Technological Developments — More Changes Reshaping the Industry

Both of these products are interesting because they expand digital printing capability at what is generally the under-the-radar low end of applications.

Wide-Format Printing

Digital ink-jet wide-format printing is another market segment that was not covered in the PI print version analysis. Digital wide-format equipment from 24 inches to several feet wide, using six or more colors producing images that are better than photographic quality, have become relatively commonplace in the United Staes. It is anticipated that the number of manufacturers offering a proliferating variety of wide-format brands and models will peak at Drupa ’08. As the market becomes saturated and gradually but globally becomes a replacement market subject to digital electronic and e-paper substitution, look for a shakeout and manufacturer consolidation starting in 2009.