We are seeing demand for a wider variety of printer sizes, but seeing that most decorators are not looking to get into a true wide-format system. Many want to graduate from a desktop system because they have reached a point where they have a higher volume of demand for their products, or want to get a stronger foothold in markets where larger products are in demand. The problem is that the expense of upgrading from a desktop system – which is easily set up and run in a home environment – to a wide-format system – which requires a commercial space and tens of thousands of dollars to start up – is often prohibitive.
That’s where the mid-format printers and presses come in. With a 25-inch printer, they can move up into a new production class while keeping their in-home business intact, so long as they have enough room for a press large enough for the products they want to create. An industrial space is not needed, but you can also easily move into a small, more affordable shop for production if desired.
-Jimmy Lamb, Sawgrass
