Exclusives

PRINTING United 2024 set to open doors in Las Vegas

Ink manufacturers are ready to show the newest technologies and services at the three-day show in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

By: DAVID SAVASTANO

Editor, Ink World Magazine

With more than 800 exhibitors signed up for PRINTING United 2024, which runs September 10-12, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the printing industry is ready to see the latest in new technologies. In addition to equipment and software providers, ink industry leaders will be showcasing their latest products while also meeting with attendees.

Mark Subers, president – events and exhibitions, PRINTING United Alliance, says that PRINTING United 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible event, with several major highlights that he believes will leave a lasting impact on attendees.

“First and foremost, the sheer diversity of exhibitors is impressive,” Subers says. “We have over 800 global companies representing every market segment of the printing industry, showcasing the latest advancements in technology, materials, and processes. The Expo is known for its comprehensive display of innovations, and this year will be no exception, with groundbreaking technologies in digital printing, packaging, and industrial applications taking center stage.

Subers adds that many people are coining this year’s Expo as “the North American drupa” since there will be so many products and technologies being shown on North America for the very first time – with others never seen before in addition.

Subers also reports that educational programming will be a significant highlight at PRINTING United 2024.

“We’ve curated a series of over 50 sessions that focus on the most pressing issues and opportunities in the industry today, from sustainability and supply chain challenges to the latest trends in digital transformation, automation, AI, workforce development, and more,” Subers observes. “These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights that attendees can take back to their businesses.”

Subers says that there several new features for PRINTING United 2024 that he’s particularly excited about, adding that one of the standout additions is the enhanced Knowledge Center, which will serve as a hub for learning and engagement on the show floor.

“This space will host interactive forums and roundtables where industry experts can dive deep into key topics, offering attendees a more immersive learning experience, and meet with our global media and association partners, like Label & Narrow Web,” states Subers.

“We’re proud of our interactive experiences on the show floor, such as the Apparel Zone and PDAA Zone,” Subers remarks. “Also not to be missed are a variety of Women in Print Alliance events, including a Las Vegas Dine-Around, special luncheon, meet-ups at the Women in Print Alliance host hotel, and more.

“We’re also introducing our PRINTING United AFTER Dark VIP experience program, for those looking forward to taking their networking to the next level,” Subers concludes. “This series of evening events will provide more opportunities for attendees to network in a relaxed, social environment. It’s a great way to continue the conversations started during the day and build lasting relationships. These events foster a sense of community that is unique to PRINTING United.”

Subers notes that PRINTING United continues to experience robust growth, both in terms of exhibitors and pre-registration.

“This year, we’re proud to host over 800 exhibitors, which is a testament to the value that companies see in participating in this event,” Subers says. “The growth is particularly strong in areas like packaging and industrial printing, reflecting the expanding interest and innovation in these sectors.

“Pre-registration numbers are also very encouraging, indicating that the industry is eager to come together after what has been a transformative few years,” he adds. “We’re seeing significant interest from a broad range of professionals, including those from label and narrow web sectors, who are keen to explore the latest technologies and trends. This growth underscores the importance of PRINTING United as a must-attend event for anyone involved in printing and graphic arts.”

Subers says his expectations for this year’s Expo are very high. “Given the momentum we’ve seen in the lead-up to the event, I anticipate a record turnout and an incredibly dynamic show floor. I expect attendees to be impressed by the breadth of technologies on display and the quality of the educational sessions,” he states.

“One of my key expectations is that attendees will leave the event with new ideas, solutions, and connections that will drive their businesses forward,” Subers adds. “PRINTING United Expo has always been about more than just seeing the latest equipment; it’s about understanding how these advancements can be applied to meet the evolving needs of the market. I’m confident that this year’s Expo will deliver on that promise in a big way.”

Exhibitors are definitely looking forward to PRINTING United. Sydnie Shepland, advertising and digital marketing lead for Durst Image Technology US LLC, says that Durst Group has plenty to show attendees at its two booths.

“Durst Group is exceptionally proud to be highlighting a full range of printers and solutions in our booth,” says Shepland. “Durst and Vanguard Digital will once again be sharing adjoining booths (C1537 and C1543) and will have the unique opportunity to showcase a total of eight printers, our full ‘start to finish’ software suite, and a brand-new, never before seen solution that exemplifies Vanguard’s continued commitment to redefining productivity. There is truly something for every print service provider in the Durst Group booth, and we can’t wait to share what the future of print looks like at this year’s Expo.”

Shepland notes that PRINTING United Expo is something Durst Group truly looks forward to every year. “As the most dynamic and comprehensive printing event in the world, the Expo provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our technology to eager attendees, connect with current and future customers in one location, and influence the industry through showcasing our innovation annually. We love the energy and excitement that comes with the show and can’t wait to participate once again,” Shepland says.

Christine Medordi, sales manager – North America, Sun Chemical, says that Sun Chemical will highlight a range of products for wide format print applications at PRINTING United Expo this year.

“Products on display will include Xennia Jade, an innovative, quality ink for the direct-to-film market, as well as Streamline APY and Streamline APR aqueous inks for digital printing and the new Xennia Sapphire vibrant pigment for digital textile printing. Sun Chemical will also showcase its GREENGUARD Gold-certified Streamline inkjet series for wide format printers and super wide format printer,” Medordi notes.

In addition to inks, Sun Chemical will highlight its SunEvo digital coatings for a range of substrates and adhesives, as well as the SunTronic electronic materials solutions for a range of applications in printed electronics.

Medordi says that Sun Chemical is excited to attend PRINTING United, as the premier exhibition for the printing industry in North America. “The Expo gives Sun Chemical a key opportunity to demonstrate to new and existing customers how its printing technologies are designed to meet the changing demands of the market and drive transformational business outcomes,” Medordi adds.

David Bistrovic, associate product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America Inc., notes that at this year’s PRINTING United Expo, Epson will be bringing the sweetness with a booth theme of “Seventy5 Candy Company.”

“Attendees will feel like a kid in a candy store as they enjoy sweet treats, learn about new products, see live product demos, and learn about the many applications in which Epson printers can be used. Everything in the booth will be printed with Epson technology, including the candy wrappers, candy jar labels, POP displays, signage, and more,” Bistrovic says.

During the show, Epson will be introducing new products and showcasing an extensive variety of its wide-format printing solutions, ideal for a variety of applications, including indoor and outdoor signage, photography, graphics, and textile.

“On display for the first time will be the new SureColor F9570H,” Bistrovic comments. “The 64″ dye-sublimation printer touts a new space-saving design and a renowned PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead coupled with UltraChrome DS Ink to deliver exceptional color saturation and contrast. The SureColor F9570H offers an expanded 6-color ink set with multiple configurations, including CMYK plus either Light Cyan and Light Magenta for enhanced smoothness, Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow for added brightness, or Orange and Violet for an expanded color gamut to meet customer color needs.”

Bistrovic says that the Epson team always looks forward to the Expo. “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with customers and colleagues, hear about the industry and share our latest advancements in technology,” he says. “We love showcasing our technology and engaging with customers first-hand allows us to explore how we can help them boost output and enhance productivity.”

INX International Ink Co. will highlight a comprehensive group of advanced inks, coatings, and digital printing solutions at PRINTING United. These include the AGT, HIP, HIS and VHS high performance, fast curing digital inks that present significant cost savings; the INXhrc series of natural-based renewable inks; Genesis washable inks; and Ecostage GB-XA oxygen barrier coatings

“All of the solutions we are offering at PRINTING United are designed to improve your productivity, increase efficiency, and support sustainability efforts,” Renee Schouten, VP of marketing for INX, says. “INX has a legacy of excellence, a sustainable vision for everything we do, and a passion for creating partnerships with our customers that focus on their growth and success.”

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communication Division is exhibiting its end-to-end print solutions at PRINTING United Expo 2024. These include the Fujifilm J Press 750HS, Fujifilm’s fourth generation sheetfed inkjet digital; the KOMPAC Phoenix 30 Modular UV and aqueous coating and priming system; the Fujifilm Revoria Press PC1120, an inline, 6-color, high-end digital toner press; the Fujifilm Acuity Prime Hybrid inkjet printer, a mid-range LED UV wide format printer capable of printing both rigid and roll substrates; and the Fujifilm Acuity Prime 30, a flatbed printer that prints on rigid and flexible media up to 2″ thick, at speeds up to 1,615 square feet an hour. 

“Each year at PRINTING United, we build on the successes and learnings from the year before,” says Hidetoshi “Toshi” Kino, GM, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communication Division. “Something we have found to be most impactful is to demonstrate the true end-to-end solutions Fujifilm offers its customers in the print space, whether digital inkjet, toner-based, or wide format. On-site in our booth, visitors will experience the difference Fujifilm provides to its customers. It’s our 90th year in 2024, and our global mission is ‘giving the world more smiles.’ I am confident that when visitors come to our booth, they won’t only be met with a smile, but will leave with one too, once they have seen how we can bring their print needs to life.”

Mark Pomerantz, sales and marketing director at Xeikon North America, reports that Xeikon will showcase the first North America showing of the TX500 (TITON) press in collaboration with Kurz Digital Embellishment Solutions. “This combination of solutions represents the latest innovation in digital printing embellishment technology, offering a single pass, inline, food safe and sustainable process for ‘digital metal’,” Pomerantz says.

Pomerantz notes that the Xeikon team is looking forward to this year’s PRINTING United Expo with great enthusiasm. “They are excited to offer visitors the perfect opportunity to network with industry professionals, delve into Xeikon’s latest innovations, and witness the TX500 (TITON) press in action. The team sees this event as a key moment to engage with the printing community and showcase their cutting-edge advancements, Pomerantz says. “Visitors can also experience daily coffee and happy hours at the Xeikon booth, providing further opportunities for networking and learning.”

“This year, Kao Collins is thrilled to showcase several innovations that will redefine what’s possible in inkjet printing,” Kristin Adams, marketing manager for Kao Collins, states. “We are particularly excited to introduce our latest series of sustainable inks designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions without compromising quality or performance. These inks feature cutting-edge formulations that deliver vibrant colors, excellent adhesion, and versatility across various substrates.

“We will also unveil our enhanced packaging solutions, which combine superior print quality with the durability required for modern packaging demands,” Adams adds. “We aim to empower our customers with tools that elevate their printing capabilities while aligning with environmental sustainability.

Beyond showcasing its new products, Kao Collins is focused on reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“We believe that the future of printing lies in balancing cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility,” Adams observes. “As always, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to providing solutions that help them thrive in an ever-evolving market. We encourage everyone attending PRINTING United to visit our booth and discover how Kao Collins drives the next wave of innovation in the inkjet printing industry.”

Adams notes that the Kao Collins team eagerly anticipates this year’s PRINTING United Expo. “As one of the leading events in our industry, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect with our peers, customers, and potential partners,” Adams says. “We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, exploring collaborations, and demonstrating our latest innovations. This Expo is more than just a showcase; it’s a chance to contribute to the future of printing technology, and we’re excited to be a part of that conversation.”

Nazdar Ink Technologies will have technical representatives on-site at the M&R Printing Equipment booth SL10028. M&R will be displaying garment printing technologies to include virtual demonstrations and printed samples from the Polaris Industrial high-speed direct-to-garment printing system, and live demonstrations of the QUATRO direct-to-film transfer printing system. 

“This collaboration enables Nazdar to provide M&R Polaris and QUATRO customers with the most advanced ink and inkjet fluids available, designed specifically for M&R printers,” Martin Burns, market manager OEM inks, Nazdar Ink Technologies, says. “We’re looking forward to talking about this with M&R customers at PRINTING United 2024.”

Roland DGA will introduce Roland DG inkjets such as the EU-1000MF high-volume flatbed printer; VersaOBJECT large-format and benchtop-sized UV flatbeds; VersaSTUDIO desktop direct-to-film, UV, and eco-solvent devices, and more. “We are extremely excited about what we have in store for those attending this year’s show,” states Roland DGA president Amado Lara. “Along with showing them the incredible things our state-of-the-art devices can do, we’ll be featuring inspiring exhibits and hosting special guests to provide new application and business ideas they can use to take their operations to the next level.”

“PRINTING United Expo 2024 is not just an event; it’s an experience that is produced annually by the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America – PRINTING United Alliance,” Subers concludes. “Our mission-driven approach to serve the industry with the foremost in education, resources, economics, training and more through both the association and Expo, provide an opportunity for professionals from all corners of the industry to come together, learn from one another, and drive the industry forward. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the world of print, there’s something here for you.

“I also want to emphasize the importance of participation,” adds Subers. “The more engaged our community is, the more we can all benefit. So, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of what PRINTING United has to offer, from the show floor to the networking events to the educational sessions. I look forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas.”

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