The signage industry is growing in sync with the business development and according to the market research company IT Strategies, the market for inkjet printers, ink and media is estimated to expand to $11.9 billion in 2011 from $8.9 billion in 2006. This expansion is due to the increased demand for wide format inkjet printers in the graphics, sign and display markets. Today, wide format inkjet printers are extensively used by screen and digital print markets, sign shops, etc. Commercial printers have already started benefiting from inkjet technologies. Another segment, which is set to offer new opportunities for this segment, is photo labs.

With the boom taking place in this industry, the players in this segment are set to exhibit a wide range of new concepts, technologies and products at the mecca of printing industry - drupa 2008. This giant show will be spread over 170,000 m2 of exhibition space in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 29- June 11, 2008 and it will be the biggest ever in its more than 50-year history. The players from the wide format inkjet printing segment are set to focus on eco-friendly, high quality-oriented product portfolios, aiming dual objectives - business and environmental - equally.

It is well known that drupa is a launch pad for new technologies and as such signage segment is also bound to see new products practically from every exhibitor. While going to press, we understand that Agfa Graphics is set to showcase Anapurna XLS, a new addition to its wide format family of UV printers; Canon is bringing new LFP with impressive 80 GB hard disk drive. FUJIFILM will showcase new inkjet technology and a range of wide format inkjet solutions utilizing its Sericol’s high performance ink. Gandinnovations’ Jeti3348 Jetstream UV RTR, a 3-meter roll-to-roll printer with a 4-colour configuration will also be in the limelight and so will be Océ’s Arizona 250 GT, a UV curable flatbed and roll-to-roll inkjet printer.

When all these players are coming with new technologies, can HP be far behind? Well, they are also all set to demonstrate their innovative latex printing technologies, which offer an environmentally responsible largeformat printing alternative for a wide variety of outdoor and indoor applications apart from an array of new products. Last but not the least, Dainippon Screen will exhibit its eco-friendly Truepress Jet 2500UV.

With environment friendliness in focus, these equipments are ready to deliver excellent quality of prints in their own way. So, all those who are in this sign business and are planning to acquire new machinery, drupa is the best place to be. You will find complete solutions under one roof and when these solutions are eco-friendly, you know it is the right solution for the future as well. Bon voyage to Düsseldorf and see you at drupa 2008!

– S K Khurana