Previous posts on this blog have covered the 2025 Pinnacle Product Awards in the Output and Non-Output categories. This post puts the spotlight on the winners in the Technology category.
The Technology category in the Pinnacle Product Awards program of the PRINTING United Alliance continues the tradition of an awards program previously known as the Intertech Technology Awards. The Printing Industries of America (PIA) association presented the Intertech Awards for 14 years before merging with the SGIA (Specialty Graphics Imaging Association) in 2020 to form the PRINTING United Alliance.
Unlike the Output and Non-Output categories, the Technology category has no sub-categories. Entries are judged individually by an independent panel of judges separate from those who selected the Non-Output entries. The technology judges determine which innovations in technology are most likely to make a significant impact on commercial printing, digital textile printing, package printing, screen printing, wide format printing, or related fields.
This year’s winners include:
- software that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline print-on-demand production of products and garments ordered through online storefronts
- hybrid finishing equipment that enables users to perform a wider range of processes with less floor space and fewer devices
- an automated system for managing color on the wide range of substrates used in digital presses
- a first-of-its-kind software to manage wide-format graphics installation projects
- a system that controls ink usage on high-speed, high-volume presses
- advanced systems for DTF (direct-to-film) printing systems and DTO (direct-to-object) printing
- systems and chemicals that improve screen-cleaning and reclaiming processes in screen-printing shops.
Software
OnPrintShop.
Version 12. 1 of OnPrintShop. The latest version of this web-to-print software uses artificial intelligence to address real-world print-business challenges such as labor shortages, time-consuming set-up processes for e-commerce storefronts, and the inability to provide personalized buying experiences to each consumer or multiple buyers within an established corporate client.
For example, the AI-powered content and image generators in OnPrintShop can cut the time required to set up online storefronts by 70%. Other features include: the ability to translate website content into multiple languages; enhance product images and remove backgrounds; and recommend products to buyers based on the customer’s online behavior.
Newer features expand the range of products a print shop can sell online. Pattern printing makes it easier make it easier to set up and preview printed textiles or custom wallpaper, wrapping paper, and food wrap. Online design tools enable customers to order custom labels and die-cut stickers as well as booklets, reports, and other bulk-printed documents. The software offers integrations with popular Print MIS programs, as well as accounting, marketing, shipping, and payment software.
STAHLS
Stahls’ Fulfill Engine. This all-in-one software platform for apparel decorating businesses automates order management and production scheduling across multiple devices or multi-site operations that use several decoration methods to fulfill on-demand custom-decorated garments. The software reduces manual tasks, condenses production times, and improves order accuracy. The system can also automate order acquisition, blank apparel sourcing, production schedules, and shipping. It also integrates with Shopify and other e-commerce storefronts.
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 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. Vantage also received a 2025 Pinnacle Product Award in the Non-Output category.
GLOBAL VISION
Verify. This an AI-powered, cloud-based proofreading platform to to ensure error-free content in printed packaging materials used in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals and consumer packaged goods. It can inspect text, graphics, spelling, barcodes, QR codes, and Braille and supports all languages.
This lightning-fast quality checker supports numerous file-types and prevents reputation-damaging errors such as incorrect drug names, dosages, or safety warnings. Verify can help regulated companies reduce the risk of product recalls, regulatory fines, and legal disputes. By speeding up review and approval cycles for regulatory submissions, labeling, packaging, and marketing materials, Verify helps brands bring products to market faster. GlobalVision’s APIs allow software developers to connect Verify to package artwork management systems.
Printer Technologies
INNOVATIVE DIGITAL SYSTEMS
RevHDL: This is the world’s first UV-LED rotary inkjet printer engineered specifically to print images, designs, and text on drinkware with handles, such as coffee mugs and travel tumblers (e.g., Stanley tumblers). Equipped with high-speed, industrial inkjet printheads, the RevHDL can print primer, white ink, CMYK inks, and a clear varnish in a single pass. Vibrant, opaque, and dishwasher-durable prints can be output on materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, glass, and plastic. It can handle glasses and mugs with diameters ranging from 2.56 in. to 5.12 in.
ROLAND DGA CORPORATION
The Roland DG TY-300 printer/shaker/heater unit is an automated direct-to-film (DTF) printing system for apparel professionals. It pairs Roland’s state-of-the-art 30-in. DG TY-300 DTF printer with the Roland DG RDTFS800 roll-to-roll shaker for long unattended print runs. The integrated system produces colorful, detailed, durable graphics that are ready to be heat-pressed (transferred) to a wide range of dark or light-colored garments for promotional products, uniforms, or fashion apparel. Fabrics that work with the DTF system include cotton, polyester, denim, nylon, and rayon and more.
The Roland TY-300 printer uses newly developed printheads and inks to reproduce intricate designs, small text, and fine lines with exceptional clarity. The True Rich Color 3 setting ensures vibrant, natural colors that will enhance the visual appeal of decorated apparel.
The printer uses Roland DG’s proprietary S-PG2 inks that offer high color density and resist cracking, fading, and peeling, even after the decorated garment is washed multiple times.
Designed for ease of use, the TY-300 includes automated cleaning functions to prevent nozzle clogging, downtime, and maintenance costs. The printers is designed for easy replacement of caps, wipers, flushing components and other components.
This complete package empowers users to produce vibrant, durable, and detailed prints that can be applied to almost any type or size of garment or fabric-based accessory without the need to apply and dry special pretreatments first.
Substrates
CONTINENTAL GRAFIX USA
panoRama Two-Way Vision Film With this innovative translucent PVC film, print-service providers cam produce vibrant window graphics that are visible from both sides day and at night without a printed white layer. This clear PVC film uses embedded white prism technology to capture natural daylight and interior ambient light to illuminate printed graphics on both sides of the glass.
During the day, this film transmits ambient daylight for the graphics appear bright to viewers inside the building. At night, the film transmits ambient and interior lighting so the graphics look vibrant from the outside.
panoRama TwoWay Vision is ideal for a variety of decorative and functional applications including retail storefronts, corporate environments, restaurants, hotels, educational areas, hospitals, and transportation centers. Print four colors with solvent, eco-solvent, UV, or latex inks for superb color saturation without a white ink layer. Install inside or outside on flat or slightly curved glass.
Use panoRama TwoWay Vision in place of perforated window film so the graphics don’t disappear after sunset even with interior backlighting. The film is compatible with UV, latex, and eco-solvent inks and features an air-egress liner for ease of installation. The graphics can be removed with residue for up to 6 months.
Finishing Equipment
HARRIS & BRUNO
ZRX by Harris & Bruno. This is a cutting-edge digital embellishment press that flood coats, spot coats, and foil stamps in one pass without the need for dies or screens. It brings speed, quality, and versatility to high-impact print.
The Harris & Bruno ZRX embellishment press can create multiple effects, such as the raised spot UV and foil effects added to the prints above and the xMatte digital emboss-like effect on the uncoated media below.
The ZRX can apply protective coatings or digital embellishments to sheets of coated or uncoated stocks, This eliminates the need for lamination and opens new opportunities for print-service providers to attract customers who would like to add eye-catching effects and a premium feel to luxury-product packaging, direct mail, or high-end collateral. It can handle sheets up to 29.5 in. x 42 in. and 60 mm thick.
The press is engineered for precision coating, accurate registration, and smooth laydown at production speeds. With fully automated job changeovers and intuitive software controls, the ZRX streamlines workflow while maintaining consistency from sheet to sheet.
VIVID LAMINATING TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Easymount Hybrid Laminator. This innovative combination of a roll-to-roll laminating system and flatbed mounting application table enables print-service providers to perform a wider range of graphics-finishing processes with a single machine and less floor space.
Developed in-house by Vivid, the Easymount Hybrid features electro-magnetic roller locking for seamless transitions between the laminating and mounting modes. The patented floating rollers protect substrate edges and accelerate workflow. The modular design adapts to a variety of production needs, delivering the benefits of both a traditional roll laminator and flatbed applicator in a single, easy-to-use system.
GRAPHCO
SD-Italy Fisor Augusta F150R Pro. This advanced hybrid CNC routing and cutting solution is engineered for exceptional precision, speed, and versatility across industrial applications. It can process a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, paper, cardboard, PVC, polyurethane foam, Alucobond, leather, and wood. The machine’s new Auto Stud Welding Technology provides a higher level of efficiency in manufacturing architectural signs and fabricating facades by automatically adding the mounting studs as part of the sign panel routing process.
With its combination of strength, speed, and intelligent automation, the Augusta F150R Pro is ideal for businesses that require meticulous processing of signage, displays, packaging, textiles, industrial applications, and polymeric materials. Graphco is the exclusive distributor in North America.
Screen Printing
EASIWAY SYSTEMS
EasiSolv 991 Screen Wash. This versatile, reliable screen cleaner meets the demands of modern screen printing. Because it can be used with either manual or automatic screen-cleaning systems and multiple ink types, (including plastisol, UV, water-based, and silicone inks), it streamlines cleaning prcoesses, reduces downtime, and saves money. .
Formulated with advanced solvents and surfactants, EasiSolv 991 can remove all types of ink from screen printing mesh. Its mild odor, high flash point, and non-hazardous formulation ensure safety without sacrificing performance. The product effectively breaks down stubborn residues, leaving screens spotless and ready for the next job. EasiSolv 991 meets ZDHC MRSL compliance, providing peace of mind regarding regulatory and sustainability standards.
BLUEWATER LABS
HP-1 High Pressure Washer. This automated system improves screen-room efficiency by cleaning, reclaiming, and preparing screens for re-use. Equipped with advanced spraying technology, the HP-1 delivers consistent and thorough cleaning. The fully programmable system eliminates ink, emulsion, and haze from screens with minimal manual intervention. Operators can customize cleaning cycles based on specific screen sizes and ink types..
It has a compact, space-saving footprint and an energy-efficient design that minimizes utility costs. Built with durable, corrosion-resistant materials, the HP-1 offers long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance requirements.
M&R PRINTING EQUIPMENT
Qwik-Klean™ Self-Contained Automatic Squeegee and Floodbar Cleaner. This self-contained system automates the labor-intensive, tedious process of cleaning squeegee holders and floodbars. It combines a high-volume spray and a rotating squeegee/floodbar holder assembly within a single stainless-steel chamber. By recirculating the cleaning chemicals, it helps shops maintain a clean, safer operating environment by eliminating direct employee exposure to the cleaning process,
Color Management and Ink Usage
.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, linearize and calibrate digital output devices, and control color accuracy and stability.
Sentinel Ink Management Systems
The Sentinel iPro Ink Management System. The system intelligently optimizes ink usage on sheetfed offset presses while ensuring consistent print quality. It helps large-scale, high-volume commercial and packaging print environments reduce ink costs by monitoring ink levels and consumption rates across multiple printing presses or production lines..The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing sheetfed offset presses, with minimal disruption during installation. It is compatible with a wide range of inks Plus, it is easy for press operators to learn and use, regardless of their technical expertise.
Where to See the Winning Products
The products in the 2025 Technology Category of the Pinnacle Product Awards reflect some of the trends that are reshaping print businesses everywhere. The award-winning products show how artificial intelligence is being used to improve digital print operations and how automation in screen-printing and offset printing operations can help reduce labor and ink costs.
The hybrid finishing equipment suggest that businesses want multi-purpose devices that can accomplish multiple processes in a limited amount of floor space. Innovations in materials are continuing to improve the versatility of print businesses boosting graphics performance and reducing ink usage.
Many of the Pinnacle award-winning products and technologies will be exhibited at the 2025 PRINTING United Expo, October 22-24 in Orlando, FL. You can also visit the winners’ gallery online at: Gallery | Pinnacle Awards 2025