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When it comes to professional sign-making, having a cutting plotter that is fast, efficient, and versatile is an absolute necessity. Enter the Summa S Class 3 – the epitome of precision and flexibility. With a wide array of applications that set your business apart, this cutting-edge machine is a game-changer. The application possibilities are endless, but we summed up the categories where the S Class 3 truly excels!

1. Large Signs Make a BOLD Impression

The Summa S Class 3 is your ticket to making a BIG impact with signage. From crafting captivating floor graphics and stunning wall designs to producing eye-catching window stickers and precise lettering, this machine handles it all with finesse.

Need your message to hit the road? Our roll cutter ensures your graphic vehicle designs are nothing short of head-turning. Seeking privacy? The S Class 3 effortlessly transforms your windows into advertising masterpieces while safeguarding privacy from within. And when it’s about grabbing attention indoors, totems and other interior advertising are a breeze for the S Class 3.

2. Small Text and Intricate Designs: Precision at Its Best

The S Class 3 is your ultimate solution for handling small letters and intricate designs with unparalleled precision. What sets it apart? Summa’s Tangential cutting technology! Unlike traditional drag knives, this innovative tech lifts and reorients the knife in corners, resulting in even sharper and more precise cuts.

But that's not all – the Summa S Class 3 boasts Smart Object Sorting, selecting the most optimal starting point for cutting, and Smart Panelling, ensuring efficient cutting of all objects within a set range.

From promotional items like flawlessly cut keychains and magnets to small signage such as nameplates, directional signs, and room numbers, this machine does it all. Labels and tags, both for products and organisational needs, find their perfection here. And, of course, custom apparel enthusiasts will love the S Class 3 for creating personalised T-shirts, hats, socks, and more.

3. Every Type of Sticker Imaginable: How a-peel-ing!

Take your sticker game to the next level with the S Class 3! This machine optimises your print and cut workflows like never before, thanks to FlexCut.

How does Flexcut work? One length is cut completely through the material, while the other is cut halfway through, creating a perfect tear-off line. This ensures your material stays rigid during transport through the Summa cutter yet remains easy to remove from your design afterwards.

The possibilities are boundless! Whether it's standard vinyl stickers, kiss-cut stickers, die-cut stickers, clear stickers, bumper stickers, holographic stickers, transfer stickers, or window clings and wall/floor stickers, the S Class 3 handles them all with precision and ease.

4. Thick, Thin, and Tough Material

Standard laminated vinyl is not the only material that can be cut with the S Class 3. Thanks to the tangential cutting head, all types of materials of non-standard thickness can be cut. This opens up a whole new array of cutting possibilities!

When we talk about thin materials, we are referring to substances thinner than standard sticker vinyl, like car wraps. In contrast, thick and tough materials (which tend to be the same materials) are materials that can be up to 1.2mm thick, such as laminated vinyl and folding carton.

5. Creasing: When folding under pressure is a good thing

Only available on Summa cutting plotters is the possibility to not only cut but also crease. In fact, the new Performance Head can cut and crease during the same job, i.e. without having to change tools or having to stop the machine. 

The creasing function is perfect for short-run applications. For example, to make exclusive gadgets for events or companies in folding carton.

Folding carton is incredibly versatile in its applications. Combining it with the S Class 3 can lead to some great results. For example, you can make some high-quality restaurant menus as well as personalized greeting cards for special occasions. Short-run leaflets, as well as folders, can be made with an S Class 3. Creating customized little boxes is an option, too and can be used to hold small presents or business cards.

About Summa

Every day, for over three decades, Summa has delivered the world’s highest quality vinyl and contour cutters, finishing flatbeds and laser cutters without compromise. Summa provides cutting-edge solutions for the printing, signage, display, apparel and packaging industries.

Today HP announced a new 36-inch DesignJet portfolio that simplifies the printing needs of AEC (architecture, engineering & construction) professionals who increasingly work in a hybrid environment - needing a high-quality printing experience, whenever and wherever they are.

The devices will also enable copy shops to better meet the requirements of AEC customers.

With 54% of AEC firms deploying a hybrid work policy, flexible working models are here to stay. This new approach has changed workflows, requiring aspects of the job, including large format printing, to be enabled in a hybrid environment.

Because of this, users need intuitive print technology that meets their technical needs, whether that is printing A3-A1 CAD drawings or architectural boards, all without compromising on security.

“More than ever, AEC pros, or the copy shops that serve them, need easy-to-use tools that help them be more productive and deliver high-quality work - whether they are in the office, at home or somewhere remote,” said Daniel Martinez, General Manager, Large Format Business, HP. “With our new HP DesignJet lineup - alongside software such as HP Click and the HP app - users can print, monitor jobs and check device status from virtually anywhere, as well as collaborate on documents with colleagues.”

With the new 36-inch DesignJet portfolio, HP helps customers to go beyond and run their businesses while achieving their sustainability goals.

Thanks to HP’s Forest First initiative, with every page a user prints with the HP DesignJet T850/T950 or the HP DesignJet XL 3800, HP collaborates with non-profit organisations , to ensure forests are restored.

The HP DesignJet T850/T950 are both made from at least from 35% recycled plastic, use cardboard-based cartridges, and can be scheduled to power on and off automatically to preserve energy consumption. Meanwhile the HP DesignJet XL 3800 is comprised of at least 33% recycled content.

HP has also prioritised cyber-security, with HP Wolf Security protection built into the HP DesignJet T850/T950 and XL 3800. HP Wolf Security provides comprehensive endpoint protection and resiliency that starts at the hardware level and extends across cloud-based software and services – safeguarding an organization’s PCs, printers and people from cyber predators.

With additional Enterprise-level Wolf security features, the HP DesignJet XL 3800 is also the world’s most secure large format printer, based on third-party analysis of security features available on the market.

Solutions For All AEC Requirements

The new HP DesignJet lineup – consisting of three product families - provides several options and features to cater for all AEC user needs, including:

HP DesignJet T850/T950

• Save time by moving effortlessly from A3 to A1 prints, with the A3-to-Large Format integrated device
• High-quality CAD and renders on any size and application
• Simplify remote collaboration with one-click scan and copy workflows from the front panel

HP DesignJet XL 3800

Keep projects moving with the fastest colour printer in its class at 6 A1/D colour pages/min, and first page out in 20 seconds

• Excellent CAD lines and graphics applications in mono and colour
• Optimise space with 20% more compactness
• Perfect for copy shops and enterprises

Availability

The HP DesignJet T850/950 and the HP DesignJet XL 3800 are expected to be commercially available in all major markets starting October 17th and October 30th, respectively.

About HP

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most.

Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more.

Today HP Inc. launched the new HP Latex 630 printer series, completing HP’s Latex range and making white ink technology available to Print Service Providers (PSPs) of all sizes. White ink allows users to produce a more impactful range of signage and décor jobs with stunning image quality and colours that jump off the page, creating attention grabbing campaigns for end-customers.

The HP Latex 630-series, as with the rest of HP’s Latex portfolio, allows firms to offer more sustainable printing services: with water-based latex inks that give off negligible chemicals or odours; UL ECOLOGO^® and EPEAT^® environmental certifications;  and carton-based cartridges that reduce plastic by using 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard containers, as well as recycled plastics from HP’s closed-loop process - including post-consumer beverage bottles.

“The new HP Latex 630-series packs our leading latex features, such as white ink, into a more compact and affordable form factor - allowing even the smallest of print businesses to effortlessly deliver high impact signage and décor applications, boosting margins,” commented Daniel Martinez, General Manager, HP Large Format. “Beyond the hardware, we have continued to innovate when it comes to services and solutions, with new cloud-based HP Print OS functionalities giving time-pressed users the ability to process and monitor jobs from virtually anywhere.”

The HP Latex 630 family provides a number of options and features, including:

• A choice of four SKUs
  
  • The HP Latex 630 and HP Latex 630 W – the latter with white ink functionality   
  • HP Latex 630 and 630 W Print & Cut Plus – giving customers the option of upgrading to a dual-device solution, with print and cut functionality
• Save time – with automated front-loading system and simple, fast load/unload workflows 
• Easy re-prints – with in-printer storage of up to 10GB
• Stunning image quality – with HP Pixel Control Technology and new printhead architecture for sharper small text, all at standard speeds of 14m² (150ft²) an hour
• Software as standard – SAi RIP solution offered out of the box

Win business online and simplify operations

As part of a continued focus on helping PSPs improve productivity and grow their business, HP has also announced HP PrintOS Design & eCommerce – an intuitive web-to-print solution that saves valuable time with simplified print application design capabilities, efficient production paths, and step-by-step guidance on how PSPs can integrate it with an existing e-commerce store.

"We spend a lot of time listening to print providers about what they need to grow, and one key area was evolving their e-commerce capabilities and better connecting the front and back-ends of their business," added Daniel Martinez. “HP Print OS Design & eCommerce is our response, giving PSPs a quick and easy way to enhance their online shop, as well as new ways to process orders and automate jobs.”

The Design & eCommerce solution will be made available in select countries within HP’s PrintOS suite to subscribers of the HP Professional Print Service Plan (PPSP) ‘Plus’ tier, making the PPSP offering more appealing to small and medium sized PSPs. HP’s Professional Print Service Plans are designed to enable business agility, maximize uptime, and to provide learning opportunities and support.

For further information about HP Print OS Design & eCommerce and HP Professional Print Service Plans, please contact PSW Paper & Print Limited.

Availability

The HP Latex 630, HP Latex 630 W, HP Latex 630 Print & Cut Plus, and HP Latex 630 W Print & Cut Plus are expected to be available from September 19^th, 2023, in major markets globally.

The HP Print OS Design & eCommerce solution is expected to be available from November in the UK, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. For further information, please contact PSW Paper & Print Limited.

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

The Summa S Class 3 is a state-of-the-art device designed for professional users who demand top performance in their cutting applications and want to explore new opportunities. At the heart of the S Class 3 is its unique True Tangential Cutting Technology, ensuring top-notch performance. The addition of the all-new OPOS Camera with onboard image processing provides ultra-fast mark recognition and processing, making print & cut workflows smoother and more efficient. The performance head is the most advanced in the vinyl cutter series and can now automatically switch between cutting and creasing, perfect for short-run packaging jobs, and setting a new standard in the industry.

High-Precision & Unrivalled Performance

The S Class 2, a proven performer, has been on the market for ten years. It is not only unmatched (still!) by its competition, it is also very much valued by its customers. "For the S Class 3, we kept the good and proven. And while they may look similar under the hood at first sight, a lot has been upgraded. The latest electronics made it possible to achieve faster responsiveness, better data processing, and more precise motor control, resulting in a smoother, faster, and more reliable result.", says Randi Kerkaert, product manager.

Reliable & Versatile Cutting

Nowadays, vinyl cutting is probably not the hottest topic in the Sign & Display industry. "The long lifetime of every Summa vinyl cutter allows sign shops to avoid the need for further investments in vinyl cutting equipment. On the other hand, having a premium cutting plotter available on the work floor remains essential and critical for many businesses", states Christof Van Driessche, CCO at Summa. "A reliable cutting plotter is much appreciated even in an industrial environment. With the introduction of the S Class 3, we aim to provide new opportunities for sign shops to expand their current vinyl cutting businesses and explore new territories, like cardboard cutting and creasing."

The S Class 3 will be available in from the 5th September 2023. Check out all the details of this amazing product, including the barcode workflow with enhanced roll-up system, its Performance Head and the all-new OPOS Camera.

About Summa

Every day, for over three decades, Summa has delivered the world’s highest quality vinyl and contour cutters, finishing flatbeds and laser cutters without compromise. Summa provides cutting-edge solutions for the printing, signage, display, apparel and packaging industries.

Darren Haynes is the Operations Manager for the inspiring social enterprise Nuneaton Signs. Darren has been telling us how two Keencut SteelTrak cutting machines have transformed their print-finishing process. Nuneaton Signs is a social enterprise company which provides meaningful employment and training for people with disabilities through the manufacture and sales of signs. 71% of staff have at least one disability or mental health condition, and the organisation reinvest 100% of its profits back into the business to expand the number and quality of opportunities for those it supports. Nuneaton Signs started in 1982 as a sheltered workshop to support and upskill differently abled people. It has an impressive client list of major UK private and public sector organisations, and, as with any company, its clients are looking for quality and value for money. Winning many awards for its activities, Nuneaton Signs recently hit a £4.9 million turnover and aims for £6 million.

Darren told us about the production facility and how they use their two Keencut SteelTraks.

“We bought the first SteelTrak four years ago, and we loved it. We have been growing fast in the last four years. We have 73 members of staff, and with a new flatbed printer which allows us to complete more work, we needed additional cutting capacity. We employ people to do manual work, and the SteelTrak is an ideal tool for us. Four key SteelTrak benefits have made a difference:

Cut out the dust

“The SteelTrak’s ability to cut without dust transforms the cutting process and ensures a quality finish. We can site the area for cutting next to the flatbed printer without any worries about damage.

Initially, we used a vertical wall saw, but when you cut 10,000 foamex signs a month, the dust is everywhere; it’s in the whole building. Static build-up makes the dust stick to all the signs, and dust can potentially damage the printer heads. You are literally dealing with tons of dust a year. You are constantly cleaning the area, and lying vinyl on boards in a dusty area will never give you a good finish.”

Safety

“To start with, the SteelTrak solves the issue of breathing in dust generated by cutting with a wall saw. We have also eliminated the need for hand cutting. We would often cut the thinner 3mm boards with a knife by hand, but we do not need to do that now that we have the SteelTraks on site. The blades are hidden for general safety, so apart from when you change the blade, everything is away from your hands.”

Robust

“I estimate our SteelTraks cut three boards a minute for eight and a half hours daily. They are incredibly robust. We cut everything from ACM to 10mm Foamex. We also work with our Enviro range of 100% PVC-free boards. We are working hard to promote more recycling in our industry. We have been working to convert clients to environmental boards so that used signs can be placed into normal recycling waste sites. The key is for companies to swap totally to Enviro board so that they know that everything they use can be recycled.”

Easy-to-use

“We employ and offer internships to people with a wide range of abilities. We have found that individuals who cannot work in other areas can master the SteelTrak. Having a machine that is so easy to use is a real benefit. Most people can use a SteelTrak without much input, and there is a huge sense of achievement in creating a set of well-finished signs. For some of the extra maintenance tasks like renewing blades or the sightline strip, we may get a more experienced operator to help, but for general use, the SteelTrak is easy to use. After a day, people are an expert at cutting with a SteelTrak.”

To learn more about the benefits of using the Keencut SteelTrak in your production click here

To find out more information about Nuneaton Signs click here

Onyx Graphics, Inc., a leader in providing wide-format software solutions, today announced the global availability of ONYX 22.5, the company's newest version release of industry-leading wide-format RIP and print workflow software that was previewed with great acclaim at FESPA Global in Munich, Germany earlier this year.

ONYX 22.5 introduces ONYX Archive for effortless backup, search, restoration, and management of print jobs, and is connected directly to the main ONYX user interface as a standard feature for the entire portfolio of ONYX RIP and print workflow software solutions. "We're thrilled to unveil ONYX 22.5 to the World," said Matt Crawford, President and CEO of Onyx Graphics, Inc. "Whether you're a small-scale operation or a global enterprise, this remarkable tool revolutionises print production and will streamline workflows like never before."

This latest release builds upon industry-leading ONYX 22 software that introduced new tools for easy, everyday automation and colour output accuracy for any printer/media combination. In addition to ONYX Archive, ONYX 22.5 introduces a new user experience for faster setup and configuration of XY trimmers, Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE 6.1), and new colour updates for predictable output. "ONYX 22.5 does more than bring new features to market," said Jonathan Rogers, Senior Manager of Global Marketing and Communications at Onyx Graphics. "This milestone release represents our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in wide-format printing." 

Highlights of ONYX 22.5 include:

• ONYX Archive to back up, search, and restore jobs for future use
• XY Trimmer updates for simpler workflows
• Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE 6.1)
• New cutter device support for KALA, Ellerhold Poster-Cutter 2050, and Fotoba cloud barcodes
• New colour device support for Nix Spectro 2, X-Rite eXact2, and Barbieri Textile
• Spot colour replacement using the ONYX Colour Reference Library
• ONYX Colour Reference Library and cut paths now included in CorelDraw
• ColourCheck baseline tests for Media Manager
• Image controls for textile and wallpaper printing
• QR code scaling for dynamic print labels

Availability

The next version release of ONYX software is available now, covering the entire product portfolio of ONYX solutions, including ONYX Thrive print workflow software, ONYX Go, the company's RIP software subscription, ONYX PosterShop, and ONYX RIPCenter RIP software. It will be available to all ONYX Advantage customers by requesting a product update, is included as part of ONYX Go subscriptions, and to all other customers through a license or subscription purchase.

About Onyx Graphics, Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge with superior software solutions for the print industry. Innovative, productive, and delighted customers around the globe help motivate the company to develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large-format printing workflow and print business software solutions.

Practices need technology that is adaptable, secure and sustainable enough to flex around ever-evolving business needs and lifestyles they need innovations that make their working lives easier and more productive, while reducing operational costs.  Whatever the challenge, HP large format printers have the answer.

Ensuring seamless working

Integrating large format print seamlessly with the workflows and lifestyles of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals helps to build flexibility into work/life infrastructure.

HP Click software and the HP Smart App provide a seamless remote printing experience with A1-A3 automatic printing using the HP DesignJet T200, T600 series and Studio plotters.

Security built in

HP delivers a better printing experience to protect the ideas and people we value most. The most secure printers on the market, HP large format printers have embedded security designed to protect networks.

From HP Secure Boot and HP Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security on the inside to Role Based Access Control and Front Panel Access Lock on the outside, HP large format printers keep businesses safe.

Working sustainably

With environmental sustainability being a key strategic objective for today’s businesses, the technology solutions they employ need to fulfil their sustainable agenda. Fifty leading global AEC firms have agreed to pursue a strategy of zero CO2 emissions by 2040, with major carbon reduction goals for 2030.

HP’s plotters are designed with the environment in mind, from printers made with less plastic and global recycling initiatives to cartridges made of recycled materials and water-based inks. Original HP ink cartridges and printheads can be recycled through the HP Planet Partners programme for free.

Quality as standard

HP’s DesignJet and PageWide XL large-scale printer families are ideal for offices or workspaces of any size. They are robust, fast and agile. They enable individuals or teams to produce large-format plans, CAD drawings and renderings with more line accuracy and colour representation (gamut) than competitors, while synchronising with modern BIM software. HP’s innovations allow architects and designers to maintain productivity, collaboration and relationships with team members, enabling them to work more sustainably and effectively.

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze.

The large-format print market is thriving. According to one recent study, the global value of value of large-format printer (also known as wide-format printing) is set to grow by 3.2% a year between now and 2026¹. But even in a growing market, the combination of lockdown and rapidly changing consumer and technology trends presents challenges for print service providers (PSPs).

Research carried out in late 2020 predicts a period of market consolidation, in which the successful companies are the ones that adjust to new realities. They will do this, according to the researchers, by broadening the range of products and services they provide, by cutting costs, embracing digitisation and cutting turnaround times ².

The question for PSPs, is they can do this? Part of the answer is to invest in the latest, cutting edge printing technology. That’s why HP is launching the new HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer series. These new latex printers support media and inks specifically designed to help PSPs be equipped to win higher-margin print jobs. And they’re fitted with the latest time-saving and productivity-enhancing technologies.

Introducing the HP Latex 700 and 800 printer series

This year HP launched the new HP Latex 800 and HP Latex 700 printer series. Designed to help PSPs to win big and maximise their revenue, these two new latex printer series come with a range of features that enhance productivity specifically in those areas where it delivers the most benefit to your business.

Ways in which the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer series can benefit your business include:

• Print jobs with more vivid colors and dazzling whites, striking contrast and sharp 4-point text using improved HP inks and the whitest white ink available on the market today ³.
• Fit more jobs into the day, with faster print engines and a range of other productivity features which make these printers up to 50% faster than previous models ⁴.
• Cut your running costs with cost-effective 3-liter HP ink cartridges, which you can change while the printer runs, for less downtime ⁵.
• With innovative water-based HP Latex Inks you get odorless prints that are easy and safe to handle and hang anywhere ⁶.

The new latex printers were designed from the concept stage on with sustainability in mind. And supply-chain sustainability is increasingly on HP’s agenda when they choose with whom to work.

The new HP Eco-Carton cartridge, used in the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer series, has been designed to reduce the amount of plastic used in the cartridge by 80% and the CO2 emitted in the lifetime of each cartridge by 66% ⁷. The carboard ink cartridge is 100% recyclable through local cardboard/paper programs ⁸.

Take on higher-value jobs

One of the most innovative features of the new latex printers is their support for new and improved HP White latex inks. Using white ink, you can print on more types of media, for instance colored or transparent media, making signage more vivid. You can also add a background layer to CYM images for backlighting, improve coloring, make edges sharper — and more. Making the switch to a white latex ink printer means you can charge more, particularly when taking on jobs that specifically require a higher print quality.

With their vivid inks and their support for a wide range of media, the new HP Latex printers enable you to take on a wide range of jobs. Not only does this allow you to take on higher-margin jobs from direct clients, it also has the potential to make you a valuable outsource partner for PSPs who don’t have the same advanced HP Latex printing facilites.

The printing tech that will give you the edge

With the right printing technology, PSPs can become leaner, faster and more profitable. And the same technologies, along with the workflows they enable, will set you up to come out the other side of the pandemic more competitive and able to take higher-margin jobs. That’s what the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer series are about and what they enable.

Footnotes

1. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/large-format-printer-market-covid-19-impact-2020-global-industry-size-demand-growth-analysis-share-revenue-and-forecast-2026-2020-11-19

2.  https://www.largeformatreview.com/business/business-news/covid-19-heralds-decade-of-disruption-for-print-say-smithers

3. Whitest white based on ISO/DIS 23498 compared to competitive alternatives using solvent and UV technologies under $50,000 USD as of May, 2020. Test performed on black opaque self-adhesive vinyl (L*:4.16 – a:0,48-b:2,34) with 160% UF printmode using HP 873 3-liter White Latex Ink Cartridge. Visual opacity = 91%.

4. Only for Latex 800 and 800W – compared to previous Latex models

5. Only applies to the HP 800 printer series

6. There is a broad set of media with very different odor profiles. Some of the media can affect the odor performance of the final print.

7. C02e reduction based on moving from plastic ink cartridge to cardboard HP Eco-Carton ink cartridge, with annual manufacturing savings of 291 tons and transport savings of 8 tons. Equivalent to 1,194,028 km (741,935 miles) driven by an average passenger vehicle or over 38 million smartphones charged.

8. The ink cartridge HP Eco-Carton outer carton is 100% recyclable through local cardboard/paper programs. Inner materials including the ink bag are 55% recyclable and can be returned free of charge to the HP Planet Partners program for reprocessing of plastic parts. Zero landfill. For ink bag and printhead take back, visit http://www.hp.com/recycle to see how to participate and for HP Planet Partners program availability; program may not be available in your jurisdiction. Where this program is not available, and for other consumables not included in the program, consult your local waste authorities on appropriate disposal.

9. Outdoor mode (Banner) 4-pass, 100%. Based on internal HP testing in September 2020 on Avery 3001. Print speed may vary due to the adaptive printing mechanism to avoid image quality defects.

About HP

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most.

Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more.

For the first time, Hahnemühle receives two TIPA World Awards. In 2023, Hahnemühle wins in the categories “BEST PHOTO CARDS” and “BEST PHOTO PAPER”. This makes the paper manufacturer now a 12-time TIPA World Awards winner since 2005. Consumers can use the TIPA WORLD AWARDS as a useful benchmark and guide when making purchasing decisions. The Technical Image Press Association honors and recognizes companies in the industry as well as their products.

Winner of the category BEST PHOTO CARDS

The Hahnemühle FineArt Photo Cards are the Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection in your pockets! Available for twelve different qualities in two different sizes (DIN A5 and 10 x 15 cm / 5.8” x 8.3” and 4” x 5.9”). Whether as a mini-collection for a ‘mobile’ portfolio presentation, an invitation, a giveaway at an exhibition, or simply as a small gift for a friend – Hahnemühle’s high-quality FineArt inkjet photo cards offer a variety of creative design options. A fun and creative way to capture and share memorable experiences and moments. The sought-after fine art cards are packed in an elegant metal tin that contains 30 cards with beautifully rounded corners. The elegant packaging with the embossed rooster protects the prints and is ideal as a small, mobile archive. A short step-by-step guide with a borderless printing template can be found on the Hahnemühle website and in the app.

In addition to popular paper types such as Photo Rag® 308 or Museum Etching, all four Hahnemühle Natural Line papers are now available as FineArt Photo Cards! This means that papers from all four paper ranges in the Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection (except Canvas) are now available in this practical format. Artists can choose from matt glossy, smooth, textured, and sustainable papers. The Natural Line has a special place in the Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection. It focuses on four FineArt inkjet papers made from unique raw materials: bamboo, hemp, agave, and sugar cane. The plants that provide the cellulose require minimal maintenance, grow quickly, and don’t need any pesticides. Their rapid growth means that more cellulose can be produced on the same cropland than with other raw materials, and they also require much less water, helping to save valuable resources and protect the environment.

TIPA Jury Statement

“These 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) or DIN A5 (5.8×8.3 inch) photo cards can be used professionally as a mini portfolio, as a small remembrance gift for those attending exhibitions, or as a personalised postcard. Available in a variety of high-quality Hahnemühle paper surfaces and weights, including all four sustainable Natural Line media, the classic Photo Rag® 308, and the high-gloss metallic-shimmering Photo Rag® Metallic. The 30-sheet packs are designed to match every photographer’s personal taste as well as coordinate with the mood and subject matter of the images. The company provides a printing guide for the cards as well, which entails creating a template, sizing instructions for borderless printing, printer settings, and specific paper profile settings.”

Winner of the category BEST PHOTO PAPER

Hahnemühle Photo Rag® is one of the world’s most popular papers and the valued all-rounder for high-quality FineArt inkjet printing. The white cotton artist’s paper, with its characteristic, wonderfully soft feel, boasts a lightly defined felt structure, lending each artwork a three-dimensional appearance and impressive pictorial depth. Combined with the matt premium inkjet coating, this paper produces outstanding prints that feature brilliant colours, deep blacks, striking contrasts and perfect reproduction of detail. This acid- and lignin-free classic meets the most exacting requirements for age resistance and is specially designed for FineArt applications. Whether it is used for FineArt photography or art reproductions, the ideal combination of structure, print quality and weight makes Photo Rag® one of the most versatile Hahnemühle Digital FineArt inkjet papers.

Hahnemühle has now qualified the 188 gsm version of its classic Photo Rag® for LayFlat binding. This enables premium Layflat photobooks with the Photo Rag® 188 as content paper and individual hardcover designs. Such exclusive photo books become works of art in themselves and must be handled with care – a foldable FineArt print. The advantage of such a high-end Layflat photo book is that one can enjoy the printed images in full; no bulge in the middle covers up parts of the motif. The FineArt print can be enjoyed seamlessly across both sides without having to hold down the book. This is another reason why they are great for images that span across two pages, such as landscape (panoramic) format. Layflat books with prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag® 188 have a great impact and make an excellent gift or feature piece at home, an exhibition or showroom. A sophisticated way to enjoy photography printed on Hahnemühle FineArt Inkjet paper.

TIPA Jury Statement

“This new paper offering from Hahnemühle expands the creative and expressive options for photographers who want to offer their best work in a lay flat book format. Photo Rag 188, already esteemed for fine art digital printing, has now been qualified for LayFlat binding, a process that allows for full appreciation of an image and other content without the need to hold down the book to appreciate content and image information that might otherwise be lost in the gutter. One of the chief uses of this format will be for photographers-landscape and architectural, for example-who do not want to be constrained in their layout options, as the format allows for fully viewable “double-truck” (i.e. a two-page spread) images as well as numerous additional design and layout options.”

About TIPA

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is an organisation made up of editors and publishers of photography magazines from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Each of the 30 member magazines focussing on photographic technology, photographic culture and trade, presents the annual TIPA Awards. Experts from member magazines in Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America vote on the best products in 40 categories, including cameras, lenses, accessories and printers. TIPA also provides vital information about the photo industry, conducts in-depth testing of photo products, and initiates expert discussions with imaging companies. For more information, visit www.tipa.com.

About Hahnemühle

Hahnemühle is considered the inventor of Digital FineArt papers for inkjet printing. As a pioneer, the oldest German artist paper manufactory has been refining its real artist papers for photography and art reproductions for more than 25 years. The papers – manufactured for more than 439 years with characteristic craftsmanship – receive a special coating, without influencing the noble haptics of the papers. This inkjet coating allows prints with pin-sharp details, in both rich colour and deep blacks. All papers have excellent aging resistance. The Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Collection offers more than 29 different papers, while the Hahnemühle Photo Range is comprised of six media. All papers and life science solutions have class–leading quality attributes and excellent ageing resistance. Hahnemühle has a worldwide reputation as a ‘Brand of the Century’ among photographers, artists, museums, galleries, and collectors. Products are available in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company is headquartered in Dassel, Southern Lower Saxony, with offices in the United Kingdom, France, USA, Singapore and China. For further information on the brand, history and environmental responsibilities visit www.hahnemuehle.com

New products and services, new ways of working, plus a more eco-conscious and socially responsible outlook mean print business leaders have a huge opportunity to reinvent the way they work.  Print business leaders are looking to grow and adapt to meet urgent customer demands, and to develop new offerings that could help clients move in new directions. 

They know they need to become more efficient, focus on costs, and improve workflow by using technology that will help them simplify and streamline processes. And many are seeking ways to become socially responsible—for the sake of their customers, their reputations and, ultimately, profit.

So, let’s look at some of these trends and try to understand what they’ll mean for your print business over the coming months and years.

How content and creativity are driving the industry transformation

With customers demanding unique ideas and more creative solutions, print businesses must step up to shape the future.  Indeed, two fifths regard diversification of their large format print offering as a high priority, according to a survey from Widthwise in 2020.¹

This could come from providing new products and services to existing customers, or finding innovative ways to build an additional customer base.
 
Interior decor is just one example. This covers many things, from fine art to durable upholstery, but the size of the opportunity is huge. Just consider that the global digitally printed wallpaper market has been predicted to grow at 23.6% annually (CAGR) until 2025, to reach a total value of $10.4 billion, according to figures from Energias Market Research.²

What’s more, print businesses are dealing with customers who have unprecedented demands and expectations around content. They have witnessed the meteoric rise of content platforms such as Canva and Zazzle and have become accustomed to buying goods and services from easy-to-use e-commerce platforms that offer next-day, or even same-day, delivery. How can print businesses respond with creative solutions that provide content, ideas, and experiences to meet the demands of customers?

How intelligent automation can help print businesses work smarter

While business leaders must pay close attention to sales growth, they must also focus on customer service and profitability. A big part of that is ensuring operations run effectively, and that means reducing costs, errors, and wastage while improving productivity, workload capacity, and time to market.

According to the last published FESPA Census,³ 72% of print businesses are seeing increased demand from customers for faster turnaround times, and 59% believe that customer demand for “just in time” deliveries will increase. 
 
Increased use of automation is one way to help on both fronts. In 2020, Keypoint Intelligence4 asked print businesses to compare the share of total on-site print volume that was produced in a 100% automated workflow with their expectations for the future. The survey found that while 63% of volume was produced without any automation in 2020, that figure would drop to 36% by 2022. 
 
Workflow and automation technology can make all the difference. It can help improve the way print businesses operate by helping them quote more accurately, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and see where cost efficiencies can be made. Plus, software and services can also enable businesses to grab new opportunities—building a digital presence to capture orders online, for instance.

Making sustainability profitable for your print business

Recent HP research⁵ reveals that 85% of PSP customers now demand sustainable products and practices. The research is supported by the Widthwise study which showed that in 2020, 81% of PSPs regarded sustainable print solutions as “more important” than two years previously. 48% of respondents said their environmental focus for 2020 was to measure and/or reduce their carbon footprint.

This is driven by a desire to be more socially responsible, but also because of the business opportunity. Indeed, there is an urgent and growing need to find alternatives to materials such as PVC, with big brands leading the charge by making a commitment to being PVC free.

How is your print business reacting?

Accelerating change

Print businesses have been evolving for some time, and the turbulance experienced in 2020 only accelerated that change. Many are displaying resilience and creativity, and businesses that will survive and thrive will be the ones that are versatile, connected, sustainable, and safe.

HP can help you take the next step to ensure your print business has the best chance of success.

1. July 2020 Widthwise Report www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise. Widthwise also did a PSP survey pre-Covid, at the beginning of 2020
2. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/04/23/1808076/0/en/Global-Digitally-Printed-WallpaperDPW-Market-to-Witness-a-CAGR-of-23-6-during-2019-2025.html
3. FESPA Print Census Report, 2018
4. https://postscript.psda.org/Full-Article/9-trends-for-print-distributors-in-2021
5. https://press.hp.com/us/en/press-releases/2021/hp-drives-versatility-sustainability-new-latex.html