Your Weekly Large Format Print Briefing [Week 22, 2025]
Welcome back to your essential source of strategic intel from the world of wide format printing. From award-winning hardware to immersive art-tech crossovers, this week highlights how innovation, creativity, and expansion are redefining what large format means in 2025.
📢 In today’s Wide Format Brief:
Roland DG redefines productivity with the TrueVIS XG-640
Nazdar inks compatibility with Brother GTXpro textile printers
Mimaki’s Metamo shows off digital art in Amsterdam
Agfa’s Anapurna Ciervo finds its first UK home
swissQprint wins big at the EDP Awards
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. Roland DG Unveils TrueVIS XG-640 Eco-Solvent Printer
Summary:
Roland DG introduced the TrueVIS XG-640, a new high-performance eco-solvent printer designed for high-speed production of signage, wraps, and display graphics. Part of the revamped TrueVIS lineup.
Key takeaways:
Boosts productivity with dual printheads and max speeds up to 34.8 m²/h
Eco-solvent inks offer vibrant color gamut with GREENGUARD Gold certification
Enhanced usability with touchscreen controls and Roland DG Connect platform
Why It Matters:
This launch sets a new benchmark for high-speed, eco-friendly production—especially for shops scaling up operations without sacrificing print quality. A clear challenger to mid-to-high tier competitors.
2. Nazdar Qualifies Inks for Brother GTXpro Printers
Summary:
Nazdar announced successful compatibility testing of its textile inks with Brother GTXpro DTF printers, giving print shops more flexibility in sourcing ink solutions.
Key takeaways:
Offers cost-effective alternatives to OEM inks
Maintains durability and vibrancy in DTF workflows
Supports sustainability with reduced waste during setup
Why It Matters:
Ink diversification equals margin protection. For textile decorators, this unlocks cost control and operational reliability—especially as demand grows for customized short runs.
3. Mimaki’s Metamo Hosts G.O.D. Art Exhibition
Summary:
Mimaki’s Metamo creative platform launched “G.O.D. — Graphic Over Drive,” a digital art exhibition in Amsterdam exploring the intersection of fashion, signage, and printing.
Key takeaways:
Features works by artists pushing digital print boundaries
Highlights hybrid techniques including UV + textile print fusion
Engages a younger, design-forward audience
Why It Matters:
This signals a shift in how large format connects to culture, design, and branding. The Metamo initiative positions Mimaki as more than a hardware provider—it's entering creative territory.
4. Agfa’s Anapurna Ciervo Secures First UK Installation
Summary:
UK-based Digital Plus became the first print provider to install Agfa’s Anapurna Ciervo hybrid inkjet system, targeting versatile production demands across indoor and outdoor applications.
Key takeaways:
Reaches up to 160 m²/h production speeds
Features 7 ink channels for enhanced versatility
Designed to balance speed and media diversity
Why It Matters:
Early adoption of Agfa’s limited edition model shows there's a hungry market for high-output hybrid solutions—especially among PSPs needing efficient changeovers and volume scalability.
5. swissQprint Takes Two EDP Awards at FESPA
Summary:
swissQprint won two prestigious EDP Awards at FESPA 2025: Best Flatbed Printer (Nyala 5) and Best Digital Embellishment for its “pyramid printing” technique.
Key takeaways:
Nyala 5 delivers speeds of 253 m²/h with media versatility
Pyramid printing creates unique lenticular-style visuals
Demonstrates commitment to print creativity and speed
Why It Matters:
EDP wins validate both performance and application innovation—critical as PSPs look for hardware that supports standout offerings beyond commoditized print.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
The best print vendors aren’t just selling machines—they’re building ecosystems. Whether it’s Roland’s user-friendly platforms, swissQprint’s creative embellishments, or Mimaki’s artist engagement, print businesses should evaluate how suppliers support full-spectrum growth: production, creativity, and culture.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“DTF is replacing all other textile processes.”
✋ Hold up. DTF is powerful, but it’s not a silver bullet. For volume production, speed, and fabric types—screen, dye-sub, and hybrid tech still dominate.
📅 What’s Coming Up
Wide-format Summit - July 21 - 23 - Miami FL
This executive-level event connects senior print leaders with tech partners through boardroom briefings and 1:1 meetings. Expect deep dives into automation, workflow integration, and strategic scaling for wide-format print shops.
🔗 Wide-format Summit
🧠 Smarter Every Week
Before chasing new effects, nail your media profiling. Great output starts with accurate color and substrate calibration.
Thanks for tuning into this week's Wide Format Brief!
Stay sharp, stay inspired, and stay ahead in the print world. See you next week—with more headlines and takeaways to keep your shop future-proof.
And as always — keep printing. 🖨️✨