IPMA Report: Wide-format Sessions Delve Into Equipment

By Gabby Houck

In-plant managers attend a session at IPMA 2024.

There was a heavy focus on wide-format printing at the 2024 In-plant Printing and Mailing Association conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the course of the three-day event, in-plant managers led a series of leveled courses (e.g., Wide-Format 100, 200, 300, and 400) to mimic college courses that go more in-depth as you move up.

On the first day, Wes Troup, business solutions associate for The World Bank, in Washington D.C., led the “Wide-format 200” session. Addressing those who have already made an initial foray into wide-format, he talked about selecting the right wide-format printing technology for different business needs.  Troup explained that when selecting wide-format equipment, you have to ask yourself these questions.

What is the business need?
What products am I going to produce?
How much space do I have?
Do we need a specialty machine?

Wes Troup leads a session on wide-format printing during IPMA 2024.

“You have to know what your clients want, what the university wants, what the organization wants, and then kind of filter that down to decide what your product is going to be,” Troup said.

Troup explained that the answers to these questions will help jump-start your business plan, and they will also determine what tradeshows you attend, and what vendors you talk to, to ensure the equipment you’re purchasing is right for you.

In-plant managers attend a session at IPMA 2024.

For instance, if client demand is leaning towards things like pop-up banners, then you’re likely going to invest in roll-to-roll equipment. But, if you’re trying to grow your business in the apparel and promotional product space, then you’re looking at dye-sub. And if you want to get really crazy and creative with projects, then you’ll have to start looking at things like laser engravers and cutting machines.

Troup also touched on the fact that some wide-format equipment is bigger than others, and in-plants need to consider how much space they have before jumping in.

“I want certain machines like I want a Mercedes Benz, but I just can’t get them because I don’t have the room,” he said. “So it’s something you need to consider. But also, don’t let it stop you from getting into wide-format. My wide-format space isn’t huge, but we made it work with the right equipment.”

Considering Environmental Impact

Troup also touched on the fact that sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity. It’s an element that needs to be kept in mind when you’re considering wide-format technology for your in-plant.

“I cannot stress to you enough, even outside of the wide-format world, start thinking about sustainability, start thinking about environmental impact. It's coming down the pike. Your organization is going to have to deal with it, which means eventually you're going to have to deal with it. So, please take a look at that,” Troup advised.

He then broke down what wide-format methods are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, he explained that aqueous ink is more sustainable than hot solvent and latex machines because those technologies use more energy than aqueous. He also pointed out different eco-friendly substrates, like using paper board instead of foam, and choosing a vinyl without PVC.

Wes Troup leads a session on wide-format printing during IPMA 2024.

Troup also encouraged the audience to build strong relationships with vendors.

“Off the bat when you're spending money, your vendor loves you, but make sure you’re maintaining and checking in on those relationships,” Troup said. “And make sure that their customer service is up to par. Know what their maintenance is like upfront and if they’ll be there to help you if you need them.”

Troup said that if you’re still not convinced about wide-format, or if you have questions or concerns about where to get started, just talk to your peers in the industry. It all starts with a phone call.

“Find some friends; find some people like us, like myself, or Tammy [Slone], or Del [Shankle]. We have done this before, and we’re here to help,” Troup said.

In the days ahead, we will continue to bring you highlights from IPMA 2024, the world’s largest conference for in-plant printers.