Digital Printing Technology and Trends Shine at EFI Ignite Event

Digital printing solutions spanning wide-format graphics, packaging, and textile applications were on display at EFI’s Ignite event, held March 11 at the company’s headquarters in Londonderry, New Hampshire. More than 40 companies were represented, including some that made the trip from international locations, along with multiple vendor partners spanning media, software, and cutting solutions.

In addition to a guided tour of EFI’s Global Customer Experience Center, attendees sat in on sessions spanning the latest print industry trends, digital embellishments and advanced applications, and an update on Fiery’s Display Graphics Software Suite. Throughout the event, attendees also had open time to speak with EFI experts in the Customer Experience Center for more in-depth insights into the equipment on display.

The day’s first session featured Ken Hanulec, EFI’s VP of worldwide marketing and business development, and provided perspectives on the latest trends driving innovation across the packaging, sign and display, and textile application segments. Cory Francer, an analyst with Alliance Insights, the research division of PRINTING United Alliance, joined Hanulec for the session, sharing examples and data points in support of each trend.

In the packaging segment, Hanulec discussed how digital printing is empowering printers to meet the needs of an evolving industry. For example, mass customization, which is being driven by digital printing’s fast changeover advantages, is presenting increased opportunities for short runs, personalization, and versioning of packaging. Hanulec and Francer also discussed the critical importance of speed-to-market, waste reduction in packaging, and opportunities to enhance the “unboxing experience” that is so critical to e-commerce.

EFI’s packaging portfolio centers on the Nozomi single-pass inkjet platform for corrugated packaging and displays. In addition to the Nozomi 14000 single-pass printer, EFI has also partnered with Packsize to launch the Packsize EFI X5 Nozomi. This integrated system combines the Nozomi inkjet platform with the Packsize X5 On Demand Packaging System, resulting in efficient digital printing of corrugated packaging in-line with automated rightsized box making.

For the sign and display segment, trends also reflected a push toward personalization, sustainability, and an enhanced user experience. Beyond digital printing’s ability to personalize sign and display graphics, Hanulec shared how these printed applications can connect to virtual experiences via QR codes, near field communication (NFC) capabilities, and even touch-based interactivity. Similarly, immersive and interactive experiential graphics are increasing in popularity as wide-format applications are being utilized in events, retail, restaurants, and beyond to elevate the consumer’s experience. On the sustainability side, Hanulec and Francer discussed the advantages of green materials, reusability of textile displays, and how lightweight soft signage is advantageous in emissions reduction. The labor landscape in wide-format print production was another key trend mentioned, with EFI’s automation solutions, ease-of-use, and hybrid workflows helping bridge the skills gap left by retiring press operators.

In the display graphics segment, EFI offers flatbed, roll-to-roll, and hybrid platforms spanning a variety of width and substrate capabilities. The EFI VUTEk M3h is the company’s newest hybrid offering and attendees were able to see it in action in the Customer Experience Center. The M3h features a print width of 126”, up to 2,400 dpi, and can reach a maximum productivity rate of 3,131 sq. ft. or 77 boards per hour.

Trends in digital printing for textile applications included the need for nearshoring, which has become particularly important as global supply chain uncertainties persist. Similarly, print-on-demand workflows are increasingly common as print customers seek to reduce excess production and maintain more flexibility in inventory. Consumer trends were highlighted, including value-oriented shopping as consumers become more cost-conscious. Growth potential in sportswear was also discussed, as it presents opportunities for continued textile printing innovation and partnerships.

EFI’s textile portfolio includes several digital print options from its Reggiani line, spanning entry-level to high productivity platforms.

Following the opening session, attendees toured the Global Customer Experience Center for a close-up look at multiple EFI sign and display printers in action, along with packaging and textile applications, and partner products. Hybrid printers from EFI included the Pro 16h+ LED printer, VUTEk M3h, VUTEk Q3h XP high speed printer, and Pro 30h+ with Transform-TF ink for thermoforming applications. The VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll printer was also on display.

Attendees also learned about the EFI Pro 30f+ flatbed printer, which is ideal for yard signs, rigid display graphics, and other specialty applications. Those interested in textiles and soft signage had the opportunity to learn about the EFI VUTEk FabriVU line, which includes the VUTEk FabriVU 340i+ dye-sublimation printer with inline fixation.

Following open time in the Global Customer Experience Center, Stacy Keenan, a graphic applications specialist for EFI, presented a deep dive session into how EFI’s technology can provide eye-catching print embellishments and advanced applications that stand out. The various techniques and applications included multilayer printing, spot and shape white printing, clear ink printing, various techniques for backlit applications, texture printing, wallcoverings, window graphics, dye sublimation and beyond.

“Part of my strength is merging the creative side and understanding how the printer works so you can maximize what you’re doing creatively,” Keenan said. “From a creative standpoint, understanding the appearance of inks is key to understanding what you can do to leverage them.”

The final session of the day featured AnnMarie Berg, senior partner alliance manager for Fiery, and James Perrine, technical sales architect for Fiery, providing an update on the Fiery Display Graphics Suite. Among the solutions highlighted were the Fiery Prep-It intelligent nesting solution, JobFlow automated prepress software, the InkWise ink inventory management solution, automated variable data print software FreeForm Create, and ColorGuard, a cloud-based color management system.

At the end of the sessions, Hanulec shared the importance of the Ignite event in bringing so many printing companies together in a collaborative environment to see the latest industry innovations.

“This was a great Ignite event, welcoming customers, prospects, and partners from across the Americas to our Customer Experience Center in Londonderry, New Hampshire,” Hanulec said. “There were great conversations, great collaboration, and great innovation happening together. Customers saw new technology, printers, applications, and software to drive efficiency into their operations.”