players include aeoon, AM Printex, Archroma
Why It Matters:Highlights growth opportunities for PSPs eyeing textile and DTF/DTS segments.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Training and tooling are converging. From Clarity’s sponsorship of sales bootcamps to Roland’s plug-and-play design tools, this week shows the rise of ready-made success frameworks—tools that not only help you produce faster, but also sell better. Worth watching? Partnerships between software vendors and print shows.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“Banner stands are dead.” Not when Frontline’s Galaxy line is getting upgraded and reimagined with new storage solutions and clean installs. Display hardware is evolving—don’t sleep on it.
📅 What’s Coming Up
🗓️ Sign China 2025 – Sept 19–21 | Shanghai, ChinaAsia’s signage super-show returns with LED, inkjet, textile, and display tech across 100,000m². If you source or sell globally, this is your roadmap to what’s next.
🗓️ The Print Show 2025 – Sept 23–25 | NEC Birmingham (UK)Big players are turning this into a UK launch hub—expect new hardware from HP, Epson, Mimaki, and Agfa.
🗓️ PRINTING United Expo 2025 – Oct 22–24 | Orlando, FLNorth America’s largest print show adds depth this year with the Embellishment Tech Tour powered by Taktiful—a guided experience focused on tactile finishes and show-floor strategy.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
Fastest way to kill your ROI? Using a RIP you haven’t updated in a year. Always test updates on non-critical jobs, but don’t skip the upgrade cycle.
Thanks for tuning into this week’s Wide Format Brief! Remember to subscribe, share, and stay ahead of the trends transforming print—one RIP, one substrate, and one show floor at a time.