Category: News & Trends

News you can use from the wide format inkjet printing market and beyond.

Let’s start something big in 2024. Together.
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Promotions & Rebates
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Let’s start something big in 2024. Together.

Join us for EFI™ IGNITE at EFI’s Global Innovation Center in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on March 6th*. Big things are in store for you, including an up-close-and-personal opportunity to see live demos of the latest EFI wide- and superwide-format print technology that’ll ignite your business with inkjet-fueled capabilities.

This full-day event will also include:

  • A presentation of the top wide-format graphic trends for 2024, including a preview of what to expect from EFI at Drupa 2024
  • Live remote demo of the EFI Nozomi 14000 SD super-high-speed printer – a printing platform that’s nothing short of disruptive
  • Printer demonstrations of VUTEk h5, VUTEk Q5r, VUTEk 32h, Pro 32r, Pro 30h, Pro 30f & Pro 16h
  • A lively customer panel with extensive Q&A
  • Learning sessions on new applications, how to drive profitability with production data and automated workflows, and more

To make EFI™ IGNITE even more enticing, EFI is offering up to $500 towards air travel, a complimentary one-night hotel stay, and meals.

Turn to EFI with confidence as you ignite your business with brilliant capabilities, hot revenue sources, and soaring margins.

* Registration is closed.

 

The Printing Industry Trends You’ll Be Talking About in 2024
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Technology & Products
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The Printing Industry Trends You’ll Be Talking About in 2024

As we step into 2024, transformative trends are sweeping across the landscape, and LexJet is at the forefront, foreseeing these changes as key to revolutionizing your business. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable products, we delve into the top trends that will redefine the industry. Join us as we explore these trends, bringing innovation and paving the way for what lies ahead in the dynamic world of printing.

Dye Sublimation on Fabric

The future of dye sublimation for grand and large format printing, particularly for trade shows, appears promising. Dye sublimation is emerging as a preferred option for décor and apparel due to its unparalleled versatility. The potential of dye sublimation knows no bounds, as it enables the creation of visually stunning prints. Its advantages include not only aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits. The process is user-friendly with the right equipment and substrate, leading to efficient and high-quality printing. Sublimated fabric is lightweight, allowing for easy and cost-effective shipping. The cost-effectiveness extends to production, making it an economically attractive option. Additionally, the sublimation printing process is odorless, can be environmentally sustainable, and offers straightforward installation, positioning dye sublimation as a frontrunner in the future of large-scale printing and trade show displays.

Direct Printing

Direct printing is gaining widespread popularity as an alternative to the traditional transfer process in printing. More and more people opt for direct printing due to its streamlined single-step workflow. This approach eliminates the need for an intermediary step, offering greater efficiency in the printing process. With the right fabric choice, such as UFabrik, and a compatible printer, direct printing allows users to bypass issues like ink migration and coalescence, ensuring a more precise and vibrant output. While finishing, such as sewing, is still needed, the availability of such services from production companies makes it a seamless part of the overall direct printing process. This shift towards direct printing signifies a move towards simplicity, speed, and enhanced quality in fabric printing.

UV Technology

UV printing has emerged as a dominant ink technology alongside dye sublimation, with advancements driven by LED technology. The notable advantage of UV printing lies in its ability to operate without heat, a significant improvement that enhances its versatility. This technology boasts excellent scratch resistance and the capability to print white ink, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. Whether printing on rolls or boards, UV printing offers a vast selection of media at competitive pricing, contributing to its rapid expansion in the printing market.

Sustainable Products

In pursuing sustainability, it has become imperative that eco-friendly products surpass the standards set by their non-sustainable counterparts. Remarkable strides have been made in developing PVC-free or recyclable materials, which now offer not only environmental benefits but also high performance comparable to traditional products. The significant progress in this area is exemplified by products like LINTEC‘s optically clear recycled films. These innovative products not only meet the demand for sustainability but do so without compromising aesthetics or functionality. The competitive pricing of these products makes them increasingly appealing, challenging the idea that sustainability comes at a premium. As the market embraces these eco-friendly alternatives, the landscape is shifting towards a future where sustainable choices are responsible and superior in quality and performance.

Desktop and Home-Based Business Printers

Desktop and small print-and-cut eco-solvent printers have become game-changers for the Etsy market and side-business owners. These printers combine portability, affordability, and ease of use, making them ideal for entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their creative ventures. The intuitive software accompanying these printers simplifies the printing process, providing step-by-step guidance. This user-friendly approach not only caters to seasoned professionals but also encourages newcomers to the field. The consumer-based workflow these printers offer facilitates the production of a diverse range of products with ease, allowing Etsy sellers and side-business owners to explore and expand their product lines without the difficulty often associated with larger printing setups. These compact and efficient printers empower small-scale entrepreneurs to turn their creative visions into tangible, marketable products.

Direct-to-Film and Direct-to-Garment

The evolution of direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing have undergone significant changes in recent years. DTF has taken the industry by storm, capturing its attention with its rapid popularity. Introducing more sophisticated shaker operations and the promise of powderless DTF technologies on the horizon are poised to bring even greater success to this printing method. On the other hand, DTG, despite its longstanding presence in the market, faced challenges such as limitations in printing on polyesters and the necessity to print exclusively on cotton. However, advancements are underway. These advancements hold the potential to not only enhance quality but also drive down pricing, offering consumers a more accessible and higher-quality printing experience.

Where do you want to take your business in 2024? To learn more about new and exciting trends and how to take your business to the next level, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

Turning Images into Art
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Turning Images into Art

Founded in 1584, Hahnemühle has evolved and transcended all trends by producing fine art papers using ancient recipes from high-quality cotton fibers, pulp or plant fibers, and pure spring water, making Hahnemühle one of the leading paper producers worldwide.

Catering to the wishes of numerous photographic artists and honoring the passion of black and white photography enthusiasts, Hahnemühle continues to make a mark in the realm of fine art with the introduction of four new additions to their already exquisite line of fine art papers. Specifically designed for those seeking to bring larger works of art to life, these papers are available in 60” and 64” rolls, showcasing Hahnemühle’s commitment to delivering top-notch solutions for the expansive vision of artists.

Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Matt Baryta

The white cotton paper contains no optical brighteners and features an exceptionally fine, discreet surface. In combination with the matt premium inkjet coating, it guarantees outstanding print results with impressive reproduction of vivid colors, details, and deep blacks. The additional barium sulphate in the coating enhances the print’s tonal range, sharpness, and clarity. The printed areas reveal an elegant, subtle sheen, while the unprinted areas remain matt to beautifully accentuate brilliance, making it an exclusive alternative to film baryta paper.

Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Matt Baryta – 60in x 39ft

Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Matt Baryta – 64in x 39ft

Photo Silk Baryta X

The coveted and multiple award-winning Photo Silk Baryta is back – further developed for the highest demands! Photo Silk Baryta X (310 gsm) is a cellulose paper with an optimized inkjet coating for photo application, and it is perfectly suited for photo and poster prints. The baryta coating gives the impression of a traditional silver halide photo paper. The smooth, creamy white paper with its silky gloss finish produces very good print quality, ensuring the best results for daily printing.

Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta

Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta (305 gsm) sets a new standard as the world’s first fine art inkjet paper crafted from 90% bamboo fibers with a premium high-gloss baryta inkjet coating. The natural white paper comes in a pleasant, warm shade of white and contains no optical brighteners. Combined with its lightly textured surface, Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta offers a natural-looking aesthetic with the look and feel of traditional film baryta paper.

The paper enlarges Hahnemühle’s Natural Line with papers made from tree-free fibers. From its proceeds, Hahnemühle supports environmental protection and environmental education projects as well as social projects in its Green Rooster program that is unique worldwide.

Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta 305 g

Hahnemühle Sustainable Photo Satin

In addition to the three new baryta papers, Hahnemühle has introduced another sustainable paper alternative to complement the Hahnemühle Photo line. This global paper novelty reflects Hahnemühle’s environmentally sensitive actions and innovative endeavors.

Hahnemühle Sustainable Photo Satin is a sustainable alternative to PE-based (polyethene) inkjet photo papers. The newly developed bio-inkjet coating is free of plastic composites/foils and 100% recyclable via the wastepaper cycle. The bright white photo paper has a velvety-smooth surface and is perfect for sustainable photo and poster printing.

To learn more about the Hahnemühle line of fine art papers, please contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

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Rams Rejuvenation: Riverview High School Stadium Transformed
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Case Studies & Profiles, Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Rams Rejuvenation: Riverview High School Stadium Transformed

In the heart of Sarasota, Florida, a remarkable transformation story unfolded at Riverview High School. UFabrik and LexJet, leaders in their respective industries, embarked on a mission to revitalize the school’s stadium, a project that promised to infuse it with energy, color, and school spirit mirroring the essence of the Riverview High School Rams.

Unleashing a Dynamic Collaboration

The transformation began with a shared vision between UFabrik and LexJet. Their expertise in textile innovation and printing technology was the perfect match for reimagining the Riverview High School Stadium. The goal was to create a space that not only looked spectacular but also resonated with the energy of the student body and staff.

Creating Durable, Vibrant Graphics

UFabrik is the leader in textile innovation, and its wide array of products stand as a testament to adaptability and high performance. Their fabrics work flawlessly with a broad range of super-wide-format UV, Latex, and dye sublimation technologies, ensuring smooth operation.  The collaboration focused on producing graphics that were visually impactful, durable, and representative of the school’s spirit. UFabrik’s high-quality textiles were chosen for their longevity and ability to complement a wide range of printing technologies. The use of industry-leading fabrics ensured that the printed banners would withstand the test of time and weather, maintaining their brilliance for years to come.

Meticulous Craftsmanship from Design to Display

The journey from design to final display was a showcase of meticulous craftsmanship. The result was a series of banners and flags that transformed the stadium into a showcase of pride and spirit. The attention to detail during the production phase was a testament to the commitment of UFabrik to deliver nothing short of excellence.

A Stadium Transformed

As the custom banners and flags were unveiled, Riverview High School witnessed a remarkable transformation. The once ordinary and empty space was now a vibrant showcase of the Rams’ spirit. The revitalized stadium became a true reflection of the school’s spirit, instilling a sense of pride in students, faculty, and the entire community. The new graphics have given the high school the look of a professional-grade stadium, with banners wrapping around the field in every direction while adding a sense of competitive intimidation for opposing teams that visit the campus.

Investing in the Community

Beyond the collaborative project, both UFabrik and LexJet share a common belief in investing in the local community. This initiative showcased their commitment to leveraging resources and expertise to contribute positively to the education and environment of the Sarasota school.

This partnership stands as a shining example of how businesses can make a meaningful impact on local communities. Riverview High School’s revitalized stadium is not just a physical transformation, but a symbol of the enduring spirit and unity fostered by companies dedicated to making a difference where it matters most.

To discover how the UFabrik portfolio can transform your environment, reach out to a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

On-site Printing Just Got Easier
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in Marketing & Sales, News & Trends, Technology & Products
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On-site Printing Just Got Easier

Imagine having the power to transform any location into an instant photo studio, providing guests and attendees with tangible memories to cherish. Enter the era of the Minilab Printer – a compact powerhouse that’s changing the game for photographers, event planners, and anyone seeking to add an extra layer of fun and engagement to special occasions.

The Rise of On-Site Printing

Gone are the days of waiting for weeks to receive event photos. With the Epson SureLab® D1070 Professional Minilab Photo Printer, professionals can now bring the printing process to the heart of the action. Whether it’s a wedding, social gathering, or sporting event, this portable printer is a game-changer, allowing instant printing of high-quality photos on-site.

Capturing the Essence of Weddings

Weddings are about creating lasting memories, and the SureLab D1070 Professional Minilab Photo Printer is the perfect accomplice for capturing those spontaneous moments. Imagine guests and families who haven’t reunited in a while having the opportunity to bring home beautifully printed photos as a cherished keepsake from the memorable day. The Minilab adds a touch of magic to wedding celebrations, making the experience even more unforgettable. Enhance the likelihood of callbacks for reprints and potential sales by incorporating your logo or website into the prints.

Social Events Made Memorable

From birthday and holiday parties to corporate gatherings, social events thrive on interaction and shared experiences. This Minilab Photo Printer introduces a fun and interactive element by allowing guests to print their favorite moments instantly. The result? A personalized and unforgettable experience you can create anywhere that will have everyone talking.

Sporting Events and Beyond

Sports enthusiasts love to capture the adrenaline and excitement of live events. With this printing technology, you can transform sporting venues or school sporting events into mini photo studios, allowing fans to immortalize their passion for the game. From autographed prints to instant fan souvenirs, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to boost sales with your own custom photo booth experiences? For businesses looking to increase engagement and boost sales, the SureLab D1070 Professional Minilab Photo Printer is a versatile tool. Set up a photo booth or photo area at your store or event or create a mobile portrait experience allowing customers to take home personalized prints with their purchases. The interactive and memorable experience creates a positive association with your brand that lasts long after the event ends. Take minilab technology to the next level with a sleek, modern solution that seamlessly integrates into workflows for maximum profitability.

Engineered for high-production printing, the SureLab D1070 is capable of producing up to 460 4″x 6″ prints per hour for photo, event, and retail environments1. Featuring the latest in professional imaging technology, this modern minilab uses a robust print engine, coupling our advanced MicroPiezo® AMC™ printhead and vivid UltraChrome® D6r-S Ink to consistently deliver crisp, vibrant pictures on a variety of paper finishes and sizes all through its built-in wireless connectivity and integrated output tray, all in a sleek, compact footprint. You don’t need a big footprint to make a huge impact.

Here are some features that make this printer the ideal solution for high-volume on-site printing jobs:

  • Outstanding photographic quality — delivers high-quality prints using Epson’s MicroPiezo AMC printhead and AccuPhoto™ image processing technology, with 6-color UltraChrome D6r-S dye-based ink for vibrant water-, smudge- and fade-resistant prints2
  • Production class speeds — produces up to 460 4″ x 6″, 275 5″ x 7″ and 140 8″ x 10″ prints per hour1
  • High-capacity ink packs — UltraChrome D6r-S high-capacity 250 mL ink packs deliver wide color gamut; Cartridge-Free Printing can help reduce waste compared to traditional cartridge systems
  • Easy to operate — new front-facing 1.44″ LCD panel simplifies print tasks and operation; features new nozzle detection and alignment technology for less downtime and more reliable operation
  • Improved connectivity and simplified software — connect easily to printer over Wi-Fi®, Ethernet, or USB using redesigned printer driver for Windows® and Mac®
  • Small footprint — compact size with integrated output tray is well-suited for photo booths as well as portrait and event photography
  • Versatile media handling — prints on a wide range of high-capacity roll and double- or single-sided sheet media, including glossy, luster, matte, and thick card surfaces
  • Built for reliability —backed by Epson’s US-based support team and Epson’s limited warranty
  • Epson Cloud Solution PORT — monitor the live status of your entire printer fleet regardless of where they are in the world; view output production rates, printer status, errors and more

To learn more about the endless possibilities of your own portable minilab, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all.
1 Product specifications subject to change without notice up until first customer shipment. Print speeds are based on the print engine speed only. Total throughput time for any print depends on various factors including workstation configuration, file size, print resolution, ink coverage and networking. Actual print speeds will vary.
2 Smudge-, water- and fade-resistant prints with Epson Genuine Photo Media and Ink only.
LexJet Holiday Hours
Posted on by Liliana Wright Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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LexJet Holiday Hours

November has arrived, and the holiday season is just around the corner. To help you plan accordingly, we want to inform you of LexJet’s holiday hours for the remainder of the year:

Thanksgiving: LexJet will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.

Christmas: We will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25.

New Year’s: We will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1.

While our online ordering service will remain available throughout the holiday hours, please be aware that any orders placed online will not be shipped until the next business day. For Thanksgiving, the next available business day falls on a Monday, and for Christmas and New Year, it falls on a Tuesday.

Online shopping continues to increase this year, and that means UPS and FedEx are at peak capacity, and the addition of holiday shipping could extend delays even more.

If you have any questions or if we can help you plan your holiday inventory, please give us a call at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.