Hardware headlines dominated: Canon prepares a new Colorado XL-series debut, HP adds an AEC-focused DesignJet T870 with AI-aided workflows, Fujifilm unveils Acuity TR using water-based UV AQUAFUZE™ inks, Agfa readies a next-gen Anapurna Ciervo H3200 hybrid, and Durst outlines an integrated lineup for PRINTING United. Expect sharper productivity, greener chemistries, and more automation from RIP to finishing.
📢 This Week in Wide Format Brief:
Canon to debut Colorado XL-series at PRINTING United
HP introduces DesignJet T870 + AI vectorization & mobile scanning
Fujifilm launches Acuity TR with AQUAFUZE™ water-based UV inks
Agfa’s Anapurna Ciervo H3200 hybrid set for VISCOM Milan
Durst previews an integrated PU 2025 portfolio (booth 3156)
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
Canon to Expand Large Format Graphics with Colorado XL-series
Summary:
Canon says a new Colorado XL-series will make its worldwide debut at PRINTING United Expo (Orlando, Oct 22–24), positioned to elevate production printing in roll-to-roll graphics. Booth #2642.
Key takeaways:
New “XL” tier signals higher throughput/format within the Colorado line
Target: production graphics where uptime and ink economy matter
Debut timing aligns with show-floor decision cycles
Why It Matters:
Colorado’s reputation for low running costs + automation could scale up; shops planning 2026 roll-to-roll capacity should benchmark this launch.
HP adds AEC-centric DesignJet T870 + AI/scan workflow
Summary:
HP announced the DesignJet T870 (global availability from Oct 22, 2025) alongside mobile scanning and AI vectorization features in HP Build Workspace, aimed at speeding as-builts, markups, and CAD plot turnaround.
Key takeaways:
New printer drops into technical/AEC fleets; software leans on AI to clean up scans and vectorize
Rollout also references accessory additions for field use (SitePrint ecosystem)
Tight coupling of hardware + cloud tools reflects HP’s workflow play
Why It Matters:
For shops handling technical prints, faster scan-to-vector and cleaner markups reduce errors and labor—often more impactful than raw printer speed.
Fujifilm unveils Acuity TR using AQUAFUZE™ water-based UV
Summary:
Fujifilm introduced Acuity TR, powered by AQUAFUZE™—a water-based UV ink approach that blends photopolymer dispersion with water-borne curing for low odor, strong adhesion, and reduced need for primers/topcoats.
Key takeaways:
Hybrid benefits: durability/rub resistance with lower emissions profile
Designed for a wide range of substrates without extra steps
Signals momentum toward greener chemistries beyond latex/solvent
Why It Matters:
If performance holds, water-based UV could reset compliance and indoor air discussions while keeping UV-like robustness—big for retail décor and signage.
Agfa Showcased Anapurna Ciervo H3200 at VISCOM 2025
Summary:
Agfa unveiled its Anapurna Ciervo H3200 high-output hybrid printer (3.2 m) during VISCOM Milan 2025, presenting it as the next-generation platform for flexible and rigid media. Booth 8 B17/20.
Key takeaways:
Hybrid architecture designed for sign/display shops handling both boards and rolls
Demonstrated major gains in throughput, image fidelity, and color consistency
European showcase precedes broader commercial rollout in early 2026
Why It Matters: The Ciervo H3200 confirms Agfa’s hybrid evolution—balancing productivity with precision. It positions the brand strongly for mid- to high-volume PSPs planning equipment refreshes in 2026.
Durst previews integrated portfolio for PRINTING United
Summary:
Durst detailed its 2025 PRINTING United booth #3156, highlighting a “future of print, today” theme with hardware + software integration across wide-format segments.
Key takeaways:
Focus on end-to-end systems and connected workflows
Reinforces Durst’s platform strategy (hardware + software + service)
Positioned for buyers seeking standardization and scale
Why It Matters:
Integration beats point solutions for multi-site or high-mix operations; a strong Durst lineup will pressure rivals to tighten software stacks.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Plan capacity with chemistry in mind. New platforms (Canon XL, Agfa hybrid) push throughput, while AQUAFUZE™ and HP’s AI-assisted workflows target compliance and labor. Shortlist one hardware upgrade and one workflow/ink change that together trim labor and widen application range.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“One printer to do it all.” Hybrids and new inks are versatile, but not universal. Map 80% of revenue apps first; spec for that sweet spot, then add modularity—not wishful thinking.
📅 What’s Coming Up
🗓️ PRINTING United Expo 2025 – Oct 22–24 | Orlando, FL
A packed slate of launches: Canon Colorado XL debut, Durst’s integrated portfolio, and broader pushes in greener inks and connected workflows. Prioritize hands-on media tests and RIP/DFE demos to validate claims.
🧠 Smarter Every Week
When assessing “greener” ink claims, ask for: (1) formal indoor air/odor data, (2) primer/topcoat requirements by substrate, (3) curing energy at target speeds. Small differences here make or break retail décor margins.
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.