I’m pleased to present the first issue of wideformatonline.com newsletter with myself as publisher. Retiring publisher Brian Stickland again deserves a huge pat on the back for his service to the industry after thirteen years of continuous news, views, features and promotion in the signage, display, POS, outdoor, exhibition and digital label sectors. Brian is a pioneer in online media for the industry and I intend to build on his legacy as best I can.
Joining me is journalist Graham Osborne, also formerly with Print21 magazine where I was editor for around thirteen years. In taking on Wide Format Online, ‘& Inkjet News’ has been added because Inkjet represents the fastest growing technology in the graphic arts today – and it all started with Wide Format. Other guest contributors will be introduced heading forwards, including globally-recognised sources of advanced inkjet R&D and applications.
Changes to the site and newsletters will be gradual but hopefully will increase readability and presentation and focus on researched news as well as developments from our all-important sponsors who make it possible.
What we know today as ‘wide format’ is the most exciting place to be in the graphic communications sector – it is becoming a short-to-medium run value-adding and manufacturing service that covers not just the traditional areas of signage, display, CAD/GID/AEC, but also packaging, textiles, apparel, ceramics, interior décor, floor coverings, product branding, architectural creations, photography and fine art reproductions.
Inkjet generally is finding its way into production printing, direct mail, catalogues and short run books in full colour. We have already seen B2 sheetfed installations, giant corrugated packaging installations and soon B1 inkjet (and hybrid inkjet such as Landa Nanography), will be commonplace. It’s leading-edge technology in both printhead design and ink formulations. I take nothing away from offset, flexo, screen and gravure nor even toner-based imaging but inkjet opens up far more possibilities as a non-impact process using inks, gels or other materials. 3D printing is benefiting from the adoption of inkjet technologies.
Stay with us – it will be an exciting ride!
Andy McCourt
