Your Weekly Large Format Print Briefing [Week 33, 2025]
Welcome to this week’s Wide Format Brief—your no-fluff recap of what’s shaping the wide format print world. From game-changing tech previews at The Print Show to tactile embellishment tours coming to PRINTING United, this issue is packed with innovation across hardware, software, and show-floor strategy.
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief:
The Print Show preps for hardware fireworks from HP, Epson, Mimaki
Agfa lines up live inkjet demos at NEC
Taktiful unveils Embellishment Tour for PRINTING United
Drytac and SignMax decorate urban South Africa with wall vinyl
ONYX streamlines print-and-cut workflows for sharp results
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. The Print Show 2025 Promises Major Tech Launches from HP, Epson & Mimaki
Summary:
With just weeks until the NEC event, brands like HP, Epson, and Mimaki are lining up UK debuts and new models including eco-solvent, UV, and hybrid systems.
Key Takeaways:
HP introduces its new Latex R530 and DesignJet XL3800
Epson debuts its SC-S9100 eco-solvent printer and new UV models
Mimaki launches its compact UV DTF printer UJV300DTF-75
Why It Matters:
With no FESPA or drupa stopgap for many UK print shops, The Print Show is becoming a critical hub for tech launches and buying decisions.
2. Agfa to Showcase Wide Format Inkjet Innovations at NEC
Summary:
Agfa confirms it will spotlight its latest inkjet printing advancements at The Print Show 2025, reinforcing its push into productivity and profitability gains for PSPs.
Key Takeaways:
Will exhibit in Hall 3, stand P200
Focus on high-efficiency workflows and next-gen inkjet
Positioned as a key inkjet partner for UK providers
Why It Matters:
Agfa is positioning itself as a serious contender in high-output inkjet, and its presence confirms the NEC show’s role as a strategic launchpad.
3. PRINTING United to Launch Embellishment Tech Tour with Taktiful
Summary:
PRINTING United Expo 2025 will debut a new “Embellishment Technology Tour” led by Taktiful, spotlighting finishing innovation like foil, coating, and texture.
Key Takeaways:
60–75 min expert-led tours at PRINTING United, Oct 22–24
Small group, curated stops across the show floor
Hands-on demos of tactile, high-impact finishing
Why It Matters:
Finishing is where margins grow. This tour gives PSPs an edge on trends that sell—without wandering aimlessly through 800+ booths.
4. SignMax Transforms South African Walls with Drytac Films
Summary:
SignMax used Drytac’s Polar Grip and ReTac Textures to create durable, textured wall graphics for clients like Fish & Chip Co. and New Life Church.
Key Takeaways:
Used Drytac Polar Grip on uneven walls and corners
ReTac Textures offered repositionability and textured finishes
HP Latex printers used to complete stunning installs
Why It Matters:
Real-world installs showcase Drytac’s grip strength and visual impact. Great proof point for wall décor, brand spaces, and interiors.
5. ONYX Software Streamlines Print-and-Cut Precision
Summary:
ONYX updates its software suite to optimize print-and-cut workflows, automating alignment, cut paths, and registration marks.
Key Takeaways:
Cuts waste with accurate cut path integration
Supports broad range of cutters (roll and flatbed)
Built-in troubleshooting for misalignment or device sync issues
Why It Matters:
Print shops with contour cut jobs like decals and textiles can increase speed, accuracy, and output quality with less manual correction.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Trade shows are becoming navigated experiences, not just exhibitions.
From Taktiful’s Embellishment Tour to real-time demos at NEC, vendors are building buyer journeys—not just booths. Plan your visit like a strategy session, not a stroll.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“Vinyl’s out, digital décor is in.”
False dichotomy. As Drytac proves, vinyl wraps are evolving alongside décor—not being replaced. Smart PSPs use both.
📅 What’s Coming Up
🗓️ The Print Show 2025 – Sept 23–25 – NEC Birmingham
Don’t miss hardware rollouts from HP, Epson, Mimaki, and Agfa.
🗓️ PRINTING United Expo 2025 – Oct 22–24 – Orlando, FL
Join the Embellishment Tech Tour powered by Taktiful—small groups, expert-led, and finish-focused.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
🎯 Want to get clients excited about embellishment? Print the same design flat and embellished—let their fingertips do the selling.
Thanks for tuning into this week's Wide Format Brief!
Stay sharp, stay curious—and stay ahead. Until next time, keep printing.