What is Surface Imaging?

In the digital printing world, surface imaging (or surface decorating) refers to using different types of digital printing, cutting, embellishing, and engraving devices to add decorative designs and images to textiles, rigid panels, flexible films, wallcoverings, and other surfaces used in architecture, interior design, fashion, sports apparel, and residential and commercial décor. In other words, … Read more

Correcting Common Myths about Printing Paper and Deforestation

A recent Two Sides North America survey showed that 48% of Americans believe paper is bad for the environment, and 60% believe U.S. forests are shrinking. That’s not true. In honor of International Print Day (October 20, 2021), we compiled some facts that print buyers should know about the relationship between printing paper use and … Read more

Demand for Sustainable Print Technologies Will Create New Business Opportunities

More environmentally friendly printing is emerging as a key industry trend for the 2020s. This trend is examined in detail in the Smithers report “The Future of Green Printing to 2026,” Published in August 2021, the report profiles the evolution of circular economy principles, key legislative initiatives, the impact on analog and digital print processes, … Read more

Ricoh’s Wide-Format Elite Access Helps Operators Solve Production Challenges on Any Brand of Wide-Format Printer

Print shops can produce almost anything with wide-format printing and finishing devices. But the versatility of the equipment combined with rising customer expectations can also create new challenges–especially for wide-format newcomers who don’t yet understand the intricacies of using a greater variety of specialty materials and workflows. Wide-Format Elite Access is a new service from … Read more

Organizations that Promote Sustainability in Printing and Packaging

To learn more about sustainability efforts within the printing and packaging industry, the resources listed below can give you a good start. The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) SGP’s vision to create a true circular economy within the print supply chain. SGP is the print industry’s catalyst to increase business opportunities among brands committed to … Read more

Short Courses on Advanced Digital Printing Technologies for Surface Imaging

Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia plans to offer a series of short courses related to advanced digital printing technologies for surface imaging. The courses will be designed for imaging and printing practitioners, professional designers, and students in universities and colleges who wish to enhance their careers in the imaging industries. Organizers anticipate launching the courses … Read more

5 Takeaways from Wide-Format Printing Insight Days at PRINTING United

As part of the 14-day PRINTING United Digital Experience, industry analysts and business owners discussed growth opportunities for wide-format graphics producers in the post COVID-19 era. Five themes dominated the outlook sessions, keynote presentations, and panel discussions during the Wide-Format Hardware and Consumables Insight Day (October 26) and the Wide-Format Workflow and Finishing Day (October … Read more

What Actions Are Groups Taking to Promote An Event Industry Rebound from COVID-19?

Graphics companies have been hit hard by the cancellation of events, trade shows, and conferences in 2020. Here are just three steps that event-industry thought leaders and organizations are taking to encourage an event-industry rebound. Promoting the Economic Impact of Events to Legislators The Go Live Together coalition is working to ensure that when the … Read more

Fab Lab Uses Digital Printers, Cutters, and Engravers to Spark Interest in STEM Education

One way to get more students interested in studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics is to give them access to software and tools they can use to design, create, or customize their own products. That’s the concept behind Fab Labs, which are being opened in libraries and community centers nationwide. For example, the Blue … Read more