Show season is here. A new 64" dye-sub with fluorescents, a 5×8 flatbed cutter sized for 4×8 boards, direct-to-object updates, a materials lab on the show floor, and a W2P release that trims clicks—this week is about accessible capacity and faster paths from click to finished piece.
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief:
Mimaki introduces TS200-1600 dye-sublimation (fluoro inks, 2L packs)
Summa F1625 flatbed cutter debuts (5×8 ft, >15 tools)
Inkcups previews DTO innovations for PRINTING United
Drytac plans an immersive booth of media/adhesive demos
OnPrintShop v12.2 rolls out conversion-friendly W2P updates
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1) Mimaki TS200-1600: Entry-Level Dye-Sub with Fluorescents
Summary: Mimaki launched the 64" TS200-1600 dye-sublimation printer, adding fluorescent inks, extended gamut, and 2L degassed ink packs—positioned as accessible but capable. First global showing: The Print Show (Birmingham, Sept 23–25).Key takeaways:
Fluoro options for high-impact textiles/soft signage
2L packs reduce swaps and waste vs. small cartridges
Aimed at startups and short-run custom goods producers
Why It Matters: Fluorescents + low entry cost equals attention-grabbing POP without enterprise budgets—ideal for décor, sportswear, and event graphics.
2) Summa Debuts the F1625 Flatbed Cutter (5×8 ft)
Summary: Summa expands the F-Series with the F1625 (approx. 5×8 ft work area), handling rigid and flexible media with >15 interchangeable tools, GoProduce software, and workflows for 100+ materials.Key takeaways:
True 4×8 board handling without extra feeding
Tooling versatility for kiss-cut, routing, crease, V-cut and more
Targets signage, display, packaging prototypes, and POP
Why It Matters: A right-sized table unlocks finishing bottlenecks for shops moving beyond roll-only output into rigid, packaging, and custom display work.
3) Inkcups Brings “Printing Beyond Boundaries” to Orlando
Summary: Inkcups (Booth 1530) will spotlight direct-to-object (DTO) printing innovations at PRINTING United: Helix ONE® improvements, X5-T High Throw for tall/irregular objects, Nano Pin Curing on Helix®, plus pad printing and laser plate making.Key takeaways:
Adds SKUs on hard goods without labels or transfers
High-throw + NPC widens geometry you can decorate inline
Useful for promo, drinkware, cosmetics, industrial parts
Why It Matters: DTO diversification creates higher-margin, low-volume runs—perfect for shops chasing personalization and corporate gifting.
4) Drytac: “See Innovation Come to Life” at PRINTING United
Summary: Drytac (Booth #1224) will demo new and staple media, laminates, and adhesive solutions with hands-on applications designed to shorten install time and expand use-cases.Key takeaways:
On-booth try-outs for window, wall, floor applications
Emphasis on easy apply/removal and time-saving adhesives
Good venue to test combos with partner printers across the floor
Why It Matters: Media choices can unlock labor savings equal to hardware upgrades—seeing/touching applications reduces risk before you spec a roll.
5) OnPrintShop v12.2: Fewer Clicks, Faster Conversions
Summary: OnPrintShop 12.2 adds adaptive-size templates, kit personalization, advanced product filters, and a faster checkout aimed at lifting W2P conversion and reducing remake support.Key takeaways:
Adaptive templates reduce design back-and-forth
Catalog filters speed product discovery for large stores
Checkout streamlining shrinks abandonment and phone orders
Why It Matters: A 1–2% lift in W2P conversion can beat a hardware ROI—worth testing before Q4 traffic hits.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Pair dye-sub pop with finishing: Fluoro textiles pull eyes; a 5×8 cutter finishes the job mix.
Add DTO for margin: Direct-to-object expands SKU count without new facilities.
Trim clicks now: Tune W2P flows (templates/filters/checkout) before holiday demand.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“AI web-to-print means zero onboarding.” Not yet. Smart templates help, but branded buyers still need guidance and guardrails. Keep your preset library tight and your approval loops clear.
📅 What’s Coming Up
🗓️ The Print Show 2025 – Sept 23–25 | NEC Birmingham (UK)A buyer-friendly showcase of hardware, finishing, and software, including the world debut of Mimaki’s TS200-1600 dye-sublimation printer. A strong venue to compare solutions tailored to the UK market.
🗓️ PRINTING United Expo 2025 – Oct 22–24 | Orlando, FLNorth America’s largest cross-segment event will spotlight Inkcups’ DTO printing and Drytac’s media/adhesive demos, alongside major launches in cutting, workflow, and finishing. Expect announcements that will shape 2026 investment decisions.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
Running fluorescents on dye-sub? Proof under venue lighting (arena LEDs ≠ shop lights). Print two swatches—standard + fluoro—press, then evaluate under the actual spectra you’ll face. It prevents surprises and wasted meters.
Thanks for reading this week’s Wide Format Brief. Keep testing new tools, fine-tuning workflows, and exploring smarter ways to add value—those small adjustments now set you up for a stronger Q4.