PRINTING United Media Day 2025: Setting the Stage for Innovation, Insight, and Industry Growth

Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance, welcomes attendees of 2025 Press Day. | Credit" PRINTING United Alliance

PRINTING United Expo kicked off this year in Orlando, Florida, with Media Day, held on Oct. 21, the day before the show floor opened for business. More than 50 members of the press from around the world came together for a full-day event to hear about the latest technologies, product launches, and news from some of the top print industry exhibitors.

Setting the Stage

Kicking off both the day and PRINTING United Expo, Nathan Safran, vice president, and Lisa Cross, principal analyst, Alliance Insights, set the stage with an overview of the trends and market forces driving printers of all types and sizes.

They gave tidbits from several studies, both of which are out now, and a sneak peek at some of the findings from studies that will come out before the end of the year. And through it all, there are a few common threads driving print service providers.

First and foremost, 2025 has been a challenging year — and that is backed up by hard data. Overall, the print industry as a whole saw just a 0.6% increase in sales. Challenges around tariffs, market and economic uncertainty, and challenges around things like labor and productivity all contributed to those numbers. That said, there are leaders beating that statistic by a wide margin, while those lagging are often seeing losses.

Unsurprisingly, AI is a major talking point across every level of the print industry, from the small local operations serving their immediate communities to the global behemoths with customers that span every continent. Across the board, no one can afford to ignore AI, Safran and Cross stressed in the presentation.

Helping drive some of those numbers home, they talked about some of the highlights from the brand new AI research report, “AI Adoption in the Printing Industry: From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage,” launching at PRINTING United Expo, and available in the PRINTING AI Pavilion, Booth 4255, as well as in the Wide-format Impressions research library.

One key highlight from that study that Safran called out as the “money slide” is taking a closer look at how print organizations have benefited from AI adoption. The difference between the market leaders and those lagging is a stark. Leaders are seeing increased production efficiency, improved quality and consistency, and have freed up their staff from repetitive tasks. Make sure to pick up (or download) a copy of the report to get an in-depth look at how your peers are tackling AI right now — and what they’re planning for the coming months.

Cross presented some highlights from a report that will come out before the end of the year, taking a closer look at how convergence is driving profitability across all segments. Driving the increased pace of convergence is the need to stay competitive, new technologies creating new opportunities, and customer demands.

In fact, Cross previewed a few interesting facts — with a caveat that the study is still ongoing, and while they feel they have a statistically significant number right now, these could change as they close it out. First, those who have embraced a new segment outside of their traditional competencies have seen an average 15.6% increase in revenue. In addition, they are seeing a 10.3% increase in their overall profitability.

However, Cross noted that what is driving PSPs to move into a specific segment over another is customer demand — 54% cited that as the reason they felt they needed to make the investments in time and resources to enter a new space. Stay tuned for the full convergence report later this year.

Overall, Safran and Cross helped paint the picture of today’s print industry — both the challenges printers face, and the many opportunities out there for those willing to invest in their people, their equipment, and their technologies. It was the perfect way to set the stage for everything PRINTING United Expo will offer.

Moving Forward with Canon

Canon U.S.A. (Booth 2642), the title sponsor of PRINTING United Expo, took the stage following Safran and Cross as the first sponsor company to give the media a sneak peek of what the company is showcasing at its booth. Bob Barbera, fellow, customer marketing production, led the discussion with a look at Canon’s portfolio of printing solutions, many of which are on the show floor. This year’s theme, “Move Forward with Canon,” complements the number of solutions highlighted, including the varioPRINT iX1700, the varioPRINT iV7, and the new Colorado XL.

“These products we've announced very recently are major new product milestones for the industry,” Barbera said. “It really shows the level of commitment and investment Canon is making to this industry.”

Rich Reamer, Title at Canon USA, provides and update on new wide-format solutions from Canon. | Credit: PRINTING United Alliance

The product portfolio also proves Canon’s commitment to growth in the packaging industry with its launch of the LabelStream LS2000 and corrPRESS iB17, its focus on intelligent automation, and its emerging technology with its first time showing HeightIQ, its new automation software for the creation of dimensional print files on the Canon Arizona printers.

Diving deeper into the global premiere of the Colorado XL, Rich Reamer, senior director, product planning and strategy, large-format systems, explained to the Media Day attendees that the new device “isn’t just a wider Colorado.” It is “modular to the max,” available in both a roll-to-roll (XL7R) and hybrid (XL7H) version. There are only two Canon UVgel 850 printheads on the device, and it uses FullBeam Curing and TRIdrive (three-roller interaction).

Fujifilm Focus on Multi-Platform Production

Andrew Gunn, director of Sales Enablement at Fujifilm Graphic Communication Division (Booth 3021), introduced Fujifilm’s M.O.R.E Methodology, which focuses on the company’s commitment to Multi-platform production, Optimized performance, Revenue growth, and Expanded experiences. Fujifilm’s “Make More” campaign showcases the company’s dedication to going beyond the product portfolio and helping customers print smarter, adapt to demand in real-time, and turn operational challenges into strategic growth-driving advantages.

At the Expo, Fujifilm is launching its first entry-level wide-format printer, the 63” Acuity TR roll-fed printer equipped with Fujifilm’s AQUAFUZE water-based UV ink. AQUAFUZE combines photopolymer dispersion with water-based UV curing to reduce printhead nozzle clogging, improve ink ejection, and eliminate the need for primers, optimizers, or topcoats.

Fujifilm is displaying an entire platform of unprecedented innovation, Gunn emphasized, giving customers the power to “make more.” They can get better color and quality, print on nearly anything, increase engagement, rev up productivity, eliminate costly missteps, and grow their business more sustainably.

“And this all adds up to more impact, more ease, more profit,” Gunn said.

Durst Debuts Big, Smart Innovations

Equipment and software company Durst (Booth 3156), as well as its subsidiary company Vanguard Digital Printing Systems (Booth 3162), highlighted a variety of new printing devices, both with a strong focus on the wide-format segment.

Becky McConnell, Durst Marketing Manager described the company’s new P5 500 TEX iSUB, which made its world debut at this year’s FESPA event in Berlin. She said the new machine is built on the existing foundation of Durst’s 3.5m P5 sublimation printer, but with a width of 5 meters (196 inches), it enables PSPs to “go big” with their prints. The P5 500 TEX iSUB, she described, includes inline sublimation, the ability to use transfer paper when needed, possesses enhanced media handling for smooth and reliable production, and supports the “widest array of compatible fabric options.

McConnell also described Durst’s new P5 X flatbed printer, the company’s first true flatbed printer (though it can also operate in a roll-to-roll configuration), which is having its first introduction at PRINTING United Expo 2025. The new machine can run up to ten color channels, which can include orange, green, and violet channels, white ink, varnish, and Durst’s FLUO Glo neon inks. It also supports twin, reverse, and multi-track printing, and single or double roll use. Further, it features a 12-zone vacuum table, as well as magnet linear drivers for smooth operation.

Durst’s P5 350 has also been upgraded with a new “XT” model, with enhanced features that enable faster production, higher print quality, enhanced ink properties, and modular automation.

McConnell also highlighted that Durst is presenting its Open Software Initiative for the first time. It focuses on connecting software and solutions to increase integrated workflow, whether PSPs are utilizing Durst products or not. The initiative provides PSPs, resellers, system integrators, and OEM with access to powerful and flexible modules. They are bundled under the company’s Smart Factory Portfolio.

Highlighting new developments from Vanguard Digital Printing Systems is its new Natchez flatbed, which McConnell noted enables high-quality printing on the widest range of substrates, noting it was designed to handle difficult substrates.

She also highlighted new versions of the company’s Radnor hybrid printers, which now include two models for choices in productivity. The Radnor 3200, as an example, can operate at up to 3,875 sp.ft.hr. She reported that the Radnor, which was introduced at last year’s PRINTING United Expo, “has been a hit.” It also includes six independently-controllable vacuum zones to ensure substrates stay down – and giving the operator greater control.

Adding to Vanguard’s “print and cut” configuration for its Harpeth printer, also introduced at PRINTING United 2025, the company this year is featuring a print-to-stack workflow, which is capable of stacking 4x8’ or 5x10’ boards, neatly stacking them so they are ready for post-production activities.

Kornit Digital Spotlights Digital Printing and Automation

Among the presenters during the PRINTING United Expo Media Day was Kornit Digital (Booth 5270), who put the spotlight on digital printing and automation during its presentation.

Leading the discussion was Ilan Elad, president of Kornit Digital Americas. Elad began with the evolution of the company’s focus to on-demand and industrial solutions, including in fashion, apparel, and even some exploration into the home décor market. Kornit’s shifting emphasis is largely a product of evaluating the major challenges apparel decorators and textile printers face today.

The industry is currently facing labor, global economic, and on-demand printing challenges. Kornit has adapted its business model to address those shifting needs, Elad noted. He also pointed to the growing need of sustainable printing.

Kornit’s current emphasis is on industrial digital printing, with the Apollo leading the charge. Elad explained that the machine can process between 350-400 shirts per hour and largely only requires a single operator to run. While Elad explained that Kornit’s goal is to take on some market share of the apparel decorating industry from screen printers, he views it as more of a complementary approach.

“It’s not that our aspiration is to replace all of screen,” Elad said. Instead, Kornit’s aspiration is to handle the mid-size runs. Through the Kornit technology, apparel decorators will be provided with solutions to labor shortages, more sustainable printing solutions, and detailed, durable images, Elad believes.

Elad briefly touched on how the company is implementing and engaging with AI near the end of his session. He explained that the company is utilizing the technology in several ways, including production evaluation, data analysis, and evaluating for waste and inefficiencies.

Elad wrapped up by addressing a question from the media audience as to whether Kornit will explore expanding into entry-level machines. While he confirmed Kornit is considering ways to offer entry-level, lower prince point machines, it’s not a main goal. Elad pointed to Ilan the challenge of offering entry-level digital printing systems, mentioning Kornit’s focus on industrial solutions rather than competing with direct-to-film (DTF) for smaller customers and runs.

Agfa Champions Sustainability, Automation, and Innovation

Deborah Hutcheson, director of strategic business development and distribution at Agfa North America (Booth 3166), took the stage. During her presentation, Hutcheson explained that attendees at Agfa’s booth can expect a commitment to sustainability, new technologies, and automation.

“One of the things that we've been working on internally, and I know a lot of our customers are dealing with sustainability and how that can be incorporated into the print environment. It's our commitment to be the long-term partner that empowers our printing companies to operate more sustainably,” Hutcheson said.

To make those more sustainable moves, Agfa utilizes LED lighting technology and has developed a patented "Thin Ink Layer" technology that uses high-strength pigments to apply a thin ink layer, resulting in lower ink consumption and costs.

Agfa’s expo lineup includes the Pinnacle Award-winning Onset Panthera FB3216; the Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS; the Anapurna Ciervo H2500; the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS; and the Speedset Orca. Visitors to Agfa’s booth will see the Onset Panthera FB3216 in action with dual robots, which Hutcheson referred to as “the high-five for robotics.”

Essentially, one robot will be printing, while the other is handling materials.
And the sight of robotics shouldn’t alarm anyone. Hutcheson explained that this technology isn’t looking to replace anybody, but instead open their time for other areas of revenue or productivity.

“As we talk to our customers, that's one of the challenges that we're all dealing with. How do we do more with less? How do we increase our productivity? How do we increase our flexibility? But more importantly, how do we lower our cost of manufacturing? Automation is a lot of that. So, it's not that we're trying to eliminate people, we're just trying to position them for more value-added activities,” Hutcheson said. “Rather than just feeding sheets or stacking sheets. So that's why we've invested heavily in providing that level of automation, maintaining the quality, increasing your productivity, and giving you that flexibility of automation.

Mimaki Delivers Innovation Within Reach

Mimaki (Booths 1255,1555) kicked off its Media Day presentation with highlights from its latest 3D golf project, The Art of Golf, where rising designers from Rookies partnered with the Cleeks golf club to create custom-designed golf bags. Mimaki then brings these bags to life using its cutting-edge 3D printing technology. One of these bags will be displayed on the Expo floor.

While the 3D-printed golf bags may not be Mimaki’s headline launch, they exemplify the creative possibilities enabled by the company’s latest technologies. Josh Hope, director of marketing at Mimaki, introduced the company’s latest 200 Series which includes the TS200 1600, an advanced 64” dye sublimation printer designed to deliver professional grade quality and versatility at an accessible price point.

The TS200 builds on the power of the previous TS100, but offers faster production speeds and an expanded feature set. The press also includes an extended eight-color ink set featuring new orange and violet inks.

Hope said, “This is one of those things that I think is kind of future-driven in that maybe we're not sure exactly what people are going to do with it, but in the same way that we put the full-color 3D machine out, and people were doing all kinds of amazing things with it, I'm excited to see where we go with this technology.”

On the industrial side, Mimaki unveiled the UJF 7151 plus II e UV-LED flatbed printer which is the company’s latest iteration of its UJF flatbed printer line.

The new press features enhanced ink layering and improved jetting accuracy to diverse shapes like curved and inconsistent surfaces. The press will also feature accelerated primer application, an ink-saving feature up to 42%, and the Mimaki Application Assistant for streamlined workflow support.

For print and promotional companies working with challenging applications, Hope emphasized the potential of the new system, “This machine really offers some amazing ability […], that serialization, that personalization, using variable data to be able to print on some of the services that in the past, we couldn't do with flat bedding.”
With new technologies spanning from full-color 3D design to advanced dye-sublimation, Mimaki’s newest launches highlight that the future of print is innovative, creative, and within reach.