The Media Expo 2024 show held from 12-14 September in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, aimed at MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises) in the signage or decor industries. Unlike its previous counterparts where printing technologies were the highlight, this show featured several new formats for both indoor and outdoor advertising.
The show highlighted LED as a growing and quickly-adopted advertising medium. With visitors owning small or mid-level businesses, the show offered several key insights. Among the exhibitors were manufacturers of precise cutting systems, portable display stand providers, vinyl and flex sheet makers, ink manufacturers, merchandise printing technologies, and LED sign board makers.
Alongside the exibitor’s stands, interactive conference sessions took place in Hall 2. The session discussing and projecting eco-solvent or UV curing inks as the future of signage printing received the highest footfall. The majority of printers agreed that UV is a more sustainable future-ready solution, but that its wider adoption will take time. Currently, large-scale providers who already possess eco-solvents are veering towards UV and diversifying their infrastructure in that direction in a big way.
Monotech PixelJet range
Monotech India demonstrated its PixelJet range with inkjet-based signage printing technology for mid-format. This printer can print up to 48 square meters at elevated speeds with resolutions up to 2400 dpi. Featuring printheads from Kyocera, it is compatible with substrates such as glass, wood, and foam board. A compact version of its existing six-foot-wide UV LED roll-to-roll printer named Pixeljet miniRTR was a crowd gatherer. The miniRTR is capable of printing high-quality indoor and outdoor signage along with various interior decor applications.
“This is an updated version of our existing model Pixeljet miniRTR launched in 2021. The advanced version of miniRTR is now available with the Ricoh industrial-grade print heads, which is the most popular head when it comes to UV printing technology available in 6 and 4-color versions. The Pixeljet miniRTR is equipped with a UV LED lamp, allowing users to print on various media and save energy, cost, and time,” says the company.
Technova
Technova, a supplier of signage consumables showed its Translite film from the 2018–established Aperio India, a wholesale trader of vinyl film roll, cold lamination film roll, and other materials. Apart from indoor signage, translite film is a large, illuminated film backing that’s often used as a backdrop in the film and TV industry. It’s made from a variety of translucent materials, including polycarbonate, acrylic, PETG, translucent polystyrene, and Backlit banners.
Negi
Negi Sign, a Mumbai-based manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of printers and CNC cutters, showcased Mutoh’s XpertJet 1682SR Pro. This eco-solvent-based printer is suitable for vinyl, flex, wallpaper, canvas, backlit, and many indoor signage applications. The company displayed its range of UV and eco-solvent inks. The live demonstrations kept the Negi stand busy with interested visitors.
Mimaki India
Mimaki, which also manufactures digital textile printers, showcased its eco-solvent and UV printing solutions, roll-to-roll and flatbed, aimed at signage customers at this show. The company presented innovations in signage and graphics ranging from entry-level eco-solvent printers to its wide-format offerings. The company highlighted its entry-level UV printer at the event.
Kenichiro Seki, managing director of Mimaki India said, “We have a mid-format range of eco-solvent, roll-to-roll, flatbed, and UV offerings on our showcase. We are highlighting the UJV 100 entry-level UV printer with an ink-safe function. Ranging from ratings of one to five, the printer can adjust the rating setting for a more economical functionality. One being the lowest offers minimum savings while five offers the best savings but the quality can be compromised. So it is a safe bet with interesting ROI for entry-level printers.”
