The PRINTING United Alliance presents Pinnacle Product Awards to manufacturers or suppliers of innovative hardware, equipment, software, and substrates that are driving the print industry forward. Awards are presented in three categories: Output, Non-Output, and Technology.
The Output category honors multiple types and sizes of printing devices. That category is featured in a separate post on this blog.
This post focuses on the Non-Output Category and highlights advances in automation, inks, substrates, software, and other equipment.
Winners in the Non-Output Category
The Non-Output category highlights some of the product improvements and breakthroughs that print businesses can use to be more productive or expand their product offerings.
Most products in the Non-Output category are geared toward users of high-speed, higher volume industrial digital presses. But innovations from Roland DGA, Siser North America, and S-One helps smaller producers of decorated garments or indoor short-term posters get more from their equipment.
Innovations that reduce screen-printing set-up and clean-up times are also included.
Automation
AGFA
Jeti Tauro MAX BOTS. These material-handling robots maximize the versatility and throughput of the Agfa’s industrial Jeti Tauro H3300 hybrid flatbed/roll-feed printer. The robots can load or unload materials such as cut sheets, corrugated materials and rigid boards up to 82 in. x 129 in. and 1.5 mm thick. speeds of up to 150 load cycles an hour. The MAX BOTS can be combined with Agfa’s MAX Flex RTR to make it easy for Tauro printer users to switch from rigid and roll substrates without interruption. (Category: Automation Equipment, Print/Post-Print)
Onset Panthera Auto-Loader helps the high-speed Onset Panthera flatbed printer operate at its full potential. Equipped with an integrated scissor lift, the auto-loader precisely collects, feeds, and aligns the substrate to be printed. Then, a MAX BOT automatically transfers the substrate to the vacuum table, and a second MAX BOT removes the printed sheet or board to either a single stack, an inspection station, a cutting table, or conveyor belt. This fully automated system enables 24-hour operation and reduces labor costs. (Category: Material Handling Equipment)
Inks
Canon U.S.A.
Canon Bag-in-a-Box Inks for varioPRINT IX 3200s. Canon has started using 10-kg bag-in-a-box containers instead of 5-kg plastic canisters to ship each ink for its varioPRINT IX 3200s high-speed sheetfed inkjet press with end-to-end automated workflow. In addition to using more sustainable packaging, this approach reduces the frequency of empty-ink-container change-outs. (Category: Digital Inks, Industrial and Packaging)
Roland DG
S-PG2 direct-to-film (DTF) inks. Roland developed these inks specifically for DTF applications. Replacing Roland’s original S-PG inks, the S-PG2 inks deliver higher image quality, better durability, and greater stability throughout the DTF printing and transfer process. Used in the Roland VersaStudio BY-20 desktop DTF printer, the inks provide greater white-ink density with improved ink laydown for increased vibrancy and higher opacity with fewer passes. They reduce printhead clogs and dry faster than previous formulations. This helps improve the DTF powder adhesion and improves the wash-fastness of the graphics transferred to garments.
The new inks carry Oeko-Tex® Eco Passport certification, so that printer users can assure garment buyers that the inks adhere to the highest global safety standards and are free from harmful substances. The improved inks and other improvements have expanded the appeal of Roland’s VersaSTUDIO BY-20 desktop DTF printer to startups, home-based businesses, and even screen printers who want an efficient way to profitably handle short-run jobs. (Category: Digital Inks, Textile, Small Format)
Software
Hybrid Software Group PLC:
CLOUDFLOW Colorspace color management and control software ensures consistent, precise color reproduction across diverse substrates and printing technologies. It includes ColorLogic state-of-the-art color technology and optimizes production costs through Extended Color Gamut printing and ink-saving technology. (Category: Color Management and Quality Control)
FIERY
Fiery, one of the first companies to develop digital front-ends (DFEs) and workflow solutions for digital printing devices, will be making their three award-winning products available beginning in October 2025.
Fiery JobFlow. This AI-native workflow automation platform was built for today’s fast-paced, multi-vendor digital print environment, Fiery JobFlow uses real-time, intelligent decision making to automate print job preparation and production tasks. It delivers faster workflow execution and smarter job processing, while ensuring maximum ease of use. JobFlow Pro democratizes intelligent workflow creation and redefines what’s possible in print automation for the next phase of the digital transformation of printing. (Category: Software, Prepress and Premedia)
Fiery Freeform Create Software 2.0. FreeForm Create enables print-service providers to create and sell targeted and impactful personalized printing to their customers. Users can quickly add variable text, images, and bar code to any print job. Freeform Create was originally developed for users of cut-sheet and high-speed inkjet presses. This new version can be be used with large-format presses as well. (Category: Software, Variable and Transactional)
Fiery XF 9. This high-performance software RIP combines a file-rendering engine with color-management and workflow automation to optimize efficiencies at every stage of large-format print production. Version 9 of Fiery XF 9 adds support for free, easy variable-data printing with Fiery FreeForm Create and integrates with Fiery ColorGuard for streamlined color control and verification. New AI-powered features deliver more creative, high-quality output with greater efficiency. XF 9 is popular because it supports more than 2,500 different printers and 2,200 cutters used for wide-format graphics production. This means XF 9 can be a central hub for all wide-format and superwide-format production in a multi-device operation. When XF 9 is managed on a Fiery Command WorkStation, users can prepare, manage, and optimize print jobs without ever leaving the Fiery print production environment.
When Fiery XF 9 is part of a unified Fiery-driven print room, managers can get a full overview of all jobs in production, whether they are a wide-format printers, cut-sheet presses or high-speed production inkjet presses. (Category: Software – RIP)
OnPrintShop
Pattern Printing Software. OnPrintShop 12 is an AI-driven platform for efficiently building web-to-print storefronts. Their new Pattern Printing software enables OnPrintShop makes it easier to produce and preview patterns for new products such as custom gift wrap, wallpaper, backdrops, and printed textiles for curtains, bedsheets, and pillowcases. The software offers capabilities such as pattern repetitions with full drop, half-drop, mirror, and normal styles. The print business can either design the patterns themselves or allow customers to create their own. Buyers can then select from varied options for material types, dimensions, and finishings for the product. (Category: Software – Web-Based Design, Personalized or Product Building)
products that feature repeating patterns such as gift wrap, food wrap, and textiles.
VANTAGE
Vantage 4.0 is cloud-based installation-management software that helps sign shops and wide-format graphics companies avoid miscommunications on graphic-installations projects, whether it’s a one-off local installation or a national rollout across thousands of sites with in-house or outsourced crews. The easy-to-use platform was specifically designed to replace endless email threads, hundreds of hours of phone calls, insecure shared calendars, and file storage among project managers, installation vendors, shop-floor teams, and clients.
Vantage software was developed in collaboration with leading print shops in the U.S. and U.K. and has been used to coordinate thousands of installations for some of the biggest brands in the world. Integrations with leading MIS and ERP systems automate eliminate the need to re-enter installation-related data about jobs in progress. Near-real-time syncing between the ERP and Vantage means job statuses and updates are shared so that production, project, and installation teams can work together more effectively.
Vendor management tools in the software enable print shops to grow their installer networks, find the best subcontractors for their projects, share briefs, get progress and completion reports from the site, solve issues in real time, and streamline approvals and payments. The dashboard shows all install jobs in progress, with details on locations, campaigns, and project team members. Reporting tools track profitability, team and vendor availability, and recurring issues. (Category: Software, Workflow, MIS/CRM)
Print Media
DAF PRODUCTS
Fedrigoni F-Print Natural Fibers Ultra Rem. This recyclable self-adhesive graphic media for short-term indoor graphics combines a paper face made from 100% post-consumer recycled fibers with a clear, ultra-removable water-based acrylic adhesive. Compatible with latex and UV inkjet printing technologies, this substrate is recommended for point-of-sale advertising, indoor window graphics, and advertising panels. The product is REACH and RoHS compliant and suitable for graphics that need to last one year or less indoors. This material was manufactured by Fedrigoni and brought to the U.S. by DAF Products. (Category: Media, Adhesive-Backed, Not Vinyl)
FISHER TEXTILES
Fisher Textiles will be launching its three award-winning products at the 2025 PRINTING United Expo in October.
DD1001 Impression Backlit. This advanced printable polyester fabric for backlit framing systems pairs economical ink usage with brilliant colors. Developed high-speed, high-volume print businesses, the printed fabric first appears muted due to its low ink absorption, But, when the print is illuminated from behind, the colors look rich and saturated. The significantly reduced ink consumption delivers lower operating costs without sacrificing consistently high quality. DD1001 Impression is soft to the touch, has excellent stretch, and offers an improved finish that is shinier and less fuzzy than traditional backlit fabrics. It also resolves common issues such as ink rub-off. Weighing 5.9 osy. and stocked at 126 in. wide, DD1001 Impression is compatible with UV inks as well as dye sublimation transfer and direct-to-fabric dye sub printing. The product will be launched at the 2025 PRINTING United Expo in October. (Category: Media – Textile – Framing Systems – Backlit)
DD7703 Lined Flag. This outdoor-display textile streamlines the production of high-quality, outdoor-durable flags. The silver coating on the reverse side of the printable flag surface provides excellent opacity and effective light blocking without a separate liner. At just 5.6 osy, DD7703 Lined Flag is lightweight yet rugged enough for outdoor applications such as street pole banners, feather flags, and other two-sided display systems. With its 126-inch width, it supports large-format printing with fewer seams and faster turnaround. By combining the printable surface and light-blocking liner into a single substrate, DD7703 reduces material costs and the time-consuming step of sewing two fabrics together. (Category: Media -Textile- Flag)
GF4303 Eco-Canvas is a U.S.-made, 65% polyester/35% cotton blend canvas designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, archival art and decor print media at more accessible price points. Featuring a square weave and durable acrylic coating, this canvas delivers image clarity, color vibrancy, and longevity. It is ideal for high-volume fine art reproductions, photography, home furnishings, and upscale retail signage. GF4303 Eco Canvas is compatible with UV, latex, and solvent printing technologies. At 10 oz/sq yd and stocked in 126-in. widths, it supports seamless large-format applications while offering the tactile appeal of a traditional cotton canvas with enhanced durability from the polyester blend. It’s also a smart, sustainable choice because its U.S. manufacturing ensures consistent quality, shorter lead times, and reduced environmental impact compared to alternatives imported from overseas. (Category: Media – Textile – Canvas)
ULTRAFLEX SYSTEMS
Ultraflex Evolve PE Pro. This 100% PVC-free recyclable polyethylene (PE) graphic material was developed for indoor and outdoor banners, billboards, and other out-of-home advertising graphics Engineered with an innovative ink-absorbing layer Evolve PE Pro is lightweight (160 gsm) for easier production and shipping but has the weatherability and tear-resistance that outdoor applications require. The ink-absorbing layer is what makes Evolve PE Pro more Available in widths ranging from 54 in. to 196 in., it is compatible with eco-solvent, solvent, latex, and UV print technologies. (Category: Media- Non-PVC)
Ultraflex ReSource™ Star Eclipse® D270 is a 7.6 oz GRS-certified recycled polyester block-out fabric with a black back. It has a soft hand and slight stretch for easy installation in trade-show displays, retail environments, and other indoor application where light-blocking is necessary for clear viewing. It is available in 126 in. and 196 in. wide rolls. It is compatible with UV inks or dye-sublimation direct-to-fabric or dye-sublimation transfer printing. (Media – Textile -Banner)
S-ONE
HP Production Foamplus Board is a 3/16-in, thick bright white, paper-faced foam board for fast, cost-effective printing of indoor signs on the HP PageWide XL Pro 10000 single-pass wide-format aqueous inkjet printer. HP Production Foamplus Board features a premium inkjet coating for excellent ink coverage. It can be used to print lightweight, easy-to-transport materials such as sales presentations, retail signage, and event exhibits. It is sold in 20-sheet packs in two sizes: 24 in. x 36 in. and 30 in. x 42 in. (Category – Media -Rigid – Synthetic)
MEDIA ONE DIGITAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS
Hyperflex-SBRU9 is a 9-mil non-curl greyback banner material for high-quality retractable banner stands and indoor signage. The new 60-in. x 150-ft. roll size doubles banner-stand production efficiency because shops can run longer jobs with fewer roll changes and less waste. (Category: Media – Banner – Non-Textile)
Imageperfect™
iD7 Multigrip is a highly-conformable polymeric vinyl with a high-tack adhesive that will stick to nearly any surface. This includes: brick walls, concrete, stone, stucco tiling, construction machinery and equipment with a hammertone finish. It will also stick to hard plastics, polypropylene, polyamide (for instance, in ice hockey stadiums), water-based car paints, surfboards, motocross bikes, ATVs, and powder-coated metal substrates. It is compatible with eco-solvent, latex, and UV printer technologies. (Category: Media – Adhesive Backed Vinyl)
SISER NORTH AMERICA
Easy Puff Glitter is an innovative cuttable heat transfer vinyl for garment decorators. It provides an easy way for designers to add both sparkle and dimension to garments. The vinyl includes embedded ultra-fine glitter flakes and an iridescent finish that subtly changes color in the light. After heat is applied, the graphics puff out from the surface of the decorated garment. (Media – Heat Transfer Material – Cuttable)
TVF
PureNight Pro 8668DWGFS. This 100% recycled polyester block out fabric engineered for direct or transfer printing with dye sublimation inks. It can be used for front lit display frames, event backdrops, banners, retail displays, and window graphics. Made without a polyurethane coating, it offers both excellent print coverage and post-use recyclability. It has a supremely white surface, crease resistance, and high impermeability to light. It provides an alternative to coated black-back fabrics for dye-sublimation soft signage. Available in widths up to 122 in., this material is packable, easy-to-fold, and flame retardant. It is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified.(Category: Media – Textile – Framing Systems – Front lit)
Other Equipment & Materials
M&R PRINTING & EQUIPMENT
QUATRO CUTTER X™ Direct to Film (DTF) Transfer Film Cutter. This versatile cutting system automates PET film cutting after transfers are printed on rolls from 12 to 24 in. wide and cured on the QUATRO DTF printer. It can also be used as a standalone film cutter for other DTF printing systems or used to cut one transfer at a time for just-in-time production. The QUATRO CUTTER X uses a rotary-wheel blade for cutting along the X-Axis of PET film at a speed of up to 90 linear feet per hour. An optic reflective sensor is used to detect crop marks for linear cutting. A color touchscreen control panel easy setup of cutting commands. (Lasers/Routers/Cutters less than 4 x 8 ft.)
Quik-Klean Self-Contained Automatic Floodbar and Squeegee Cleaner. This product automates the tedious, labor-intensive process of cleaning squeegee holders and floodbars. The cleaning process uses combination of a high-volume spray and a rotating squeegee/floodbar holder housed within a single chamber. A final freshwater rinse eliminates the need for post-cycle washing and the risk of squeegee degradation from exposure to cleaning chemicals. Qwik-Klean eliminates direct employee exposure to the cleaning process, It also reduces environmental impact and lowers operating costs by recirculating the cleaning chemicals. Qwik-Klean handles a 20-in. maximum-length, M&R-type squeegee/floodbar, and can process 24 pieces per cycle. (Screen-Printing Post-Press, Screen Clean/Reclaim)
SAATI
Textil PHU-HR is a versatile, high-performance emulsion for creating photo stencils on the mesh screens used to screen print apparel. Sold as a ready-to-use product, Textil PHU-HR can withstand thousands of prints with discharge inks without catalysts, additives or mixing. It works with a variety of inks, including plastisol, water-based, discharge, solvent-based and UV inks. The emulsion performs well with designs the involve fine detail or halftone printing.
BARBIERI
Spectro LFP qb Digital Press edition. The Spectro LFP qb Digital Press edition precision is a fully automated reflection spectrophotometer for precise accurate color-chart measurements on the variety of materials printed with high-speed digital graphics, packaging and label printers. With its variable 2 – 6 mm measurement aperture, it enables fully automated reflection measurements for materials up to 20 mm thick.
The device is optimized for measuring reflective, paper-like materials with smooth or finely textured surfaces. In addition to paper and fine art paper, the Spectro LFP qb Digital Press edition can measure color charts on glass, Plexiglas, plastic plates, backlit film, wrap film, vinyl banner materials, wood, stone, and ceramic materials, as well as polyester, wallpaper, soft signage, and packaging materials such as cardboard and corrugated board. The measurements can be used to create ICC profiles for digital printing devices, linearization and calibration of digital output devices. and color accuracy and stability control.
NOBELUS
StrataFlex Thermal Pre-Lams. These materials optimize workflows that use thermal lamination in the process of making flexible packaging such as stand-up pouches and square-bottom bags. The StrataFlex Pre-Laminations are METPET materials that enable converters to reverse print on a print web before the thermal lamination step. These pre-lams consist of an EVA adhesive layer, a PET and METPET core, and a heat-sealable PE layer. While both products in the StrataFlex line have oxygen and moisture barrier properties due to their METPET core, they are available in white or silver to accommodate different graphic designs. (Category: Laminates, Films, Adhesives, Coatings)
About the Pinnacle Product Awards
The Pinnacle Product Awards were introduced in 2021 after the SGIA (the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association) merged with the PIA (Printing Industries of America) to form the PRINTING United Alliance. The merger brought together print service providers and suppliers to expand the boundaries of what’s possible with multiple forms of digital printing technologies and systems.
The program’s three categories (Output, Non-Output, and Technology) continue the traditions established by the SGIA’s Product of the Year Awards and PIA’s InterTech Awards. The SGIA’s Production of Year awards had recognized new or improved products. The PIA’s InterTech Awards honored revolutionary new technologies that were likely to have significant impact on printing and graphics companies.
For more details on entry requirements and categories, visit: Pinnacle Awards 2025
Comments from Winners
The winners of Pinnacle Product Awards recognize the value of the program.
“I’m a big believer in the power of awards — both the opportunities that come from being a winner and the boost to team morale that it brings,” said Dan Tyler, the founder of Vantage. “We are so grateful to the PRINTING United Alliance and excited to do more with them.”
“Winning the Pinnacle Award for our Spectro LFP qb Digital Press Edition is a tremendous honor,” said Viktor Lazzeri, COO, Barbieri electronic. “It underscores our commitment to advancing precision color measurement in modern digital print environments and reflects our continued focus on supporting innovation, automation, and excellence for our customers in packaging and industrial printing.”
You can see many of the Pinnacle Product award-winning products (as well as other innovations) at the 2025 PRINTING United Expo, October 22-24 in Orlando, FL.