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The article discusses the evolution of inkjet printheads in the ink-jet printing industry in the U.S. It presents the views of George Promis, vice-president of production ink jet solutions & business development for Ricoh, regarding the same. It also highlights the comments of Jeff Folkins, Research Fellow at the document management firm Xerox Corp. on use of inkjet printheads.

Several charts are presented which list top 100 small commercial printing firms ranked by journal including Team Concept Printing in Illinois; Miller's Minuteman Press in Maryland and Allen Printing Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, depicting their growth rate, number of employees and owners.

The article offers information on the second drupa Global Trends report on the key economic and market developments in the global print industry. It is said that more than 1100 participants took part globally with all regions well represented. Printers and suppliers were asked how positively they considered the current economic condition of their company and what the prospects for the coming 12 months.

The article reports that Steve Johnson, president/owner of on-demand, digital printing pioneer Copresco, Carol Stream, Illinois, says that digital print will consume as much as 40 percent of volume until 2019. He says that consumers increasingly go online to buy books from Amazon, Costco, and Walmart.com, however, shorter runs can be a very good trend for smaller printers.

The article looks at the business performance of the five quick-print franchises, Minuteman Press International Inc., Franchise Services Inc., Alliance Franchise Brands and the International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED), in 2014. Topics include total number of shops worldwide, total system-wide sales, estimated sales per shop in North America, and total investment required and start-up capital.

This article announces the winners in the 2015 Reader's Choice Top Product Awards of "Wide-Format Imaging" magazine, including G3 Cutter, Model XL-3200 from Zund America, Inc.; Ultra White Blockout from Top Value Fabrics, and HP Latex 360 Printer from HP.

The article focuses on process automation in the print industry. It states the principle behind process automation in the print industry and describes examples of automation software in the industry. It discusses the need for speed in the print industry, need for mobile apps in this industry and need for cloudification of software in the industry. Automation as a trend of the print industry is also discussed.

The article discusses the changing nature of the advertising (Ad) specialties unique niche in the printing industry. The ad specialties are low-cost promotional products that are given away for free by businesses to advertise a brand, event, or reward employees or clients. However, the digital printing technology has disrupted the traditional structure of the ad specialties manufacturing and distribution channels.

The article presents views of several inkjet industry executives including Xerox Corp. vice president at Dustin Graupman, Canon Solutions America Inc. senior manager Michael Poulin and IT Strategies Inc. vice president Marco Boer on several economic indicators of the industry. Topics discussed including issues concerning inkjet market production, economic changes that influenced this market and technological development and changes in the industry.

The article offers printing industry news briefs. The company Hewlett-Packard (HP) is planning to split into two new publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. Two post-press finishing equipment companies including Muller Martini North America and MBO America partnered to in support of the marketing, sales and distribution of their products. The company AlphaGraphics acquired the company Commercial Printing Co.

This section offers news briefs on the printing industry as of September 2014. Engineering company Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG and printing equipment maker Muller Martini signed an agreement regarding Muller Martini's taking over of Heidelberger's saddle stitchers and perfect binders business units. Printing inks maker Toyo Ink Group opened its production facility in Dahej, Gujarat state in India. Digital imaging solutions provider EFI purchased software solutions provider DirectSmile GmbH.

A chart is presented depicting several top companies in the printing industry in the U.S. in 2014 including Ironmark, Wolverine Solutions Group, and Connolly Printing LLC.

The article provides an overview of the condition of the quick and small commercial printing industry in the U.S. It offers information regarding the combined sales of 2014's Top 100 small commercial printers in the country which declined some 11% to just over $472 million compared to the 2013 ranking. Information about sales per employee and sales per shop is also provided.

The article explores why the right raster image processor (RIP) is essential for any business of print service provider (PSP) in the U.S. It examines how PSPs can more fully leverage the capabilities of their RIPs. It discusses the statement of Robert Nute, vice president at ErgoSoft RIP Solutions, Raimar Kuhnen-Burger, European regional marketing manager for EFI Fiery, and David Conrad, director at Mutoh America Inc., about the benefits of RIP for their business.

The article offers the author's view on one-to-one marketing. He mentions its reference to marketing strategies used for a particular customer with aims involving identification, interaction and customization. He also notes the lack of proficiency among print service providers (PSPs) at the marketing program.

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for print service providers (PSPs) in adding cutting and routing services to their product offerings. Topics covered include print capabilities, return on investment, and business model to create value before and after printing. Also mentioned are the technologies to be chosen including the type of media or substrates, the importance of accuracy, and physical space constraints.

The article discusses the effect of U.S. economic recovery on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) print providers in the U.S. as of April 18, 2014. It cites several factors in buying a large-format printer including costs performance, image quality, and floor space. Also mentioned are several printers including SureColor T-Series AEC printers from Epson America Inc. and Web-connected Designjet T120 and T520 Printer AEC models from Hewlett-Packard Co.

The article offers the insights of franchise leaders including Mike Marcantonio of Allegra Network, Art Coley of AlphaGraphics, and Richard Lowe of Franchise Services Inc. (FSI) concerning the printing franchise industry and their individual systems. Marcantonio says that there is a great opportunity for companies changing their business models to capitalize in broader-based services. Coley states that the franchisor has shifted their focus on the basics, franchisee partners, and customers.

The article presents views of several printing industry experts on wide-format commercial printers and printing operations. Randy Paar mentions that wide-format can explore potential new opportunities in the printing industry. Fujifilm Corp. informs that starting point for a commercial printer depends on the need and services of an individual business. It further expands on profitable wide-format printing.

The article states that as of March 2013, ultra-violet (UV) and light emitting diode (LED) UV printing continues to encroach on solvent market share. Featured individual is Bruce Carson, chief executive officer (CEO) of diversified print firm The Dot Printer and Bindery. A survey conducted by InfoTrends/Federation of European Screen Printers Association (FESPA) in 2011 revealed that service providers prefer to invest in UV-curable and durable aqueous inkjet.

The article discusses how engaging customers to retail client's brand will be able to result in profits. It notes that engagement may be experienced through physical encounter, involving mobile or online channels and in a transit environment. The author stresses the importance for print service providers (PSPs) to think about leveraging what they are already good at.

The article deals with a report released by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), which shows that out-of-home (OOH) advertising revenue has risen to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2012. The OOH advertising industry covers billboards, transits, street furniture and alternative media and includes more than 2,100 operators in the U.S. A key factor to this growth is the adoption of dynamic digital signage by print service providers.

The article evaluates several products related to the printing industry including Jetslit, 9-inch diameter cutting blades from Rollem International Company, Xerox iGen 150 Press, digital cut-sheet color press from Xerox Corporation and BaumCut 22, guillotine cutters from Baumfolder Corporation.

The article looks at several upcoming fundamental market changes in the print and graphics industry driven by the recession in 2008. It is noted that some printing markets have been commoditized that left small profits for print service providers (PSPs). In response, PSPs have been forced to control waste and become leaner. The results of a survey by InfoTrends and Cygnus Business Media on the industry are discussed.

The author suggests ideas for printing shops to ensure their finishing department brings in profits. He recommends the importance of having a well-trained and educated staff. The knowledge of the employees is cited as one of the biggest variables in making a finishing department profitable. Using the right tool for the job is also suggested.

The article looks at the flatbed printer market and how shops can leverage this rapidly evolving printing revolution to reap sales and profits. Ken Van Horn of Hewlett-Packard Co. cited flexibility as one of the reason for the increasing prevalence and importance of flatbed printing. Randy Paar of Oce North America also suggested that flatbed printing reduces the time-consuming step of mounting and laminating. An overview of flatbed printer models available in the market is also provided

The article focuses on the cross-media marketing practice being applied by wide-format print service providers (PSPs) in the U.S. in 2012. Among the services being offered by print firm Pazzazz are social media promotion, quick response (QR) codes, and mobile website development. MindFireInc. co-founder Dave Rosendahl stated that PSPs require technology that results in the efficiency and effectiveness of multichannel marketing.

The article offers news brief related to the printing industry in the U.S. as of April 2012. A global sales agreement has been signed by Komori Corp. with Konica Minolta Group in the commercial printing market. Graphic Arts Show Co. Inc. has announced the Graph Expo 2012 during October 7-10, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois. Braintree Printing has earned kudos from Norfolk County sheriff Michel Bellotti for its recycling effort.

The article discusses the developments that could be adopted by wide format print services provider to increase their profitability. According to Wilkie Manufacturing LLC vice president Bryan Wilkerson, the telescoping remote control crane truck or bucket truck is a versatile equipment that has many capabilities. The opinion of Elliott Equipment Co.'s David Phillips on the developments is also cited.

The article presents the author's insights on the excuses provided by the surveys for low profits in printing industry. The author mentions that the low or non-existent profit shown by surveys for the industry is the direct result of problems including illegal immigration and increasing government regulations. He suggests that the acceptance of the responsibility for financial problems must be added to the lists which can be checked in conducting a survey.

The article discusses some considerations to ensure computer security and accurate calculation of owner's compensation in the printing industry in the U.S. It states that one should use different passwords for several computer accounts, and cites the questions needed to verify the user's identity and to access such accounts. It further suggests the fair market salary formula from the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) to calculate return on net assets and excess earnings.

The article presents tips to handle overlaminates which are becoming more widely used to protect images printed on a variety of substrates. If a graphic requires a great deal of ink, print service providers (PSP) must reportedly learn to adapt the work to accommodate the use of overlaminates. Technical marketing manager Jeff Stadelman advises PSPs to be aware of how a piece is dried before lamination to avoid defects. An advice from technical manager Paul Roba on high ink coverage is included.

The article reports that many people find window graphics as a medium that offer clear advantages as leading print service providers diversify into new areas and seek to grow their client rosters. It states that window graphics appeal to large and small business customers alike because they are typically installed at eye level and boast considerable stopping power. They offer cost effective advertising placement for marketing messages and represent new media spaces that did not exist before.

The article focuses on window graphics, a new area for print service providers to diversity into since window graphics represent new media spaces that did not exist previously. Window graphics offer cost effective ad placement for marketing messages making them ideal for urban and shopping mall environments. The experiences of companies providing window graphics services such as Oregon Blueprint, Digigraph Xpress LLC, Vernon Display Graphics, and New Vista Image are presented.

The article focuses on the problem of deciding the present and future value of the printing business by one of its owner named Dave Johnson. It states that the owners of the printing business expects more than its real value and they are unable to justify the price, they expect. It states that the real value is the amount that includes assets and liabilities both, while fair market price depends on the understanding of buyer and seller.

The article provides guidelines on how print providers can make the most of their wide-format scanner. It cites the increasing role of scanners in the overall production of high-quality graphics and images and the factors to consider when purchasing wide-format scanner. It also discusses the trend toward multi-function devices and the niche markets and unique applications of wide-format scanners. Data on leading brands of wide-format scanners are also provided.

The article discusses how wide-format print providers Renze Display, Portland Color, and ColorEdge New York-Los Angeles charted a course for success serving the trade show and exhibit markets. It describes the trends and opportunities available in the marketplace where display graphics must be big and bold. The trends include use of fabric and modular display systems and demand for green solutions. The notable large-format graphics completed by each company are also highlighted.

The article discusses the mixed opinions about the future of solvent technology in the imaging and printing industry. It cites the ways solvent printing is becoming greener in terms of ink technology, ink cartridges, and improvement in air cleaning systems. Efforts are also being done to address solvent ink's performance tradeoffs such as glossiness, lightfastness, and color gamut. It also notes the features of ultra-violet (UV)-curable and Latex inks and other better options for going green.

The article offers the author's perspective regarding the recovery of the printing industry in the U.S. from the global recession in 2009. The author discusses the system-wide sales of industry's several franchise segment including Franchise Services Inc., Minuteman Press International Inc., and AlphaGraphics Inc. She explores the locations of the nation's printing franchise systems. Meanwhile, a forecast on the industry for 2011 is also presented.

The article focuses on the profitability of the print finishing and lamination business of print service providers in the U.S. Tony Caruso of Advanced Greig Laminators experiences difficulty in educating providers of the opportunities in lamination and in showing techniques to obtain optimal results. Chuck McGettrick of Marabu North America adds that lack of knowledge leads to failure of many shops to take up lamination. A chart which compares the laminators developed by companies such as Coda Inc., Daige Inc. and D&K Group Inc. is presented.

The article discusses the future of the wide-format imaging industry. The key areas where experts see opportunities for market expansion include ink technology advances, printer technology, focus on workflow/automation solutions and green technologies. Marco Boer, vice president of I.T. Strategies, said that the latex ink technology of HP influenced change in the durable aqueous inkjet market.

The article discusses the progress and development of the U.S. printing industry in 2010. In spite of the improving U.S. economy since the end of 2009, studies revealed that the U.S. consumer confidence index shrank from 53.2 in August 2010 to 48.5 in September 2010. The challenges faced by the U.S. print service providers are presented including seeking income through price competition, marketing capabilities and declining purchases of new printing equipment.

The article examines the trends for wide-format prints in the trade show sector. The most noteworthy trend in the sector is the shift to smaller, more lightweight and modular units which is the sector's response to higher shipping, storage and set-up costs. Modular pop outs have lost their popularity but growing demand is seen in flat panel unit featuring tree-dimensional lenticular printing. Analysts are saying that companies that provide different innovative solutions are the ones that will do well in facing the challenges of the economy.

The article examines the outlook for the grand-format printer sector. Data reveals that sales of grand-format printers dramatically dropped during the fall of 2008 and did not improve until February 2010 and the trend seems to be slowly moving in the right direction. Growth is seen in fabric printing because of its numerous cost benefits and in improvements in print head technology that will use newer types of media and eco-friendly inks with improved chemical properties thereby increasing longevity even under harsh conditions.

The article presents interviews with various print providers on how automated cutting systems help improve workflow and profitability. According to Brian Bass, owner of Bass Print Solutions, the cutting system has helped his company to be more competitive on higher quantity print direct to substrate jobs. Emily Williamson, president of Franklin Imaging, says that the router has enabled them to choose between a print then cut workflow or a cut then print workflow.

The article presents the 2010 Ink Report on the state of the U.S. digital inkjet ink industry. The author reports that the industry faced significant challenges such as higher raw material costs in 2009. According to the author, the global recession caused a drastic decrease in printing which led to cutbacks from ink companies. Tim Greene, director of InfoTrends, says that the wide-format inkjet ink market is growing at an estimated 6.2 percent.

The article presents the author's view on the performance of the top 100 companies in their sales last 2009. It notes that the 2010 Top 100 sales decreased 15.56 percent on the year for a total of 512,447,521 dollars, that is why other companies returned in the list, while few were dropped out and replaced by newcomers. The author said that some companies have at least begun to see improvement in the marketplace and focused firmly on the future and forget the experience in 2009.

A directory and buyers' guide for finishing and fabrication companies in the wide- and grand-format imaging industry is presented.

The article focuses on the emphasis placed by print service providers on color management. Reasons for the greater acceptance of color management include brand identity, the desire for color consistency, and a maturing market. Factors to consider in approaching color management are spot color matching, the ability to match color across multiple printers, and monitor-to-print match. The Pantone Formula Guide can be used as a physical color standard and could help facilitate color agreement with a customer.