The Japanese company Ricoh, which makes printers and other imaging equipment, is planning to cut around 2,000 jobs worldwide by March 2025, representing over 2% of its workforce. Plummeting office MFP printer sales and usage is cited as a factor.
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In its post-expo wrap up, organisers of the 18th edition of Labelexpo Americas say it closed on a high note, with a total of 450 exhibitors and over 12,000 visitors taking part in the show, which took place between 10th-12th September in Chicago.
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Canon Australia has announced the imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 and the imagePROGRAF TX-4200/TX-3200/TX-2200, succeeding the already successful imagePROGRAF TZ and TX series. The 5-colour printers are ideal for printing computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information system (GIS) applications, as well as posters.
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Fiery – it’s the RIP that started the whole computer-to-print process, first by enabling colour copiers to become digital printers, taking PostScript page data from computers and sending it, rasterised, to the copier to print A4 and A3 pages without copying ‘off the glass.’ But why has Epson made this USD$591 million investment? Andy McCourt suggests 7 possibilities.
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Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has announced that Epson has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Siris Capital Group, LLC (“Siris”), including Electronics for Imaging, Inc., on September 19th, 2024 to acquire all interests in Fiery, LLC (“Fiery”), a U.S.-based company which is the leading provider of digital front end* (“DFE”) servers and workflow solutions for the print industry.
The Fiery XF 7 Command Work Station - ubiquitous in digital printing
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including required regulatory approvals.
Epson and Fiery each have a long history of supporting customers to maximize their productivity with the use of digital printing technology. Fiery’s industry-leading products have enabled the exceptional results that printers have relied on for over three decades, and Fiery’s software, server, and workflow solutions will complement Epson’s strategic vision and hardware leadership to accelerate the growth of digital printing around the world. 
Epson President Ogawa
Yasunori Ogawa, Epson’s President and Representative Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Fiery into the Epson Group. We are confident that this agreement will not only drive further growth in our commercial and industrial printing businesses but also accelerate the digital transformation of the analog printing market in innovative way. Together with Fiery, we remain committed to contributing to our customers’ success and enhancing corporate value as we pursue new opportunities in the evolving printing landscape.”
Toby Weiss, CEO of Fiery, said: “Epson’s acquisition of Fiery showcases the uniquely important role we play in enabling success across the entire print industry. As the leader in DFEs and workflow solutions, Fiery has built a long legacy of empowering OEMs to deliver the best possible results for their customers, and that legacy will be enriched under Epson’s strategic vision. Epson is a legendary company in the print industry, and we are thrilled to join the Epson family to drive the growth of digital printing around the world together.”
Frank Baker, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Siris said: “Siris has had an incredible partnership with Fiery, and Epson is the ideal owner to shepherd the company through its continued journey as a mission-critical technology provider to the printer industry.”
Digital Front End (DFW) is a general term for software and hardware used to process print data and manage the printing process.
About the acquisition
The acquisition, valued at USD$590mill., is expected to close within 2024, subject to necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. After the acquisition, Fiery will become part of the Epson group, retain its current name and organizational structure and continue to operate from its existing offices.
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Wasatch was one of the earliest software RIP vendors in the 1980s and has a loyal following worldwide. At Printing United expo, Wasatch demonstrated its latest SoftRIP running with latest Epson dye-sub printers
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During Printing United, Las Vegas, we reported on the showing of Epson's new eco-solvent printer, known as the SureColor 9170 in US. Epson Australia has announced more detail and that the new model will be designated SC9160 here, with a shipment date in mid-2025.
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ASGA invites Australians visiting the SIGN CHINA 2024 exhibition in Shanghai, to join President Mick Harrold for an Aussie Get-Together at the show, opening today, Thursday 19th September. Don't miss out, details below.
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One of the busiest stands at Printing United expo last week was Digitech, represented in Australia by Celmac. Wide Format Online was given an exclusive look at an exciting fully automated line, expected to be commercialised in Q1 2025.
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Epson released a combination DTG/DTF printer in January but, as all DTF-ers know, a dedicated Powder/Shaker/Dryer DTF line is preferrable. At Printing United, Epson previewed the real deal, due to launch in Q1 2025.
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Fireworks Digital (FWD) and Signright have announced the merger of the two companies, forming a new entity, Signright Australia. The merger is set to leverage the capabilities of both companies in the signage and décor industry by pooling their resources, expertise and staff.
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If you are in Perth, WA, mark your diary for October 25th, from 5pm, when ASGA will host a social lawn bowls day at Mount Lawley Bowling Club.
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In a move that greatly strengthens Ball&Doggett's market position in the Sunshine state and beyond, Sign Essentials will become a part of Australia's largest industry supplier from October 1st.
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It has 11 colour channels, including a new Green for extended colour gamut. Building on the success of its acclaimed SureColor S-Series signage printer range, the PrecisionCore printhead is user-replaceable for the first time.
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HP Large Format is at Printing United unveiling its latest innovations within the HP Latex print portfolio. Previously glimpsed at drupa, the key highlights include the introduction of the new 10L ink accessory for the HP Latex 2700 printer, upgrades to HP software PrintOS, and the implementation of AI.
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Canon opened its Printing United expo account with the addition of its FLXflow technology to the Arizona 1300 series, which brings new productivity and performance features to the flatbed printer series. Previously known as FLOW technology, the new FLXflow offers new options.
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FESPA Australia is pleased to announce the successful 2024 FESPA Future Leaders Program candidates. Now in its third year, the program further develops the leadership skills of experienced industry professionals in a two-day workshop facilitated by Carl Harman.
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Labelexpo Americas, currently on between 10th and 12th September in Chicago, is the launching pad for several new announcements where inkjet and hybrid flexo/inkjet is concerned.
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Innovative French print software developer Caldera, will show its new RIP solution for direct-to-film (DTF) printing at the Printing United Expo in Las Vegas which opened on 10th September and runs for three days. The show features 800+ exhibitors from all areas of print, making it the ideal environment for the launch of the new RIP.
DTF made easy for t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, pants, hats, bags, banners and more, by Caldera
Caldera’s Direct-to-Film solution is designed to provide an intuitive route for effective DTF printing. The software features an easy-to-use interface for preparing files and ripping images at the prepress stage, resulting in high-quality DTF printing without the need for specialist knowledge or expertise. Users will benefit from significant time savings thanks to the streamlined management of alignments, color bars, white undercoats and color knockouts. Flexibility and versatility are built in as the new software can interface with Windows, MacOS or Linux, making it easy to prepare and boost colors for vibrant results.
Caldera’s VP Marketing & Operations Sebastien Hanssens says, “This highly intuitive solution will bring direct-to-film digital printing 
within the reach of an entirely new group of users, opening up one of the fastest-growing print areas to small businesses and creators who want to be able to design and customize a wide range of DTF applications.”
Comprehensive but easy to use
Direct-to-Film’s key features include all the tools needed for DTF printing. Files are uploaded into the File Manager, after which users can fine tune the images in the Studio area with the ability to adjust orientation, alignment and color. White undercoats can be added automatically, mirror images can be created, and designs can be aligned on the roll with a single click. Once the files are ready for printing, they are exported to production. The program supports a wide range of file types and can be used for printing on all DTF printers based on Hosonsoft, BYHX and Royal motherboards.
“DTF printing is ideal for customizing t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, pants, hats, bags, banners – literally any textile application you can think of,” says Hanssens. “This new DTF solution makes it an easy prospect even for print producers who are inexperienced in this particular area, and by adding DTF to their print capability, they’ll be able to expand into new marketplaces and seize new opportunities.”
Caldera is in the Central Hall at booth C149 during Printing United Expo, Las Vegas.
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'Tis the season to host trade expos and September is not just about the unfortunate co-timing of Printing United (Las Vegas), Labelexpo (Chicago) but also SuperCorr for the corrugated industry in Orlando. All three cover Sept 10th-12th although SuperCorr is a 5-day show and started on 8th. EFI is there.
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Last Friday's ASGA-Currie Group Sign & Graphics Awards was a glittering affair and showed the quality and creativity of Australia's signage-related industry. Here's a list of all Gold winners, plus a link to all category level medalists, Silver Bronze and HC (Highly Commended).
- ASGA to Hold Victorian Golf Day on 2nd October
- Punchy and Blazek get Lifetime ASGA recognition
- Industry celebrates excellence at ASGA gala awards dinner + People's Choice award
- Mimaki releases four new printers
- Onyx Graphics to demonstrate new features at Printing United, Las Vegas
- Screen L350UV SAI inkjet label press installed at Networkpak, Vic
- Visual Connections sponsors WorldSkills competitors for 2025
- Flint Group has a new CEO
- John Bryson joins Durst Oceania as Vanguard specialist
- Local fashion manufacturing at a crossroads - Epson digital 'Smart Factories' could be the answer
- Siser announces compostable heat-transfer films
- Sign & Print Careeer training - a year of great achievements
- Visual Connections Sydney Golf Day draws record entries
- Xaar Versatex Printbar enables inkjet embellishments
- Greens want to punish everyday Australians through naïve tax attack - AiG
- Mutoh to release new eco-solvent print & cut device at Printing United expo
- Melbourne’s Women in Print event shows dignified networking & support
- Roland DG to delist from Tokyo exchange, goes private
- ORAFOL Australia, SS Signs & Erebus Motorsport in high-performance collaboration
- Eckersely Group's wraps are stunning - and it's not on cars!
