InfoTrends expects the demand for lower-cost digital graphic production processes to drive shipments of wide format solvent inkjet printers throughout the forecast period.
Low-end and mid-range units will experience double-digit growth over the forecast period, which will largely be offset by the declines (in terms of unit sales and price per unit) at the high end, it says.
In terms of supplies, there have been dramatic improvements in inks, media, and printheads that have drastically improved the achievable print quality
from wide format solvent inkjet printers.
These improvements have made it possible for a wide variety of establishments to invest in solvent inkjet printers to produce a broad range of applications intended for indoor and outdoor use.
InfoTrends believes that there are now really three major types of users of wide format printing equipment: production companies, sign companies, and digital graphics providers.
Wide format solvent inkjet is expected to remain one of the stronger aspects of the total wide format digital printing market, but increasing competition from digital signage and UV-curable will affect solvent production throughout the coming years, according to Tim Greene, InfoTrends director.
“To overcome this, vendors must focus on post sales and selling service contracts to buyers.”
