The Print Show 2024
Last week we took our Service Administrator Shawn to The Print Show for a look at the print industry beyond Your Print Specialists. Shawn joined YPS as part of the Service team and is the firs point of contact for anyone needing support with their printer.
As someone involved in the print industry for years, it can be easy to forget the excitement and curiosity that comes with seeing the craft through new eyes. Introducing young talent to the print world is more than just sharing knowledge—it's about nurturing passion, offering guidance and creating opportunities for growth. The future of print lies in the hands of these emerging professionals, and events like this serve as a vital gateway, sparking their interest and connecting them with the community that will help shape their careers.
Here is Shawn's first impression of The Print Show 2024...
My initial experience at The Print Show, despite having only six months of industry exposure, felt incredibly overwhelming but in a good way. Having only been around Roland and Mimaki wide format printers, seeing the array of stands and machinery showcased on the exhibition floor was seriously impressive! I couldn't wait to walk around and see what was on display up close.
A standout moment for me was the unveiling of Mimaki's CJV200 series, which Hybrid Services showcased and demonstrated. Its design is more streamlined than its predecessor, yet it maintains exceptional print quality, largely due to the utilisation of the 330 series printhead specification, albeit with just one head. This series is also budget-friendly, offering various ink options that cater to different financial plans and significantly reducing downtime through quicker installations and easier maintenance. Additionally, it features innovative capabilities such as Ink Saving for enhanced flexibility. Overall, the 200 series could very well be one of Mimaki's most economical and impressive solvent printers to date. I really enjoyed seeing the new Mimaki printers and speaking with the Hybrid team about features.
Hybrid and Mimaki were not the only notable participants at the event. Agfa made a strong impression with their Anapurna Ciervo hybrid printer. In a conversation with one of their representatives, it was revealed that the company dedicates 75% of its efforts to researching and developing faster printing solutions without sacrificing quality. They showcased the same artwork printed at three different speeds, which was an enlightening comparison. Examining the images closely proved to be a challenge, illustrating Agfa's commitment to pushing the limits of industry capabilities.
Final Thoughts...
During my afternoon at the show, it was great to see other printers and finishing equipment and see how they compare with each other. The Knowledge Zone also had a couple of presentations that I was able to catch. One on e-commerce strategy and another on the role of AI within the industry. It's exciting to see how this will develop!
As someone relatively new to the field, my primary goal was to immerse myself in the experience and grow an added layer of appreciation for the print industry. The Print Show is a great to be able to put faces to names, having spoken to suppliers and customers. Without any doubt, I left The Print Show feeling invigorated about my future in print, the advancements that lie ahead and how that may possibly influence my own role as Service Administrator.