How application-driven thinking is redefining value in wide-format print
At PrintTech Signage 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, held at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Canon distributor Best In Ground, together with Canon Marketing Asia, presented a focused showcase built around a clear message: in today’s wide-format market, value is no longer defined by output alone, but by application.
An application-first approach
Instead of centering the conversation on printer specifications, the showcase featured a curated Application Gallery. The goal was to demonstrate how print service providers can move beyond commodity production by combining technology, media, and design into complete, market-ready solutions.
This approach reflects a broader shift in the industry. As print quality and speed become increasingly standardized, differentiation is moving towards what is printed, how it is experienced, and where it is applied.
The power of the UVgel ecosystem
At the core of the showcase was the Colorado M-series, powered by Canon’s UVgel technology. But the story went beyond the printer itself.
The presentation emphasized the importance of a connected ecosystem, where printer capabilities, media selection, and application design work together. This combination enables print service providers to expand into higher-value segments such as décor, retail, and premium signage.
New developments driving attention
While FLXfinish+ effects, combining gloss and matte in a single print, are already well known, visitor interest at the event was strongly drawn to newer developments.
Highlights included:
- Backlit High Density printing, delivering deeper color saturation and vivid reds for illuminated applications
- Enhanced thick media support, enabling printing on more diverse and unconventional substrates
- FLXture print modes, allowing controlled surface texture for added visual and tactile impact
These innovations demonstrate how the Colorado M-series continues to evolve beyond traditional expectations of roll-to-roll printing.
Applications that bring print to life
The Application Gallery showcased a range of real-world use cases designed to inspire and inform:
- Textured décor prints on poly cotton canvas using UVgel FLXture, creating a hand-painted look with visible brushstroke effects
- Backlit PET film graphics, produced with high-density print modes for vibrant illuminated displays
- Self-adhesive backlit materials, designed for retail and interior decoration
- PU leather applications up to 1.2 mm thick, opening opportunities in furniture and interior design
- Clear window films with high-opacity white ink for premium advertising and spatial design
Each application illustrated how surface, material, and print technology can work together to create more engaging and higher-value outputs.
Rethinking value in print
For print service providers, the key takeaway was clear: competing on speed and cost alone is no longer enough.
The Application Gallery reinforced a shift towards value-added selling, where differentiation comes from:
- application design
- surface effects and finishes
- material selection
- and the ability to deliver complete solutions
By presenting finished applications rather than raw prints, the showcase demonstrated how PSPs can have stronger customer conversations, justify higher pricing, and build more sustainable margins.
Strong engagement on the show floor
The approach resonated with visitors. The showcase concluded with a successful deal between Best In Ground and Magic Machine, underlining the strong interest in application-driven production and the growing demand for differentiated print solutions.
Looking ahead
PrintTech Signage 2026 highlighted a clear direction for the industry. As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity lies not just in producing prints, but in creating applications that stand out, perform, and add value.
For those ready to shift from output to application, the combination of the Colorado M-series, UVgel technology, and an ecosystem approach offers a compelling path forward. Explore the image carousel below for highlights and applications from the showcase.
