This time too, Fespa 2017 to be held in Hamburg, Germany from 8 to 12 May 2017, will see a gathering of the latest technology, equipment, consumables and materials for speciality print.

Fespa CEO Neil Felton said, “Fespa events have a deserved reputation as the leading global launch platform for wide format printing and signmaking technologies, and Fespa 2017 will be no exception. In the last few weeks, exhibitors from every product area have confirmed exciting debut products at this year’s exhibition. Our own visitor research affirms that technology innovation is the leading driver for attending industry exhibitions, and that Fespa plays a vital role in shaping PSPs’ investment plans. Total 41% of visitors to our 2015 global print expo in Cologne planned to invest within six months of attending, and with over 100 new products to be shown at Fespa 2017 we expect the exhibition to have a similar influence on technology implementation among speciality printers in the coming year.”

With 10 halls and 1,000 brands at Fespa 2017 and European Sign Expo, there are many exciting products, applications and solutions for visitors to uncover. Dedicated trails for textile printing, printed interior décor, corrugated and signage will guide visitors with an interest in these areas to the most relevant stands, highlighting solutions across all 10 halls.

Some of the technology launches and highlights revealed by exhibiting suppliers to date include:

• The EMEA launch of Canon’s, Océ Colorado 1640, (stand A1-B55) the first wide format roll-to-roll printer based on Canon UVgel technology
• HP’s (stand A1-D15) introduction of its latex print-and-cut solutions to simplify and accelerate sign and display production
• The European debut of EFI’s (stand B7-E30) new Vutek 3r roll-to-roll LED printer
• Fujifilm (stand B4L - E35) will present an exclusive technology preview of its new modular in-line flatbed production system, built on UV technology
• Inca Digital’s (stand A4-D51) new software suite, IncaConnect, which it says provides greater visibility and workflow management on its Onset and Spyder printers
• A new member of the Mimaki UJF-MKll family (stand A1-A25), its latest generation of small-format UV flatbed printers
• OKI Europe’s (stand B5-A52) new white toner printer for its Pro Series Graphic Arts portfolio, designed to enable graphic arts professionals to meet evolving market demands
• The new MS110-DDS production unit from Sakurai (stand A4-D20), for improved precision and flexibility in screen production
• The worldwide debut of Massivit 3D (stand A4-C20) Printing Technologies' flagship Massivit 1800 3D printer, which provides an advanced 3D printing solution for the wide-format and sign and display sectors

Finishing is expected to be a focus area for innovation, with end-to-end productivity and workflow automation an increasing consideration for PSPs. Launches identified so far include the SP2000 large-format laser cutter from Trotec (stand A1 C65), designed to handle a diverse range of signmaking and display materials such as acrylic, wood and textiles. Zünd (stand B7-D30) will showcase its G3 3XL-3200 cutting system, which is equipped with new technological advances designed to facilitate advancing and processing of rolled fabrics.

Fespa has consistently provided a comprehensive showcase for innovations in consumables, with new inks and media supporting PSPs’ diversification into new application areas. Here too, exhibitors at Fespa 2017 have signalled new products, for example, Marabu's (stand B7-C60) new inks for screen, digital and pad printing, and Sun Chemical's (stand B5-D20) new FasciaCoat hardcoat varnish for dashboard fascia. J-Teck3 (stand A1, B64) will present its new series of textile pigment inks for Epson and Kyocera printheads.

Textile printing

Fespa is firmly established as one of the leading specialist events for textile printing. New technology and solutions for textile at FESPA 2017 include:

• The new Avinci DX3200 printer from Agfa Graphics (stand B5-A52) for high quality soft signage
• The first showing of the Kornit Vulcan, Kornit Digital's (stand B6-D10) digital rival to screen printing carousels, targeted to screen printers producing collections and short runs for retailers and promotional purposes
• The new GTC111-5400 extra large format printing machine from Klieverik (stand B5-A52)
• Colorjet's (stand B5-G62) new entry level TXF digital textile printer, suitable for fashion and home textile applications
• The new ROQ Hybrid printer from ROQ, (stand B6-D80) a new entrant in the digital direct-to-garment sector,  designed to work in conjunction with an automatic screen printing machine

Printed décor

A number of exhibitors are showcasing new equipment and technologies to enable PSPs to make the most of the opportunities available in printed interior décor. Examples include:

• Mutoh's (stand A1-A15), new dye-sublimation transfer printer, the 1.9m ValueJet 1948WX, suitable for home textile and interior décor printing
• Coatings' (stand B7-G5) new range of printable wallcoverings, including KernowJet FloorShark and KernowJet Interiors
• New printable window film from Squid (stand B7 C5), a self-adhesive, transparent, woven fabric that can be applied directly to windows or walls
• 3M's (stand A1-A85) new textured Décor Overlaminate 8900 Series, designed to help brand and personalise interior work environments

Founded in 1962, Fespa is a global federation of 37 member associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community. FESPA's dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.