Investing in new industrial print technology is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. Manufacturers like Mimaki, HP, and Konica Minolta are developing machines that offer improved speed, quality, and sustainability, as well as features like automation and greater media flexibility, helping businesses reduce costs and meet evolving customer demands. Rob Fletcher focuses on industrial printing machinery, speaking with several manufacturers about their offerings and the benefits of taking on new machinery.

As the old saying goes, “you have to spend money to make money”. While this is very much easier said than done in the current tough economic climate, this adage is as true as ever, especially when it comes to being competitive in a busy print market where companies are battling it out to secure the most valuable contracts.

However, for those in a position to consider bringing in new machinery to bolster their print production line-up, it is far from a simple process. With so many options available on the market, careful research and planning is required before signing on the dotted line and committing to an investment.

In this feature, we sit down with several printer manufacturers to find out about their new and most sought-after solutions in industrial print, as well as why print companies should consider spending more money – at what is a tricky time, financially – to strengthen their production.

Meet expectations and reduce costs

First up to advise is Arjen van der Sluijs, product manager at Mimaki Europe. He explained that upgrading industrial print machinery is essential to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.

“Print technology is advancing rapidly, and newer machines offer significant improvements in speed, quality, efficiency, and sustainability,” van der Sluijs said. “By upgrading, print businesses can meet growing customer expectations, reduce operational costs, and stay ahead of regulatory changes. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about unlocking new capabilities that drive profitability and future-proofing your business.”

So, what should printers be looking for when shopping for new machinery? According to van der Sluijs, businesses should first ensure the technology meets their current production needs in terms of speed, print quality, and cost-efficiency. However, he added that it is equally as important to think long-term.

“A truly valuable solution is one that supports scalability, minimises downtime, and offers compatibility with evolving standards and materials,” he said. “Look for systems that are future-proof, offer strong ROI, and help you stay compliant with upcoming regulations.”

Caption: Mimaki is running a trade-in offer for discount on its UJF-3042 MkII e and UJF-6042 MkII e. Image credit: Mimaki

With this, he highlights several developments at Mimaki, primarily the launch of ELH and ELS inks, which are compatible with all Mimaki UV printers. These inks are SVHC-free and the world’s first CMR-free UV inks, which van der Sluijs said makes them a safer and more sustainable choice for both people and the environment.

“With potential bans on SVHC products as early as 2027, these inks help businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining the same high performance as our previous ink formulations,” he said.

In addition, van der Sluijs said Mimaki is running a new trade-in campaign, where customers can trade in their current UV flatbed printer, regardless of brand, for a significant discount on its latest models: the UJF-3042 MkII e and UJF-6042 MkII e.

Large-format thinking

Also weighing in HP, which maps out some of its industrial print options. HP said its latest large-format print portfolio is built to set new benchmarks across performance, automation and sustainability.

First is the new HP Latex R530, an all-in-one hybrid printer for rigid and flexible media, with white ink capability, automatic maintenance and UL ECOLOGO®-certified water-based inks containing recycled plastic to reduce environmental impact.

Caption: HP has already completed several installs of its new HP Latex R530. Image credit: HP

“With the Latex R530’s ability to print directly on rigid substrates up to 5cm thick and switch seamlessly between rigid and flexible jobs, users can run more print jobs at higher speeds (24sq m/hr in indoor mode) and strengthen their sustainability credentials through water-based inks that align with ISO 14001 standards,” a HP spokesperson said.

Digital Creative Services (UK) became the first UK company to install the Latex R530 in April 2025, while in Germany, Munsteiner Werbetechnik, Volker Bosl also invested in the machine. The latter took on the printer to diversify into rigid substrates and meet client demands in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality and interior design.

“With white ink enabling new applications on acrylic glass and composites, automatic recirculation reducing downtime and a single-phase power system simplifying installation, these printers are expanding their offerings while meeting customer expectations for health-safe, sustainable print products,” the HP spokesperson said.

Also from HP are the HP Latex 730 & 830 Series, billed as next-generation printers with HP Pixel Control colour pipeline for sharper detail and banding reduction, rapid production speeds, automated double-sided printing and EPEAT Climate+ certification for sustainability. One early user, DCO Digitaldruck Centrum Oldenburg in Germany, praised the technology for delivering finer details, reduced banding and sharper text at lower pass modes, all of which directly supports its high-volume graphics and signage work.

Aside from hardware, users can make use of the HP PrintOS Production Hub, which HP said is the world’s only large-format platform merging order management and remote production control in a centralised, real-time system to streamline workflows and reduce operational complexity.

On top of this is HP Build Workspace with AI Vectorisation, the first AI-powered raster-to-CAD conversion for the AEC sector, as well as HP SitePrint Flatness Measurement Service, which automates floor flatness measurement and elevation correction marking on site. In addition, HP customers can access the Sustainability Amplifier Programme, which provides self-assessment tools, personalised recommendations and expert best practices to improve environmental performance.

Staying relevant in a competitive market

The final manufacturer to comment is Konica Minolta. Malcolm Smith, category manager for professional print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, said as industrial print is evolving fast, standing still is not an option.

“Upgrading your machinery isn’t just about speed or quality; it’s about staying relevant,” he said. “Today’s print customers expect more: shorter lead times, greater media flexibility and sustainable production. Whether it’s expanding into packaging, labels or high-value embellishment, the right investment can transform your business model.”

In terms of what to look in quality solutions, Smith said customers are seeking more than just a printing press; they want a complete solution. This, he said, means reliability, greater automation and the ability to handle a wide range of substrates without compromise.

“Our AccurioPress, AccurioShine, AccurioLabel and AccurioJet ranges for example are built to deliver consistent output and intelligent workflow integration that saves time and labour,” he said. “But it’s also about partnership – having an expert supplier who understands your business and is there to support you long-term is vital.”

One of the latest solutions from Konica Minolta is the AccurioPress C14010S, its flagship high-volume toner press that delivers up to 140ppm, with the ability to run thin and thick paper – up to 450g/sq m – embossed paper, envelopes, polyester and cut-sheet labels.

“Overall, we’re investing heavily in inkjet, embellishment and label solutions – areas where our customers can differentiate and add real value,” Smith said. “Whether it’s highly flexible and high-speed inkjet for direct mail or tactile embellishment that elevates brand impact, we’re helping professional printers move beyond volume into high-margin creativity.”

Clearly, there are plenty of benefits to be had by upgrading your industrial print equipment. The two manufacturers here represent just some of the specialist providers that can support printers – both wide-format or otherwise – with their industrial print needs. Though, as with any new investment, print companies should carry out their due diligence to ensure they are spending money on the right solutions.